Fascination Street

Devin Kawaoka - Actor (Shrinking / Chicago Med)

Devin Kawaoka Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Devin Kawaoka. Devin is an actor who can currently be seen on Apple TV's Shrinking; as well as NBC's Chicago Med. In this episode, Devin and I chat about his first love, snow skiing. He was really good too, some say Olympics bound. He shares the story of what happened that turned his attention toward acting. Once he did find acting, he never looked back. Devin has starred on Broadway in the massively acclaimed 'Slave Play' and is realizing huge success on two of the biggest shows on the screen today. (The ones I mentioned above). Devin also shares the reasons that he chose NYU Tisch; not once, but twice. We take a bit of a walk down Memory Lane, as we talk about his favorite TV show, 'Six Feet Under', and why it was so important to him. It was so impactful to a young Devin, that the show has informed his idea of what good writing and acting can do for those watching. Along the way, we talk about his experiences on several shows. Devin plays Dr. Kai Tanaka-Reed on Chicago Med, while simultaneously playing the lovable husband Charlie on Shrinking. We discuss the logistics of filming those two shows at the same time..... nearly 1800 miles apart. I pepper Devin with questions about some of his other projects in film like 'Friend of Dave' & "Under the Lantern Lit Sky' as well as the television show 'Lucifer'. We then dive into Devin's recent foray into screenwriting. He has written pilots for two different TV shows, and he explains both what they are about, and where he is hoping they land. We end the episode by talking about the person who he admires and hopes to model his writing and producing career after. Follow Devin Kawaoka on Instagram to see what he does next!

Throwback: Rance Howard - Icon / Actor

Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Rance Howard. Rance, who has appeared in over 300 film & television episodes over his nearly 70 year career and the father of both Ron & Clint Howard first appeared on the show on 12.31.17 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! Rance Howard - Icon / Actor My buddy Clint pulled some strings and was able to get me a sit down interview with his dad Rance Howard in July of 2017. With more than 100 film appearances and more than 200 episodes of television; Rance worked in the business from 1956 until he passed in late 2017. This is his last long form interview. One of the kindest, most engaging men I have ever met. Stay tuned for bonus extras after the episode. Shortly after this interview, Mr. Howard made two more movies, and then became ill. He never recovered. This was one of the best days of my life. Although Rance Howard will be sorely missed by many; I am POSITIVE that Heaven is a better place with him in it. Rest easy, and Farewell Good Sir. --Steve

James Paxton - Actor (Last Train to Fortune) / Musician (Love, Pax)

James Paxton Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know James Paxton. James is an actor, a musician, and an artist. In this episode, we chat about all of those things and more. We discuss his dad, Bill Paxton, and how James got sick with E. coli while attending NYU for journalism. James tells an amazing story about how the Entourage character Vincent Chase got his name and even regales me with the story of making the tile for Phil Collins' house! We touch on his experience on the set of Texas Rising, and then we have a surprise special guest drop in to say hi. After that, it's back to the action where we discuss James' feature film debut 'Boogeyman Pop' and why it still sits on the shelf at Blumhouse. James tells me about the hush hush secret that he had to keep when he was the voice of the son on the HULU hit show 'How I Met Your Father' and why he had to keep it a secret. Of course, we discuss his new film 'Last Train to Fortune' and working alongside Malcolm McDowell. Nest, we dive into James' musical career. He is part of two bands, 'Flamingo Dogs' and 'Soundaze', plus he lets me play a song from his solo project 'Love, Pax'. You're gonna dig it!

Throwback: Chris Ballew - Musician (The Presidents of the United States of America / Caspar Babypants)

Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with Chris Ballew from the ground breaking 90s band The Presidents of the United States of America. Chris first appeared on the show on 7.18.22 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!  Chris Ballew Take 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: @ChrisBallew Check out his music at: ChrisBallew.org & Babypantsmusic.com

Lauren Lucas - Singer / Songwriter

Lauren Lucas Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Lauren Lucas. Lauren is a singer songwriter originally from South Carolina, and currently living in Nashville, Tn. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in South Carolina and making the move to Nashville. We also discuss the craziness of her being signed to a publishing deal as a teenager; having never written a song! She shares some of her inspirations, and some of the amazing artists that she has opened for on regional and national tours. I ask her why she decided to attend Belmont University, and how she ended up teaching songwriting at that same school. We briefly talk about some of the bands and acts that she has been part of, or associated with. Naturally we do a deep dive into songwriting and the importance of learning to co-write. Lauren graciously lets me play one of my favorite older songs of hers, and then later on I get to play her newest release! Finally, we get into how she came to be part of the writing team that composes all of the music and interstitials for the Netflix sitcom Leanne. (The voice you hear sing the theme is Lauren's). If you have a chance, check out Lauren's podcast 'The Happiest Hour Podcast', available wherever you get your podcasts.