Podcast
The Tragedy Academy
Hosted by Non Purus Scolam, llc · ENGLISH
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.
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The Lens You Didn't Know You Needed
May 2700:55:12Tap to summarizeWhat happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, and depth, they unpack the emotional architecture of business: the fear of becoming irrelevant, the power of validation, and the truth that failure isn’t a wall—it’s a lens.The conversation moves from the dangers of letting AI write your ad copy to the Gen X struggle of feeling unseen, all the way to the radical idea that access to wisdom should be affordable. Through shared metaphors, unapologetic insights, and unexpected childhood stories, Julie and Jay remind us that the real power in business—and in life—comes not from polish, but from presence."Don't let AI be your art. The paintbrush doesn't get the credit."Bio: Julie Matzen is the co-founder of Boarderline and founder of the MayDay Agency. With over 25 years in branding and digital strategy for top-tier brands, Julie now focuses on democratizing access to expert advisors for startups and mid-sized businesses. Through Boarderline, she's building a platform that empowers emerging entrepreneurs to gain real insights from the minds that helped build the world's biggest brands.📌 Key Takeaways✨ [00:14:00] – "AI can automate, but it can't validate."🧘 [00:20:00] – Insight without experience is dangerous—it’s just expensive noise.🔥 [00:36:00] – Gen X has the tools. It's time to show younger generations how to use them.🤖 [00:03:00] – AI is a mirror, not a muse.💭 [00:48:00] – Validation isn’t weakness. It’s water for the seed.📚 Chapter Timestamps🚢 [00:00] – Shifts and Ships in Business🧠 [05:00] – The Wisdom of Gen X and the Value of Lenses🪞 [10:00] – AI as Mirror, Not Muse🎭 [15:00] – The Fear of Aging Out💬 [21:00] – Validation, Vulnerability, and Starting Over📉 [30:00] – Marketing That Misses the Point🎯 [38:00] – Emotional Triggers and Human Branding📚 [48:00] – The Value of Experience🌀 [55:00] – Final Metaphors and MessagesCTA for the ShowIf this episode resonated, subscribe, review, and share it to help grow the Tree of Knowledge 🌳We explore the human experience through tragedy and triumph—with laughter, candor, and depth.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟CTA for the GuestLearn more about Julie Matzen at:https://theboarderline.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matzen-1696aa52Support her mission to make expert advice accessible to small businesses and emerging founders.🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
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The Mirror Has an Echo: Reflections shaped in the presence of others.
May 20, 202500:36:51Tap to summarizeOver time, this show has become more than interviews—it’s become a mirror. In this episode, Jay offers a quiet reflection born from years of sitting with brave, vulnerable humans who were willing to speak their truth.There is no guest today, but their presence is felt in every moment. Each clip and insight shared here was evoked through those conversations, shaped by the energy in the room, the story being told, and the resonance that followed. This is not a solo episode in the truest sense — it’s a continuation of the dialogue, spoken in stillness.“I’ve been told there’s wisdom in these words. If that’s true, it came from you all of you. I’m just the one who said it out loud.”Jay ends the episode with quiet gratitude and the promise of more solo episodes to come, not to lecture, but to reflect. Not to lead, but to honor what’s already been offered.Key Takeaways🕰️ 00:00:00 – The Mask & The Material Patch(Wearing identities to cover wounds)🔄 00:01:33 – The Wheel Breaks(Breaking patterns of self-medication and denial)💭 00:02:22 – Thoughts Are Always Floating(The ever-available archive of pain and memory)🫥 00:05:04 – Gynecomastia & Shared Pain(Shame, embodiment, and early self-hatred)🛡️ 00:07:00 – The Mind’s Shield(How the brain protects us from truth — and connection)💸 00:07:40 – Empathy vs Insurance(The absurdity of treating souls like codes)🪞 00:10:34 – Stained Glass & Knotted Rope(Pain as fragmented art, healing through mindful untying)⚖️ 