HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

Exploring Kansas City's Rich Sports History with Jim Fischer-EPISODE 103

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 City Chiefs, their evolution from the Dallas Texans, and their journey to becoming NFL powerhouses. The episode also explores the city's other sports franchises, including the Kansas City Royals and their championship history, as well as the brief existence of the NHL's Kansas City Scouts.
Join Rob and Jim as they highlight pivotal moments in Kansas City's sports timeline, celebrate the Chiefs' recent successes under the leadership of coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and discuss the potential for a historic NFL three-peat. This is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a compelling look into the rich legacy of Kansas City's sports culture.
RECORDED JANUARY 14, 2025
Please give a listen, follow and share.
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE , SPOTIFY, IHEART, TUNEIN , AUDACY and the PODBEAN APP.

A Legacy of Theaters: Michael Bollinger's Remarkable Career in Performing Arts-EPISODE 102

In this exciting episode of HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette , please listen to a captivating conversation featuring special guest Michael Bollinger. As the artistic director of the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center in Bartlett ,Tennessee. Michael shares his insights into the vibrant world of performing arts, drawing from his extensive experience spanning nearly a decade at the center and a lifetime in theater.
Michael takes us on a journey through his storied career, from founding the Main Stage Theater at Lake of the Ozarks, to leading the historic Lyceum Theater in Missouri, and finally, his role at Bartlett. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about transitioning spaces into thriving theaters and his adventures in theater direction across various notable centers nationwide.
The episode delves into Michael's inspiring work at BPACC ,enhancing its artistic offerings with diverse performances, introducing youth theater, and fostering a welcoming environment for artists and audiences alike. He sets the stage with the current season rich with a variety of performances ranging from music concerts to theater productions, along with the much-anticipated "Music by the Lake"  series.
Michael's love for theater and commitment to artistic excellence shine through as he shares stories, challenges, and strategic improvements made at BPACC, aiming to deliver exceptional cultural experiences to the community. This episode is a must-listen for theater enthusiasts and anyone interested in the inner workings of arts administration.
For tickets please go to https://www.bpacc.org
Call 901-385-6440
RECORDED TUESDAY JANUARY 7, 2025.
HODGEPOD can be heard on Apple, Spotify, IHEART. TuneIn, Audacy and the PODBEAN App.
Please give a listen, follow and share. Thank you for listening!!

I was a guest on the podcast" Nobody Knows Your Story" with host Larry Camp back in November '24- EPISODE 101

**Larry Camp and I connected as I was guest on his podcast" Nobody Knows Your Story". Description from Larry below.**
 
Rob Fredette and I have a lot in common and I suppose that's why we connected. As Rob shares his story he talks about growing up with his brother playing a variety of sports and always being supported by his parents.
Music also was a big part of Rob's life and still is. As Rob considers Boston his home, we talk about some of the bands that came out of the area. We also discuss how music and sports can help make life more enjoyable.
Finally, we talk about Rob's wife and how she has been a great support to him, especially as he has made career related moves. They also share similar passions and that has helped in the almost 25 years they have been together.
We finish our discussion by talking about Rob's podcast; Hodgepod. It's a lot of fun and gives him the flexibility to explore a variety of subjects.

Celebrating 100 Episodes with Larry Camp-EPISODE 100

THANK YOU for listening to HODGEPOD , I truly appreciate it. 2025 will be fun.
Join host Rob Fredette as he celebrates the 100th episode of HODGEPOD with special guest Larry Camp, host of "Nobody Knows Your Story." In this milestone episode, they delve into a variety of intriguing topics, including Larry's love for Hawaii and its culture, the power of human stories, and unforgettable sports moments.
Listen in as Larry shares his unique experiences, from interviewing Hawaiian artists and sharing their music across the globe to reminiscing about historical visits to Pearl Harbor. The conversation takes an inspiring turn when the two recount the triumphs of sporting legends, including the miraculous victory of wrestler Rulon Gardner and the legendary 1980 USA Olympic hockey team.
This episode is a rich tapestry of personal reflections, shared memories, and a deep appreciation for the spirit of Aloha and the human experience. Whether you're a fan of captivating life narratives or legendary sports feats, this episode offers a wonderful blend of insights and entertainment.
Recorded December 14, 2024
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY , IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and THE PODBEAN APP. Please give listen , follow and share. Email: hodgepodallin@yahoo.com
 

