Fascination Street

John Graziano (Graz)Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know John Graziano; or Graz, as he likes to be called. In this episode, we find out what exactly is a maker, how Graz came to be a maker, and how he came to be associated with the most elite of The Maker Community. Naturally we discuss his Netflix show MAKING FUN, how those folks were discovered, and what it was like to make a television show based on being a MAKER. Along the way, we discuss the MAKER community on You Tube, and some of the amazing things that this community does, as well as the core principle of sharing knowledge. Lastly, we chat about the amazing hand-crafted knives that Graz Makes.Follow Graz on social media:Twit: @GrazMakesInsta: @GrazMakesFB: Graz MakesYT: Graz Makes

Nick LeisureTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Nick Leisure.Born and raised in Sacramento, Ca. Nick is a screenwriter, producer, and director. In this episode, we chat about growing up in Sacramento in his stern Asian grandparents' home, stumbling into the hip hop recording business, and breaking into the film and television industry. Nick tells us about a project that he was / is working on about Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow (a Hong Kong born felon with ties to San Francisco Chinatown street gangs: Triad Ho Wop To, The Hop Sing Boys, and Ghee Kung Tong. He also tells us about his being on the scene of "The largest hostage rescue operation in US history", and why he wrote and directed a movie called A CLEAR SHOT in 2019 based on this event. Then we move right into his latest film called LAST THE NIGHT starring Brian Austin Green. We discuss what the film is about, why he chose to tell this story, and what makes it timelessly relevant. Lastly, I pitch Nick a film idea based on the life s

Sarah J. HalsteadTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know comedian and actress Sarah J. Halstead. In this episode we chat about her classical piano training, and how that helped her get her first stage acting gig, her career in the New York acting scene, and her transition to getting into the wine and champagne business. She shares with us the reasons that led to her moving to Miami, and what inspired her to get back into acting. Finally, we discuss her cross-country trip (in an RV, with her cats) from Miami to Los Angeles to bet on herself as a stand-up comic! Naturally, I critique her stand up special RV's and Cats, which is available on Amazon Prime, and Bottle Shock; the monthly stand-up comedy show that she produces for The Hollywood Improv. Follow Sarah on social media:Twit: @SarahJHalsteadInsta: @SarahHalsteadFB: Sarah HalsteadTikTok: @SarahJHalsteadWebsite: Sarahjhalstead.com

John Pirruccello Returns!Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even MORE about John Pirruccello, in this RETURN appearance. In this episode we chat about his family history of fighter pilots, his audition for the HBO show, Barry, and what it was like to work with Bill Hader. We also chat about how he became friends with an iconic American playwright, and how working on Twin Peaks with David Lynch changed his life. Along the way, we have tons of fun. Catch John in the Hulu film The Valet, as well as the upcoming Disney Plus show, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. John is no longer on social media, so you can't find him there!

Young and RestlessTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know hip hop legends Mr. Charlie and P.O.D. Back in the 90's the hip hop / rap group Young and Restless stormed onto the scene with a new and fresh view: 'Let's have FUN!". They had a couple of chart-topping hits including: B Girls, and Poison Ivy. In this episode I chat with BOTH members of this super fun duo. Charles Trahan A.K.A. Mr. Charlie, and Leonerist Johnson A.K.A. P.O.D. tell me how they met, how they got into music, and how they happened to get a record contract by working at a carwash. They share some funny and some very scary stories about being on the road, touring in the 90's with the likes of N.W.A. as well as the complete breakdown of how their biggest hit "B Girls" came about. They do let me play their famous song, and I am super excited to share it with you! Some of you will remember it, some of you weren't even born when it came out, but either way; you are going to smile from ear to ear while you listen. Mr. Charlie

Nicole Boggs and Alex KramerTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Nicole Boggs and Alex Kramer from the band Nicole Boggs and The Reel. In this episode, we chat about what got each of them interested in music and how they came to form a band together in Nashville. We talk about how they got their name, who their third band member is, and each of their experiences on different P Diddy produced reality television shows. Nicole and Alex explain how they write their songs, and what genre they think they belong to and why. Finally, we talk about their new album: Dystopian Book Club (OUT NOW) and they let me play a track from it! If you are in the area, they are having a record release party on August 31st in Nashville at The Analog. See their website for details.website: NicoleBoggsandTheReel.comFollow them on social media:NicoleTwit: @ReelNicoleBoggsInsta: @TheReelNicoleBoggsFB: Nicole BoggsAlex KramerTwit: @AlexKramerMusicInsta: @AlexKramerMusicFB: Alex Kramer (AK)

