HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette

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. 

El Diablo & Desert Grit: C.J. Shaman’s Outlaw Rock Story- EPISODE 135

Rob Fredette sits down with boundary-pushing rock artist C.J .Shaman to explore his musical journey — from small-town Arizona roots and 80s MTV influences to his raw outlaw-soul sound and the personal story behind the single "El Diablo."
They discuss C.J.'s evolution through genres, memorable live shows, studio life, sobriety, fatherhood, and upcoming projects including a Nashville recording and global rollout for El Diablo de Ocho.
RECOREDED AUGUST 28, 2025.
His latest album, El Diablo De Ocho: The Devil of Eight, is a powerful exploration of conflict, redemption, and personal transformation. With eight gritty, guitar-driven tracks, the album cements C.J.'s place as a rising force in modern rock—one that honors its roots while carving out a sound all his own.
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN RADIO AND THE PODBEAN APP.
hodgepodallin@yahoo.com
Connect with C.J. below:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRKHBXkzMVWcKF0Dom_0xg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-j-shaman-3b2987138/
https://soundcloud.com/user-260605909
https://open.spotify.com/album/1Aj9XAwqKGFTFszPEoOdrR?si=9HYX3ItQiOBd4Jla6oTtQ

Shannon Grace, the Graceful Healer discusses Simple and Practical Tools for everyday Stress -EPISODE 134

In this episode Rob Frenette interviews Shannon Grace about her journey from a successful tech and entrepreneurial career to becoming an energy healer. Shannon shares her experience with anxiety, being laid off, discovering reiki and pure bioenergy healing, and how somatic work can free trapped emotions that show up as physical illness.
The conversation also offers simple, practical tools for everyday stress relief—meditation, grounding, breath work, movement, and building community—along with how healing work can help people reclaim inner peace and evolve into a healthier, more empowered version of themselves.
RECORDED JULY 15, 2025
Shannon can be found at:
Instagram: @the _graceful_healer
www.thegracefulhealer.com
Email: shannon@thegracefulhealer.com
HODGEPOD can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN RADIO AND THE PODBEAN APP.
hodgepodallin@yahoo.com

I-70 Showdown: Inside the 1985 Royals-Cardinals World Series-EPISODE 133

Rob Fredette was joined by author Marshall Garvey to explore the memorable 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. They discuss Garvey’s book Interstate 85 with player interviews, the famous Denkinger call, unexpected heroes, and the series’ lasting legacy.
The episode blends game recaps, personal anecdotes from players, behind-the-scenes details, and the broader nostalgia of 1980s baseball, offering a fresh look at an underrated championship.
https://marshallpgarvey.com
Marshall's book "Interstate '85 The Royals, The Cardinals and the Show-Me World Series"
Publisher-University of Missouri Press
You can find the book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble
 
RECORDED AUGUST 21, 2025
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hodgepodallin@yahoo.com

Remembering the King: The Day Elvis Presley Died. Episode 85

A replay of this episode remembering the day Elvis died.
Join Rob Fredette on this special encore episode of HodgePod as we revisit the chaotic days following Elvis Presley's death on August 16th, 1977. This episode features original news coverage from Memphis, Tennessee, capturing the pandemonium and the immense outpouring of grief from fans and celebrities alike.
Relive the detailed reports from major news outlets including NBC, CBS, and BBC, and hear personal anecdotes from locals who experienced the event firsthand. Discover fascinating statistics about Elvis's monumental impact on music, and enjoy a trip down memory lane with facts about his record-breaking career.
Don't miss this heartfelt tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, whose legacy continues to captivate the world.
Please give a listen, follow and rate.
HODGEPOD can found on Apple, Spotify, IHEART, Audacy, TuneIn and the Podbean App
 

Exploring Renaissance Mysteries: A Conversation with Ken Tentarelli- EPISODE 131

Join Rob Fredette on the latest episode of HODGEPOD as he welcomes author Ken Tentarelli to discuss the fascinating world of historical fiction. Tentarelli, who transitioned from a career in engineering to writing, shares his journey into becoming an author and the inspiration behind his historical mystery series set during the Italian Renaissance. Following their love for travel through Italy, Tenterelli offers insights into the nuances of Italian history, culture, and the authenticity that historians demand from his genre.
As they dive into his upcoming book due for release September 25th  "The Blackest Time," listeners get a sneak peek into a story set during the devastating period of the Black Plague. Tentarelli highlights the parallels between past pandemics and modern challenges, emphasizing the human resilience portrayed in his novels. Departing with tales of exploration, both literary and personal, this conversation isn't one to miss for history buffs and fiction enthusiasts alike.
www.kententarelli.com
The Blackest Time: A Novel of Florence during the Black Plague Paperback will be available on Amazon September 25, 2025. You can preorder now!!
RECORDED JULY 6, 2025
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Exploring South Dakota: Mysteries, Monuments, and Stories with Alan Maas- EPISODE 130

Join host Rob Fredette as he sits down with Alan Maas, a South Dakota-based author, researcher, and tour guide, to delve into the rich history and fascinating mysteries of South Dakota. With a focus on the American West's forgotten stories, the episode explores iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the intriguing tales behind Alan's Kind Legacy Series, and the allure of the Black Hills.
Listeners will discover unique insights into South Dakota's geography, the historic gold rush era, and the enduring legacy of figures like General Custer. Alan shares personal anecdotes and lesser-known facts about South Dakota, making this episode a captivating journey into the past and present of a state bursting with history.
RECORDED JUNE 26, 2025
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Looking back at the Cold War and current Ukraine - Russia war and the Middle East conflict with US Foreign policy expert Ronald Bee-EPISODE 129

In this episode of the HODGEPOD, Rob Fredette welcomes U.S. Foreign policy expert Ronald Bee to discuss pressing global issues. Ronald Bee, with his extensive background in international relations and national security, shares his insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the historical impact of the Cold War, and the complexities of the Middle East crisis.
Listeners gain a deep understanding of how past events shape current international dynamics and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace. Tune in to learn from Ronald's rich experiences and expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of global affairs.
Ronald has worked as a public affairs analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna, Austria), as a foreign policy analyst at the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service (CRS, DC), as a Special Assistant for National Security Affairs at Palomar Corporation, with projects conducted for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Energy, the DoD Office of International Security Affairs, and the Presidential Commission on Chemical Warfare Review (DC), as a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow for American Leadership working for the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament (Bonn) and the Governing Mayor of West Berlin the year before the Berlin Wall fell. In addition he served in fellowships at the Princeton Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, the Aspen Institute, Berlin, and the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria.
RECORDED JULY 29, 2025
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