HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

Hello, everybody. This is Rob Fredette with the podcast HodgePodge, and welcome back for another episode. My guest today is Jared Maxwell, author of "The Last Gunfighter" and "Wolfhound Dawn", a veteran who served nine years in the Army (35 months in combat) and 11 years in law enforcement. We discuss his experiences from enlisting after 9/11, intense deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan — including the Korengal Valley —...

In this episode Rob Fredette interviews Anne Riley about her theory, the Ideasphere, which connects human ideas to biological systems. They explore how ideas evolve, how social media and AI change speech and accountability, and how human societies could learn from nature’s collaborative rules to address inequality, governance, and global challenges.

Riley discusses her background, the book that inspired her, and the practical...

Rob Fredette interviews William Bernhardt about his new narrative nonfiction book" The Superman Wars", tracing Jerry Siegel’s creation of Superman, the decades-long legal battles over creator rights, and the injustices faced by comic creators.

They also cover Bernhardt’s writing process, editing tips, the WriterCon community, avoiding publishing scams, and practical advice for aspiring authors.

www.williambernhardt.com

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Host Rob Fredette welcomes author Clayton Trutor for a conversation about Boston and New England sports, focusing on college basketball—Rick Pitino’s revival at St. John’s, Dan Hurley and UConn’s continued dominance in Mens and Women's basq, and the lasting legacies of Jim Calhoun and Gino Auriemma.

The episode covers tournament highlights, the effects of NIL and the transfer portal, memorable moments from t...

Rob Fredette sits down with Param Gill, a former dentist turned independent filmmaker, to discuss his career and films — from a PTSD-focused community drama to Hotel Hollywood and the political satire Bad President.

They cover the realities of indie filmmaking: financing, casting, distribution, the role of background actors, and how Bad President used real campaign moments to find an audience, plus a look ahead to a sequel an...

Rob Fredette talks with Hollywood fitness expert Rehan Jalali about his 30-year career training actors, writing bestselling diet guides, and speaking on health and performance. They cover Jalali’s N.E.S.S. framework (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Supplements), his 80/20 approach to eating, and the importance of customized plans and recovery.

The episode shares practical tips—faster results with fasted morning cardio, hydr...

Rob Fredette hosts Chris Gibson—licensed esthetician, best-selling author, and YouTube influencer—to discuss practical skincare strategies. They cover diet, supplements (collagen), sun protection, topical ingredients (vitamin C, retinoids/bakuchiol), acne causes and treatments, facial exercises, hydration, sleep, and stress management. Chris also shares product and routine recommendations, his skincare line, and simple ...

Rob Fredette interviews Dr. C.V. Pratt, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel turned treasure hunter and author, about blending deep historical research with modern tools to locate America’s lost and hidden treasures. They discuss notable cases—from a stranded Spanish galleon and Revolutionary War gold to Civil War caches and outlaw hoards—Pratt’s 90% Rule methodology for planning and research, and practical tips...

On this episode Rob Fredette welcomes Marie Kuipers, author of the memoir "We're All Mad Here," to discuss women's issues, grief, family dysfunction, and finding healing through humor and community.

They cover Marie's personal experiences—from trauma and roller derby to caregiving and mental health—and explore why messy, honest stories deserve celebration alongside triumphs. The book is available through common retailer...

Licensed counselor Patrick Eilers joins Rob Fredette to discuss anxiety, depression, addiction (including sexual addiction, gambling and substance use), and how modern devices amplify risk. He explains the “overflowing bucket” metaphor for stress and why small triggers can cause big reactions.

The episode covers how addictions form, partner betrayal trauma, and the role of intimacy and device boundaries in recovery. Pat...

Author Gene Walden’s Matchup at "Adventure Land Golf " is a rhyming, illustrated children’s book that follows two boys through an 18-hole tournament filled with wild animals, daring rescues, surprise encounters with golfing legends, and even a hole on the moon.

The story blends adventure and humor with lessons about friendship, overcoming obstacles, and inclusion, all inspired by the author’s love of golf and long...

Rob Fredette hosts Nikki Smit, a neurodivergent occupational therapist, in a practical conversation about how stress shows up in our bodies and what everyday strategies help us feel safer and more balanced.

They explain the nervous system, the "stress cup" metaphor, and simple, science‑backed tools—movement, deep pressure, breath (long exhale), music, time outdoors, "nothing time," and supportive relationships—to preven...

Host Rob Fredette interviews Italian recording artist Numa Palmer about her long career as a singer, songwriter, producer and TV personality. They discuss how she blends music with life coaching and energy healing to create empowering songs and cinematic videos.

Numa shares stories about creative process, performing in Miami, working on humanitarian projects like "The Promised Land," and the importance of self-empowerment, gratitud...

In this episode Maria Micha, a relationship and breakup specialist and spiritual psychotherapist, shares practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, accessing the subconscious through dreams and meditation, and repairing or ending relationships with clarity and compassion.

She also explores breaking ancestral patterns, rediscovering life purpose, simple habits like weekly check-ins and date nights, and the power of kindness and ...

Host Rob Fredette sits down with Levi Coovert — a Seattle-based musician and sports journalist — to discuss Levi’s path into country music with rock and pop influences, songwriting during COVID, stage performance, recording and production, and his musical inspirations from the Beatles to U2.

The episode also covers Levi’s sports coverage in Washington, his love for the Mariners and Seahawks, pop culture infl...

Rob Fredette interviews Todd Graves about his journey from playing professional golf to coaching and building Graves Golf Academy around Moe Norman's single plane swing. Todd explains how Mo's biomechanics simplified ball-striking, his time at the University of Oklahoma, life on tour, and the hands-on teaching approach he now uses at his Edmond academy and online.

The episode also covers Todd's use of AI to craft his new book The I...

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...