Jason Lee is not here to play small — and he never has. From surviving foster care and gun violence to becoming Vice Mayor of Stockton and founder of Hollywood Unlocked, Jason’s life is a masterclass in using street smarts, grit, and unapologetic truth-telling to shake up every room he enters.
In this episode, we go all in: how he went from labor organizing and taking on corrupt unions to building one of the most influential media platforms in urban culture. We talk about running for office after a brutal political betrayal, holding brands accountable for fake “diversity” pledges, and why he refuses to play nice when the stakes are our communities, our kids, and our culture.
Jason is equal parts activist, dealmaker, and disruptor — the rare leader who will sit in a City Council meeting one day and in a room with Cardi B the next. This is a conversation about power, purpose, and the courage to say what everyone else is too scared to.
About Jason Lee:
Jason Lee is a seasoned entrepreneur, media innovator, and community advocate recently elected to represent District 6 on the Stockton City Council. As CEO and founder of Hollywood Unlocked, a leading multimedia entertainment platform valued at over $50 million, Jason’s dynamic career spans labor relations, business development, and civic engagement. After six years in education and probation, Jason transitioned to labor relations in 2006, joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Rising from union representative to staff director within the Kaiser Permanente division, he later became a labor representative for the California Nurses Association, where he negotiated contracts for registered nurses and earned a reputation for resolving complex issues. In 2015, Jason launched Hollywood Unlocked, now a major force in entertainment and cultural commentary. Its rapid growth, combined with the launch of The Jason Lee Show in 2023, cemented Jason’s role as a key voice for underrepresented communities. Beyond entertainment, he spearheaded Healthcare Unlocked, an initiative to provide affordable healthcare to one million Americans, blending business innovation with meaningful social impact. In 2024, Jason ran for Stockton City Council’s District 6, a diverse community facing economic inequality, public safety challenges, and limited youth opportunities. His campaign focused on public safety, economic growth, youth programs, and affordable housing. His historic victory reflects his deep understanding of the community’s struggles and his vision for transformative change.
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