Fascination Street

Ella Engstrom
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ella Engstrom. Ella is an interior designer and organizational coach. Ella is also one of the three "fixers" on the television show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock / Bravo). In this episode, Ella tells me about growing up in Sweden, and working for 30 years as a Concept Developer and a Visual Merchandiser in the retail environment in Sweden. I ask her a ton of 'Dumb American' questions about Sweden and about visual merchandising. Next we get into how she came to be part of the television show, and how she gets along with the other two hosts, now that the show is between seasons. Ella explains 'fika' to me and a few other uniquely Swedish words and concepts. We talk about the taboo nature of talking about death in The U.S and in Sweden, and then I get super personal in my questions to her! Ella explains why she has a second home on the Mediterranean coast, and i pepper her with questions about how often she declutters and organizes her own home. Naturally we talk about the famous Dalecarlian Horse and why it is known worldwide. Finally, we talk about what she learned during the show, and whether or not there will be another season. Ella does consultant work privately for organization and home logistics via her very own company; listen to find out how to contact her directly for help, no matter where you live!

Shelley Robertson
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Shelley Robertson. Shelley is an actress who you may have seen in: Chicago Med, General Hospital, NCIS, The Morning Show, The Rookie, This Is Us, Shameless, Timeless, Agents of Shield, and so much more. In this episode, we chat about why she became an actress, and some of the pitfalls and hurdles associated with that career. Shelley then shares some personal stories about managing finances as an actor, and juggling work while being a single mom. Next up, we give some love to mutual friend and previous guest D. Elliot Woods. We do discuss some of the industry changes that help single parents working on set, and I ask her why she still takes acting classes after having so much success. She shares with me some of the important lessons she has learned in various acting classes; including the most valuable lesson she learned from Eriq La Salle & Michael Beach; in their class. We touch a little bit on the book that she is in the process of writing, and why she thinks it is necessary. Be sure to check out Shelley's new film Cora Bora; available everywhere; and follow her on Instagram.

Alessandra Williams
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Alessandra Williams. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in New Jersey, and where some of the best pizza is. Then we get into what made her want to become an actress in the first place. She explains how gymnastics and competitive cheerleading as a youth, helped her win some of her first auditions. Alessandra tells a wonderful story abut moonwalking into an audition for a Bollywood film; and how that turned out. Then we discuss some of her other passions. Alessandra not only acts, but paints, and writes children's books. Naturally, I ask about how and why she became a member of The Actors Studio, and she tells me how Al Pacino helped her get in. We cover a few of her film projects with Peter Berg, and she cracks me up with a tale about working with Gina Gershon. Alessandra shares a couple of stories from the set with Jim Caviezel, and then we talk about her new film Lissa's Trip; where she plays TWO roles. Lissa's Trip is available for free on Tubi TV. Check it out!

Emmett Kai
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Emmett Kai. After growing up in a Sonoma County area farming community, Emmett decided to move across the country to New York City; to pursue a music career. In this episode, we chat about what it was like growing up in a rural community and trying to find his own specific musical identity. We cover Emmett's time as a DJ, and some of his other projects including DJ Blap Deli, Valley Girl Baby Powder, Young Maserati, and Unity Ambulet. We even discuss an unreleased project that hopefully will find its way to the public very soon. Finally, we talk about Emmett's newest album called Whale Milk. He shares some of the thoughts behind the meanings of some of the songs on this album, and he lets me play the first track from it. The song is called Holy Nitros, and is his favorite track from Whale Milk. Throughout our conversation, Emmett opens up about an artist's need to be seen and heard, gaining confidence, and his personal motto 'shut up and listen'. A few of the songs on the new album deal with the idea that our current society is in decline, so naturally we elaborate a bit on that as well. We also touch on his producing Jordana's upcoming album. Be sure to check our Emmett everywhere you get music, and his website for upcoming releases and possible live shows.

Tony Winters Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Tony Winters EVEN MORE! In this episode, we catch up on how his industry has changed since covid, and we touch on some of the plays he as been involved in; as well as a play or two he may have coming up. We discuss some of his past films & television roles, and he lets a tale slip about a Christmas film he has written and is in the process of getting produced. 'Something For Santa' promises to bring back some of the MAGIC to Christmas movies. Then we dive right onto Tony's new film. The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat will be released on HULU, August 23rd (by Searchlight Pictures). It stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, Tati Gabrielle, Uzo Aduba, Mekhi Phifer, and Tony Winters (as Earl). As always; Tony brings the fun to Fascination Street. Check out the film on Hulu, and enjoy this conversation with Pretty Tony!
***Full video interview available on the Fascination Street Podcast YouTube channel***

