Episodes

Join us on The Tragedy Academy Podcast as we welcome Leslie Draffin, a former TV news anchor turned somatic psychedelic guide, for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Leslie shares her journey from living behind a mask to embracing her femininity and the healing powers of psilocybin. 🎙️

This episode deeply delves into the human experience as Leslie Draffin unfolds her transformation narrative. From the high-pressure world of TV news to the path of self-discovery, Leslie discusses the soc...

Join us on The Tragedy Academy Podcast as we welcome Leslie Draffin, a former TV news anchor turned somatic psychedelic guide, for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Leslie shares her journey from living behind a mask to embracing her femininity and the healing powers of psilocybin. 🎙️

This episode deeply delves into the human experience as Leslie Draffin unfolds her transformation narrative. From the high-pressure world of TV news to the path of self-discovery, Leslie discusses the soc...

In this insightful episode, Jay and Gary welcome Dr. Jisun Sunny Fisher, a.k.a. Dr. J, for a deep dive into the intricate layers of the human psyche. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring the concept of authenticity, the narratives that shape our behaviors, and how we can master our internal scripts to live life with purpose. 🎙️

Tune in as Jay, with his uncanny ability to dissect societal norms, and Gary, the King of Candor himself, together unravel the complexities of living tr...

In this insightful episode, Jay and Gary welcome Dr. Jisun Sunny Fisher, a.k.a. Dr. J, for a deep dive into the intricate layers of the human psyche. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring the concept of authenticity, the narratives that shape our behaviors, and how we can master our internal scripts to live life with purpose. 🎙️

Tune in as Jay, with his uncanny ability to dissect societal norms, and Gary, the King of Candor himself, together unravel the complexities of living tr...

In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks has an in-depth conversation with Bruce W. Brackett. Together, they delve into Bruce's journey from overcoming addiction to becoming a beacon of positivity and creativity. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of listening to one's inner light, even in the darkest of times. 🎙️

Today's episode is nothing short of inspirational. Bruce W. Brackett, known for his vibrant social media pres...

In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks has an in-depth conversation with Bruce W. Brackett. Together, they delve into Bruce's journey from overcoming addiction to becoming a beacon of positivity and creativity. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of listening to one's inner light, even in the darkest of times. 🎙️

Today's episode is nothing short of inspirational. Bruce W. Brackett, known for his vibrant social media pres...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco explore the fascinating world of comedy clubs and entrepreneurship with guest Scott Edwards, a true pioneer in the comedy scene. 🎙️

Scott Edwards shares his incredible journey from launching one of the first comedy clubs in the US to working with legends like Bob Saget, Jay Leno, and Robin Williams. With over 40 years in show business, Scott's stories span the hilarious to the heartfelt, offering unique ins...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco explore the fascinating world of comedy clubs and entrepreneurship with guest Scott Edwards, a true pioneer in the comedy scene. 🎙️

Scott Edwards shares his incredible journey from launching one of the first comedy clubs in the US to working with legends like Bob Saget, Jay Leno, and Robin Williams. With over 40 years in show business, Scott's stories span the hilarious to the heartfelt, offering unique ins...

In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️

In a world where the narrative around masculinity often feels rigid and unforgiving, Furkhan Dandia offers a refreshing perspective that challenges these conventions. His story concerns courage, introspection, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. Through...

In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️

In a world where the narrative around masculinity often feels rigid and unforgiving, Furkhan Dandia offers a refreshing perspective that challenges these conventions. His story concerns courage, introspection, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. Through...

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, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet continues to innovate and inspire in the realm of filmmaking and beyond. 🎙️

Engaging and enticing verbiage: Stephen V. Stone shares his unique perspective on creativity, adversity, and the resilience required to pursue one's passi...

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, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet continues to innovate and inspire in the realm of filmmaking and beyond. 🎙️

Engaging and enticing verbiage: Stephen V. Stone shares his unique perspective on creativity, adversity, and the resilience required to pursue one's passi...

