HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

32 Years on the Beat: Jim Vaglica's SWAT Stories & the Boston Marathon Manhunt- EPISODE 152

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.

Beats, Ballparks & Backstages: A Candid Conversation with Musician-Journalist Levi Coovert -EPISODE 151

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 influences, and where listeners can find his songs online.
RECORDED DECEMBER 13, 2025
You can follow Levi one:
INSTAGRAM:        @levicoovert
YOUTUBE:            @levicoove
TikTok :                  @levicoove

How Moe Norman Changed My Game — Todd Graves on the Single Plane Swing- EPISIODE 150

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 Intelligent Golf Swing, the academy's technology-driven instruction, and the satisfaction he finds in helping students improve and enjoy the game.
Great conversation.
You can find at these links and sites below.
https://gravesgolf.com
YOUTUBE: @toddgravesgolf
INSTAGRAM: toddgravesgolf
THREADS: toddgravesgolf
Todd has authored one book " The Single Plane Golf Swing"
and another book is due out "The Intelligent Golf Swing"
RECORDED DECEMBER 4, 2025
 

From Arkansas to LA: Nate Mayes on Acting, Murals & Western Dreams- EPISODE 149

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

Ryan Root on Steroids, Prison & Reinvention- EPISODE 148

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
 

Voiceover to Leading Roles — Inside Kayne Harrison's Acting Journey- EPISODE 147

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
 
 

How Transitioning Literally Changed Teegan Toftely's Life at 48 - EPISODE 146

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.
 

Thank God for the Sinners: Inside a Punk‑Fueled Spy Thriller with Author Eric Magun - EPISODE 145

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
 

October's Quiet Legends: 10 Unexpected Heroes Who Won World Series Rings with Author Marshall Garvey-EPISODE 144

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
 

From Child Actor to Pop Rebel: Ricky Rebel on Michael Jackson, Madonna & Stage Life-EPISODE 143

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.