DOPE AS USUAL Podcast – Episode: Greening Out & Gang Related! Release Date: April 22, 2025
Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Araujo
Featured On: USA TODAY, PEOPLE, NEW YORK POST, TED TALK, XXL, FORBES, COMPLEX, THE SHADE ROOM, REVOLT TV, POWER 106, SPOTIFY & MORE
1. Welcome and Special Shoutouts
The episode kicks off with a heartfelt thank you from co-host Thomas Dopas to their partner, Spotify. Thomas emphasizes the platform's support, stating, "Spotify lets us 100% be free. We are fully uncensored every single time" ([00:00]).
Mario Neil echoes the sentiment, encouraging listeners to check out their content on Spotify, which includes videos, short clips, and comment sections.
2. Personal Anecdotes and Recent Experiences
Thomas's Warehouse Basketball Game
Thomas shares a humorous story about playing a combined soccer-basketball game in their warehouse, leading to some unexpected challenges:
- Playing Conditions: "We were playing soccer slash basketball. The ball's flat. It's like a tomato when it breaks, it just doesn't bounce back" ([01:21]).
- Health Hiccups: After smoking weed during the game, Thomas experiences an asthma attack due to inhaling dust, leading to throat irritation ([02:16]).
First Bong Experience
Thomas recounts his first bong purchase and subsequent mishaps:
- The Purchase: At 18, while delivering pizza, Thomas buys a high-end glass bong named "Bong Dre the Giant" for $200 ([05:46]).
- The Mishap: During a session with his friend Ryan and Ryan’s girlfriend, the bong cracks, causing water and cannabis to spill everywhere. Thomas describes the chaos vividly: "All the weed shoots out of my fucking bowl on fire. The thing snaps into pieces" ([13:24]).
- Aftermath: The incident left Thomas with a sore throat and a broken bong, which he later repaired with local glassblowers ([15:17]).
Notable Quote:
"That was how Bong Dre the Giant was born. And that's his name, Bong Dre the Giant. Because he's huge." – Thomas Dopas ([07:57])
3. Dabbing and Green-Out Stories
Thomas's First Dab
Thomas delves into his first experience with dabbing:
- Introduction to Dabbing: Encountered via his roommate Jevous, who introduced him to the process using a titanium nail and shatter ([26:19]).
- The Green-Out: Thomas describes taking an intense hit that led to severe discomfort, dehydration, and prolonged dry heaving: "I was sitting there and I go, could you drive my car? And Jeeves knew, like, I've never asked anybody to drive me do anything" ([34:43]).
Mario's Dab Experience
Mario shares his less severe but still unpleasant green-out experience from consuming excessive weed:
- Paranoia and Discomfort: "I dumped it out in the garbage and... I was like really escaping my body" ([25:09]).
- First Edibles: While not detailed extensively, Mario mentions consuming edibles with mixed results, emphasizing the unpredictability of such experiences ([34:43]).
Notable Quote:
"This is why I'm so hyped about this shirt. If you sell weed or you buy weed, you'll love the shirt." – Mario Neil ([100:43])
4. Celebrity Interactions and Aspirations
Justin Bieber and Other Celebrities
Thomas expresses his admiration for Justin Bieber, contemplating the possibility of having him on the show:
- Admiration: "Justin Bieber can sing his ass off and plays all these instruments" ([50:11]).
- Invitations: Despite Bieber's busy schedule and public persona, Thomas insists, "Come on, man, what do you want me to do? I don't go nowhere" ([51:33]).
- Bieber's Lifestyle: Discussion touches on Bieber's high-profile cannabis use and public perception, defending his right to enjoy cannabis without judgment ([49:19]).
Notable Quote:
"Justin Bieber can sing his ass off and plays all these instruments." – Thomas Dopas ([50:11])
Rocco Viral Encounter
Mario and Thomas recount meeting Rocco Viral, a TikTok-famous personality:
- Impression: The encounter was memorable, with Rocco engaging them in a spontaneous rap session ([62:19]).
