Episodes

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks, joined by the world-renowned breakdancer, host, and Olympic judge, Ivan "Flipz" Velez, dives deep into the evolution of breakdancing and the power of resilience. 🎙️

Prepare to be inspired as we journey through the incredible life of Ivan "Flipz" Velez. From the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico to the international stages, Ivan has revolutionized breakdancing and embraced his role as a cultural ambassador and innovator. In a heartfelt...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks, joined by the world-renowned breakdancer, host, and Olympic judge, Ivan "Flipz" Velez, dives deep into the evolution of breakdancing and the power of resilience. 🎙️

Prepare to be inspired as we journey through the incredible life of Ivan "Flipz" Velez. From the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico to the international stages, Ivan has revolutionized breakdancing and embraced his role as a cultural ambassador and innovator. In a heartfelt...

In this enlightening episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by guest Kelly Baums, a former teacher and library media director turned ADHD coach and content creator. Together, they delve into the complexities of living with ADHD, shedding light on both the challenges and the unique strengths it brings. 🎙️

Join Jay and Kelly as they embark on a candid journey exploring the intricacies of ADHD. Kelly, with her rich background as a teacher and now an ADHD coach, brings a w...

In this enlightening episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by guest Kelly Baums, a former teacher and library media director turned ADHD coach and content creator. Together, they delve into the complexities of living with ADHD, shedding light on both the challenges and the unique strengths it brings. 🎙️

Join Jay and Kelly as they embark on a candid journey exploring the intricacies of ADHD. Kelly, with her rich background as a teacher and now an ADHD coach, brings a w...

"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor and unexpected tangents in our 'Detention' episodes. 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 unique episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by Jonah, a former intern. They dive into a light-hearted and humorous discussion, a departure from the usual serious themes of the podcast, focusing on their experiences a...

"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 unique episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by Jonah, a former intern. They dive into a light-hearted and humorous discussion, a departure from the usual serious themes of the podcast, focusing on their experien...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco explore the spiritual journey of Kimberly Braun, a former monastic nun. 🎙️

This episode takes you through Kimberly Braun's incredible journey, from her unique experiences as a nun to her profound insights into meditation and Christianity. Listeners are invited to discover the transformative power of spirituality, authenticity, and presence with engaging conversations and personal anecdotes. Jay and Gary's un...

In this profound episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco delve into an emotionally charged conversation with Angelica Lara.

Join us for an incredibly moving episode where Angelica shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity. From dealing with significant health challenges that affected her physical appearance and maternal aspirations to embracing a transformative path toward self-acceptance, Angelica's story is nothing short of inspirational. Jay...

In this episode, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco engage with Nico Verresen, a former Muay Thai champion and psychologist, to explore themes of resilience, transformation, and personal growth. The discussion delves into Nico's journey from a celebrated fighter to a life coach, emphasizing the power of overcoming adversity and rediscovering oneself.

Join us as we uncover Nico Verresen's remarkable story - from achieving glory in the Muay Thai ring to facing a career-ending eye injury. His journ...

In this episode, hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco engage with Nico Verresen, a former Muay Thai champion and psychologist, to explore themes of resilience, transformation, and personal growth. The discussion delves into Nico's journey from a celebrated fighter to a life coach, emphasizing the power of overcoming adversity and rediscovering oneself.

Join us as we uncover Nico Verresen's remarkable story - from achieving glory in the Muay Thai ring to facing a career-ending eye injury. His journ...

🎙️ In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks engages in an enlightening conversation with Ryan Deitsch, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting and an advocate for change.

In a deeply personal and moving episode, Jay delves into Ryan's experiences as a survivor of one of the most tragic school shootings in American history. Ryan, now a Human Rights Organizer, shares his journey from the horrifying day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a key ...

🎙️ In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks engages in an enlightening conversation with Ryan Deitsch, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting and an advocate for change.

In a deeply personal and moving episode, Jay delves into Ryan's experiences as a survivor of one of the most tragic school shootings in American history. Ryan, now a Human Rights Organizer, shares his journey from the horrifying day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a key ...

🎙️ Welcome to a compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, featuring hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco. Today, they sit down with Ryan McCarthy from the One Talk Podcast, delving into a powerful narrative of overcoming personal challenges and finding one's true path.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jay and Gary explore Ryan's inspiring journey from his early struggles with drug addiction to his transformative recovery and growth. Ryan shares his experiences with finding solace in fit...

