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
Shawn’s Picks #5 B. J. Thomas
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Shawn’s Picks: B. J. Thomas.
Hey Streetwalkers. THANK YOU SO MUCH for inspiring me to get to 400 episodes!
As you may have guessed; lm taking March “off” from releasing new episodes.
HOWEVER; all month long, l will be releasing some of my wife’s very favorite episodes, in a “Best Of” style.
So expect a re-release of an older favorite every weekday; with an all new intro from my wife, explaining why she chose each specific episode.
Keep in mind that these are in no particular order, and l’ll be back in April with all new episodes.
Like, follow, subscribe and tell a friend!
-Steve Owens
Fascination Street Podcast
B J Thomas
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know B J Thomas.
B J is a singer / songwriter who has sold well over 70 million albums worldwide. He has had 8 number one hits, and has had 46 songs on the Billboard top 100. You definitely know his songs!
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Hooked On A Feeling, I Just Can’t Help Believing, Rock And Roll Lullaby, Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, and the Academy Award winning song Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (1970 Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid). B J also sand the theme song to smash hit tv show Growing Pains: As Long As We Got Each Other. This is the FIFTY year anniversary of Raindrops!
B J also has the honor of being a member of The Grand Ole Opry, winning 5 Grammy’s, as well as having the very first Contemporary Christian album in history to go platinum.
In this episode we chat about how he came to be in the music business out of a tiny town outside of Houston, Tx. Then he tells us some stories about some of these hit songs, including preforming at the Academy Awards in 1970. We also talk about when he was invited to play FOR Elvis. BJ is kind enough to let me play a song or two. Enjoy!
Follow BJ on social media:
Twit: @TheBJThomas
Insta: @TheBJThomas
FB: The B J Thomas
Shawn’s Picks #4 Herb Alpert
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Shawn’s Picks: Herb Alpert
Hey Streetwalkers. THANK YOU SO MUCH for inspiring me to get to 400 episodes!
As you may have guessed; lm taking March “off” from releasing new episodes.
HOWEVER; all month long, l will be releasing some of my wife’s very favorite episodes, in a “Best Of” style.
So expect a re-release of an older favorite every weekday; with an all new intro from my wife, explaining why she chose each specific episode.
Keep in mind that these are in no particular order, and l’ll be back in April with all new episodes.
Like, follow, subscribe and tell a friend!
-Steve Owens
Fascination Street Podcast
Herb Alpert
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Herb Alpert. Herb is a multi platinum selling recording artist, producer, multiple Grammy winner, record company executive, philanthropist, and founder of A & M Records. In this episode we chat about when Herb first knew he wanted to play music, why he started a record company (with Jerry Moss), and a few stories behind some of his biggest hits. Herb does let me play a couple of those hits before I talk about his new film Herb Alpert Is… available everywhere now.
Follow Herb on social media:
Twit: @HerbAlpert
Insta: @OfficialHerbAlpert
FB: Herb Alpert
Website: HerbAlpert.com
Shawn’s Picks #3 Joe Bouchard
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Shawn’s Picks: Joe Bouchard
Hey Streetwalkers. THANK YOU SO MUCH for inspiring me to get to 400 episodes!
As you may have guessed; lm taking March “off” from releasing new episodes.
HOWEVER; all month long, l will be releasing some of my wife’s very favorite episodes, in a “Best Of” style.
So expect a re-release of an older favorite every weekday; with an all new intro from my wife, explaining why she chose each specific episode.
Keep in mind that these are in no particular order, and l’ll be back in April with all new episodes.
Like, follow, subscribe and tell a friend!
-Steve Owens
Fascination Street Podcast
Joe Bouchard
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know legendary rock star Joe Bouchard. Joe is the founding bass player for the band Blue Oyster Cult. In this episode we chat about how he got involved with those guys, and we discuss some of their most popular hits during his 17 years in the band. Then we talk about his other project; Blue Coupe, with rock stars from other bands….. sort of a Super Group. Finally, we discuss his newest solo album: Strange Legends. During this wonderful chat we talk about all kinds of musicians & friends of his from KISS to Metallica, and more. Plus…. Joe lets me play a song off the new album!
Follow Joe on social media:
Twit: @JoeRockStar
Insta: @AstronomyJoeB
FB: Joe Bouchard
Website: JoeBouchard.com
Shawn’s Picks #2 Thomas McClary
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Shawn’s Picks: Thomas McClary
Hey Streetwalkers. THANK YOU SO MUCH for inspiring me to get to 400 episodes!
