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
BONUS: Ed Asner’s 2 Appearances (Joined) Re-Release
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ed Asner 1929-2021
This is a bonus episode (re-release) of Ed’s two prior appearances on the show; joined into one episode.
On Sunday, August 29th, 2021 we lost an American icon.
Ed Asner was an actor from the mid 1950’s up until the day he passed; with roles in 13 films yet to be released and roles in 7 television shows, also yet to be released.
Ed served 2 terms as the president of The Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985.
He won 7 Primetime Emmy Awards, was beloved by generations, and was consistently a polarizing and outspoken political activist.
More important than any of that (at least to me), is that Ed was a guest on my show not once, but twice. He could not have been more of a delight either time. Both appearances were to promote new books he had authored; and the second appearance was at his request!
This bonus episode is those two conversations; joined into one episode.
The first one was released July 25th, 2018 and at that point; the audio quality of the show wasn’t the best. Please hang in there as it is a fun episode.
The second episode was released August 10th, 2020; little more than 1 year before his passing.
In the second episode, Ed speaks fondly of his family and talks about them in great detail. This is heartfelt and you can feel the love and the longing for days long passed.
Ed was more kind to me than I could ever have hoped for; and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Blessings on a life well lived Mr. Yitzhak Ed Asner; thank you for your kindness, you will be missed.
–Steve
Don McLean – Music Legend / American Icon (American Pie)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Don McLean
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Don McLean. Legendary singer / songwriter; Don is most known for his super smash hit AMERICAN PIE, which was released FIFTY YEARS AGO this year! In this episode, Don and I chat about: some of his songs, his new and upcoming projects, including: a new album of originals, a new album of covers, a new documentary, a play, a movie, and a new children’s book called “American Pie: A Fable” which drops in October. Then he tells us about the true story behind the hit song “Killing Me Softly”; which is not his song, but has a very interesting connection that I bet you didn’t know about. Don was kind enough to let me play some of his classic songs during this episode, as well as one of the covers off of his new album of covers called “Still Playin Favorites”. Be sure to check out his website for upcoming tour dates (covid permitting). Don McLean is a legend, a brilliant poet and songwriter; but more importantly, he was a super king and generous to me! Enjoy this conversation with a LEGEND.
Follow Don on social media:
Twit: @DonMcLean
Insta: @TheDonMcLean
FB: Don McLean (Musician)
Website: DonMcLean.com
Hugo Ferreira – Singer (Tantric)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hugo Ferreira
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Hugo Ferreira from the rock band Tantric. The 2001 debut album from Tantric may actually be my favorite rock album to come out of the early 2000’s. I love this album so much! In this episode, Hugo and I chat about where he grew up and what got him into music. We talk about how he came to be paired with the rest of the original members of this band, and some of my favorite songs by them. Lastly, we discuss Tantric’s new album, and he let’s me play a song or two. 1 from an earlier album, and 1 off the new album (The Sum Of All Things). Hugo is a genuine rock star, fronting this band for a solid TWO decades now! Make sure you check out their social media for tour dates. Tantric shows are guaranteed to melt your face!
Follow Hugo on social media:
Insta: @TantricHugo
FB: Tantric (Band)
William McNamara – Actor (The Trouble With Billy / Dream A Little Dream)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
William McNamara
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know William McNamara. Billy is one of the leads in my all time favorite film: Dream A Little Dream! In this episode, we chat with Billy about getting his career started, his time on the set of that film, some crazy heroics where he saved some horses during one of the recent Malibu wildfires, and his new film project: The Trouble With Billy. He tells stories about the first person he met when he got to L.A, his experiences with both Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic, and his passion as an animal activist. Billy is one of my personal bucket list guests. I am still stunned that I got to speak to him and that he was so kind and accommodating. What a great guy. Make sure to check out his new film available last week, this week, or next week!
Follow Billy on social media:
Twit: @WilliamMcNamara
Insta: WilliamMcNamara108
FB: William McNamara (Actor/ Producer)
Follow the film:
FB: The Trouble With Billy
Gary Player – Golf Legend
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Gary Player
Take a walk with me down Fascination street as I get to know Gary Player. A golf LEGEND; Gary has won over 160 tournaments on six continents, over 7 decades; including: 9 Majors on the regular tour, 9 Majors on the Champions tour, 3 Masters, 3 PGA Opens, 2 PGA Championships, and 1 US Open. Gary was the FIRST non American, and youngest at the time, to win all 4 majors (at 29).
In this episode we chat about the remarkable win by Phil Mickelson as the oldest player ever to win the PGA Championship and what a landmark achievement this is and why. We talk about the health and fitness of the world, focusing mainly on The United States, and how what we eat determines how long we can expect to live. We talk a little bit about what it was like to grow up in South Africa, and why he chose to play golf. Gary shares his thoughts on the US education system, and the state of hatred based on political ideology in America, and the importance of love and acceptance if we are to thrive as a nation and as human beings. Gary shares how special it was to be awarded The Medal Of Freedom. We touch a bit on his new podcast The Player Series in which he speaks with a host of guests including world renowned golfers about golf, and the people, equipment, and news surrounding the sport. Finally, Gary and I tell each other a joke to lighten things up!
