Billy Dees Podcast

Sara Alessandrini - Problem with Zohran Momdani is Not What He Says, But What He Doesn't

In this episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, host Billy Dees welcomes returning guest Sara Alessandrini for a wide-ranging discussion that blends media analysis, politics, and cultural perspective. Alessandrini—an accomplished commentator and filmmaker—joins the program to discuss her work and recent writing, including a Substack essay examining the political messaging and policy contradictions surrounding New York City politics. The conversation offers listeners both analysis and context, particularly for those trying to understand the intersection of media narratives and political branding.A key focus of the discussion is Alessandrini’s documentary, This Is What New Yorkers Say, a multi-part project that explores the intense media cycle surrounding former New York governor Andrew Cuomo. The series examines how the media helped elevate Cuomo during the early days of the pandemic before later turning sharply critical. Dees and Alessandrini reflect on how this rise-and-fall dynamic mirrors broader trends in modern media, where public figures are often rapidly built up and then dismantled in the public arena.The conversation then shifts to Alessandrini’s recent Substack article examining the political image and policy messaging of Zohran Mamdani, the current mayor of New York City. Alessandrini argues that the real issue is not necessarily what Mamdani says publicly, but what his messaging leaves unsaid. Together, she and Dees analyze how political branding, campaign promises, and governing realities can diverge—particularly when leaders campaign on ambitious economic proposals while facing complex fiscal realities once in office.Beyond policy debates, the episode also explores broader themes about ideology, populism, and political movements. Alessandrini explains the role of the Democratic Socialists of America and how grassroots political organizations influence local elections and policy conversations. The discussion highlights how political narratives often evolve through media framing, activist movements, and public perception, shaping how voters understand complex economic and social issues.Throughout the episode, Alessandrini offers a unique perspective as an immigrant and international observer of American politics. Her reflections on cultural identity, media framing, and political rhetoric provide an additional layer to the conversation, reminding listeners that debates in the United States are often viewed very differently from abroad. The result is a thoughtful and lively exchange that reflects the signature format of The Billy Dees Podcast: informed commentary paired with engaging interviews that challenge audiences to think more critically about politics, media, and the stories that shape public perception.Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDeesSara Alessandrini on X https://x.com/diswhatnyerssayDocumentary This is What New Yorkers Say https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com/

The Rise of the “Patriot Economy” - Marketing, Politics, and the Psychology of Giving with Jeff Kruszyna

Billy Dees welcomes Jeff Kruszyna, founder and CEO of JMK Victory, for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, marketing, and the rise of what he calls the “patriot economy.” With more than 20 years in direct response marketing and over $100 million raised for campaigns, PACs, and advocacy organizations, Kruszyna shares insight into how values-driven consumerism is reshaping business and political fundraising.The discussion explores how September 11th changed the course of Kruszyna’s life, leading him from a computer science student at Stony Brook University into the world of political strategy and fundraising. Dees and Kruszyna also examine today’s polarized political environment, the influence of algorithms and digital media, and why many Americans are increasingly aligning their purchasing decisions with their beliefs.They also dive into the psychology behind successful fundraising, the surprising staying power of direct mail marketing, and the biggest mistakes political campaigns make when trying to build donor support.It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of politics, persuasion, and the evolving American marketplace.Follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDeesBook Your Call with Jeff Kruszyna https://booking.jmkvictory.com/jeff

