Duke's Download Hosted by James Duke Mason

Pride House Media
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 6d ago

    Matt Mahan on LGBTQ Rights | On the Campaign Trail

    Welcome to this week’s episode of Duke’s Download After two intense months on the campaign trail, I’m checking in — tired, energized, and fully immersed in the race for California governor ahead of the June 2 election. I’ve been working on San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s campaign, and in this episode, I share what that experience has been like, including bringing Mayor Mahan to West Hollywood on May 16 for a meaningful visit to the heart of LGBTQ+ Los Angeles. We stopped at The Abbey, walked across the iconic rainbow crosswalks, and recorded a short interview about allyship, inclusion, and what leadership looks like in this moment. Mayor Mahan talks about becoming an LGBTQ+ ally after witnessing friends bullied in high school, why inclusivity makes America stronger, and how delivering on the basics — public safety, affordable housing, and strong schools — benefits everyone while also protecting LGBTQ+ Californians through the rule of law. I also take time to honor the late Congressman Barney Frank, one of the most influential LGBTQ+ leaders in American political history. I reflect on meeting him when I served as a House page in 2008 and share why his 2016 memoir remains essential reading for anyone who believes in equality and public service. This episode is both personal and political. It’s about why I believe in showing up, why I believe in leadership that delivers results, and why I’m encouraging Californians to return their ballots and vote on or before June 2. Democracy only works if we participate. Let’s get into it. For more information about Matt Mahan go to MahanForCalifornia.com Click here to order Barney Frank’s memoir FRANK You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    16 min

  2. May 20

    From Ross the Intern to RuPaul’s Drag Race | Ross Mathews on 25 Years in Hollywood

    On this episode of Duke’s Download, I sit down with the one and only Ross Mathews — and we cover 25 years of hustle, reinvention, visibility, and straight-up staying power in Hollywood. From being “Ross the Intern” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to Chelsea Lately, The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and hosting the 90 Day Fiancé Tell Alls, Ross has built a career that most people couldn’t script if they tried. We talk about: The moment he saw “Hello Ross” on a building (full circle moment)How he’s stayed relevant for 25 years in entertainmentLosing nearly 80 pounds and transforming his healthThe “90/10” mindset that changed his relationship with foodGrief after losing his mom and how it reshaped his lifeLGBTQ+ visibility then vs nowThe cultural impact of RuPaul’s Drag RaceWhy backlash can’t undo progressMarriage, love, and having a safe place to landRoss also shares what it was like writing the children’s book Tío and Tío with his husband Wellington (Welly), inspired by their Mexico wedding — and yes, there’s a sequel coming. We even get into his next chapter: a cookbook (Rossipes), game show dreams, and what reinvention really looks like after decades in the spotlight. This episode is about longevity, growth, queer visibility, health, identity, and building a life that feels aligned — not just impressive. If you’ve ever wondered how someone stays authentic in Hollywood for 25 years… this one’s for you. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    33 min

  3. May 14

    Perez Hilton on Surviving Sepsis, Finding God & Being Gay

    This week on Duke’s Download, I sit down with the one and only Perez Hilton — and we go way deeper than celebrity gossip. Perez opens up about his recent life-threatening health crisis: three weeks hospitalized with severe sepsis after an ulcer and perforation caused by taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach — followed by a terrifying deep vein thrombosis scare. It was serious. It was humbling. And it changed everything. Perez shares a profound spiritual experience he had in the hospital — one that brought him back to faith. We talk about: Reading the Bible on his own termsVisiting an Episcopalian churchNavigating Christianity as a proudly gay manWhy he believes God made him exactly as he isIt’s honest. It’s nuanced. And yes — we talk about the backlash. This conversation is about survival — physically, spiritually, and publicly. And trust me, you’ve never heard Perez like this before. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    39 min

  4. May 6

    Raising a Gay Son: A Mother’s Day Conversation with my Mom, Belinda Carlisle

    I want to begin by saying that I am so fortunate to have the most amazing Mom a boy can ask for. So, for this special Mother’s Day episode of Duke’s Download, I wanted to sit down with my mom, Belinda Carlisle, to talk about motherhood, raising a gay son, and the moments that shaped our family. She shares what it was like finding out she was pregnant while promoting her album Live Your Life, Be Free, having a difficult pregnancy, and giving birth to me during the LA riots — We talk about: What it’s really like raising an LGBTQ childGrowing up closeted as a gay teenParenting with love instead of controlLiving in France and how it shaped my identityLetting kids make their own choicesThe fear and pride of raising a queer child in today’s worldKindness, self-awareness, and family dynamicsThis episode is funny, emotional, and honest. It’s about growing up gay, LGBTQ parenting, unconditional love, and the bond between a mother and son. If you’re a parent of an LGBTQ child, someone who grew up closeted, or just reflecting on your relationship with your mom — I hope this conversation resonates. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. 💛 And to all the mothers out there xo You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    46 min

