HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

In this captivating episode, join host Rob Fredette on the HODGEPOD as he welcomes back Bern Haber, who shares the poignant story of his grandfather, Fritz Haber, a German soldier imprisoned in an American POW camp during World War II. Delve into Fritz's compelling diary, 'The Complete Diary, 16 Months in an American POW Camp,' revealing the stark realities on the German side.

Through excerpts from the diary, explore the challenges...

Join host Rob Fredette on HODGEPOD as he sits down with the multifaceted Aaron Taylor, a renowned social media influencer, songwriter, and filmmaker. This episode delves into Aaron's fascinating journey from making beats in Atlanta to achieving viral success with his hit parody "Obama Millie." Discover how Aaron navigated the complexities of early social media, drew inspiration from the legendary Weird Al Yankovic, and transformed ...

In this episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes the multi-talented Hollywood producer and author Dan De Filippo. Known for his remarkable career in film and his award-winning contributions, Dan shares his fascinating journey from surfing escapades to establishing Pipeline Entertainment. As the producer of captivating movies like "Dementia 13" and "Catskill Park," Dan offers insights into the intricacies of filmmaking and th...

Join host Rob Fredette in this engaging episode of HODGEPOD as he welcomes special guest Lonnie A Copeland, also known as Chico Dusty. Explore Lonnie's multifaceted career as he delves into his experiences and achievements in the fashion design, music, and film industries. Lonnie shares insights into his creative journey, discussing his new short film 'The Exceptional,' which highlights redemption and personal growth through its co...

In this episode of the HODGEPOD ,  Rob Fredette welcomes special guest Michael Marco, an actor and director, to discuss his action-packed film, "Blind Blood." Michael shares insights about his journey from growing up in the south of France to becoming a filmmaker in the United States. The conversation delves into the makings of "Blind Blood," from the initial concept inspired by a personal experience, to the challenges of casting a...

Join host Rob Fredette in another riveting episode of HODGEPOD as he welcomes David Lashley, a seasoned self-defense instructor and court security expert. With over 23 years of experience, David shares invaluable insights on situational awareness, personal protection, and de-escalation tactics.

Listen as they discuss the importance of being alert to one's surroundings in daily life, whether at a restaurant, shopping center, or on t...

Join host Rob Fredette on the HODGEPOD as he sits down with the acclaimed movie director and producer, Jaze Bordeaux. In this episode, Jaze shares insights into his award-winning film, EFC, a groundbreaking sports drama that highlights the rise of women's mixed martial arts. Discover the challenges and triumphs of bringing this visionary project to life and get a sneak peek at Jaze's exciting upcoming projects, including a thrillin...

In this episode of the HODGEPOD, join host Rob Fredette as he delves into a captivating conversation with author Ben Crockett. Ben shares the story behind his first novel, "Squeeze Light," inspired by his childhood adventures beneath the streets of Los Angeles. As they explore both the thrills and the eerie aspects of urban exploration, listeners are taken on a journey through the tunnels that shaped Ben's youth. Discover how these...

In this exciting episode of the HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes special guest Walter Blau for an in-depth discussion about the iconic 1995 film 'Casino.' Known for its star-studded cast and brilliant storytelling by director Martin Scorsese, 'Casino' provides a deep dive into the world of organized crime and the evolution of Las Vegas. Rob and Walter explore this cinematic masterpiece by revisiting its most memorable scenes, i...

In this engaging episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes Martha Burns, the author of "Blind Eye," to discuss her fascinating journey from a career as a CPA to becoming a full-time writer. Burns shares her motivations and inspirations behind "Blind Eye," a novel set in southeastern New Mexico, driven by real events and community impacts. Through vivid narrative and compelling storytelling, "Blind Eye" explores themes of rura...

Join Rob Fredette on this captivating episode of HODGEPOD as he sits down with Paul DeNigris a seasoned professional in the world of film and television. With a career spanning three decades, Paul shares his journey from building LEGO spacecrafts as a child to founding his own company, Foxtrot X-Ray. Specializing in visual effects, Paul delves into the intricacies of his craft and the evolving role of AI in film production.

Paul di...

In this episode of HODGEPOD, Rob Fredette welcomes a very special guest, Julie Hanagan. Julie shares her incredible journey from being an elementary school teacher to exploring the world of health and fitness, culminating in a personal battle with a rare autoimmune disease.

Julie talks about the power of treating our bodies as gifts and nourishing them from the inside out. Her story is a testament to resilience, as she overcame a b...

In this captivating episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes Joseph Bolton to explore his French-Canadian ancestry and deep-rooted history in New England. Episode 109 dives into the migration patterns of French Canadians from Quebec and New Brunswick to the New England region, particularly focusing on the traditional communities that blossomed around the 20th century. Joseph shares fascinating discoveries from his genealogic...

In this engaging episode of the HODGEPOD Rob Fredette sits down with Dr. Ken Peters, a distinguished author and biotechnology expert. Join them as they delve into Dr. Peters' fascinating career, which spans across continents and industries. Discover how his experiences in economics, biotechnology, and international business have influenced his captivating thriller novels.

Dr. Peters shares anecdotes from his extensive travels, reca...

In this thrilling episode of  HODGEPOD host Rob Fredette is joined by special guest Russell Guest, co-host of the Retro Movie Roundtable podcast. Together, they embark on a captivating discussion about Terminator 2, the iconic film that captivated audiences upon its release in 1991 and continues to resonate today.

Russell shares insights into the movie's groundbreaking special effects, the legendary performances by stars like Arnol...

In this episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes special guest Jeff Patterson, a martial arts instructor and meditation expert from Portland, Oregon. They delve into the transformative power of meditation, particularly for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Jeff shares his journey from a young boxer to a seasoned meditation practitioner, emphasizing the life-changing advice he received from a reputable boxing coach. Discover ...

In this fascinating episode , Rob Fredette welcomes Jack Moore, an expert on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, to discuss one of the most intriguing events in American history.

Listeners will be taken on a journey through the significant moments surrounding JFK's assassination, exploring various conspiracy theories, the dynamics of the Warren Commission, and the cultural impact of the infamous Zapruder film. Jack Moore shares h...

In this episode of the HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes special guest Jim Eaves, a UK-based filmmaker and podcast host of The Honest Filmmaker. Known for his thrilling horror and sci-fi creations such as Bane, The Witch's Hammer and The Apocalypse Box (2024), Jim shares his journey from independent filmmaking to the international stage.

Rob and Jim also talk "The Apocalypse Box" which came out in 2024.

As they dive into a conve...

In this episode of HODGEPOD host Rob Fredette welcomes back Jim Fischer to delve into the captivating history of Kansas City's sports scene. With insights spanning over two decades, Fischer shares his journey of researching the city's transformation from having no professional teams in the 1950s to becoming a vibrant sports hub.

Listeners will uncover a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes, including the origins of the Kansas Ci...