The Freddy and Friends Podcast

Kevin Spring on Hair, Horses & Finding Redemption | Freddy and Friends

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_
 

Jeremy Strubel on Conscious Cooking, Breathwork & Finding Balance | Freddy and Friends

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

JP Bouvet on Improvisation, Creativity & Building a Life Beyond the Drum-Off | Freddy and Friends

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
 

Nathan Todaro on Health, Entrepreneurship & Redefining Masculinity | Freddy and Friends

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/

Julian Black on Food, Music & Leadership: Bringing New York Standards to LA | Freddy and Friends

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.

Louie Palmer: Drumming and Thriving in Today’s Music World | Freddy and Friends

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.

Grant L. Roberts on Discipline, Self-Worth & Training for Greatness | Freddy & Friends

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.

Louis India on Escaping the Grind, Living Abroad & Choosing Peace Over Pressure | Freddy & Friends

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.

Dr. Alexander Rizk on Redefining Healthcare, Building Trust & The Future of Medicine | Freddy & Friends

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.
 

Grammy-Winning Producer Cody Tarpley on Emotion, Art & the Real Work | Freddy & Friends

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.