As you may have guessed; lm taking March “off” from releasing new episodes.
HOWEVER; all month long, l will be releasing some of my wife’s very favorite episodes, in a “Best Of” style.
So expect a re-release of an older favorite every weekday; with an all new intro from my wife, explaining why she chose each specific episode.
Keep in mind that these are in no particular order, and l’ll be back in April with all new episodes.
Like, follow, subscribe and tell a friend!
-Steve Owens
Fascination Street Podcast
Thomas McClary
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Thomas McClary. Thomas is the founder of the funk / soul band The Commodores. In this episode we chat about what it was like to be THE FIRST African American to be bussed in his county to a white school. We talk about The Civil Rights movement of the mid 60’s and his involvement in that. Then we get into his time at Tuskegee University, and a chance meeting that would change the course of his life. We also discuss The Commodores time with Motown Records and how some of the decisions they made impacted future artists with that label. And finally, Thomas let’s me play my favorite song of theirs, plus I get to play his BRAND NEW song called Yes (I Still Have Joy)!
Follow Thomas on social media:
Twit: @ThomasMcClary
Insta: @ThomasMcClary
FB: Thomas McClary
Website: ThomasMcClary.com
Shawn’s Picks #1 Chris Ballew
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Shawn’s Picks: Chris Ballew
Hey Streetwalkers. THANK YOU SO MUCH for inspiring me to get to 400 episodes!
As you may have guessed; lm taking March “off” from releasing new episodes.
HOWEVER; all month long, l will be releasing some of my wife’s very favorite episodes, in a “Best Of” style.
So expect a re-release of an older favorite every weekday; with an all new intro from my wife, explaining why she chose each specific episode.
Keep in mind that these are in no particular order, and l’ll be back in April with all new episodes.
Like, follow, subscribe and tell a friend!
-Steve Owens
Fascination Street Podcast
Chris Ballew
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chris Ballew. Chris is a musician and founding member and lead singer of the alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America. Chris is also known as Caspar Babypants; catering music for parents and kids to enjoy together. In this episode we chat about why he was drawn to music, touring as a band member with Beck for 2 tours, forming The Presidents, managing huge hits like Peaches, and Lump, and some of the strangely stringed instruments he has played in those songs. He shares stories about Sir Mix A Lot, Beck, Madonna, and even a great story about Kurt Cobain’s GHOST! We talk about he second, third, and now fourth musical incarnation; including Caspar Babypants, writing music for tv, film, and commercials, and his latest project, ethereal music. All of this and more, Chris HAS to com back!
Follow Chris on social media:
Insta: @ChrisBallew
Check out his music at: ChrisBallew.org & Babypantsmusic.com
Dicky Barrett – Musician (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones / The Defiant) [Episode 400]
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Dicky Barrett
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Richard Michael Barrett. Better know as Dicky; he is also called The Godfather of Skacore. Dicky is former frontman and founding member of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and current frontman and founder of the new super group The Defiant. In this episode, we chat about how he came to be the bow-tied plaid leader of The Bosstones, and some of the cool things he got to do along the way. He tells the story of getting to open for The Misfits while he was still in high school, as well as getting to play Fenway Park many years later. Dicky shares stories of meeting and befriending Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel when they were just getting started; and some of the fun things he got to do as a result of these friendships. Adam uses Bosstones’ songs in the intro and outro of his Adam Carolla Show podcast; and Dicky was the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live for nearly 20 years. Of course, I ask Dicky if I can play my all time favorite MMB song… and he says yes! Obviously we discuss how MMB ended up in the cult classic iconic film Clueless, and what made them decide to do it. Next, Dicky explains what happened between him and the other Bosstones, as well as his relationship with the Jimmy Kimmel Live late night show. Finally, we discuss his new band The Defiant. This super group features former members of: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Offspring, Smash Mouth, Street Dogs, and The Briggs. The Defiant is: Pete Parada, Greg Camp, Johnny Rioux, Joey LaRocca, and Dicky Barrett. Their debut album “If We’re Being Honest” was released in late October 2023. Naturally I ask him if I can play my favorite song from this new album…. and Dicky said yes again! I had such a blast talking with Dicky, I think we are best friends now! Don’t be surprised if you hear more from Dicky on Fascination Street Podcast. This dude is rad as balls. Thanks Dicky! And thanks Mike Dawson, you know what you did.
