Best Rob Francois Podcasts (2025)

1
Stupid Girl 🎸 Tribute to Garbage & Chicago Scene Stories | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:07:42

Play Pause

16h ago1:07:42

1:07:42

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Stupid Girl — Chicago’s tribute to Garbage featuring vocalist Julie, guitarist Brooke Hernandez, and bassist/programmer Michael Laskowski. Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes as they talk with Stupid Girl about: 🎸 Why Garbage’s music …

1
Capturing Light – Episode 166 with Nathan Blaze 27:05

6d ago27:05

27:05

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Working as a Jack of All Trades . Run Some technical specs of the film. Director of Photography: Nathan Blaze https://www.instagram.com/nathanblazefilms/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/run-post-apocalyptic-thriller-film–2#/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafZKA_hzS7fa2d1xHf7PWoPO7WBvMfT_audWbFIQ…

1
David Edward Bellah 🎤 80’s High Notes & Fast Times | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:02:04

8d ago1:02:04

1:02:04

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome David Edward Bellah — powerhouse vocalist of Fast Times Chicago and My 80’s Band, known for his soaring high notes and energy-packed performances.Host Pete Jansons talks with David about:🎸 His musical journey from stage to radio🎤 Singing the classics with Fast Times & My 80’s Band🔥 Sto…

1
Turning Expiring Options Into Venture Exposure [Vested’s Dave Thornton] | #597 43:13

12d ago43:13

43:13

Today’s guest is Dave Thornton, co-founder & Chief Customer Officer of Vested, which helps startup employees unlock the value in their equity. In today’s episode, Dave walks through the messy reality of startup stock options, noting $600 billion of startup equity is abandoned over a market cycle. He explains how Vested helps solve this problem by p…

1
Dave & Remy Zeiger 🎸 School of Rock to Stage | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 59:03

15d ago59:03

59:03

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Dave & Remy Zeiger — a father–daughter bassist duo spanning jazz chops, funk grooves, and Chicago cover/tribute stages.Host Pete Jansons is joined by booker Beth Miller to talk with Dave & Remy about:🎸 Growing through Libertyville School of Rock and jumping to real stages🎤 Bass influen…

1
Innovative Tax Strategies in Bond Investing [Alex Morris] | #596 1:00:09

19d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Today’s guest is Alex Morris, the CEO & CIO of F/m Investments, a $19 billion investment firm. In today’s episode, Alex & Meb walk through the evolution of investment strategies and what led Alex to launch a series of bond-centric ETFs, with TBIL emerging as the breakout success. He also highlights his new “Compoundr” series, seeks to convert bond …

1
Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:04:19

22d ago1:04:19

1:04:19

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Francois Smit — guitarist for Empress and a rising force in Chicago’s rock scene.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with Francois about:🎶 His journey from South Africa to Chicago’s music scene🎸 Life in Empress with Tamara Woodruff, A…

1
Bob Elliott on The Biggest Macro Experiment of Our Lifetime | #595 1:05:58

26d ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Subscribe to YouTube Today’s guest is Bob Elliott, CEO and CIO of Unlimited, which uses machine learning to create low-cost index replications of 2&20 style alternative investments. Prior to founding Unlimited, Bob served on the Investment Committee at Bridgewater Associates and led Ray Dalio’s investment research team for nearly a decade. In today…

1
Rob Stepen 🎸 Lost Tapes, Steve Albini & Joey’s Song | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:37:23

29d ago1:37:23

1:37:23

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Rob Stepen — Chicago rocker, storyteller, and frontman of The Generations. Rob’s story is incredible: in 1985 he recorded songs that sat forgotten for nearly four decades in his attic. Thanks to legendary producer Steve Albini, those long-lost tapes were restored and re-released as the…

1
The Parallels of Past and Present in Finance - Mark Higgins | #594 59:07

1M ago59:07

59:07

Today’s guest is Mark J. Higgins, a Senior VP for IFA Institutional, where he focuses on providing advisory services to institutions. He’s also the author of Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future, which is one of my favorite books on financial history. In today’s episode, Mark explores the parallels betw…

