Can People Really Change? The Truth About Reinventing Yourself

Pride Month Reflections: Greg Cope‑White, Ross Mathews & Dustin Lance Black

Hey Everybody — this week on Duke’s Download, I’m doing something special for Pride Month. Instead of one guest, I’m revisiting three conversations that have stayed with me — and honestly, feel more relevant than ever: Greg Cope‑White, Ross Mathews, and Dustin Lance Black. Because Pride isn’t just parades and rainbow flags. It’s service. It’s visibility. It’s fighting back. First, I look back at my conversation with Greg Cope‑White, former Marine and author of The Pink Marine (the inspiration for Netflix’s Boots). Greg talks about serving his country before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” what acceptance actually looked like inside the Marines, and why today’s attacks — from transgender military bans to removing Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship — hit so personally. His story is about courage, but also about calling out political prejudice when we see it. Then there’s Ross Mathews, who opens up about growing up gay in a tiny farming town in Washington state with zero visible role models. Hearing him talk about loneliness, finding his voice, and why LGBTQ representation in media matters so much reminded me how powerful visibility really is — and why organizations like GLAAD still matter. And of course, Dustin Lance Black — Academy Award–winning screenwriter of Milk and longtime activist — who shares what it was like fighting for federal marriage equality. He talks strategy, backlash, and why rights are never guaranteed. His message is simple but urgent: every generation has to push forward. We can’t assume someone else will do it for us. For me, this episode is about remembering how far we’ve come — and recognizing how much work is still ahead. With elections coming up this November, this isn’t just reflection. It’s a reminder to engage, to vote, and to protect the progress so many fought for. Pride is joy.  Pride is protest.  Pride is participation. Thanks for being here. 🌈 You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com And follow us onInstagram:  * @jamesdukemason * @PrideHouseMedia

Inside the California Governor’s Race: What’s Next for Democrats

Primary night is behind us, and I’m sharing my honest reflections on the June 2 California primary elections — especially the race for California governor. For the past several months, I worked as an advisor and LGBTQ+ liaison for San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s gubernatorial campaign, traveling across the state and helping build support in Southern California. In this episode, I talk about what it was like campaigning statewide while Matt was still serving as mayor, the pace and scale of running in California, and why the campaign ultimately fell short. I’ve always believed in working for candidates I genuinely believe in — not just perceived front-runners — and I’m proud of the campaign we ran. Now, with the primary decided, I’m committed to supporting the Democratic nominee for governor. The stakes are too high. California must remain a progressive, pro-democracy stronghold, especially in this political moment. If you care about the future of California politics, pragmatic progressive leadership, and keeping our state a bulwark for democracy — this conversation is for you. Subscribe, follow, and stay engaged. The work continues. 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

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