Left Face

Want to stay ahead in the Pikes Peak region's dynamic landscape? Tune in as we uncover the pivotal events shaping our community, from the election buzz to Veterans Day tributes. Join me, Adam Gillard, as I navigate through the next week's events. Starting with Rep Jason Crow's stopping by to GOTV! Tune in for more events! Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky.socia...

CO Veterans and Military Families for Harris Walz Get Out the Vote https://www.mobilize.us/2024covictory/event/732517/ Join Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson for their first ever Veterans' Voices segment. Dick posed the question, what do you hope to see with a Harris/Walz administration? Tune in to hear the insights of local vets. Also, Simon Tafoya stopped by to talk about a Veteran Based Harr...

Is the American political landscape teetering on the edge of unprecedented transformation? Join us for an insightful episode of Left Face as we dissect recent events that have left the nation on tenterhooks. We kick off with a curious incident from a Donald Trump rally where a dance session led by the former president bewildered many. However, beneath the entertainment lies a chilling narrative: T...

Are political leaders truly serving their communities, or are they prioritizing personal agendas? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of partisanship and disaster response with a provocative question in mind. We dissect the complexities of the upcoming election season, the political maneuvering during hurricanes like Milton and Helene, and the challenges of emergency management amid shifting w...

Liz Rosenbaum, a dynamic force in political activism and a candidate for House District 21, joins us to share her journey from history teacher to community organizer. Through her insightful narratives, Liz illustrates how she has harnessed the power of civic engagement to connect individuals and confront injustices. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked challenges veterans face when ent...

Discover how Syracuse University is making a difference for veterans as Adam and  Dick share their journeys through the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement. With insights from a non-partisan curriculum and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, Adam brings to light the unique benefits and accessibility of these programs. This episode also uncovers the contrasting fundraising strategies...

What does it take to challenge the status quo in local politics? Today, we sit down with Kat Gayle, a candidate for the Colorado House in District 14, who has been making waves in Colorado Springs. Growing up in Loveland with a strong conservation ethic, Kat's career has spanned law and human rights work across various countries. Her journey back to Colorado Springs, spurred by a contentious...

What happens when formal debate techniques meet the fiery realm of political discourse? Join us on Left Face as we navigate the nuanced landscape of competitive public speaking and political debate. We begin by dissecting the recent Presidential debate, where we spotlight Vice President Harris's compelling performance and the subtle yet powerful influence of media bias. Dick draws from his ex...

What does it take for a veteran to transition from military service to the political arena? Today, we are thrilled to be joined by Mike Pierson, a seasoned veteran who's running for House District 22 in Colorado. Mike sheds light on his unique journey, sharing his rich background in political science, journalism, and public affairs during his Air Force career. We also delve into the inner wor...

What if your city banned something that had overwhelming public support? Join us as we unpack our recent experiences and delve into the heated debate over recreational cannabis legalization in Colorado Springs. Despite huge public backing, the city counsel is trying to ban recreational sales in the city charter. Drawing from Dick Wilkinson's firsthand experiences in New Mexico, we explore the...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Pablo Capistrano, Veteran Outreach Committee Chair for the El Paso County Democratic Party, and Jeremy Dowell, a passionate District Attorney candidate. Pablo recounts the unexpected yet heartwarming experiences at the Pikes Peak Regional Air Show, where his team connected with a broad spectrum of veterans and military community members. This episode sh...

Why did Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin make a controversial move to rescind the plea agreement for the 9/11 attackers? In this episode of the All Things Military Veteran Podcast, we unpack the intricacies behind this significant decision. We'll explore Austin's unexpected hospital stay last December and its potential influence on his actions. This move, which has far-reaching implicat...

Curious about how political ideologies evolve through personal experiences? Our new co-host, Dick Wilkinson, shares his journey from a conservative upbringing in Texas to a broad-minded perspective shaped by his military service.  We'll explore the intricate balance veterans face between libertarian principles and governmental necessities. Hear firsthand how personal and ethical dilemmas unfo...

