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.

  1. 3D AGO

    A Conversation With My Dad: From Old Hollywood to the White House — and Home Again

    Ok.. this one is really special and this week’s episode feels a bit different. For the first time ever, I sat down with my very private father, Morgan Mason — at home — and just… talked. About growing up in a version of Hollywood that doesn’t exist anymore. When movie stars were neighbors. When Marilyn Monroe just popped by. When meeting The Beatles wasn’t a headline — it was a story from down the street. We talk about him acting at nine with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, later becoming Elizabeth’s agent, and somehow weaving through decades of culture, politics, and history — from Elvis encounters to working in the Reagan White House to traveling with five presidents on Air Force Two. But what makes this episode special isn’t the names. It’s getting to sit across from my dad and hear how he’s moved through all of it — fame, politics, loss, family — and most importantly,how he showed up for me when it mattered most. It’s Old Hollywood. It’s 80s politics. But really it’s father and son ‘at the table.’ And it’s one of my favorite conversations I’ve ever recorded. Welcome to my family. 💙

    1h 1m

  2. MAR 11

    Ask Duke Anything: Politics, Belinda Carlisle, Coming Out & Finding Love

    It’s time for an Ask Duke Anything episode of Duke’s Download — and yes, my boyfriend Armie is guest-hosting from his apartment, which means I’m answering everything. 😅 You sent in questions via social media and email, and nothing was off limits — from serving your country and running for office to vinyl collecting, growing up in France, and what it was really like having a famous mom. In this episode, I open up about: 🇺🇸 What “serving your country” actually means in 2026 (and why nuance matters)🗳️ Whether I’ll ever run for office again🏡 My Beverly Hills childhood home and memories of my grandmother Pamela Mason🇫🇷 Growing up in France and why I chose California as home🎶 My love of vinyl and bands that shaped me (New Order forever)💻 My early political obsession (shoutout Kids for Kerry)🌟 What it was like growing up with my mom, Belinda Carlisle🏳️‍🌈 Coming out and family support❤️ How Army and I reconnected — and why 2025 changed everythingThis one is personal, reflective, and a little chaotic (in the best way). Thank you for the thoughtful questions — I loved this format. If you enjoy this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and send in your next “Ask Duke Anything” question. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    47 min

  3. MAR 4

    Coming Out, Speaking Up, Starting Over: Getting Real with David Archuleta

    This week on Duke’s Download I sat down with the one and only David Archuleta — and let me tell you, this conversation is everything. We talk about his New York Times bestselling memoir, Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself, and why he finally felt ready to tell the full story — growing up Mormon, coming out, and stepping into his power as an openly queer artist. And when I say full story? I mean full story. David gets real about writing the book in his own voice (yes, he had a collaborator — but trust me, this is 100% David). We dive into the chapters that were hardest for him to relive — especially the complicated, emotional journey with his dad. We talk boundaries. We talk about stepping away for years. We talk about what it actually takes to rebuild something healthier after you’ve had to break it apart first. It’s vulnerable. It’s honest. It’s beautiful. And of course, we couldn’t just stay serious the whole time — we also get into the Devout EP, where his music is headed now, and a very unexpected bonding moment over our shared love of EDM and house music.  He also leaves us with something I think a lot of people need to hear: give yourself space to figure out who you are. It’s okay to question. It’s okay to evolve. And it’s definitely okay to start over. If you’ve ever struggled with faith, identity, family expectations, or just finding your own voice — this one’s for you. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    29 min

  4. FEB 25

    From Marriage Equality to the U.S. Senate: My Conversation with Zach Wahls

    Hey Everyone, this week’s episode is a good one. I sit down with Zach Wahls — Iowa State Senator, LGBTQ+ advocate, author, and now Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. You might remember him from that mic-drop 2011 testimony in the Iowa legislature defending marriage equality and talking about growing up with two moms. Yeah… that one. The video that went wildly viral before “going viral” was even really a thing. We talk about what it’s like to have your life change overnight — how a college engineering student suddenly found himself at the center of a national conversation on equality… and how that moment pulled him from civil and environmental engineering into full-time advocacy. Zach shares how he co-founded Scouts for Equality, took on anti-LGBT discrimination in the Boy Scouts of America, and eventually made the leap into elected office — winning a seat in the Iowa State Senate at just 27 years old. (He’s now 34 and still the youngest state senator in Iowa. Casual overachiever stuff.) Big thanks to Zach for coming on and having a real conversation — about policy, politics, and the personal side of public service. As always, thanks for tuning into Duke’s Download. See you next week. 🎧 If you want to learn more or support Zach's campaign, head to zachwahls.com. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    29 min

