EP 2 Borders, Ballers & Boundaries | Politics is Personal

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

EP 9: Colorado Primary, Electric Scooters, and Firework Bans

In this episode of Politics is Personal with Leslie and Cole, special guest Marshal Zelinger talks about his experience in primary elections, whether Cole's predictions were correct, and if Colorado has a new face for the democratic primary. Then Leslie questions the safety of Denver's new Veo bikes, and 4th of July Firework Festivities.

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.

EP 7: Father's Day, Conspiracies & Corruption, Guest Jason Crow | Politics is Personal

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist cover the Colorado primaries and speculate on the winners. They discuss Diana DeGette and whether she'll be able to hold on, as well as legislation around social media and minors. To celebrate Father's Day, we'll hear from Leslie's Dad and Cole's Daughter, who share what's bugging them. This episode's featured guest is Jason Crow, a veteran who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional District and has some friendly beef with Leslie (something about a desk among other things). Congressman Crow shares what's on his heart: everything from Afghanistan, Iran, China and Russia, to Anti Corruption and the pulse of the American people. 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.

EP 6: Knicks, Trans Ballots, and Water Regulation | Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist cover everything from basketball to ballot measures to one of Colorado's most precious resources: water. The episode kicks off with a conversation about the New York Knicks, sports fandom, and why major cultural moments often become part of our political conversations. Then Leslie and Cole dive into the debate surrounding transgender-related ballot initiatives in Colorado, exploring the arguments, concerns, and values driving the discussion from different perspectives. Finally, they unpack Colorado's ongoing water challenges—from conservation and growth to the difficult decisions facing communities across the West. What happens when politics, population growth, agriculture, and climate pressures all compete for the same resource? 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.