Drawing from the profound experiences of military life and the complexities of parenting, Megan—a military spouse and mother to three—joins me to share her unique perspective on the highly charged debate around arming teachers in Colorado Springs' District 20. Our discussion ventures beyond the mere policy implications, touching upon the emotional and psychological effects such measures could...

Have you ever wondered how veterans continue to shape our political landscape post-service? Join me as I sit down with Pablo Capistrano from the El Paso County Democratic Party Veterans Outreach Committee to unravel the depths of veterans' political activism and the pressing need for their voices in today's democracy. Pablo sheds light on the importance of dispelling myths about party al...

Join us as we traverse the volatile terrain of global conflicts and American politics with Joe Reagan from the Welcome Party. Unpack the complex Ukraine-Russian war, its ripple effects on international relations, and the potential influence on the Israel-Hamas conflict. We dive into the intricate details of the war, exploring its impact on both nations and the global community, while highlighting...

Get ready for a riveting exploration into the treacherous waters of school board politics as our guest, Rob Rogers, the first vice chair of El Paso County Democratic Party, sheds light on the recent elections and their implications. Discover how conservative extremists have seized control of the two largest school districts of El Paso County, D11 and D20, and what that means for public education....

What if you could transform your biggest traumas into your greatest strengths? Join us in a deep dive as Matt Simpson, author of 'Worth the Fight: Acting for a Better World,' charts a remarkable course from corporate America to an empowering servant to the military and veteran community. Matt’s story is one of selfless service, donating all the profits from his book to veteran charities...

Ever wondered how a yes or no vote on Proposition HH could change the future of your property taxes? Ponder no more! I'm your host, Adam Gillard, and in this episode, we're breaking down the impacts of Proposition HH - a legislation aimed at reducing property taxes for homes and businesses for at least a decade. We'll walk you through what voting 'yes' or 'no' wo...

Imagine, as a veteran, finding solace not just in the understanding companionship of fellow veterans but also in the healing embrace of nature and its adventures. This captivating episode introduces you to Mark Fruehling, an Army veteran who is on a mission to create such a space. Mark and other members of the Paso County, Colorado Progressive Veterans group share a common goal – to alleviate the...

Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of VA benefits with our guest, Mike Walljasper, a seasoned veteran of the VA DBA office. Mike, who's been with the VA since 2006, provides an insider's view into the transformative shifts that the VA has undergone, from paper to digital, and how these changes have significantly improved the way veterans are served, even amidst a global pandemic.  Prep...

What if your mailbox was your ballot box? That's the revolutionary idea we explore with our passionate guest, Rich Lins, more affectionately known as The Stamp Guy. After a personal experience hunting for a 71 cent stamp to mail his ballot, Rich was awakened to the pivotal role of accessible voting. Uncover the lesser-known US Postal Service policy that ensures ballots are delivered regardles...

The fine line between news and propaganda is blurring, with biased sources and echo chambers dominating the American political landscape. This episode takes you on a journey through this maze, shedding light on the right's repackaging of pro-life messaging and the alarming possibility of democracy's end game. Get ready for a deep dive into how to determine valid news and spot hidden bias...

Gabe and I talk about leaving behind past traumas and focusing on the future. Gabe talks about how he copes with his PTSD. He speaks candidly about how microdosing ketamine  has helped keep him here with us. Tune in for his story. Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/epccpv www. EPCCPV.org or info@epccpv.org

This one gets intense! I was fortunate enough to speak with a new friend this last  week. In Part I, Gabe tells us about how he was raised in a Neo-Nazi family. His family was close with a leader of the KKK/Aryan Nation. We talk about the issue and some things he saw growing up.  Next time, we will discuss his breaking away from the ideology and his time in the Air Force. Thanks for listening, Sta...