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
Charlotte Kirk – Actress / Writer / Producer (Duchess)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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.
S.M. Sykes – YA Author (The Blue Series)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
S.M. Sykes (Scott)
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know S.M. Sykes. Scott Sykes is an author in the young adult (YA) fiction genre. In this episode, we chat about what his career was before he started writing, and what led him to eventually start writing his first novel. After serving in the U.S. Navy, and settling down in Delaware, Scott got inspired to pick up the pen. In addition to his THREE novel series (The Blue Series), Scott has written tons of novellas and short stories. You better believe I ask him to explain the difference to me! We discuss several different writing forums including Medium, and NaNoWriMo, and even some of his social media strategies. The Blue Series consists of: Eyes of Blue, A Dim Blue, and Loss of Blue. Scott thought the series was done there, but the story won’t be laid to rest! Expect more books in the series from this tireless indy writer. You can catch Scott at various writing & horror conventions around the country, and don’t forget to check out his social media. He posts some pretty fun and inventive videos on Instagram & TikTok.
Scott R. Jones – Horror Fiction Author (Stonefish / Drill)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Scott R. Jones
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Scott R. Jones.
Scott is a horror fiction author and “a genuine master of horror” (Ramsey Campbell). In this episode, we chat about some of his previous careers, and some of his writing all along the way; during those years. We discuss his creation of Martian Migraine Press, and what he wanted to do with it. We also delve into the gleeful Nihilism of the Lovecraftian Mythos, and the positively enlightening rabbit hole of Blacknosis. We move into gabbing about his first novel STONEFISH; where he tells me why he named it that, and what it is about (no spoilers). I let him know that he is my daughter’s favorite author, and we touch just a bit on her boyfriend, Sasquatch. I ask him about his horror themed erotic fiction, released under a psuedonym; before finally, talking about his newest novel: DRILL.
This new novel stems from his experience in & out of the Jehovah’s Witness religeous grooup. With this novel, Scott reveals some of the more disturbing aspects of The J, and it’s effect on him and members of his family. This book is predicted to make some serious waves in The JW community; so buckle up!
His newest book (DRILL) is available NOW, everywhere you find books.
Producer credit: David Himlie, with help from Sally Zabava
Ricky Dickson – Author (One Scoop At a time) / Former CEO of Blue Bell Creameries
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ricky Dickson
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ricky Dickson. Having spent his entire working career at the Blue Bell Creameries; Ricky retired as CEO. In this episode, we chat about how he came to work for Blue Bell, a little bit of the history of the company, and how he rose to the rank of CEO. Along the way, we discuss some of the pitfalls he had to deal with. We also talk about some of the amazing successes, the effects of some natural disasters on the company as a whole, and some fun ice cream stories. I share the details of a trip to the Blue Bell headquarters that I took with my family some years back, and I pitch Ricky my own ice cream flavor! All of this was a blast. But the most important thing we discussed; was God’s Plan for Ricky. All throughout the journey of his personal life and career. Ricky knew from an early age that God has something special in mind for him. We get into when he knew, and how hard it was to stay focused, and trust in God’s Plan. Lucky for us, Ricky has revealed all of this and more in his new book ‘One Scoop at a Time: Stories & Lessons From Fear to Faith’. This amazingly inspiring book comes out JULY 6th EVERYWHERE, as well as Amazon and OneScoopAtATime.com This really is an engrossing book, filled with laughter, heartache, hope, and faith. So get somewhere that sells Blue Bell ice cream, and crack open this book!
Noah Asher – Author / Speaker (Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Noah Asher
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Noah Asher. Noah is a young man who grew up pretty involved in the church. Some things happened, and he ended up spending a little time in prison. While in prison, Noah found his life’s purpose. He also wrote a book. In this episode, we discuss how he became involved with the church; even though most of his family was not. Then we dive into some of the events that led him down a path that would eventually lead to his incarceration. We jump around a bit and discuss everything from Zaxby’s chicken to Chik-Fil-A, to Eeyore’s birthday party, Lupis, and prison yoga. Noah also discusses his consultant company and shares some stories from being out in the field. Finally, we get into Noah’s book. It’s called ‘Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming’. Noah tells me why he wrote it, who he wrote it for, and gives some book signing tips to new and upcoming authors. Anyone who has struggled with: religion, addiction, hope, illness, self-doubt, or adversity; should check out this book. It’s a sort of road map to seeing things more clearly, and a guide to pulling yourself out of that mindset. Follow Noah on Instagram at TheNoahAsher, and drop him a line at thenoahasher.com
Jaurice Smiley- Author (Tourian / The Royal Gray Box)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Jaurice Smiley
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jaurice Smiley. Jaurice had a pretty decent career as a professional gamer in the Smash Bros competitive gaming community. Afterwards, while in college, Jaurice decided to start writing young adult – science fiction novels. In this episode, we discuss his competitive gaming career, and what made him decide to become an author. We talk about his trips to several states; and how those trips inspired some of the locations for his writing. We also chat about his love of hip hop, specifically the unique sound of ‘The Dirty South’, and how this style of music helped inspire some of his writing. We do wander a bit while talking about his time in Texas, and his thoughts on some Texas delights like: Whataburger, Buc-ee’s, and Trill Burger. Finally, we dive into Jaurice’s writing. His first novel is called Tourian, and finds it’s roots in an older video game called Metroid. He tells me what the book is about (NO SPOILERS), and some of the real life events that helped bring these characters to life. We then talk a little bit about his book of short stories called The Royal Gray Box. We touch on how he found his publisher, and what their relationship is, before discussing the artist who drew the covers of his books. Tourian, and The Royal Gray Box are both available on Amazon; as well as BlackGoldPublishing.com. Enjoy!