00:13:06 – Perfectly Imperfect: The Now(Accepting the dark to appreciate the light — and staying present)🧩 00:15:42 – Reverse Tetris & American Avoidance(Justifying suffering to maintain comfort zones)🤖 00:17:27 – AI, Knowledge, and Human Systems(Tech as mirror, not monster — and the threat of withheld care)🌅 00:19:53 – Becoming the Lighthouse(Living as a quiet guide for those still in the storm)🧬 00:22:10 – Authenticity as Legacy(Choosing real over perfect — and passing that on)⏳ 00:26:05 – Time Is Illness: Choose Now(Rejecting fictional timelines and reclaiming immediacy)🔁 00:31:08 – Repetition as a Wake-Up Call(When pain loops, it’s asking to be heard)🥃 00:33:44 – Precipice, Vodka, Meditation, Self(Burnout, stillness, and the early cracks of becoming)🌬️ 00:37:59 – If Just One Echo Finds You(Whispered purpose — helping one is enough)🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
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Bruce W. Brackett – How to Breathe While Suffocating
May 13, 202500:57:07Tap to summarizeSometimes it's too good to hear once. In this emotionally charged flashback episode of The Tragedy Academy, Jay Hicks sits down with Bruce W. Brackett to explore one of the most vulnerable journeys ever shared on the show—from addiction and abuse to art, advocacy, and radical self-love.Bruce opens up about the cycles of trauma, the power of the inner ember that never dies, and how one brutal night at rock bottom led to the symbolic burial of his addiction. Through Bruce’s raw storytelling and Jay’s deeply empathetic reflections, this episode becomes a living meditation on survival, transformation, and what it means to shine anyway.Listeners will walk away reminded that we are not the sum of our damage, but the authors of what we do next.And sometimes, the smallest ember becomes the bonfire.🌀 Chapters:[00:00] Opening & Bruce’s Setup[04:00] Childhood Trauma & Foster Care[10:00] Addiction, Shame & Compassion[20:00] Unraveling the Rope: Metaphors of Healing[31:00] Mausoleum Ceremony: The Day Bruce Quit[41:00] The Rain & Release[50:00] Positivity, Merch, and Building a Platform[55:00] Bruce’s “Three Do’s” & Closing ReflectionsBio: Bruce W. Brackett is a motivational speaker, visual artist, author, and social media advocate whose life journey took him from severe childhood trauma and addiction to sobriety and artistic purpose. His upcoming book, How to Breathe While Suffocating, documents that transformation and serves as a guide for others finding light in their own darkness.📢 CTA for the Show:If Bruce’s journey moved you, share it. Help someone find their light. Subscribe, review, and tell a friend that healing doesn’t always come easily, but it always comes from within.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟🌐 CTA for Bruce:Follow Bruce at @BruceWBrackett on all platforms.Grab his book How to Breathe While Suffocating at howtobreathewhilesuffocating.comExplore his powerful merch line that speaks healing through design.Support his voice, because it’s helping light the way for thousands still stuck in the flames. 🔥🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
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Creativity, Consciousness & the Breath Between: A Conversation with Leo Marrs
May 6, 202500:44:30Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, host Jay Hicks welcomes Leo Marrs—spiritual technologist, founder of America’s first breathwork studio, and creator of the AI-integrated mindfulness app, Ether. Their powerful conversation dives into the intersection of consciousness, creativity, and technology.From fasting as a path to mental clarity to breathwork as a tool for healing trauma and building resilience, Leo shares how ancient wisdom and modern tools can reconnect us to ourselves. The episode explores Integral Theory, the risks of spiritual bypassing, and how breath, language, and stillness foster self-awareness. Jay and Leo reframe AI not as a threat, but as a reflection of human consciousness.Whether you're seeking healing, inspiration, or a better understanding of the mind-body-tech connection, this episode invites you to breathe deeper and think broader.🔑 Key Takeaways💡 00:03:34 – “Worry serves zero purpose.”🤖 00:05:31 – AI mirrors our internal state.