Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

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

49 min · 10. maj 2026
episode Ep 1 Met Gala, MAGA, & the Midterms | Politics is Personal cover

Description

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.

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16 episodes

episode Rethinking the Way We Pick Candidates artwork

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

12. juli 202614 min
episode EP 8: Primary Predictions, Bow Mar Gates, Community Wealth | Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole artwork

EP 8: Primary Predictions, Bow Mar Gates, Community Wealth | Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist make their final predictions around the Colorado primaries, including what they think is going to happen with Diana DeGette and CD1. They commiserate the Bow Mar community where gates may be going on public streets, and welcome Yessica Holguin, the Executive Director of the Center for Community Wealth. Yessica, Leslie and Cole discuss socialism and capitalism, with Yessica pointing out that corporate socialism is a thing! Learn about community wealth and Yessica's stint in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua.  The show wraps up with an insider "what's bugging me" section, with both hosts lamenting the craziness of the Reflecting Pool in D.C. As always, Politics is Personal isn't about winning arguments. It's about having the conversations many people are having around their own dinner tables—with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen.

28. juni 202654 min