HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

On this episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette interviews Elizabeth Mikotowicz, an artist, author, and advocate who shares her journey from escaping domestic violence and struggling with prescription opioids to being incarcerated on federal drug charges. Elizabeth discusses her time painting murals in prison, the failures of the criminal justice and mental health systems, and the challenges of re-...

Historian and Author Keith B. Wood joins Rob Fredette to discuss his new book " The Memphis Showboats, The USFL Team and the City's Fight for Major League Status", exploring the USFL team's impact on the city, memorable players and coaches, and Memphis's long-running bid for major-league football. They cover the research and interviews behind the book, the Liberty Bowl crowds, the USFL vs. NFL con...

Rob Fredette interviews author Beth Pellino Dudzik about her multi-book Perfection Saga, the journey from a 25-year idea to a self-published series, and the realities of indie publishing. They discuss Beth’s integration of original songs and AI-generated music videos for the fictional rock band Perfection, her rock ’n’ roll influences, concert memories, and plans for future books and music. Rob an...

Hosts Rob Fredette interviews co-authors Alan Cockrell and Richard Hess about their military careers, the writing process behind their novel" Night of the Bear" , and the real-world aviation and geopolitical experiences that inspired their realistic Cold War–style thriller. They discuss combat flying, ferrying jets worldwide, co-author collaboration, character development, and upcoming projects in...

Host Rob Fredette interviews Debbie DiMaggio — Amazon bestselling author, TEDx speaker, top 1% real estate professional and creator of the "Mindset in Motion" method. They discuss her five-step approach to achieving goals, the marathon that inspired her book and TEDx talk, and practical mindset strategies for business, real estate, and personal growth. The episode also covers market insights for b...

Episode 170 of HODGEPOD: Rob Fredette talks with violinist, composer and filmmaker Yale Strom about his musical life—from childhood lessons and orchestra days to klezmer, rock crossover and global influences. Strom discusses his novel "The Autobiography of the Offenbacher", the violin’s role in preserving culture and memory (including stories tied to the Holocaust), his documentary work, encounter...

Rob Fredette returns from hiatus to host Zach Randles Friedman a two‑podcast creator. They discuss Zach’s journey from pharmaceutical communications to podcasting full‑time, how he finds guests, and the day‑to‑day of producing five‑plus episodes weekly. Topics include near‑death experiences and mediums, remote viewing and missing‑person cases, AI’s role in creative work and research, and life in B...

Rob Fredette shares a personal tribute to Eddie Andelman, the pioneering host of Boston's beloved Sunday-night "Sports Huddle," remembering his influence on sports talk radio and his place in the city's sports history. He recalls working with Eddie at WHDH, memorable moments like picking up Kevin McHale at Logan and competing in a hot dog safari, and how Eddie's warmth, humor, and talent made the...

Bruce Stock, a Canadian veteran, public affairs veteran, and novelist, joins Rob Frenette on HODGEPOD  to discuss his career, his novel about a rare ambidextrous pitcher who transforms baseball, and memorable experiences—from serving at Rideau Hall and peacekeeping in Bosnia to briefing Dan Rather and writing a heartfelt letter from the Canadian flag to Old Glory.

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 — includin...

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 in...

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. ww...

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 mom...

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, plu...

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 fast...

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 ski...

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 pra...

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...

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 boun...

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...

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...

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 impor...

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 nig...

Jim Vaglica recounts a 32-year law enforcement career that includes long service on a regional SWAT team, frontline work during the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt, and protection details for high-profile figures. He also shares behind-the-scenes memories from reality shows like "Expedition Impossible" and "American Grit", his passion for fitness, and his transition into private VIP protection.

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 c...