Fascination Street

steve owens
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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. 6 hr ago

    Julia Wackenheim - Screenwriter / Actress / Producer (Ethel & Ernie)

    Julia Wackenheim Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Julia Wackenheim. Julia is an actress, a producer, a director, a screenwriter, an activist and a mother. In this episode, we chat about all of these different roles. We start off talking about where she grew up and what it was life to work in a casino in Atlantic City. Then I ask her some very personal questions about the type of care she chose for the birth of her baby. Julia is very open on this subject, and I appreciate it greatly. Next, we get into her time at I.O West, which was more than a decade. She discusses the differences between improv & stand-up comedy, which she prefers and why. Then we get into her writing and screenwriting a bit before we talk about how she came to be part of the 2-season series "F'd"; in which she was an actress and producer. She shares her experience working on the show "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'The Facts of Life'", and what it was life to watch the great James Burrow do his thing. Julia talks a bit about her work on 'Fear the Walking Dead', and what she likes to do in her down time on set. Finally, we discuss her role as producer on the short film 'Selah', and how she came to be part of it. We do a deeper dive on her series pilot 'Ethel & Ernie'; which she wrote, produced, directed, and stars in. She also tells me how her advocacy for workers' rights inspired the story for this comedy series. Follow Julia in all the usual places, and keep your eyes peeled for this sitcom to hit your TV.

    Julia Wackenheim - Screenwriter / Actress / Producer (Ethel & Ernie)

  2. 4 days ago

    Throwback: Alonzo Bodden - Comedian / NPR Personality

    Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with comedian & NPR's Wait, Wait, dont tell me regular Alonzo Bodden. Alonzo first appeared on the show on 5.22.19 It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!  Alonzo Bodden - Take a walk with me as I get to know comedian Alonzo Bodden. You know Alonzo from (winning) Last Comic Standing, NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, and his podcast; Who's Paying Attention. In this episode, we chat about his learning to work on airplanes in high school, him developing into a comedian and the comedy event that changed his life, and of course we talk about why he started a podcast and what it's about. Enjoy! Follow Alonzo on social media: Twit: @AlonzoBodden Insta: @ZoFunny FB: Alonzo Bodden Website and tour info: AlonzoBodden.com

    Throwback: Alonzo Bodden - Comedian / NPR Personality

  3. 10 Aug

    Brent Huff - Actor (The Rookie) / Director (Behind the Orange Curtain / Chasing Beauty)

    Brent Huff Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Brent Huff. Brent is an actor, director, screenwriter, model, and author. In this episode, we chat about all of these things. How he became a model and who he modeled for. What made him transition into an actor, and what some of his first roles were. When he decided to step behind the camera and direct and a couple of his most personal projects. When and why he decided to become a screenwriter, and the book he recently penned, and where it is now in the publication process. Naturally we discuss his iconic role as "Smitty" on The Rookie; which is about to start its 9th season on ABC. We discuss the similarities Brent has with Brad Pitt, Eric Winter, Steve Owens, and some of the names he has worked with and why they are still friends. Make sure you follow Brent, watch The Rookie, check out his other acting work, and his documentaries. Keep your eyes peeled for his forthcoming book 'My Playbook for Life'. I even pitch Brent a back story for his character on The Rookie. It's hilarious and the show's creator HAS to do it!! Enjoy!

    Brent Huff - Actor (The Rookie) / Director (Behind the Orange Curtain / Chasing Beauty)

  4. 6 Aug

    Throwback: Jeremy Swift - Musician / Actor (Ted Lasso / Downton Abbey)

    Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Jeremy Swift. Jeremy first appeared on the show on 9.25.23. It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening! Jeremy Swift Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jeremy Swift. You may know Jeremy from Downton Abbey, Apple TV's Ted Lasso, or the Wachowski Siblings' epic Jupiter Ascending. But you may not know that Jeremy is arguably a more talented musician, than he is an actor. Just kidding. He is superb in both endeavors! In this episode, we chat about how he came to be an actor, and some of his first roles. I mean he toured with a cabaret troupe that played shows in various prisons! Holy Moly! Of course, we discuss some of his experiences on the previously listed projects, and a couple of others. I ask him what it is like to work with his wife on set, and he spills the beans on Ted Lasso season 4! Jeremy also shares the story of why he chose to get his Sag / Aftra card, and his upcoming film: "Descendants 4: The Rise of Red". Next we get into music. Jeremy started playing music at a very early age, and we definitely dive into that aspect of his creativity. Jeremy shares stories of his punk phase, seeing The Sex Pistols live, and his thoughts on the "Oi!" movement of the late 70's. Jeremy has a new album out called "Songs of Escape and Endless Night", which is catchy as hell. We discuss a couple of the tracks from that album, and he lets me play my favorite song from it. Jeremy shares his love for David Bowie, building synthesizers with his dad, and Christo Fernandez working on Jeremy's new album. Follow Jeremy Swift everywhere. See Jeremy Swift in everything. Listen to Jeremy Swift on Spotify.

