Fascination Street

steve owens
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  • COMEDY INTERVIEWS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Fascinating People, Fascinating stories. If you're like me, you love to find out how people got to where they are in life, what makes them tick, some of their hurdles, and what made them think they could do it. If so, then join me every Monday as I 'take a walk down Fascination Street' and get to know the stories behind people from every walk of life. "Streetwalkers" include: actors, authors, directors, musicians, pop culture icons, social activists, athletes, screenwriters, comedians, artists, podcasters, CEO's, and even an astronaut! New episodes every Monday, and sometimes a bonus one too!

  1. Jesse James Leija - 2X World Boxing Champion (WBC 1994 / IBA 1998) [Episode #500]

    18 HR AGO

    Jesse James Leija - 2X World Boxing Champion (WBC 1994 / IBA 1998) [Episode #500]

    Jesse James Leija Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know San Antonio's very own Jesse James Leija. Jesse is a 2-time world champion boxer; having won the WBC belt in 1994 and the IBA belt in 1998. In this episode, we chat about growing up in San Antonio, and the series of events that led him to become a fighter. We also dive into a couple of his fights; especially his 4-fight series against Azuma Nelson. The Champ explains the difference between being a 'tough' fighter, and a 'smart' fighter, and then we jump into why his father was his trainer for Jesse's entire career. Along the way, Jesse James shares stories of hanging out with Sylvester Stallone, and even how he managed to sneak his way into a meeting with Muhammad Ali himself! I ask him about some of his other fights with Sugar Shane Mosely, Louie Espinoza, Arturo Gatti, and Oscar De La Hoya; before we trade opinions on the new spectacle of "boxing" involving Jake Paul, and what that is doing to the sport of boxing. Jesse James Leija is an advocate for mental health, started The Miracle League of San Antonio, owns Leija Boxing and Fitness gym, has the longest running charity golf tournament in San Antonio, and even started his own charitable foundation called The Leija Family Foundation. We touch on ALL of these things and more! Jesse James Leija has been a fixture in the city and is a name I have known for as far back as I can remember. It was an honor to speak with such a fantastic steward of my hometown. THIS IS EPISODE #500! THANK YOU, STREETWALKERS!!

    1h 1m
  2. Eddie Alfano - Actor / Writer / Producer (Mondays at The Office / Cops and Robbers)

    16 FEB

    Eddie Alfano - Actor / Writer / Producer (Mondays at The Office / Cops and Robbers)

    Eddie Alfano Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Eddie Alfano. Eddis is an actor, writer, and producer originally from Long Island, but now living in Los Angeles. In this episode, we chat about his early life. Prior to acting, Eddie was an athlete, and then a number cruncher at Ernst & Young. That didn't last long, because he got super bored! So Eddie moved to Los Angeles to become a stripper. As part of the 'Latin Hunks' male stripping company, Eddie entertained the ladies by night, while working the front desk at Gold's Gym..... and then he got into acting! Eddie fell in love with acting, and then it was off to the races. He landed roles in a few things and then declared himself an actor! Then the strike happened and he had to re-evaluate everything. We definitely discuss his '5 Year Plan' and his thoughts on quitting. Eddie shares stories of his much-beloved mentor, as well as some fun stories involving Theatre East, and some of his short film projects. We talk about some of his friends in the business, and a film or two that he starred in. Finally, we touch on his role in 'On cinema', and an up-and-coming actor that Eddie thinks really has the goods. Make sure you check out Eddie's social media, and his You Tube channel, where a ton of his stuff can be seen.

    58 min
  3. Bo Donaldson Returns! - Musician (Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods)

    9 FEB

    Bo Donaldson Returns! - Musician (Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods)

    Bo Donaldson Returns! Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Bo Donaldson. You know Bo as the keyboardist for the platinum selling 1970s & 80s band Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods. Bo's first appearance on the show was in March 2025. In this episode, we catch up with what Bo has been up to since our last conversation. Bo and his band are part of the entertainment for a couple of 70s themed rock & roll cruises coming up. One in March of 2026 and the next in Jan of 2027. Bo will also be at the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in April of 2026. Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods have also released a new album of covers called 'Have A Nice Decade'! Because he is such a great guy, Bo lets me play my favorite track off the new record. Also in this episode, Bo shares his experiences seeing The Beatles three times in concert, as well as his ongoing royalty issues with Universal Music Group. Naturally we discuss 2026 as the 55th anniversary of the first (of 300) concerts that Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods opened for The Osmonds. A chat between Bo & me would not be complete if I didn't bring up his love of Skyline Chili, and who would I be, if I didn't ask Bo to send me a thing I don't deserve! Follow Bo everywhere, and if you are near any of his appearances, show up and tell him you heard him on the show!

    58 min
  4. Deirdre Lovejoy - Actress (The Wire / Raising Dion / the Blacklist)

    2 FEB

    Deirdre Lovejoy - Actress (The Wire / Raising Dion / the Blacklist)

    Deirdre Lovejoy Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Deirdre Lovejoy (DD). In this episode, we chat about her growing up in Indiana, and what made her mom tell her to get into acting. Next, we talk about an insane freak accident that almost took her whole hand off! Naturally I ask her about moving to Brookly after having lived in Manhattan for so long. We touch on her stint on the television show 'Bones', as well as her arc on 'the Blacklist'. Then we dive into one of my all-time favorite shows, 'Raising Dion'. I love this show, so I geek out a little, before we talk about her getting cast in the greatest show of all time, 'The Wire'. Then, we talk about a super rare condition that DD was later diagnosed with, following some really scary events (Stress Related Seizure Disorder). Deirdre shares with me the details of the play she is writing about some of her traumatic experiences (Trauma Nova), and how she plans to put the show on at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in Scotland. We also discuss her other play (Bird Elephant China), which chronicled some unrelated traumatic events. Finally, we end talking about her love for NBA basketball, and her beloved New York Knicks. You can catch DD on the previously mentioned shows, as well as the upcoming seasons of 'Daredevil Born Again', and Diarra From Detroit.

