Episodes

What happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, and depth, they unpack the emotional architecture of business: the fear of becoming irrelevant, the power of validation, and the truth that failure isn’t a wall—it’s a lens. The conversation moves from the dangers of letting AI write your ad copy to the Gen X struggle of feeli...

Over time, this show has become more than interviews—it’s become a mirror. In this episode, Jay offers a quiet reflection born from years of sitting with brave, vulnerable humans who were willing to speak their truth. There is no guest today, but their presence is felt in every moment. Each clip and insight shared here was evoked through those conversations, shaped by the energy in the room, the story being told, and the resonance that followed. This is not a solo episode in the truest sense — i...

Sometimes it's too good to hear once. In this emotionally charged flashback episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay Hicks sits down with Bruce W. Brackett to explore one of the most vulnerable journeys ever shared on the show—from addiction and abuse to art, advocacy, and radical self-love. Bruce opens up about the cycles of trauma, the power of the inner ember that never dies, and how one brutal night at rock bottom led to the symbolic burial of his addiction. Through Bruce’s raw storytelling and J...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , host Jay Hicks welcomes Leo Marrs—spiritual technologist, founder of America’s first breathwork studio, and creator of the AI-integrated mindfulness app, Ether. Their powerful conversation dives into the intersection of consciousness, creativity, and technology. From fasting as a path to mental clarity to breathwork as a tool for healing trauma and building resilience, Leo shares how ancient wisdom and modern tools can reconnect ...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Andrea Wilson Woods, author, patient advocate, and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. Andrea shares the harrowing, heart-opening story of raising her sister from childhood through a terminal liver cancer diagnosis, and how that experience became the catalyst for lifelong advocacy and education. 🎙️ Andrea’s story is not just one of loss — it’s one of legacy. At just 22, she became the legal guardian ...

🎧 In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jenn Bouler — known on Instagram as “Jenn with two Ns” — about the unseen layers of addiction, the masks we wear to fit in, and what happens when you finally take yours off. 🎙️✨ Jenn’s story isn’t marked by trauma or chaos, making it resonate even deeper. A happy childhood. A solid career. A beautiful son. And yet, beneath the surface, alcohol crept in not to numb the pain… but to mute the pressure of perfection. In this episode, ...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jason Heffler, author, EDM journalist, and passionate advocate for self-acceptance. 🎙️ The conversation dives into Jason's powerful personal story growing up with a stutter, and how that experience led to his mission to help children with speech challenges reclaim their confidence and creativity.

In this special throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks sits down with the incredible Kristal Klear — an entrepreneur, certified trauma coach, licensed pastor, and founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation. Together, they dive deep into the themes of forgiveness, love, and resilience within African American communities.Kristal shares her remarkable journey of healing, self-discovery, and service, offering raw truths and hope for survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and ...

"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun. This is not your usual Tragedy Academy episode—if you want serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion advised.In this hilarious episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay reconnects with stand-up comedian Hernando Del Castillo—host of I Am Just Gaying—for a "Detention Episode" packed with laughs, real talk, and deep dives into identity, community, and self-love. 🎭💖From outrageous one-liners to raw refle...

"Detention" Warning: Brace yourself for offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun in our 'Detention' episodes. This isn't your typical Tragedy Academy fare – it's a lighthearted listen perfect for those searching for laughter. However, if you're seeking serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay is joined by his long-time friend, Dan. Together, they dive deep into the absurd, exploring everything from hypotheti...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Dr. Adi Jaffe joins Jay for a deep, unfiltered discussion on addiction, transformation, and the illusions of identity that hold us back. From his personal journey of addiction and incarceration to becoming a UCLA-trained psychologist and best-selling author, Dr. Jaffe breaks down the misconceptions around addiction, the power of shifting perspective, and why breaking free from societal expectations is key to personal growth. 🔥 Key Topics Discussed:...

In this unforgettable episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Rachel, a survivor of Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI) who spent 14 years misdiagnosed before undergoing life-saving neurosurgery. But Rachel isn’t just an advocate—she’s a brilliantly absurd comedian, the mastermind behind Cindy & Laurn, and proof that creativity and humor can survive even in the face of extreme hardship.From locked-in syndrome to toilet-cam sketch comedy, Rachel’s journey is one of survival, red...

