Episodes
September 13, 2021
Special Guest: Zain Aftersound
Summary: 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 c...
September 06, 2021
Special Guest: Hernando Del Castillo - I Am Just Gaying
Summary: In today's episodes of The Tragedy Academy, Jay invites the host of the podcast I Am Just Gaying, Hernando Del Castillo. Hernando brings us along to his journey of reflection, awareness, and metamorphosis. We learn o...
August 30, 2021
Special Guest: Gary DeFranco - Diversity - Part 2
Summary This 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 dev...
August 23, 2021
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 develo...
August 16, 2021
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...
August 09, 2021
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 u...
August 02, 2021
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...
July 26, 2021
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 abo...
July 19, 2021
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 consequ...
July 12, 2021
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...
July 05, 2021
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 an...
June 28, 2021
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,...
June 21, 2021
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 exp...
June 14, 2021
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 a...
June 07, 2021
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...
May 31, 2021
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 aspi...
May 24, 2021
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, m...
May 17, 2021
Special Guest Niloo: Simplify it to love
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 Orc...
May 10, 2021
Special Guest: 'The Entertainment Guru' Mike Barker
TheTragedyAcademy.com In today's episode, Jay is joined by 'The Entertainment Guru' Mike Barker, who has worked with top-notch celebrities. He is an entertainment sales, events, and media professional. He is also the author o...
May 03, 2021
Special Guest: Sarah Donna - Everyone needs an awkward phase
TheTragedyAcademy.com This week's academic is five-time Miss Michigan, professional ring girl, and circus trapeze artist Sarah Donna. With such incredible accomplishments, you could not ask for a more humble and gracious gue...
April 26, 2021
Special Guest: Jaz Brown - Facing Adversity One Problem at A Time
TheTragedyAcademy.com In today’s episode, Jay is joined by Jazmine Brown of “ Just Jazz ”. She has a podcast and YouTube channel. She utilizes her authenticity and position to empower people. Episode Highlights: 3:08: It all ...
April 19, 2021
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.
April 12, 2021
Special Guest: Tapanga Lee - Heavy Metal Stereotypes
Jay opens the show with an impactful line, pointing out that the podcast was launched to bridge social divides and a judgment-free zone using candor and humor. Tapanga Lee, a very open-minded person, is recognized as the firs...
April 02, 2021
The Tragedy Academy - Embracing Life's Lessons Through Tragedy and Triumph
Join veteran and podcast host Jay Hicks and co-host Gary DeFranco as they explore the human experience through the lens of tragedy and triumph. Each episode features inspiring stories from real people who have overcome adversity and come out stronger on the other side.