HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

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.
 

Curiosity Unleashed: How Rashad Woods Built The Podcast 'The Randomness of Nothing'-EPISODE 142

Rob FreDette chats with Rashad Woods, host of The Tron Podcast: "The Randomness of Nothing". They discuss Rashad's journey to starting a podcast, his love of history and documentaries, and how he interviews entrepreneurs, creators and fascinating people from all walks of life.
The episode covers podcasting tips and process—from vetting guests and editing to staying authentic—while touching on martial arts, music, nostalgia and the global reach of independent shows. Visit www.tronpodcast.com to learn more.
RECORDED OCTOBER 12, 2025
www.tronpodcast.com
 

From Last Chair to Center Stage: Candyce Raiford's Musical Rise- EPISODE 141

Rob Fredette sits down with multi-instrumentalist and producer Candice Raiford to trace her musical journey—from childhood talent shows and learning instruments by ear to mastering violin, cello, clarinet, piano and more.
They discuss her creative process, notable experiences with artists and music videos, game-show moments, and upcoming performances in London, offering an intimate look at how she crafts music across genres and platforms.
RECORDED JULY 18, 2025

After the Encore: Rock Widows on Love, Loss, and Legacy with Author Lori Tucker-Sullivan-EPISODE 140

Journalist Lori Tucker-Sullivan explores the untold stories of wives and girlfriends of rock stars in her book " I Can't Remember If I Cried-Rock Widows on Life, Love and Legacy" . Drawing on 22 interviews (14 in the book), she reveals the human side behind fame—grief, devotion, legal battles, and the struggle to protect legacy.
Through intimate conversations and personal reflection, the episode examines how music, youth, and relentless touring shaped these relationships and the lasting impact of loss on fans and families alike.
www.lorituckersullivan.com
RECORDED SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
"I Can't Remember If I Cried-Rock Widows on Life, Love and Legacy" can be purchased on Amazon and Bookshop.org
Please give a listen, follow and share.

Theater by the Lake & Big Names: BPACC's 27th Season Preview-EPISODE 139

Join Michael Bollinger, BPACC’s artistic director, as he previews the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center’s 27th season. The lineup opens October 10 with an outdoor Shakespeare production and includes country legends, tribute acts, family shows, arts‑education performances, and the must‑see Booker T. Jones.
Highlights include Music & Theater by the Lake, Darcy Lynne& Friends (sold out), T. Graham Brown, Artrageous, Mandy Barnett’s Patsy Cline tribute, The Nutcracker, the Phil Collins experience, and youth productions. BPAC is intimate and family friendly—visit BPACC.org or call the box office for tickets and details at (901)-385-5588.
RECORDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
www.bpacc.org
 

Author Amanda Cockrell of the Novel "Are You or Have You Ever Been?" — Inside the Red Scare of 1950s Hollywood- EPISODE 138

Rob Fredette interviews novelist Amanda Cockrell about her historical fiction " Are You or Have You Ever Been?" which explores the Hollywood blacklist, House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings, and the personal and professional fallout of McCarthy-era accusations.
The episode covers real-life stories—Dalton Trumbo, Michael Wilson, and the Hollywood Ten—alongside Cockrell’s dual-timeline novel set in Ojai, focusing on a star’s ruined projects, a contested will, and parallels between 1950s blacklisting and today’s political climate.
Recorded September 19, 2025.
https://www.amandacockrell.com
Are You or Have You Ever Been?" is out December 2!
My parents were screenwriters so this is a book close to my heart. For some background on the Hollywood blacklist see the section above, "About the Blacklist."
Elizabeth Sydney's film career spanned the Golden Age of Hollywood and barely survived Sen. Joe McCarthy's infamous Red Scare hunt for Communists that produced a blacklist that shattered careers. Some of her costars and writer friends weren't so lucky. Now she wants to be buried in her back yard and the will is invalid if she doesn't get her way. A combustible assortment of industry friends, family, former lovers, a man no one has hitherto heard of, half a dozen charitable beneficiaries, and an ungovernable horde of media descend on the small California town where she retired and picked out a spot in her oak grove. As they try to break the will, her reasons begin to surface in the story of an old betrayal of friends by friends and by the country's own government.
 
 

True Crime, Fact or Fiction: A Podcaster's Race to Survive with Author G.A. Sallee -EPISODE 137

G.A. Sallee, an Iraq War veteran and first-time author, discusses his debut fictional true-crime novel "True Crime, Fact or Fiction", in which podcaster Scott Townsend publishes cold cases and becomes the target of a killer. The episode covers the book's plot, key characters like Detective Adelina Alvarez, and Sallee’s writing process.
The conversation also explores themes about the ethics of true-crime entertainment, the editing and self-publishing journey (release October 1), and how personal experience and disciplined writing shaped the novel.
"True Crime, Fact or Fiction" will be released October 1st 2025 and  can be found at all book stores. Walmart, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
RECORDED September 20, 2025.
 

Lights, Camera, Redemption: Robert Gantz on Hollywood and His New Novel "Dead Wings"- EPISODE 136

Rob Fredette interviews cinematographer-turned-author Robert Gantz about his decades in film and music videos, his time shooting commercials and movies in Hollywood and France, and the decision to retire and write his first novel, "Dead Wings". A noir-style crime thriller.
The episode covers Gantz’s work on high-profile music videos and films, the gritty realities of the industry, and his writing process for a pulp-noir thriller about a down-and-out cameraman pulled into a dangerous scheme. Dead Wings is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble Bookstores and  in multiple formats. 
Sit back and listen Robert's film career, his first novel and great movie talk.
https://www.robertgantzasc.com
RECORDED AUGUST 26, 2025
 
The book is a noir-style crime thriller set in Los Angeles and published in July 2025.