Politics is Personal with Leslie + Cole

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.

This week on Politics is Personal, Leslie Herod and Cole Wist cover everything from the Met Gala to Trump’s proposed national fitness initiative—and what all of it says about culture, politics, and America right now.Then, former Colorado House Speaker Terrance Carroll joins the conversation to break down the history and continued importance of the Voting Rights Act, voter access, and where the national conversation around democracy stands today.Politics, culture, disagreement, and the conversations we’re still willing to have.

Ft Leslie Herod, Cole Wist, Tony KovaleskiIn this pilot, Leslie and Cole kick things off by catching up on life after the Capitol—what they’ve been working on, what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same. From there, they scroll through what’s showing up in their social feeds, unpacking the stories, narratives, and noise shaping how we all see politics today.Then, they sit down with Tony Kovaleski  for a conversation on media, mergers, and what it all means for trust, accountability, and political journalism.To close it out, Leslie and Cole get personal—sharing what’s currently bugging them in politics, where they agree, and where they don’t."Agree to disagree lets go get a drink" -Leslie