Episodes
Special Guest: Gary DeFranco - Diversity - Part 2
SummaryThis week's episode is part 2 of 2 that features a conversation between host Jay and special guest Gary DeFranco. Gary is the executive producer of The Ultimate Fighter and the creative behind Max Glow MMA and the developing concept of Not Ura...
Special Guest: Gary DeFranco - Diversity - Part 1
Summary: Today’s episode is part 1 of 2 that features a conversation between host Jay and special guest Gary DeFranco. Gary is the executive producer of The Ultimate Fighter and the creative behind Max Glow MMA and the developing concept of Not Uranu...
Special Guest: Freda Jing - Tenacity
Summary: In today’s episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Freda Jing, or as she has coined herself, a Hexagon threat. Freda courageously takes us on her journey of overcoming seven years of clinical depression and how she could heal from that...
Special Guest: Jennifer Menendez - The Yellow Rose
Summary:In this installment of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes long-time friend Jennifer Menendez. Jennifer wears her heart on her sleeve and lets us in on the journey of her mother's cancer diagnosis. She illustrates to us the incredible life less...
Special Guest: Andrew Nethery - ”BURY US!” A PUNK ROCK UPRISING
Summary:On this episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes documentary filmmaker Andrew Nethery. His new documentary, Bury Us! A Punk Rock Uprising is a film about the Basque punk rock scene. Andrew discusses the harrowing parts of the film sheddin...
Special Guests: Andre & Niki Linear - Don’t Forget Unity
Summary:On this installment of The Tragedy Academy, Jay is joined by two good friends, Andre and his makeup artist wife, Niki. Together, they break down the barrier of race, stereotypes, and social conditioning and bring about a fresh, realistic pers...
Special Guest: Lucas Hill - The Spirit Molecule
🎙Summary:In today’s episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Lucas Hill, personal trainer, and seeker of insight and wisdom. Lucas takes us on a wild journey of revelation, enlightenment, and self-discovery, all consequences of his illuminating e...
Special Guest: Theoni Bekiari - ”I am here.”
🎙Ep 85: Theoni Bekiari - "I am here."🎙 Summary:In today's episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Greek actress Theoni Bekiari. Theoni was born in Greece but now resides in Los Angeles to pursue acting. She majored in Dramatology in Greece and ...
Special Guest: Amy Lerie - No plan B’s and no giving up
Summary:In today’s episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes singer, songwriter, and soon-to-be actress Amy Lerie. Amy shares with us her story that began with tradition and conformity, but that ended with fulfillment and purpose, all because she...
Special Guest: Christine Twyman - We’re all traumatized children
Summary: In today's episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes actress and director Christine Twyman. Chrissy breaks down the concept of trauma and presents a method of healing by art. Christine advocates that through art, we can create a space fo...
Special Guest: Karen Laven - The Other 23 Days
Summary:In today’s episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Karen Laven. Karen is the author of The Other 23 Days: Scores of Alternative Uses for Feminine Hygiene Products. Karen walks us through her first menstrual experience and explains just ...
Special Guest: Jordan Delagrange - Martial Arts & Wellness
In today’s episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay is joined by Jordan Delagrange, a martial artist, stunt-man, and healer. Jordan enlightens us with his perspective on how mind and body are equally connected and how we can all achieve mindfulness throug...
Special Guest: Glauco Araujo - Nurture your love
Summary:In today’s episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay is joined by Brazilian actor and dancer Glauco Araujo. Glauco walks us through his life growing up in remote farmland in Brazil and how he turned his internal struggles into beautiful art for al...
Special Guest - Demi Ramos - From 0 to 100 with the right attitude
In today’s episode, Jay interviews Demi Ramos; model, artist, and co-host of the podcast “It’s Real” with Jordan & Demi. Demi shares with us a few anecdotes about living in NYC and we dive into her music inspirations and aspirations. Key Points: Demi...
Special Guest - Sharon Green - ”Everything is written within our stars”
In today’s episode, Jay talks to Sharon Green, a Reiki Master. She talks about her awakening and passion. Episode Highlights:3:30: Sharon talks about her interest in Astrology and how she started exploring horoscopes, sun, moon, and rising science.4:...
Cultivating Creativity & Compassion: Niloo’s Artistic Journey
In today’s episode, Jay speaks with Niloo, a full-time Actor, Vocalist, and Stand-Up Comic in Los Angeles. Her Persian roots make her a valuable vocalist in her musical projects, including the International Party Band “26 Orchestra” and her music col...
Unmasking Success: The Mike Barker Story
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with the "Entertainment Guru," Mike Barker, for a profound discussion on personal branding and finding life's purpose. Delve into Mike's transformative journey from as...
Sara Donna: Everyone Needs an Awkward Phase
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by the versatile and vibrant Sarah Donna, a five-time Miss Michigan professional ring girl and circus trapeze artist. Discover an accomplished guest's humorous and humble side a...
Journey of Resilience: Jazmine Brown’s Empowering Story
In this moving episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by the inspirational Jazmine Brown of "Just Jazz". Together, they delve into Jazmine's personal narrative of overcoming adversity, utilizing her platform to empower and u...
Special Guest Autumn Karen: Epilepsy Awareness - Hermione's Story
Jay talks with Autumn Karen on a challenging subject – A rare chromosome disorder C22C her daughter Hermione had. Sadly, they lost her at the age of 3.5 years, but those years were blessed with loved and empathy.
”Breaking the Mold: Heavy Metal and Beyond with Tapanga Lee”
In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks opens the show with a powerful message about the podcast's mission to bridge social divides and create a judgment-free zone through candor and humor. Special guest Tapanga Lee, cele...
The Tragedy Academy - Embracing Life’s Lessons Through Tragedy and Triumph
Join music producer and podcast host Jay Hicks along with co-host Gary DeFranco on The Tragedy Academy Podcast, a unique and insightful show delving into the human experience through the dual lens of tragedy and triumph. Each episode is a journey thr...