James Duff is an American television writer and producer, best known as the creator of The Closer and Major Crimes. Originally from New Orleans, Duff built a career in theater and television while navigating the deeply personal challenges of the AIDS crisis, including the loss of his partner, David Camacho. His work and life experiences have been profoundly shaped by themes of resilience, empathy, and storytelling.

Allen Roskoff is a veteran gay rights activist and longtime friend of legendary columnist Jimmy Breslin. A central figure in New York’s LGBTQ+ political scene since the early 1980s, Roskoff has fought tirelessly for equality and visibility, often bringing public figures—including Breslin—into the heart of the movement. His activism during the AIDS epidemic was instrumental in pushing political leaders and media voices to confront the crisis with compassion and urgency.

In this episode, Kevin, James, and Allen discuss the power of empathy in journalism, the impact of the AIDS crisis on New York’s gay community, Jimmy Breslin’s unexpected role as a chronicler of that struggle, and the enduring importance of activism and storytelling in shaping cultural change.

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