LIZ’S COFFEE CONNECTION

Liz sits down with former Tennessee Senator and Governor Lamar Alexander for a conversation about leadership, family, music, and what public service is really supposed to look like. From growing up in a small Tennessee town with a piano lesson and a library card, to serving alongside ten U.S. presidents, Lamar reflects on the values that shaped him, the importance of relationships across political lines, and why governing should be...

Liz sits down with Dr. Asif Mahmood — physician, immigrant, humanitarian, and Vice Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom — for a deeply personal conversation about service, faith, immigration, and human connection. Born in a remote village in Pakistan and raised in humble circumstances, Asif shares how his journey to America shaped his belief in compassion, dignity, and helping people beyond relig...

After three years apart, this is the first Mother’s Day Yael Alexander will spend with her son Edan back home.

For 584 days, Yael lived with uncertainty, going through Mother’s Day 2023, 2024, and 2025 without him, holding onto hope when it felt almost impossible, showing up for her family, and fighting every single day.

Now, in 2026, she shares what it means to finally have him home.

In this powerful conversation, Yael opens up ab...

Liz sits down with Hunter Biden for an honest and deeply personal conversation about loss, addiction, recovery, and redemption. Hunter reflects on growing up after the tragic loss of his mother and sister, the unwavering love of his family, and the profound impact of his father’s example. He shares his journey through addiction, the moment he chose to live, and how art became both a refuge and a purpose.

Through vulnerability and r...

Liz sits down with Pennsylvania State Representatives Jared Solomon and Jesse Topper for a conversation about friendship, public service, and what it really takes to work across political difference. One is a Democrat from one of the most diverse districts in Pennsylvania; the other is a Republican from one of the most conservative and least diverse districts in the state. Yet together, they have built a genuine friendship and a sh...

Holocaust survivor Herta Amir joins Liz for a rare and deeply personal on-camera conversation—her first time publicly sharing her story. Though Liz has known Herta most of her life as a family friend and community leader, Herta remained silent for decades, like so many survivors.

In this episode, she recounts her childhood in Czechoslovakia, the rise of anti-Jewish restrictions, years spent in hiding, her imprisonment in Bergen-Bel...

Liz sits down with Mayor Karen Goh of Bakersfield, California, for a conversation about service, resilience, faith, and leadership. From being born in India and moving through London before arriving in Bakersfield as a child, to building a career in music education, publishing, nonprofit leadership, and public service, Karen reflects on the extraordinary people and experiences that shaped her life. She shares what it means to serve...

Liz sits down with Pastor Ryan Warren, a unique voice blending faith, hip hop, and community leadership. From dancing in studios across the country to serving as a pastor in Dallas, Ryan shares how his passions for worship and movement became one mission: connecting people. He reflects on loving those who are different, building trust with the Jewish community, and why staying true to yourself is essential in a world full of noise....

Liz sits down with former San Francisco Mayor and legendary California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. From growing up in Mineola, Texas during segregation to becoming one of the most influential leaders in California history, Brown reflects on the values that shaped his life—education, discipline, service, and listening. He shares how his mother and grandmother instilled a sense of responsibility to contribute to humankind, why wor...

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 cul...

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 t...

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,...

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...

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...