Episode 170 of HODGEPOD: Rob Fredette talks with violinist, composer and filmmaker Yale Strom about his musical life—from childhood lessons and orchestra days to klezmer, rock crossover and global influences.

Strom discusses his novel "The Autobiography of the Offenbacher", the violin’s role in preserving culture and memory (including stories tied to the Holocaust), his documentary work, encounters with figures like Steven Spielberg and Leonard Nimoy, and performs a short live piece.

Rob Fredette returns from hiatus to host Zach Randles Friedman a two‑podcast creator. They discuss Zach’s journey from pharmaceutical communications to podcasting full‑time, how he finds guests, and the day‑to‑day of producing five‑plus episodes weekly. Topics include near‑death experiences and mediums, remote viewing and missing‑person cases, AI’s role in creative work and research, and life in Boston — a wide‑ranging conversation about storytelling, belief, and the future of media.

Rob Fredette shares a personal tribute to Eddie Andelman, the pioneering host of Boston's beloved Sunday-night "Sports Huddle," remembering his influence on sports talk radio and his place in the city's sports history.

He recalls working with Eddie at WHDH, memorable moments like picking up Kevin McHale at Logan and competing in a hot dog safari, and how Eddie's warmth, humor, and talent made the show must-listen radio for decades.

Eddie Andelman was Sports Talk Radio before it came into our culture.

Bruce Stock, a Canadian veteran, public affairs veteran, and novelist, joins Rob Frenette on HODGEPOD  to discuss his career, his novel about a rare ambidextrous pitcher who transforms baseball, and memorable experiences—from serving at Rideau Hall and peacekeeping in Bosnia to briefing Dan Rather and writing a heartfelt letter from the Canadian flag to Old Glory.

Hello, everybody. This is Rob Fredette with the podcast HodgePodge, and welcome back for another episode. My guest today is Jared Maxwell, author of "The Last Gunfighter" and "Wolfhound Dawn", a veteran who served nine years in the Army (35 months in combat) and 11 years in law enforcement. We discuss his experiences from enlisting after 9/11, intense deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan — including the Korengal Valley — airborne training with the 82nd Airborne, SEER survival doctrine, and how those experiences shaped his fast-paced novels focused on PTSD, survival, and moral conflict.

In this episode Rob Fredette interviews Anne Riley about her theory, the Ideasphere, which connects human ideas to biological systems. They explore how ideas evolve, how social media and AI change speech and accountability, and how human societies could learn from nature’s collaborative rules to address inequality, governance, and global challenges.

Riley discusses her background, the book that inspired her, and the practical implications of choosing ideas that support collective survival rather than short-term profit—calling for clearer rules, accountability, and a renewed focus on collaboration.

Rob Fredette interviews William Bernhardt about his new narrative nonfiction book" The Superman Wars", tracing Jerry Siegel’s creation of Superman, the decades-long legal battles over creator rights, and the injustices faced by comic creators.

They also cover Bernhardt’s writing process, editing tips, the WriterCon community, avoiding publishing scams, and practical advice for aspiring authors.

www.williambernhardt.com

www.writercon.com

Host Rob Fredette welcomes author Clayton Trutor for a conversation about Boston and New England sports, focusing on college basketball—Rick Pitino’s revival at St. John’s, Dan Hurley and UConn’s continued dominance in Mens and Women's basq, and the lasting legacies of Jim Calhoun and Gino Auriemma.

The episode covers tournament highlights, the effects of NIL and the transfer portal, memorable moments from the Garden and NCAA tournaments, and the cultural history of Boston sports including the Beanpot and Patriots Day.

Clayton also discusses his books Boston Ball and Loserville, shares stories from sports history, and points listeners to his Substack and social channels for more writing and projects.

https://claytontrutor.wordpress.com

X- @claytontrutor

https://claytontrutor.substack.com

RECORDED APRIL 17TH, 2026

Rob Fredette sits down with Param Gill, a former dentist turned independent filmmaker, to discuss his career and films — from a PTSD-focused community drama to Hotel Hollywood and the political satire Bad President.

They cover the realities of indie filmmaking: financing, casting, distribution, the role of background actors, and how Bad President used real campaign moments to find an audience, plus a look ahead to a sequel and Gill’s advice for aspiring creators.

INSTAGRAM: @paramgill

Rob Fredette talks with Hollywood fitness expert Rehan Jalali about his 30-year career training actors, writing bestselling diet guides, and speaking on health and performance. They cover Jalali’s N.E.S.S. framework (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Supplements), his 80/20 approach to eating, and the importance of customized plans and recovery.

The episode shares practical tips—faster results with fasted morning cardio, hydration guidelines, sleep priorities, supplement basics, and mindset strategies—emphasizing consistency and that it’s never too late to start improving your health.

Rehan Jalali Official Instagram @sixpackdietplan

www.rehanjalali.com

On  X formerly Twitter @sixpackdietplan

Author of the book "Six Pack Diet Plan" can be purchased on Amazon