Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

PREVIEW EP 4: Primaries, Polis, & Puck Drops

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist tackle the stories shaping conversations across Colorado—from the latest primary election battles to Governor Jared Polis and his evolving role on the national political stage.

EP 4: Primaries, Polis, & Puck Drops

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist tackle the stories shaping conversations across Colorado—from the latest primary election battles to Governor Jared Polis and his evolving role on the national political stage. Joining the conversation is longtime Colorado political analyst Eric Sondermann. Together, they break down the winners, losers, and unexpected storylines emerging from Colorado's political landscape, discuss what voters should be watching, and explore how the state's unique political culture continues to influence national conversations. Of course, it wouldn't be Politics is Personal without a few detours. Leslie and Cole also weigh in on hockey, TSA frustrations, and the everyday experiences that remind us politics doesn't happen in a vacuum—it happens in airports, arenas, and communities across the country. From election strategy to travel headaches, this episode brings politics back to the dinner table with thoughtful conversation, a little disagreement, and plenty of Colorado perspective.

EP 3: Should the Epstein Files be released?

This episode contains a trigger warning, topics such as self harm, human trafficking, abuse, will be addressed.  Leslie and Cole sit down with Kelly Dore founder of Sierra Cares to talk about human trafficking, and the Epstein Files.  Then Cole and Leslie share their thoughts on wars abroad and at home this Memorial Day Weekend.

EP 2 Borders, Ballers & Boundaries | Politics is Personal

In this episode of Politics is Personal with Leslie and Cole, we connect the dots between immigration policy, the rise and visibility of the WNBA, and the quiet power of gerrymandering in shaping political representation. From who gets to cross borders, to who gets center court, to who draws the lines that define our votes, we unpack how systems of power show up in everyday life and why none of these conversations exist in isolation.

Ep 1 Met Gala, MAGA, & the Midterms | Politics is Personal

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist dive into the strange intersection of politics, culture, and identity—from the spectacle of the Met Gala to the conversation around Trump’s proposed national fitness initiative and what it reveals about modern political messaging. As always, Leslie and Cole bring very different perspectives to the table, unpacking how social media, public image, and culture wars continue to shape the way Americans experience politics. The conversation moves between funny, thoughtful, and uncomfortable in the way only real friends with opposing viewpoints can manage. Later in the episode, former Colorado House Speaker Terrance Carroll joins the show for a deeper conversation about the Voting Rights Act, the evolving fight over voter access, and what democracy looks like in an era of growing polarization and distrust. From pop culture to public policy, Politics is Personal is about bringing politics back to the dinner table—where disagreement doesn’t end the conversation.