This week on Duke’s Download, I sit down with someone who didn’t just break the ice — he cracked it wide open.

Zach Sullivan, defenseman for the Manchester Storm, came out as bisexual in January 2020 during the UK Elite Ice Hockey League’s first Pride weekend — while he was still actively playing.

And let me tell you… that is not the easy route.

I had so many questions for Zach…

Why do it while still active?
What happens inside the locker room?
And has men’s pro hockey actually changed?

We get into:

🏒 Coming out in a hyper‑masculine sport
🌈 The NHL Pride tape controversy & jersey refusals
🔥 When Pride nights feel real… and when they feel performative
📺 The truth about Heated Rivalry — what it gets right and what it misses
💬 Why closeted athletes avoid attention (and why most won’t come out tomorrow)
🧠 “Man up” culture, mental health, and misogyny in men’s sports

Zach shares the media pressure, the backlash, the support from teammates, and why he still believes visibility matters — even when it’s complicated.

This isn’t a rainbow‑wash conversation. It’s honest, nuanced, and necessary. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with this disarmingly charming queer trailblazer!

Watch now and join the conversation.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com

And follow us onInstagram:

• @jamesdukemason
• @PrideHouseMedia

On this week’s episode, I sit down with my friend Marc Malkin—Variety’s senior culture and events editor and one of the most recognizable faces on the red carpet—to talk about life, legacy, and the moments that truly matter.

We cover Marc’s incredible career in entertainment journalism, from unforgettable red‑carpet interviews to his years with E! News, but this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. Mark opens up about his very personal experience with open‑heart surgery, how it changed his outlook on life, and why heart health advocacy has become such an important part of his story through his work with the American Heart Association.

We also talk honestly about Marc’s journey coming out in the late ’80s, what it was like building a career in the early days of LGBTQ+ media, and how representation in television and film—especially shows like Glee—has evolved over time. Along the way, we reflect on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and why sharing our stories still matters.

This episode is heartfelt, funny, and deeply human—a reminder that even in a world of red carpets and breaking news, our health, our truth, and our community come first.

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 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