The Freddy and Friends Podcast

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

Lucas Lechuga: From Wall Street to Miami Real Estate, Fitness, and Faith | Freddy and Friends

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

Darren Poindexter on Touring with Shaboozey, Drumming, and Staying True | Freddy and Friends

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