Freddie McClendon interview - Off The Charts - March 2026

What's HOT in the Strip Clubs?45mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of 'What's HOT in the Strip Clubs,' hosts Danny Myers, Elon Fong, and Bob Chiapardi welcome 20-year-old singer Freddie McClendon, a former American Idol contestant from Season 23. McClendon shares his deeply personal journey as a storyteller through music, inspired by his late father’s life and the legacy of classic Southern soul and blues artists like Sam Phillips, Elvis, and B.B. King. The hosts play a 30-second preview of his haunting, story-driven track 'Rambler,' which evokes the gritty atmosphere of a smoky bar with its bluesy, vintage sound. The episode also features a nostalgic deep dive into music trends, including a remixed 2002 EDM classic, a new Pussycat Dolls comeback single, and a tribute to the late DJ Mike D, a beloved figure in the adult nightclub DJ community who passed away at 44. The hosts honor his generosity and impact, particularly his gift of 200 free remixes to the Panda Professional Adult Nightclub DJ Association. The episode closes with a celebration of new music, industry resources, and the enduring power of authentic storytelling in music.

Key Takeaways
1

Authenticity in music comes from telling personal, cohesive stories—Freddie McClendon’s father’s life inspired his debut album.

2

Vintage sounds like blues and Southern soul continue to influence modern music, especially in strip club playlists.

3

DJ Mike D was a generous mentor who donated 200 free remixes to the Panda DJ Association, profoundly impacting club culture.

4

The Pussycat Dolls are making a comeback with a new single and tour, proving the lasting appeal of their brand.

5

Remixing classic tracks is a growing trend, with modern versions often enhancing original production quality.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome to Panda Off the Charts

The hosts introduce the show, its mission to curate fresh music for strip clubs, and preview the guest lineup with a focus on Freddie McClendon.

1:40
7 min

First Tracks & Guest Tease

The hosts play three songs: Ellie Duhay’s 'Body Talk,' Mal P’s 'Neck,' and Kato Kanwala’s 'When I Wake Up,' setting the tone with nostalgic and energetic tracks before introducing Freddie McClendon.

8:20
12 min

Freddie McClendon: Storyteller & American Idol Alum

I lost my dad. He was killed in 2023, and kind of the narrative around his death was very negative. And I kind of wanted to switch that to tell a kind of a positive story about my father and his life.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Rambler: A Bluesy Story in 30 Seconds

You can almost hear the ice cubes in the whiskey glasses shaken. You can smell a cigar and cigarette smoke, right? You can feel the sweat of the people dancing on the dance floor.

Highlight
30:00
15 min

Tribute to DJ Mike D & Industry Legacy

He was one of the nicest guys. He is one of the most giving people. He died way too young. He was only 44. He was a mentor even though he was 12 years younger than me and a great friend.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
He was one of the nicest guys. He is one of the most giving people. He died way too young. He was only 44. He was a mentor even though he was 12 years younger than me and a great friend.
Alon Fong40:13
Viral: 95.0
I lost my dad. He was killed in 2023, and kind of the narrative around his death was very negative. And I kind of wanted to switch that to tell a kind of a positive story about my father and his life.
Freddie McClendon12:18
Viral: 92.0
You had a massive impact on club culture, whether you realized it or not, and you'll be missed, brother.
Alon Fong40:37
Viral: 90.0
Speakers

Hosts

Danny MyersElon FongBob Chiapardi

Guest

Freddie McClendon
Topics Discussed
Storytelling in Music95%DJ Legacy and Industry Tribute92%Southern Soul and Blues Influence88%Authenticity in Artistic Expression87%Music Curation for Strip Clubs85%Remix Culture and Nostalgia80%American Idol as a Launchpad78%Pussycat Dolls Comeback75%
People & Brands

Freddie McClendon

person

45xPositive

Bob Chiapardi

person

35xPositive

Danny Myers

person

32xPositive

Elon Fong

person

30xPositive

DJ Mike D

person

18xNeutral

Pussycat Dolls

other

12xPositive

Stephen Hutton

person

8xPositive

Nicole Scherzinger

person

5xPositive

Pretty Reckless

other

4xPositive

Sam Phillips

person

3xPositive

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