Eve Selis
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Eve Selis. Known as 'The Queen of Roadhouse Rock"; I sat down with Eve to chat about her career, and her new album. In this episode, we discuss her early life as a young musician, and even how she got to have 'Eve Selis Day' in San Diego. She shares some pretty scary cancer stories, which is how she ended up in Nashville, and we discuss how art and trauma are tied to each other. I ask her about some of her previous projects, including Cactus Honey, King's Road, & 3 of Hearts. Finally, we get into her newest album called 'Dark Sky Blue'. Eve shares some of the traumatic events that influenced the songs on this album, and she even lets me play my favorite track from it. Dark Sky Blue is about unconditional love, loss, and the stages of grief. Eve explains all of that, and touches on some of those tragic events; and gives maybe the best answer ever to the age old question "Who is this record for?" Finally, she shares the story of a bald eagle landing on her head during a live performance, and her performing at Abbey Road Studios! Follow Eve everywhere on social media, and be inspired by the vulnerability of her music.

Charlotte Kirk
Take a walk with me as I get to know Charlotte Kirk. Born outside on London, she had dreams of becoming an actress. So, she decided to move to New Yor City. That lasted about 6 months. Then she made the move to Hollywood! In this episode we chat about when she knew she wanted to be an actress, and why she chose Los Angeles. Charlotte is open and answers my many questions about her Dyslexia and her Asperger's. We discuss some of the challenges and some of the benefits of these conditions as they relate to her chosen field. We touch briefly on her Covid pandemic television binging, and then get into her projects. In 2021 she released The Reckoning, shortly after, she released The Lair, and available everywhere Friday August 9th is her new film DUCHESS. We talk about how hard it was to get this film made, and how much fun it was to kick some ass on screen. We talk about her 2 production companies; and why she needs two separate ones. Then we get into her 2025 release calendar. Next year she has FOUR films slated for release. An erotic thriller called Compulsion, A re-imagining of sorts of the OJ Simpson & Nicole Brown-Simpson story called The Juice, an action film called Fight or Flight, and a spooky creepy movie called The Possession of Gladstone Manor. Look for all of those in the new year, and Charlotte has promised to return to the show when some of those start dropping. Naturally we talk about the importance of focus and determination in her industry. Wouldn't you know it.... I unearthed some of her short-lived music career! It was like pulling teeth to get her to say yes, but she DOES let me play one of these songs on the show. (Eyes In Love)
Be sure to check out the full VIDEO episode on the Fascination Street Podcast YouTube channel.

S.M. Sykes (Scott)
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know S.M. Sykes. Scott Sykes is an author in the young adult (YA) fiction genre. In this episode, we chat about what his career was before he started writing, and what led him to eventually start writing his first novel. After serving in the U.S. Navy, and settling down in Delaware, Scot got inspired to pick up the pen. In addition to his THREE novel series (The Blue Series), Scott has written tons of novellas and short stories. You better believe I ask him to explain the difference to me! We discuss several different writing forums including Medium, and NaNoWriMo, and even some of his social media strategies. The Blue Series consists of: Eyes of Blue, A Dim Blue, and Loss of Blue. Scott thought the series was done there, but the story won't be laid to rest! Expect more books in the series from this tireless indy writer. You can catch Scott at various writing & horror conventions around the country, and don't forget to check out his social media. He posts some pretty fun and inventive videos on Instagram & TikTok.

Scott R. Jones
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Scott R. Jones.
Scott is a horror fiction author and "a genuine master of horror" (Ramsey Campbell). In this episode, we chat about some of his previous careers, and some of his writing all along the way; during those years. We discuss his creation of Martian Migraine Press, and what he wanted to do with it. We also delve into the gleeful Nihilism of the Lovecraftian Mythos, and the positively enlightening rabbit hole of Blacknosis. We move into gabbing about his first novel STONEFISH; where he tells me why he named it that, and what it is about (no spoilers). I let him know that he is my daughter's favorite author, and we touch just a bit on her boyfriend, Sasquatch. I ask him about his horror themed erotic fiction, released under a psuedonym; before finally, talking about his newest novel: DRILL.
This new novel stems from his experience in & out of the Jehovah's Witness religeous grooup. With this novel, Scott reveals some of the more disturbing aspects of The J, and it's effect on him and members of his family. This book is predicted to make some serious waves in The JW community; so buckle up!
His newest book (DRILL) is available NOW, everywhere you find books.

Producer credit: David Himlie, with help from Sally Zabava

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!