Liz welcomes Penny Nance, the CEO and president of Concerned Women for America. Liz and Penny recount their first fateful meeting in Washington, DC, where Penny offered unwavering support during Liz’s desperate time — when her great niece Abigail had been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on Oct 7th. This encounter sparked a powerful friendship and a shared mission against antisemitism. Together, they discuss the inspirations drawn from their family backgrounds, the influential role of young people in activism, and the need for community-driven advocacy. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about friendship, resilience, and the fight for justice in an increasingly challenging world.

Dive into the remarkable journey of Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast. From her historic election as Delaware's first woman and person of color in Congress to navigating personal loss and advocating for change, Lisa shares insights into the power of authenticity, resilience, and representation. Join us as she reflects on her spiritual home, the importance of finding common ground, and her unwavering commitment to fighting for democracy and making a difference in people's lives.

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 Lewis. Reflecting on his multifaceted identity, Allred shares personal anecdotes that underscore the importance of empathy, community support, and teamwork, not just in politics but in everyday life. His commitment to family, joy in his children's achievements, and dedication to public service shine through, offering a unique glimpse into the heart and humanity of one of our elected leaders. Be sure to check out last week's episode if you missed it with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.  Join us next Tuesday for more insightful discussions that remind us of the shared values and common goals that unite us.  Don't forget to hit subscribe to get an alert when new episodes are live and for exclusive content.

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. Representing Dallas, Texas, Crockett's dedication to addressing economic challenges and amplifying marginalized voices shines through, shaped by her upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. Drawing inspiration from icons like Barbara Jordan and Shirley Chisholm, she discusses the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and purpose-driven work. From her personal preferences to her aspirations for youth engagement and cultural exploration, Crockett offers a multifaceted perspective on leadership, representation, and finding fulfillment in public service.

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 to Washington duties. Levin values structured family activities and emphasizes kindness in public service amidst political polarization. He finds joy in societal impact, legislative achievements, and family values, navigating parenting challenges with teenagers and advocating for broad representation.

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 transition and inspired her to found the Black Maternal Health caucus, advocating for marginalized communities. Learn about her leadership roles in the Girl Scouts and her belief in the power of mentorship and creating safe spaces for growth. Get to know the person behind the politician as Underwood opens up about her preferences, rigorous exercise habits, and travel experiences. From the streets of Paris to the vibrant culture of New Orleans, she shares how her global adventures shape her perspective and fuel her passion for making a difference. Tune in to gain insights into Underwood's leadership philosophy, her commitment to joy and determination, and the transformative impact of genuine efforts in leadership. Don't miss this inspiring episode highlighting the resilience and vision of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

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 the importance of non-partisan governance to the exciting developments of the Innovation Hills project. Along the way, they also touch on personal anecdotes, such as the mayor's cherished advice from his grandmother and his favorite pizza joint, Antonio's Town Square Pizza. But the conversation goes beyond the personal. They delve into the city's strategic approach to park accessibility, its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant role played by Oakland University in fostering community unity. As a suburban mayor, he shares his perspective on governance and his commitment to earning trust and caring for people, qualities that led to his presidency of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Beyond politics, the mayor reveals his passions, including biking and a diverse taste in music. He dreams of visiting Australia and New Zealand but finds solace in the serene landscapes of Michigan lakes. Community service is at the core of his values, and he finds joy in attending Oakland University games and witnessing the happiness and safety that characterize Rochester Hills. Tune in to discover the insights and initiatives that have made Rochester Hills a vibrant and joyful community under the leadership of its mayor.

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, contrasting his adaptation to equality with his patriarchal upbringing, emphasizing acts of service as her love language. Join us as we honor the strength, resilience, and unwavering support of women, embodied in Mayor Suarez's touching testament to his wife's influence. In addition Miami's Mayor Francis Suarez, discussing the nonpartisan role of mayors, emphasizing community service and unity. Suarez, drawing from his Cuban-American heritage, stresses the importance of family, faith, integrity, and gratitude in shaping leadership. He reflects on personal experiences that influence perspectives, the balance between public service and family life, and the significance of marital support and shared parenting responsibilities. Suarez's narrative underscores the impact of upbringing and the value of focusing on commonalities for effective governance.

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 up near Marathon Petroleum and Whirlpool Corporation Headquarters to leading with a focus on non-partisan governance and citizen welfare. She details overcoming personal adversities, her Christian faith's role in her mayoral duties, and initiatives in opioid work, marriage support, and mental health. Mayor Muryn also highlights the significance of youth support, female leadership, and community engagement, sharing insights into her work-life balance, including a cherished Polynesian meal tradition and dreams of Paris, underscoring her commitment to positive community impact and compassionate leadership.

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 tenure as student body president at American University, and her influential work with former Delaware Governor Jack Markell and former Attorney General of Delaware Beau Biden. McBride has also contributed to Delaware's gender identity non-discrimination act and served as the national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. She has written a memoir, "Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and The Fight For Trans Equality," detailing her life and that of her late husband, Andy. McBride also shares personal anecdotes, her love for fried chicken, and the origin of her aspiration for public service.

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. Beyond politics, get a glimpse into the Congressman’s daily life, including a love for granola, The Beatles, and household chores. Balancing congressional duties with a recent marriage and a dream of vacationing in Greece, this dedicated public servant shares insights into his commitment to constituents and joys outside of work. And did you know, Rep Chris Pappas Grandfather in 1974 invented the Chicken Tender?

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 as a mother while in office. Greuel's childhood in the San Fernando Valley, her tenure with Mayor Tom Bradley, and her current position on the Emily's List national board are also discussed. Greuel shares her affinity for community service and her hobbies outside of work, including her love for burgers, fries, and hockey.

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 the 34th district of California which includes L.A. and a full-time father. Experience Gomez's candid revelations about his life transitions, family responsibilities, and the little joys that keep him grounded despite the strenuous nature of his job.

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 patriotic relatives. Join the conversation to discover the human stories behind political figures and explore the shared experiences that connect us all.

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 challenges faced by his single mother, the impact of public housing conditions, and the resilience that shaped his remarkable path. From overcoming personal struggles to advocating for change, Rep Torres reveals the transformative power of gratitude and discusses the crucial role of relationships in navigating the political landscape.

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 health, her own childhood struggles and the importance of strong family support. Rep Balint underscores the pitfalls of pretense in politics, the significance of authenticity, her hobbies such as motorbiking and rock climbing, and gratitude for a developmental dialogue.

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 musical journey and involvement in gun safety campaigns shaped by witnessing gun violence. He also discussed the challenges of his political campaign, which he partly financed by driving for Uber. Frost underscored the importance of diversity in Congress, addressing the need for more parent representatives. Additionally, he highlighted the integration of arts into his work and politics for community enrichment and self-care, emphasizing the importance of mental health.

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 an unexpected dinner guest in Ted Cruz.

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 “Bamba.”

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, and staunchly democratic.” In this episode, Nancy reflects on her journey from housewife to House Speaker and shares everything from mischievous moments growing up in Catholic school to memories of driving her kids to school in a nightgown. Tune in to hear Nancy talk about the shared belief that she and John Lewis bonded over.