Fascination Street

Chef Aaron McCargo Jr.
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chef Aaron McCargo Jr.
Aaron was the winner of season 4 of The Next Food Network Star; a reality show competition on The Food Network. In this episode, we chat about what got Aaron into cooking in the first place, and what made him audition for this competition show. We also discuss how the show changed his life, and some of the behind the scenes secrets of his cooking show Dig Daddy's House; which ran for several seasons on The Food Network. Aaron tells stories about growing up in Camden, NJ, and some of the crazy antics he got into with his sister's Easy Bake Oven! Next we jump into Chef McCargo's very own line of The Spice & The Sauce, what he created them for, and where you can get them. Don't sleep on Aaron's cookbook: Simply Done, Well Done. We briefly touch on why he partnered with Fresenius Health Care, & The Family Dollar. Finally, the Big Daddy himself, tries not to cry while he tells me all about his non-profit: Play To Win. Also, Chef Aaron tells me about the new food education and restaurant space he, and some partners are opening up in Camden.
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David Packouz
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know David Packouz. After growing up in Jerusalem, Israel and moving to Miami, David became an international arms dealer; sourcing arms & munitions for The United States Army, to help supply wars and conflicts in The Middle East. In this episode, David tells me how exactly this came to be, how successful he was at it, and how he ended up getting into some serious trouble with The U.S. Department of Justice. David was looking at the possibility of more than 300 years in prison! David's story became the inspiration behind the 2016 film War Dogs, directed by Todd Phillips; starring Miles Teller as David. The film was based on an in-depth article written by Guy Lawson, for Rolling Stone magazine. We also discuss his post arms dealing career as an inventor and entrepreneur. David founded Singular Sound, a company that develops and manufactures innovative new products for musicians. Singular Sound products have garnered huge accolades in the music industry, and continues to rank among the top companies that musicians swear by. Singular Sound's first and most notable creation is the BeatBuddy "Drummer in a Foot Pedal" device that was actually inducted into the Guitar Player's Hall of Fame in 2015. We also talk about the several other innovative products this company offers. Then we get into David's NEWEST invention, that has nothing to do with music at all! He, and his brother, re-invented the water pick. Instead of a single jet stream of water, The InstaFloss has 12 independent jet streams! This episode goes all over the place, as you can see. David even lets me play one of his own songs! ENJOY!
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Riya Sokol
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street, as I get to know Riya Sokol. Riya speaks to me from Poland for this inspirational episode. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in Warsaw, and becoming a touring sensation as a 6-year-old child. We also discuss how & where she spent her Covid pandemic time, and the poem she wrote and released that made her a viral sensation. She shares very personal stories of her depression, as well as successfully navigating divorce while staying friends with her ex. Riya explains how she became obsessed with vibrations, the subconscious, and reprogramming your mind to be more receptive to: courage, love, freedom, and abundance. I ask Riya to explain mantras & the Tantra lifestyle, and what exactly are The Riya Sokol Codes; which are cheat codes for life hacking. Finally, Riya explains the meaning behind her hit song Ho'oponopono, and she lets me play another of her hit songs called Awaken As Love, before helping us understand why we should embrace even the mundane things in our lives.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Nicole Arlyn
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress, author, producer Nicole Arlyn. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in a small community where there may have been some artistic elements to the local water source! Then we discuss what made her choose Ohio State University, and compete in The Miss Ohio beauty pageant, before leaving it all behind to follow her dreams as an actress in Paris, France. She tells us what brought her back to New York to study at The Neighborhood Playhouse, and what famous magician finally talked her into going to Los Angeles to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Along the way, Nicole shares stories of some of her acting projects like: Pot Luck, Clay Pigeons, and Til Death Do Us Part. Of course, I ask her what it was like to work with such greats as: Joaquin Phoenix, Michale Imperioli, and Jason Patrick. Finally, we get into why she decided to write 26 fantasy novels, including The Sugarspear Chronicles.... which she is turning into films with her 8 year old son and their Bird I The Wild production company. This is a lot of fun, and a wild ride, to be sure. Enjoy!
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Arielle Rayene
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Arielle Raycene. Arielle is an actress, model, and tech start up entrepreneur. In this episode, we chat about how she got started in modeling at a very young age, then transitioned into commercial work, before taking some time off to go to college. Next, we dive into how she got back into modeling, and acting, we discuss some of her recent credits including, Kill Her Goats, Confidential Informant, and Bupkis. Arielle tells us what it is like to work with Mel Gibson, and Pete Davidson, and she explains what the ladies see in Pete. Naturally we talk a little bit about the SAG / AFTRA strike, before finally covering her new tech start-up company called Real AF. This new company will work with Apple Goggles in the spatial web. Along the way, we talk about: child obesity, catch 22s, Andy Warhol, Kim Kardashian, and a whole lot more!
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Greg Payne
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Greg Payne. Greg is the host of; The Cool Grandpa Podcast, the author of 'My Grandpa's Grandpa', and a friend. In this episode, we chat about the experiences Greg had with his grandparents, growing up, that made him want to start a podcast dedicated to grandfathers. We exchange stories about our respective grandparents, and we discuss what drew Greg to podcasting in general. Greg touches on some of the early difficulties of starting his own show, and how its going now. Then we talk about the new children's book: My Grandpa's Grandpa. This is a sweet story about a grandson who doesn't want to go to sleep, and stretches bedtime out by asking his grandpa, about HIS grandpa. This is a heartwarming story that came from Greg's actual life (more or less), and it is perfectly executed in this children's book. All along the way, we trade stories about podcasting, getting older, who this book & podcast are for, and of course, grandparents!