    Throwback: Jeremy Swift - Musician / Actor (Ted Lasso / Downton Abbey)

  5. 3 Aug

    Rick Maltese - Jazz Pianist, Composer, Songwriter

    Rick Maltese Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Toronto's own Rick Maltese. Rick is a jazz pianist, composer, songwriter, and singer. In this episode, we chat about how he first got into jazz, and being a Canadian, that wasn't an easy task! We discuss some of his early influences, including his dad, and some of the greats. I do dig into where he gained the confidence to learn to play an instrument as an early age. We talk about some of the different styles of piano playing and why he started playing The Beatles songs as jazz tunes! Next, I ask him about the various brands and types of pianos, and which are his favorites. Rick shares some of the reasons behind why he decided to write lyrics to accompany his music, as well as why he wrote them in a manner that advocates for social consciousness. Rick has fairly recently released 3 albums of new music with some of his friends. Rick Maltese and Friends Vol 1, 2, & 3 are out now and available just about everywhere. Volume 1 is actually released under The RGB Trio. The other members include George Koller, Ben Wittman, and Bill McBirnie. Rick is kind enough to let me play 2 songs from 2 different albums in this episode, and he explains in depth what each of them is about and why he felt the need to write them. Check out Rick's website for more details on where the music can be found, and for any upcoming live dates

    Rick Maltese - Jazz Pianist, Composer, Songwriter

  6. 30 Jul

    Throwback: Jason Ritter - Actor (A Million Little Things / Raising Dion)

    Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with third generation actor Jason Ritter. Jason has been on the show twice, but first appeared on the show on 4.27.20 It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening! Jason Ritter - Actor - Part 1 Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actor Jason Ritter. This is part 1. Make sure to come back next week for part 2. In this episode; Jason and I chat about: his growing up a third generation Hollywood actor, how much we miss the social media platform VINE, what he was voted 'most likely' to do in high school, and how difficult it was managing his fledgling acting career in the midst of his father's unexpected passing. This episode does have some somber moments, but also a ton of laughs. Jason Ritter - Actor - Part 2 Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I continue my conversation with actor Jason Ritter. This is part 2. If you haven't listened to part 1; go back now and check that one out. In this episode we talk about; his very unique relationship with the WARNING family and two tv shows that he is currently on (A Million Little Things on ABC, and Raising Dion on Netflix). We also talk a little about a documentary he was part of that focuses on Huntington's Disease; before finally talking about what it's like to be a brand new father! Follow Jason on social media: Twit: @JasonRitter Insta: @Jason_Ritter FB: Jason Ritter

    Throwback: Jason Ritter - Actor (A Million Little Things / Raising Dion)

  7. 27 Jul

    Michael Kostroff - Actor (Spider Noir / The Wire / Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway)

    Michael Kostroff Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Michael Kostroff. Michael has been a working actor for several decades and is well known for several roles. In this episode, we chat about some of those roles, some of those shows, and he shares experiences from them. We talk about his breakout role on 'The Wire', his stints as Max Bialystok in SEVEN separate touring productions of the smash hit 'The Producers', and some of his other prominent roles. Aat the time we recorded this episode; Michael was toward the end of his run on 'Dog Day Afternoon' on Broadway. Michael was kind enough to actually record this during his Broadway debut! We do a bit of a deep dive into Michael's career; both before he became a household face, and after. He was a writer at Disneyland, which was a thing I didn't even know existed. I ask him questions about working on 'Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip', and what it is like to work on an Aaron Sorkin project. He shares stories from the set of 'The Blacklist' and getting to work with his pal Deirdre Lovejoy again, singing the theme song for a television show, and doing yet another job I didn't know existed; but this time for Tony Bennett. Then we jump into Michael's role as the mayor of New York and working with Nicolas Cage on 'Spider Noir'. Of course, I ask him about fulfilling his life-long dream of performing on Broadway, and what it is like being part of 'Dog Day Afternoon'. Then we discuss his various books. Michael Kostroff has written 4 books so far, and we get into a couple of them. Michael teaches a workshop that helps actors get out of their own heads when doing auditions, it's called 'Audition Psych 101'. He also wrote a book by the same name and there is an audio version as well. We have a pretty in-depth discussion around this topic and his need to share what he has learned along the way. This is a fun and wild ride that goes all over the place. Michael even talks about that one time where he was the driver on the campaign for a person who went on to become The President of the United States of America! Follow Michael everywhere, buy the books, watch the shows, take the workshop. You will be better for it!

    Michael Kostroff - Actor (Spider Noir / The Wire / Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway)

  8. 23 Jul

    Throwback: Rachel Dolezal - Yes, THAT one!

    Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with fine artist & activist Rachel Dolezal. Rachel has appeared twice on the show and her first appeared on the show on 1.6.20 It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!  Rachel Dolezal - Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know THE REAL Rachel Dolezal. In this episode we chat about where she grew up and what it was like to grow up feeling like she did not belong. We also talk alot about race and it's place in society; as well as some of the differences in which different people are treated. Of course we talk about the events that catipulted her name into the public eye, the family events that instigated that entire mess; and what she is doing now. I know a lot of folks have a preconceived idea about this young lady; but my hope is that you will listen to this woman's story with an open mind. Maybe, just maybe, by the end of this episode; you will have attained a touch more compassion and understanding about what she went (and is still going) through. This was a very big honor for me and my sincerest wish is that all of you enjoy it as well. Follow Rachel on social medis: Twit: @RachelADolezal Insta: @RachelADolezal FB: @Rachel Dolezal Check out her website: RachelDolezal.com

    Throwback: Rachel Dolezal - Yes, THAT one!
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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
    575
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright steve owens
  • Show Website
    Fascination Street

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