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
James DuMont #5 – Actor (Hunting Season)
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James DuMont #5
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street, as I get to know even more about James DuMont. This is James’ FIFTH time on the show; so we don’t do a whole deep dive into his past. But we do a little bit of some digging into some of his older stories. In this episode, James shares fun stories about growing up and the moment he realized that something he did could affect the hearts, minds, and emotions of the people around him. Then we get into the importance of storytelling and what it means to be a storyteller. We chat a little about his previous Christmas movie called ‘Candy Cane Lane’ and even some fun behind the scenes about a project he is working on with his son Kelton. James discusses a recent change up in his representation, and how that is coming along. Finally, we get into his new film ‘Hunting Season’; where he stars alongside the iconic Mel Gibson. Hilarious stories of setbacks and growth, plus things he learned on the set of this film. Even after more than 30 years in the industry, it’s good to know that James can always learn a new nugget to help him in his career. ‘Hunting Season’ is available everywhere on VOD and stars: Mel Gibson, Sofia Hublitz, Shelley Hennig, James DuMont, and many more amazing actors. I can’t wait for you to see James in his dope ass Stetson Hat!
Derek Garrison – Public Educator / Filmmaker (Van Damned)
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Derek Garrison
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Derek Garrison. Derek is the principal at a public high school in Oregon. He is also a filmmaker. In this episode, we get to know Derek and what made him decide to be a public school educator, and more specifically a principal. We also find out if he is the cool principal or not! We take a small detour and discuss one of the most important topics of our generation: Bar-B-Que on a cross-country road trip. Then we get into Derek’s filmmaking. He has made several short films and other projects; and we cover a fair bit of them. We do discuss his recent short film called ‘A Hint of Menace’; which is available for free on YouTube. Then we talk about his new feature film called ‘Van Damned’. The behind the scenes of the making of this film is very fascinating to me. The reason that Derek decided to make this film, makes him one of the coolest dad’s I have ever come across. I won’t spoil the reasons here, but trust me, there aren’t a ton of fathers who would do this for this reason. Derek shares some of the journey and obstacles that were in the way, and how he maneuvered around and through them to get this feature made. ‘Van Damned’ is doing great things on the festival circuit, and at the time of this episode’s release; SHOULD be available to stream on most platforms. Check your favorite streamers & VOD platforms. I can’t wait to see what else Derek has up his sleeve for future projects.
Brian Bonsall – Musician (Lights In The Sky / The Ataris) Actor (Family Ties / Blank Check)
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Brian Bonsall
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Brian Bonsall. When Brian was very young, he joined the cast of the hit television show Family Ties, where he played Andy for over 80 episodes. Brian was also on several other shows including Star Trek: The Next Generation; before jumping onto the big screen with films like: ‘Mikey’, ‘Father and Scout’, and my personal favorite ‘Blank Check’. About the age of 14 or so, Brian moved on from acting. He went to school, moved across the country, and discovered punk & pop punk music. He fell in love instantly with the genre. In this episode, we chat about some of those acting projects, and how he came to be in the industry in the first place. We talk about why he left the industry, and what he found in music. Brian discusses some of the bands he has been part of including Bootjack & Bons, Sunset Silhouette, and his newest endeavor Lights In The Sky. He also shares fun stories about some of the musical opportunities that have come his way; including playing with The Ataris, and even getting to play in Las Vegas at the When We Were Young Tour, the largest audience he has ever played in front of. Along the way, we deep dive into several different aspects of his storied career. From child actor and star to redemption story, to husband, father, and family man. Brian graciously allows me to play a couple of songs from two of his bands, I love them, and I think you will too! Lastly, Brian openly discusses the amazing Courtney, his wife. He fills us in on some recent health scares with her, and how she is doing these days. She is his ROCK. It was an absolute delight to speak with this remarkable and resilient dude. I can’t wait to have him back on the show.
