streetwalker

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Willa Rudolph – Singer (November Girl)

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Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Willa Rudolph. Willa is a music publicist, visual artist, and the singer / songwriter of the Grunge Rock band November Girl. In this episode, we chat about growing up in New York and Los Angeles, and being around a family of musicians. Then we turn to what led to Willa becoming a publicist, and then making the switch to become a music publicist in particular. We discuss how she gained the confidence to front a band, and the hilarious way she found the other members of November Girl, We chat about the New York music scene and I find out what the hell “Shoe Gaze” music is. Naturally we talk about The Great American Mud Wrestling Show, and what that is, and whether or not we are still in a singles world; where bands don’t feel the need to release albums. Of course Willa and I talk about November Girl’s new EP called Heart Prayer, and she lets me play one of the tracks from it. 

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Steve Cooper – Podcaster (Cooper Talk) / Stand Up Comedian

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Steve Cooper
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Steve Cooper. In this episode, we discuss his previous career as a stand up comedian, and how that turned him into an interviewer. We talk a bit about New Jersey, and where the best pizza is. I share my favorite story about Cherry Hill, NJ, and then we get a bit personal with some of Steve’s previous health issues. Next we move onto how Steve became involved with the Big Daddy Graham Show, and how this eventually spun him off into his own show. Steve shares some fun and fascinating stories about being in and around Hollywood. Stories of his interactions with Gary Coleman, and even Jonathan Taylor Thomas. From Steve’s days working at Planet Hollywood, to writing his own cookbook, and being a hand model for television; we cover all kinds of stuff. Finally, we chit chat about his podcast Cooper Talk. On his show, Steve interviews guests from music, comedy, and the acting industries, and has been doing it for well over a thousand episodes across nearly 15 years. We have a few guests in common, and bring up some specific examples of how interview style matters! 
Check Steve Cooper out on his podcast Cooper Talk, and his other show focusing on business The Coop Tank.

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Ella Engstrom – Interior Designer / Organizational Coach (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning)

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Ella Engstrom
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ella Engstrom. Ella is an interior designer and organizational coach. Ella is also one of the three “fixers” on the television show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock / Bravo). In this episode, Ella tells me about growing up in Sweden, and working for 30 years as a Concept Developer and a Visual Merchandiser in the retail environment in Sweden. I ask her a ton of ‘Dumb American’ questions about Sweden and about visual merchandising. Next we get into how she came to be part of the television show, and how she gets along with the other two hosts, now that the show is between seasons. Ella explains ‘fika’ to me and a few other uniquely Swedish words and concepts. We talk about the taboo nature of talking about death in The U.S and in Sweden, and then I get super personal in my questions to her! Ella explains why she has a second home on the Mediterranean coast, and i pepper her with questions about how often she declutters and organizes her own home. Naturally we talk about the famous Dalecarlian Horse and why it is known worldwide. Finally, we talk about what she learned during the show, and whether or not there will be another season. Ella does consultant work privately for organization and home logistics via her very own company; listen to find out how to contact her directly for help, no matter where you live!

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Alessandra Williams – Actress (Lissa’s Trip)

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Alessandra Williams
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Alessandra Williams. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in New Jersey, and where some of the best pizza is. Then we get into what made her want to become an actress in the first place. She explains how gymnastics and competitive cheerleading as a youth, helped her win some of her first auditions. Alessandra tells a wonderful story abut moonwalking into an audition for a Bollywood film; and how that turned out. Then we discuss some of her other passions. Alessandra not only acts, but paints, and writes children’s books. Naturally, I ask about how and why she became a member of The Actors Studio, and she tells me how Al Pacino helped her get in. We cover a few of her film projects with Peter Berg, and she cracks me up with a tale about working with Gina Gershon. Alessandra shares a couple of stories from the set with Jim Caviezel, and then we talk about her new film Lissa’s Trip; where she plays TWO roles. Lissa’s Trip is available for free on Tubi TV. Check it out!

