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. 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
  2. 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. These are the sites Zolal Habibi refers to in the podcast: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/ and https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ You can find Billy Dees on X (Twitter) https://x.com/BillyDees

    1h 1m
  3. 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. Andrea LeDew - "Polemics - Political Poems and Prose"

    12/05/2025

    Andrea LeDew - "Polemics - Political Poems and Prose"

    Andrea LeDew is a Jacksonville, Florida–based writer and poet who has spent more than thirty years immersed in literature, language, law, and homeschooling. She is the author of Polemics: Political Poems & Prose, a ten-year collection covering major events in American politics from 2016 through early 2025. Her website For Random Learning Comes has been active for a decade, and her poetry has appeared in multiple literary magazines. She has also participated in regional literary events such as Jax by Jax and the St. Augustine Poet Fest. Beyond poetry, she is currently working on a novel featuring a disabled main character, drawing from her experiences as a caregiver. During the podcast, Andrea discussed how Polemics is organized and what inspired its structure—each piece is paired with a brief introduction explaining the political moment that sparked it. She talked about the various hot-button issues the collection addresses and why she felt compelled to include them. Andrea also explained who she believes would benefit most from reading the book, such as people interested in recent political history or those seeking to reflect on America’s turbulent past decade. Finally, she shared how her own political beliefs have evolved over the years and how that evolution is reflected throughout the collection. More information Andrea LeDew's book https://books2read.com/polemics Andrea LeDew's website https://frlcnews.com/ Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees

    53 min
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