    51 min
  5. Jay Glennie - Author (The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)

    26 JAN

    Jay Glennie - Author (The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)

    Jay Glennie Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know author Jay Glennie. Jay is the author of MANY, MANY large format books covering the making of certain films. In this episode, Jay and I chat about how he came to this very specific niche writing. Jay has written several books on the behind the scenes and making of some of the greatest films in history. We begin with his goal to interview British Oscar winners, and what he intended to do with those interviews and notes. Then we jump into how he turned his passion into a real job. Jay has written books on Raging Bull, The Deer Hunter, Trainspotting, as well as others. His newest book is called "The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood". It is an in depth look into what it took to bring Tarantino's vision to fruition. Jay flew all over the world, interviewing the actors, producers, costumers, set designers, and just about everyone who worked on the film. He brings to life the intensity and tirelessness that was the journey to get this film made. This 170,000+ word tome dives deep; with interviews and stories from just about everyone involved and brings to life some of the most amazing photographs, props, and set pieces of this cinematic masterpiece. Jay shares stories of his road to get some of these interviews, and how he even came into contact with some of the greatest actors, producers, and directors of the last century. We cover his journey of making his first couple of books and carry Jay's journey right on through to his NEXT two books that are slated to be released this year and the next. Great tales of meeting and getting to know some of the greats; Like Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger, Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Spencer Garrett, and so many more. Jay also explains HOW to talk to some of these icons, who are approached every day. The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is 8 pounds of AWESOME! It is available EVERYWHERE you get good books and just happens to be on sale (50% off) at the time of this episode's release (Amazon), so go get it for the movie lover in your life or get it for yourself. I guarantee that you will NOT be disappointed!

    53 min
  6. Jack Seavor McDonald - Actor (Never Have I Ever / Hacks / Ted)

    19 JAN

    Jack Seavor McDonald - Actor (Never Have I Ever / Hacks / Ted)

    Jack Seavor McDonald Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jack Seavor McDonald. Jack is an actor and an improv player in television & film. In this episode, we get to know Jack, and why he decided to become an actor. He shares stories of growing up and always finding a way to make people laugh. Jack tells the story of the unique way that he was able to join the SAG / AFTRA actors union, and how he raised the funds to pay for it. We also discuss Jack's experiences on the sets of some of the projects he has worked on, including Hacks, the TV show TED, Never Have I Ever, and my personal thoughts on both Hacks and Young Sheldon. Jack breaks down what it is like to work with and for Mindy Kaling, as well as working with and for Seth MacFarlane. I dive deep into what would make Jack get into improv, and what he has gained from it. You can find Jack and his improv group performing around the Los Angeles area as HEAT WAVE. Look for Jack on all of your favorite tv shows; as well as his new film "Ick". Bonus points if you can sneak up and scare the daylights out of him on Halloween!

    53 min
  7. Mike Jack - 20x Guinness World Record Holder (Mike Jack Eats Heat)

    12 JAN

    Mike Jack - 20x Guinness World Record Holder (Mike Jack Eats Heat)

    Mike Jack Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Mike Jack. Mike is professional competitive eater of hot and spicey things. Known worldwide as Mike Jack Eats Heat, Mike holds (or held) 20 Guinness World Records. In this episode, we get into how and why Mike got into the competitive eating competition world, and we touch on some of his many records. We cover the craziest ones, as well as some of the more bizarre ones. I also get him to explain to me the body mechanics behind eating hot stuff and what it does to his stomach and intestinal linings. Mike shares stories of his competition experiences; both the during and the aftereffects of putting that much capsaicin in his tum-tum. From "Cap Cramps" to "Thunderclap Headaches". Mike spares no detail. We even discuss some of the non-competition challenges that he has completed. This dude ate 71 of those Paqui One Chip Challenge things! Finally, we discuss the several television shows he has appeared on and his own line of hot sauces. Mike Jack eats Heat Sauces come in 4 varieties currently. East Coast Vibes, Taco Tuesday, Rise and Shine, and Tropical fury. Check out Mike's videos all over social media, and enjoy NOT doing what he does!

    1h 5m
  8. James DuMont #5 - Actor (Hunting Season)

    5 JAN

    James DuMont #5 - Actor (Hunting Season)

    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!

    47 min
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About

Fascinating People, Fascinating stories. If you're like me, you love to find out how people got to where they are in life, what makes them tick, some of their hurdles, and what made them think they could do it. If so, then join me every Monday as I 'take a walk down Fascination Street' and get to know the stories behind people from every walk of life. "Streetwalkers" include: actors, authors, directors, musicians, pop culture icons, social activists, athletes, screenwriters, comedians, artists, podcasters, CEO's, and even an astronaut! New episodes every Monday, and sometimes a bonus one too!

Information

  • Creator
    steve owens
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    525
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright steve owens
  • Show Website
    Fascination Street

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