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

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• @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