In this episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with Italian filmmaker and social commentator Sara Alessandrini for a wide-ranging, thoughtful discussion that cuts to the heart of today’s political and cultural tensions. Sara is the creator of the docu-series This Is What New Yorkers Say, a multi-episode project examining the rise and fall of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the role of legacy media, and the broader consequences of a culture increasingly driven by outrage rather than evidence. What begins as a discussion about one political figure quickly evolves into a much deeper examination of media narratives, public opinion, and the erosion of nuanced discourse.
Sara shares her journey from Italy to the United States, explaining why America’s openness to reinvention, entrepreneurship, and reinvention drew her in. From that international vantage point, she offers a perspective that many Americans rarely hear—one shaped by lived experience in Europe, where government systems, labor protections, immigration policies, and social safety nets often function very differently than how they are idealized in U.S. political debates. Throughout the conversation, she challenges both left- and right-wing orthodoxies, arguing that good intentions do not always lead to good outcomes, especially when long-term consequences are ignored.
At the center of the discussion is Sara’s documentary work on Cuomo and the broader implications of how accusations are handled in the court of public opinion. She raises difficult but necessary questions about due process, the limits of movements like #MeToo, and what happens when standards are lowered to the point where perception outweighs evidence. Billy and Sara explore how media amplification can rapidly transform public figures from heroes to villains, often without space for facts, context, or proportionality. The conversation also expands into topics like political polarization, the breakdown of shared reality, immigration, socialism versus capitalism, and the growing sense that society has lost the ability to have honest, good-faith disagreements.
This episode is not about defending any one politician or ideology—it’s about encouraging critical thinking, resisting manipulation, and reclaiming the ability to ask uncomfortable questions without fear of social exile. Thought-provoking, candid, and at times challenging, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of media, democracy, and civil discourse. Sara Alessandrini brings a rare blend of intellectual honesty and international perspective, making this a substantive and reflective episode.
Perfect Media Productions, LLC 