Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

politics is personal
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Politics is Personal is a weekly video and audio podcast hosted by former Colorado legislators Leslie Herod and Cole Wist. Built on a real friendship forged through years of legislative work, the show brings together a Black queer Democrat from Denver and a straight white former Republican from rural Colorado to have the kinds of honest, complicated conversations that feel increasingly rare in American politics. Rooted in the “Colorado Way,” the podcast offers a grounded, relatable approach to national conversations. Designed for the “exhausted majority,” Politics is Personal invites listeners back into political dialogue with curiosity, respect, and the belief that real conversation is still possible.

  1. 3d ago

    Guns, Mental Health. Right and Left.

    Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

  2. Aug 9

    EP 14: Max Miller Controversy, Colorado Political Tropes, and Denver DA John Walsh

    In this episode of Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist unpack the latest national political headlines and Colorado state news before hosting a detailed conversation with Denver District Attorney John Walsh. Key Topics Discussed: Congressional Conduct & Accountability: Discussing recent allegations involving U.S. Representative Max Miller, how political parties handle candidate misconduct, and the standard expected of public leaders.Statewide Campaign Dynamics: Addressing recent campaign material targeting Phil Weiser and examining the impact of anti-Semitic tropes in political messaging.Voter Shifts & Democratic Primaries: Analyzing the factors influencing Black and working-class voters following recent primary results.Interview with Denver DA John Walsh:The intersection of mental health, substance use, and criminal justice.The operational impact of digital evidence and body-worn cameras on prosecution.Approaches to tackling youth violence and community prevention programs.What’s Bugging Us: Guest contributor Max Haynes weighs in on why voter education and civic participation matter now more than ever.Civic Engagement & Personal Reflections: A discussion on youth involvement in politics, term limits, and a personal tribute to the late Monsignor Ken Leone.Episode Links & Resources: Follow Politics is Personal on your favorite podcast app.Leave a review and share your thoughts in the comment section!

    EP 14: Max Miller Controversy, Colorado Political Tropes, and Denver DA John Walsh

  3. Aug 2

    EP 13 Bridges on Bridges & Fauci's Odyssey

    In this Episode of Politics is Personal, Leslie and Cole talk all things IMAX 70mm unhoused camps under 1-25. They talk with Senator Jeff Bridges about the Treasurer race and if Victor Marx's Govener race was funded without any secrets. Tune in Sunday August 2 To find out more!

    EP 13 Bridges on Bridges & Fauci's Odyssey

  4. Season 1, Episode 13 Trailer

    PREVIEW EP 13: Bridges on Bridges & Fauci's Odyssey

    In this Episode of Politics is Personal, Leslie and Cole talk all things IMAX 70mm unhoused camps under 1-25. They talk with Senator Jeff Bridges about the Treasurer race and if Victor Marx's Govener race was funded without any secrets. Tune in Sunday August 2 To find out more!

    PREVIEW EP 13: Bridges on Bridges & Fauci's Odyssey

  5. Jul 26

    EP 12: Poop + Parasites, Election Interference, BBQ Sauce & Water Crisis with James Eklund

    Is the political summer heat getting to be a bit much? Hosts Leslie Herod and Cole Wist break down the wildest national headlines, local controversies, and critical issues shaping our world this week. First, Leslie and Cole dissect Donald Trump’s late-night address, its claims of election interference, and the ongoing fallout over former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Then, they pivot to a stomach-churning food safety scandal: a massive multi-state parasite outbreak impacting our produce, and question how federal regulatory failures and corporate donor ties might be leaving consumers in the dark. Finally, we’re joined by James Eklund, leading water rights attorney (Taft Law Firm) and former Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. James breaks down the high-stakes drama surrounding the Colorado River Compact. From the Continental Divide to Taiwan Semiconductor's massive water demands in Phoenix, James explains why Western water law impacts everyone, and why the clock is ticking on federal intervention. Plus, stick around for our "What's Bugging Us" segment featuring Soul Food Scholar Adrian Miller dropping hot takes on barbecue sauce! Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! "Politics is Personal, so keep talking!"

    EP 12: Poop + Parasites, Election Interference, BBQ Sauce & Water Crisis with James Eklund

  6. Jul 19

    Ep 11: DSA, Graham Platner, & Lindsey Graham

    In this episode of Politics is Personal with Leslie & Cole, we talk about the Democratic Socialists of America, if they have a figure head of the party, and how voters are turning to Mamdani like Politicians. Graham Platner and all things Maine, and the Passing of Lindsey Graham.

    Ep 11: DSA, Graham Platner, & Lindsey Graham

  7. Season 1, Episode 11 Trailer

    PREVIEW EP 11: DSA, Graham Platner, & Lindsey Graham,

    In this episode of Politics is Personal with Leslie & Cole, we talk about the Democratic Socialists of America, if they have a figure head of the party, and how voters are turning to Mamdani like Politicians. Graham Platner and all things Maine, and the Passing of Lindsey Graham.

    PREVIEW EP 11: DSA, Graham Platner, & Lindsey Graham,

  8. Jul 12

    Rethinking the Way We Pick Candidates

    Is the current two-party system actually serving the American people? In this episode of Politics is Personal, Leslie  and Cole experiment with a new format: a "pitch" segment where they challenge each other with bold political ideas. Cole kicks off the discussion by addressing the rising number of unaffiliated voters across Colorado and the nation. He pitches a significant overhaul to our election process: moving away from partisan primaries toward a more open, non-partisan ballot system.  Leslie provides a thoughtful counter-perspective, debating the necessity of parties for accountability, the risks of "jungle primaries," and whether term limits might be a more effective path to fixing the disconnect between politicians and their constituents. What do you think? Is the party system working, or is it time for a change? We want to hear your take! Join the conversation on Instagram and let us know what issues you want us to tackle next. https://www.instagram.com/politicsispersonal/ Production Credits: Hosts: Leslie Herod and Cole Wist Directed & Edited by: Julie Jackson Videographer: Hallie West Produced by: Leslie Herod, Cole West, Ian Silveri, and Julie Jackson Music by: JKK Recorded at: Colorado Symphony Studio with Truce Media Collective  To watch a video of this episode please visit https://youtu.be/W-5NInEduvs

    Rethinking the Way We Pick Candidates
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About

Politics is Personal is a weekly video and audio podcast hosted by former Colorado legislators Leslie Herod and Cole Wist. Built on a real friendship forged through years of legislative work, the show brings together a Black queer Democrat from Denver and a straight white former Republican from rural Colorado to have the kinds of honest, complicated conversations that feel increasingly rare in American politics. Rooted in the “Colorado Way,” the podcast offers a grounded, relatable approach to national conversations. Designed for the “exhausted majority,” Politics is Personal invites listeners back into political dialogue with curiosity, respect, and the belief that real conversation is still possible.

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