THE CAPITOL COFFEE CONNECTION

Tammy Duckworth Ep.49

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast as she sits down for a heartfelt conversation with Senator Tammy Duckworth. In this engaging episode, Liz and Tammy discuss the personal experiences that have shaped the Senator's life and career, focusing on her journey as a trailblazer and her dedication to public service.
Tammy shares her unique perspective as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress and her commitment to representing diverse voices. She opens up about her family's military history, her own service, and the resilience that has driven her through life's challenges, including her recovery from severe injuries sustained in Iraq.
The episode also delves into Tammy's advocacy for veterans and her efforts to support families through initiatives like IVF access. Throughout the conversation, Tammy emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection, both in leadership and in everyday life.
Listeners will gain insight into Tammy's work-life balance as a mother and leader, her experiences in the Senate, and her advice for young people navigating their own paths. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and humanity of an influential leader who continues to inspire through her unwavering dedication and courage.

Teresa Leger Fernandez Ep.48

Welcome to the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast with Liz Hirsh Naftali. In this episode, we dive deep into the heart and humanity of Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, representing New Mexico's third district. Teresa shares her unique perspective on the beauty and diversity of her district, which includes 16 indigenous pueblos, the Navajo Nation, and the Hickory Apache Nation.
Discover Teresa's deep roots as a 17th-generation New Mexican and her love for the land and its people. She reminisces about her upbringing in rural New Mexico, the influence of her parents and grandparents, and her journey from a Head Start baby to a passionate advocate for her community.
Through heartfelt stories, Teresa highlights the importance of curiosity, unity, and celebrating differences in building a stronger nation. She also discusses the significant challenges faced by her community, including mental health, addiction, and environmental disasters, and how she works tirelessly to bring justice and opportunities home.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that emphasizes the power of love, community, and the endless possibilities that come from working together. Subscribe to the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast for more insightful discussions with our nation's leaders.

John Rose Ep.47

Join host Liz Hirsh Naftali on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast as she sits down with Congressman John Rose from Tennessee's sixth congressional district. In this episode, Congressman Rose shares his unique upbringing on a 234-year-old farm, his career in the tech industry, and his journey into politics. Discover how his background and experiences shape his approach to leadership and governance, and get a glimpse into his personal life, including the influential role of his wife, Chelsea. This episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, political insights, and the importance of heart and humanity in public service.

Julie Johnson Ep.46

In this special episode, Liz sits down with Texas State Representative Julie Johnson, who is now running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Dallas, Texas. Rather than delving into politics and policy, this conversation focuses on Julie's heart, humanity, and the personal stories that shaped her.
Julie shares her background as the first openly LGBTQ member of the Texas Congress, her love for her family's farm, and the special memories that ground her. The discussion highlights the unique culture of Texas, the importance of living one's truth, and the value of perseverance. Julie also talks about her journey through different states, her supportive family, and the mentors who influenced her path.
Join us for an engaging and heartfelt conversation that reveals the person behind the politician. Don't miss out on getting to know the real Julie Johnson and the inspiring journey that brought her to where she is today.
Remember to subscribe for more exclusive content and updates on new episodes. Let's connect over coffee every Tuesday!

Eric Sorensen Ep.45

In this episode, Liz sits down with Congressman Eric Sorensen from Illinois' 17th District. As the first openly gay member of Congress from Illinois and a former TV weatherman, Eric shares his unique journey from meteorology to politics.
Discover the story behind Eric's nickname, "Tornado," and how his career as a meteorologist prepared him for his role in Congress. Eric opens up about his personal life, including his supportive partner Sean and their two dogs, Petey and Oliver. He also reflects on the importance of trust and transparency, both in weather forecasting and in serving his constituents.
Join Liz and Eric for a heartfelt conversation that explores the human side of politics, the challenges of running for office, and the joys of public service. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with humor, warmth, and insightful anecdotes.

Jeff Jackson Ep.44

In this episode, Liz sits down with Congressman Jeff Jackson from North Carolina. Jeff shares insights on his journey in public service, his candidacy for Attorney General, and his commitment to honesty and decency in politics.
Rep Jackson discusses the diverse and representative nature of North Carolina, both demographically and politically, as well as his unique upbringing in Chapel Hill. He reflects on his experience in the Army, inspired by the events of 9/11, and the values instilled in him by his family and community.
Delving into his personal life, Jeff talks about the incredible support from his wife and the joy he finds in being a father. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of staying informed, offering advice to young people interested in politics.
In a rapid-fire round, we learn about Jeff's favorite things, from his preferred ice cream flavor to his ideal vacation spot. Finally, Jeff reflects on the concept of joy and how he finds it in feeling useful and productive in his role as a public servant.
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that goes beyond politics to explore the humanity behind the headlines.

