THE CAPITOL COFFEE CONNECTION

Representative Maxwell Frost Ep.19

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.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Ep.18

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.

Senator Bob Casey Ep.17

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.”

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi Ep.16

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.

Representative Chris Deluzio Ep.15

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 camaraderie of the military, the importance of baseball in his life, and his love of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and 90’s rap. Tune in to hear Chris talk all about his love for his 4th child— his cockapoo named Yankee Doodle.

Will Rollins Congressional Candidate (CA-41) Ep.14

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 first major trial as a prosecutor.

Representative Joe Neguse Ep.13

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 of intellectual curiosity, the journey of welcoming a newborn into his family, and his lasting love of Halloween. Tune in to hear Joe discuss why he believes hope is more contagious than fear.

Representative Nikki Budzinski Ep.12

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 people to feel heard. Tune in to hear the reason why Nikki encourages young people to embrace the unknown and take more intriguing paths less traveled.

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove Ep.11

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 mountains of West Virginia at 15, and her never-ending attempts to achieve superwoman status in all aspects of her life. Tune in to hear Sydney talk about why her husband sometimes gets jealous of the two diva cats that live in their household.

Representative Adam Schiff Ep.10

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 that led him to pursue a life in politics. Tune in to hear why “don’t walk past an old friend to make a new one” is the best advice he’s ever received.