In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep delve into the workings of local party politics, focusing on caucuses, delegates, and precinct organizers. They explain how everyday people can get involved in shaping the Denver Democratic Party. Special guest James Reyes, the current chair of the Denver Democrats and DNC Member, joins to share insights about his journey from being a young Republican to leading Colorado’s largest Democratic County Party. The episode also highlights the historic win of Bad Bunny at the Grammys and its cultural significance. Listeners learn about the upcoming caucus process, the importance of precinct organizers, and how to become a delegate for the county and state assemblies. The episode wraps up with multiple calls to action for those interested in political involvement.

Key Dates:

Monday, February 9th, deadline to register as a Democrat in order to Caucus or become a Delegate

Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30pm: Denver Precinct Caucuses

Saturday, March 14th at 10:00am: Denver Democrats County Assembly 

Saturday, March 28th: Colorado Democratic Party State Assembly in Pueblo

Denver Democrats Caucus Info: https://www.denverdemocrats.org/caucus 

Colorado Democrats Caucus FAQ: https://www.coloradodems.org/caucus/faq

Register to Vote & Change Party Registration: https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verifyNewVoter.xhtml 

Upcoming Denver Democrat Events: https://www.denverdemocrats.org/events 

More info on Vacancy Elections: https://www.coloradodems.org/vacancyelections 

Drinking Liberally Denver https://livingliberally.org/chapter/co/denver_5747 

Denver Young Democrat Events https://denveryoungdems.org/events 

Have Questions? DM us on Instagram or email us and we’ll help! 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:31 Bad Bunny's Historic Grammy Win

02:33 James Reyes' Background and El Paso Roots

04:34 James' Journey in Politics

09:11 Understanding the Denver Democratic Party

10:27 Getting Involved: Caucuses and Assemblies

21:15 Reflecting on Past Elections

22:13 Understanding the Democratic National Committee

23:19 Becoming a Precinct Organizer

24:51 Running for Delegate and Precinct Organizer

26:41 The Role of Passion in Political Involvement

28:21 The Importance of Young People in Politics

34:47 Getting Involved in Local Democratic Meetings

37:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep dive into the critical themes of law, justice, and accountability in the Trump era. They welcome Michael Dougherty, three-time elected district attorney in Boulder County and candidate for Colorado Attorney General. The discussion kicks off with Michael and the hosts sharing their new year themes. The conversation then shifts to pressing issues, including the prosecution of Tina Peters for election fraud, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. They also discuss holding Democrats accountable, citing the case of Tracy Bernett, a Democratic representative prosecuted for falsifying residency documents. The episode tackles the complexities of ICE operations, particularly the tragic incident involving Renee Good in Minnesota, and the challenges local jurisdictions face against federal overreach. Michael highlights the importance of Senate Bill 276 for immigrant protections in Colorado and stresses the necessity of maintaining public trust in the justice system.

00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions

04:46 Michael Dougherty's Background and Career

08:37 Role and Responsibilities of the Attorney General

17:13 Tina Peters Case and Election Integrity

24:15 Challenges and Corruption in Law Enforcement

30:08 Filing Charges Against a Public Official Tracey Bernett

31:01 Political Pushback and Ethical Decisions

32:51 Law Enforcement Accountability

33:41 ICE Operations and Federal Overreach

36:31 State vs. Federal Rights and Legal Conflicts

43:55 Immigrant Protection and Senate Bill 276

50:21 Community Outreach and Know Your Rights Training

54:08 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Ana mentioned CIRC’s (Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition) Know Your Rights workshops found here: https://coloradoimmigrant.org/our-work/know-your-rights/. 

For whistle kits and training for bars, restaurants, and others in hospitality, email [email protected]. You can also donate to support this work.

Michael mentioned that folks can email him directly at [email protected] to set up Know Your Rights trainings as well.