1
Kevin Zeiger 🎸 Sad Machines Smashing Pumpkins Tribute | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:00:13

1M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Zeiger of Sad Machines — Chicago’s fast-rising Smashing Pumpkins tribute band. With shows booked at Broken Oar (Oct 11) and the Cubby Bear (Nov 23) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Sad Machines are quickly becoming a must-see for al…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 165 with Alison Kelly 42:32

1M ago42:32

42:32

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Balancing working as a cinematographer and family. Ironheart Some technical specs of the show. Shot on Sony Venice – Anamorphic and Spherical Lenses Director of Photography: Alison Kelly https://www.alisonkelly.net/ https://www.instagram.com/abirdk/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0446170/ Check o…

1
A Golden Moment for Asset Allocation? | Mike Philbrick | #593 55:41

1M ago55:41

55:41

Today’s returning guest is Mike Philbrick, CEO of ReSolve Asset Management and Founding Member of the Return Stacked Team. In today’s episode, Mike discusses the evolving role of gold and Bitcoin in investment portfolios given the current economic landscape. He explores the historical performance of gold, its risk premium, and how it can help negat…

1
Nick Sanzeri 🎤 Singing Basslines, Bass Cam & Bruno Mars | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:17:13

1M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Sanzeri — a powerhouse bassist, solo artist, and frontman known for his slick tone, wireless rig, and signature bass cam videos that turn heads and book gigs.Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, with guest host Wally Swiatly…

1
Regina Karma 🎤 From Mississippi Gospel to Chicago Soul | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:25:15

2M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the powerhouse vocalist Regina Karma — a Mississippi-born singer who has lit up Chicago’s stages with soul, R&B, jazz, and gospel.Joining hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, along with special guest hosts Chris “CBob” Bobrowski (Rok Brigade) and …

1
KKR's Henry McVey - Regime Change is Here: Think Differently About Asset Allocation | #592 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

Today’s guest is Henry McVey, Head of Global Macro & Asset Allocation and Firmwide Market Risk and CIO of the KKR Balance Sheet. In today’s episode, Henry discusses the current macroeconomic landscape, emphasizing the regime change underway. He touches on the implications of a decline in the US dollar, where he sees opportunities in global markets,…

1
Justin Wallace Live 🎸 Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 45:11

2M ago45:11

45:11

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the incredibly talented Justin Wallace — a rising star out of Johnsburg, IL, who’s already shared the stage with American Idol winner David Cook and AGT standout Mitch Rossell. At just 23, Justin is quickly becoming one of the most versatile and talked-about performers in the Chicagola…

1
Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Super-Unknown & Ten | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 1:12:44

2M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

🎙️ On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we sit down with Chris “CBob” Babrowski—frontman of Rok Brigade, plus vocalist for Super‑Unknown and Ten—to break down what makes Chicago’s tribute scene so electric.Hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive deep into CBob’s journey: how he com…

1
Tax Strategies, Exchange Funds, and Portfolio Optimization with Wes Gray & Srikanth Narayan | #591 51:21

2M ago51:21

51:21

Today’s guests are Wes Gray, founder, CEO and Co-CIO of Alpha Architect, and Srikanth Narayan, founder and CEO of Cache, which he started in 2022 after experiencing concentrated stock positions in his own portfolio. Previously, he served in engineering and product leadership positions at Uber and Alphabet. In today’s episode, Meb, Wes & Srikanth sh…

1
John Petitt of Big Brothers Vinyl 🎸 Deadfest & Yacht Rock | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 1:17:44

2M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we go deep with the powerhouse cover band Big Brothers Vinyl! Joining us are John Petitt (lead vocals, guitar), Rick “Professor Rick” Fobes (keyboards), Ryan Aiello (drums, vocals), and band historian Joe McMahon—with full shoutouts to fellow bandmates George Lemperis (guitar, vocals)…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 164 with Francois Dagenais, CSC 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Smoke Some technical specs of the show. Shooting on Venice 2 and Hawk lenses Director of Photography: Francois Dagenais, CSC www.francoisdagenaisdp.com https://www.instagram.com/francoisdagenais/ Check out the trailer to: Smoke Check out the scr…