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Ricky Dickson – Author (One Scoop At a time) / Former CEO of Blue Bell Creameries

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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!

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Kinky Friedman Bonus (1944-2024)

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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

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Greg Payne – Podcaster (The Cool Grandpa) / Author (My grandpa’s Grandpa)

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Greg Payne
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Greg Payne. Greg is the host of; The Cool Grandpa Podcast, the author of ‘My Grandpa’s Grandpa’, and a friend. In this episode, we chat about the experiences Greg had with his grandparents, growing up, that made him want to start a podcast dedicated to grandfathers. We exchange stories about our respective grandparents, and we discuss what drew Greg to podcasting in general. Greg touches on some of the early difficulties of starting his own show, and how its going now. Then we talk about the new children’s book: My Grandpa’s Grandpa. This is a sweet story about a grandson who doesn’t want to go to sleep, and stretches bedtime out by asking his grandpa, about HIS grandpa. This is a heartwarming story that came from Greg’s actual life (more or less), and it is perfectly executed in this children’s book. All along the way, we trade stories about podcasting, getting older, who this book & podcast are for, and of course, grandparents!
Greg has graciously provided a discount code for #streetwalkers who want to purchase this book. For the rest of 2023, anyone who uses the promo code FS25 at checkout, will receive a 25% discount!
Make sure you snatch this book just in time for the holidays!

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C.J. Pierce – Founding Guitar Player (Drowning Pool)

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C.J. Pierce
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know C.J. Pierce. C.J. is the founding guitarist for the platinum selling rock / metal band, Drowning Pool. In this episode, we chat about how the band formed, and how they got their first record label contract. Then we talk about the insane success of their first album, Sinner, which was certified platinum six weeks after it was released. Then we touch on the mega-hit ‘Bodies’, and how it keeps popping up in popular culture. It was featured in a recent episode of Queen Latifah’s television show The Equalizer (on CBS), and it was just used by Shaquille O’Neal in his latest rap single release. Obviously, we discuss Ryan McCombs’ return to front Drowning pool, and their latest tour. The SNAFU tour begins in early September, and is a national tour featuring: Drowning Pool, Saliva, Adalita’s Way, and Any Given Sin. Drowning Pool’s newest album, 2022’s Strike A Nerve, was not handled very well by their at the time record label, so C.J., explains their decision to become an independent band. Lastly, we each share a Pantera story or two, as C.J. is friends with some of those guys. He is kind enough to let me play the title track from the newest album: Strike A Nerve, and I it is as Drowning Pool as it could possibly be! Go see them on The SNAFU tour!

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Bobby Amaru – Lead Singer (Saliva)

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Bobby Amaru
Take a walk with me as I get to know Bobby Amaru.
In this episode, I sit down with the talented Bobby Amaru from the rock band Saliva. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the band’s new music as Bobby shares insights into the band’s latest album, Revelation. We discuss their SNAFU tour, and how they’ve navigated the ever-changing landscape of the record business. Discover the inspiring journey of Bobby writing music sober, and the creative process that has led to some of Saliva’s most powerful and meaningful new tracks. We also talk about why he got sober, and the secret to Saliva’s staying power. Tune in to this episode for a captivating conversation that offers a unique perspective on the music industry and the personal stories that drive it.

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Kelly Lang Returns – Singer / Songwriter (I Think It’s Jesus)

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Kelly Lang Returns
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Kelly Lang. This is a return appearance for Kelly. Her first appearance (Sept 2021) is where we really get to know Kelly, and her back story. In this return visit, we chat about her new autobiography: I’m Not Going Anywhere, her new album: Old Soul II, and her newest single: I Think It’s Jesus, which is also covered on Lorrie Morgan’s new album. She shares stories about her longtime friend and confidant Olivia Newton-John, and how they met through Sir Barry Gibb. I also ask her about her friendship with previous guest BJ Thomas, and she lets me play that new single.
Check out all things Kelly Lang at KellyLang.net

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