Host Rob Fredette interviews Los Angeles–based actor, writer, producer, and muralist Nate Mayes about his journey from Arkansas to Hollywood, his acting training, and his passion for creating powerful public art. Nate discusses auditions and coaching, memorable mural imagery (including a striking hands-and-explosion piece), his love for gritty Southern and Western roles, an upcoming psychological Western short film, and where to follow his work on Instagram @NateJMayes. Recorded November 13, 2025.  INSTAGRAM @natejmayes

Former underground steroid dealer Ryan Root tells the story of his rise, conviction in Operation Cyber Juice, and the four-plus years he served in prison. After using his time to study biochemistry and business, he built a legitimate hormone replacement therapy (HRT) clinic and a wellness brand focused on optimization, genetic testing, and education. This episode explores addiction, the science behind testosterone, the medical stigma surrounding TRT, and Root’s path to redemption and helping thousands improve their health and confidence. RECORED 11-11-2025  

Rob Fredette interviews British-American actor Kayne Harrison about his journey from voiceover work and odd jobs to landing a role in Netflix's" Resort to Love". They discuss filming during COVID in Mauritius, his background as a plumber and accountant, his influences and favorite films, voiceover and audiobook work, upcoming indie projects including a dark comedy-horror, and his thoughts on AI and the acting life. A Great Conversation. RECORDEDNOVEMBER 7, 2025 imbued.me/kayneharrison INSTAGRAM- @kayneleeharrison    

On this episode Rob Fredette talks with Tegan Toftley, a 55-year-old trans woman who began her transition at 48. Tegan shares how transition helped relieve lifelong gender dysphoria, anxiety and chronic migraines, and how her family, work and personal life changed through the process. The conversation also dives into pop‑culture favorites—from The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman to desert rock, MTV and 1980s music memories—mixing heartfelt personal experiences with lighthearted nostalgia. RECORDED OCTOBER 28, 2025 You can follow and keep up to date with Teegan on Instagram @twincitiesteeganofficial.  

On this episode of HODGEPOD author Eric Magun discusses his debut thriller "Thank God for the Sinners" — a gritty spy story about double agent Rick Price, stitched with punk‑rock memories and a companion playlist. Eric shares his years living in China and Southeast Asia, his indie filmmaking background, the book’s raw themes of trauma and espionage, and its recent award wins, plus a peek at the sequel in progress. RECORDED OCTOBER 20, 2025 www.ericmagun.com  

Rob Fredette and returning guest Marshall Garvey revisit memorable World Series moments to spotlight lesser-known players whose clutch performances were crucial to their teams' championships. From Brian Holton's pivotal relief innings in 1988 to Billy Hatcher's record-smashing 1990 series, the episode celebrates the "lightning in a bottle" heroes who, despite brief careers or faded fame, left an indelible mark on baseball history. This episode covers 10 unsung heroes in World Series history. Enjoy!! Recorded October 20,2025  

Rob Fredette sits down with singer-songwriter Ricky Rebel to trace his journey from child roles in films like Anastasia, Apollo 13 and Austin Powers to touring with Britney Spears and Destiny's Child, and being signed to labels tied to Michael Jackson and Madonna. They discuss his songwriting process and knack for hooks, high-energy stage work, fitness and Pilates, collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane, and his upcoming Entertainment Hall of Fame induction — plus where to follow his music.  

Rob FreDette chats with Rashad Woods, host of The Tron Podcast: "The Randomness of Nothing". They discuss Rashad's journey to starting a podcast, his love of history and documentaries, and how he interviews entrepreneurs, creators and fascinating people from all walks of life. The episode covers podcasting tips and process—from vetting guests and editing to staying authentic—while touching on martial arts, music, nostalgia and the global reach of independent shows. Visit www.tronpodcast.com to learn more. RECORDED OCTOBER 12, 2025 www.tronpodcast.com  

Rob Fredette sits down with multi-instrumentalist and producer Candice Raiford to trace her musical journey—from childhood talent shows and learning instruments by ear to mastering violin, cello, clarinet, piano and more. They discuss her creative process, notable experiences with artists and music videos, game-show moments, and upcoming performances in London, offering an intimate look at how she crafts music across genres and platforms. RECORDED JULY 18, 2025

Journalist Lori Tucker-Sullivan explores the untold stories of wives and girlfriends of rock stars in her book " I Can't Remember If I Cried-Rock Widows on Life, Love and Legacy" . Drawing on 22 interviews (14 in the book), she reveals the human side behind fame—grief, devotion, legal battles, and the struggle to protect legacy. Through intimate conversations and personal reflection, the episode examines how music, youth, and relentless touring shaped these relationships and the lasting impact of loss on fans and families alike. www.lorituckersullivan.com RECORDED SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 "I Can't Remember If I Cried-Rock Widows on Life, Love and Legacy" can be purchased on Amazon and Bookshop.org Please give a listen, follow and share.