Haley Stevens Ep.43

Join us on this inspiring episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast as Liz Hirsh Naftali takes us beyond the realm of politics and into the heart and humanity of one of our nation's dedicated leaders, Congresswoman Haley Stevens of Michigan's 11th district. From the bustling suburbs of Metro Detroit to the halls of Congress, Haley Stevens shares her journey of passion, bipartisanship, and the personal influences that have shaped her into the powerhouse she is today.
In this candid conversation, we delve into Stevens' pivotal role in Michigan's economic revitalization, her bipartisan efforts in Congress, including her work on the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad, and the importance of working across the aisle to make a real difference. Haley opens up about her love for flowery perfumes, sushi, classic rock, and the joy she finds in nature and organizing.
Discover the stories of family, mentorship, and the transformative experiences that have fueled Stevens' commitment to service and leadership. Whether discussing her planned trip to India, her favorite ice cream flavor, or the profound advice that has guided her, this interview is a testament to the power of purpose, passion, and the human spirit.
Don't miss this opportunity to get to know the person behind the politics. Subscribe to our channel for more heartfelt conversations with our elected leaders, and join us every Tuesday for a new episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection. Together, let's explore the heart and humanity that drives our nation forward.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Ep.42

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali on The Capitol Coffee Connection Podcast as she is joined by House Majority Leader, Steve Scalise. They explore the depths of his political journey, personal challenges, and the vibrant culture of Louisiana. From surviving cancer and gun violence to advocating for the return of hostages taken by Hamas, Scalise shares his remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and the power of positive outlook. Dive into Louisiana's rich history and cultural contributions, from Zydeco music to Cajun cooking, and discover the importance of family, hard work, and civil discourse in shaping a fulfilling life and career. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with stories of heart and humanity.
Subscribe to our channel for more episodes weekly, featuring in-depth discussions with elected leaders about their personal journeys and the values that guide them. Plus, get exclusive content that you won't find anywhere else. Join us to get your dose of inspiration and insight into the hearts behind the titles.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Ep.41

Liz sits down with Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader and Representative of New York's eighth district. They delve into Jeffries' groundbreaking role in Congress, the rich cultural diversity of his district, and the power of bipartisan cooperation. From personal stories of resilience to the unifying joy of sports, this conversation sheds light on the humanity behind political leadership and the importance of staying connected to community roots. Join us for a cup of coffee and a deep dive into the heart and humanity that drives one of America's most influential political figures. 
Key Highlights and Takeaways:
Diversity as Strength: Jeffries highlights the incredible diversity of New York's eighth district, emphasizing the unity found within its mosaic of cultures.  
Bipartisan Efforts: The discussion reveals how bipartisan cooperation, especially during crises, showcases the potential for unity in American politics.  
The Importance of Family: Jeffries credits his family's influence and the sacrifices of public servants' families as foundational to his success.  
Resilience Through Adversity: Sharing personal anecdotes, Jeffries discusses the importance of calm and resilience in the face of challenges.  
Joy in Unity: The conversation touches on the joy found in community events, particularly sports, as a unifying force.  
Subscribe to The Capitol Coffee Connection for more heartfelt conversations with leaders from across the political spectrum, and don't forget to hit subscribe to receive notifications for new episodes. Join us weekly for more insights into the hearts and minds shaping our world.

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Ep.40

On this episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with former Congresswoman and current U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell from Florida. Join us as we delve into Debbie's inspiring journey from her roots as an immigrant from Ecuador to her leadership roles in the United States.
Discover the strength and resilience that propelled her forward, fueled by the courage of her mother and the support of her family. Debbie shares heartfelt stories about her upbringing, the impact of losing her father to gun violence, and the importance of education in her life.
We also touch on the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a political career, the significance of women's leadership, and the power of unity in achieving common goals. 
Through candid anecdotes and insightful reflections, Debbie reveals the heart and humanity behind her public service. She also shares her love for ceviche, wine, and music by Lizzo and Taylor Swift especially the song Florida.
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with personal experiences, wisdom, and a reminder of the joy found in life's simple moments.