- Rap Performance: Rocco delivers an impromptu rap, impressing both hosts and adding a fun highlight to the episode ([64:57]).
Notable Quote:
"He's a super famous guy on TikTok. He put us on his live, and he's talking about how we're good parents." – Mario Neil ([63:11])
5. Set Design and Show Format Discussions
Breaking the Fourth Wall
The hosts discuss potential changes to their podcast's set design to improve visual dynamics and guest interactions:
- Current Setup Issues: Cameras crossing angles disrupt the viewing experience, leading to awkward shots ([93:16]).
- Proposed Layout: Inspired by late-night talk shows like Conan O'Brien’s, they consider arranging the set in a soft U-shape with a central coffee table to facilitate better guest engagement and camera angles ([93:45]).
- Challenges: Modifying the existing space involves significant changes, including knocking down walls and enhancing soundproofing ([94:55]).
Notable Quote:
"We're trying to solve something that's unsolvable. You know who would figure that out? TV directors." – Thomas Dopas ([93:40])
6. Merchandise and Promotions
Merch Drops and Collaborations
Both hosts promote their latest merchandise drops, emphasizing quality and variety:
- Thomas's Line: Highlights new merch offers, including shirts and hats available at pushtrees.com, with specific designs catering to cannabis enthusiasts ([100:31]).
- Mario's Line: Encourages listeners to visit martymade.it for exclusive T-shirts and hoodies, noting the variety and upcoming new items ([100:39]).
Promotional Quotes:
"We got the new merch drop on dope.asusual.com." – Mario Neil ([100:38])
"Use Hygienics Us code dope as usual at checkout and keep your weed perfect." – Thomas Dopas ([22:24])
7. Listener Engagement and Feedback
Call for Feedback
The hosts seek input from their audience on various topics, including set design and potential guest appearances:
- Interactive Elements: Encourages listeners to leave comments and suggestions, ensuring the podcast evolves with its audience’s preferences ([95:08]).
- Future Content: Discusses expanding their content beyond traditional podcasting, exploring vlogs and storytime segments to keep the show fresh and engaging ([88:38]).
Notable Quote:
"What do you think? Set design." – Thomas Dopas ([95:17])
8. Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Upcoming Guests and Projects
Thomas and Mario tease exciting future episodes, mentioning high-profile guests and collaborative projects:
- OT's Album: Anticipation builds around OT’s upcoming platinum album, with a special shoutout to Thomas for being immortalized in his songs ([60:27]).
- Merced High Recognition: Thomas humorously notes being featured in his sister’s high school business class as an example of entrepreneurial success ([75:25]).
- Creative Ventures: Plans to incorporate animated storytime clips and explore different content formats to diversify their offerings ([84:55]).
Final Thoughts: The episode wraps up with reflections on their cannabis experiences, gratitude towards their listeners, and enthusiastic anticipation for future content and collaborations. Both hosts reinforce their commitment to delivering authentic, uncensored conversations with a diverse array of guests.
Notable Quote:
"This has been the dope as usual podcast. We talked about a bunch of stuff. A lot of drugs, life problems, Noran accomplishments and everything." – Thomas Dopas ([116:47])
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Storytelling: The hosts share personal anecdotes, providing relatable and entertaining content for listeners.
- Celebrity Insights: Discussions about interactions with celebrities like Justin Bieber and Rocco Viral add star power and intrigue.
- Engaged Community: Active listener participation and feedback shape the podcast's direction and content.
- Creative Evolution: Exploring new formats and set designs demonstrates the hosts' commitment to evolving and enhancing the podcast experience.
Final Quote:
"Thank you guys so much for supporting the show. We really appreciate you." – Mario Neil ([116:42])
Note: For more engaging content, follow the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast on Spotify, and visit their official website at dopeasusual.com for merchandise and updates.