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep reflect on the major wins and losses of 2025 and share their predictions for 2026. Deep opens up about the recent loss of his mom, illustrating the significant impact she had on his life and community. They discuss his mom’s inspiring journey from India to the United States and her relentless community organizing efforts. The episode picks up pace as they dive into the political, cultural, and scientific wins and losses of the year. They highlight significant events such as the impact of Zohran's election in New York, the troubling consequences of the Big Beautiful Bill, and the setbacks in science due to the rise of misinformation. The hosts also share personal achievements, including Deep becoming a father and Ana's career pivot after losing her job at the CDC. They wrap up with a call to action for civic engagement, encouraging listeners to join community organizations and stay politically active.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:32 Tribute to Deep's Mom

02:11 Deep's Mom's Legacy and Community Impact

03:50 Reflections and Moving Forward

07:39 Biggest Wins and Losses of 2025

08:07 Personal Wins and Losses

11:06 Predictions for 2026

15:00 Political Wins and Losses

21:27 Political Predictions for 2026

25:41 Cultural Losses, Wins, and Predictions

30:06 Science and Technology: Losses, Wins, and Predictions

38:22 Mission and Call to Action

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep discuss the critical issues of money in politics, corruption in D.C., and the affordability crisis. They are joined by special guest Melat Kiros, who is challenging long-time incumbent Diana DeGette for Colorado's Congressional District 1. Melat shares her motivation for running, focusing on the urgent need to eliminate corporate money from politics and restore integrity and effectiveness to government. The conversation delves into Citizen’s United, the importance of community involvement, and how small donations can make a significant impact in political campaigns. The episode wraps up with a strong call to action, encouraging listeners to support local candidates and engage in community-building efforts.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:26 Haircut Mishap and Weekend Volunteering

01:09 Deep's Speech and Debate Experience

01:57 Denver Urban Debate League

02:45 Student Advocacy at the Capitol

03:22 Introducing Melat Kiros

03:49 Campaign Motivations and Challenges

09:37 Money in Politics and Citizens United

14:02 Corporate Influence and Wealth Disparity

19:21 Trump's Middle East Golf Course and Political Corruption

19:48 Voter Disillusionment and the Need for Impact

21:08 Community Engagement Beyond Voting

22:54 Capitalism's Relentless Pursuit of Profit

24:52 The Power of Voting and Political Accountability

31:09 Unionization and Worker Rights

32:46 Corporate Greed and Social Safety Nets

38:08 The Importance of Small Donations in Politics

40:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Deep and Ana discuss congressional campaigns, war crimes in Venezuela, the deployment of the National Guard in the US, and political inaction. They feature special guest CU Regent Wanda James, a notable advocate for social change, and the first Black woman to own a cannabis business in the US. Wanda, currently running for Congress in Colorado’s Congressional District 1, shares her background, her fight against systemic racism, and her tenure in various political landscapes. The conversation covers her efforts to rectify the impacts of the war on drugs on communities of color, the Colorado political scene, the challenges she has faced and overcome as a small business owner and naval officer, and her plans to address affordability, food insecurity, healthcare, and education. They also discuss Wanda's perspective as a former Naval officer on the recent events in Venezuela and the alarming trend of military deployment in US cities. The episode concludes with a call to action urging listeners to support community initiatives and holiday charity efforts.

Ana and Wanda mentioned the Black Santa Project: https://www.theblacksantaproject.org/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:17 Special Guest Introduction: Wanda James

00:26 Funny Party Stories

02:14 Wanda James: Background and Achievements

07:09 Political Landscape and Campaign Challenges

17:09 War Crimes in Venezuela

21:47 US Intervention in Latin America

22:09 Trump's Controversial Actions

23:36 Military and Legal Perspectives

25:32 Federal Employees and Ethical Dilemmas

27:56 Media and Political Courage

33:19 ICE and Immigration Issues

36:05 Running for Office and Political Responsibility

43:58 Call to Action and Community Support

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep delve into Colorado's political landscape with Representative Yara Zokaie from House District 52 in Fort Collins to discuss the personal and professional challenges of being an immigrant and the culture at the Colorado Capital. Rep. Zokaie shares her experience as a woman of color and young mom in politics. Topics range from anti-immigrant rhetoric, personal threats, to the intricacies of Colorado legislation, including paid leave and price gouging. They close out with a call to action, encouraging listeners to support local immigrant-owned businesses during the holiday season. 

