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The Tragedy Academy

Recent Episodes

From Tragedy to Empowerment: Unveiling the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation with Kristal Klear

June 04, 2023

From Tragedy to Empowerment: Unveiling the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation with Kristal Klear

In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, join host Jay Hicks as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Kristal Klear, the founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation. Delve into the themes of triumph, forgiveness, and love within African American communities as Kristal shares her journey as an entrepreneur, certified trauma coach, published author, and licensed pastor. Discover the importance of embracing forgiveness as a pillar of strength, the resilience within African American communities, and the transformative power of supporting survivors of abuse and human trafficking. Tune in to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Kristal's unwavering commitment to empowering others.

May 29, 2023

"Unveiling the Magic: Part 2 - Delving Deeper into Creativity, Challenges, and Persistence with Dallas Fueston"

🎙️We're back with Part 2 of this enchanting episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, where Jay and Gary continue conversing with the magical maestro, Dallas Fueston. Journey further into Dallas' unique universe of art and illu...

Unveiling the Magic: Part 1 - Navigating Creativity, Inspiration, and Relationships with Dallas Fueston

May 22, 2023

Unveiling the Magic: Part 1 - Navigating Creativity, Inspiration, and Relationships with Dallas Fueston":

🎙️In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay and Gary sit down with Gary’s long-time friend and magical visionary, Dallas Fueston. Get ready to be captivated as Dallas shares his journey of tragedy and ...

Unveiling the Primal Instincts of the Human Experience with Dr. Hogan Sherrow

May 15, 2023

Unveiling the Primal Instincts of the Human Experience with Dr. Hogan Sherrow

🎙️In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks & Gary DeFranco sit down with Dr. Hogan Sherrow, a renowned primatologist and expert in human behavior. Through candid and thought-provoking discussions, they explore the depths of the human condition, drawing insights from Dr. Sherrow's extensive research and experiences studying primates in their natural habitats. Join us as we peel back the layers of the human experience and uncover the primal instincts that shape our lives.

Overcoming Trauma and Discovering New Abilities with Keli Kane

May 08, 2023

Overcoming Trauma and Discovering New Abilities with Keli Kane

🎙️In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with Keli Kane, a Kindergarten Reading Specialist, Reiki Master, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor who shares her story of tragedy and triumph. Together, they discuss Keli's journey, her challenges, and the newfound abilities she discovered due to her injury. 🎙️

May 01, 2023

"Heart of a Fighter, Mind of a Creator.": Joseph Grable's Pursuit of Happiness and Healing"

🎙️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 di...

Recent Blog Posts

Unveiling the Magic: Part 1 - Navigating Creativity, Inspi…

Welcome to episode 94 of The Tragedy Academy Podcast: "Unveiling the Magic: Part 1 - Navigating Creativity, Inspiration, and Relationships with Dallas Fu…

Joseph Grable: Strength in Tragedy | Podcast

Explore filmmaker Joseph Grable's journey overcoming adversity, embracing mental health, and finding happiness on The Tragedy Academy Podcast.

Prison Medical Negligence: Attorney Parrish | Podcast

Explore prison medical negligence with attorney Parrish on The Tragedy Academy Podcast. Uncover the challenges inmates and staff face and the role of adv…

About the Hosts

Gary DeFrancoProfile Photo

Gary DeFranco

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.

Jay HicksProfile Photo

Jay Hicks

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 - not good, not bad, just experiences as they all define who I am today. Without them, I would not see this need to be grateful in my own life. This realization is what drives my work, my creativity, and my mission.