Paul Feig #4 – Director (The Housemaid)
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Paul Feig #4 Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Paul Feig EVEN MORE, on his 4th appearance on the show. In this episode, we don’t cover most of what we covered in the past 3 appearances; rather, we discuss some of his super early projects, as well as his current film The Housemaid (in theaters THIS Friday). Along the way, we talk about the first film he directed, while still in film school, and how it almost didn’t happen. Then we chat about the passion project that just about bankrupted his family! Obviously, I gush about some of my all-time favorite films; two of which are his, and then we talk about some of his friends and their recent successes. Finally, we get into his newest film The Housemaid. Starring Sidney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, & Elizabeth Perkins; this is Paul’s first film back in theaters since Covid. His previous 3 films (The School for Good and Evil, Jackpot, & Another Simple Favor) were all released on streaming platforms. Paul shares his opening weekend habits, and his thoughts on what may very well be his darkest film to date. I absolutely love having Paul on the show and can’t thank him enough for his 4th appearance. Everyone should go see this film!
Wyatt Michael – Singer / Crooner (Sing With Swing / The Voice)
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Wyatt Michael
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Wyatt Michael. My wife and I saw Wyatt perform live at a jazz club in San Antonio and I just had to get him on the show. In this episode, we get to know about Wyatt’s early years singing in a rock band, and how he discovered jazz and the American Standards. He lets me play one of his songs from that rock band so we can get an idea of what he USED to sound like. Then we dive into his love affair with the Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Buble style of music. He shares funny stories about some of his first live gigs in this new style, as well as ‘The Curse of the First Dance’. Next, we get into his time on the NBC reality competition show The Voice. Wyatt explains how he came to be part of the show, what his experience was like, and some behind the scenes tidbits. Naturally, I ask if I can play a song that he wrote and performed in this crooning style, that I just adore. of course, we cover his recent move to Las Vegas, and where he can be found belting out the great American Songbook. Make sure to check SingWithSwing.com for tour dates and upcoming shows.
Bobbie Brown – Model / Video Vixen (Cherry Pie) / Author (Dirty Rocker Boys)
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Bobbie Brown
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Bobbie Brown. Bobbie first gained notoriety as a ‘video vixen’ in rock music videos on MTV. Appearing in videos for the bands Hurricane, Great White, and Warrant. In this episode, we chat about how she grew up in Baton Rouge, dreaming of being a model, and then moved to Los Angeles to make those dreams come true. We cover her time on Star Search, where she was the winningest contestant in any category, in the history of the show. Then we talk about how she got into performing in music videos and eventually meeting and marrying the lead singer of Warrant, Jani Lane. Along the way, we discuss substance abuse, the music career that never was, her auditions for Scorsese, and Spielberg, and working with Arnold Schwarzenegger, her relationship with Tommy Lee, meeting OJ Simpson, and so much more! Naturally we talk about her autobiography (Dirty Rocker Boys), and the new memoir that she is working on currently. Bobbie was part of the cast of the reality show ‘Ex Wives of Rock’ which lasted 4 seasons, and we do talk a bit about that as well. More recently, during Covid, Bobbie had her identity stolen, her money stolen, and through all of this led her to have a life changing Holy experience. Of course, we touched on those experiences and how they left her a changed woman. Bobbie is starting to tour the country attending conventions. Catch her at a con near you and tell her you heard her on Fascination Street Podcast.
