The Tragedy Academy
The Tragedy Academy Podcast explores the human experience through the lens of tragedy and triumph. Hosted by Jay Hicks, a voice artist, music producer, and multimedia creator, the show features real stories of resilience, growth, and transformation. Through candid and often humorous conversations, we bridge divides, challenge perspectives, and remind listeners that living authentically is the path to healing and connection.
Episodes
🎙️ In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Jason Heffler—author, EDM journalist, DJ, and passionate advocate for self-acceptance. The conversation dives deep into Jason’s powerful story of growing up with a stutter, and how that challenge became the foundation for his mission to help kids rediscover their confidence and creativity through voice.
What does it mean to find your voice when you’ve spent years...
🎧 In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jenn Bouler — known on Instagram as “Jenn with two Ns” — about the unseen layers of addiction, the masks we wear to fit in, and what happens when you finally take yours off. 🎙️
✨ Jenn’s story isn’t marked by trauma or chaos, making it resonate even deeper. A happy childhood. A solid career. A beautiful son. And yet, beneath the surface, alcohol crept in not to n...
"Detention" Warning: Expect offbeat humor, unexpected tangents, and unfiltered fun. This is not your usual Tragedy Academy episode—if you want serious topics, look elsewhere. Listener discretion advised.
In this hilarious episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay reconnects with stand-up comedian Hernando Del Castillo—host of I Am Just Gaying—for a "Detention Episode" packed with laughs, real talk, and deep div...
"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 episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay is joined by his lo...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Dr. Adi Jaffe joins Jay for a deep, unfiltered discussion on addiction, transformation, and the illusions of identity that hold us back.
From his personal journey of addiction and incarceration to becoming a UCLA-trained psychologist and best-selling author, Dr. Jaffe breaks down the misconceptions around addiction, the power of shifting perspective, and why breaking free from societal...
In this unforgettable episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Rachel, a survivor of Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI) who spent 14 years misdiagnosed before undergoing life-saving neurosurgery. But Rachel isn’t just an advocate—she’s a brilliantly absurd comedian, the mastermind behind Cindy & Laurn, and proof that creativity and humor can survive even in the face of extreme hardship.
From locked-in syndrome ...
Trigger Warning: This episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast addresses serious and potentially distressing topics, including sexual abuse and trauma. The content may be triggering to those who have experienced similar events or are sensitive to discussions of abuse and trauma. We urge listener discretion and recommend that individuals affected by these topics consider their comfort and well-being before listening.
Throughout the...
In this throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay reconnects with Edison Jakupi, a man whose journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the power of never giving up. From fleeing war-torn Kosovo to building a thriving career in the U.S., Edison’s story is a testament to what it means to start over—and win. 🎙️
🎧 Now remastered with upgraded audio & video, this episode brings back one of our most powerful conv...
Susan Gold—a woman whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a transformational coach is nothing short of inspiring. This video edition brings a fresh perspective to an episode that resonates deeply with the show’s core themes: breaking generational cycles, reclaiming authenticity, and embracing self-transformation.
Susan shares her raw and powerful story of growing up in a dysfunctional home, navigating the entertainmen...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay welcomes Bootsy Greenwood, a multi-talented entrepreneur, personal development coach, and creator of the Blue Collar Mystic persona and podcast. Bootsy shares his down-to-earth approach to spirituality, humor, and self-discovery, bridging the gap between the mystical and the relatable. This episode is packed with humor, insight, and actionable advice for anyone seeking to align wi...
In this episode, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of overcoming personal adversity and reigniting creative passion. 🎙️
Join Jay and Dani as they delve deep into Dani’s inspiring story of resilience and artistic rebirth. From battling serious health challenges to navigating the evolving music industry, Dani shares his unique perspective on maintaining authenticity in a world ...
In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology interpretations.
Key Points:
🎙 Jessica shares her inspiring journey of survival, advocacy, and innovation, discussing:
✅Why self-exams save lives and how to perform them
💡Navigating a broken healthcare system
🧠Ho...
🎙️ In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay welcomes the multi-talented Zelda Khan Black for an insightful conversation about voice acting, mental health, and embracing authenticity in the entertainment industry. Zelda dives deep into her journey as a voice actor, author, and artist, sharing how she’s navigated adversity and found strength through self-expression and community support. 🌟
📚 Zelda opens up abou...
In this electrifying episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Chuck Duran, the mastermind behind Demos That Rock and the co-host of the acclaimed VO Buzz Weekly. Chuck’s expertise as a voice acting demo producer and his unforgettable journey as a musician with Rock Sugar provides an unparalleled lens into creativity, authenticity, and the power of perseverance. 🎙️✨
Chuck shares his insights on amplifying authenti...
In this powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with the inspiring Hakeem Javaid to explore how personal growth, resilience, and the nature of time itself intersect. They dive deep into Hakeem’s transformative journey and his groundbreaking ideas about time as energy, self-limiting beliefs, and the lenses through which we view the world. Prepare for a mind-expanding conversation that challenges con...
In this transformative episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks sits down with Crystal Cassidy, CEO and founder of SoulPod, a mobile app for spiritual wellness. Crystal’s remarkable journey blends the worlds of science and spirituality, offering a fresh perspective on how these realms intersect with over two decades of pharmaceutical experience and a deep connection to spiritual practices like Reiki, meditation, and m...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Austin Davis, a visionary in teenage behavioral health and addiction recovery with over 20 years of experience. Austin shares his journey from Dallas-Fort Worth to becoming a leader in adolescent treatment. Together, they explore the unique challenges of working with teens, the powerful impact of social media, and the importance of purpose in young lives.
Austin rev...
In this episode, Jay sits down with Steve Young, a multifaceted creative known for his lengthy career as a comedy writer on 'The David Letterman Show,' as well as a musician, filmmaker, and author. They delve into the technical hiccups that stall creative processes yet highlight how embracing small failures can lead to unexpected successes. Steve shares insights from his time in TV and recording, his songwriting journey, and the fa...
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay dives deep into the world of regenerative medicine and the healing potential of stem cell therapy. Joined by Dr. Eric Weiss, a specialist in regenerative medicine and founder of the North Florida Stem Cell Clinic, they explore the transformative advancements in stem cell research and its applications for treating various conditions, including autism, traumatic brain injuries (TBI)...
In this engaging conversation, Jay from the Tragedy Academy is joined by TA alum Iden Crockett, a multimedia artist and first responder. Iden expresses her frustrations with artists' struggles with algorithms and trends on platforms like Instagram. She champions authentic representation over follower count and talks about the courage it takes to differentiate oneself in a society that doesn't reward individuality. Iden also shares ...
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