Podcast Summary: Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast

Episode: Ep 538 - LSD Supermax (feat. Joel Blaeser)
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Hosts: Matt McCusker & Shane Gillis
Guest: Joel Blaze

Introduction

In Episode 538 of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast, hosts Matt McCusker and Shane Gillis delve deep into the tumultuous journey of Joel Blaze, a former LSD distributor whose life took a dramatic turn after an intense legal battle and subsequent incarceration. Featuring firsthand accounts and insightful discussions, this episode uncovers the harsh realities of the American prison system, the evolution of drug laws, and personal resilience.

Early Encounters and Connection

The episode begins with Matt and Shane expressing their admiration for Joel Blaze after seeing him on the Soft White Underbelly series. They recount their first meeting in Milwaukee, highlighting Joel's impactful presence and the signed copies of his book, Letters from Marion.

Joel Blazer: "We went to the steakhouse. Five O'clock Steakhouse. Might have been the best steak I've ever had in my life."
[01:50]

Legal Troubles and Sentencing

Joel Blaze shares his harrowing experience of being sentenced to 151 months (12 years and 7 months) in prison for selling LSD—a sentence he considered short compared to the typical decades-long imprisonments for drug-related offenses during the early '90s.

Joel Blaze: "When I was facing 40 and I got 151, I looked at my mom and I just went like this. Like, really?"
[03:53]

He discusses the broader context of drug laws at the time, emphasizing the severe penalties for even minor drug offenses, which far outweighed today's standards, particularly concerning marijuana.

Joel Blazer: "Texas is still illegal. If you have weed in Austin, they don't care. But if you leave Austin, you can still be thrown in front of the hotel."
[05:03]

Evolution of Drug Laws and Societal Impact

The conversation pivots to the transformation of drug legislation over the years. Joel and his hosts reflect on the impact of decriminalization and legalization, referencing studies like those from the Cato Institute that suggest positive outcomes from more liberal drug policies.

Joel Blaze: "They would track it all the way to when kids first tried drugs. It just had a positive impact on all the metrics of drug use."
[07:16]

However, they also critique harm reduction strategies in places like Oregon and Seattle, arguing that these approaches sometimes fail to provide adequate support, leading to unintended negative consequences.

Joel Blazer: "If both metrics were the same, legal and illegal, the use. There's still the metric of the criminal elements out of it."
[08:19]

Incarceration Experiences: The Marion Supermax Prison

Joel Blaze recounts his time in various prisons, with a focus on the infamous Marion Supermax Prison in Kentucky. He describes the brutal conditions, the concept of "diesel therapy" (constant shuffling between facilities), and the extreme measures taken to maintain order and control.

Joel Blaze: "The whole yard saw that. And he had... He knew that he was pushing my buttons."
[46:44]

A pivotal moment in his imprisonment was an altercation with a black lieutenant, which indirectly led to his transfer to Marion. Joel details the racial tensions and the systemic issues within the prison system, including the disproportionate sentencing based on race.

Joel Blaze: "The lieutenant took my bag and called me a hippie rat. I called him a really fucked up name."
[45:42]

Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics

Joel opens up about his strained relationship with his father, who suffered from PTSD after fighting in a war. He shares a poignant memory of his father's sudden death, which coincided with Joel's first experience with LSD.

Joel Blaze: "We had a fight, and then he died right in my arms."
[27:59]

This personal trauma, coupled with his incarceration, shaped Joel's worldview and fueled his later endeavors.

Drug Culture in Prison

The discussion shifts to the pervasive drug culture within prisons. Joel describes interactions with fellow inmates who were major drug dealers and his own contemplation of using heroin as a coping mechanism during his sentence.

Joel Blaze: "I wanted to try once. I want to stick a needle in my arm and I'm going to try heroin."
[30:10]

He reflects on the psychological toll of constant drug use and the lack of supportive environments to address underlying issues.

Joel Blaze: "It makes sense you would lose your mind because you have psych now."
[40:44]

Strategies for Survival in Prison

Joel shares survival tactics he adopted while incarcerated, including methods to pass drug tests and maintain his sanity amidst the chaos. He humorously recounts using socks and pressure techniques to masturbate without arousing suspicion.

Joel Blaze: "You turn it inside out and then you fold it over so it's a little tight. And you got to get a big sock."
[09:36]

These anecdotes provide a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the day-to-day survival strategies employed by inmates.

Post-Prison Life and Real Estate Success

Upon release, Joel Blaze pivoted his life towards real estate. He narrates his accidental entry into the real estate market, purchasing distressed properties, and revamping them with a passion akin to artistry.

Joel Blaze: "I wanted to do grill, and then they would pay me anything, but I would never take more than I needed."
[32:01]

Despite facing challenges like the subprime mortgage crisis, Joel's dedication to real estate provided him with a sense of purpose and financial stability.

Joel Blaze: "I paid all the mortgages till I had like 11,000 left. And then a bankruptcy lawyer came to me."
[68:46]

Future Plans and Ongoing Endeavors

Joel discusses his aspirations to expand his influence by publishing an audiobook version of his book, seeking second editions, and exploring potential film rights. He expresses a desire to continue mitigating mental health issues through innovative programs inspired by his own experiences.

Joel Blaze: "I'm going to do an audible on the book. I'm going to do a second edition."
[70:16]

He emphasizes the importance of mental health support systems and envisions creating peer-led groups to assist those unable to afford traditional therapy.

Joel Blazer: "I could use it in a way where I'm not, like, pulling it out, being like, let me see if anyone."
[41:46]

Notable Quotes

• Joel Blaze: "I wanted to do an unsolicited bid with the marshal service. If they take, if they seize assets, I knew all this from jail."
  [67:15]

• Joel Blazer: "You're gonna die."
  [38:43]

• Joel Blaze: "I could have lit me on fire. If you're smoking cigarettes."
  [02:42]

• Joel Blaze: "I had to do it as one last act of defiance."
  [59:04]

• Joel Blazer: "It's worse than bad cocaine."
  [43:32]

Conclusion

Episode 538 of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast offers an unflinching look into Joel Blaze's life, from the depths of incarceration to the heights of real estate success. Through candid conversations and compelling narratives, Joel illuminates the flaws within the criminal justice system, the transformative power of personal resilience, and the ongoing struggle to address mental health and societal issues. This episode not only entertains but also provokes thought on significant cultural and legal paradigms.