✍️ 00:11:30 – Language shapes consciousness and culture.🔥 00:18:18 – Fasting is empowerment, not deprivation.💨 00:35:00 – Breathwork regulates the nervous system.🧘 00:39:06 – “The breath always comes back.”🧠 00:46:36 – Meditation is possible even with a dysregulated nervous system.🧽 00:47:11 – Yoga helps release emotional residue.🗣️ 00:48:22 – Authenticity is the foundation of real influence.👤 Guest Bio: Leo Marrs Leo is a founder, philosopher, and consciousness explorer helping people bridge ancient wisdom with modern innovation. From Alaska-born wilderness survivor to nightclub impresario and breathwork pioneer, Leo’s work blends spiritual practice with futurist thinking. He is the creator of the Ether app and author of the upcoming book The New Creator, focused on resilience, creativity, and mindful evolution in the Meaning Economy.📢 Support & Connect💬 Love the episode? Subscribe, rate, and share to help grow the Tree of Knowledge. 🌳 🎧 New episodes weekly exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph. 🌟 Be cool. Keep learning. 🌟🌐 Dive Deeper into Leo’s World: 🔗 Website: leomarrs.com (two R’s!) 📱 Try Ether (7-day free trial): ethr.one 📚 Follow his newsletter and upcoming book The New Creator🎙️ More from The Tragedy Academy:Podcasting Tools: bit.ly/3LSCBh5Jay’s Gear: bit.ly/431MLD5Bookshop Picks: bit.ly/42pPHcvYouTube: Subscribe📲 Follow Us Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok: @tragedyacademystudios💖 Support the ShowPayPalBuy Me a Coffee
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Better Off Bald: Andrea Wilson Woods on Advocacy, Grief & Healing Through Action
Apr 29, 202500:52:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Andrea Wilson Woods, author, patient advocate, and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. Andrea shares the harrowing, heart-opening story of raising her sister from childhood through a terminal liver cancer diagnosis, and how that experience became the catalyst for lifelong advocacy and education. 🎙️Andrea’s story is not just one of loss — it’s one of legacy. At just 22, she became the legal guardian of her 8-year-old sister Adrienne, raising her through the chaos of addiction and dysfunction. When Adrienne was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and passed away at 15, Andrea didn’t turn away — she turned purpose into motion. From starting a nonprofit in her sister’s name to translating reams of medical data into life-saving layman’s terms, her story is one of fierce love, resilience, and patient-centered revolution. 💛Jay brings his signature blend of compassion, insight, and lived experience to this raw, honest conversation about family roles, medical burnout, and the importance of agency in the healthcare system. Whether you’re navigating grief, caregiving, or simply trying to understand better how to support those who are — this episode will move you.🔑 Key Takeaways:🧬 [00:03:00] Andrea raised her sister after their mother relinquished custody, while still a college student.💔 [00:09:59] Adrienne’s cancer diagnosis came suddenly, changing both their lives in just six hours.📚 [00:22:52] With no existing resources, Andrea taught herself hepatology by reading medical textbooks and dictionaries.🎗 [00:25:28] Fatty liver disease, not just alcohol, is now one of the leading causes of liver cancer in the U.S.🧠 [00:44:42] Andrea shares how AI is beginning to improve cancer diagnostics — but human advocacy is still critical.👤 Guest Bio:Andrea Wilson Woods is a writer, speaker, and health advocate who founded Blue Faery in honor of her sister Adrienne, who passed away from liver cancer at just 15. Andrea’s memoir, Better Off Bald, chronicles their journey with both tenderness and clarity. A relentless advocate for patient education and healthcare equity, Andrea has become a national voice for those navigating complex diagnoses with limited resources.📣 CTA for Show:If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who’s faced a diagnosis, caregiving, or losing a loved one, please share it. 🙏 Subscribe to The Tragedy Academy Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and help us amplify stories that matter. Because truth deserves a mic — and healing deserves a stage.🌀 Be cool. And keep learning. 