1 JUL 2024 · Jaurice Smiley Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jaurice Smiley. Jaurice had a pretty decent career as a professional gamer in the Smash Bros competitive gaming community. Afterwards, while in college, Jaurice decided to start writing young adult - science fiction novels. In this episode, we discuss his competitive gaming career, and what made him decide to become an author. We talk about his trips to several states; and how those trips inspired some of the locations for his writing. We also chat about his love of hip hop, specifically the unique sound of 'The Dirty South', and how this style of music helped inspire some of his writing. We do wander a bit while talking about his time in Texas, and his thoughts on some Texas delights like: Whataburger, Buc-ee's, and Trill Burger. Finally, we dive into Jaurice's writing. His first novel is called Taurian, and finds it's roots in an older video game called Metroid. He tells me what the book is about (NO SPOILERS), and some of the real life events that helped bring these characters to life. We then talk a little bit about his book of short stories called The Royal Gray Box. We touch on how he found his publisher, and what their relationship is, before discussing the artist who drew the covers of his books. Taurian, and The Royal Gray Box are both available on Amazon; as well as BlackGoldPublishing.com. Enjoy!

28 JUN 2024 · 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

24 JUN 2024 · John Kapelos Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know John Kapelos. You may know John as 'Carl, The Janitor' from the 1984 cult classic film: The Breakfast Club; but he is so much more than that! In this episode, we chat about him spending nearly a decade with Second City, his experiences on some of the greatest John Hughes films, and even his time as 'The Sniffing Accountant' on Seinfeld. We discuss how the show must go on, even after his father unexpectedly passed. John reveals the moment he found out that Emelio Estevez was the son of Martin Sheen, stories from the set of The Breakfast Club, and his scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off that got cut. As if all of this improv comedy and hall of fame acting isn't enough, John Kapelos also put out an album! It is called "John Kapelos: Too Hip For the Room"; and he lets me play a track from it. I think you're gonna dig it! John is a consummate professional, and he gets honest and vulnerable with me in this interview. I appreciate him for letting go, and not holding back. If you have a chance to see John in a play, or singing, or in television and film; I highly suggest you check him out. In everything he does, he BRINGS IT!

17 JUN 2024 · Aaron Marcus Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Aaron Marcus. Aaron is a veteran actor who has been in such acclaimed television shows as: Gotham, Mr. Robot, House of Cards, Rectify, Homicide: Life on the Streets, Halt and Catch Fire, The West Wing, Law & Order, and The Wire. In this episode, we chat about Aaron's odd route to becoming a commercial model, and how that led him to become an actor. He discusses some of the pitfalls in becoming a model and in becoming an actor. He gives a touching tribute to the late Andre Braugher, and then we jump into some nutty audition stories. Aaron shares a couple of stories about auditions, and so do I! Next we get into what Aaron's workshops entail, and why he does them. Naturally we cover his books: How to Become a Successful Commercial Model, and How to Become a Successful Actor and Model. He shares a fun story about auditioning for House of Cards an insane amount of times, before getting it. Finally, Aaron gives away some life changing advice he received from Tom Hank on the set of a recent film. Make sure you check out Aaron's website, books, and website!

10 JUN 2024 · Jake Brennan Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jake Brennan. You probably know Jake as the creator and host of the immensley popular Disgraceland podcast; but you are about to learn a bit more about him! In this episode, we chat about Jake growing up in Clinton, Mass. in the burgeoning punk / hardcore scene. We talk about his early musician days with Cast Iron Hike, and Bodega Girls, and what led him in the direction of music in the first place. One of Jake's bands even opened up for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones at a Hometown Throwdown! We talk about Victory Records, Island Records, Def Jam Records, and even how George H.W. Bush and the C.I.A. are connected to Bob Marley. We touch on Helter Skelter and Chaos by Tom O'Neill, and how those two stories helped inspire Disgraceland. I get Jake to explain exactly what the hell a MELLOTRON is, and why he decided to rely on it for the opening of his music-based true crime podcast. Then we get into his years with Bodega Girls, and how that came about; before he lets me play my favorite song of theirs (Surf's Up America). Jake explains the origin story of Disgraceland, and we touch on some of my favorite episodes, featuring: Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, and John Denver. I pry into how Double Elvis Media unfolded, and we talk about a few of the podcasts under that banner. Obviously, I have to know all about the April Fool's Day fiasco, and when we can look forward to another one. Super big thanks to Jake for sitting down with me and sharing the details on some of the things that work, and some that don't; when trying to capture the attention of new listeners, plus, what one can expect by being an ALL ACCESS supporter. Be sure to check out Disgraceland, and some of the other Double Elvis pods, including: Badlands, Blood on the Tracks, and The 27 Club. 

