The Tragedy Academy

Recent Episodes

March 19, 2024

Navigating Creativity and Adversity with Stephen V. Stone

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, i…
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March 18, 2024

Navigating Creativity and Adversity with Stephen V. Stone | Video

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, i…
March 11, 2024

Unveiling Synesthesia: Heather Eck's Artistic Journey

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 h…
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March 11, 2024

Unveiling Synesthesia: Heather Eck's Artistic Journey | Video

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 h…
March 6, 2024

Bonus Detention: "Generational Gaps and Unconventional Wisdom"

"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor and unexpected tangents in our 'Detention' episodes. It's not your usual Tragedy Academy fare – perfect for a light-hearted listen, but maybe not for those seeking serious topics. Li…
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Feb. 26, 2024

Transformations Through Psychedelics: Adam Butler's Journey

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Adam Butler, a psychedelic philosopher and passionate DMT psychonaut. Together, they delve into Adam's transformative journey through psychedelics, overcoming a…
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Recent Blog Posts

The Covert Control of Cults: Peter Young's Story - Triumph Over Manipulation

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 …

"Embracing Authenticity: 'Naked Attraction' Through Jay's Lens"

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…

Check out this great interview in Authority Magazine with our very own host, Jay!!!!

Jay Hicks of The Tragedy Academy Podcast: 5 Things You Need To Know To Create A Very Successful Podcast An Interview With Jason Hartman Find Your Authentic Voice Authenticity is the key to a successful podcast. Staying true to your unique voice an…

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 - n… Read More