Unplugged: Fred Mollin on Producing Hits, Scoring TV & Film, and the Moments that Shaped Him
Fred Mollin has done it all—from scoring film & cult TV classics to producing chart-topping ballads and lullabies for Disney. But behind his long list of credits is a winding, wild journey through the music industry that’s anything but ordinary.
In this episode, Fred joins My Rock Moment to talk about his new memoir Unplugged and the moments that defined his career. He shares stories of leaving school at 16 to chase music, auditioning for John Hammond, producing Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch” (and seeing none of the royalties), and the time that Clive Davis dropped the mic and the phone call on Fred.
You'll also hear about Fred’s work with Jimmy Webb and Kris Kristofferson, the unexpected magic of his Disney Lullabies series, and a hilarious prank on Rod Stewart that did not land the way he’d hoped.
It’s a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of music’s great behind-the-scenes storytellers.
Check out the links below to learn more about Fred and get his book, Unplugged.
Fred's website: https://fredmollin.com
Buy the book: https://fredmollinunplugged.com
Songs from today's episode, in order:
The Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
Dan Hill "Sometimes When We Touch"
Jimmy Webb "Wichita Lineman"
Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells a Story"
Kris Kristofferson "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do)"
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
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Still Harmonizing: Al Jardine on Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and His Latest EP and Tour
In this very special episode of My Rock Moment, host Amanda Morck welcomes Beach Boys founding member Al Jardine for an intimate and heartfelt conversation—just a week after the passing of his lifelong friend and bandmate, Brian Wilson.
As fans around the world reflect on the legacy of the Beach Boys, Al shares personal memories of his journey with Brian, the creative magic they built together, and the emotional weight of continuing on without him. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and heart behind his new solo EP, Islands in the Sun.
Now in his 80s, Al isn’t slowing down. He’s preparing to hit the road this summer with The Pet Sounds Band, bringing the timeless harmonies and California spirit to audiences once again—starting July 4th.
This episode is a moving tribute to brotherhood, resilience, and the enduring power of surf, sun, and soul.
Find more info on Al's upcoming tour dates at: https://www.aljardine.com
Listen to his latest EP, Islands in the Sun here: https://aljardine.lnk.to/IslandsInTheSun
For classic rock photos and info on upcoming episodes, don't forget to follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/
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Chris O'Dell - The World's First Female Tour Manager
Chris O'Dell might very well hold the title of the world's first female rock 'n' roll tour manager.
O'Dell has led a fascinating life; one that planted her firmly in rock royalty's inner circle in the 60s and 70s. Befriending Derek Taylor in LA, she soon found herself working for the Beatles' Apple Corps in London. While there she was present for the recording of The White Album, Abbey Road, Let it Be, and sang in the Hey Jude chorus. She sat on the rooftop while the Beatles played their last live performance in January of 1969 and even lived with George Harrison and Pattie Boyd at Friar Park.
She went on to be one of the first - if not, THE first - female tour managers, working with the likes of George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan on his 'Rolling Thunder Revue' tour. She inspired George Harrison to pen the song, "Miss O’Dell,” she's the subject of Leon Russell’s “Pisces Apple Lady” and “Hummingbird," she is the “woman down the hall,” in the Joni Mitchell song, “Coyote,” and her picture can be seen on the back cover of The Stones's 1972 masterpiece, Exile on Main Street.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but to get the full story, check out her book and website with the links below:
https://www.missodell.com
Miss O'Dell: Hard Days and Long Nights with The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and the Women They Loved
Playlist:
Pisces Apple Lady - Leon Russell
Hey Jude - The Beatles
All Things Must Pass - George Harrison
Miss O'Dell - George Harrison
Torn and Frayed - The Rolling Stones
Just Like a Woman - Bob Dylan
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Woodstock, Dylan & Rock Icons: Photographer Lisa Law on Capturing a Revolution
Lisa Law’s still, movie and video images have chronicled decades of social and cultural changes in America. And her film, ‘Flashing On The Sixties,’ was described by actor-director Dennis Hopper as “the most compelling, moving documentary of the Sixties”.
In 1966, Lisa and her husband resided in the renowned "Castle" in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, a hub that welcomed numerous prominent musicians, including Bob Dylan. She shares stories from Dylan's stay and offers her perspective on the recent film, A Complete Unknown.
Lisa was also part of the Hog Farm commune, and they were tasked with keeping the peace at Woodstock ‘69. Yet, her efforts at the festival were integral to its success - from managing the trip tents to mobilizing members of the Hog Farm and other festival goers so that they were able to feed over 200,000 people! She also played a role in the organization of Woodstock '99, and was featured in the recent Netflix documentary, "Trainwreck: Woodstock '99." In our discussion, we explore the stark contrasts between the two festivals and how insights from '69 might have prevented the latter's challenges.
Lisa was there for all the seminal pop culture moments of the 1960s, capturing them with her beautiful photos. And she’s one of the very few people that can say she’s been to all 3 Woodstock festivals!
For more information on Lisa, her photos, as well as her book and film of the same name, 'Flashing on the Sixties,' take a look at her website:
https://www.flashingonthesixties.com
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"SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson" with Writer and Director David Leaf
In this episode of My Rock Moment, we’re diving deep into one of rock and roll’s most legendary what-could-have-beens… and what-finally-was.
Back in 1966, fresh off the groundbreaking success of Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson set out to create his magnum opus: Smile. With poet and lyricist Van Dyke Parks at his side, the project promised to be a revolutionary leap forward—a kaleidoscopic, avant-garde album that would redefine what pop music could be. But as recording progressed, the pressure from within the band, the label, and Brian’s own mental health struggles led to the album’s unraveling. The sessions were shelved, and Smile became one of music history’s greatest mysteries—a “lost” album that haunted fans, scholars, and Brian himself for decades.
That is, until the early 2000s, when Smile finally got its moment in the sun. Reimagined and completed by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks nearly 40 years later, the album was not only resurrected—it was performed live, recorded, and finally released, closing the loop on one of rock’s most mythical stories.
Joining us to unpack it all is David Leaf—acclaimed writer, director, producer, and longtime friend of Brian Wilson. David has chronicled Brian’s life and legacy for decades, and in his new book, SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson, he brings fresh insight into Smile's rise, fall, and miraculous comeback.
A little about David: https://www.leafprod.com
Get your copy of SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson
Songs in this episode:
Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Roll Plymouth Rock - The Beach Boys
Surf's Up - The Beach Boys
Cabin Essence - The Beach Boys
Heroes and Villains - Brian Wilson
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My Rock Moment celebrates the golden era of rock music - the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hosted by Amanda Morck—a native Angeleno, longtime Sunset Strip resident, and adjunct instructor of California rock history—the show delves into the personal stories and pivotal experiences that have shaped the world of rock 'n' roll.
Each episode features in-depth interviews with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Grammy-winning producers, renowned music journalists, photographers, DJs, managers, authors, and award-winning directors. They share unforgettable stories about the moments that sparked their love for music, launched lifelong careers, and helped shape rock history.
The podcast offers a nostalgic journey through rock's most influential decades, providing both historical context and personal anecdotes that bring the music to life.
My Rock Moment is a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts, the first of its kind, all music-based podcast network.