182 episodes

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, multimedia artist and music producer, 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 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.
Be cool and keep learning.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

The Tragedy Academy Non Purus Scolam, llc

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 102 Ratings

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, multimedia artist and music producer, 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 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.
Be cool and keep learning.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    The Healing Arts: Joy Giovanni on Embracing Authenticity

    The Healing Arts: Joy Giovanni on Embracing Authenticity

    In this episode, Jay and Gary have a captivating discussion with Joy Giovanni, a former WWE Diva who has transitioned into a psychic medium. They delve into her extraordinary journey of embracing her true self and navigating significant personal and professional changes. Joy opens up about her struggles with inauthenticity, the challenges of her WWE career, and the profound process of becoming a medium. The conversation explores the emotional and spiritual aspects of self-discovery, the science of energy healing practices like Reiki, and the complexities of psychic mediumship. Through their heartfelt exchange, they emphasize the vital role of self-exploration, resilience, and the quest for genuine fulfillment.

    Harnessing Positive Psychology: A Discussion on Take Two Minutes with Marc S. Fussell

    Harnessing Positive Psychology: A Discussion on Take Two Minutes with Marc S. Fussell

    In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay welcomes Mark Fussell, founder of the nonprofit Take Two Minutes. Together, they delve into mindfulness, gratitude, and mental well-being. Mark shares the origins and features of Take Two Minutes, a web application offering positive psychology activities through text messaging. Their discussion highlights the benefits of a gratitude challenge and proper sleep hygiene for mental health, emphasizing the importance of internal reflection and self-care practices. Join Jay and Mark as they explore the transformative power of gratitude, mindfulness, and positive daily interactions in fostering resilience and happiness.

    • 56 min
    Enhancing Parental Guidance: Building Strong Identities in Children

    Enhancing Parental Guidance: Building Strong Identities in Children

    In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Jay interviews Aurelius Higgs, a coach focused on mental well-being and character development in children. They delve into the importance of establishing a solid sense of self-worth in preteens before societal pressures take over, parents’ crucial role in nurturing their children’s authentic selves, and the impact of social media on young minds. Aurelius shares his approach to project-based living to bond with children, support their developmental journey, and foster resilience. Their conversation highlights the power of positive intent, open communication, and sharing experiences to guide children toward realizing their full potential.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    • video
    Enhancing Parental Guidance: Building Strong Identities in Children | Video

    Enhancing Parental Guidance: Building Strong Identities in Children | Video

    In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Jay interviews Aurelius Higgs, a coach focused on mental well-being and character development in children. They delve into the importance of establishing a solid sense of self-worth in preteens before societal pressures take over, parents’ crucial role in nurturing their children’s authentic selves, and the impact of social media on young minds. Aurelius shares his approach to project-based living to bond with children, support their developmental journey, and foster resilience. Their conversation highlights the power of positive intent, open communication, and sharing experiences to guide children toward realizing their full potential.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    "The Florida Bushman's Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare"

    "The Florida Bushman's Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare"

    In this captivating episode, ”The Florida Bushman’s Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare,” we delve into the inspiring life of Chris Hunt, known as the Florida Bushman. Born with a congenital heart defect and having undergone multiple open-heart surgeries, Chris faced numerous health challenges, including a leukemia diagnosis and a stroke. Despite these obstacles, he embraced life with humor and resilience, creating the Florida Bushman persona to spread laughter and mindfulness. Join us as Chris shares his journey of overcoming adversity, the power of authentic reactions, and the impact of small acts of kindness. Discover how he uses dark humor to address societal fallacies and the importance of living in the moment while spreading joy through his memorable scares and heartfelt interactions.

    • 57 min
    • video
    "The Florida Bushman's Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare" | Video

    "The Florida Bushman's Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare" | Video

    In this captivating episode, ”The Florida Bushman’s Journey: Finding Joy in Every Scare,” we delve into the inspiring life of Chris Hunt, known as the Florida Bushman. Born with a congenital heart defect and having undergone multiple open-heart surgeries, Chris faced numerous health challenges, including a leukemia diagnosis and a stroke. Despite these obstacles, he embraced life with humor and resilience, creating the Florida Bushman persona to spread laughter and mindfulness. Join us as Chris shares his journey of overcoming adversity, the power of authentic reactions, and the impact of small acts of kindness. Discover how he uses dark humor to address societal fallacies and the importance of living in the moment while spreading joy through his memorable scares and heartfelt interactions.

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
102 Ratings

102 Ratings

_C_T_Brown ,

Necessary Conversation

The Tragedy Academy is a raw and real conversational podcast. Jay does an amazing job navigating heavy subject matter with guest. He is insightful, poignant and hilarious. Thank you for doing what you do with this show.

Matt Zemon ,

Vulnerability Breeds Connection: Why The Tragedy Academy Podcast Will Inspire You

My time as a guest on The Tragedy Academy podcast, hosted by Jay and Gary, was nothing short of inspiring. Their warmth and openness set the stage for deep, personal discussions that left a lasting impact. Through their own vulnerability, they create an atmosphere of trust that invites guests to share their stories authentically. If you're seeking heartfelt conversations and genuine connections, look no further than The Tragedy Academy.

LinkedIn episode ,

The “Tom-Foolery” was exceptional!

Yes, a fun interview was had by all; jokes, funny comedy club stories, interesting deep dives…even a submarine was mentioned?? Where do you find these Amazing Guests??
Thanks for sharing….

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