Greg has graciously provided a discount code for #streetwalkers who want to purchase this book. For the rest of 2023, anyone who uses the promo code FS25 at checkout, will receive a 25% discount!
Make sure you snatch this book just in time for the holidays!
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Jonathan Cilia Faro
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jonathan Cilia Faro. Jonathan is a professional opera singer; more specifically, a tenor. In this episode, we chat about his growing up in Sicily, listening to opera, and why. We also talk about how he honed his singing skills, and what brought him to the United States. (Spoiler alert, he came to the U.S to follow "The American Dream". Jonathan explains why he is grateful to be an American citizen, and what America means to him. We discuss some of his recent singing projects, including working with Alan Parsons, Gary Chapman, and Donny Most. Plus, we get into his upcoming show alongside comedian Brad Stine: Spirit of America, on November 12th, at the Fisher Center in Nashville, TN. Along the way, we talk about how and why Jonathan became known as 'The Mob Chef', and why he enjoys cooking so much. He often appears on television programs and talk shows Cooking and singing at the same time! Jonathan has a new album out called Romantico, and he lets me play one of his newest releases, a duet with Vanessa Campagna!
***PLUS, THERE IS A GIVEAWAY!!!
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Stewart Anstead
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Stewart Anstead. Stewart is an artist, more specifically a painter. He has produced some of the most beautiful and unique pieces I have ever seen. Some of his art is inspired by automobile racing, some is inspired by iconic athletes; but all of his pieces are themselves inspiring. In this episode, Stewart takes us on a journey of finding that thing in life that pulls you, that part of you that won't be ignored. He shares with us the path that led him from California's North Bay (Chico) to Utah (BYU), and the artistic steps along the way. We discuss the artistic value he sees in brands like: Nike, Converse, lettering, and even the human hand. Of course, we talk about such greats as: Warhol, Klimt, Picasso, Pollock, Banksy, and Bob Ross. Stewart's art is hanging in many homes & businesses, including The San Francisco Giants back offices, and comedian Adam Carolla's home. His art features the likes of: Paul Newman racecars, Shelby American, Secretariat, Rudy Ruettiger, Madison Baumgartner, and tons more. Stewart has an inspiring story, and I thank him so much for sharing. You can actually commission an Anstead Piece of your own, as he gives his contact info toward the end.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Jeremy Swift
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jeremy Swift. You may know Jeremy from Downton Abbey, Apple TV's Ted Lasso, or the Wachowski Siblings' epic Jupiter Ascending. But you may not know that Jeremy is arguably a more talented musician, than he is an actor.
Just kidding. He is superb in both endeavors!
In this episode, we chat about how he came to be an actor, and some of his first roles. I mean he toured with a cabaret troupe that played shows in various prisons! Holy Moly! Of course, we discuss some of his experiences on the previously listed projects, and a couple of others. I ask him what it is like to work with his wife on set, and he spills the beans on Ted Lasso season 4!
Jeremy also shares the story of why he chose to get his Sag / Aftra card, and his upcoming film: "Descendants 4: The Rise of Red".
Next we get into music. Jeremy started playing music at a very early age, and we definitely dive into that aspect of his creativity. Jeremy shares stories of his punk phase, seeing The Sex Pistols live, and his thoughts on the "Oi!" movement of the late 70's. Jeremy has a new album out called "Songs of Escape and Endless Night", which is catchy as hell. We discuss a couple of the tracks from that album, and he lets me play my favorite song from it. Jeremy shares his love for David Bowie, building synthesizers with his dad, and Christo Fernandez working on Jeremy's new album.
Follow Jeremy Swift everywhere.
See Jeremy Swift in everything.
Listen to Jeremy Swift on Spotify.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement

Johan Svenson
Welcome to a special episode of Fascination Street Podcast! I'm thrilled to have Johan Svenson, one of the insightful minds behind "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" on Peacock & Bravo joining us today. As we sit down with Johan, we'll embark on a fascinating journey through the world of art, design, and the art of letting go.
Drawing from his expertise, we'll explore the intricacies of set design and how it enriches our visual experiences. Johan's insights will provide a unique perspective on creating immersive environments that resonate with audiences.
We'll also dive into the innovative landscape of Johan's FabLab store, discussing the exciting projects and technologies that shape modern creative endeavors. Johan's experiences will shed light on how this space contributes to the ongoing evolution of design and craftsmanship.
Switching gears, our conversation will take us across the seas to Missouri, where Johan will share insights about the unique Womon Town. This intriguing concept challenges traditional financial models and offers a fresh perspective on economic empowerment.
Of course, our conversation wouldn't be complete without delving into the core philosophy of "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning." Johan's expertise in decluttering and organizing will provide valuable insights into creating harmony in our spaces and lives.
Join us as we explore the intersection of creativity, design, and personal growth with Johan Svenson, a true visionary in the realm of art and decluttering. This episode promises to be an enriching conversation that will inspire you to approach your surroundings and life with a fresh perspective.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4068452/advertisement