In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with drummer Greg Clark Jr., fresh off tour with Will Smith and coming off a jazz tribute run with Ledisi. From his roots in the D.C. church scene to high-pressure TV gigs with Ricky Minor and fusion shows with Stanley Clarke, Greg breaks down what it really takes to build a long, sustainable music career.

They talk groove versus chops, negotiating your rate, the politics of the bandstand, and how D.C. basements forged a generation of monsters. Greg’s philosophy? “The shed is for you. The gig is for the song.”

Instagram: @gregclarkjr

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with Lang Zhao. A drummer, composer, and educator whose path has taken him from Northeast China to Los Angeles.

Lang shares his story of growing up in China’s early drum scene, moving to the U.S. to study finance before fully diving into music, and how classical training shaped his rhythmic language. Together, we dive deep into the craft and philosophy of drumming,  from technique and touch to physical health, mentorship, and purpose.

We talk about:

Lang’s perspective bridges two worlds: the technical and the spiritual, offering lessons that go far beyond the drums.

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with actor, writer, musician, and filmmaker Steven Martini for a conversation that’s equal parts creative, grounded, and real.

Steven opens up about his journey from starring in Major Payne to finding his purpose as a storyteller behind the camera. The two talk about what it means to collaborate, the lessons learned from early Hollywood experiences, and how filmmaking becomes a mirror for life. Messy, unpredictable, and deeply human.

Key topics include:

It’s a fun, open, and inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, and building a meaningful body of work.

Where to Find Steven:

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with Dirk Verbeuren, legendary drummer for Megadeth, for a conversation that goes far beyond speed and technique. They dive into the mindset, discipline, and philosophy that fuel one of the most respected players in modern metal.

From his early days with Soilwork to his evolution as Megadeth’s powerhouse drummer, Dirk shares his journey through music, health, and self-mastery. The two discuss how physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional awareness all play equal roles in achieving true control behind the kit and in life.

Key topics include:

Dirk’s perspective is as grounded as it is inspiring, a reminder that even in the most extreme forms of art, discipline and mindfulness are what make it sustainable.

Where to Find Dirk:

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with master drummer Tobias Ralph for a deep and honest conversation about music, discipline, and the lifelong pursuit of groove.

From playing with Adrian Belew’s Power Trio and Nena to performing at the Montreal Drum Festival, Tobias shares the stories, influences, and lessons that shaped his world-class career. The two explore the modern drumming landscape, what’s been gained through social media, and what’s been lost, and reflect on the deeper mindset behind musicianship.

Key topics include:

Tobias’s story is a reminder that mastery isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection, purpose, and staying true to your sound.

Where to Find Tobias:

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with restaurateur and wine importer Jordan Ogron for an unfiltered conversation about hospitality, business challenges, and finding balance in a demanding industry.

From his early days as a teenage opera soloist to running some of Los Angeles’s most respected restaurants, Jordan shares stories that mix humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. The two dive deep into the art of service, the economics of running a restaurant in LA, and Jordan’s growing passion for Spanish and biodynamic wines through his new venture, Legacy Wine Group.

Key topics include:

Jordan’s story is equal parts resilience, creativity, and self-reflection, a reminder that hospitality is about connection, not perfection.

Where to Find Jordan:

Legacy Wine Group: coming soon (legacywinegroup.com)

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy reconnects with his longtime friend Lucas Lechuga, one of Miami’s top real estate brokers, a triathlete, bodybuilder, and entrepreneur.

Lucas shares his incredible journey from Chicago’s trading pits to building Miami Condo Investments, the #1 Miami real estate website, while balancing fitness, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Topics include:

Lucas’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless consistency — proving that the basics, done well, can build empires.

Where to Find Lucas:

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with drummer Darren Poindexter, whose journey has taken him from a small town in Virginia to playing Saturday Night Live with one of today’s hottest artists, Shaboozey.

Darren opens up about:

From rural Virginia roots to the global stage, Darren’s story is all about persistence, authenticity, and passion for drumming.

Where to Find Darren:

Instagram: @dapondrums

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy welcomes his good friend Kevin Spring — celebrity stylist, cowboy, and entrepreneur — for his first-ever podcast appearance. Kevin’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and embracing unexpected opportunities.

We explore:

Kevin’s story highlights the power of second chances, following your passions, and creating a life that blends artistry, business, and personal growth.

Where to Find Kevin:

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with Jeremy Strubel — a conscious chef and breathwork guide based in Venice, California. Jeremy’s story is one of transformation: from 18 years in high-pressure restaurant kitchens to creating holistic dining and wellness experiences that blend food, breath, and community.

We explore:

Jeremy is now developing multi-day retreats on California’s central coast, bringing together food, breath, and community in a way that feels both nourishing and transformative.

Where to Find Jeremy:

Instagram: @j.strubel