🌱📣 CTA for Guest:To support Andrea’s work or learn more about liver cancer advocacy, visit bluefaery.org. You can also purchase Better Off Bald on Amazon or Audible.Follow her journey and advocacy through Blue Faery on social platforms, because her voice is changing how we care, one patient at a time. 💙🔚 Conclusion:This week’s episode reminds us that tragedy doesn’t just transform lives — it gives rise to missions. Andrea’s path from sister to caregiver to advocate is a masterclass in finding meaning in heartbreak and building something beautiful in its place.🎧 Tune in next week for another powerful episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟
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“From Wine Culture to Wake-Up Call: Jenn’s Realignment”
Apr 22, 202500:47:53Tap to summarize🎧 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 numb the pain… but to mute the pressure of perfection. In this episode, she shares what it means to hit a “high bottom,” how the wine-mom culture glamorizes escape, and what finally drove her to reclaim her identity from behind the bottle.With candor, heart, and Jay’s signature mix of humor and insight, this conversation dives deep into the cultural constructs of “normal” drinking, the shame that lingers behind the scenes, and the power of showing up for yourself, one sober day at a time. From grocery store wine planning to white-chip meetings, Jenn’s path reminds us: the real you is always worth meeting.🔑 Key Takeaways:🐾 [00:03:22] “Becky” — Jenn’s drinking alter ego — gave her temporary escape, but not real freedom🍷 [00:16:58] Planning for weekend drinking is a red flag we normalize in middle-class culture💔 [00:28:38] Friends and family lovingly noticed before she did: “You’re drinking more every time I visit.”👩👦 [00:30:03] Her son, just five at the time, became her biggest reason for change💡 [00:35:04] “I came for my son. I stayed for me.” — How a support meeting changed her entire frame👤 Guest Bio:Jenn Bouler is a Tampa-based mom, sales rep, indoor cycling instructor, and founder of Jen Walks Dogs, a business built on joy and connection. Eight years sober as of 2025, she shares her journey of recovery and self-discovery with refreshing honesty. A Midwest native with a big heart and a contagious smile, Jenn lives her life with passion, presence, and a deep desire to help others feel less alone.📣 CTA for Guest:Want to follow Jenn’s journey? Connect with her on:Instagram: • @jenn_bouler • @jenn_b_spin (Indoor Cycling) • @jenn_walks_dogs (Dog Walking)Whether on a bike, a sidewalk, or holding space in her community, Jenn radiates truth and transformation. Follow her for daily reminders that growth can be graceful, and joy is always worth chasing. 🐶💛🚴♀️🌀 Conclusion: This episode isn’t just about sobriety but sovereignty. About taking back your life, one intentional breath at a time. Thank you, Jenn, for being a lighthouse.🎧 Tune in next week for another honest, heart-opening episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast.Be cool and keep learning. 🌿🕊️🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🚀Discover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit. Hosted with empathy and humor, we share inspiring narratives that blend wisdom and wit, offering insights, laughter, and growth. Join our community and connect through shared experiences.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: Build your site with https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Upgrade Your Recording: Riverside.FM https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Get the Gear: Loved Jay’s t-shirt? Grab it at Into the AM: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Expand Your Mind: Check out our favorite reads! https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow Us:Instagram:https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook:https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter:https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok:https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support Us: Please help us continue bringing meaningful content by donating via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AG or Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy.
