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The Tragedy Academy

Videos

May 7, 2023

Ep 70 | 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 in as Birgitta Visser discusses how she…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 74 | Bonus Detention Episode | What does a bear do in a locker room for five days?

On this week's "Detention" episode, Jay & Gary, our favorite delinquents, have brought up some seriously "heavy-hitting" topics. They were supposed to have Jay as a guest. Instead, things turned unexpected when Gary told a hilarious story about an attempt to put a bear in the UFC locker room courtesy…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 63 | 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 arts artist, Kelvin Gastelum. Please tune in to The Tragedy…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 73 | Amrit Singh "Don't be an @$$hole"

Living the life we want requires walking on a rocky path. But with different tools, religion, and spirituality, we can make it through and attain an enjoyable life. Tune in as Amrit Singh discusses how he reaches his goal of living his pleasant life with yoga and how spirituality can…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 91 | "Heart of a Fighter, Mind of a Creator.": Joseph Grable's Pursuit of Happiness and He

🎙️In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with Joseph Grable, a talented filmmaker, actor, and podcast host who shares his story of tragedy and triumph. In this inspiring conversation, they discuss overcoming adversity, the importance of mental health awareness, and how to find happiness…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 57 | Olivia Blair - Body Dysmorphia

Summary This 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 school, when the pressures of media encouraged her…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 75 | Jay - The Origin Story

Join Jay & Gary on the latest episode of The Tragedy Academy podcast as they explore the journey of finding authenticity and starting a successful podcast. In this candid conversation, Jay reflects on his past as a self-centered and narcissistic person and how he has learned to value different things…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 61 | Dan Lambert - American Top Team & AEW

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 professional sports gyms. He unknowingly…

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May 7, 2023

EP 67 | 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 she overcame…

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May 7, 2023

Ep | 87 Laughter Through Adversity: Heavyweight Boxing Champion Turned Comedian Cam F. Awesome

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🎧, Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco sit down with Cam F. Awesome 😎, a former heavyweight boxing champion 🥊 and comedian 🎤 who shares his story of embracing adversity with humor 😂. In this episode, he shares his unique perspective on life…

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May 7, 2023

Bonus Detention Episode | Professional Fighter Pearl Gonzalez - "The Slappening"

In this special nighttime detention episode of the Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay and co-host Gary welcome special guest Pearl Gonzalez, a professional boxer and MMA fighter known for her power in combat sports. Pearl is a rising star in the fighting world, and she's here to talk about her…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 82 | Exploring Mentalism, Martial Arts, and Self-Discovery with Jon Pritchard

"Exploring Mentalism, Martial Arts, and Self-Discovery with Jon Pritchard" On this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco are joined by special guest Jon Pritchard, a professional mentalist, 🥋martial artist, author, and coach. Jon shares his journey of self-discovery and how he has balanced his…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 83 | "Finding Hope in Tragedy" with Audrey Hope

Finding Hope in Tragedy with Audrey Hope In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco sit down with Audrey Hope, a healer and addiction specialist with over 20 years of experience. Together, they explore the power of hope in the face of tragedy and…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 77 | Anthony Hyland - "Clout"

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy podcast, host Jay Hicks interviews Anthony Hyland, the focus of the new docu-series "Clout." The series details Hyland's personal struggle to clear his name after false allegations of sexual assault were made against him. The episodes provide a raw and emotional examination of…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 86 | From Detainment to Domination: The Incredible Story of Surviving 14 Days in Beijing prison

From Detainment to Domination: The Incredible Story of Surviving 14 Days in Beijing prison In this episode, we chat with Chancellor Jackson, an author, coach, and entrepreneur who shares his harrowing experience of being arrested and detained in Beijing for 14 days. Join us as we discuss his journey, his…

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May 7, 2023

"F#@k It: Why Not Me?" - A Journey of Perseverance with Ryan Cooper

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with entrepreneur and author Ryan Cooper as he shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity. Despite growing up with a bipolar mother and later being diagnosed with the same mental illness, Ryan persevered to become the successful…

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May 7, 2023

Ep 28 | Restarting Life at 33: Mirko Castagna's Journey from Nicotine Addiction to Mindfulness

In this episode of the Tragedy Academy, we welcome Mirko Castagna to the show. Mirko is a recovering nicotine addict; he was a smoker for over 20 years, starting at 14. He shares his battle with addiction and details the most challenging parts of his journey and how that affected…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 23 | The Power of Vulnerability: Zain of Aftersound Gets Real About Making Music

In today's episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Zain of Aftersound. Zain gives us a peek into the mind of a musician and shares his perspective behind the music he creates. We learn of the possibilities that lie behind your hesitation and the rewards…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 24 | Overcoming Obstacles and Self-Discovery as a Single Father: A Conversation with Kent Lawlor

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with Kent Lawlor, an author, schoolteacher, and single father of three children. Kent shares his journey of parenting, mental health struggles, and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of challenging yourself and wearing your scars with pride. Listeners will…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 25 | From Sheltered Child to Queer Host: The Inspiring Story of Jaymes The Face Anthony

In today's episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay speaks to Jaymes The Face Anthony. Jaymes is the host of the YouTube show Jaymes Kickback, where he interviews celebrities, influencers, and artists to showcase their art and get to know them personally. Jaymes brings us on his self-discovery path and how…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 84 | Inside the Magic Mushroom with Rev. Gabriel Castillo

Inside the Magic Mushroom with Rev. Gabriel Castillo Introduction: In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco sit down with Gabriel Castillo, a spiritual teacher and facilitator of plant medicine ceremonies. Gabriel shares his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma through plant medicine…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 33 | Overcoming Adversity Through Butterfly Words: A Conversation with Zelda Black

Join us for another episode of The Tragedy Academy, where host Jay speaks with author and poet Zelda Black about her latest book, Butterfly Words. In this episode, Zelda shares her inspiring journey of growing up in a rural town surrounded by racism and prejudice and how she found solace…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 85 | The Power of Self-discovery, Authenticity, and Parenting a child with Autism - Sasha Rogers

The Power of Self-discovery, Authenticity, and Parenting a child with Autism - Interview with Sasha Rogers In this insightful interview, we chat with Sasha Rogers, a fitness counselor, coach, and mother of an autistic child, about self-discovery, the power of authenticity, and her experiences parenting a child with autism. Sasha…

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May 6, 2023

Ep 06 | Persian Roots to Hollywood Laughs: Niloo's Stand-Up Comedy 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 collective called “A Tribe Called Love,” which brings popular and EDM…

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