Summary This episode we welcome professional fighter, Bobby Maximus, to the show. A long-time friend of Gary's, the two first met on the set of The Ultimate Fighter years ago and discuss their shared experience on the show. Bobby also shares his experience of growing up in a community that…
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy, we meet runway model and actor Max Eric Lemberger. Max's journey into acting and the fashion industry came later in life but with double the intensity. He is a true testament to time having no boundaries and an inspiration to those who have…
Summary The Tragedy Academy is excited to present a new regular feature for the show: TA Library. In this episode, TA librarian Jennifer steps out from behind the curtain to talk about what academics can expect from these after-school study sessions. There will be some history, some mystery, and as…
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay and Gary sit down with Alissa Musto to discuss her life experiences and how she has overcome adversity with candor and humor. 💬 A child of musicians, she could read music before words. A Harvard Grad and former Ms. Massachusetts. She opens…
Are you a parent? This episode is for you! Tune in as Jay welcomes Heather Jess to talk about post-partum depression, the challenges of being a parent, and the power of community support in raising children. Heather Jess is the creator of MommaSquad, a blog about motherhood, being a military…
Summary This episode is about kicking back and discussing random things as friends do. Our OG guest this week is episode 4 alumni Sarah Donna, five-time Miss Michigan, circus trapeze artist, actress, influencer, model, and grilled cheese connoisseur. With such incredible accomplishments, you could not ask for a more humble…
Obtaining a healthy mentality is challenging as people must fight their fears and trauma, dive deep into their minds to be aware of it and slowly begin to process it. Tune in as Dr. Margit Muller discusses how one can release the anxieties and burdens ingrained in their body and…
Summary Gary brings another inspiring guest to the show: Artem Lobov. A former MMA fighter and boxer, Artem is taking the opportunity of an early retirement to not only protect his health, but explore who he is outside of the sport. This includes writing a book about his life, starting…
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay sits down with Adam Gunton, founder of "Recovered on Purpose," who shares his story of overcoming addiction and finding a life of purpose. Through candid and humorous discussions, Adam and Jay explore the root causes of addiction and the importance…
Meeting and exceeding goals requires effort and perseverance. Obstacles and setbacks are unavoidable, and what counts most is the seriousness with which you resolve to overcome such failures. Listen here as Brandon Puffer shares how he recovered after hitting rock bottom and how he reminds others that redemption is possible.…
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay sits down with Jodie Shihadeh, an entertainment attorney who shares her journey in helping artists navigate the music industry. Jodie discusses her passion for working with creators, addressing industry issues, and activism throughout her life. 🎙️ Join them as they…
"From Raves to Riches: How Jon Grauman Went from Promoting Raves to Selling Luxury Real Estate" In this episode 🎙️ of the Tragedy Academy podcast 🎧, listeners are treated to an inspiring conversation with Jon Grauman 🎤, a former rave promoter turned real estate mogul. Jon shares his incredible journey…
Summary On the show this week is tattoo artist and actor, Sam Suarez, a.k.a High Noon. A star of Tattoo Nightmares Miami, Sam offers a unique insider perspective into the art of tattooing, as well as how he has translated that experience into acting. Plenty of bad tattoos are discussed,…
Welcome to episode 78 of the Tragedy Academy, where we explore the stories of those who have overcome great struggles and come out on top. This week, Jay sits down with Susan Gold, a woman who has turned her own personal tragedy into a successful career as a producer and…
We are limited from achieving our highest potential by the fears we have developed due to our past experiences. We're not supposed to judge, and we're not supposed to judge our experiences; instead, we should take what we've learned and move on. Tune in as Birgitta Visser discusses how she…
On this week's "Detention" episode, Jay & Gary, our favorite delinquents, have brought up some seriously "heavy-hitting" topics. They were supposed to have Jay as a guest. Instead, things turned unexpected when Gary told a hilarious story about an attempt to put a bear in the UFC locker room courtesy…
The Techniques, Experiences, and Stories of Kelvin Gastelum as a Professional in Mixed Martial Arts in the UFC. Are you a fighter? Are you interested in martial arts? In today's episode, Gary and Jay welcome a well-known professional mixed martial arts artist, Kelvin Gastelum. Please tune in to The Tragedy…
Living the life we want requires walking on a rocky path. But with different tools, religion, and spirituality, we can make it through and attain an enjoyable life. Tune in as Amrit Singh discusses how he reaches his goal of living his pleasant life with yoga and how spirituality can…
🎙️In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with Joseph Grable, a talented filmmaker, actor, and podcast host who shares his story of tragedy and triumph. In this inspiring conversation, they discuss overcoming adversity, the importance of mental health awareness, and how to find happiness…
Summary This week Jay welcomes actress Olivia Blair to the podcast. Today, Olivia pursues her passions of acting and film, however she hasn't always been able to live as her authentic self. Olivia first began to struggle with body dysmorphia in high school, when the pressures of media encouraged her…
Join Jay & Gary on the latest episode of The Tragedy Academy podcast as they explore the journey of finding authenticity and starting a successful podcast. In this candid conversation, Jay reflects on his past as a self-centered and narcissistic person and how he has learned to value different things…
In this episode of the Tragedy Academy, Jay welcomes Dan Lambert, owner of American Top Team, the legendary MMA gym. Dan grew American Top Team from an amateur MMA gym, doing it only for the love of the game, to one of the country's top professional sports gyms. He unknowingly…
Everyone, at some point in life, will be brought down to their knees because of pain and suffering, no matter how much they endure it. But it’s not the end; that moment can be the time for your life to change. Tune in as Deborah Driggs discusses how she overcame…
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🎧, Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco sit down with Cam F. Awesome 😎, a former heavyweight boxing champion 🥊 and comedian 🎤 who shares his story of embracing adversity with humor 😂. In this episode, he shares his unique perspective on life…