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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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 athttps://www.instagram.com/freddycharleshttps://www.youtube.com/@freddycharlesListen and learn more atwww.freddyandfriendspodcast.com
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