Episodes
The Lens You Didn't Know You Needed
What happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, an...
The Mirror Has an Echo: Reflections shaped in the presence of others.
Over time, this show has become more than interviews—it’s become a mirror. In this episode, Jay offers a quiet reflection born from years of sitting with brave, vulnerable humans who were willing to speak their truth. There i...
Bruce W. Brackett – How to Breathe While Suffocating
Sometimes it's too good to hear once. In this emotionally charged flashback episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay Hicks sits down with Bruce W. Brackett to explore one of the most vulnerable journeys ever shared on the show—fro...
Creativity, Consciousness & the Breath Between: A Conversation with Leo Marrs
In this thought-provoking episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , host Jay Hicks welcomes Leo Marrs—spiritual technologist, founder of America’s first breathwork studio, and creator of the AI-integrated mindfulness app, Ethe...
Better Off Bald: Andrea Wilson Woods on Advocacy, Grief & Healing Through Action
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Andrea Wilson Woods, author, patient advocate, and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. Andrea shares the harrowing, heart-openin...
“From Wine Culture to Wake-Up Call: Jenn’s Realignment”
🎧 In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jenn Bouler — known on Instagram as “Jenn with two Ns” — about the unseen layers of addiction, the masks we wear to fit in, and what happens when you finally t...
More Than Words: Jason Heffler on Stuttering and Self-Expression
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jason Heffler, author, EDM journalist, and passionate advocate for self-acceptance. 🎙️ The conversation dives into Jason's powerful personal story growing up with a stutter, and how that experience led to his mission to help children with speech challenges reclaim their confidence and creativity.
Throwback Episode | From Tragedy to Empowerment: Unveiling the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation with Kristal Klear
In this special throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks sits down with the incredible Kristal Klear — an entrepreneur, certified trauma coach, licensed pastor, and founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Founda...
Detention Episode: “Sniffies, Stand-Up, and Self-Love”
"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun. This is not your usual Tragedy Academy episode—if you want serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion advised.In this hilarious epis...
Detention Episode: "Would you smoke Willie Nelson's Braid?"
"Detention" Warning: Brace yourself for offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun in our 'Detention' episodes. This isn't your typical Tragedy Academy fare – it's a lighthearted listen perfect for those searching...
Breaking the Chains: Addiction, Perspective & The Power of Self-Redefinition
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Dr. Adi Jaffe joins Jay for a deep, unfiltered discussion on addiction, transformation, and the illusions of identity that hold us back. From his personal journey of addiction a...
From Medical Survival to Unhinged Comedy – The Reawakening of Rachel
In this unforgettable episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Rachel, a survivor of Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI) who spent 14 years misdiagnosed before undergoing life-saving neurosurgery. But Rachel ...
Breaking the Cycle: Cindy Benezra's Journey of Healing and Empowerment
Trigger Warning: This episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast addresses serious and potentially distressing topics, including sexual abuse and trauma. The content may be triggering to those who have experienced similar events ...
Resilience & Reinvention – Edison Jakupi’s Story
In this throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay reconnects with Edison Jakupi, a man whose journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the power of never giving up. From fleeing war-torn Kosovo to building a t...
Special Rerelease: Susan Gold – Breaking Cycles, Finding Freedom, and Transforming Trauma
Susan Gold—a woman whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a transformational coach is nothing short of inspiring. This video edition brings a fresh perspective to an episode that resonates deeply with the show’...
The Blue Collar Mystic, Bootsy Greenwood
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay welcomes Bootsy Greenwood, a multi-talented entrepreneur, personal development coach, and creator of the Blue Collar Mystic persona and podcast. Bootsy shares his down-to-ea...
Finding Authenticity Through Connection with Alec Cantrell
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Alec Cantrell, host of The One More Minute Podcast. Alec shares his journey as a storyteller and podcast host, reflecting on his growth and unique vision for con...
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of overcoming personal adversity and reigniting creative passion. 🎙️ Engaging and Entic...
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of over...
Jessica Baladad: How Self-Advocacy & AI are Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Awareness
In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology int...
Jessica Baladad: How Self-Advocacy & AI are Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Awareness
In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology int...
Authenticity in Action: Zelda Khan Black on Overcoming Challenges in Voice Acting
🎙️ In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , Jay welcomes the multi-talented Zelda Khan Black for an insightful conversation about voice acting, mental health, and embracing authenticity in the entertainment i...
Amplifying Authenticity with Chuck Duran: Voice Acting, Rock Sugar, and Living Your Best Life
In this electrifying episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , Jay sits down with Chuck Duran, the mastermind behind Demos That Rock and the co-host of the acclaimed VO Buzz Weekly . Chuck’s expertise as a voice acting demo pr...
Hakeem Javaid: Viewing Time Through the Lens of Extuity
In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast , host Jay Hicks sits down with the inspiring Hakeem Javaid to explore how personal growth, resilience, and the nature of time itself intersect. They dive deep into Hake...