Episodes
Brandon Puffer - ”Extra Innings”
Meeting and exceeding goals requires effort and perseverance. Obstacles and setbacks are unavoidable, and what counts most is the seriousness with which you resolve to overcome such failures. Listen here as Brandon Puffer shares how he recovered afte...
Birgitta Visser - The Fear Response
We are limited from achieving our highest potential by the fears we have developed due to our past experiences. We're not supposed to judge, and we're not supposed to judge our experiences; instead, we should take what we've learned and move on. Tune...
Dr. Victor Manzo - Decoding the Matrix
We all carry limiting ideas that prevent us from succeeding in the business and life we want. 95% of our lives are under the control of our subconscious mind, which operates on autopilot. By reshaping your perspective, you can transform into a spirit...
Sarah Donna - Like a cold Mcdonald’s Sprite
SummaryThis episode is about kicking back and discussing random things as friends do. Our OG guest this week is episode 4 alumni Sarah Donna, five-time Miss Michigan, circus trapeze artist, actress, influencer, model, and grilled cheese connoisseur. ...
Deborah Driggs - A Healing Path
Everyone, at some point in life, will be brought down to their knees because of pain and suffering, no matter how much they endure it. But it’s not the end; that moment can be the time for your life to change. Tune in as Deborah Driggs discusses how ...
Dr Margit Muller - NLP & Falconry
Obtaining a healthy mentality is challenging as people must fight their fears and trauma, dive deep into their minds to be aware of it and slowly begin to process it. Tune in as Dr. Margit Muller discusses how one can release the anxieties and burden...
Juni Bucher ”Tata Cancer”
The journey after cancer, or any disease, is one to be reckoned with, and it is not simple and takes time, patience, and strong support from your loved ones. Tune in as Juni Bucher discusses how she managed life during her cancer journey and how she ...
Ultimate Fighter Kelvin Gastelum
The Techniques, Experiences, and Stories of Kelvin Gastelum as a Professional in Mixed Martial Arts in the UFC.Are you a fighter? Are you interested in martial arts? In today's episode, Gary and Jay welcome a well-known professional mixed martial ar...
Mike Talerico - Skydiving
SummaryIn this episode, Jay welcomes Mike Talerico to shed light on what it’s like to be a professional skydiver. Mike is a competitive skydiver who’s done over 2,900 jumps throughout his career. Pretty wild, right?Skydiving is often a life-changing ...
Dan Lambert - American Top Team & AEW
Summary:In this episode of the Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Dan Lambert, owner of American Top Team, the legendary MMA gym. Dan grew American Top Team from an amateur MMA gym, doing it only for the love of the game, to one of the country's top profe...
Heather Jess - Momma Squad
Are you a parent? This episode is for you! Tune in as Jay welcomes Heather Jess to talk about post-partum depression, the challenges of being a parent, and the power of community support in raising children. Heather Jess is the creator of MommaSquad,...
Kerri McKinney ”Perfectly Imperfect”
In this episode, Jay and Gary welcome Kerri McKinney to talk about the highs and lows of being an alcoholic and getting sober. Kerri is an empowerment coach, energy healer, and speaker who is also a recovering alcoholic who started drinking when she ...
”The Art of Survival: Iden Crockett on PTSD, Trans Rights, and Living Authentically”
Summary*TW: This episode contains discussions of suicide; please listen with caution.*This week on the podcast, Jay welcomes Iden Crockett. Iden is a true Renaissance woman: artist, writer, photographer, musician, and so much more, but this has been ...
Olivia Blair - Body Dysmorphia
SummaryThis week Jay welcomes actress Olivia Blair to the podcast. Today, Olivia pursues her passions of acting and film, however she hasn't always been able to live as her authentic self. Olivia first began to struggle with body dysmorphia in high s...
Sip The Motivational Kid, Deandre Smith
Summary*TW* - This episode discusses experiences with death and violence that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please listen with caution.This week The Tragedy Academy is honored to have Deandre "Sip the Kid" Smith on the show. These days Deandre...
TRUJETTY, Jetty Nieuwenhuis - The Rebel Influencer
SummaryThis week's episode of The Tragedy Academy features speaker, model, and wellness advocate, Jetty Nieuwenhuis. Despite having the following of an influencer, Jetty rejects the perfect curated image of the influencer and instead uses her platfor...
The Tragedy Academy Library
SummaryThe Tragedy Academy is excited to present a new regular feature for the show: TA Library. In this episode, TA librarian Jennifer steps out from behind the curtain to talk about what academics can expect from these after-school study sessions. ...
Artem Lobov - The Russian Hammer
SummaryGary brings another inspiring guest to the show: Artem Lobov. A former MMA fighter and boxer, Artem is taking the opportunity of an early retirement to not only protect his health, but explore who he is outside of the sport. This includes writ...
"Detention Diaries: Rule-Breaking, Rental Wrecks, and Retro Beats"
Summary Welcome to the Tragedy Academy's very first detention episode! With the teachers away, Jay and Gary get up to more shenanigans and our favorite delinquents have brought some seriously heavy-hitting topics. From Teddy Ruxpin bumping Wu Tang Cl...
"Ink and Integrity: Sam 'High Noon' Suarez on Tattooing Tales and Artistic Truths"
Summary This week, tattoo artist and actor Sam Suarez, a.k.a. High Noon, is on the show. A star of Tattoo Nightmares Miami, Sam offers a unique insider perspective into the art of tattooing and how he has translated that experience into acting. Plent...
UFC Fighter Vince Murdock | Fighting through a traumatic brain disorder
SummaryThis week we're joined by professional fighter and Moyamoya survivor Vince Murdock. Vince has gone through a lot of setbacks in life:A Moyamoya diagnosis led to brain surgery.Injuries dogged his career.A car accident came out of nowhere.Others...
Fighter's Philosophy: How Bobby Maximus Knocks Out Fear with Kindness
Summary In this episode, we welcome professional fighter Bobby Maximus to the show. A long-time friend of Gary's, the two first met on the set of The Ultimate Fighter years ago and discussed their shared experience on the show. Bobby also shares his ...
An Immigrant’s Journey: From Basketball Star in Colombia to Street Baller in NYC
SummaryThis week Jay and Gary are joined by an extra special guest: Jay’s father-in-law, Gabriel Torres…and he’s got quite the story to tell. Gabe grew up in Colombia where as a student he was a basketball star. After graduating high school, Gabe had...
Matthew Scheall "The Battle of the Inner Critic"
Summary Jay and Gary are joined in the studio by musician and rapper, Matthew Scheall. Matthew came to music a little later in the game, not starting his journey until college when he was inspired and encouraged by close friends. Matthew has grown as...