Zane and Heath: Unfiltered

Episode 302: HE JUST WON $1,000,000 DOLLARS (POWERBALL WINNER)

October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

The main theme of this episode is luck, life changes, and all things lottery—and more specifically, what it’s actually like to win a million dollars in the Powerball. Hosts Zane, Heath, and Matt welcome Jason, a recent seven-figure Powerball winner, to answer every wild, nosy, and practical question you’ve ever had about suddenly coming into serious money. The conversation moves from Jason’s journey, thoughts, and feelings, to lottery logistics, how to keep your head, and a lively trivia segment about luck and money.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching a Real Powerball Winner (21:50, 33:07)

• Jason, a friend of the show, recently won $1 million in the Powerball by matching five out of six numbers. He was just one number away from the $1.2 billion grand prize.
  • Jason: “My last number was 16. The winning one was 17.” (34:08)
  • He bought one $20 Quick Pick ticket, not as a routine but on a whim. Despite his father’s lifelong lottery habit, Jason is only an occasional player.
• The win was confirmed through the lottery app, and the shock hit him hard.
  • Jason: “I scanned it, and I saw the number, and I thought it said a billion dollars. At first I saw one comma.” (36:11)
• He was by himself when he found out and first tried to call his dad, then told his brother, eventually sending a screenshot for proof.

2. The Practical (and Emotional) Aftermath (41:01, 45:20)

• Jason met with his family’s financial advisor before claiming the prize, being advised not to tell too many people too early.
  • The claim was made in-person at a Sacramento lottery office, not a glamorous process (“kind of in the hood, bars on the window…”).
  • There was an official investigation—security checks, camera review—before the payout is approved, and you don’t get a big check on the spot.
• Paranoia about losing the ticket set in while he waited: “That night? I don’t think I—I may have checked it, like, 20 times” (45:46).

3. Life Changes & Social Dynamics (47:58, 54:22)

• Jason admitted he hasn’t “felt” the win yet because the money hasn’t hit his account, but his friends’ reactions were joyful and genuine.
• He keeps his circle small, says there’s been no weirdness or pressure from friends, and he still plans to have roommates, invest the money, and keep life normal—at least for now.
  • Heath: “Did you have, like, a feeling of ‘I don’t deserve this’…?”
  • Jason: “It was like, I just… just felt like a relief… I was struggling for, like, five or six years.” (51:45)
• He's not in a relationship and jokes about when or if he’d reveal the news to a future partner.

4. Taxes, Choices, What Comes Next (59:16)

• After federal and California state taxes (24% federal withholding up front), he expects to clear around $800,000–$900,000.
• You only get the annuity option (spread out payments) if you win the entire jackpot; Jason’s win was a fixed lump sum.
• The gas station owner where he bought the ticket gets a bonus (Jason considers tipping him too).

5. Odds, Luck, Belief, and the Bigger Picture (33:28, 62:28, 65:38)

• The discussion turns philosophical about luck, manifestation (“the law of attraction”), and how rarely this happens.
  • Matt: “I remember going to the car show, and I sat in the car I have now and was like, ‘I’m gonna manifest this car.’ I got it.” (67:15)
• The hosts reflect on how being about to receive a windfall changes your attitude and how to harness that positive outlook even without sudden wealth.

6. Bonus Segments: Trivia and Lighthearted Digs

• Jason participates in a lottery-themed trivia game (67:34–78:30):
  • Example: “What’s the largest lottery jackpot ever won?”
  • The hosts’ wrong answers and playful banter keep the mood light.
• They fantasize about what they’d do if they won a billion (“Would we still do the podcast?”), ultimately landing on: yes, just with more luxurious logistics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jason, on missing the jackpot by one digit:
  • “My last number was 16. The winning one was 17.” (34:08)
• On the app notification:
  • Jason: “It was a little green box, and it just said, 'You’re a winner.'” (39:48)
• On staying secretive with the win:
  • “I told my family, you know, in the moment… but I still would not tell my friends just yet. Until that wire trans…” (46:14)
• On the bureaucracy of claiming a prize:
  • “They had to do like an investigation. A guy called me. Then they had to like go check the cameras…” (43:10)
• On the comfort money brings:
  • “It was like, I just… just felt like a relief. I was struggling for, like, five or six years.” (51:45)
• On taxes eating the jackpot:
  • “Right away they take 24%... I think I’m walking away with like, 900,000.” (59:16)
• On good fortune and friendships:
  • “Their families have helped me out through life… you guys get a little something for taking care of me.” (63:41)
• Zane, on how rare it is:
  • “I’ve bought more lottery tickets than you have. And I would have never thought…” (62:29)
• Heath, on having a wealthy attitude:
  • “Knowing that it’s coming is how you should treat your everyday.” (65:37)
• On what not to do if you win:
  • “It’s so sad seeing, like, the $100 million winners lose all their [money] in two years. I’m like, oh no. You gave it back to the government, pretty much.” (58:31)

Highlighted Timestamps

• [33:07] – Start of Jason’s “winning the lottery” story
• [34:08] – Realization he was one number away from the billion
• [36:11] – His emotional/physical reaction seeing his win
• [41:01, 45:20] – Claims process, paranoia of losing the ticket
• [47:58] – Social changes with friends and family
• [51:45] – Emotional relief and past struggles
• [59:16] – Tax breakdown
• [62:28] – Reflections on odds and the reality of meeting a real winner
• [65:38] – Discussion on positive mindset and manifestation
• [67:34–78:30] – Lottery-themed trivia game

Atmosphere & Tone

• The podcast is energetic, chatty, sometimes chaotic, and unfiltered (as the title promises).
• The hosts blend genuine curiosity and disbelief (“I’ve never met anyone who actually won…”), with their signature sarcasm and warmth.
• Jason fits right in—well-spoken, levelheaded, and open, granting a rare behind-the-scenes look at lottery life without any braggadocio.

Why Listen / Episode Takeaway

This episode delivers the inside scoop on winning the lottery, from the thrilling revelation to the paperwork and paranoia, through the lens of real friendship and relatable uncertainty. Listeners come away not just knowing how it works logistically, but what it feels like, and how maybe the real jackpot is keeping your head straight (and your friends close).