Fascination Street

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

Ed Asner 1929-2021This 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 i

Don McLeanTake 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 m

Hugo FerreiraTake 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: @TantricHugoFB: Tantric (Band)

William McNamaraTake 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: @WilliamMcNamaraInsta: WilliamMcNamara108FB: William McNamara (Actor/ Producer)Follow the film:FB: The Trouble With Billy

Gary PlayerTake 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

Rabbi BrianTake 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: @RabbiBrian1970Insta: @Rabbi_Brian_1970FB: @Wisdom_BiscuitCheck out his newsletter: ROTB.org

Antonio LongoTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Antonio Longo. Antonio is a Long Island native who fell in love with music at an early age and eventually helped form the pop punk band Taking Back Sunday. In this episode we chat about all things music; what got him into it, when he started playing it, and what led to him becoming the original singer for Taking Back Sunday. We also talk about some of the other bands he was in, and how being in a band is like having FOUR girlfriends! Of course we discuss his newest and most recent love... PODCASTING! During covid, Antonio (like many others) was searching for a creative outlet to replace performing live and going to concerts. So he found podcasting and married his love of creativity and his love for his favorite band ever: The Cure. Antonio started a podcast dedicated to The Cure and named it...... Fascination Street Podcast! When I found this show, subscribed, and listened (haven't missed an episode) I just had to reach out to get him o

Laura Niemi, Wendy Hopkins, Scott Cummins (Pool Boy)Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know playwright Wendy Hopkins, director Scott Cummins, and get caught up with return guest; actress / producer Laura Niemi. In this episode; Wendy explains why she decided NOT to be a figure skater, but chose screenwriting & playwriting, Scott tells us why he got into the theater, and Laura explodes with excitement over working with them both! From there, we jump straight into their new play POOL BOY. Written by Wendy, directed by Scott, produced and staring Laura; this play takes place on location, at a house on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, and is all about isolation and the need for human contact during the recent Covid19 pandemic. POOL BOY runs July 17th through August 22, 2001 and is being put on by The Lost Angels Theatre Company in LA. More information and tickets can be found at: LostAngelsTheatreCompany.com or PoolBoyOnMulholland.comFollow Laura, Wendy, and Scott on social media:Laura: T

J. KeeblerTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know J. Keebler from the band Good Stuff. In this episode J and I chat about him growing up in the Pocono Mountains, falling in love with music and getting his first guitar. Then he tells me about the time he came home to his parents' house with a piano someone had given him! We discuss the therapeutic aspect that writing and performing music has on him, and he lets me play a song. We cover what it is like not being able to perform during the Covid pandemic and what his plans are coming out of it; before we end with an EXCLUSIVE new song by his band Good Stuff!Follow J. and Good Stuff on social media:Twit: @GSKeeblerInsta: @GoodStuffTheBandFB: Good Stuff

Sandy ForsterTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Sandy Forster. Sandy is an international best selling author and public speaker who focuses on showing people how to understand and use The Law OF Attraction in their daily lives. In this episode we chat about growing up in Australia and shares a VERY wild thing her family did when she was younger (which blew my mind). Then we talk about the circumstances that left her more than $100,000 in debt and living on $7500 per year of welfare. Sandy then explains how; mainly due to a shift in her mindset, she was able to turn that situation around and become a LITERAL millionaire in 3 years. Finally, she tells us about her Inspired Spirit Coaching Academy, and then gives us 3 tips that can help all of us adjust our mindset, and help us get to a happier, and more mindful place in our lives. We laugh, we joke, we have fun along the way; but make no mistake, there is some golden life advice in this episode!Follow Sandy on social media:Insta: @Sand

Janelle ArthurTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Janelle Arthur. Janelle is a country singer & songwriter in Nashville, and 5th place finalist on season 12 of American Idol. In this episode, we chat about her first job ever (as a 7 year old) working at Dollywood portraying a young Dolly Parton, and her experience auditioning & being on American Idol. Then we talk about her first ever movie Runnin From My Roots, where she played the lead role. Lastly we discuss her new single Hand Me Downs and how she was able to get Dolly Parton to sing it as a duet with her. She does let me play that song, as well as the title track from her film Runnin' From My Roots. This is a sweet, genuine, and generous young lady, and I had a great time speaking with her.Follow Janelle on social media:Twit: @JanelleOArthurInsta: @JanelleArthurFB: Janelle ArthurTikTok: @ JanelleArthur1

Chris KidwellTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chris Kidwell. Chris is the singer / songwriter for the new Thrash Metal band out of El Paso, Texas called TEXAS TALIBAN. In this episode Chris and I chat about where he grew up and how he got into music. Next we discuss the importance of widening your horizons and seeing (and hearing) things from outside of your town; which is why he joined the US Army and got to see and experience the world. We discuss how Texas Taliban was formed and some of the bands the members are also in. He lets me play my favorite track off of their debut EP called Tu Rey Muerto. And finally Chris has a message for all fans of all musicians.Follow Chris and Texas Taliban on social media:Twit: @2Krunked / @Texas_Taliban Insta: @Kidwell03 / @Texas_TalibanFB: Christo Cydwell / Texas Tali3an

OrianthiTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Australian born, and world renowned guitarist Orianthi. In this episode The Queen of Shred and I chat about growing up in Australia, and being turned onto decades old music by her father, and how she fell in love with the older rock and blues sound. Then Lady O shares stories from her career including playing with: Prince, Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Richie Sambora, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, and more. Then we talk about her new signature Gibson J200 guitar, her forthcoming album, her fall 2021 tour, and her now multi- platinum single According To You; which recently hit a new milestone. Orianthi lets me play a song from her previous album O; and we end the show talking about her June 19th live stream concert being streamed from the SANRE Geosphere! Follow Orianthi on social media:Twitter: OrianthiInsta: @IAmOrianthiFB: OrianthiTikTok: @OfficialOrianthiCheck out her website: IAmOrianthi.comBuy tickets to the livestream: SanreStreaming.com

Hugh FinkTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know comedy writing icon Hugh Fink. Hugh has written for such shows as: The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, and he spent SEVEN years writing for Saturday Night Live. In this episode we chat about what it was like growing up in a Jewish family in a VERY unlikely; and UN-Jewish place. Then we jump right into how and why he got into comedy and tv writing. Hugh tells us some fun stories about working in the industry, including stories about SNL, the time he almost got David Spade beat up by Eddie Murphy, and even a phone call he had with OJ Simpson! Finally, we discuss Hugh's classes where he teaches; both how to write comedy sketches, and how to write for late night television. I had such a great time sitting down with Hugh! Special thanks to our mutual friend Stephen Krueger for making this happen. Enjoy!Hugh is not on social media but you can connect with him at HughFink.com

Kinky Friedman Pt. 2Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I conclude my conversation with Texas Treasure Kinky Friedman. In this episode we start off by having a toast and a shot of bourbon! Then we launch into the wonderful things that Kinky and his sister are doing with their Echo Hill Ranch; which is reviving it as a Echo Hill Camp for children of Gold Star Families and children of First Responders. Kinky tells some more stories, tells a joke or two, lets me play my favorite song from his previous album (Resurrection); and the show concludes with The Kinkster playing (LIVE) one of the songs off of his upcoming album The Poet of Motel 6. What a LEGEND.Follow Kinky on social media:Twit: @FriedmanKinkyInsta: @KinkyFriedmanOfficialFB: Kinky Friedman / Echo Hill Ranch (Official)Website: KinkyFriedman.comDonate to the camp: EchoHill.org

This is a RE-release of an earlier episode. In December of 2020, I released my interview with BJ Thomas.A short 4 months later he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.BJ passed away today; May 29th, 2021 at the age of 78.He was super nice to me and generous with his time.Please enjoy my conversation with a true music legend.Rest easy BJ.-Steve

Kinky Friedman Pt. 1Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know a legend, in part 1 of my conversation with Kinky Friedman. Richard "Kinky" Friedman is a singer / songwriter, musician, author, activist, and former politician. In short.... Kinky is a LEGEND. In this episode, The Kinkster and I chat about moving to Texas when he was 1 year old because he couldn't find work, and eventually becoming a musician. We discuss some of his songs, (including one that was very important to Nelson Mandela while he was in prison). We also talk about the current state of the music industry, and some of Kinky's more recent albums; including his forthcoming release 'The Poet Of Motel 6'. Then we spend some time talking about a new project where (previous guest) Mike Dawson is narrating all TWENTY of Kinky's detective novels as audio books! Along the way, Kinky shares stories about Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and even Abbie Hoffman; plus, Kinky lets me play a couple of his songs. This is part 1 of my conversati

Mike DawsonTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Mike Dawson. Mike is a producer for, the audio engineer for, and 'The Voice' of The Adam Carolla Show podcast. In this episode, we chat about where he grew up and how his parents instilled a great work ethic, how he got into the radio business, and how that all morphed into podcasting. We discuss his 2 podcasts: The Watercooler & Front Of House. We also talk about his voice over career, and a new project he is working on with the LEGEND Kinky Friedman's detective novel series. Finally, Mike fills us in on how Covid affected his band The Smokin Kills, and their new record (releasing in Aug). When I first decided to start my podcast, Mike was the one that answered all of my questions regarding equipment, software, sound proofing, and in general helped me in any way I needed. It is a great honor to finally get Mike on the show, and I hope you enjoy it!Follow Mike on social media:Twit: @DawsAngeles @TheSmokinKillsInsta: @DawsAngeles

Alan BishopTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Alan Bishop. Alan is the Alchemist & Lead Distiller at Spirits of French Lick distillery in French Lick, Indiana. In this episode we chat about how many generations of distillers (moonshiners) are in his family, and why he decided to follow in their footsteps. He tells fun stories about getting his first still before he was even old enough to drive! Naturally we discuss how he came to work at SoFL, why he takes such pride in his job, what Indiana distilling means to him, and of course we discuss their many products. Spirits of French Lick Distillery offers a FASCINATION STREET ABSINTHE! Lastly, Alan tells us about his podcast (Distillers Talk), His book and website The Alchemist Cabinet.Follow Alan on social media:Twit: SpiritsofFLInsta: @TheAlchemistCabinetFB: Alan BishopBlog: The AlchemistCabinet.wordpress.com