Billy Dees

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 mode