Greg Cope White: The REAL Story Behind the Netflix Series Boots

In this episode of Duke's Download, I sit down with Greg Cope White—writer, TV producer, and the mind behind the memoir The Pink Marine, which went on to inspire the Netflix series Boots. Greg opens up about what it was like serving in the Marine Corps as a gay man, how his story grew into a hit show, and the big themes that run through it all: identity, resilience, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

We get into everything from the show’s wild reception (including the Pentagon’s not‑so‑thrilled reaction) to why representation in the media still matters so much. Greg and I also chat about our shared Hollywood connections, our friendship, and the importance of real allyship—both onscreen and off.

We wrap up by reflecting on the journey so far and looking ahead with excitement and hope for a second season of Boots.

00:00 Introduction to Duke's Download
 00:29 Meet Greg Cope White
 03:40 Greg's Journey and The Pink Marine
 07:41 Creating the Netflix Series
 09:42 Norman Lear's Influence
 14:11 Challenges and Authenticity
 21:10 Reflecting on Military Policies
 24:19 Honoring LGBTQ+ Service Members
 25:05 Transgender Military Ban Discussion
 25:49 Harvey Milk's Legacy
 26:52 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Military Personnel
 28:56 Humor and Music in the Show
 31:10 The Impact of Music on the Show
 33:54 Friendship and Allyship
 42:38 The Journey of Creating the Show
 45:34 Conclusion and Farewell

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