Taking Over the City w/ Jason Lee!
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In this high-energy episode of the Dope As Usual Podcast, host Thomas Dopoziola and co-host Marty O'Neal welcome Jason Lee, the newly elected Vice Mayor of Stockton, California, and creator of the upcoming BET series 'The Jason Lee Show.' Lee shares his remarkable journey from growing up in foster care and poverty in Merced to becoming a cultural icon, philanthropist, and political leader. He reveals how he leveraged his platform to take control of Stockton’s city council, fund youth programs, and push for systemic change—despite facing backlash, including being labeled a gang affiliate due to his weed-themed clothing. The conversation dives deep into politics, social justice, and personal transformation, with Lee arguing that real change starts locally, that public safety and poverty alleviation are interconnected, and that everyone—especially those from marginalized communities—must use their voice and vote. He also candidly discusses his weight loss journey via gastric sleeve surgery, his health optimization routines, and the importance of accountability in government. The episode closes with a powerful call to action: engage in politics not as a spectator, but as an active participant, because every vote, every voice, and every small act of civic courage matters.
You don’t need to be a politician to be political—your vote, your voice, and your platform matter.
Poverty and public safety are deeply connected; investing in youth and jobs is the most effective crime prevention.
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, holding people accountable, and building bridges across divides.
Personal transformation (like Lee’s weight loss) can be a catalyst for systemic change and self-respect.
Elections matter—even by 500 votes—and local politics is where real change begins.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
From Merced to City Hall: The Rise of Jason Lee
Jason Lee introduces his journey from growing up in poverty in Merced, California, to becoming the Vice Mayor of Stockton. He shares his early dreams of political power, sparked by a love-hate relationship with cyclists and a desire to fix his hometown.
Taking Over Stockton: The Power of Audience Jacking
“I went back and not only became the council member and the vice mayor, I got other people elected and we took over the city.”
The Real Gangsters: Politics and Power
“You put a Norteño, Sereno, Crip, Blood. You put them all in front of me. Cartel, I even put them in there. They won't add up to Trump.”
Poverty, Crime, and the Cycle of Survival
“Am I going to starve or am I going to go rob somebody to eat? That's literally the mindset of a lot of people.”
Health as a Political Act: Jason’s Weight Loss Journey
“The best $11,000 I've ever spent. I spend more $11,000 nights in the club popping bottles... But why not invest that in myself?”
“If you don't vote, if you do not vote... You cannot say you care.”
“You put a Norteño, Sereno, Crip, Blood. You put them all in front of me. Cartel, I even put them in there. They won't add up to Trump.”
“You're involved. You just don't fucking participate in the moment that it matters most and that's casting a vote.”
Hosts
Guest
Jason Lee
person
Stockton
place
Merced
place
President Trump
person
BET
organization
The Jason Lee Show
media
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
other
Micronutrient Test
product
Councilmember Mario Enriquez
person
Dr. Marvin
person
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