The Tragedy Academy
The Tragedy Academy Podcast is a show that explores the human experience through the lens of tragedy and triumph. We aim to help listeners grow and thrive by sharing stories of real people who have experienced adversity and success. Hosted by Jay Hicks, a veteran, music producer, and multimedia artist, along with co-host Gary DeFranco, an Emmy-nominated executive producer with 20 years of experience producing non-scripted television, 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 t...
Episodes
"Detention" Warning: Brace yourself for offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun in our 'Detention' episodes. This isn't your typical Tragedy Academy fare – it's a lighthearted listen perfect for those searching for laughter. However, if you're seeking serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion is advised.
In this special detention episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay and his clo...
"Detention" Warning: Brace yourself for offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun in our 'Detention' episodes. This isn't your typical Tragedy Academy fare – it's a lighthearted listen perfect for those searching for laughter. However, if you're seeking serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion is advised.
In this special detention episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay and his clo...
In this thought-provoking episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay and Gary dive deep into the power of authenticity, personal growth, and the art of filmmaking with special guest Manny Bains. 🎬 Manny, a rising star from Toronto, shares his journey from the corporate world to becoming a film director, actor, author, and entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passions and the transformative power of sto...
In this thought-provoking episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay and Gary dive deep into the power of authenticity, personal growth, and the art of filmmaking with special guest Manny Bains. 🎬 Manny, a rising star from Toronto, shares his journey from the corporate world to becoming a film director, actor, author, and entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passions and the transformative power of sto...
Join us on The Tragedy Academy Podcast as we welcome Leslie Draffin, a former TV news anchor turned somatic psychedelic guide, for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Leslie shares her journey from living behind a mask to embracing her femininity and the healing powers of psilocybin. 🎙️
This episode deeply delves into the human experience as Leslie Draffin unfolds her transformation narrative. From the high-pressure world o...
Join us on The Tragedy Academy Podcast as we welcome Leslie Draffin, a former TV news anchor turned somatic psychedelic guide, for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Leslie shares her journey from living behind a mask to embracing her femininity and the healing powers of psilocybin. 🎙️
This episode deeply delves into the human experience as Leslie Draffin unfolds her transformation narrative. From the high-pressure world o...
In this insightful episode, Jay and Gary welcome Dr. Jisun Sunny Fisher, a.k.a. Dr. J, for a deep dive into the intricate layers of the human psyche. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring the concept of authenticity, the narratives that shape our behaviors, and how we can master our internal scripts to live life with purpose. 🎙️
Tune in as Jay, with his uncanny ability to dissect societal norms, and Gary, the King ...
In this insightful episode, Jay and Gary welcome Dr. Jisun Sunny Fisher, a.k.a. Dr. J, for a deep dive into the intricate layers of the human psyche. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring the concept of authenticity, the narratives that shape our behaviors, and how we can master our internal scripts to live life with purpose. 🎙️
Tune in as Jay, with his uncanny ability to dissect societal norms, and Gary, the King ...
In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks has an in-depth conversation with Bruce W. Brackett. Together, they delve into Bruce's journey from overcoming addiction to becoming a beacon of positivity and creativity. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of listening to one's inner light, even in the darkest of times. 🎙️
Today's episode is nothing short of inspirat...
In this compelling episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks has an in-depth conversation with Bruce W. Brackett. Together, they delve into Bruce's journey from overcoming addiction to becoming a beacon of positivity and creativity. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of listening to one's inner light, even in the darkest of times. 🎙️
Today's episode is nothing short of inspirat...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco explore the fascinating world of comedy clubs and entrepreneurship with guest Scott Edwards, a true pioneer in the comedy scene. 🎙️
Scott Edwards shares his incredible journey from launching one of the first comedy clubs in the US to working with legends like Bob Saget, Jay Leno, and Robin Williams. With over 40 years in show business, Scott's...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, hosts Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco explore the fascinating world of comedy clubs and entrepreneurship with guest Scott Edwards, a true pioneer in the comedy scene. 🎙️
Scott Edwards shares his incredible journey from launching one of the first comedy clubs in the US to working with legends like Bob Saget, Jay Leno, and Robin Williams. With over 40 years in show business, Scott's...
In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️
In a world where the narrative around masculinity often feels rigid and unforgiving, Furkhan Dandia offers a refreshing perspective that challenges these conventions. His story concerns courage...
In this deeply reflective episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Furkhan Dandia, exploring the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, understanding masculinity in the modern world, and the path to self-love. 🎙️
In a world where the narrative around masculinity often feels rigid and unforgiving, Furkhan Dandia offers a refreshing perspective that challenges these conventions. His story concerns courage,...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco speak with Stephen V. Stone. We explore the incredible journey of an award-winning filmmaker who has faced significant personal challenges, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet continues to innovate and inspire in the realm of filmmaking and beyond. 🎙️
Engaging and enticing verbiage: Stephen V. Stone shares his unique perspective on creativ...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks and cohost Gary DeFranco speak with Stephen V. Stone. We explore the incredible journey of an award-winning filmmaker who has faced significant personal challenges, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet continues to innovate and inspire in the realm of filmmaking and beyond. 🎙️
Engaging and enticing verbiage: Stephen V. Stone shares his unique perspective on creativ...
In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay delves into the colorful world of Heather Eck, a multimedia abstract artist known for her intuitive painting and unique synesthetic experiences. Discover how Heather's ability to perceive the world through a vivid spectrum of colors has influenced her art and personal growth, blending unseen realms with tangible reality. 🎙️
Join us as Heather Eck shares her fasci...
In this captivating episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay delves into the colorful world of Heather Eck, a multimedia abstract artist known for her intuitive painting and unique synesthetic experiences. Discover how Heather's ability to perceive the world through a vivid spectrum of colors has influenced her art and personal growth, blending unseen realms with tangible reality. 🎙️
Join us as Heather Eck shares her fasci...
"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor and unexpected tangents in our 'Detention' episodes. It's not your usual Tragedy Academy fare – perfect for a light-hearted listen, but maybe not for those seeking serious topics. Listener discretion advised."
In this engaging episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks and guest Jonah dive into a laughter-filled discussion on a myriad of topics ran...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Adam Butler, a psychedelic philosopher and passionate DMT psychonaut. Together, they delve into Adam's transformative journey through psychedelics, overcoming addiction, and finding inner peace. 🎙️
Join us as we explore the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health and personal growth with Adam Butler. From battling addiction and life's adversities to achievi...
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