From Childhood Challenges to City Hall, Pt. 2 with Mayor Jason Salamun – Ep. 73

2025-06-18

He is proof that a person’s past does not have to define their future. Mayor Jason Salamun’s mother struggled with addiction. His parents divorced when he was young, and after that, the family’s housing ranged from none at all to crack houses and trailer parks. But his grandparents’ home was safe and loving, and with their encouragement he escaped his challenging childhood, moved to South Dakota to live with his father, and – eventually – entered local politics. We conclude our conversation with the mayor in this edition of The Escape Pod.

He is proof that a person’s past does not have to define their future. Mayor Jason Salamun’s mother struggled with addiction. His parents divorced when he was young, and after that, the family’s housing ranged from none at all to crack houses and trailer parks. But his grandparents’ home was safe and loving, and with their encouragement he escaped his challenging childhood, moved to South Dakota to live with his father, and – eventually – entered local politics. We conclude our conversation with the mayor in this edition of The Escape Pod.

Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:

Topic #1 :54 Goals (including a world championship!)

Topic #2 7:42 Navigating challenging issues

Topic #3 21:00 Respecting resilience

Topic #4 38:12 Escapism, co-host-style!

Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.

https://www.escapepod.live

Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?

General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live

Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live

On Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapePod.traumedy