Teresa Strasser – Television Writer / Author (Making It Home)
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Teresa Strasser
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Teresa Strasser. Teresa first came into my heart as co-host / sidekick on The Adam Carolla Show on the radio, then in podcast form. I have wanted to get Teresa on the show for quite some time. Special thanks to Vinnie Tortorich for helping make this happen. In this episode, Teresa and I chat about how she came to work on the radio in Hollywood, in sort of a unique way. Then we discuss her podcast with Gina Grad, called Easy Listening. She explains what the show started out as, and why the show recently ended. Next we get into her book. The book is called Making It Home: Life Lessons From a Season of Little League. Teresa explains why she felt like she needed to write this book, and who it is for. The backstory of the book, is that Teresa and her father are repairing their relationship and coping with grief, while attending every game in a season of her son’s little league baseball games. Teresa lost her brother and her mother 4 months apart. This is the story of coping, grieving, and healing….. through the ups & downs of her little boy’s athletic efforts… all while repairing her relationship with her father. This is an extraordinary story, written by a remarkable author. I enjoyed this book very much. Touching, funny, sentimental, while on the edge of your seat with the winning and losing of the season. We do touch a bit on what it is like to grow up separated from your sibling, and Teresa tells a story of sweet, sweet vindication from her wicked, wicked stepmom. GET THIS BOOK!
Sam Lachow – Rapper (Heavy Hearts)
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Sam Lachow
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Sam Lachow. Sam is a rapper based in Seattle, who was brought to my attention by previous guest John Sylvain. In this episode, Sam and I chat about how he came to be a rapper / hip hop musician; even though he grew up in Seattle, known for it’s grunge style of music. Then we get into sobriety. Sam is very open and honest, and even vulnerable when it comes to the reasons he got sober. He shares some of his fears about the possibility of losing his creative passion, and talent without the use of drugs and alcohol. He even shares a bizarre story about having to call the treatment center every day at 8am, just to see if there was an available bed yet. Then we jump right into how much I enjoy his music. We get very deep into some specific songs of his, that I love. He lets me play my favorite of his songs, and he clues me into the meaning behind some of the lyrics. The day we recorded this; he released a new single called “I Might”, and he is gracious enough to let me play it in this episode as well. Sam lays out his plans to release a new single every month of this year, culminating in two new albums. This conversation gets pretty deep with regard to drug and alcohol use, as well as why he decided to seek treatment. He openly discusses some of the consequences he was facing during that time, and what he sees for himself going forward; both personally, and professionally. I had a great time speaking with Sam, and look to have him back on at some point.
Reed Diamond – Actor (Orphan Black: Echoes)
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Reed Diamond.
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Reed Diamond. Reed is an actor who has appeared in so many films and television shows that I could spend all day naming. In this episode, we chat about when he decided to become an actor, why he went to the University of North Carolina, and how he got into the Julliard. Then we discuss some of the bands he was in growing up, and the hilarious names & antics that ensued; including making a drum set out of some very unusual items. Next we get into some of his acting credits, including: Dollhouse, Much Ado About Nothing, Homicide: Life On The Streets, and his newest series ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. Reed shares some wonderful stories about working and going to school with the great Andre Braugher, what it is like to be part of the Whedon-verse, and how much fun it is to get to work with his wife on the same show. Along the way; we talk about Reed’s ‘alter ego’ while away at college, reasons to never believe Wikipedia, and how the universe finally revealed the REAL reason he learned to play guitar.
Lori Fetrick Returns! – Fitness Trainer / Former American Gladiator (Ice) / Podcaster (Chillin’ With Ice)
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Lori Fetrick Returns!
Take a walk with me as I get to know even more about Lori Fetrick! Since this is a return appearance, we don’t really do the ‘how did you get to where you are, from where you were’ thing. Go back and check out her first appearance for that (5/29/23). In this episode, we catch up on everything that has been happening for her since we last spoke. Two documentaries about The American Gladiators came out, she has been on numerous tv shows, and podcasts, and her podcast (Chillin’ With Ice) is nearing the end of it’s second season. She tells me about how the show has changed, and her right along with it. I ask about some of her interview experiences, and what is was like to attend the Adam Carolla Show Christmas party. Plus we talk about her new children’s book (Playground Warriors), which is set to be released midway through 2024. She tells a fun story about why she declined to appear on The Howard Stern Show at the height of The American Gladiators TV show, and we end the show discussing a very sensitive subject. She mentioned it on her show, and I felt like it brought to light some valuable information that could help women who might be in a similar situation. So pay attention!