Tragedy Academy
Tragedy Academy
The Tragedy Academy Podcast is a show that explores the human experience through the lens of tragedy and triumph. Our goal is to help listeners grow and thrive by sharing stories of real people who have experienced adversity and success.

Hosted by Jay Hicks, a veteran, voice artist, music producer, and multimedia artist, The Tragedy Academy Podcast provides a unique perspective on life's challenges and how to overcome them.

Our guests come from all walks of life and share their stories of struggle and triumph. We believe that our past does not define our future and that living authentically and purposefully is the key to a fulfilling life.

Through candid and humorous discussions, we explore societal divides and bridge gaps in understanding. We believe that laughter is the best fertilizer for the tree of knowledge, and that's why we bring you stories that will make you think, laugh, and inspire you to be a better person.

The Tragedy Academy Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of humor and enlightenment as we strive to grow the tree of knowledge together.

And remember, be cool and keep learning.
Tragedy Academy
Oct. 16, 2022

Ultimate Fighter Kelvin Gastelum

Ultimate Fighter Kelvin Gastelum
Tragedy Academy
Ultimate Fighter Kelvin Gastelum

A result can tell you who won. It cannot tell you everything it took to get there.

Kelvin Gastelum joins Jay and Gary for a conversation about his life in mixed martial arts, the confidence that comes from preparation, and what losing can teach an athlete. Their discussion moves beyond competition to the people, setbacks, and decisions that shaped him.

Kelvin reflects on his mother's influence, the demands of a fighting career, and finding his way through time away from competition. Gary's history with Kelvin gives the conversation an easy familiarity, with detours into food, travel, and stories from Mexico.

What We Explore

  • Kelvin's path through The Ultimate Fighter and the UFC
  • Preparation, confidence, and competing under pressure
  • Learning from losses and career setbacks
  • Family support and his mother's influence
  • Recovery and time away from competition
  • Food debates, friendship, and stories from Mexico

About Kelvin Gastelum

Kelvin Gastelum is a professional mixed martial artist and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 17.

Kelvin: Website • Instagram

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.