Claim OwnershipThe Freddy and Friends Podcast
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Freddy & Friends host | Drummer • Singer-Songwriter | Health nut | Helping people navigate life without the noise.
Freddy & Friends is a podcast about real conversations — not self-help fluff or guru talk. Hosted by drummer and singer-songwriter Freddy, each episode dives into the lives of musicians, creators, and everyday legends who are figuring things out, just like the rest of us.
With years of experience touring, recording, and living the creative grind, Freddy brings a grounded perspective to topics like discipline, health, mindset, and the behind-the-scenes of making a meaningful life.
No scripts, no hype — just honest stories, lessons learned the hard way, and a few laughs along the way.
For anyone trying to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.
Follow Freddy at
https://www.instagram.com/freddycharles
https://www.youtube.com/@freddycharles
Listen and learn more at
www.freddyandfriendspodcast.com
25 Episodes
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In this episode of Freddy and Friends, I sit down with designer and creative force Daniel Patrick, the founder of one of Los Angeles’ most respected luxury sportswear brands.
Daniel shares the real story behind building his brand from scratch, from growing up in Sydney and walking away from rugby, to landing in LA with two suitcases and a thousand dollars, to painting an old Bronco as his first moving billboard and biking across the city just to make samples.
They dive into the evolution of the Daniel Patrick aesthetic, the shift from high-end leather goods into tees and sweats, why he still manufactures everything in LA, and how instinct, timing, and constant experimentation shaped the oversized silhouettes the brand is known for.
Whether you’re into fashion, entrepreneurship, or creative storytelling, this episode gives a rare look at what it actually takes to build a real brand with a point of view.
Topics include:
How Daniel went from rugby in Sydney to fashion in Los Angeles
What the early grind really looked like (biking nonstop, consignment sales, hustling without a visa)
The Bronco billboard era and why scrappiness matters
How the brand shifted from leather jackets to tees and sweats
Why everything is still made in LA
How instinct and timing created the signature DP look
Why “overnight success” is always a decade of work
The balance between trend, identity, and long-term design vision
If you care about creativity, craft, or the business behind clothing, this one hits home.
In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with extreme metal drumming pioneer James Payne, known for his elite foot technique, biomechanics-informed approach, and work with bands like Hiss From The Moat, Kataklysm, and major international tours.
Freddy and James dive deep into the real mechanics behind speed, endurance, longevity, and the mental game of elite drumming. James shares how he went from zero formal training to becoming one of the most technically advanced drummers in the world and why efficiency, body awareness, and smart practice beat raw force every time.
If you’re a drummer, this episode will re-wire your brain.
If you’re not, you’ll still learn a ton about mastery, physical intelligence, and the future of extreme music.
Topics include:
How James built elite technique from scratch without formal training
Why your body’s “laziness” can be your secret advantage
Muscle activation, deactivation & why “relax” isn’t enough
Practicing for longevity (no injuries, no burnout)
The evolution of modern speed drumming & culture
The next frontier after 300 BPM
Habits, mindset & why technique is mostly psychology
Whether you’re into drums, discipline, or deep nerdy breakdowns, this one hits hard.
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.”
Key Moments
Church roots, D.C. culture, and why the scene raised killers
Lessons from Aaron Spears and the “basement wars”
The unspoken rules of professionalism and accountability
Real-world gig stories: Will Smith, Snarky Puppy, Stanley Clarke
The art of negotiation and unity among working drummers
Learning from failure and why consistency wins
Favorite albums that changed his playing
Why groove always beats chops
Where to Find Greg
Instagram: @gregclarkjr
Website: gregclarkjr.com
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:
The rise of China’s modern drumming scene
How studying with Matt Garstka, Rob Carson, and Mark Guiliana changed his playing
The evolution of technique and the science of body movement
The intersection of music, mindfulness, and meaning
Why true mastery means balancing discipline with feel
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:
Landing his breakout role in Major Payne and navigating early Hollywood
Why storytelling works best when it’s shared, not solo
The creative freedom (and chaos) of independent filmmaking
Lessons from writing, directing, and scoring his new film Bittersweet
Finding balance between discipline, art, and enjoying life
It’s a fun, open, and inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, and building a meaningful body of work.