Eric Robinson Tells his Journey from Pastor to the FBI

On this episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, Billy welcomes former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson for a compelling conversation that bridges faith, federal investigations, and frontline reality.  After 24 years with the FBI — working white-collar crime, counter-terrorism, gangs, drugs, crimes against children, and serving as a SWAT operator and firearms instructor — Eric shares what the job is really like beyond the television dramas. From the painstaking process behind wiretaps to the split-second decisions made during high-risk operations, he offers a grounded look at life inside the Bureau.  But Eric’s story doesn’t begin with law enforcement. Before joining the FBI, he spent 12 years in Christian ministry, even planting and pastoring a church in Western New York. In this candid discussion, he explains how counseling skills from the pulpit carried over into interrogation rooms — and how years of exposure to crime can challenge faith, perspective, and compassion.  Billy and Eric also dive into modern terrorism threats, political perceptions of the FBI, law enforcement scrutiny, and the realities of use-of-force decisions. It’s an honest, thoughtful exchange that moves beyond headlines and into the human experience behind the badge.  Eric also previews his upcoming memoir — a collection of humorous, surprising, and powerful moments from his journey “from preacher to breacher.”   A wide-ranging, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDeesEric Robinson on X https://x.com/EricR0binson

Cinda Gault — Writing Women, History, and Identity

Podcast Description: Cinda Gault — Writing Women, History, and Identity In this episode, Billy Dees welcomes Canadian author Cinda Gault for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation about literature, feminism, history, and cultural identity.Cinda Gault shares her journey from second-wave feminist activism in 1970s Canada to earning advanced degrees in criminology and English, and ultimately becoming a novelist. The discussion explores her three books — This Godforsaken Place, A Small Compass, and Everything I Hope For — and her passion for telling stories about resilient women navigating both wilderness frontiers and modern urban life.The conversation also dives into:·       What it was really like coming of age in the 1970s·       Canada’s unique cultural and political identity·       Why Canada has no federal abortion law·       The evolution of feminism and identity politics·       Music, community, and what’s been lost since the hi-fi era·       How fiction restores the human stories history leaves behindFrom Annie Oakley to Wayne Gretzky, from Hudson’s Bay archives to modern debates about autonomy and progress, this episode is an engaging cross-border dialogue about how societies change — and how storytelling preserves what facts alone cannot.A thoughtful, civil, and compelling exchange you won’t want to miss.Cinda Gault's website https://cindagault.com/Find Billy Dees here https://linktr.ee/BillyDees  

A Deep Dive into the Epstein Files - Politics, Power, and Public Perception

In this episode, Billy Dees welcomes fellow podcaster Sam, host of the Shades of Jade Podcast, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that blends commentary with investigative curiosity. Sam’s show, much like Billy’s, tackles current events and cultural flashpoints — and lately, her focus has been on the ever-evolving story surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.At the heart of the conversation is the public reaction to the so-called “Epstein files.” Sam explains that much of her coverage has centered on separating fact from fiction. Just because a name appears in documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein does not mean criminal involvement. Invitations, flight logs, and peripheral associations have fueled online speculation, but as Sam notes, guilt by association is not the same as proof of wrongdoing. In a political climate where names are quickly weaponized, the discussion highlights how easily narratives can spiral beyond the available evidence.Billy and Sam also explore the figures most closely tied to Epstein, including Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew. Why, they ask, has Maxwell faced conviction while many powerful individuals named in connection with Epstein have not? The episode raises questions about legal standards, the difficulty of prosecuting crimes involving elites, and the challenge of distinguishing moral suspicion from criminal liability. The conversation doesn’t shy away from controversial territory either — from Epstein’s mysterious death to broader concerns about transparency, redactions, and political theater surrounding document releases.Throughout the episode, Billy brings his trademark skepticism and conversational style, pressing on issues of power, privilege, and accountability. Sam offers measured analysis, emphasizing the importance of evidence over outrage. Together, they examine how high-profile scandals unfold in real time — shaped not only by courts and investigators, but by media narratives, partisan divides, and public emotion.This episode is less about sensationalism and more about asking difficult questions: What do we really know? What is assumption? And why does this case continue to grip the public imagination years later? It’s a candid, layered discussion about truth, influence, and the complexities of justice in a world where powerful names dominate the headlines.Billy Dees on X @BillyDees https://x.com/BillyDeesShades of Jade on X @ShadesofJadePod https://x.com/ShadesofJadePod?s=20