1
Goldman Sachs’ Sara Naison-Tarajano - Family Office Whisperer | #590 48:55

3M ago48:55

48:55

Today’s guest is Sara Naison-Tarajano, Global Head of Private Wealth Management Capital Markets and Goldman Sachs Apex. Sara has been at Goldman Sachs for over 25 years, and currently leads a worldwide platform that delivers multi-asset trading, financing, and direct-investment opportunities to some of the firm’s largest family offices. In today’s …

1
Moon Band Reunion 🎸 Brian Priest & Dannie Schramm | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 45:42

3M ago45:42

45:42

On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we welcome two legends of Chicago’s suburban rock scene — Brian Priest and Dannie Schramm of the iconic band Moon — as they prepare for their long-awaited reunion show on July 26 at the Vixen Theater in McHenry!Hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes…

1
Dan Rasmussen & D.A. Wallach on The Future of Biotech and Healthcare | #589 1:26:27

3M ago1:26:27

1:26:27

Today’s guests are Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisers, and D.A. Wallach, a venture capital investor for Time BioVentures and an acclaimed recording artist. Pharrell Williams discovered D.A.’s band Chester French and signed the group to Interscope Records. In today’s episode, Dan & D.A. discuss the current state of biotech, the impact of AI o…

1
Jim O’Connell (Anchors Away, Snapshot) | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 57:23

3M ago57:23

57:23

Jim O’Connell, lead singer of Anchors Away and Snapshot, joins the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast to talk about fronting two of the area’s most beloved bands, pushing through intense summer heat while living with cystic fibrosis, and connecting with crowds across Chicagoland.Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “R…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 163 with Rick Joaquim, SASC 29:52

3M ago29:52

29:52

In this episode, we talk about How music can affect your visual language. Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Can You See Us? Director of Photography: Rick Joaquim, SASC https://www.rickjoaquim.com/pages/contact https://www.instagram.com/rickjoaquim/ Check out the trailer to: Can You See Us. Check out the Scree…

1
Victor Haghani on Predicting the Market and Disciplined Asset Allocation | #588 1:13:32

3M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Today’s guest is Victor Haghani, founder and CIO of Elm Wealth, which focuses on managing wealth with an emphasis on diversification, low fees, and tax efficiency. He’s also the author of The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions. In today’s episode, Victor explores the Crystal Ball challenge, and how position sizing can be ev…

1
Bongo Mike: Inside the Life of a Percussionist | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast 44:39

3M ago44:39

44:39

🪘 Get ready to dive into the life behind the rhythm with Bongo Mike, the legendary Chicago percussionist who’s powered bands like The Mosquitoes, Black Diamond Sessions, and more. In this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast, hosts Pete Jansons and Mike Orfanos take you inside Bongo Mike’s world of 90+ drums, his signature washboard gl…

1
Rob Arnott & Cam Harvey on Passive Investing Risks, The AI Boom & Stimulus That Doesn’t Stimulate | #587 1:11:36

3M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Today’s guests are Rob Arnott, founder and Chairman of the board of Research Affiliates, and Campbell Harvey, Head of Research at Research Affiliates and Professor of Finance at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. In today’s episode, Rob and Cam touch on the state of value investing in a megacap dominated market, emphasizing the potent…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 162 with Jonathan Nicholas 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Some technical specs of the show. Director of Photography: Jonathan Nicholas https://www.jonathannicholasdp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbnicholas https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3112410/ …

1
Tamara Woodruff (Blue Bayou) – Linda Ronstadt Tribute Takes Off | Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

In this powerful episode of the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Tamara Woodruff, the powerhouse vocalist behind Blue Bayou, Chicagoland’s premier Linda Ronstadt tribute band! Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and Pete Jansons, this conversation dives deep into Tamara’s inspiring journey—from recovering from open-he…

