LIZ’S COFFEE CONNECTION
Tired of all the bad news? Liz’s Coffee Connection is a weekly podcast hosted by Liz Hirsh Naftali, featuring real conversations over coffee with thoughtful voices from all walks of life. Each episode explores stories of heart, humanity, and hope—reminding us what’s still good in the world. Part healing balm, part caffeine pick-me-up for the soul, this podcast invites you to stop doom scrolling, start joy scrolling, and remember that we have far more that connects us than divides us.
Episodes
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,...
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.
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 se...
“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. 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...
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 sepa...
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 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 s...
Senator Joni Ernst opens up about family, farm roots, military service, gratitude, risk-taking, and why she’s leaving the Senate after her second term. A deeply personal conversation about joy, purpose, and going back to the people who made her who she is.
From a shy pastor’s son delivering newspapers to becoming the governor of Oklahoma — Kevin Stitt reveals the surprising story behind his biggest dream, why he almost erased it, and the one rule he lives by.
What does a Congressman admit he values more than politics? Brad Schneider gets real…
Congressman Brad Schneider sits down with Liz for a personal conversation that focuses on the humanity behind leadership. Brad opens up about family, marriage, fatherhood, coaching, teachers who shaped him, how he approaches decision-making, and what brings him joy — an intimate look into the person behind the public role.
Discover how Kay Sides turned conscious design and radical kindness into a global movement with her brand ROAM. This episode will change how you think about success, showing that when you “build it kind,” the ripple outruns the revenue.
Bullied kid to congressman—Randy Fine opens up on faith, family, and the fight for all people. Raw, real, and unforgettable.
This episode was recorded on September 15, 2025
Senator Andy Kim sits down with Liz to share his personal journey from a son of Korean immigrants to the U.S. Senate, reflecting on public service, imposter syndrome, and the meaning of courage in politics.
They discuss family life, balancing work and parenting, the importance of belonging and mentorship, and Kim’s call to reignite a spirit of service and hope across America.
Designer Ripley Rader shares her journey from a small-town childhood and sewing lessons to building a thriving Los Angeles-based fashion brand focused on comfort, inclusivity, and garments made in America.
She discusses growing the business over 15 years, the importance of community and factory partnerships in downtown L.A., empowering young women through mentorship and her "Younger But Wiser" project, and balancing creativity with...
Host Liz Hirsh Naftali interviews Congressman Mike Lawler about his Rockland County upbringing, his family life, and his humanitarian work to bring hostages home. They discuss personal influences, the impact of his father’s words, and the core values that shape his public service.
The episode also covers the challenge of balancing congressional duties with family, moments of joy and resilience, and the importance of kindness and hu...
In this episode of Capitol Coffee Connection, host Liz sits down with the remarkable Sal Litvak — a true renaissance man whose work spans creativity, leadership, and inspiration. While many past guests have been political leaders, Liz broadens the conversation this time to explore what leadership really means today — not just in politics, but in everyday life.
Together, they dive into how genuine leaders...
Liz interviews Noa, an 18‑year‑old evolutionary biologist and Stanford admit, about her path into science, the mentors who shaped her, and how curiosity and courage drive her work.
Noa explains comparative biology with vivid examples (giraffes, guppies), describes her talk "Guppies in the Boardroom," and shows how she connects research with activism, fundraising for the Pad Project.
The episode also shares personal details—family, ...
In this episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, host Liz Hirsh Naftali welcomes California Senator Alex Padilla for a warm conversation about faith, family, and fulfillment. Reflecting on their long friendship, Alex shares his journey from a modest upbringing in Pacoima to becoming a U.S. Senator, driven by his immigrant parents’ sacrifices and a commitment to public service. With authenticity and grace, he discusses raising thre...
Join us for this episode with Congressman Craig Goldman from Texas 12th district, as we explore the deep connections of family, heritage, and community that shape his journey. Discover the unique charm of Fort Worth, a city rich in history and culture, through the eyes of a fifth-generation resident.
We'll delve into his early experiences working in the family business, learn about the influence of his Jewish community, and discuss...
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