Billy Dees Podcast

Perfect Media Productions, LLC

This is the podcast/online radio version of the Billy Dees Podcast. Social Media & More Billy Dees Online The Best Interviews & Commentary On Demand Authors and CreatorsCommentary on Current EventsPop CultureNews and OpinionStudio ProducedSelect Episodes Live on X (Twitter) @BillyDees Follow for Updates

  1. A Deep Dive into the Epstein Files - Politics, Power, and Public Perception

    34M AGO

    A Deep Dive into the Epstein Files - Politics, Power, and Public Perception

    In this episode, Billy Dees welcomes fellow podcaster Sam, host of the Shades of Jade Podcast, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that blends commentary with investigative curiosity. Sam’s show, much like Billy’s, tackles current events and cultural flashpoints — and lately, her focus has been on the ever-evolving story surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. At the heart of the conversation is the public reaction to the so-called “Epstein files.” Sam explains that much of her coverage has centered on separating fact from fiction. Just because a name appears in documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein does not mean criminal involvement. Invitations, flight logs, and peripheral associations have fueled online speculation, but as Sam notes, guilt by association is not the same as proof of wrongdoing. In a political climate where names are quickly weaponized, the discussion highlights how easily narratives can spiral beyond the available evidence. Billy and Sam also explore the figures most closely tied to Epstein, including Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew. Why, they ask, has Maxwell faced conviction while many powerful individuals named in connection with Epstein have not? The episode raises questions about legal standards, the difficulty of prosecuting crimes involving elites, and the challenge of distinguishing moral suspicion from criminal liability. The conversation doesn’t shy away from controversial territory either — from Epstein’s mysterious death to broader concerns about transparency, redactions, and political theater surrounding document releases. Throughout the episode, Billy brings his trademark skepticism and conversational style, pressing on issues of power, privilege, and accountability. Sam offers measured analysis, emphasizing the importance of evidence over outrage. Together, they examine how high-profile scandals unfold in real time — shaped not only by courts and investigators, but by media narratives, partisan divides, and public emotion. This episode is less about sensationalism and more about asking difficult questions: What do we really know? What is assumption? And why does this case continue to grip the public imagination years later? It’s a candid, layered discussion about truth, influence, and the complexities of justice in a world where powerful names dominate the headlines. Billy Dees on X @BillyDees https://x.com/BillyDees Shades of Jade on X @ShadesofJadePod https://x.com/ShadesofJadePod?s=20

    38 min
  2. Laura Buchwald - Author "The Book of Reservations"

    JAN 22

    Laura Buchwald - Author "The Book of Reservations"

    In this deeply reflective episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with author Laura Buchwald to explore grief, storytelling, and the enduring human desire to reconnect with those we’ve lost. The conversation centers on Buchwald’s novel The Book of Reservations, a story built around a haunting yet tender premise: what if you could share one more meal with a departed loved one? Drawing from personal loss, spiritual curiosity, and years immersed in the arts, Buchwald discusses how grief is not a linear process, but a deeply personal and cumulative experience that shapes how we love, remember, and create. Buchwald opens up about the inspiration behind her “ghost table” trilogy, influenced by a visit to New Orleans and her belief that death is not necessarily an ending, but a transformation. The discussion thoughtfully balances belief and skepticism, as Billy and Laura examine hospice experiences, end-of-life phenomena, and why so many people report strikingly similar moments as they near death. Rather than framing the novel as a ghost story, Buchwald explains that the supernatural elements are simply part of the world her characters inhabit—much like grief itself, always present, whether acknowledged or not. The interview also dives into the realities of being a writer today: the discipline required to push through messy first drafts, the long road to publication, and how AI is reshaping—but not replacing—the creative process. Buchwald offers candid advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing patience, revision, and the importance of writing what you love rather than chasing trends. Woven throughout the conversation is a shared appreciation for old-school neighborhood restaurants, local culture, and the stories embedded in physical spaces—an idea that mirrors the heart of The Book of Reservations. It’s an insightful, human conversation about loss, creativity, and why stories—like meals shared with loved ones—continue to matter long after they’re finished. You can find out more about the author and her book here: https://www.laurabuchwald.com/

    37 min
  3. Zolal Habibi - Iran - The Alternative and Democratic Change

    JAN 19

    Zolal Habibi - Iran - The Alternative and Democratic Change

    In this powerful episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with Iranian human rights activist Zolal Habibi for an in-depth and deeply personal conversation about Iran’s past, present, and possible future. Zolal shares her extraordinary journey into activism, shaped by the loss of her father during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, and explains her work with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The discussion provides crucial context many Americans may not be familiar with, challenging oversimplified narratives about Iran before and after the 1979 revolution and explaining how a popular uprising for freedom was ultimately hijacked by a far more brutal theocratic dictatorship. The conversation explores the realities of life under authoritarian rule, the failures of both monarchy and the current regime, and why Iranians remain deeply skeptical of foreign intervention while still seeking international solidarity. Zolal outlines the NCRI’s vision for a secular, democratic republic rooted in human rights, gender equality, and the separation of religion and state. She also discusses the Ten-Point Plan championed by Maryam Rajavi, highlighting why women have emerged as a leading force in Iran’s resistance movement and how decades of organized opposition have laid the groundwork for meaningful change from within. Billy and Zolal also address the urgency of the current moment: widespread protests, brutal crackdowns, internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and executions. They examine what meaningful international support could look like without repeating past mistakes, emphasizing accountability, recognition of the Iranian people’s right to resist tyranny, and an end to policies that embolden the regime. This episode is a sobering yet hopeful look at a generational struggle for freedom, offering listeners rare insight into the resilience of the Iranian people and the real possibilities for a democratic future if the world chooses to stand with them. You can find Billy Dees on X (Twitter) https://x.com/BillyDees

    1h 1m
  4. At the Crossroads - Lessons from 2025 and the Uncertain Path to 2026

    12/27/2025

    At the Crossroads - Lessons from 2025 and the Uncertain Path to 2026

    Billy Dees with Guest CoHost Cynthia Elliott In this episode, the conversation ranged widely across some of the biggest cultural, technological, and political shifts shaping our moment. Billy and Cynthia explored the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for jobs, human purpose, and the future of work, while also touching on broader concerns about the planet and the possibility of major technological and energy breakthroughs that could reshape civilization.  The discussion expanded into questions of consciousness—whether emerging technologies might change how we understand the human mind itself—and how a new space race is reigniting global competition, innovation, and ambition beyond Earth. On the cultural front, the program examined the growing divide between so-called “red pill” toxic masculinity and a healthier model of men grounded in emotional intelligence, accountability, and balance. The toll of social media was another major theme, with burnout, privacy erosion, and digital overload raising serious questions about how connected society should be. Politically, the discussion took a critical look at the Democratic Party’s current state of disarray and messaging struggles. The episode wrapped with an analysis of Hollywood and celebrity culture, questioning whether stars still hold the influence they once did as audiences grow increasingly skeptical, fragmented, and disengaged. You can follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees and Cynthia Elliott on X https://x.com/shamanisis

    1h 5m
4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

This is the podcast/online radio version of the Billy Dees Podcast. Social Media & More Billy Dees Online The Best Interviews & Commentary On Demand Authors and CreatorsCommentary on Current EventsPop CultureNews and OpinionStudio ProducedSelect Episodes Live on X (Twitter) @BillyDees Follow for Updates