From Church to Stage: Andrew McCarter's Rise in Gospel Hip-Hop-EPISODE 99

Welcome to the 99th episode of with Rob Fredette! This episode features a captivating conversation with Andrew McCarter, a renowned gospel hip-hop artist. Join us as Andrew shares his journey from being raised in the church to becoming a celebrated musician. Discover the influences that shaped his music, with nods to icons like Run DMC, Kanye West, and Kirk Franklin.
Andrew delves into his creative process, highlighting how his musical roots tie back to poetry and how his lyrics evolve from powerful beats. The episode also explores the important messages behind his impactful songs "Violence" and "Sin."
Additionally, Andrew discusses his experiences performing across Alabama and beyond, his songwriting process, and insights on maintaining artistic integrity while reaching out to new audiences. Tune in to be inspired by Andrew's dedication to merging faith with art in the vibrant scene of gospel hip-hop.
RECORDED DECEMBER 5, 2024
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, TUNEIN, AUDACY AND THE PODBEAN APP.
Please give a listen , follow and share with friends. Thank you for listening.

Revolutionizing Music with MuseFlow: A Conversation with Patrick Boylan- EPISODE 98

In this engaging episode HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette is joined by special guest Patrick Boylan for the 98th episode, edging closer to the 100th milestone. Patrick, based in LA, is a multi-talented pianist and tech co-founder, who shares his exciting journey from playing at Hollywood piano bars to developing a groundbreaking music education app, MuseFlow.
Patrick introduces himself and dives deep into MuseFlow, an innovative app designed to revolutionize the traditional music learning process. He explains how the app uses generative AI to create personalized music at the user's skill level. This approach aims to make music education more engaging by focusing on sight reading and allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Patrick also shares his personal experiences, from childhood music lessons to his passion for acting and finally co-founding MuseFlow.
Listeners get an insight into Patrick's music influences and his journey through various career paths, including acting and performing at piano bars. His story is a testament to finding joy and innovation in blending technology with music education. Tune in to explore how Patrick's MuseFlow app is transforming the way people learn music, making it a personalized and enjoyable experience.
The Museflow app can be found @ www.museflow.ai.
Patrick has been kind enough to offer HODGEPOD listeners 50% off for life by using the promo code HODGEPOD50. 
HODGEPOD can be found on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN AND THE PODBEAN APP.
Please give a listen, rate ,follow and share.
RECORDED 11-12-2024.
Thank you for listening.

Unveiling the Thrills: A Journey Through Crime and Literature with Brian Brady- EPISODE 97

In this captivating episode of HODGEPOD, host Rob Fredette welcomes Brian Brady, a seasoned law enforcement professional and author, to discuss his intriguing career and literary journey. Episode 97 dives into Brian's 40-year career in law enforcement, which spanned across California and New Mexico, culminating as the police chief of Novato and later as a security executive for NBCUniversal.
Brian shares vivid memories from his early days as a young officer, recounting his first call and the impactful cases he encountered, including his involvement in famous investigations like the Zodiac and Zebra cases. He also reflects on his transition to writing, discussing his thriller series, including his latest book, "Hiding in Plain Sight," which draws inspiration from real-life crime events.
The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of writing, the importance of character development, and the intricacies of crafting a compelling narrative. Brian also gives insight into his experiences in the private sector and his time working in Hollywood. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends the worlds of crime, literature, and the vibrant cityscape of San Francisco.
HODGEPOD can be heard on Apple, Spotify, IHEART, Audacy, TuneIn and the Podbean App.
Please give a listen, follow, rate and share. Thank you for listening.
Recorded Tuesday November 12, 2024

