Matthew Scheall "The Battle of the Inner Critic"

A song can be ready to leave your head long before you are ready to let anyone hear it.

Rapper and hip-hop artist Matthew Scheall joins Jay and Gary in the studio to talk about making music while wrestling with the voice that says it is not good enough. He recalls writing long verses before he understood song structure, finding encouragement from a close friend, and learning which feedback helped him grow.

The conversation moves through faith, creative identity, collaboration, and unfinished songs waiting for the right moment. Matthew shares music and reflects on the work of becoming an artist in his own voice. Jay and Gary bring their own experiences with self-doubt, judgment, and the people who can either support a creative impulse or shut it down.

What We Explore

• Finding hip-hop through friends and early influences
• Learning to turn ideas into finished songs
• Encouragement and useful creative feedback
• The inner critic and unfinished work
• Faith and personal expression in music
• Collaboration, production, and learning new skills
• Letting people hear the work

About Matthew Scheall

Matthew Scheall is a Florida rapper and hip-hop artist whose music draws on his faith and personal experience.

The Tragedy Academy

Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.

Hosted by Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco.

Be cool. Keep learning. 🌳

The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge societal divides in a judgment-free zone using candor and humor. 

Be cool. Keep Learning.