WELCOME TO THE SHOW
My name is Steve Owens and I meet a lot of people; sometime in my travels, sometimes in my own home town. Several times (quite by accident), I have stumbled into what I consider to be fascinating stories. So after way too many got away, I decided to start recording them. Some of these conversations will be fascinating ONLY to me. Some will be fascinating to you too. In the end, I guess this podcast is just an excuse for me to get to travel, meet, and talk to more people. So if you are so inclined…
Walk with me, down Fascination Street!
Recent Episodes
Willa Rudolph – Singer (November Girl)
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Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Willa Rudolph. Willa is a music publicist, visual artist, and the singer / songwriter of the Grunge Rock band November Girl. In this episode, we chat about growing up in New York and Los Angeles, and being around a family of musicians. Then we turn to what led to Willa becoming a publicist, and then making the switch to become a music publicist in particular. We discuss how she gained the confidence to front a band, and the hilarious way she found the other members of November Girl, We chat about the New York music scene and I find out what the hell “Shoe Gaze” music is. Naturally we talk about The Great American Mud Wrestling Show, and what that is, and whether or not we are still in a singles world; where bands don’t feel the need to release albums. Of course Willa and I talk about November Girl’s new EP called Heart Prayer, and she lets me play one of the tracks from it.
Nils Rasmussen – Musician (Uncle Outrage)
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Nils Rasmussen
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Canadian punk artist Nils Rasmussen. Nils is better known in some circles as the founder and singer for the band Uncle Outrage. In this episode, we chat about growing up in Canada, and what kinds of music influenced his musical tastes. Next we take a small detour and get into some of his science fiction writing, and why he does it. Naturally we discuss when he started Uncle Outrage, and why he felt compelled to do so. He shares some stories about some fans who have tattooed his lyrics or logo onto themselves, some fans who have named pets after him, and what its like to have his music covered by bands on the other side of the planet. Nils graciously lets me play what is arguably his most adored song Stay Magical, and we discuss the impact that song has had on some of his listeners. Finally we dive into his new record. Greatest Shit is the name of Uncle Outrage’s new album (Cacophony Clan Records) This album marks the band’s first ever vinyl offering, and is comprised of 19 of their greatest tracks. Two of the songs are new; but have found a place to nestle among these other favorites. Of course I asked him if I could play my favorite song from the album, and he lets me! While Nils is not really on social media, he does give his personal email address in the show, so reach out and let him know you heard him on Fascination Street!
Steve Cooper – Podcaster (Cooper Talk) / Stand Up Comedian
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Steve Cooper
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Steve Cooper. In this episode, we discuss his previous career as a stand up comedian, and how that turned him into an interviewer. We talk a bit about New Jersey, and where the best pizza is. I share my favorite story about Cherry Hill, NJ, and then we get a bit personal with some of Steve’s previous health issues. Next we move onto how Steve became involved with the Big Daddy Graham Show, and how this eventually spun him off into his own show. Steve shares some fun and fascinating stories about being in and around Hollywood. Stories of his interactions with Gary Coleman, and even Jonathan Taylor Thomas. From Steve’s days working at Planet Hollywood, to writing his own cookbook, and being a hand model for television; we cover all kinds of stuff. Finally, we chit chat about his podcast Cooper Talk. On his show, Steve interviews guests from music, comedy, and the acting industries, and has been doing it for well over a thousand episodes across nearly 15 years. We have a few guests in common, and bring up some specific examples of how interview style matters!
Check Steve Cooper out on his podcast Cooper Talk, and his other show focusing on business The Coop Tank.
Ella Engstrom – Interior Designer / Organizational Coach (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning)
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Ella Engstrom
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ella Engstrom. Ella is an interior designer and organizational coach. Ella is also one of the three “fixers” on the television show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock / Bravo). In this episode, Ella tells me about growing up in Sweden, and working for 30 years as a Concept Developer and a Visual Merchandiser in the retail environment in Sweden. I ask her a ton of ‘Dumb American’ questions about Sweden and about visual merchandising. Next we get into how she came to be part of the television show, and how she gets along with the other two hosts, now that the show is between seasons. Ella explains ‘fika’ to me and a few other uniquely Swedish words and concepts. We talk about the taboo nature of talking about death in The U.S and in Sweden, and then I get super personal in my questions to her! Ella explains why she has a second home on the Mediterranean coast, and i pepper her with questions about how often she declutters and organizes her own home. Naturally we talk about the famous Dalecarlian Horse and why it is known worldwide. Finally, we talk about what she learned during the show, and whether or not there will be another season. Ella does consultant work privately for organization and home logistics via her very own company; listen to find out how to contact her directly for help, no matter where you live!
Shelley Robertson- Actress (Cora Bora)
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Shelley Robertson
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Shelley Robertson. Shelley is an actress who you may have seen in: Chicago Med, General Hospital, NCIS, The Morning Show, The Rookie, This Is Us, Shameless, Timeless, Agents of Shield, and so much more. In this episode, we chat about why she became an actress, and some of the pitfalls and hurdles associated with that career. Shelley then shares some personal stories about managing finances as an actor, and juggling work while being a single mom. Next up, we give some love to mutual friend and previous guest D. Elliot Woods. We do discuss some of the industry changes that help single parents working on set, and I ask her why she still takes acting classes after having so much success. She shares with me some of the important lessons she has learned in various acting classes; including the most valuable lesson she learned from Eriq La Salle & Michael Beach; in their class. We touch a little bit on the book that she is in the process of writing, and why she thinks it is necessary. Be sure to check out Shelley’s new film Cora Bora; available everywhere; and follow her on Instagram.
