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

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

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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

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