  5. Apr 29

    Can People Really Change? The Truth About Reinventing Yourself

    Can people actually change… or do we just tell ourselves they can? This week, I sit down with New York Times Magazine writer and Emerson professor Benoit Denizet-Lewis to talk about his new book You’ve Changed: The Promise and Price of Self-Transformation — and why we’re living in a culture obsessed with reinvention, identity, and becoming “better” versions of ourselves. We start with a story that genuinely unsettled me: Benoit once watched a colleague go from outspoken gay activist to “ex-gay.” How does something like that happen? And why do we react so strongly when someone transforms in a way we don’t expect? Because let’s be honest — most of us act like a digital parole board.  We judge.  We doubt.  We question whether someone’s change is “real.” So what actually makes change possible? We get into the psychology of self-transformation: Does personality really change?What stays the same?Why does doubt often spark growth?Why are some transformations lasting… and others temporary?Then we zoom out- And here’s where it gets interesting: The most meaningful change might not come from obsessing over yourself at all. It might come from relationships. From service. From looking outward instead of inward. If you’ve ever wondered: Can I really change?Can someone I love change?Or are we all just becoming more extreme versions of who we already are?This conversation is for you. You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    47 min

  6. Apr 22

    Is Europe Better Than America? LGBTQ+ Rights & CA’s 2026 Governor Race

    On this episode of Duke’s Download, I’m celebrating some major milestones — one year with my boyfriend Armie, my parents’ 40th anniversary, and an early 34th birthday celebration — before diving into a big announcement: I’ve joined Matt Mahan’s California governor campaign as an LGBTQ+ advisor. Why? Because I’m less interested in performative politics and more interested in results. We talk about what “pragmatic progressivism” actually means — focusing on measurable outcomes around crime, homelessness, government efficiency, and LGBTQ+ rights in California — and why I believe campaigns should be judged on impact, not Instagram captions. Then it’s time for Ask Duke Anything — and you all did not disappoint. We cover:  🎬 My all-time favorite films (Platoon, Terminator 1 & 2, Back to the Future)  🎥 New Queer Cinema & today’s LGBTQ+ TV  🇪🇺 Europe vs. America — where would I rather live?  🏳️‍⚧️ Trans rights, political fear tactics & U.S. policy backsliding  ⚖️ The Supreme Court and conversion therapy challenges  🌎 Gun violence, healthcare, climate policy & Ukraine It’s political. It’s personal. It’s cinematic. It’s a little chaotic. And that’s exactly how we like it. If you care about:  ✔️ California politics  ✔️ LGBTQ+ rights  ✔️ The 2026 governor race  ✔️ Culture & media  ✔️ Where America is headed This episode is for you. For more information about Matt Mahan’s and his campaigh go to https://www.mahanforcalifornia.com/ You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    40 min

  7. Apr 15

    ZEE Machine on Queer Pop & Creating Without Compromise

    This week on Duke’s Download, I sit down with singer‑songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist ZEE Machine — and we talk about what it really takes to find your voice and go all in. Zee shares how music grabbed him early — from obsessive guitar days to digging through older albums before streaming ruled everything. We get into his Berklee story — auditioning as a guitarist, not getting in, pivoting, and coming back stronger and getting in as a vocalist and songwriter. That shift changed everything. We break down: How he built his bold, 80s‑inspired maximalist pop soundWhy chemistry matters more than credentials in the studioThe fan favorites (“The Radio”)The live bangers (“Good Boy,” “I’m In Love With Everybody”)Writing from real experienceBeing openly queer in pop musicTouring red‑state pocketsAnd why he’s releasing music single‑by‑single instead of chasing albumsThis is a conversation about artistic evolution, creative confidence, queer visibility, and building a music career without compromise. If you care about independent pop artists, authenticity in music, or what it means to fully own your sound — you’ll love this one. For more about Zee Machine- just google it and you will find him everywhere! You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    46 min

  8. Apr 8

    Elliott with Two T’s: From Texas Farm Kid to RuPaul’s Drag Race

    This week, I’m joined by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 queen Elliott with Two T’s — a classically trained dancer turned Las Vegas performer who grew up as a gay kid on a Texas farm. We talk about how dance became her safe place, and how her fiercely supportive mom helped her build confidence early on. Elliott shares what it was like performing in drag for the first time at 15 through a Dallas LGBTQ youth center charity event — and how drag quickly became more than performance. It became creative control. We get into auditioning for Drag Race during COVID, filming under intense pressure, and what life looked like after the show — nonstop touring, burnout, and learning when to “bed rot” and recharge. We also talk about advocacy. Elliott reflects on how LGBTQ rights have shifted from gaining ground to fighting to protect what we have — and why youth safe spaces matter more than ever. She credits the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) with teaching her how to understand and use her legal rights in school. Plus, she shares surreal moments from lobbying in D.C., including AOC running over to meet her. This is a conversation about resilience, performance, advocacy, and finding your voice — onstage and off. You can follow Elliott @TheRealElliottQeen You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  @jamesdukemason@PrideHouseMedia

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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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