In this episode, Liz is joined by Texas Congressman Colin Allred, a hopeful for the U.S. Senate. Allred's journey from NFL linebacker to civil rights attorney and his tenure in the Obama administration has inspired many. He opens up about the profound influence of kindness in his life, a value he attributes to his upbringing and the legacy of John …

Liz is joined by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett who shares her remarkable journey from defense attorney to Congress. With a focus on bipartisan collaboration, she delves into her partnership with Senator Cornyn on crucial issues like the Strip Act against fentanyl, emphasizing the significance of speaking truth to power and serving the people. Repr…

In this episode Liz chats with Congressman Mike Levin from California's 49th district. Levin shares his journey from immigrant roots, education at Saddleback Valley and Loyola High, and mentorship under Ellen Tauscher and Pete Aguilar. He reflects on balancing his 2018 congressional role with family life, lamenting missed time with his children due…

Join Liz as she sits down with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, representing Illinois's 14th district. In a candid conversation, Underwood shares her remarkable journey from nursing to politics, driven by a desire to address healthcare disparities and broken promises in her community. Discover how Underwood's own health condition influenced her tran…

Join Liz as she sits down with Rochester Hills' mayor Bryan Barnett for an insightful conversation from the sorrow of losing his father at a tender age to standing up for his community as a public servant, Bryan’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and service to his community. Together, they explore a wide range of topics, from t…

Celebrate Women's History Month with an extraordinary episode featuring Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. In this special tribute, Mayor Suarez, a proud Cuban American, shares his profound admiration for his wife, weaving her pivotal role into the tapestry of his leadership journey. Mayor Suarez admires his wife's innate goodness, growth, and their bond,…

In this riveting episode of Capitol Coffee Connection, we get to know Christina Muryn, the dynamic Mayor of Findlay, Ohio up close and personal. From her humble beginnings in Findlay to her roles as a public servant, Christina unreservedly shares her unique story of growth and resilience. Mayor Muryn shares with Liz her life's journey, from growing…

In this episode Liz welcomes special guest Sarah McBride, a state senator in Delaware and the first transgender state senator in the U.S. McBride is currently running for the U.S. Congress seat held by Lisa Blunt Rochester. She shared her personal journey, including her upbringing in Wilmington, Delaware, coming out as transgender at the end of her…

In this episode, Liz interviews the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire's first district Chris Pappas, who brings a unique perspective with a Greek American background. Delving into the pressing issue of the opioid crisis, Rep Pappas emphasizes bipartisanship and the crucial role of youth in addressing addiction and mental health…

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection, host Liz Hirsh Naftali interviews Wendy Greuel, a former Los Angeles City Councilwoman and Controller. The discussion covers Greuel’s extensive public service history, including her roles with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and Cal State University, as well as her personal experiences a…

Join host Liz Hirsh Naftali in this revealing episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, where she engages with the hard-working Congressman Jimmy Gomez. Dive into the life of Gomez, from his early years as a child of immigrants, through a transformative educational journey from community college to Harvard, to his vital role as a representative for…

In this episode, Liz engages in a heart-to-heart conversation with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, representing Ohio's 9th congressional district for an impressive 41 years. Rep Marcy Kaptur shares her upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, as a second-generation Polish-American, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and the lessons learned from her patrio…

Richie Torres, the distinguished congressman representing New York's 15th district joins Liz for coffee! Rep Torres, the youngest elected official in New York City Council at 25, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in poverty in the Bronx to becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to this office. Rep Torres sheds light on the challe…

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, Liz Hirsh Naftali hosts Congresswoman Becca Balint who shares her views on the concept of awe and its positive impacts on human lives. The Congresswoman, an outdoor enthusiast and advocate of ongoing learning and open-mindedness, touches on her past as a teacher, her struggle with mental hea…

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, host Liz Hirsh Naftali interviews Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost from Florida's 10th congressional district, who is notably the first Generation Z member elected to Congress. Frost shared his personal experiences, from his adoption and Cuban grandmother’s immigration story to his musica…

On today’s episode, we are joined by a Senator from New York who, in her youth, was the number one seller of Girl Scout cookies: Kirsten Gillibrand. In this episode, Kirsten talks about everything from faith, to the way her grandmothers inspired her, to running marathons and listening to Taylor Swift. Tune in to hear the story of how Kirsten found …

Pennsylvania native Bob Casey is a big family man— literally— he’s one of eight children and the father of four daughters! In this episode, Bob talks about tough love from a basketball coach, meeting his wife on a blind date, his love of Motown and Adele, and his mission to “lead a life for others.” Tune in to hear how Bob earned the nickname “Bamb…

In this very special episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, we are joined by an icon in American politics: the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is a mother of five and grandmother of nine, and was born into a family that she describes as “devoutly catholic, proudly Italian American, fiercely patriotic…

Chris Deluzio was born and raised in the state he now proudly represents, Pennsylvania. A three time veteran, Chris was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11 to serve his country in Iraq and then at sea in the navy. He continues to this day to serve his country as a Representative in the U.S. Congress. In this episode, Chris reflects on the camarad…

Manhattan Beach native, Will Rollins was raised by a lawyer and a journalist— whom he likes to call his 1st and 4th amendment parents. In this episode, Will discusses growing up in a politically split family, his experience as an openly candidate running for office, and his love of margaritas. Tune in to hear Will tell the thrilling story of his fi…

As the son of two Eritrean immigrants, Joe Neguse (CO-2) has never taken the miracle of democracy for granted. Since he was young, Joe has considered his parents his heroes who have instilled in him an obligation to “pay it forward” which drove him to become Colorado’s first Black member of Congress. In this episode, Joe talks about the importance …

Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) grew up in Champagne, Illinois— the birthplace of Kraft Mac N’ Cheese and a place that Bob Dylan once compared to heaven. In this episode, Nikki dives into her non-linear path from competitive gymnast to congresswoman, her love of yoga, Madonna, and Brené Brown, and the importance of being kind, listening, and allowing …

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) was born on a kitchen table in Chicago and spent her childhood there and in Brooklyn, where her mother snuck her into music festivals and took her to art museums. In this episode, Sydney dives into her relationship with her mother, her deep love of the arts and nature, doing humanitarian work in the Appalachian mou…

Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-30) is the son of a traveling textile salesman and a real estate agent and, believe it or not, he’s never had a cup of coffee in his life. In this episode, Adam talks about how he wound up tying his tie in a knot for prom, the tennis match that led him to meet the love of his life, and the liberating wisdom shared by his father…

Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-1) is a freshman in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up between Cincinnati and Oxford, Ohio with parents who were both school teachers. Greg’s passion for education and his deep faith are large influences in his life of public service. In his early years, Greg did telemarketing for the Police Benevolent Socie…

Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-3) was born and raised in Michigan and has now become the first woman to represent Michigan’s 3rd district. In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Hillary delves into how her mother inspired her to pursue a life of service, why you can typically find her jamming out to either hymns or hip hop, and the important role of f…

Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42) immigrated to the US from Peru as a little boy. Check out my coffee with Robert to learn how Republican President Ronald Reagan helped Robert’s family come to America! As a little boy growing up in Southern California, Robert fell in love with comic books and to this day, he is a huge Marvel Comics fan. Robert talks about…

Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36) emigrated from Taiwan to Ohio at the age of 3. By the age of 26, he took part in one of the US Air Force’s most successful humanitarian operations ever. In this inspiring episode, Ted shares the challenges of growing up as an immigrant; his time in the Air Force; the balance of being a husband and father in Congress; his love …

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43) The Capitol Coffee Connection with Maxine is an inspiring journey from her childhood in St. Louis as one of thirteen children where she worked in a segregated coffee shop, to her Los Angeles stories working at a dress factory, the phone company and then with small children and families at Head Start - all before entering …

Rep. Eric Swalwell went to 11 different schools before graduating high school and then was off to play division 1 college soccer. An injury and the support of family, friends and mentors lead him to public service and Taylor Swift dance parties in the kitchen with his wife and three kids. Eric’s stories are authentic, relatable, funny and leave us …

Rep. Ruben Gallego was raised by a single mom and grew up outside of Chicago. He worked in a meat packing factory to pay for Harvard University; and joined the Marines where he served in Iraq. Ruben talks about the importance of believing in yourself and taking risks in life if you want to move forward.…

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05) is the Democratic House Whip. Katherine shares her stories of being a mother, daughter, wife, friend, neighbor and leader. She talks about the importance of knowing her WHY and surrounding herself with people who get her laughing.By Liz Hirsh Naftali

Republican Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt is a member of the Osage Indian Nation. His mother introduced him to Shakespeare in the park when he was little and then performed in Shakespearean theater until he graduated high school and went Washington DC to study and work on Capitol Hill. He shares the importance of big city mayors and how they contri…

Introducing The Capitol Coffee Connection hosted by Liz Hirsh Naftali. This podcast leaves partisanship and politics at the door, instead peeling back the layers to uncover the common threads that bind us all together—shared experiences, stories, interests, values, and dreams – the passions that drive their service to our communities and nation. Ne…