Follow Gary on social media:
Twit: @GaryPlayer
Rabbi Brian – Religion Outside The Box
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Rabbi Brian
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Rabbi Brian. Rabbi Brian is; you guessed it, a Rabbi. In this episode, we chat about what made him decide to leave behind teaching math in high school, why he went to Rabbinical school, and really dive deep into the Jewish faith. We talk about some of the differences between organized religion and spirituality, and we each tell a rather uncomfortable story about ourselves, and our faiths. We do discuss Rabbi Brian’s podcast Chats With Larry which is recorded conversations between him and his best friend Larry, a minister. This subject matter may seem super dry and rather unusual for my show and its audience; but I promise you we have FUN! This may be the most fun you have ever had listening to a conversation about religion and spirituality. For real, tons of fun in this one.
Follow Rabbi Brian on social media”
Twit: @RabbiBrian1970
Insta: @Rabbi_Brian_1970
FB: @Wisdom_Biscuit
Check out his newsletter: ROTB.org
Antonio Longo – Musician (Taking Back Sunday) / Podcaster (Fascination Street Podcast)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Antonio Longo
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Antonio Longo. Antonio is a Long Island native who fell in love with music at an early age and eventually helped form the pop punk band Taking Back Sunday. In this episode we chat about all things music; what got him into it, when he started playing it, and what led to him becoming the original singer for Taking Back Sunday. We also talk about some of the other bands he was in, and how being in a band is like having FOUR girlfriends! Of course we discuss his newest and most recent love… PODCASTING! During covid, Antonio (like many others) was searching for a creative outlet to replace performing live and going to concerts. So he found podcasting and married his love of creativity and his love for his favorite band ever: The Cure. Antonio started a podcast dedicated to The Cure and named it…… Fascination Street Podcast! When I found this show, subscribed, and listened (haven’t missed an episode) I just had to reach out to get him on MY podcast. As it turns out; Antonio is NOT a dick, so he agreed and we had a blast chatting like high school girls.
Follow Antonio on social media:
Twit: @SinkinShips
Insta: @TheAntonioLongo / @WolfWeerClothing
Website: TheAntonioLongo.com
Laura Niemi, Wendy Hopkins, Scott Cummins (Pool Boy)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Laura Niemi, Wendy Hopkins, Scott Cummins (Pool Boy)
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know playwright Wendy Hopkins, director Scott Cummins, and get caught up with return guest; actress / producer Laura Niemi. In this episode; Wendy explains why she decided NOT to be a figure skater, but chose screenwriting & playwriting, Scott tells us why he got into the theater, and Laura explodes with excitement over working with them both! From there, we jump straight into their new play POOL BOY. Written by Wendy, directed by Scott, produced and staring Laura; this play takes place on location, at a house on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, and is all about isolation and the need for human contact during the recent Covid19 pandemic. POOL BOY runs July 17th through August 22, 2001 and is being put on by The Lost Angels Theatre Company in LA.
More information and tickets can be found at:
LostAngelsTheatreCompany.com or PoolBoyOnMulholland.com
Follow Laura, Wendy, and Scott on social media:
Laura:
Twit: @LauraNiemi
Insta: @LauraNiemi
FB: Laura Niemi
Wendy:
Insta: @WendyLHopkins
FB: Wendy Hopkins
Scott:
Insta: @ScottCummins66
FB: ScottCummins66
J. Keebler – Musician (Good Stuff)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
J. Keebler
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know J. Keebler from the band Good Stuff. In this episode J and I chat about him growing up in the Pocono Mountains, falling in love with music and getting his first guitar. Then he tells me about the time he came home to his parents’ house with a piano someone had given him! We discuss the therapeutic aspect that writing and performing music has on him, and he lets me play a song. We cover what it is like not being able to perform during the Covid pandemic and what his plans are coming out of it; before we end with an EXCLUSIVE new song by his band Good Stuff!
Follow J. and Good Stuff on social media:
Twit: @GSKeebler
Insta: @GoodStuffTheBand
FB: Good Stuff
Sandy Forster – International speaker / Author (How To Be Wildly Wealthy Fast)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Sandy Forster
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Sandy Forster. Sandy is an international best selling author and public speaker who focuses on showing people how to understand and use The Law OF Attraction in their daily lives. In this episode we chat about growing up in Australia and shares a VERY wild thing her family did when she was younger (which blew my mind). Then we talk about the circumstances that left her more than $100,000 in debt and living on $7500 per year of welfare. Sandy then explains how; mainly due to a shift in her mindset, she was able to turn that situation around and become a LITERAL millionaire in 3 years. Finally, she tells us about her Inspired Spirit Coaching Academy, and then gives us 3 tips that can help all of us adjust our mindset, and help us get to a happier, and more mindful place in our lives. We laugh, we joke, we have fun along the way; but make no mistake, there is some golden life advice in this episode!
Follow Sandy on social media:
Insta: @SandyLForster
FB: @SandyForster
Website: WildlyWealthy.com