THE CAPITOL COFFEE CONNECTION

Welcome to the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, in this episode, Liz Hirsh Naftali is joined by Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska. In this conversation, they explore Congressman Bacon's journey from his childhood on a farm in Illinois to his extensive career in the Air Force and his current role in Congress. Don Bacon shares personal stories about his love for Omaha, the importance of community, and his experiences in the milit...

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, where she sits down with Maryland's Governor, Wes Moore, in a heartfelt dialogue about leadership, unity, and personal growth. This episode delves into the human stories behind the public figure, highlighting Moore's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming Maryland’s first black governor.

Moore reflects on the significant influences of his family, particularl...

Join host Liz Hirsh Naftali in the latest episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast as she shares a virtual coffee chat with Senator Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin. Dive into a conversation that goes beyond politics to explore the heart and humanity of a leader who has broken barriers in her state and beyond.

Discover the personal and professional journey of Senator Baldwin, including her groundbreaking achievements as the fir...

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, host Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey's 5th Congressional District. Join us as we delve into Gottheimer's journey of leadership, compromise, and connection beyond politics and policy. Discover how he balances his roles as a public servant and a family man, emphasizing the values that unite us.

Congressman Gottheimer shares his insi...

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, host Liz Hirsh Naftali engages in an enlightening conversation with Gabe Groisman, the former mayor of Bal Harbour, Florida. They explore the deeply personal side of leadership, focusing on Gabe's journey from a passionate community member to the mayor's office, emphasizing the importance of family, heritage, and public service.

Join Liz and Gabe as they discuss the unique c...

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali as she hosts Senator Raphael Warnock on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast for an engaging conversation that transcends politics and policy. Delve into the heart and humanity of Senator Warnock, exploring the impact of his World War II veteran father, growing up in a large blended family, and his journey from Morehouse College to the Senate.

Hear personal stories of inspiration, from his principal who nurt...

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali in a heartfelt virtual coffee chat with Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast. Discover the remarkable journey of Senator Hirono, who was born in Fukushima, Japan, raised on her grandparents' rice farm, and brought to America by her brave mother. As the first female senator from Hawaii and the first Asian American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Hirono shares the challeng...

In this episode of the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast, Liz Hirsh Naftali welcomes Senator Susan Collins from Maine. Together, they explore the Senator's heartfelt endeavors and inspiring leadership, focusing on personal stories that transcend politics. From powerful anecdotes about community and resilience to Collins' own journey from a small-town childhood to her impactful role in the U.S. Senate, this conversation reveals the ...

Welcome to Season 2 of the Capital Coffee Connection podcast, hosted by Liz Hirsh-Naftali. In this episode, Liz welcomes New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for an engaging conversation about heart, humanity, and home, deliberately steering clear of politics and policy.

Governor Murphy shares insights into his multifaceted life, from his time as U.S. Ambassador to Germany to his role as a family man. They discuss the uniqueness of New ...

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 he...

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 N...

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 per...

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 ...

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 pa...

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...

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 sh...

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 ...

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...

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 s...