3 JUN 2024 · Vinnie Tortorich #6 Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about SIX TIME guest; Vinnie Tortorich. Known in some circles as "The Angriest Trainer"; Cinnie is: a podcaster, an author, fitness guru, a celebrity trainer, a multiple business owner, and a documentary filmmaker. In this episode, we chat a little about why he wrote his best-selling book "Fitness Confidential", we touch a bit on his podcast "Fitness Confidential", and then get into some of his previous documentaries. Vinnie's first documentary is called "Fat: A Documentary" and was the best-selling film in the history of Gravitas Ventures. His follow up to that was "Fat 2" two years later. In 2022 Vinnie released his third documentary titled "Beyond Impossible"; where he did a deep dive into the meat substitute industry. We talk a bit more about this one, as it had some odd effects on his social media accounts. Finally we get to the goods. Vinnie's FOURTH documentary, in his words, "Goes right at the Keto community". This new film "Dirty Keto" expounds on the latest Keto fad, and what the term 'keto' actually means. He also does some digging to find out what official governing body authorizes the term "Certified Keto", and allows it to be placed on packaging. I give him a neat suggestion for this newer film, and I think he likes it! At one point he explains the glycemic index to me and why I should care. We also touch on the newest trend of freezing bread and pasta before reheating and eating it, and why this changes the glycemic scale of these foods. Finally, Vinnie shares the details of his most recent health concerns and what his plans are going forward with it. Vinie is rad as hell. He is a great guy, and has the record for the most appearances on Fascination Street Podcast! Check out his newest film "Dirty Keto" available ONLY on Amazon; beginning June 1, 2024.

27 MAY 2024 · Charles Agron Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Charles Agron. Charles is a writer, actor, director, and producer of independent films. In this episode, we discuss his previous career as a Washington Lobbyist, and what made him get out of that business. Then we talk about why he decided to not only be an actor; but also a writer, and producer. He shares stories about working with some of the greats; like Ed Asner, Tobin Bell, and Lance Henriksen in his newest film Altered Reality. Along the way, we touch on a couple of his previous films like Dark Horse & Monday At 11:01 A.M. Finally, we get into why it is important to be a distributer with his company K Street Pictures, and where that name comes from. I ask him why he decided to distribute films like Alex and Eve, and Last Call; and at what point he got involved with those projects. Charles also explains what the Covid pandemic did to the box office numbers of one of these films. He does explain some paintings and artists at the beginning to satisfy my nosey questions about the wall art at his home! Thanks for that Charles!

20 MAY 2024 · Chelsey Weber Smith Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chelsey Weber Smith. Chelsey is the host of the amazingly popular podcast American Hysteria. In this episode, we chat about why they got a master's degree in poetry, and how that specific degree helps in their current career. We also get into the pitfalls of running a small business and how to avoid some of them. Next up, we jump into the podcasting world. We discuss their first foray into podcasting with the Behind True Crime podcast, and some of the struggles associated with that particular venture. I pry a bit into Chelsey's personal life; asking questions about being in a cult as a younger person, and what something like that does to a person's mental health. We discuss all kinds of things including: EST, Erhard Seminars Training, The Mayan Apocalypse, Ramtha, The Ramtha School of Enlightenment, JZ Knight, and Patty Hearst; before finally getting to Chelsey's podcast. American Hysteria is a podcast that covers everything from: the Beanie Babies craze, haunted dolls, moral panics, urban legends, conspiracy theories, and the 12 ft Home Depot Skeleton, to the popularity of streaking in 1974. Naturally we talk about the first time I streaked! Check out American Hysteria wherever you get podcasts, and don't forget to join their Patreon for some super dope exclusive content!

13 MAY 2024 · Joseph Millson Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Joseph Millson. Joseph is an actor, a writer, a producer, and a poet. In this episode, we chat about how he came to be an actor, and some of the projects he has worked on, including Dragonheart, War Blade, The Amateur, and the forthcoming Signs of Life. We also touch on his writing career; which spans short films, feature films, and a memoir recounting stories from the first 10 years of his acting career. Naturally we discuss his lovely wife Sarah Jane Potts; and how she wins household arguments. Lastly, I dive into his recent short film called "Care (4k)" and he answers some questions that have been nagging me about it. All along the way, we talk about: the Rotic R, Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, poetry, whether Adolph Hitler was a Taurus in the Year of the Tiger, and a couple of characters called "Buck" & "Quid". Be sure to check out Joseph's book "Work - And Other Four Letter Words" available on Amazon. (Sometimes he puts the e-book on sale!)

6 MAY 2024 · Landon Bryant Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Landon Bryant. Better known on Instagram & Tik Tok as LANDON TALKS, and You Tube as LANDONTALKSALOT; Landon gained worldwide fame and attention as the ever cheery and inspiring face (and voice) of modern Southern culture. In this episode, Landon sits down with me to chat about his growing up in Laurel, Mississippi before becoming an elementary art teacher. Having fallen in love with teaching ALL subject with an artistic bent, everything changed when the 2019 Covid pandemic took hold. Landon's wife inspired him to share his extremely Southern stories, vocabulary, and charm with his 2k or so Instagram followers. Not lang after discussing 'Wal Mart High School', Landon Talks started to gain some momentum. As of now, his eye popping 420 THOUSAND followers on Instagram and over 100 THOUSAND followers on Tik Tok hang on Landon's every word. Excited to get the next dose of Southern hospitality, and verve! Landon explains how fast all of this happened, and some of the big named celebrities that have reached out to comment, or just say 'hi'. The likes of Jennifer Garner, and Miranda Lambert have praised his videos; and he even tells me the celebrity that followed him and sent Landon into a literal panic attack! What would he do if Oprah or Dolly reached out as a result of his show? We discuss it! Finally, LANDON TALKS a bit about his upcoming book, a potential TV thing, and some of his epic branding partnerships! Follow him everywhere and tell him you heard him on Fascination Street!