Duke's Download Hosted by James Duke Mason

Pride House Media
  • 5.0 (3)
  • POLITICS

Duke's Download is weekly podcast hosted by James Duke Mason, where politics and pop culture collide! Each episode features candid conversations with influential voices from the worlds of activism, government, entertainment, and beyond. Exploring the stories, ideas, and experiences shaping our culture and driving change - all through a unique and insightful lens, offering fresh insights into the world around us.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    A Holiday Message From Duke: A Moment to Recharge & Give Thanks

    As we roll inot the holidays, I wanted to take a  moment to slow down and say thank you—from the bottom of my heart. When I launched this podcast, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, and the support I’ve received has been overwhelming in the best possible way. From listeners reaching out with kind messages, to the love from the community, to being recognized by outlets like Queerty and WeHo Times—none of it has gone unnoticed. It’s been incredibly humbling, and I don’t take a second of it for granted. This year has been full of highs, challenges, and moments that really put things into perspective. As we head into the holidays, I reflect a lot on the importance of community, staying hopeful, and holding onto optimism even when the world feels heavy.  I also share a little about my own holiday traditions, my family, and my relationship—what grounds me, what brings me joy, and what helps me reset. Remember, please take care of yourself during this season. Rest when you can. Reach out to the people who matter to you. Give yourself permission to unplug and recharge as we move toward a new year. Despite the tragedies we’ve all witnessed recently, I truly believe in the power of connection and kindness. I’m choosing hope, and I hope you’ll join me there. Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this community. I wish you peace, warmth, and joy this holiday season. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: • 00:00 — Welcome to Duke’s Download  • 00:29 — My gratitude for your support  • 02:30 — Looking back on the year  • 06:44 — Holiday traditions, family & love  • 10:09 — What I’m carrying into the new year  • 11:49 — Holiday wishes from me to you You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.co And follow us on: @JamesDukeMason

    11 min

  2. DEC 17

    World AIDS Month Spotlight: Mpact Global and the Global Fight Against HIV

    In this week’s episode, I wanted to mark World AIDS Month by having an honest, global conversation about where we really are in the fight for equitable health access for gay, bisexual, and queer men. This topic has always been deeply personal to me, and I opened the episode by reflecting on my own connection to the history of HIV and the people who shaped my understanding of activism, loss, and resilience. I was joined by two incredible leaders from Impact: Andrew Spieldenner , their Executive Director, and Alex Garner, their Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications. Impact is doing groundbreaking work around the world, addressing sexual health and human rights for men who have sex with men — often in places where simply being who you are can put you at risk. Our conversation touched on so much: the ongoing HIV epidemic, why World AIDS Month still matters, and the harsh realities LGBTQ+ people face globally, from criminalization to deeply rooted societal stigma. We also talked through the progress that gives me hope — the advances in treatment and prevention, and the courage of community activists who continue fighting on the front lines. We didn’t shy away from the tougher topics either, like HIV denialism, political backlash, and the communication challenges that come with doing sensitive, life‑saving work around the world. By the end of the episode, I wanted listeners to feel empowered to take action. Supporting organizations like Impact is essential, and I encouraged everyone to stay engaged with their work through their website and social media. Here’s the episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Duke's Download  00:29 My Personal Connection to World AIDS Month  01:20 Introducing Andrew and Alex and the Mission of Impact  02:24 Why Recognizing World AIDS Month Still Matters  03:32 Global Challenges in HIV Advocacy  04:53 How Impact Navigates Communication and Advocacy Worldwide  13:02 How Political Climates Shape HIV Advocacy  33:35 HIV Denialism and Misinformation  35:35 The Most Promising HIV Advancements Today  39:18 Final Thoughts and How You Can Support Impact For more information on Mpact Global or to make a donation go to: www.MpactGlobal.org Or follow then at: @mpact.global Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexwgarner/?hl=en Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/aspield235/?hl=en You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.co And follow us on: @JamesDukeMason

