Episodes

Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
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.

Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
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.

Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
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.

Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
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.

Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
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.”

Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
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.

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
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.

Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
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.

Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
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.

Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
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.

New Episodes Every Tuesday!
Created and hosted by Liz Hirsh Naftali, The Capitol Coffee Connection offers a refreshing break from partisanship at a time when political polarization seems to dominate every conversation, allowing politicians of all stripes to tell the stories that have shaped their lives and the passions that drive their service to our communities. Humanizing these public figures gives listeners a broader view of each one as a person – often as a spouse or a parent – providing an intimate and transcendent glimpse into the lives of elected officials. No debates, no grandstanding, just a platform to find common ground and embrace our shared humanity.