The Tragedy Academy

Season 2

Nov. 29, 2021

Special Guest: Alexandra Pacheco - Life's Ladder

In this episode of the Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes gymnast turned firefighter Alex Pacheco. Alex shares her journey battling with body dysmorphia on top of a slew of other medical conditions starting from a young age. Her story is a …

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Nov. 22, 2021

Special Guest: Zelda Black - Butterfly Words

Welcome back to another episode of The Tragedy Academy; this week on the show, I welcome Zelda Black to discuss her new book, Butterfly Words. Zelda fearlessly shares her story of growing up ostracized and invites us to look deeper …

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Nov. 15, 2021

Special Guest: Rachel Macdonald - Supposed to Suffer

On The Tragedy Academy; this week, we welcome Rachel McDonald to discuss her experience living with Endometriosis, a rarely diagnosed disorder targeting only women. Rachel walks us through her painstaking journey of getting diagnosed, the battle to get a prescription, …

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Nov. 8, 2021

Special Guest: Edison Jakupi - Questionable Behavior

On this installment of The Tragedy Academy, Jay is joined by actor, model, and podcaster Edison Jakupi. Edison is the host of Questionable Behavior, a podcast committed to helping creators elevate their careers and sharing their journey. In this episode, …

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Oct. 25, 2021

Special Guest: Kirk Nurmi - Greatness Unchained

In today's episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes actor, author, and former attorney Kirk Nurmi. Kirk has written numerous books on topics from the famous trial of Jodi Arias To pursuing a purposeful and fulfilled life by defending your …

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Oct. 18, 2021

Special Guest: Mirko Castagna - Just Keep Trying

In this episode of the Tragedy Academy, we welcome Mirko Castagna to the show. Mirko is a recovering nicotine addict; he was a smoker for over 20 years, starting at 14. He shares his battle with addiction and details the …

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Oct. 11, 2021

Janet Conroy-Quirk: National Plus Guide

On this installment of the Tragedy Academy, writer, actor, and speaker Janet Conroy Quirk is in the studio. Janet is an advocate for the plus-sized community and is co-founder of National Plus Size, a directory that connects people with plus-friendly …

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Oct. 4, 2021

Special Guest: Ryan Cooper - F@#% It. Why Not Me.

Today on The Tragedy Academy, I welcome Ryan Cooper, entrepreneur and author of the book Fuck It: Why Not Me. In this episode, Ryan wears his heart on his sleeve, walks us through the inspiration behind writing his book, and …

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Sept. 27, 2021

Special Guest: Jaymes "The Face" Anthony

In today's episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay speaks to Jaymes "The Face" Anthony. Jaymes is the host of the YouTube show Jaymes Kickback, where he interviews celebrities, influencers, and artists to showcase their art and get to know them …

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Sept. 20, 2021

Special Guest: Kent Lawlor - Second Grade

In today’s episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay speaks with the author, schoolteacher, and single father of three children, Kent Lawlor. Kent details his journey full of peaks and valleys, both figuratively and literally. He shares his experiences in raising …

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Sept. 13, 2021

Special Guest: Zain Aftersound

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 creates. We learn of …

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Sept. 6, 2021

Special Guest: Hernando Del Castillo - I Am Just Gaying

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 of the societal pressure he …

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Aug. 30, 2021

Special Guest: Gary DeFranco - Diversity - Part 2

Welcome to sophomore year at The Tragedy Academy, where with an open mind and a sense of humor - we see how past tragedy lays a foundation for a better humanity. The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge …

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Aug. 23, 2021

Special Guest: Gary DeFranco - Diversity - Part 1

Welcome to sophomore year at The Tragedy Academy, where with an open mind and a sense of humor - we see how past tragedy lays a foundation for a better humanity. The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge …

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Aug. 16, 2021

Special Guest: Freda Jing - Tenacity

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 she could heal from …

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Aug. 9, 2021

Special Guest: Jennifer Menendez - The Yellow Rose

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 us the incredible life lessons …

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Aug. 2, 2021

Special Guest: Andrew Nethery - "BURY US!" A PUNK ROCK UPRISING

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 parts of the film shedding …

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July 26, 2021

Special Guests: Andre & Niki Linear - Don't Forget Unity

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 about a fresh, realistic perspective.

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July 19, 2021

Special Guest: Lucas Hill - The Spirit Molecule

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 consequences of his illuminating experience of 5-MeO-DMT.

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July 12, 2021

Special Guest: Theoni Bekiari - "I am here."

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 Dramatology in Greece and is getting ready to graduate from …

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July 5, 2021

Special Guest: Amy Lerie - No plan B's and no giving up

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 and purpose, all because she decided to …

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June 28, 2021

Special Guest: Christine Twyman - We're all traumatized children

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, we can create a space for …

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June 21, 2021

Special Guest: Karen Laven - The Other 23 Days

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 experience and explains just how …

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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 achieve mindfulness …

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June 7, 2021

Special Guest: Glauco Araujo - Nurture your love

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 into beautiful art …

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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 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 aspirations.

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May 24, 2021

Special Guest - Sharon Green - "Everything is written within our star…

In today’s episode, Jay talks to Sharon Green, a Reiki Master. She talks about her awakening and passion.

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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 Orchestra” and her music collective …

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May 10, 2021

Special Guest: 'The Entertainment Guru' Mike Barker

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 of a best-selling book – "4 Strategies to …

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May 3, 2021

Special Guest: Sarah Donna - Everyone needs an awkward phase

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 guest, not to mention hilarious. Sarah discusses life as growing …

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April 26, 2021

Special Guest: Jaz Brown - Facing Adversity One Problem at A Time

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.

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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.

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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 first fan of …

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April 1, 2021

The Tragedy Academy

disORIENTATION The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge societal divides in a judgment-free zone using candor and humor. Welcome to class… Each week at the academy we look at society through a microscope, dissect human nature, and clown …

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