  5. FEB 18

    This Ain’t “Heated Rivalry”: Coming Out in Pro Hockey

    This week on Duke’s Download, I sit down with someone who didn’t just break the ice — he cracked it wide open. Zach Sullivan, defenseman for the Manchester Storm, came out as bisexual in January 2020 during the UK Elite Ice Hockey League’s first Pride weekend — while he was still actively playing. And let me tell you… that is not the easy route. I had so many questions for Zach… Why do it while still active?  What happens inside the locker room?  And has men’s pro hockey actually changed? We get into: 🏒 Coming out in a hyper‑masculine sport  🌈 The NHL Pride tape controversy & jersey refusals  🔥 When Pride nights feel real… and when they feel performative  📺 The truth about Heated Rivalry — what it gets right and what it misses 💬 Why closeted athletes avoid attention (and why most won’t come out tomorrow) 🧠 “Man up” culture, mental health, and misogyny in men’s sports Zach shares the media pressure, the backlash, the support from teammates, and why he still believes visibility matters — even when it’s complicated. This isn’t a rainbow‑wash conversation. It’s honest, nuanced, and necessary. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with this disarmingly charming queer trailblazer! Watch now and join the conversation. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments.  📲 Subscribe for new episodes of Duke’s Download. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    45 min

  6. FEB 11

    A Hollywood Insider’s Wake‑Up Call: Behind the Red Carpet with Marc Malkin

    On this week’s episode, I sit down with my friend Marc Malkin—Variety’s senior culture and events editor and one of the most recognizable faces on the red carpet—to talk about life, legacy, and the moments that truly matter. We cover Marc’s incredible career in entertainment journalism, from unforgettable red‑carpet interviews to his years with E! News, but this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. Mark opens up about his very personal experience with open‑heart surgery, how it changed his outlook on life, and why heart health advocacy has become such an important part of his story through his work with the American Heart Association. We also talk honestly about Marc’s journey coming out in the late ’80s, what it was like building a career in the early days of LGBTQ+ media, and how representation in television and film—especially shows like Glee—has evolved over time. Along the way, we reflect on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and why sharing our stories still matters. This episode is heartfelt, funny, and deeply human—a reminder that even in a world of red carpets and breaking news, our health, our truth, and our community come first. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    47 min

  7. FEB 4

    Racing Out Loud with Olympian Connor McDermott‑Mostowy

    On this episode of Duke’s Download, I sit down with Connor McDermott‑Mostowy — elite speed skater, Olympian, and proudly out athlete — for a conversation about what it really takes to compete at the highest level while showing up fully as yourself. Connor walks me through his journey to the Olympics, from the grind of training and career‑defining milestones to the very real challenges he faced along the way, including battling Norovirus right before competition. We talk honestly about the mental toughness required to push through setbacks, the pressure of performing on the world stage, and what resilience looks like when the stakes are high. As one of the few openly queer athletes in his sport, Connor opens up about the significance of being out in a traditionally conservative athletic space. We dig into why visibility matters, how representation can change culture, and what it means to race — and live — without hiding who you are. His perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply inspiring. We also get into rivalries, shifting attitudes within the sports world, and the progress still being made when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion in elite athletics. Connor shares his excitement for what’s ahead, including the upcoming Olympics, and reflects on the responsibility and pride that come with being visible for the next generation. This is a conversation about speed skating, yes — but it’s also about courage, authenticity, and the power of showing up out and unapologetic. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    29 min

  8. JAN 21

    How Malcolm Kenyatta Is Building Real Political Power

    On this episode of Duke’s Download, I sit down with Malcolm Kenyatta — Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and Pennsylvania State Representative — for a real, no‑nonsense conversation about where politics is headed and how we actually create change. Malcolm opens up about his journey into public service and why equity, economic opportunity, and justice aren’t just talking points — they’re personal. We get into what it really takes to win elections at every level, why local races matter more than people realize, and how building strong grassroots infrastructure is key to engaging young voters and supporting new leaders. We also talk candidly about big issues like healthcare, corruption, and the economy, and why Malcolm remains hopeful about the future of a more inclusive and representative democracy. This episode is honest, energizing, and grounded in the belief that progress happens when people show up and stay engaged. If you care about the future of politics, leadership, and building a system that works for everyone, but especially for ourt community, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    42 min
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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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