Trigger Warning: This episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast addresses serious and potentially distressing topics, including sexual abuse and trauma. The content may be triggering to those who have experienced similar events or are sensitive to discussions of abuse and trauma. We urge listener discretion and recommend that individuals affected by these topics consider their comfort and well-being before listening. Throughout the conversation, we explore deeply emotional stories of overcoming chi...

In this throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay reconnects with Edison Jakupi, a man whose journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the power of never giving up. From fleeing war-torn Kosovo to building a thriving career in the U.S., Edison’s story is a testament to what it means to start over—and win. 🎙️🎧 Now remastered with upgraded audio & video, this episode brings back one of our most powerful conversations.What You’ll Hear:🔥 [07:45] “I watched my family lose everything o...

Susan Gold—a woman whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a transformational coach is nothing short of inspiring. This video edition brings a fresh perspective to an episode that resonates deeply with the show’s core themes: breaking generational cycles, reclaiming authenticity, and embracing self-transformation.Susan shares her raw and powerful story of growing up in a dysfunctional home, navigating the entertainment industry, confronting personal trauma, and ultimately stepping ...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay welcomes Bootsy Greenwood, a multi-talented entrepreneur, personal development coach, and creator of the Blue Collar Mystic persona and podcast. Bootsy shares his down-to-earth approach to spirituality, humor, and self-discovery, bridging the gap between the mystical and the relatable. This episode is packed with humor, insight, and actionable advice for anyone seeking to align with their authentic self. 🌟 Jay and Bootsy kick things off with la...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Alec Cantrell, host of The One More Minute Podcast. Alec shares his journey as a storyteller and podcast host, reflecting on his growth and unique vision for connecting with people. Together, they explore authenticity, humor, and the lessons learned through human connection, offering listeners a mix of laughter and inspiration. ?The conversation begins with lighthearted anecdotes about beard culture, baldness, and pandemic fashion s...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of overcoming personal adversity and reigniting creative passion. 🎙️ Engaging and Enticing Verbiage: Join Jay and Dani as they delve deep into Dani’s inspiring story of resilience and artistic rebirth. From battling serious health challenges to navigating the evolving music industry, Dani shares his unique perspective on maintaining authenticity in a world obs...

Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of overcoming personal adversity and reigniting creative passion. 🎙️ Engaging and Enticing Verbiage: Join Jay and Dani as they delve deep into Dani’s inspiring story of resilience and artistic rebirth. From battling serious health challenges to navigating the evolving music industr...

In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology interpretations. Key Points: 🎙 Jessica shares her inspiring journey of survival, advocacy, and innovation, discussing: ✅Why self-exams save lives and how to perform them 💡Navigating a broken healthcare system 🧠How AI is changing the way breast cancer is diagnosed 📚Her fight for...

In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology interpretations. Key Points: 🎙 Jessica shares her inspiring journey of survival, advocacy, and innovation, discussing: ✅Why self-exams save lives and how to perform them 💡Navigating a broken healthcare system 🧠How AI is changing the way breast cancer is diagnosed 📚Her fight for...

🎙️ In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , Jay welcomes the multi-talented Zelda Khan Black for an insightful conversation about voice acting, mental health, and embracing authenticity in the entertainment industry. Zelda dives deep into her journey as a voice actor, author, and artist, sharing how she’s navigated adversity and found strength through self-expression and community support. 🌟 📚 Zelda opens up about her personal challenges, including recovering her voice after a l...

In this electrifying episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , Jay sits down with Chuck Duran, the mastermind behind Demos That Rock and the co-host of the acclaimed VO Buzz Weekly . Chuck’s expertise as a voice acting demo producer and his unforgettable journey as a musician with Rock Sugar provides an unparalleled lens into creativity, authenticity, and the power of perseverance. 🎙️✨ Chuck shares his insights on amplifying authenticity, why embracing who you are can lead to breakthroughs, and t...

In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , host Jay Hicks sits down with the inspiring Hakeem Javaid to explore how personal growth, resilience, and the nature of time itself intersect. They dive deep into Hakeem’s transformative journey and his groundbreaking ideas about time as energy, self-limiting beliefs, and the lenses through which we view the world. Prepare for a mind-expanding conversation that challenges conventional wisdom while offering practical insights for your jour...