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More Than Words: Jason Heffler on Stuttering and Self-Expression
Apr 15, 202501:03:06Tap to summarize🎙️ 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 afraid to use it? Jay and Jason explore the emotional weight of speech disorders, the trauma of bullying, and the healing power of being heard. It’s an honest, layered, and at times emotional conversation about identity, expression, and the beauty found in imperfection.Jason opens up about his children's book Tongue Tied, a heartfelt resource for kids (and parents) facing speech challenges. From there, the dialogue branches into themes of self-worth, creativity, empathy, and even the role of music and AI in self-expression. Jay’s thoughtful questions guide an authentic conversation rooted in growth and vulnerability.Whether you’ve struggled to speak your truth or simply want to better understand how voice shapes identity, this episode offers insight, hope, and inspiration. 💬🎧Key Takeaways: 🧠 [13:31] Jason shares the metaphor of the chameleon and how it shaped his early identity 🎤 [26:00] Music became Jason’s lifeline to self-expression when words fell short 🎶 [34:58] Music is not just an outlet — it’s therapy for unspoken emotions 🤖 [42:13] AI can support creativity and expression, but should never replace the soul 💡 [48:07] Embracing imperfections is the key to lasting confidenceGuest Bio: Jason Heffler is an author, DJ, and Managing Editor at EDM.com, where he’s interviewed some of music’s biggest names with a focus on human-first storytelling. Through his book Tongue Tied and personal advocacy, Jason helps children and adults turn speech challenges into sources of empowerment.If this episode resonates with you—or you know someone still learning to speak their truth—share it. 🙌 Subscribe to The Tragedy Academy Podcast, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and help us amplify voices that matter.🌀 Be cool. And keep learning. 🐚🎧 Connect with Jason & Learn More: 📘 Tongue Tied — Buy the book 📱 Follow Jason on Instagram and LinkedInFrom silence to sound, shame to strength — Jason Heffler’s journey reminds us that what makes us different is often what makes us powerful.🎙️ The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🚀 Explore stories of redemption and the human spirit—hosted by Jay Hicks with empathy, humor, and a passion for learning.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: Build your site 🎙️ Upgrade Your Recording: Riverside.FM 👕 Get the Gear: Jay’s T-shirt 📘 Expand Your Mind: Our favorite reads ✅ Subscribe: YouTube Channel📱 Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok💖 Support Us: Donate via PayPal | Buy Me a Coffee
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Throwback Episode | From Tragedy to Empowerment: Unveiling the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation with Kristal Klear
Apr 8, 202500:48:55Tap to summarizeIn this special throwback episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay Hicks sits down with the incredible Kristal Klear — an entrepreneur, certified trauma coach, licensed pastor, and founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation. Together, they dive deep into the themes of forgiveness, love, and resilience within African American communities.Kristal shares her remarkable journey of healing, self-discovery, and service, offering raw truths and hope for survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and generational trauma. This conversation doesn’t just reflect on tragedy — it reshapes it. 🎧💛✨ Why You Should Listen:Jay and Kristal explore the power of forgiveness as a path to liberation and how love, community, and self-reflection can turn wounds into wisdom. From honoring cultural resilience to building bridges through shared pain, this episode will leave you changed.Whether you're navigating trauma, passionate about social justice, or just want to hear a meaningful conversation, this one’s for you.🔑 Key Takeaways:💪 [00:06:12] Embracing forgiveness and love as pillars of strength within African American communities🌟 [00:17:45] The power of self-reflection and personal growth in overcoming adversity😊 [00:28:20] Building resilience through passion and a sense of community🤔 [00:36:50] Appreciating cultural diversity and its richness in our lives🎉 [00:44:10] Celebrating the ability to bring all aspects of ourselves to the table and find common ground👤 Guest Bio: Kristal KlearKristal Klear is a certified trauma coach, licensed pastor, and the visionary founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of physical, mental, sexual, and emotional abuse and human trafficking. With a mission rooted in compassion, empowerment, and forgiveness, Kristal brings her whole self to every space she enters. Her story is not just one of survival — it’s one of transformation.📲 Follow @rockpaperscissorsfoundation on Instagram🌐 Visit the RPS Foundation🎬 In Conclusion:Let this episode sit with you. Let it stir you. And let it remind you: “We are not broken. We are becoming.” Tune in next week for another powerful story from The Tragedy Academy Podcast. Until then?Be cool, and keep learning. 💛🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: Build your site with https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Upgrade Your Recording: Riverside.FM https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Get the Gear: Loved Jay’s t-shirt? Grab it at Into the AM: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Expand Your Mind: Check out our favorite reads! https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow Us:Instagram:https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook:https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter:https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok:https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support Us: Please help us continue bringing meaningful content by donating via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AG or Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy.
