Jayson Cross - Comedian

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

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

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!

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

Randy Oglesby - Actor (Spider Noir / The Burbs / For All Mankind)

Randy Oglesby Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actor Randy Oglesby. Randy has been an actor on television, film, and stage for more decades than I feel comfortable saying! In this episode, we chat about some of his pre-acting jobs, and why he eventually decided to get into acting. We touch on some of his earlier acting roles and experiences, and even what famous actress was in his high school drama class. We take a little detour as we discuss some of his stage performances and projects in the Los Angeles area. Randy shares his opinions about self-tape auditions versus in the room, which he prefers and the reasons why. Finally, we dive into his roles on THREE current television shows. Randy plays president of The United States Jim Bragg on Apple TV's 'For All Mankind', police chief McNamara on Amazon Prime's 'Marvel's Spider Noir', and Bill Festersen on Peacock's 'The Burbs'. He shares a few stories around the SEVEN roles he has played in the Star Trek universe, before I pepper him with industry and audition questions that we provided by an actress who happens to also be a listener. Make sure you catch Randy on those three shows and keep an eye out for him on some of your favorite films and TV shows from past, present, and future!