Billy Dees Podcast

D.H. Morris - Author - "The Girl of Many Crowns"

If you enjoy history, you will really like this episode.D. H. Morris, a native of San Diego, California, has lived on four continents and traveled through countless countries. Now residing in Kansas City, Missouri, she’s the proud mother of four children and grandmother to eleven. With a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Choral Music Education from Utah State University, she later pursued graduate studies in English at USU and law at the University of Utah.  A published playwright, she has recently turned her passion for history into a novel, The Girl of Many Crowns. Set in the Kingdom of Francia in 856 AD, the book tells the gripping true story of Judith, the first princess of France, and Baldwin “Iron Arm,” a knight of King Charles the Bald. Together, they defy an empire, embarking on a daring journey that will change history. As a descendant of both Judith and Baldwin, D. H. Morris uncovered their remarkable tale while working on a genealogical project. Intrigued, she dove deep into the 9th century, researching everything from politics and war to food, clothing, and marriage customs. She is passionate about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.D.H. Morris Website https://newclassicspublishing.com/

Laura Buchwald - Author "The Book of Reservations"

In this deeply reflective episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with author Laura Buchwald to explore grief, storytelling, and the enduring human desire to reconnect with those we’ve lost. The conversation centers on Buchwald’s novel The Book of Reservations, a story built around a haunting yet tender premise: what if you could share one more meal with a departed loved one? Drawing from personal loss, spiritual curiosity, and years immersed in the arts, Buchwald discusses how grief is not a linear process, but a deeply personal and cumulative experience that shapes how we love, remember, and create.Buchwald opens up about the inspiration behind her “ghost table” trilogy, influenced by a visit to New Orleans and her belief that death is not necessarily an ending, but a transformation. The discussion thoughtfully balances belief and skepticism, as Billy and Laura examine hospice experiences, end-of-life phenomena, and why so many people report strikingly similar moments as they near death. Rather than framing the novel as a ghost story, Buchwald explains that the supernatural elements are simply part of the world her characters inhabit—much like grief itself, always present, whether acknowledged or not.The interview also dives into the realities of being a writer today: the discipline required to push through messy first drafts, the long road to publication, and how AI is reshaping—but not replacing—the creative process. Buchwald offers candid advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing patience, revision, and the importance of writing what you love rather than chasing trends. Woven throughout the conversation is a shared appreciation for old-school neighborhood restaurants, local culture, and the stories embedded in physical spaces—an idea that mirrors the heart of The Book of Reservations. It’s an insightful, human conversation about loss, creativity, and why stories—like meals shared with loved ones—continue to matter long after they’re finished.You can find out more about the author and her book here: https://www.laurabuchwald.com/

Zolal Habibi - Iran - The Alternative and Democratic Change

With over 25 years of dedicated activism, she has become a fierce advocate on behalf of the voiceless inside Iran, regularly appearing in international forums, human rights conferences, and live broadcasts across major media platforms. As an Iranian American, Zolal can present a perspective better understandable for your audience, as someone with links and roots to both. Zolal's activism began in her teens, profoundly shaped by the loss of her father—a respected Iranian writer and political dissident—who was killed by the regime during the 1988 massacre. This personal tragedy ignited a lifelong commitment to ensuring that no other family suffers such loss, and that the voices of Iran's political prisoners, dissidents, and freedom-seekers are heard on the world stage. At 18 she came to a crossroad, choosing to continue her education and pursuit a medical degree, or choose to dedicate her life to bring freedom to Iran. In this path she has overcome many obstacles and has profound and unique experience when it comes to women's empowerment and leadership and its importance in fighting tyranny and misogyny. Zolal also has extensive understanding of Middle East Geopolitics and Iran, from the climate inside of Iran, to the opposition movement and resistance inside the country and abroad, the women's movement, human rights situation and Iran's terrorism, warmongering, and nuclear ambitions.

LIVE with Billy Dees and Cynthia Elliott - Iran - ICE - Hollywood and More

🎙️ Episode Recap — Originally Live January 16, 2026 @ 8:00 PM ESTJoin us for a wide-ranging and riveting conversation with Billy Dees and Cynthia Elliott, where no headline is too hot and no topic too complex.This episode dives headfirst into the biggest stories driving news cycles and public debate right now — from the escalating political and legal fallout over the controversial ICE shooting death in Minneapolis to Iran’s geopolitical shifts past, present, and future. We also unpack the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, and grapple with the heated discourse around free speech sparked by Shlomo Kramer’s recent remarks.Thoughtful, provocative, and unapologetically candid, this discussion dissects what’s happening and why it matters.

Talking About the Mix of Politics and Media with Filmmaker - Sara Alessandrini

In this episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with Italian filmmaker and social commentator Sara Alessandrini, creator of the docu-series This Is What New Yorkers Say.Sara discusses her deep dive into the Andrew Cuomo media saga and how legacy media, public outrage, and social movements shape — and sometimes distort — public perception.Drawing from her experience living in both Europe and the United States, Sarah offers a unique perspective on due process, the limits of movements like #MeToo, political polarization, immigration, and the growing inability to have nuanced conversations in today’s culture. Together, Billy and Sara explore how narratives are formed, why critical thinking matters more than ever, and what happens when society replaces facts with feelings.A thoughtful and challenging conversation about media power, politics, and the future of public discourse.Find out more about Sara's docu-series here https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com/Follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees