Mandy & Deb hosts Mandy Connell and Deborah Flora discuss a wide range of topics including compassion, incompetence, and ratings.

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For 40 years, Independence Institute remained independent, principled, and willing to take on the hard fights, making it the longest-running free-market think tank in Colorado.

On February 5, 2026, we celebrated the ideas, leadership, and resolve that built an institution designed to last.

This special anniversary event featured a seated dinner and an intimate conversation with Pete and Jeff Coors, who shared what it was like Growing Up Coors. Together, they reflected on leadership, legacy, and what it takes to build an organization that endures in a changing political environment, while keeping the spirit of independence very much alive.

As part of the evening, we also presented the David S. D’Evelyn Award, which honors individuals who have advanced the principles of personal liberty and economic freedom through sustained leadership and integrity. This year’s recipient, Jim Johnson—philanthropist and great Colorado builder—exemplified those values in both thought and action.

In Colorado, think tanks came and went.

Very few endured.

If you want it slightly more formal, more celebratory, or more punchy at the end, I can tune it.

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Ep. 167 - Dick Wadhams - Devil's Advocate

Is It Time to free Tina Peters? I put that question to the one and only Dick Wadhams, Republican Consultant to the Stars.

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Winter Storm Fern wreaked havoc with cold temperatures across the United States. What energy resource was responsible for keeping homes warm? And will there be upcoming policies that help or hurt that? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Utility Dive: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/us-coal-generation-jumped-31-winter-storm-fern-eia/810838/
Euphemistically named “Colorado Clean Affordable Electricity: 2026 Outline." https://www.aoenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Clean-Affordable-Electricity-outline.docx
https://www.nerc.com/newsroom/resource-adequacy-risks-intensify-across-north-america-as-demand-growth-surges

Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is not a drill.
Yes, it’s because reliability apparently isn’t fashionable anymore.
How to Enter
Starting with the first show of 2026, drop a funny, clever, or pithy comment in the show’s comment section.
That’s it. No forms. No fine print to initial. No ESG questionnaire.
We’ll be collecting comments throughout the 2026 legislative session, so you’ll have ample time to workshop your sarcasm.
After each show, we’ll pick our favorite comment.
Full transparency: we’re the hosts, we pick the favorites, and it is 100% subjective.
If you’re looking for a neutral referee, this is not that contest.
At the end of the session, we’ll select our top 3–5 favorite comments.
Final Vote
Then you vote on the winner.
Democracy still works here. Mostly.
Winner announced on the last show in May 2026.
The (Very Small) Legal Stuff
No purchase necessary.
Void where prohibited, regulated, or over-engineered.
No cash value and not transferable.
Must pick up at the Independence Institute office, 727 E 16th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
One generator will be awarded. Actual runtime may vary depending on weather, policy decisions, and common sense.
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by any utility, regulator, or energy modeler who thinks batteries replace physics.
By entering, you agree we may read, share, or lovingly mock your comment on the show.
One comment.
One generator.
Because when the grid wobbles, satire won’t keep your lights on — but a Predator Generator will.

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Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/nKn-CwqkMYw

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Ep. 166 - Cindy Romero - Devil's Advocate

In Aurora, Cindy Romero lived in the apartment complex terrorized by Venezuelan gang members. What did the media miss about that episode?
And what does she think of Donald Trump after meeting him in person?

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