Ana shares that a Colorado non-profit, Cocina Libre, is selling cookbooks to support immigrants across CO. Check out https://cocinalibre.co/ for more information. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

00:24 Anna's Thanksgiving Trip to Mexico

01:43 Yara's Thanksgiving Experience

03:20 Deep's Thanksgiving and Birthday Traditions

05:18 Introducing Representative Yara Zokaie

06:11 Yara's Journey into Politics

10:17 Challenges and Triumphs in Office

16:51 The Controversy and Its Aftermath

24:32 Political Turmoil and Bureaucracy

26:34 Facing Adversity and Safety Concerns

27:30 Encouraging Underrepresented Voices

28:18 The Challenges of Legislative Work

29:17 The Importance of Representation

32:32 Debating Racial and Ethnic Data

35:10 Changing Capitol Culture

36:20 A Week in the Life of a Legislator

40:42 Personal Reflections and Music Preferences

44:54 Supporting Local Businesses

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of Left in the Attic hosts Ana and Deep dive into a detailed discussion on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the potential for a new tax policy to reshape Colorado's future. They welcome special guest Chris deGruy Kennedy, head of the Bell Policy Center, who shares insights into the historical context and challenges posed by TABOR. Chris and the hosts explore the impact of TABOR on public services, education, and healthcare. They also delve into the strategic efforts to reform TABOR, emphasizing grassroots organizing and the need for public engagement. The discussion touches on the bipartisan effort to release the Epstein files and the broader implications of money and power in politics.

Ana mentioned Next with Kyle Clark’s Word of Thanks micro-giving campaign found here: https://www.9news.com/thanks 

https://www.coloradogives.org/story/arapahoewordofthanks 

Chris mentioned these orgs to follow: https://bellpolicy.org/newsletter/ 

https://neweracolorado.org/join-the-movement/

https://www.greateducation.org/advocates-network/

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:34 Parenting and Vaccination Discussion

03:30 Dating and Social Media Apps

04:54 Introduction to Chris and His Work

08:14 Understanding TABOR: The Taxpayer Bill of Rights

12:39 Challenges and Reforms in Colorado's Tax Policy

16:00 Dark Money and Political Influence

19:36 Future Plans for Colorado's Fiscal Policy

23:01 Funding Crisis at Denver Health

23:30 Proposed Tax Cuts and Funding Allocation

24:13 Challenges in Political Campaigns

25:39 Straightforward Proposal for Tax Reform

28:15 Mobilizing for Change

29:50 Ballot Measures and Signature Collection

32:19 Coalition Efforts and Community Involvement

36:25 Epstein Files and Political Courage

44:40 Economic Accountability and Data Transparency

47:43 Call to Action and Community Support

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com

Instagram: @leftintheatticpod

TikTok: @left.in.the.attic

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

In this episode of 'Left in the Attic,' hosts Ana and Deep delve into the direction of the Democratic Party, critiques of national Democrats' handling of the shutdown, and the ongoing housing crisis. They are joined by special guest, Rep. Javier Mabry, who shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a state lawmaker and champion for renters' rights. The discussion covers topics such as the potential relocation of the Bronco Stadium, the polarization within the Democratic Party, and the role of corporate influence in politics. Mabry also sheds light on his personal experiences and legislative efforts to address affordability and protect tenants. The episode closes with reflections on the importance of labor unions, collective bargaining, and a call to support ongoing unionization efforts at Starbucks.

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:
Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com
Instagram: @leftintheatticpod
TikTok: @left.in.the.attic
Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: (303) 416-2846

Left in the Attic is a Colorado born podcast where two friends, Ana and Deep, discuss politics, power, community, and big life transitions while filming in an actual attic in Denver. Expect local and national headline debriefs, organizing stories, the chaos of life transitions (Ana in a career pivot & dating in Denver, Deep having a newborn), and guests who are doing the work in communities.
Episode 1 kicks things off with Ana and Deep sharing who they are, how they met, what being high school teachers was like through Trump’s first election, and why they believe in the power of community amidst the crumbling of democracy. They unpack the recent elections in Colorado and nationwide, talk about school meals, gerrymandering, and money in politics. They close with a concrete call to action to support local food pantries and food banks (Food Bank of the Rockies, Feeding America, denvergov.org/Community/Support/Food/Food-Assistance).

If you are politically heartbroken but still hungry for hope, this podcast is for you.

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:
Website: www.LeftInTheAttic.com
Instagram: @leftintheatticpod
TikTok: @left.in.the.attic
Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: (303) 416-2846