1
Whitney Baker on the End of ‘Buy the Dip’ & the American Bubble | #586 1:45:05

3M ago1:45:05

1:45:05

Today we’re joined by Whitney Baker, founder of Totem Macro and one of the sharpest minds in macro investing. Whitney was previously the head of Emerging Markets at Bridgewater Associates and worked at Soros Fund Management under current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In today’s episode, Whitney discusses the current macroeconomic landscape, emp…

1
Tony Engel of Blockchain Coalition & GraveReign on Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 1:34:59

4M ago1:34:59

1:34:59

Welcome to the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast with Tony Engel, lead singer of Blockchain Coalition and GraveReign! From originals like “Caught in the Undertow” to a fresh “West End Girls” cover, Tony shares his journey through Chicago music, DIY tips, and why he delays Spotify. Hear about upcoming shows, including Blockchain Coalition ope…

1
Kim Flynn - Unlocking Alternative Investments | #585 55:34

4M ago55:34

55:34

Today’s guest is Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments, which helps provide access to alternative investments. She was previously the Head of Product Development for Nuveen Investments Global Structured Products Group. In today’s episode, Meb and Kim discuss the democratization of alternative investments in relation to the recent explosion of inte…

1
Beth, April, Leslie & Brian: Chicago's Super Fans Take Over! | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 58:49

4M ago58:49

58:49

Get ready for a fan-powered takeover of the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast! In this Superfan Edition, hosts Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes welcome four of the most dedicated supporters of the Chicago suburban music scene: Beth Miller, April, Leslie, and Brian.These legendary fans don’t just attend shows—they live for the…

1
Cole Wilcox on The Power Law of Investing | #584 1:04:02

4M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Today’s guest is Cole Wilcox, CIO of Longboard Asset Management, a boutique asset manager specializing in alternative investment strategies. In today’s episode, Cole walks through one of my favorite papers of all time, Does Trend-Following Still Work On Stocks? Hint: it does. Cole explains why you have to be a good loser to be a good investor, how …

1
Mitch The Lip on Ska, Trumpets & Chicago’s Music Scene – HogPod Chicago Music Scene Podcast 1:14:48

4M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

🎺 Join hosts Pete Jansons and Bongo Mike Orfanos for a high-octane episode of the HogPod Chicago Music Scene Podcast with the legendary Mitch The Lip! A trumpet master 🎶 who also slays on drums 🥁 and guitar 🎸, Mitch takes us through his ’80s ska 🎷 and reggae gigs, reminiscing about Chicago’s iconic venues like the Wild Hare, West End, and Cubby Bea…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 161 with Eric Koretz 30:53

4M ago30:53

30:53

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Ransom Canyon Shooting with multi cameras The collaboration between DP and Production Designer Director of Photography: Eric Koretz www.erickoretz.com https://www.instagram.com/erickoretz_dp/ Check out the trailer to: Ransom Canyon Thank you for…

1
Apollo's Alex Wright on The Role of Private Markets in Modern Portfolios | #583 49:06

4M ago49:06

49:06

Today’s guest is Alex Wright, Global Wealth Strategist at Apollo. In today’s episode, Alex discusses the fragility of public markets, citing high valuations, rising correlations, and limited diversification opportunities, which prompt a need to reassess traditional 60/40 portfolios. Then he walks through the opportunity in private markets, includin…

1
Growing Up in the Chicago Music Scene | Wolfgang Paul of ARRA & Tom Sawyer – Part 2 | Hogpod Podcast 1:00:23

4M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

The Hogpod Podcast returns with Part 2 of our in-depth conversation with Wolfgang Paul—one of the most talented drummers in Chicago, currently rocking with ARRA and Tom Sawyer. Join hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes as they dive into Wolfie’s journey from his early days carrying a blue guitar to gigs, to mak…

1
BCG’s Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak on Global Macro: Recession Risk, Tariffs, Debt Dynamics | #582 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

Today’s guest is Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Global Chief Economist at BCG and author Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms: How to Assess True Macroeconomic Risk. In today’s episode, Philipp starts by sharing his framework to assess macroeconomic risk, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing global conditions. Then he applies that framework to…

