The Tragedy Academy

Summary This week's episode is part 2 of 2 that features a conversation between host Jay and special guest Gary DeFranco. Gary is the executive producer of The Ultimate Fighter and the creative behind Max Glow MMA and the developing concept of Not Uranus. He and Jay talk about creative ventures, COVID-19, Diversity, and much more! Key Points: ? Diversity ? Mental Health ? TUF, the pandemic, and tr...

Summary:  Today’s episode is part 1 of 2 that features a conversation between host Jay and special guest Gary DeFranco. Gary is the executive producer of The Ultimate Fighter and the creative behind Max Glow MMA and the developing concept of Not Uranus. He and Jay talk about creative ventures, COVID-19, Diversity, and much more! Key Points: ? Diversity ? Mental Health ? TUF, the pandemic, and trai...

Summary:  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 that through discovering self-acceptance. Key Points: ? Conquering seven years of depression ? Getting diagnosed ?? Finding self-acceptance ? The broken...

Summary: 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 learned through the lens of a grieving daughter. Key Points:  ? Breast cancer diagnosis ????? Stepping away from the victim mentality ?? Helping...

Summary: 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 light on a sliver of what Basque people have endured since the 70s. Key Points: ? Bury Us! A Punk Rock Uprising ? Where is Basque, and what does it...

Summary: 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. Key Points: ????  The Marriage Club ???? ???????  The perception of the black family ?. The ten steps on How to make a marriage work ?????  ...

?Summary: 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. ?Key Points: ? Losing childlike wonder ? Pandemic fear ? Opening the mind ? 5-MeO-DMT the process ? The experience ?? Finding...

?Ep 85: Theoni Bekiari - "I am here." ? Summary: 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 the acting academy in July. Theoni opens up to us about coming out as pansexual and the hurdles she overcame to ac...

Summary: 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 follow her dreams. Key Points: ?Being your most authentic self ?Pivotal moment ?How has the pandemic affected you? ?Finding empathy ?Livi...

Summary: 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 trauma intervention. Key Points: Advocating for trauma intervention via art Working with people who are only interested in the monetary Understandin...

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 through meditation and martial arts. Key Points: Becoming a stunt man A student of the arts Sanctuary of Art and Healing Thai chi and mindfulness Yin and Ya...

Summary: 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 for all to consume. Key Points: Glauco tells his backstory growing up in a remote farm area in Brazil Transitioning from a field outside of Rio to an accom...

In today’s episode, Jay interviews Demi Ramos; model, artist, and co-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. Key Points: Demi admits to having an awkward phase while Jay reassures that it's necessary as an artist Authenticity cultivates an organic fanbase Demi walks us throu...

In today’s episode, Jay talks to Sharon Green, a Reiki Master. She talks about her awakening and passion. Episode Highlights: 3:30: Sharon talks about her interest in Astrology and how she started exploring horoscopes, sun, moon, and rising science. 4:20: Jay points out that even though we have been studying astrology longer than other strings in religions, there is still a grouping in which socie...

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 called “A Tribe Called Love,” which brings popular and EDM music together with conscious lyrics. Stay tuned after the show for a debut peek at...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with the "Entertainment Guru," Mike Barker, for a profound discussion on personal branding and finding life's purpose. Delve into Mike's transformative journey from aspiring guidance counselor to becoming a beacon in the entertainment industry, overcoming racial discrimination and financial hurdles along the way. ?? Have you...

In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by the versatile and vibrant Sarah Donna, a five-time Miss Michigan professional ring girl and circus trapeze artist. Discover an accomplished guest's humorous and humble side as she shares insights into her multifaceted life and the importance of authenticity. ?? Embark on a journey with Sarah Donna, whose life is as colorfu...

In this moving episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks is joined by the inspirational Jazmine Brown of "Just Jazz". Together, they delve into Jazmine's personal narrative of overcoming adversity, utilizing her platform to empower and uplift others through authenticity. ?? **Engaging and Enticing Verbiage:** Join Jay and Jazmine as they navigate through a heartfelt conversation that...

In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks opens the show with a powerful message about the podcast's mission to bridge social divides and create a judgment-free zone through candor and humor. Special guest Tapanga Lee, celebrated as the first fan of the show and noted for her open-mindedness, joins Jay. Together, they embark on a journey down memory lane in an unscripted...

Join music producer and podcast host Jay Hicks along with co-host Gary DeFranco on The Tragedy Academy Podcast, a unique and insightful show delving into the human experience through the dual lens of tragedy and triumph. Each episode is a journey through inspiring stories from individuals who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, offering listeners a guide to finding purpose and meaning in th...