Episodes

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LITA 12: Phil Weiser on Standing Up to Trump, Affordability, and Building Colorado’s Future

Ana and Deep interview Colorado Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser about democratic accountability, Colorado resisting federal overreach, and his case for governor in a head-to-head primary against Senator Michael Bennet. Weiser describes his background as a first-generation American whose mother was born in a concentration camp, his clerkship with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and his path through the Justice Department, academia, and the Obama White House to elected office. He argues Colorado needs a governor who will confront the Trump administration, citing his 54 lawsuits and criticizing Bennet for voting to confirm eight Trump cabinet picks, including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. They discuss housing and cost-of-living solutions, corporate landlord abuses, social media harms to kids, “Colorado Core,” mentoring, youth political engagement, and bipartisan work on the Tina Peters case. They also discuss a listener voicemail from Lucy in East Denver who asks about Ezra Klein’s book “Abundance” and critics to Klein’s arguments. The episode closes with a call for Democrats to attend caucus week March 3–7 and get involved in local party roles.

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LITA 11: Fighting Corporate Power with David Seligman

In this episode of Left in the Attic, Ana and Deep talk with civil rights attorney, Colorado Attorney General candidate David Seligman, Executive Director of Towards Justice, about collapsing trust in the rule of law and how corporate power and opaque AI systems now shape everyday life. They also discuss elite accountability gaps and the growing influence of “black box” AI in hiring, healthcare, housing, and wage-setting, including a lawsuit challenging an AI hiring tool. The episode closes with calls to action around banning surveillance-based wages and prices and joining community efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

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LITA 10: AI Regulation, Data Centers, and Running for State Treasurer with Rep. Brianna Titone

In this episode of Left in the Attic, hosts Ana and Deep talk with Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone (HD-27) about her path from tech and public service into politics, flipping a Republican district in 2018 as Colorado’s first openly transgender elected official, and her current run for state treasurer. Titone explains what the treasurer’s office does and her goals. They also dig into Colorado’s first-in-the-nation AI consumer protections bill against algorithmic discrimination, corporate influence, and concerns over data centers like the new one in Denver’s Elyria-Swansea. The episode closes with a call to action to show up, contact legislators, and follow groups like ACLU of Colorado and Towards Justice for AI updates and rallies.

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LITA 9: How To Take Over The Democratic Party with James Reyes

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.

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LITA 8: Upholding Justice, Tina Peters, Democratic Accountability, and ICE with Michael Dougherty

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.

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LITA 7:2025 Reflections and 2026 Predictions

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.

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LITA 6: Money in Politics & Challenging the Establishment with Melat Kiros

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.

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LITA 5: Congressional Campaigns & War Crimes with Regent Wanda James

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.

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LITA 4: Breaking Barriers and Culture at the Colorado Capitol with Rep. Yara Zokaie

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. 

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LITA 3: Tackling Tabor & The Future of Colorado's Tax Policy with Chris deGruy Kennedy

In this Left in the Attic episode, hosts Ana and Deep discuss the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and its impact on Colorado's future. Guest Chris deGruy Kennedy from the Bell Policy Center shares insights on TABOR’s history and challenges. They examine its effects on public services, education, and healthcare, and explore efforts to reform it through grassroots organizing. The conversation also covers the bipartisan push to release Epstein files and the wider influence of money and power in politics.

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LITA 2: Direction of Dems, the Housing Crisis, and more with Rep. Javier Mabrey

In this episode of 'Left in the Attic,' Ana and Deep talk about the Democratic Party's future, its shutdown mistakes, and the housing crisis. Guest Rep. Javier Mabry shares his story from homelessness to lawmaker and defender of renters. They discuss Bronco Stadium's potential move, party divisions, corporate power, and Mabry's work on affordable housing and tenant rights. The episode closes with a call to back labor unions and Starbucks union efforts.

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LITA 1: Building Hope in an Attic

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.

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