The Freddy and Friends Podcast

Freddy Charles
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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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

  1. 12/17/2025

    Daniel Patrick on Style Vision and the Real Journey Behind the Brand | Freddy and Friends

    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.

    1h 1m

  2. 11/26/2025

    Inside the Mind of James Payne | Freddy and Friends Podcast

    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.

    1h 8m

  3. 11/12/2025

    More Than Chops: Greg Clark Jr. on What Really Matters | Freddy and Friends

    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

    1h 24m

  4. 11/05/2025

    Lang Zhao on Drumming, and Finding Your Sound | Freddy and Friends

    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.

    1h 11m

  5. 10/29/2025

    Steven Martini on Storytelling, Collaboration & the Real Work of Creativity | Freddy and Friends

    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

    1h 10m

  6. 10/22/2025

    Dirk Verbeuren on Drumming, Discipline & the Art of Extreme Precision | Freddy and Friends

    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

    57 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Tobias Ralph: Life, Drums, and the Space Between the Notes | Freddy and Friends

    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

    1h 18m

  8. 10/08/2025

    Jordan Ogron: Wine, Leadership, and the Realities of LA Hospitality | Freddy and Friends

    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)

    1h 20m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Freddy Charles
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Freddy and Friends Podcast