    41 min

  3. DEC 10

    Dustin Lance Black on LGBTQ+ Rights, Equality & the Power of Storytelling

    In this episode of Duke's Download, I sit down with Oscar‑winning screenwriter and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Dustin Lance Black. From the moment we start talking, it’s clear how passionate he is about his newest project, Rock Out—a documentary that uncovers the hidden queer roots of rock and punk music from the ’60s and ’70s. The film is deeply personal for him, inspired by the connection he shared with his late brother, and hearing him talk about it feels equal parts moving and eye‑opening. We also get into the story behind his iconic Oscar speech, the journey that led him to create films like Milk, and the way he approaches advocacy today. Lance is incredibly intentional—he talks about building coalitions, understanding our history, and focusing on practical, everyday activism. Even with all the setbacks the LGBTQ+ community faces, he emphasizes that none of us are in this alone and that collective action is still our most powerful tool. Here’s how the conversation unfolds: 00:00 – I welcome Dustin Lance Black to the show  01:13 – We dive into what he’s been working on lately  01:52 – He shares the story behind Rock Out and the queer influence in rock music 02:56 – We talk about the personal inspirations that shaped the documentary 04:51 – Why queer representation in music matters more than people realize 09:53 – Lance reflects on the state of LGBTQ+ rights and the work still ahead 13:30 – The challenges and strategies he leans on in advocacy 33:30 – A look at his current and upcoming projects 37:15 – We wrap up with some final thoughts and a warm goodbye You can write to us at  And follow us on:  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    39 min

  4. DEC 3

    Greg Cope White: The REAL Story Behind the Netflix Series Boots

    In this episode of Duke's Download, I sit down with Greg Cope White—writer, TV producer, and the mind behind the memoir The Pink Marine, which went on to inspire the Netflix series Boots. Greg opens up about what it was like serving in the Marine Corps as a gay man, how his story grew into a hit show, and the big themes that run through it all: identity, resilience, friendship, and finding your place in the world. We get into everything from the show’s wild reception (including the Pentagon’s not‑so‑thrilled reaction) to why representation in the media still matters so much. Greg and I also chat about our shared Hollywood connections, our friendship, and the importance of real allyship—both onscreen and off. We wrap up by reflecting on the journey so far and looking ahead with excitement and hope for a second season of Boots. 00:00 Introduction to Duke's Download  00:29 Meet Greg Cope White  03:40 Greg's Journey and The Pink Marine  07:41 Creating the Netflix Series  09:42 Norman Lear's Influence  14:11 Challenges and Authenticity  21:10 Reflecting on Military Policies  24:19 Honoring LGBTQ+ Service Members  25:05 Transgender Military Ban Discussion  25:49 Harvey Milk's Legacy  26:52 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Military Personnel  28:56 Humor and Music in the Show  31:10 The Impact of Music on the Show  33:54 Friendship and Allyship  42:38 The Journey of Creating the Show  45:34 Conclusion and Farewell You can write to us at Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us on Instagram @JamesDukeMason

    46 min

  5. NOV 28

    Welcome to Duke’s Download: Politics, Pop Culture and Real Talk

    In this first episode Duke Mason introduces you to his new weekly podcast where he dives into candid conversations about politics and pop culture. He shares a bit of his own story—how his background in activism, journalism, and LGBTQ+ advocacy shaped who he is and why he cares so deeply about these issues. He talks about what sparked his passion for speaking up, and why he believes it’s more important than ever for all of us to engage in real, honest conversations about the world we’re living in. His goal is to create a space that’s both entertaining and meaningful, where we can all explore big ideas, share experiences, and connect in a way that feels fresh and genuine. 00:00 Welcome to Duke's Download 00:29 Meet Your Host: James Duke Mason 00:45 A Journey of Advocacy and Politics 03:09 From Activism to Media 04:37 The Birth of Duke's Download Podcast 08:10 What to Expect from the Podcast 11:48 Join the Conversation 12:27 Closing Remarks and Credits You can write to us at Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us on Instagram @JamesDukeMason

    13 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Duke's Download is weekly podcast hosted by James Duke Mason, where politics and pop culture collide! Each episode features candid conversations with influential voices from the worlds of activism, government, entertainment, and beyond. Exploring the stories, ideas, and experiences shaping our culture and driving change - all through a unique and insightful lens, offering fresh insights into the world around us.

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