1
Wolfgang Paul (ARRA, Tom Sawyer) on Growing Up Drumming & Tribute to Pino | Hogpod Part 1 45:29

4M ago45:29

45:29

Welcome to Part 1 of our conversation with Wolfgang Paul, the powerhouse drummer behind Chicagoland tribute bands ARRA and Tom Sawyer, on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast — hosted by Mike Orfanos (Misquitos), Mike Dermont (Coterie), Pete Jansons, and guest co-host Chris Rhodes. This episode dives deep into Wolfie’s incredible journey, sta…

1
Wally Swiatly Talks Singing with Train & Simply Wally Band Origins | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene 1:18:11

5M ago1:18:11

1:18:11

🎙️ This week on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Wally Swiatly of the Simply Wally Band! 🎶Mike Orfanos (Misquitos), Mike Dermont (Coterie), and Pete Jansons sit down with Wally and drummer Chris "Rhodesey" Rhodes to talk about:✅ Wally’s viral moment singing with Pat Monahan from Train✅ His journey from corporate bands to acous…

1
Jeremy Grantham, John Arnold & Sam Zell Share Their Most Memorable Investments | #581 18:54

5M ago18:54

18:54

Today’s episode features the most memorable investments from Jeremy Grantham, John Arnold and Sam Zell. (0:00) Starts (0:53) Jeremy Grantham (5:25) John Arnold (8:24) Sam Zell To listen to the full episodes, click the links below: Jeremy Grantham I: Apple, Spotify, YouTube Jeremy Grantham II: Apple, Spotify, YouTube John Arnold: Apple, Spotify, You…

1
Elise McLearen | My Metal Heart & Sabatha Chicago Vocalist HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast 1:11:54

5M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

Elise McLearen, powerhouse vocalist of My Metal Heart and former frontwoman of Sabatha Chicago (an all-female Black Sabbath tribute), joins the HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast to share her story. From holding Dio-level notes to getting bit by a pit bull at her first metal audition, Elise unpacks her musical evolution, performance growth, a…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 160 with Pedro Gomez Millan 38:53

5M ago38:53

38:53

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Collaboration between DPs on the same show. The difference between working on television shows and feature film Daredevil: Born Again Director of Photography: Pedro Gomez Millan https://www.pedrogomezmillan.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2960150/ https://www.instagram.com/pedrogmillan/ Check…

1
Carl Kawaja – Navigating the Investment Landscape: AI, Tariffs, Sports Gambling & More| #580 1:06:13

5M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Today’s guest is Carl Kawaja, a Portfolio Manager with Capital Group for over three decades. In today’s episode, Carl shares insights into his investment philosophy, early experiences, and the current market landscape. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on semiconductor demand, the challenges posed by tariffs and supply chain dynamics, an…

1
Big City Nights Scorpions Tribute Band w/ Mike Krauser | Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast 1:17:56

5M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Mike Krauser, lead singer of Big City Nights (Scorpions Tribute Band), joins the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast along with Scott Fietsam. They talk about upcoming gigs, the Rock & Wheels event in Addison on July 3rd, memories of concert T-shirts, MTV's influence on rock music, and whether the younger generation is keeping old-school rock al…

1
Capturing Light – Episode 159 with Christopher Ross, BSC 46:46

5M ago46:46

46:46

In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Shogun Doing light studies. How he covers a scene. Director of Photography and Author: Christopher Ross, BSC https://www.christopherrossbsc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/edjibevel/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2131733/ Check out the Trailer for Shogun: Thank you for listening: Please let me kn…

1
Nick Cox (7th Heaven), Zach Avery & Todd Lazar (Revelator) | HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene 1:21:53

5M ago1:21:53

1:21:53

This week on the HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by three powerhouse talents making waves across the Midwest:✅ Nick Cox, guitarist and vocalist from the legendary 7th Heaven✅ Zach Avery, blues-rock-soul phenom with deep Chicago roots✅ Todd Lazar, bassist for both Revelator (Tedeschi Trucks tribute) and Black Diamond SessionsW…