D J Newmark – The Legendary Throwback King
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D J Newmark Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know ‘The Legendary Throwback King’ himself, D J Newmark. In this episode, we chat about his growing up as a military dependent and traveling the world learning about how different countries and cultures make their mark on Hip Hop. Then we dive into how and why he decided to pursue a career as a DJ. He has toured with some of the biggest names in the genre, and he shares a couple of those road stories. Then we talk about his radio show. Catch the “Legendary Throwback King” on the airwaves weekdays from 3-7 pm EST as the host of “The DJ NEWMARK EXPERIENCE” radio show on YO! 107.1 FM (WLLY-HD3), West Palm Beach, Florida’s premiere radio station for classic Hip-Hop and R&B music. They also simulcast live on the web @ www.yopalmbeach.com. DJ Newmark also hosts a mix show segment called “The Flavor on Top of Flavor Master Mix” weekdays at 5:30pm EST. We also delve into Newmark’s experience coaching youth basketball, and some of the other ways he gives back to his community. Lastly, we discuss his new line of Throwback inspired street wear. I have one of the shirts in his line, and it is so soft and comfortable that I can’t stop wearing it. Check out the Throwback inspired line and everything else about D J Newmark on his website: DJNewmark.com
Robert Carradine – Actor / Race Car Driver / Podcaster (Revenge Of The Nerds / Lizzie McGuire)
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Robert Carradine
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Robert Carradine. Bobby is part of the iconic Carradine family. From his father John to his brothers Keith, David, & Michael, to his niece Martha Plimpton, and his daughter Ever Carradine; this family is Hollywood royalty! In this episode, Bobby and I chat about so many of the things he has done. We discuss his first ever film, working with John Wayne, Revenge of the Nerds with James Cromwell and where that laugh came from! We also dive into his twenty year long career as a professional race car driver for Lotus, and the 24 Hours Of Daytona with Paul Newman. Bobby shares stories including using a bull whip to break a cigarette out of Jamie Lee Curtis’ mouth! We cover his playing Lizzie McGuire’s dad on the entire run of that show plus the movie, and even a weird “Wife Swap” story involving NFL great Terrell Owens. Finally, we chat about his band “The Checks” and his podcast “Party Nerds Pop-Cast”. Both of these projects are with his good buddy Richard Gabai. I have checked out the show, and I think it’s definitely worth giving a listen. I think you will enjoy it. Bobby graciously lets me play one of the songs by The Checks, and I think you will enjoy that as well. I can’t thank Bobby enough for being on the show. Make sure you show him some love!
Adrien Skye – Musician (The Gothspel of Adrien Skye)
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Adrien Skye
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Adrien Skye. Adrien is a brand new artist jumping on the scene with her debut E.P. called “The Gothspel of Adrien Skye”. In this episode, we get to know Adrien, where she grew up, and how that influenced her decision to move to Los Angeles to begin her music career. She shares stories of her struggles of faith and spirituality on her journey to discovering herself, some of her musical & lyrical inspirations, and what it actually means to find herself. We touch on organized religion, a personal relationship with GOD, and introspection. Adrien’s debut E.P “The Gothspel of Adrien Skye” is also the debut artist release for CiFi Records. Previously, CiFi Records has only released music under a single artist; the company founder, Corey Feldman. Naturally, I ask how she was discovered by Feldman, and Corey even pops on the episode to answer a question or two and help clarify a detail or two. Corey not only produced this record, but he is also responsible for some of the instrumentation, as well as providing additional vocals. They both generously give me permission to play my favorite track from the debut album. ‘Circus Queen’ is the lead single from the record, and it is a banger! I enjoy this album quite a bit, and it’s varied musical stylings give us a glimpse into some of the different directions Adrien might delve into on some of her future projects. From the church worship team in small town North Carolina, to Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, to Limp Bizkit and goth inspired gospel; this interview really shines a light on who she is, and why the ‘Gothspell of Adrien Skye’ is not only her introduction to the world, but even to herself. Check out her music everywhere you find music digitally and keep an eye on AdrienSkye.com for more about her, the new record, and all of the cool stuff on the way!
Randee Dawn Returns! – Author (Leave No Trace / Tune In Tomorrow)
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Randee Dawn Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Randee Dawn. Randee first appeared on the show in April of 2025, and now she is back with more book talk! Randee’s newest novel is called Leave No Trace, is out now, and is available everywhere you get books. In this episode, we chat about why Radiohead gave her a gold record, some of her experiences writing for Alternative Press magazine, and touring with Radiohead in their earlier days. Then we move onto her course in BEING interviewed, some of her past vacation destinations, upcoming vacation destinations, and what kind of things she searches out while visiting new places. Finally, we get into her books. Randee has several speculative fiction novels out; as well as a few in the works. he writes two series, in two different universes. I get her to explain each of the books and their associated universes. Her newest endeavor is Leave No Trace, which is book 2 in her musician / fairy series. While reading book 1 isn’t 100% necessary, it sure helps. We also discuss her other books, including: The Only Song Worth Singing, Tune In Tomorrow, We Interrupt This Program, Don’t Touch That Dial, and Leave No Trace. Keep your eyes peeled for Randee Dawn Appearances at fantasy and writing cons worldwide. She will be at World Fantasy Con coming up and frequently appears at World Con and others. All of Randee’s books are available at RandeeDawn.com.