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 how Heather's ability to perceive the world through a vivid spectrum of colors has influenced her art and personal growth, blending unseen realms with tangible reality. 🎙️

Join us as Heather Eck shares her fascinating journey from an army brat with a profound love for art to ...

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 how Heather's ability to perceive the world through a vivid spectrum of colors has influenced her art and personal growth, blending unseen realms with tangible reality. 🎙️

Join us as Heather Eck shares her fascinating journey from an army brat with a profound love for art to ...

"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. Listener discretion advised."

In this engaging episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks and guest Jonah dive into a laughter-filled discussion on a myriad of topics ranging from social media quirks, generational differences, bizarre personal experiences, and the ...

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 addiction, and finding inner peace. 🎙️

Join us as we explore the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health and personal growth with Adam Butler. From battling addiction and life's adversities to achieving a state of balance and contentment, Adam's story is a testament ...

🎙️ 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 addiction, and finding inner peace.

Join us as we explore the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health and personal growth with Adam Butler. From battling addiction and life's adversities to achieving a state of balance and contentment, Adam's story is a testament ...

In this engaging conversation, Jay from the Tragedy Academy is joined by TA alum Iden Crockett, a multimedia artist and first responder. Iden expresses her frustrations with artists' struggles with algorithms and trends on platforms like Instagram. She champions authentic representation over follower count and talks about the courage it takes to differentiate oneself in a society that doesn't reward individuality. Iden also shares her journey as a transgender person, the discovery of her dissoci...

In this engaging conversation, Jay from the Tragedy Academy is joined by TA alum Iden Crockett, a multimedia artist and first responder. Iden expresses her frustrations with artists' struggles with algorithms and trends on platforms like Instagram. She champions authentic representation over follower count and talks about the courage it takes to differentiate oneself in a society that doesn't reward individuality. Iden also shares her journey as a transgender person, the discovery of her dissoci...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay is joined by special guests from the Florida Man on Florida Man podcast, Wayne McCarty and Josh Mills, for a light-hearted yet insightful discussion on the unexpected and often hilarious intricacies of tickling, personal names, and the societal nuances surrounding these topics. 🎙️

Dive into an episode as unpredictable as it is engaging, where laughter reigns supreme but underlies a deeper exploration of human interaction and societal judgments...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay is joined by special guests from the Florida Man on Florida Man podcast, Wayne McCarty and Josh Mills, for a light-hearted yet insightful discussion on the unexpected and often hilarious intricacies of tickling, personal names, and the societal nuances surrounding these topics. 🎙️

Dive into an episode as unpredictable as it is engaging, where laughter reigns supreme but underlies a deeper exploration of human interaction and societal judgments...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay and Gary are joined by Matt Zemon, an explorer of consciousness and a proponent of psychedelic-assisted therapy. They delve into the transformative power of psychedelics in mental health and personal growth 🎙️.

Engaging and enticing verbiage: Join us in a captivating conversation with Matt Zemon, author of "Psychedelics for Everyone" and a master in psychology and neuroscience. Matt shares his personal journey of reconnection and discovery thr...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay and Gary are joined by Matt Zemon, an explorer of consciousness and a proponent of psychedelic-assisted therapy. They delve into the transformative power of psychedelics in mental health and personal growth 🎙️.

Engaging and enticing verbiage: Join us in a captivating conversation with Matt Zemon, author of "Psychedelics for Everyone" and a master in psychology and neuroscience. Matt shares his personal journey of reconnection and discovery thr...

Welcome to The Tragedy Academy, a show created to bridge societal divides in a judgment-free zone using candor and humor. In this episode, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco are joined by Peter Young, a former sports broadcaster turned author, who shares his extraordinary story of being entangled in a cult and his journey to freedom.

Join us as Peter Young, a New Jersey native and former aspiring sports star, delves into his unexpected journey from aspiring athlete to sports broadcaster and, ult...