🎙️ Welcome to a compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, featuring hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco. Today, they sit down with Ryan McCarthy from the One Talk Podcast, delving into a powerful narrative of overcoming personal challenges and finding one's true path.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jay and Gary explore Ryan's inspiring journey from his early struggles with drug addiction to his transformative recovery and growth. Ryan shares his experiences with finding solace in fit...

Prepare to be captivated by another vibrant installment of The Tragedy Academy Podcast video edition, where predictability takes a backseat, and a rollicking good time is the only expectation. Hosts Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco keep the momentum high with their dynamic exchange with the irrepressible pair Ayden and Kelsy from the "Why Are You Like This" podcast. This visual extravaganza promises a feast of hilarity and spontaneous mayhem.

Embark on a riotous journey with Jay as he recounts an ar...

Prepare to be enthralled by another uproarious segment of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, where the unpredictable is the norm, and the laughs are guaranteed. Our hosts, Jay and Gary, continue their spirited dialogue with the vivacious duo, Ayden and Kelsy, from the "Why Are You Like This" podcast, delivering a veritable feast of mirth and mayhem.

Embark on a comedic journey that starts with Jay's audacious army prank reminiscence, involving a 'ranger sit up' that takes an embarrassingly graphic tu...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco welcome the dynamic duo from the "Why Are You Like This?" podcast Kelsy and Ayden. Together, they embark on a hilarious journey, exploring accents, quirky mugs, brutal childhood realities, and the humorous side of doctors. 🎙️

Dive into this laughter-filled episode where Jay and Gary, with their unique perspectives, come together with Kelsy and Ayden of the "Why Are You Like This?" podcast. From deciphering C...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco welcome the dynamic duo from the "Why Are You Like This?" podcast, Kelsy and Ayden. Together, they embark on a hilarious journey, exploring accents, quirky mugs, brutal childhood realities, and the humorous side of doctors. 🎙️

Dive into this laughter-filled episode where Jay and Gary, with their unique perspectives, come together with Kelsy and Ayden of the "Why Are You Like This?" podcast. From deciphering ...

🌟 Special Archive Video Release 🌟

🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics like suicide. Listen responsibly. 🚨

🎙️ Episode Overview

Hey, folks! Welcome to a super-special video release of one of our treasured archive episodes! This week, Jay sits down with the incredibly multi-faceted Iden Crockett. Trust us, you don't want to miss this heart-to-heart conversation.

👩‍🎨 About Iden Crockett

Iden is basically a real-life Renaissance woman! She's an artist, writer, musician, an...

This episode is a lively detour from our typical Tragedy Academy topics, focusing on fun and candid conversations in a live format. 🎙️ So, get ready for some light-hearted and enjoyable moments! 😊🌟

This episode is about embracing change, having a good time, and fostering connections. Jay and Caroline are on a mission to explore new live formats that will not only entertain you but also provide a chance for you to join the conversation in real time. So, why should you tune in?

One key takeaway ...

Hey, visual learners and comedy lovers! 🎉

We're ecstatic to unveil the video edition of our chat with the ever-vibrant Aaron Gold! 🌟 Experience every chuckle, thoughtful pause, and animated discussion in HD glory.

Episode Highlights:

😂 Authentic Comedy & Candidness: Immerse yourself in Aaron Gold's world. From the quirks of daily life to profound musings on identity and creativity, it's a treat for the soul.

🍅 Tomato Tales: Hop into a lively debate on the essence of tomatoes and the divine c...

Special Archive Video Release The Power of Love and Wrestling: A Conversation with Ellie Neidhart

Episode Release Date: June 2022

Episode Description: Dive deep into the archives of The Tragedy Academy as we unveil a special video release of one of our most cherished episodes! Journey with us back in time as Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco sit down with Ellie Neidhart, the heart of the late WWE icon, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Watch as memories unfold, tales of love and wrestling intertwine, and mo...

🎙️In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by the ever-entertaining Aaron Gold. Together, they navigate through life's quirks, blending humor with thoughtful insights into authenticity, identity, and creative pursuits. As they touch upon the little nuances of everyday life, from food preferences to the essence of tomatoes, listeners are in for a unique blend of laughter and enlightenment.

Join Jay Hicks and Aaron Gold in a delightful blend of comedy and candid co...

In this profoundly insightful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks engages in a gripping conversation with Billy "The Extractor" Henderson. From his early years as a college athlete to his work in law enforcement and daring humanitarian missions in Cuba, Billy bears the trials and triumphs that have carved his extraordinary life. 🎙️

Billy delivers an enthralling discussion that explores the multi-faceted human experience. Billy's awe-inspiring journey from a busboy to a humani...