Kinky Friedman Bonus (1944-2024)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Kinky Friendman 1944-2024
In the summer of 2021, Kinky Friedman invited me into his home at Echo Hill Ranch; and graciously let me interview him. We spoke for 3 hours. We had shots. We laughed. He shared stories, and he played (live) a song he had written just the night before. (Banjo, Sophie, and Me).
Even though I did not “know” him, he had an impact on me. I shared my experience of that day with anyone who would listen. He let me play four of his songs, when I released that interview. He even PREFERRED that I use the Willie Nelson version of one of them. He was Kind.
He was hilarious.
He was rough, brash, sincere, & vulnerable.
I have thought of my time with him often & will carry those hours with me forever. His interview is some of “my” best work. His 2 part episode rises above most of my endeavors. I have combined them for you (the listener) here.
Thank you, Kinkster.
Rest easy. -Steve
John Kapelos – Actor (The Breakfast Club / Sixteen Candles / Seinfeld)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
John Kapelos
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know John Kapelos. You may know John as ‘Carl, The Janitor’ from the 1984 cult classic film: The Breakfast Club; but he is so much more than that! In this episode, we chat about him spending nearly a decade with Second City, his experiences on some of the greatest John Hughes films, and even his time as ‘The Sniffing Accountant’ on Seinfeld. We discuss how the show must go on, even after his father unexpectedly passed. John reveals the moment he found out that Emelio Estevez was the son of Martin Sheen, stories from the set of The Breakfast Club, and his scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that got cut. As if all of this improv comedy and hall of fame acting isn’t enough, John Kapelos also put out an album! It is called “John Kapelos: Too Hip For the Room”; and he lets me play a track from it. I think you’re gonna dig it!
John is a consummate professional, and he gets honest and vulnerable with me in this interview. I appreciate him for letting go, and not holding back. If you have a chance to see John in a play, or singing, or in television and film; I highly suggest you check him out. In everything he does, he BRINGS IT!
Aaron Marcus – Actor / Teacher / Author (How to Become a Successful Actor and Model)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Aaron Marcus
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Aaron Marcus. Aaron is a veteran actor who has been in such acclaimed television shows as: Gotham, Mr. Robot, House of Cards, Rectify, Homicide: Life on the Streets, Halt and Catch Fire, The West Wing, Law & Order, and The Wire. In this episode, we chat about Aaron’s odd route to becoming a commercial model, and how that led him to become an actor. He discusses some of the pitfalls in becoming a model and in becoming an actor. He gives a touching tribute to the late Andre Braugher, and then we jump into some nutty audition stories. Aaron shares a couple of stories about auditions, and so do I! Next we get into what Aaron’s workshops entail, and why he does them. Naturally we cover his books: How to Become a Successful Commercial Model, and How to Become a Successful Actor and Model. He shares a fun story about auditioning for House of Cards an insane amount of times, before getting it. Finally, Aaron gives away some life changing advice he received from Tom Hank on the set of a recent film. Make sure you check out Aaron’s website, books, and website!
Jake Brennan – Podcast Host (Disgraceland) / New Media Mogul (Double Elvis Media)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Jake Brennan
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jake Brennan. You probably know Jake as the creator and host of the immensley popular Disgraceland podcast; but you are about to learn a bit more about him! In this episode, we chat about Jake growing up in Clinton, Mass. in the burgeoning punk / hardcore scene. We talk about his early musician days with Cast Iron Hike, and Bodega Girls, and what led him in the direction of music in the first place. One of Jake’s bands even opened up for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones at a Hometown Throwdown! We talk about Victory Records, Island Records, Def Jam Records, and even how George H.W. Bush and the C.I.A. are connected to Bob Marley. We touch on Helter Skelter and Chaos by Tom O’Neill, and how those two stories helped inspire Disgraceland. I get Jake to explain exactly what the hell a MELLOTRON is, and why he decided to rely on it for the opening of his music-based true crime podcast. Then we get into his years with Bodega Girls, and how that came about; before he lets me play my favorite song of theirs (Surf’s Up America). Jake explains the origin story of Disgraceland, and we touch on some of my favorite episodes, featuring: Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, and John Denver. I pry into how Double Elvis Media unfolded, and we talk about a few of the podcasts under that banner. Obviously, I have to know all about the April Fool’s Day fiasco, and when we can look forward to another one. Super big thanks to Jake for sitting down with me and sharing the details on some of the things that work, and some that don’t; when trying to capture the attention of new listeners, plus, what one can expect by being an ALL ACCESS supporter. Be sure to check out Disgraceland, and some of the other Double Elvis pods, including Badlands, Blood on the Tracks, and The 27 Club.