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

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

In this episode of Duke’s Download, I sit down with my longtime friend and LGBTQ+ business leader, Tristan Schukraft, for a conversation that’s both inspiring and deeply personal. Tristan takes us through his journey—from his earliest entrepreneurial ventures to founding mistr, a telehealth platform focused on making HIV prevention more accessible and affordable.

We talk about his passion for preserving and revitalizing iconic LGBTQ+ spaces, including The Abbey in West Hollywood, as well as his growing portfolio of Tryst Hotels. Tristan shares why safe, visible queer spaces matter so much to our community and how he’s using his business skills to support public health, visibility, and long-term impact.

We also dive into the realities of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in today’s political climate, the challenges that come with that work, and why he believes business can be a powerful tool for change. This conversation is about resilience, responsibility, and what it really means to give back to the community that shaped you.

You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com

And follow us onInstagram:

• @jamesdukemason
• @PrideHouseMedia

In this episode, I sit down with two people whose courage helped change history—Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo. You may know their names from the landmark marriage equality case Hollingsworth v. Perry, but getting to hear their story directly is something else entirely.

Paul and Jeff take me back to the moment Proposition 8 passed in California and what it felt like to suddenly have their rights stripped away. What followed was an emotional, unexpected journey—from ordinary life into the national spotlight as two of the plaintiffs challenging Prop 8. They open up about the fear, frustration, and resolve that came with becoming what they often call “accidental activists.”

We talk about the intense media scrutiny, the personal toll of the lawsuit, and the very real threats they faced along the way. They also share behind‑the‑scenes moments of working with legal heavyweights Ted Olson and David Boies, and what it was like to stand in a courtroom knowing the outcome could shape the future for generations to come.

From the early days of organizing and rallies, to the district court trial, and finally the historic Supreme Court decision, this conversation is deeply personal, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. Paul and Jeff reflect not just on winning the case, but on what marriage equality truly means—then and now.

This episode is a powerful reminder that history isn’t just made by institutions or courts—it’s made by people brave enough to stand up and say, “This isn’t right.”

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 01:07 Honoring the Past: Out 100 Event
• 03:20 The California Prop 8 Case
• 06:46 The Emotional Toll of Proposition 8
• 13:03 Becoming Accidental Activists
• 16:22 Joining the Fight for Marriage Equality
• 20:17 California Supreme Court Ruling on Prop 8
• 20:39 The Legal Challenge Begins
• 21:07 A Reagan‑Appointed Judge
• 21:38 The 2010 Rally and Media Scrutiny
• 22:35 The Impact of the Lawsuit
• 24:44 Facing Opposition and Threats
• 27:48 Ted Olson and David Boies Join the Case
• 30:32 The District Court Trial
• 35:03 The Supreme Court Decision and Personal Reflections
• 36:26 The Historic Day and Its Aftermath

You can write to me at: Questions@DukesDownload.co

And follow me on: @JamesDukeMason

In this special New Year’s Eve episode of Duke’s Download, I grab a metaphorical noisemaker, look back at 2025, and say what we’re all thinking: Wow… that was a year.

I reflect on the highs, the lows, and the moments that made me stop, stare, and ask, “Is this real life?” I talk about how Duke’s Download continued its mission to bridge the gap between politics and pop culture—sometimes gracefully, sometimes while tripping over a headline or two, but always with intention.

I also dig into the political and social challenges we faced during the Trump administration era, sharing my honest reactions, a little humor, and a healthy dose of perspective. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been important—and I explain why those conversations still matter.

Despite everything, this episode isn’t about dwelling on the chaos. I share why I’m feeling hopeful heading into the new year, what gives me optimism, and how I plan to take Duke’s Download to the next level in the year ahead. Spoiler alert: big ideas, fresh conversations, and fewer tech hiccups (fingers crossed).

Before we ring in the new year, I also invite you—yes, you—to get more involved. Your messages, comments, and support keep this show going, and I can’t wait to build an even stronger community with you in the year to come.

So pour a drink, grab a snack, and let’s say goodbye to 2025 together—with gratitude, perspective, and just enough optimism to make things interesting.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Duke’s Download (Confetti Optional)
00:32 – 2025: The Year That Was
02:31 – Politics: The Good, the Bad, and the “Did That Really Happen?”
05:09 – Looking Ahead with Hope (Yes, I Mean It)
06:33 – Listener Love & Community Shout‑Outs
07:45 – Final Thoughts, Farewell, and Happy New Year

You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.co

And follow us on: @JamesDukeMason

As we roll inot the holidays, I wanted to take a moment to slow down and say thank you—from the bottom of my heart. When I launched this podcast, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, and the support I’ve received has been overwhelming in the best possible way.

From listeners reaching out with kind messages, to the love from the community, to being recognized by outlets like Queerty and WeHo Times—none of it has gone unnoticed. It’s been incredibly humbling, and I don’t take a second of it for granted.

This year has been full of highs, challenges, and moments that really put things into perspective. As we head into the holidays, I reflect a lot on the importance of community, staying hopeful, and holding onto optimism even when the world feels heavy.

I also share a little about my own holiday traditions, my family, and my relationship—what grounds me, what brings me joy, and what helps me reset.

Remember, please take care of yourself during this season. Rest when you can. Reach out to the people who matter to you. Give yourself permission to unplug and recharge as we move toward a new year.

Despite the tragedies we’ve all witnessed recently, I truly believe in the power of connection and kindness. I’m choosing hope, and I hope you’ll join me there.

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this community. I wish you peace, warmth, and joy this holiday season.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• 00:00 — Welcome to Duke’s Download
• 00:29 — My gratitude for your support
• 02:30 — Looking back on the year
• 06:44 — Holiday traditions, family & love
• 10:09 — What I’m carrying into the new year
• 11:49 — Holiday wishes from me to you

You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.co

And follow us on: @JamesDukeMason

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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