A Melodic Journey with Emily E. Finke -EPISODE 96

Join host Rob Fredette on this captivating episode of the HODGEPOD as he delves into the world of music with the multi-talented singer and musician, Emily E. Finke. With an impressive resume and a voice that enchants, Emily shares her journey in the music industry, from her early beginnings at the age of six to her evolution into a creative entrepreneur.
Emily discusses her unique approach to music, coining the term "nouveau classic" to describe her genre-defying style. She reveals her passion for singing and songwriting, along with the diverse influences that have shaped her musical path. Listeners will gain insight into her creative process, as Emily shares her experiences of writing, arranging, and performing original songs, including her latest release, "Daddy Was a Soldier."
Discover Emily's inspirations, from the timeless melodies of Bing Crosby and Dean Martin to the rich history of music that informs her artistry. With anecdotes about performing at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, Emily offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated musician striving to make her mark.
Tune in to explore the art of music with Emily E. Finke, as she discusses her projects, collaborations, and the joys of creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply curious about the creative process, this episode promises a delightful and insightful experience.
RECORDED NOVEMBER 7, 2024
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, TUNEIN, and the PODBEAN APP.
Please give a listen , follow and share. Email: hodgepodallin@yahoo.com

The Beatles' Transformative Years: Insights from Gene Popa- EPISODE 95

Join host Rob Fredette on HODGEPOD as he welcomes back Gene Popa, the author of a new book exploring a fascinating period in The Beatles' history. In this episode, Rob and Gene dive into the transformative years of The Beatles, from the end of their touring in 1966 to the iconic Summer of Love.
The name of Gene's book is " The Color of Your Dreams" and can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, through his publisher baremannermedia.com as both hard cover and paperback.
Gene shares insights from his book, shedding light on lesser-known events and personal transformations of the band members during this pivotal time. Discover how The Beatles evolved musically and personally, moving away from their mop-top image and embracing new artistic expressions. Learn about the significant roles of Brian Epstein and George Martin, often considered the "fifth Beatles," in shaping the band's trajectory.
Explore the challenges and triumphs The Beatles faced, including the infamous 1966 tour and their time in Memphis. Gene also reveals intriguing stories about potential collaborations and missed opportunities, such as the possibility of recording at Stax Records. Delve into the evolution of The Beatles' sound, the internal dynamics within the band, and the cultural impact they left on music history.
Whether you're a die-hard Beatles fan or new to their legacy, this episode offers a captivating look at a transformative era that redefined The Beatles and left an indelible mark on the world. Don't miss this engaging conversation and uncover the untold stories behind one of the greatest bands of all time.
Thank you for listening. :)
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE,SPOTIFY, AUDACY, TUNEIN AND PODBEAN APP. 
Please give a listen, follow and share. Email hodgepodallin@yaoo.com.
RECORDED NOVEMBER 7 2024

From the Beat to the Book: A Veteran Officer's Journey-EPISODE 94

Join host Rob Fredette on this insightful episode of the HODGEPOD podcast as he welcomes special guest Bill Geiger, a retired police officer with 25 years of experience in law enforcement in Dayton, Ohio. Bill shares his fascinating journey from an unexpected start in the police force to becoming a seasoned officer, exploring various roles including a canine handler and hostage negotiator.
Bill recounts gripping stories from his career, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of police work, and discusses his transition to becoming an author. Discover how his experiences inspired his book, "The Polygraphist," a novel that weaves real-life polygraph cases into a compelling fictional narrative.
Tune in to hear Bill's reflections on the nature of policing, the impact of drug epidemics, and the critical role of community service, as well as his thoughts on the evolving societal issues like road rage and addiction. This episode offers a candid and engaging look at the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer and his continued passion for storytelling.
RECORDED OCTOBER 14, 2024
Please give a listen , follow and share. Email: hodgepodallin@yahoo.com
HODGEPOD can be heard on Apple, Spotify, IHEART, Audacy, TuneIn and the Podbean App.