Alessandra Williams – Actress (Lissa’s Trip)
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Alessandra Williams
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Alessandra Williams. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in New Jersey, and where some of the best pizza is. Then we get into what made her want to become an actress in the first place. She explains how gymnastics and competitive cheerleading as a youth, helped her win some of her first auditions. Alessandra tells a wonderful story abut moonwalking into an audition for a Bollywood film; and how that turned out. Then we discuss some of her other passions. Alessandra not only acts, but paints, and writes children’s books. Naturally, I ask about how and why she became a member of The Actors Studio, and she tells me how Al Pacino helped her get in. We cover a few of her film projects with Peter Berg, and she cracks me up with a tale about working with Gina Gershon. Alessandra shares a couple of stories from the set with Jim Caviezel, and then we talk about her new film Lissa’s Trip; where she plays TWO roles. Lissa’s Trip is available for free on Tubi TV. Check it out!
Emmett Kai – Musician
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Emmett Kai
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Emmett Kai. After growing up in a Sonoma County area farming community, Emmett decided to move across the country to New York City; to pursue a music career. In this episode, we chat about what it was like growing up in a rural community and trying to find his own specific musical identity. We cover Emmett’s time as a DJ, and some of his other projects including DJ Blap Deli, Valley Girl Baby Powder, Young Maserati, and Unity Ambulet. We even discuss an unreleased project that hopefully will find its way to the public very soon. Finally, we talk about Emmett’s newest album called Whale Milk. He shares some of the thoughts behind the meanings of some of the songs on this album, and he lets me play the first track from it. The song is called Holy Nitros, and is his favorite track from Whale Milk. Throughout our conversation, Emmett opens up about an artist’s need to be seen and heard, gaining confidence, and his personal motto ‘shut up and listen’. A few of the songs on the new album deal with the idea that our current society is in decline, so naturally we elaborate a bit on that as well. We also touch on his producing Jordana’s upcoming album. Be sure to check our Emmett everywhere you get music, and his website for upcoming releases and possible live shows.
Tony Winters Returns! – Actor – The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat
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Tony Winters Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Tony Winters EVEN MORE! In this episode, we catch up on how his industry has changed since covid, and we touch on some of the plays he as been involved in; as well as a play or two he may have coming up. We discuss some of his past films & television roles, and he lets a tale slip about a Christmas film he has written and is in the process of getting produced. ‘Something For Santa’ promises to bring back some of the MAGIC to Christmas movies. Then we dive right onto Tony’s new film. The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat will be released on HULU, August 23rd (by Searchlight Pictures). It stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, Tati Gabrielle, Uzo Aduba, Mekhi Phifer, and Tony Winters (as Earl). As always; Tony brings the fun to Fascination Street. Check out the film on Hulu, and enjoy this conversation with Pretty Tony!
***Full video interview available on the Fascination Street Podcast YouTube channel***
Eve Selis – Musician (Dark Sky Blue)
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Eve Selis
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Eve Selis. Known as ‘The Queen of Roadhouse Rock”; I sat down with Eve to chat about her career, and her new album. In this episode, we discuss her early life as a young musician, and even how she got to have ‘Eve Selis Day’ in San Diego. She shares some pretty scary cancer stories, which is how she ended up in Nashville, and we discuss how art and trauma are tied to each other. I ask her about some of her previous projects, including Cactus Honey, King’s Road, & 3 of Hearts. Finally, we get into her newest album called ‘Dark Sky Blue’. Eve shares some of the traumatic events that influenced the songs on this album, and she even lets me play my favorite track from it. Dark Sky Blue is about unconditional love, loss, and the stages of grief. Eve explains all of that, and touches on some of those tragic events; and gives maybe the best answer ever to the age old question “Who is this record for?” Finally, she shares the story of a bald eagle landing on her head during a live performance, and her performing at Abbey Road Studios! Follow Eve everywhere on social media, and be inspired by the vulnerability of her music.
Charlotte Kirk – Actress / Writer / Producer (Duchess)
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Charlotte Kirk
Take a walk with me as I get to know Charlotte Kirk. Born outside on London, she had dreams of becoming an actress. So, she decided to move to New Yor City. That lasted about 6 months. Then she made the move to Hollywood! In this episode we chat about when she knew she wanted to be an actress, and why she chose Los Angeles. Charlotte is open and answers my many questions about her Dyslexia and her Asperger’s. We discuss some of the challenges and some of the benefits of these conditions as they relate to her chosen field. We touch briefly on her Covid pandemic television binging, and then get into her projects. In 2021 she released The Reckoning, shortly after, she released The Lair, and available everywhere Friday August 9th is her new film DUCHESS. We talk about how hard it was to get this film made, and how much fun it was to kick some ass on screen. We talk about her 2 production companies; and why she needs two separate ones. Then we get into her 2025 release calendar. Next year she has FOUR films slated for release. An erotic thriller called Compulsion, A re-imagining of sorts of the OJ Simpson & Nicole Brown-Simpson story called The Juice, an action film called Fight or Flight, and a spooky creepy movie called The Possession of Gladstone Manor. Look for all of those in the new year, and Charlotte has promised to return to the show when some of those start dropping. Naturally we talk about the importance of focus and determination in her industry. Wouldn’t you know it…. I unearthed some of her short-lived music career! It was like pulling teeth to get her to say yes, but she DOES let me play one of these songs on the show. (Eyes In Love)
Be sure to check out the full VIDEO episode on the Fascination Street Podcast YouTube channel.