Tragic Ass Podcast

Miniseries 1 Episode 8: We (finally) conclude our first Miniseries on The 27 Club as Billi recounts the undeniably influential, but tragically short life of Kurt Cobain. Kurt's spiral into depression and drug use stemmed from the sudden success of his band Nirvana and the fame that followed. Coming from a small punk scene, Kurt became the biggest rock icon of his time and the burden was just too much to bear. 

Miniseries 1 Episode 7: In this episode we continue our look at The 27 Club as Billi recalls the tragically short life of Amy Winehouse. Amy showed such promise that she signed to a management company when she was just 19, after she had already been working and performing for years. Despite battling addiction, depression and an eating disorder for much of her life, Amy released two critically acclaimed albums and made her mark on the music industry.

Miniseries 1 Episode 6: In this episode we continue our look at The 27 Club as Billi recounts the life of rock icon Jim Morrison. Jim began telling stories at a young age, which led to writing poetry, studying film and eventually co-founding legendary rock band The Doors. Jim transformed from shy kid, to charismatic frontman in a short time span as the Doors grew in popularity; this rapid change contributed to his eventual resentment of his public persona as a sex symbol and ultimately his tragically early death.

Miniseries 1 Episode 5: In this episode we continue our miniseries as Billi recounts the life of The (unofficial) First Lady of The 27 Club, Janis Joplin. Unlike previous members who delved into drugs as they gained recognition and fame, Janis started young. Despite her ongoing battle with addiction, Janis managed to become one of the most influential, charasmatic and talented singers in rock history.

Miniseries 1 Episode 4: In this episode we continue our look at The 27 Club as Billi recounts the tragically short life of Jimi Hendrix. We discuss all the steps in his life that elevated him to the pinnacle of stardom and the events that led to his eventual demise. This episode focuses heavily on the unrealized potential of dying young and how our current ages have shaped our perspective on The 27 Club.

Miniseries 1 Episode 3: In this episode we continue our look at The 27 Club as Billi examines the fascinating life of Alan Wilson. Alan began studying the Blues and emulating his music idols at an early age. This unique skill would prove crucial to the revival of Folk and Blues in the 1960s as Alan would be recruited to reteach a living legend his own songs; the same songs that influenced Alan years prior. Alan’s success subsequently revitalized his hero's career, gained Alan the respect of his peers and played a huge role in shaping the genres of Folk and Blues as we know them today.

Miniseries 1 Episode 2: In this second Miniseries episode exploring The 27 Club, Billi recounts the quintessential rockstar life of Brian Jones.Brian was a lifelong rebel, master of the slide guitar, founding member of legendary rock band The Rolling Stones and a tragic example of the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle.

Miniseries 1 Episode 1: In this first Miniseries episode we begin our look at The 27 Club as Billi recounts poorly documented, yet undeniably influential life of Robert Johnson; who is widely considered the first member of The 27 Club.Legend has it that Robert made a deal with the devil in exchange for his unique guitar style that influenced generations to follow, as he quickly mastered the Blues and laid the ground work for Rock and Roll itself.

Season 1 Episode 6: In this last episode of our first season, we conclude our look at Old Hollywood as Billi clarifies and summarizes the often misremembered life of Frances Farmer. Frances developed a fierce independence at an early age that allowed her to live a lot of her life on her own terms, but despite her strong will, she suffered from family issues, mental illness and substance abuse in the same way that so many other women in Old Hollywood did.

Season 1 Episode 5: In this special episode, we deviate from our original five part exploration of Old Hollywood as Billi recounts the seminal career and tragic life of Dorothy Dandridge. Leading the way for Black Women in entertainment, Dorothy not only bridged the gap between "Hollywood Leading Lady" and "Girl Next Door," but also the gap between white and Black films.

Season 1 Episode 4: In this second to last episode exploring Old Hollywood, Billi breaks down the complicated and much debated history of Joan Crawford and her first daughter Christina. We examine the parallels of Joan and Christina's lives while Billi gets personal discussing the things we pass on to our children.

Season 1 Episode 3: In this episode, Caiden Leavitt joins our examination of Old Hollywood as we look at Katharine Hepburn and her turbulent 20+ year affair with Spencer Tracy. Katharine's unique upbringing equipped her with a strong will and captivating personality that helped her navigate the harsh reality of Hollywood, but could never fully prepare her for true love.

Season 1 Episode 2: In this episode, we continue our look at Old Hollywood as Billi recalls the relentlessly tragic life of Judy Garland. Starting at the age of two performing alongside her sisters, she was forced in her early years to fit the mold of a "Hollywood Leading Lady." Judy spent the rest of her life battling mental illness and depression while never quite realizing her worth.

Season 1 Episode 1: In this first official episode, we begin our look at Old Hollywood as Billi recounts the tragic life of Jean Seberg. From (probably) small town beginnings to the center of an elaborate FBI scandal, we track Jean's journey as she stumbles her way through International superstardom.

Season 1 Episode 0: In this inaugural episode, Billi and Ben haphazardly introduce each other from memory before giving a brief explanation of what to expect from Tragic Ass Podcast.

The Official Trailer of Tragic Ass Podcast.