Where to Find Steven:
Instagram/TikTok: @stevenmartini
Film: Bittersweet - now streaming on Tubi, Prime Video, and Apple TV
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:
The physical demands of extreme drumming and how Dirk stays healthy through plant-based living and CrossFit
Balancing artistry and aggression in a genre often defined by speed
Lessons learned from Dave Mustaine and life on the road with Megadeth
Overcoming ego, embracing humility, and prioritizing self-awareness
His work with Savage Lands, the nonprofit he co-founded for reforestation and wildlife preservation
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:
Instagram: @dirkverbeuren
YouTube: Dirk Verbeuren
Nonprofit: savagelands.org
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:
The evolution from technique to taste: why simplicity is harder than speed
Life lessons from legends like Billy Cobham, Tony Williams, and Peter Erskine
Balancing art, humility, and mental health in a demanding industry
Finding rhythm in everyday life, from running and property work to meditation and mindset
Why real growth happens when you stop performing for others and start playing for yourself
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:
Instagram: @tobiasralphdrummer
YouTube: Tobias Ralph
Facebook: Tobias Anthony Ralph
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:
Navigating LA’s brutal restaurant landscape and dealing with post-COVID business realities
His philosophy on leadership, including standing up for staff and creating memorable guest experiences
The journey from fine dining to wine importing and why Spanish wines are the most underrated in the world
Balancing work, health, and family after years in high-pressure kitchens
His plans for upcoming wine events and expanding Legacy Wine Group nationally
Jordan’s story is equal parts resilience, creativity, and self-reflection, a reminder that hospitality is about connection, not perfection.
Where to Find Jordan:
Instagram: @jogron2
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:
Losing his first career as a trader, moving to Miami, and reinventing himself in real estate
How lawsuits, SEO mastery, and daily blogging grew his platform into a powerhouse
His Ironman triathlon and bodybuilding journey — and lessons from discipline, TRT, and body image
The role of church, vision boards, and consistent habits in shaping success
Why failure should be welcomed as fuel for growth
His upcoming mobile app project redefining real estate marketing
Lucas’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless consistency — proving that the basics, done well, can build empires.
Where to Find Lucas:
Website: miamicondoinvestments.com
Instagram: @miamilucas | @mciinvestments | @miamilucas.fitness
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:
His chance meeting with Freddy on a flight, en route to SNL
The thrill of touring with Shaboozey across major shows and festivals, from Fallon to Coachella
How his Berklee connections and “be kind, be memorable, be nice” philosophy landed him the gig
Growing up self-taught on drums, inspired by legends like Tony Royster, Dennis Chambers, Carter Beauford, and Teddy Campbell
The challenges of practicing in LA, his love for Tama drums, and obsession with drum tones and mic techniques
Why kindness, rest, and quiet time are his non-negotiables for staying grounded on the road
His positive view of failure as a stepping stone for growth
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:
How his mother’s nudge toward beauty school set him on the path to becoming a top LA stylist
Breaking into the elite Andy LeCompte Salon with persistence, grit, and a “blunt force” approach
Overcoming a troubled youth and alcoholism, and how sobriety gave him the clarity to grow personally and professionally
Reconnecting with his childhood love of horses during COVID, leading to a new venture in horse syndication and competing in reining
Life philosophies rooted in integrity, humility, and continuous learning
How he balances celebrity hairdressing in Los Angeles with his entrepreneurial pursuits in Texas
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:
Hair: kevinspringhair.com
Instagram: @kevin_spring_
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:
His culinary journey, from culinary school to L’Orangerie in Beverly Hills to co-founding Winsom in Los Angeles
The burnout, PTSD, and health challenges that forced him to step away from traditional kitchens
How breathwork became a cornerstone for healing, grounding, and personal growth
His unique approach to combining conscious cooking and breathwork in private dinners, retreats, and events
Daily habits like “habit stacking,” and why self-compassion matters more than rigid discipline
Reflections on failure, creativity, and building a healthier, more connected life
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
In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with drummer and educator JP Bouvet for a deep dive into drumming, teaching, and life. From winning the 2011 Guitar Center Drum-Off at just 21 to building his online school jpbouvetmethod.com, JP has become a leading voice in modern drum education.
We cover:
The breakthrough moment of winning the Drum-Off and how he turned fleeting attention into a long-term career
His unique, psychology-driven method for teaching improvisation and making complex drumming accessible
The role of improvisation as a language, not just for solos but for composing grooves and shaping musical moments
Why he left the touring lifestyle behind to focus on education, family, and creativity
His marketing journey — from resisting ads to embracing meme-style outreach while staying authentic
Daily habits, parenting philosophy, and the health practices that keep him balanced as both a father and entrepreneur
JP’s story is about much more than drumming — it’s about discipline, creativity, and building a meaningful life.
Where to Find JP:
Website: jpbouvetmethod.com (use promo code “Freddy and Friends” for 30 days free)
Band: Childish Japes (5 albums available)
Social: @JPBouvet across platforms
In this episode of Freddy and Friends, I sit down with Nathan Todaro — an entrepreneur, actor, producer, and health and wellness advocate whose journey spans from small business hustle to Hollywood and now holistic health.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky with Sicilian roots, Nathan has worn many hats: from running a coffee shop and barbecue restaurant to selling on Amazon, before co-founding one11 Life — a wellness brand focused on ozone-infused products for healing and detoxification. He’s also acted and produced in projects like Chicago P.D., The Gift of Christmas, and most recently, Popeye the Slayer Man (2025), a B-horror slasher film now streaming on Amazon Prime.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including:
His entrepreneurial journey — from coffee carts to launching one11 Life (https://www.one11life.com/)
The science and story behind ozone-infused products and why he sees toxicity as the root of disease
The challenges of acting post-COVID and why producing became his next creative path
Meditation, clean water, and the daily habits that helped him overcome trauma and depression
His candid views on dating apps, masculinity, and the role of emotional intelligence in relationships
How travel and solo time — from Tulum to Thailand — have given him perspective and creative resets
Nathan’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your own path, even when the world pushes you in a different direction.