Stephen TobolowskyTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Stephen Tobolowsky. Stephen in an actor who has appeared in nearly 300 film& TV shows. You know him as Ned Ryerson in the cult classic film Groundhog Day, and Clayton Townley in Mississippi Burning, and can currently be seen portraying Mr. Ball on the ABC show The Goldbergs.In this episode, we talk about almost none of that! Instead, Stephen shares stories about some of the people who have made the biggest impact on his life and career. From strong and powerful women in his childhood, to key women in his college years and beyond, to a meaningful relationship with a world-renowned director who took him under his wing. Stephen is an amazing storyteller, and you will be riveted by not only his memory for detail, but the wild stories from his life!Follow Stephen on social media:Twitter: @TobolowskyInstagram: @StephenToboFB: Stephen Tobolowsky

Angela ParchettaTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Angela Parchetta. Angela is a singer songwriter currently based in Nashville, Tn. In this episode we chat about why she wanted to be a music teacher growing up, how she achieved that goal, and then set new goals for herself in becoming a passionate singer and songwriter. We have a lot of fun going back and forth, making each other laugh, and Angela lets me play her new single Never Again! She explains the reasons for her move to Nashville from upstate New York, and some of the meanings behind her lyrics. Follow Angela on social media:Twitter: @AngelaParchetta Instagram: @AngelaParchettaFB: Angela Parchetta

Scott Russo Returns!Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know MORE about return guest Scott Russo. Scott is the lead singer for the punk / pop punk band Unwritten Law. In this episode we chat about their new album THE HUM, which was just released three days ago. He shares his passion for this new music, as well as what it took to get it made and released. Scott explains why they made it, why they released it now, and his thoughts on the two different colors of vinyl you can get the album in! Plus, he lets me play the first song off the new album.The Hum is the first album of NEW music released by Unwritten Law in over a decade.Out now and available everywhere!Follow Scott on social media:Instagram: @ScottRusso / @UnwrittenLawOfficialTwitter: @Unwritten_LawFB: Unwritten Law

Simon MajumdarTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Simon Majumdar. After decades in the book publishing business, Simon decided to jump feet first into a new career. He became a world traveling food critic and author. That led to him becoming a frequent guest critic and personality on various Food Network programs, for over a decade now. We talk all about Simon's journey from then to now, as well as his podcast: Eat My Globe; now entering its NINTH season! We talk about how his life has been affected by Anthony Bourdain, Alton Brown, Guy Fieri, and food in general. He explains what he loves about food and food history, and he regales us with several food history stories that will make you re-think EVERYTHING you know about your food!See Simon on Food Network shows like: *Tournament of Champions*Guy's Grocery Games*The Next Iron Chef*Beat Bobby Flay*Good Eats: The Return*Iron Chef America*The Best Thing I Ever AteFollow Simon on social media:Twit: @SimonMajumdarInsta: @SimonMajumdarFB:

Chris BallewTake 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: @ChrisBallewCheck out his music at: ChrisBallew.org & Babypantsmusic.com

Tripp MickleTake a walk with me down Fascination Street ss I get to know Tripp Mickle. Tripp is a journalist having previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, and currently working at The New York Times. He is also the author of the new book 'After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul'. In this episode we chat about why he wanted to be a journalist, and what took him to The Wall Street Journal. He tells us why he felt the need to write this book, and why the focus on the post Steve Jobs era of the company. Naturally Tripp explains how (and why) he went from the WSJ to The New York Times. We talk pretty in depth about this book and I have tons of questions about some of the stories in it. We do a deep dive on Jony Ive (the Chief Design Officer for Apple for many years) and Tim Cook (the current Chief Executive Officer for Apple). We discuss some of the design elements of several Apple products and some of the turmoil inside the company at the very top. This book is a fantastic

Joanna KernsTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Joanna Kerns. Beginning her showbiz career as a dancer, Joanna worked with legends such as Gene Kelly and Dean Martin! We talk about those icons, and then discuss how she landed the historic role of Maggie Seaver on the hit TV show growing Pains. She shares stories about working with Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron and Tracy Gold. Then we move into her directing career, where she has directed a ton of TV shows spanning sit-com's, to drama's, to dramedies. Finally, we talk about A Million Little Things. Joanna is co-executive producer, and director of this smash hit on ABC. We chat about what exactly her role as co-EP entails, and a little bit about working with James Roday and Jason Ritter before briefly sharing the news that she will be directing one of the episodes of the resurrected TV show Night Court! In the end we make each other a promise, and I don't know if l can fulfill mine!Follow Joanne on social media:Twit: @JoannaKernsInsta: @The

