Check out our featured guests!
In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️ Engaging an...
In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️ In a world...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco speak with Stephen V. Stone. We explore the incredible journey of an award-winning filmmaker who has faced significant personal challenges, including Complex Regional ...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco speak with Stephen V. Stone. We explore the incredible journey of an award-winning filmmaker who has faced significant personal challenges, including Complex Regional ...
In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay delves into the colorful world of Heather Eck, a multimedia abstract artist known for her intuitive painting and unique synesthetic experiences. Discover how Heather's ability to pe...
In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay delves into the colorful world of Heather Eck, a multimedia abstract artist known for her intuitive painting and unique synesthetic experiences. Discover how Heather's ability to pe...
Embracing Vulnerability: A Path to Self-Love and Authenticity Introduction In an era where societal norms often dictate a narrow and rigid definition of masculinity, embracing vulnerability is a crucial yet often overlooked path towards self-love …
Meet Peter Young, a former sports broadcaster turned author. In this episode, "The Covert Control of Cults: Peter Young's Story," we explore Peter's harrowing journey from a sports career to becoming entrapped in a cult and, ultimately, his …
In a recent episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Detention: "Indie Films & Unscripted Laughs," We explored the revolutionary British dating show "Naked Attraction." This unorthodox program strips away the superficial layers of dating, l…
Cohost
Cleveland native Gary DeFranco is the Emmy nominated Executive Producer of UFC's The Ultimate Fighter and Discovery Channel's Street Outlaws and has produced over 500 television episodes for major networks (ESPN, Fox, Discovery Channel, Playboy TV, Spike TV, Bravo, Travel Channel). DeFranco is a recording artist, music producer, podcaster, graphic designer, and the owner and creative mind behind Max Glow Media/Design/Records. Gary has 20 years of experience producing non-scripted television, feature-length documentaries, music videos, and commercials. As the producer of shows like The Ultimate Fighter, Street Outlaws, Playboy Shoot Out, and UFC Next Level, DeFranco has seen it all and has brought that wealth of knowledge to The Tragedy Academy.
Host / Creator / Owner
Florida native Jay Hicks is a music producer, podcaster, graphic designer, and the owner and creative mind behind The Tragedy Academy Podcast. Jay has held many careers, from digging septic drain fields to being a Financial Services Solution Architect Manager for one of the nation's largest consulting firms. Jay has experience producing and engineering podcasts, voice-overs, promotional videos, and advertisements.
Why?
I lived most of my life imprisoned in my mind, a slave to past experiences and choices and anxiety over the future. Seemingly random memories and worries trapped me: Will I be successful? Am I successful enough? Does she love me? Will people admire me? Do people hate me? Am I the way that I am because someone made me this way? Someone told me I'm no good. Does that mean it is true? I experienced shame over past bad decisions or was overly prideful with no need. The list of mental agonies is endless.
Looking at this box created around my life, I can see that I had succumbed to an onslaught of past and present thoughts. I had forgotten entirely about NOW. I wasn't grateful for today, the moment, family, friends, or existence itself. I will not break down my construct and inner demons, but I want to give some insight and share my thoughts on what I believe is missing from humankind today.
I never learned how to be thankful and present now. I was taught to focus on the perceived problems from my past experiences or my need to prove something to imaginary adversaries. For myself, it has been a journey to this point - n… Read More