Duke's Download Hosted by James Duke Mason

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 [http://mahanforcalifornia.com] Click here to order Barney Frank’s memoir FRANK [https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Politics-Society-Same-Sex-Marriage/dp/0374280304/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3IF3R13G2I2Q8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qzeOnOAUMfoJ_uhrVJhdj736HFKnfBucMYInG6O7vUAdyIeyAu09PzjpPklhfc4VDTL6M4igonjeMBZGOk7okoB7JgQUqNc9A3NIQAegXMYLGzZ3fHU26TWk1qVedfLeANrqvWeIlPWJ8NNWxTUy0UzzUoCFLEgMoprId2uLUTOVCW9UzeaIMcZ05lSw_UsuLS-9LLuV2zXd10ncGjAhDprmKl2-Ov8QGaiDT7lR4Ko.UnacW26ehjTFjfV31N_7Bam_3IgePtwL9AFOS7U3vnM&dib_tag=se&keywords=barney+frank&qid=1779819978&sprefix=barney+frank%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-2] You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  * @jamesdukemason * @PrideHouseMedia

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 entertainment * Losing nearly 80 pounds and transforming his health * The “90/10” mindset that changed his relationship with food * Grief after losing his mom and how it reshaped his life * LGBTQ+ visibility then vs now * The cultural impact of RuPaul’s Drag Race * Why backlash can’t undo progress * Marriage, love, and having a safe place to land Ross 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

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 terms * Visiting an Episcopalian church * Navigating Christianity as a proudly gay man * Why he believes God made him exactly as he is It’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

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 child * Growing up closeted as a gay teen * Parenting with love instead of control * Living in France and how it shaped my identity * Letting kids make their own choices * The fear and pride of raising a queer child in today’s world * Kindness, self-awareness, and family dynamics This 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

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