Chrystee PharrisTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Chrystee Pharris. In this episode we chat about when she decided that she wanted to be an actress, (it was younger than anyone I have ever had on the show!). We also talk about her time on the daytime soap opera Passions, she tells a great story about auditioning for Scrubs, and her show Monogamy, which recently finished it's third season. I ask Chrystee about her one woman show, and the TWO talk shows that she is working on! Of course I had to ask her about her friend and mentor Ted Lange! Follow Chrystee on social media:Twit: @ChrysteePharrisInsta: @ChrysteePharrisFB: Chrystee Pharris

Chuck ShuteTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know podcaster Chuck Shute. Chuck is the host of the Chuck Shute Podcast, which features a variety of guests. Everything from world famous music legends, hilarious comedians, ex-Navy Seals, celebrity fitness trainers, and TV & movie stars! In this episode we chat about his career in education, and what made him leave that field to start a podcast. We discuss some of the mutual guests that we have both had on our respective shows, and how our interview styles differ. Then we get into what his hopes for the future of his show are, and the steps he is taking to ensure that it happens. You can find The Chuck Shute Podcast on Apple, Spotify, everywhere you get podcasts.Be sure to check out his show on YouTube as well.Follow Chuck on social media:Twit: @ChuckShuteInsta: @ChuckShute / @ChuckShutePodcast

Anna VocinoTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Anna Vocino. I first hear Anna on the podcast Fitness Confidential with Vinnie Tortorich, and I finally got her on the show. Anna is an actress, voice over actress, comic, cookbook author, podcaster, and she even sells her own line of foods; like pasta sauces and spice blends! In this episode we chat about all of that, and why she decided to each of these things. We also discuss how she came to be part of the NSNG universe, why she started selling her own branded foods, and what is coming up next for her. We trade Paul Cappelli stories (R.I.P.) We laugh all through this thing! Go get her cookbooks: Eat Happy & Eat Happy Too!Follow Anna on social media:Twit: @AnnaVocinoInsta: @AnnaVocinoFB: Anna VocinoWebsite: EatHappyKitchen.com

Marc David LevineTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Marc David Levine. After starting many businesses while growing up, and into his adulthood; Marc found himself in the business of producing Broadway Musicals. Marc has had a hand in producing tons of shows including: On Your Feet, Tina: The Tina Turner Story, Company, Hadestown, Fly More Than You Fall, American Buffalo, and Mr. Saturday Night. Marc won his Tony award for producing Hadestown. In this episode we talk about a few of those musicals, and some of the companies that Marc has started including Gemini Theatrical Investors, Premier Party, and Model Bartenders. Marc shares a fun story about partying so hard he got thrown out of a hotel, and I share an embarrassing story about one of my experiences on Broadway. Follow Marc on social media:Insta: MarcDLevineFB: Marc LevineFollow Gemini Theatrical Investors on social media:Insta: GeminiTheatricalFB: Gemini Theatrical Investors LLC

Peter JasonTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know veteran actor Peter Jason. In his episode we chat about why he became an actor, and some of his more memorable roles. We talk about working on 48 Hours with director Walter Hill, his connection to Frank Marshall, as well as working with John Carpenter, and some of the fun he has had on the sets of Deadwood and Baskets.Then we jump into his new film Deep In The Forest; which is released TOMORROW! (May 31st). NO SPOILERS!! But he does lay out the premise of the film and it sounds FASCINATING!Follow Peter on social media:Insta: PeterJason99FB: Peter JasonWebsite: PeterJason.net

Stuart PankinTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Stuart Pankin. Stuart is an actor who has been in just about everything you have ever seen. From Not Necessarily The News, to Dinosaurs, to Fatal Attraction, Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, and Zenon; you have seen him in everything! In this episode, we chat about why he decided to get into acting, what made him move to Los Angeles, and some of the highlights of his career. We have a ball with him telling stories about working on Curb Your Enthusiasm, and I hilariously get Fatal Attraction confused with Basic Instinct! Finally, we discuss Stuart's new film Deep In The Forest, which is available EVERYWHERE on VOD starting May 31st.Follow Stuart on social media:Twit: @Stuart_Pankin FB: Stuart Pankin

Moriah FormicaTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Moriah Formica. Moriah is the lead singer and guitarist for the new rock band PLUSH. In this episode we chat about how she got pulled into music at a VERY early age, who her inspirations were and are, and how the overwhelming support from her parents has really helped her succeed and thrive in the music business. Moriah and her band mate collaborated on their version of Barracuda (By Heart), put it up on YouTube, and started getting attention from the right people. Shortly thereafter they added a couple more ladies and formed PLUSH. Since then; Plush has played with: Halestorm, Evanescence, Seether, Mammoth WVH, Daughtry, and Seven Dust. Plush is currently on tour supporting Seven Dust for a second time. Moriah tells me what she writes about, or rather WHO she writes about in her lyrics. I made a VERY embarrassing faux pas and look like an ass, and I play the new single from Plush's self titled debut album.She also lets me play a song