LIZ’S COFFEE CONNECTION

Ambassador Ryan Crocker: Diplomacy, Danger, and the Discipline of Listening I S3E8

In this episode, Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a six-time U.S. ambassador whose service took him to Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From growing up in an Air Force family and traveling internationally as a child, to building a career in some of the world’s most dangerous diplomatic posts, Ambassador Crocker reflects on what diplomacy really is: listening deeply, understanding culture, speaking with adversaries, and knowing when strength must accompany conversation. He shares stories from Beirut, Baghdad, and Kabul, explains the real work of an embassy, and offers a powerful reminder that public service requires empathy, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.

Rabbi Sharon Brous: Seeing One Another in a Time of Division S3E7

Rabbi Sharon Brous joins Liz Hirsh Naftali for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, curiosity, and the urgent need to rehumanize one another. Rabbi Brous reflects on growing up in New Jersey, discovering Jewish learning later in life, falling in love with Talmud, and why community is built through presence—not agreement. Together, Liz and Sharon explore loneliness, loss, unlikely allies, and what it truly means to show up for one another in moments of pain.

Rep. Gabe Amo: Teamwork, Service, and the Joy of Public Life S3E6

Liz sits down for a virtual coffee with Congressman Gabe Amo of Rhode Island. Rep. Amo reflects on his journey as the son of West African immigrants, his path into public service, and what it means to be the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress. From lessons learned on the football field to helping his mother study for her U.S. citizenship test, this conversation explores leadership, collaboration, self-care, and joy as essential elements of meaningful service.

Rahm Emanuel: Family, Failure & Fixing America’s Schools I S3E5

Rahm Emanuel reflects on public service, parenting, and the national education emergency he believes America can’t ignore. From dinner-table debates to Chicago school reform, this is a candid conversation about leadership, family, and what it takes to compete—and care—for the next generation.

James Talarico: Love Thy Neighbor, Servant Leadership, and Joy in the Storm I S3E4

Liz sits down for a virtual coffee with James Talarico, a Texas leader shaped by faith, service, and a deep commitment to “love thy neighbor.” James shares how his granddad’s teaching—love God and love neighbor—became the foundation of his public service, first as a public school teacher in San Antonio and later in the Texas House. He reflects on growing up with a single mom, the life-changing love that built his family, and how servant leadership and relationships make it possible to work across differences. The conversation also explores his seminary journey, why he defends the separation of church and state, how he invests in young leaders, and why joy is more than happiness—it’s calm, peace, and light in darkness.

Haley Stevens on Michigan Grit, Manufacturing, Farming & the Future S3E3

“Listen, learn, and lead — in that order.” Congresswoman Haley Stevens joins Liz’s Coffee Connection to talk leadership, Michigan grit, and why listening comes before lawmaking. From factories to farms, women in STEM to young voices shaping the future, this is a fast, real conversation about showing up—and leading with heart.

Barry Goldwater Jr.: When Disagreement Didn’t Mean Disrespect S3E2

Barry Goldwater Jr. recalls growing up in a politically famous family, his early career as a stockbroker, and an impulsive night that led him into Congress. He reflects on his relationship with his father, friendships with the Reagans, and meaningful moments in Washington—like work on privacy laws and a surprising act of civility toward Bill Clinton.The conversation highlights values of hard work, compassion, and connection across political divides, offering practical advice about building relationships, finding joy in everyday life, and restoring kindness in public life.

Mandana Dayani: From Fleeing Iran to Living the American Dream S3E1

Mandana Dayani’s story begins in Tehran—where, as a child, she lived with bomb sirens, fear in the streets, and the pressure to hide her Jewish identity. By age five, her family fled on a one-day visa, leaving everything behind. Resettled in Queens with nothing, she went on to live the American dream she now fiercely defends.
Mandana shares what pushed her into action after witnessing the 2018 child separation policy, why she founded I Am A Voter, and how she uses branding and behavioral science to drive change—from voter participation to fighting antisemitism after October 7th. She also reflects on parenting, community, and why joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility.

Liz's Coffee Connection: New Year, New Conversations

Welcome to Liz’s Coffee Connection (formerly The Capitol Coffee Connection)!
New Year, new season, new name, same heart. I’m still bringing you conversations with diverse leaders about heart, humanity, and hope—things we all need more of in 2026.
Subscribe to Liz’s Coffee Connection and join me every week.

Opal Vadhan S2E29

Opal Vadhan opens up about her journey from a Queens childhood, raised by Indian immigrant parents, to working for Secretary Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris. She shares stories of sacrifice, cultural identity, gratitude practices, career twists, mentorship, and the ordinary moments that bring her the deepest joy. A heartfelt look at the humanity behind a woman who embodies the American dream — and lifts others as she rises.