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Detention Episode: “Sniffies, Stand-Up, and Self-Love”
Apr 1, 202501:02:07Tap to summarize"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 dives into identity, community, and self-love. 🎭💖From outrageous one-liners to raw reflections, Hernando shares his journey growing up gay and Colombian, coming out twice (once as gay, once as a comedian), and how comedy became his safe space. 🇨🇴🎤 Jay and Hernando tackle everything from pronoun panic to the exhaustion of living behind masks. The episode balances gut-busting humor with heartfelt insights on family, trauma, and radical self-acceptance. 🌈🔥🎧 Key Takeaways:💬 [00:15] "Sniffies is the new Grindr, bro!" – Hernando’s hilarious take on hookup apps 👩👦 [02:44] "Coming out as a comedian was harder than being gay." 💔 🏳️🌈 [10:44] Jay shares his experience of being bullied for gynecomastia in the '90s 🗣️ [17:30] "Give us grace" – A candid discussion on evolving identity language 🏡 [34:27] "I’m a proud Hispanic, Colombian, queer man... and I love making people laugh."🔥 [37:36] "People left when I became myself" – The price of authenticity ✨ 🎭 [52:07] "Comedy is a magnifying glass" – Jay on humor’s power in deconstructing society 🎙️Hernando Del Castillo, Miami-based stand-up comedian and co-host of I Am Just Gaying, blends sharp wit and raw vulnerability to tell his story as a proud gay Colombian man. His mission: to make you laugh, think, and feel—all at once.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to be real. Jay delivers unfiltered conversations that entertain and transform. 💥Follow Hernando: Instagram @iamjustgaying | I Am Just Gaying Podcast 🎙️Authenticity isn’t a destination—it’s a decision. Hernando walks that path with humor, grace, and a mic in hand. Don’t miss next week’s Tragedy Academy Podcast episode where tragedy meets transformation, one laugh at a time. Be cool and keep learning. 💡🎙️🔥🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🚀Discover resilience, redemption, and the human spirit through humor and wisdom.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: Build your site 📲 Upgrade Your Recording: Riverside.FM 👕 Get the Gear: Into the AM 📘 Expand Your Mind: Favorite Reads ✅ Subscribe: YouTube📱 Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok💖 Support Us: Donate via PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee
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Detention Episode: "Would you smoke Willie Nelson's Braid?"
Mar 25, 202501:02:43Tap to summarize"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 long-time friend, Dan. Together, they dive deep into the absurd, exploring everything from hypothetical tattoo nightmares to the very real risk of elbowless dance battles.From smoking Willie Nelson’s braid to figuring out who the hell tried spaghetti and ranch dressing first, this Detention episode brings you a blend of stupidity, brilliance, and good old-fashioned nonsense that you never knew you needed.🔥 Key Topics Discussed:✅ The Willie Nelson Braid Hypothesis – Can a braid be a blunt? Should it? ✅ The #NoElbowsChallenge – What would life be like if elbows just didn’t exist? ✅ Secret Tattoo Roulette – Trust no one when the ink gun is live. ✅ Food Combos: Stoner or Not? – Spaghetti + ranch = a crime? ✅ Things You Should Never Hear in an F1 Earpiece – "Hold this headset, I have diarrhea" is not ideal. ✅ Who Did It First? – Who milked the first cow, and were they okay? ✅ What Would You Smoke If It Got You High? – Einstein’s mustache? Sure. The Constitution? Maybe.📌 Why This Episode Matters This episode reminds us that not everything has to be deep to be necessary. Sometimes we need a break, a laugh, and an utterly unhinged conversation about tattooing Jaden Smith on your thigh. Whether you’re burning out or tuning in, this Detention session delivers.🚀 Listen now and ask yourself: “Would I survive life without elbows?”🔗 Full Episode Available On: 🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy Podcast 🚀 Discover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit. Hosted with empathy and humor, we share inspiring narratives that blend wisdom and wit, offering insights, laughter, and growth. Join our community and connect through shared experiences.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: Build your site with https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Upgrade Your Recording: Riverside.FM https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Get the Gear: Loved Jay’s t-shirt? Grab it at Into the AM: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Expand Your Mind: Check out our favorite reads! https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios Facebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudios Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tragedyacademystudios TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support Us: Help us continue bringing meaningful (and ridiculous) content by donating via: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
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