Join Michael Bollinger, BPACC’s artistic director, as he previews the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center’s 27th season. The lineup opens October 10 with an outdoor Shakespeare production and includes country legends, tribute acts, family shows, arts‑education performances, and the must‑see Booker T. Jones. Highlights include Music & Theater by the Lake, Darcy Lynne& Friends (sold out), T. Graham Brown, Artrageous, Mandy Barnett’s Patsy Cline tribute, The Nutcracker, the Phil Collins experience, and youth productions. BPAC is intimate and family friendly—visit BPACC.org or call the box office for tickets and details at (901)-385-5588. RECORDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 www.bpacc.org  

Rob Fredette interviews novelist Amanda Cockrell about her historical fiction " Are You or Have You Ever Been?" which explores the Hollywood blacklist, House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings, and the personal and professional fallout of McCarthy-era accusations. The episode covers real-life stories—Dalton Trumbo, Michael Wilson, and the Hollywood Ten—alongside Cockrell’s dual-timeline novel set in Ojai, focusing on a star’s ruined projects, a contested will, and parallels between 1950s blacklisting and today’s political climate. Recorded September 19, 2025. https://www.amandacockrell.com Are You or Have You Ever Been?" is out December 2! My parents were screenwriters so this is a book close to my heart. For some background on the Hollywood blacklist see the section above, "About the Blacklist." Elizabeth Sydney's film career spanned the Golden Age of Hollywood and barely survived Sen. Joe McCarthy's infamous Red Scare hunt for Communists that produced a blacklist that shattered careers. Some of her costars and writer friends weren't so lucky. Now she wants to be buried in her back yard and the will is invalid if she doesn't get her way. A combustible assortment of industry friends, family, former lovers, a man no one has hitherto heard of, half a dozen charitable beneficiaries, and an ungovernable horde of media descend on the small California town where she retired and picked out a spot in her oak grove. As they try to break the will, her reasons begin to surface in the story of an old betrayal of friends by friends and by the country's own government.    

G.A. Sallee, an Iraq War veteran and first-time author, discusses his debut fictional true-crime novel "True Crime, Fact or Fiction", in which podcaster Scott Townsend publishes cold cases and becomes the target of a killer. The episode covers the book's plot, key characters like Detective Adelina Alvarez, and Sallee’s writing process. The conversation also explores themes about the ethics of true-crime entertainment, the editing and self-publishing journey (release October 1), and how personal experience and disciplined writing shaped the novel. "True Crime, Fact or Fiction" will be released October 1st 2025 and  can be found at all book stores. Walmart, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. RECORDED September 20, 2025.  

Rob Fredette interviews cinematographer-turned-author Robert Gantz about his decades in film and music videos, his time shooting commercials and movies in Hollywood and France, and the decision to retire and write his first novel, "Dead Wings". A noir-style crime thriller. The episode covers Gantz’s work on high-profile music videos and films, the gritty realities of the industry, and his writing process for a pulp-noir thriller about a down-and-out cameraman pulled into a dangerous scheme. Dead Wings is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble Bookstores and  in multiple formats.  Sit back and listen Robert's film career, his first novel and great movie talk. https://www.robertgantzasc.com RECORDED AUGUST 26, 2025   The book is a noir-style crime thriller set in Los Angeles and published in July 2025. 

Rob Fredette sits down with boundary-pushing rock artist C.J .Shaman to explore his musical journey — from small-town Arizona roots and 80s MTV influences to his raw outlaw-soul sound and the personal story behind the single "El Diablo." They discuss C.J.'s evolution through genres, memorable live shows, studio life, sobriety, fatherhood, and upcoming projects including a Nashville recording and global rollout for El Diablo de Ocho. RECOREDED AUGUST 28, 2025. His latest album, El Diablo De Ocho: The Devil of Eight, is a powerful exploration of conflict, redemption, and personal transformation. With eight gritty, guitar-driven tracks, the album cements C.J.'s place as a rising force in modern rock—one that honors its roots while carving out a sound all his own. HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN RADIO AND THE PODBEAN APP. hodgepodallin@yahoo.com Connect with C.J. below: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRKHBXkzMVWcKF0Dom_0xg https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-j-shaman-3b2987138/ https://soundcloud.com/user-260605909 https://open.spotify.com/album/1Aj9XAwqKGFTFszPEoOdrR?si=9HYX3ItQiOBd4Jla6oTtQ