Where to Find Nathan:
Instagram: @Nathan_Todaro
Website: https://www.one11life.com/
In this episode of Freddy and Friends, I sit down with Julian Black — restaurateur, musician, and creative force behind Alba Los Angeles and Cucina Alba in New York City.
Julian shares his journey from growing up in LA to becoming assistant GM at Carbone in New York, running some of the most iconic dining rooms in the country, and now returning to LA to set new standards in food, service, and hospitality.
We talk about:
The differences between running restaurants in LA vs. New York
Lessons from working at Carbone and The Grill
Why leadership means “killing with kindness”
Balancing the grind of hospitality with music, health, and personal growth
His creative side as a guitarist and what Laurel Canyon means to him
Daily practices like cold plunges, fitness, and therapy that keep him grounded
This conversation is part restaurant masterclass, part life reflection, and part jam session. Whether you’re in the industry, love food, or just want to hear from someone chasing excellence while staying human, this one delivers.
In this episode of Freddy and Friends, I sit down with Louie Palmer — drummer, educator, and founder of Play Better Drums. Known for his technical precision and deep musical vocabulary, Louie opens up about his journey from London to Los Angeles, his influences, and how he’s navigating the changing landscape of the drumming world.
We get into:
Moving from London to LA and finding the right creative environment
Early inspiration from legends like Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, and Tony Williams
The pros and cons of traditional grip in a modern context
Building Play Better Drums and passing on the lineage of great drumming
The rise of short-form drumming clips — and why he values musicality over trends
How tennis, daily habits, and self-criticism keep him sharp
His upcoming work with Greg Howe and the challenge of writing his own music
Whether you’re a drummer, a musician, or just someone interested in discipline, resilience, and passion, Louie’s story is packed with insight.
In this episode of Freddy & Friends, I sit down with Grant L. Roberts, one of the most sought-after body transformation experts in Hollywood.
He’s the man behind iconic physiques like Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby, Kumail Nanjiani in Eternals and Nicholas Alexander Chavez in The Menendez Story — but this conversation goes way beyond fitness.
We talk about:
How he prepares actors to embody world-class athletes on screen
Why discipline is the ultimate self-love
Body recomposition and what most people get wrong about weight loss
The connection between physical change and emotional transformation
His mission to bring real wellness into communities through Healthy and Fit Communities
This one is packed with no-BS insight on what it takes to level up your body, mind, and life — sustainably.
In this episode of Freddy & Friends, I sit down with my brother-in-law, Louis India, who made a bold decision most people only dream about — leaving the U.S. and building a completely different life in Vietnam.
From his early days as a snowboard bum to navigating culture shock and burnout in Ho Chi Minh City, Louis shares what it really means to reject the rat race and prioritize peace of mind over status or money.
We talk about:
Moving abroad with just $5,000 and a TEFL certificate
The grind of starting over in a foreign country
Learning resilience, independence, and self-reliance
How Vietnam gave him space to grow, reset, and stay grounded
The trip he's planning with his father — a Vietnam War veteran — to close a 50-year loop
Whether you’re burned out, curious about expat life, or just tired of the same old script, this conversation is packed with perspective and calm clarity.
In this episode of Freddy & Friends, Dr. Alexander Rizk shares what led him to rethink the way modern medicine is practiced.
We talk about:
The problem with the standard doctor-patient relationship
How the system is failing both patients and doctors
What it means to actually listen — and why most healthcare doesn’t
Balancing hustle with health, and what presence really means in medicine
It’s not about hype or hacks — it’s about human connection, honest care, and reimagining what it means to help someone heal.
Cody Tarpley is a 3x Grammy-nominated, 11x platinum producer and mixing engineer with over 4 billion streams to his name — but what really makes his story powerful is the mindset behind it all.
In this episode of Freddy & Friends, Cody opens up about:
What it really takes to create music that moves people
The emotional side of producing, mixing, and collaborating with artists
Life after winning a Grammy — and how it changes you (or doesn’t)
Why clarity and storytelling matter more than ever in today’s music landscape
How to stay inspired when the industry tries to burn you out
Whether you're a bedroom producer, seasoned artist, or just a fan of honest conversations about creativity, this one’s got something for you.
No gurus. No hype. Just real talk with people doing the work.
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