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
Mia St. John (The Knockout)- 5 Time World & International Boxing Champion (WBC, IBA, IFBA)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Mia St. John
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Mia St. John.
Mia is a FIVE TIME boxing champion including: WBC, IBA, and IFBA. In this episode we chat about why she got into boxing, and how & why she initially worked with legendary boxing promotor Don King. Mia shares an epiphany she had during a fight with her career long arch rival; Christy Martin. Then we shift gears a little bit to talk about addiction & sobriety, as well as some of the tragic losses she and her family have suffered over the past few years. We discuss the Mia St. John Foundation; what they do, and how you can help. She also explains why she felt it was necessary to hire Mark Geragos to sue the mayor of Los Angeles (Eric Garcetti) due to his Covid shut down of Alcoholic’s Anonymous support groups; and how that turned out. Finally, we chat about Mia’s new book called “Fighting For My Life” available NOW for pre-order. Mia advocates for mental health as well as the homeless in and around Los Angeles.
Enjoy this conversation with boxing legend Mia St. John.
Follow Mia on social media:
Twit: @MiaStJohnBoxer
Insta: @MiaStJohnBoxer
FB: Mia St. John
MIaStJohnFoundation.org
Kelly Lang – Singer / Songwriter
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Kelly Lang
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Kelly Lang. Kelly is a singer / songwriter who has worked with some of the biggest stars in country music. In this episode we chat about: her time on the television talent show Star Search, some of the cool people she has worked with including Lorrie Morgan and previous guest BJ Thomas. Kelly also shares a story about her struggle with breast cancer, and her new song ‘I’m Not Going Anywhere’; which is currently being used in a national advertising campaign for a nationwide hospital system. It’s a touching and moving song, and she lets me play it on the show. Enjoy!
Follow Kelly on social media:
Twit: @KellyLangMusic
Insta: @KellylangMusic
FB: Kelly Lang
Website: KellyLang.net
Nikki Dixon & Nicholas Rice – Actors / Producers
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nikki Dixon & Nicholas Rice
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Nikki Dixon & Nicholas Rice. These two actors have been is tons of stuff, including; Queen Of The South, Claws, Fear The Walking Dead, and Cruel Summer. In this episode we chat about some of those things, as well as why and how they came to be in the film & television business. We talk about the acting class that they met each other in, which is also how they came to be on my show! (Thanks to Stephanie Carter). However, MOSTLY we talk about the new project they are working on which is a film called Preemptive Strike and some of the names that are associated with it. Enjoy!
Follow Nikki & Nick on social media:
Twit: @TheNikkiDixon / @TheNicholasRice
Insta: @TheNikkiDixon / @TheNicholasRice
FB: Nikki Dixon / Nicholas Rice
TikTok: @NicholasAndrewRice
James Moses Black Returns! – Actor (Soldados O Zombies / Lansky / Queenpins)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
James Moses Black Returns!
Take a walk with me as I get to know even more about James Moses Black in his return appearance on the show. In this episode; we chat about his new Amazon Prime series Soldados O Zombies, and his new films: Lansky and Queenpins. James also tells us about his time during Covid, some really fun stories about working on set in Mexico, and he catches us up on how development is coming along with his passion project “55”. This episode has it all: AK47’s, Mexican drug cartels, Mezcal, and “more cocaine than I have ever seen for $15”!
Enjoy!
Follow James on social media:
Insta: @JamesMosesBlack_
FB: James Moses Black
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