In this episode Rob Frenette interviews Shannon Grace about her journey from a successful tech and entrepreneurial career to becoming an energy healer. Shannon shares her experience with anxiety, being laid off, discovering reiki and pure bioenergy healing, and how somatic work can free trapped emotions that show up as physical illness. The conversation also offers simple, practical tools for everyday stress relief—meditation, grounding, breath work, movement, and building community—along with how healing work can help people reclaim inner peace and evolve into a healthier, more empowered version of themselves. RECORDED JULY 15, 2025 Shannon can be found at: Instagram: @the _graceful_healer www.thegracefulhealer.com Email: shannon@thegracefulhealer.com HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN RADIO AND THE PODBEAN APP. hodgepodallin@yahoo.com

Rob Fredette was joined by author Marshall Garvey to explore the memorable 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. They discuss Garvey’s book Interstate 85 with player interviews, the famous Denkinger call, unexpected heroes, and the series’ lasting legacy. The episode blends game recaps, personal anecdotes from players, behind-the-scenes details, and the broader nostalgia of 1980s baseball, offering a fresh look at an underrated championship. https://marshallpgarvey.com Marshall's book "Interstate '85 The Royals, The Cardinals and the Show-Me World Series" Publisher-University of Missouri Press You can find the book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble   RECORDED AUGUST 21, 2025 HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN RADIO AND THE PODBEAN APP. hodgepodallin@yahoo.com

Join Rob Fredette on the latest episode of HODGEPOD as he welcomes author Ken Tentarelli to discuss the fascinating world of historical fiction. Tentarelli, who transitioned from a career in engineering to writing, shares his journey into becoming an author and the inspiration behind his historical mystery series set during the Italian Renaissance. Following their love for travel through Italy, Tenterelli offers insights into the nuances of Italian history, culture, and the authenticity that historians demand from his genre. As they dive into his upcoming book due for release September 25th  "The Blackest Time," listeners get a sneak peek into a story set during the devastating period of the Black Plague. Tentarelli highlights the parallels between past pandemics and modern challenges, emphasizing the human resilience portrayed in his novels. Departing with tales of exploration, both literary and personal, this conversation isn't one to miss for history buffs and fiction enthusiasts alike. www.kententarelli.com The Blackest Time: A Novel of Florence during the Black Plague Paperback will be available on Amazon September 25, 2025. You can preorder now!! RECORDED JULY 6, 2025 Thank you for listening to HODGEPOD which can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and the PODBEAN APP

Join host Rob Fredette as he sits down with Alan Maas, a South Dakota-based author, researcher, and tour guide, to delve into the rich history and fascinating mysteries of South Dakota. With a focus on the American West's forgotten stories, the episode explores iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the intriguing tales behind Alan's Kind Legacy Series, and the allure of the Black Hills. Listeners will discover unique insights into South Dakota's geography, the historic gold rush era, and the enduring legacy of figures like General Custer. Alan shares personal anecdotes and lesser-known facts about South Dakota, making this episode a captivating journey into the past and present of a state bursting with history. RECORDED JUNE 26, 2025 Thank you for listening to HODGEPOD which can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and the PODBEAN APP

In this episode of the HODGEPOD, Rob Fredette welcomes U.S. Foreign policy expert Ronald Bee to discuss pressing global issues. Ronald Bee, with his extensive background in international relations and national security, shares his insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the historical impact of the Cold War, and the complexities of the Middle East crisis. Listeners gain a deep understanding of how past events shape current international dynamics and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace. Tune in to learn from Ronald's rich experiences and expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of global affairs. Ronald has worked as a public affairs analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna, Austria), as a foreign policy analyst at the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service (CRS, DC), as a Special Assistant for National Security Affairs at Palomar Corporation, with projects conducted for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Energy, the DoD Office of International Security Affairs, and the Presidential Commission on Chemical Warfare Review (DC), as a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow for American Leadership working for the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament (Bonn) and the Governing Mayor of West Berlin the year before the Berlin Wall fell. In addition he served in fellowships at the Princeton Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, the Aspen Institute, Berlin, and the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria. RECORDED JULY 29, 2025 Thank you for listening to HODGEPOD which can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and the PODBEAN APP