Episodios

  • Ricky Dickson - Author (One Scoop At a time) / Former CEO of Blue Bell Creameries
    Jul 15 2024
    Ricky Dickson
    Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ricky Dickson. Having spent his entire working career at the Blue Bell Creameries; Ricky retired as CEO. In this episode, we chat about how he came to work for Blue Bell, a little bit of the history of the company, and how he rose to the rank of CEO. Along the way, we discuss some of the pitfalls he had to deal with. We also talk about some of the amazing successes, the effects of some natural disasters on the company as a whole, and some fun ice cream stories. I share the details of a trip to the Blue Bell headquarters that I took with my family some years back, and I pitch Ricky my own ice cream flavor! All of this was a blast. But the most important thing we discussed; was God's Plan for Ricky. All throughout the journey of his personal life and career. Ricky knew from an early age that God has something special in mind for him. We get into when he knew, and how hard it was to stay focused, and trust in God's Plan. Lucky for us, Ricky has revealed all of this and more in his new book 'One Scoop at a Time: Stories & Lessons From Fear to Faith'. This amazingly inspiring book comes out JULY 6th EVERYWHERE, as well as Amazon and OneScoopAtATime.com This really is an engrossing book, filled with laughter, heartache, hope, and faith. So get somewhere that sells Blue Bell ice cream and crack open this book!
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Noah Asher - Author / Speaker (Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming)
    Jul 8 2024
    Noah Asher
    Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Noah Asher. Noah is a young man who grew up pretty involved in the church. Some things happened, and he ended up spending a little time in prison. While in prison, Noah found his life's purpose. He also wrote a book. In this episode, we discuss how he became involved with the church; even though most of his family was not. Then we dive into some of the events that led him down a path that would eventually lead to his incarceration. We jump around a bit and discuss everything from Zaxby's chicken to Chik-Fil-A, to Eeyore's birthday party, Lupis, and prison yoga. Noah also discusses his consultant company and shares some stories from being out in the field. Finally, we get into Noah's book. It's called 'Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming'. Noah tells me why he wrote it, who he wrote it for, and gives some book signing tips to new and upcoming authors. Anyone who has struggled with: religion, addiction, hope, illness, self-doubt, or adversity; should check out this book. It's a sort of road map to seeing things more clearly, and a guide to pulling yourself out of that mindset. Follow Noah on Instagram at TheNoahAsher, and drop him a line at thenoahasher.com
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    53 m
  • Jaurice Smiley- Author (Tourian / The Royal Gray Box)
    Jul 1 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 Tourian, 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. Tourian, and The Royal Gray Box are both available on Amazon; as well as BlackGoldPublishing.com. Enjoy!
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    51 m
  • Kinky Friedman Bonus (1944-2024)
    Jun 28 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
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    1 h y 33 m
  • John Kapelos - Actor (The Breakfast Club / Sixteen Candles / Seinfeld)
    Jun 24 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!
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Aaron Marcus - Actor / Teacher / Author (How to Become a Successful Actor and Model)
    Jun 17 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!
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Jake Brennan - Podcast Host (Disgraceland) / New Media Mogul (Double Elvis Media)
    Jun 10 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.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Vinnie Tortorich #6 - Documentary Filmmaker (Dirty Keto) / Podcaster (Fitness Confidential)
    Jun 3 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.
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    1 h y 2 m