LIZ’S COFFEE CONNECTION

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" pro...

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, an...

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...

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 al...

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 a...

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 o...

In this deeply personal and profoundly moving episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, host Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey for a raw and authentic conversation about friendship, love, grief, and the enduring power of community. While the two have known each other for years, a chance meeting on a flight to Israel just before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks bo...

Join Liz as she delves into a compelling conversation with Roger Carstens, the former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who shares insights about heart, humanity, and leadership. Discover the profound impact of empathy and resilience in navigating the complex world of hostage negotiations. Carstens recounts his unique journey from growing up in Spokane, Washington to his vital role i...

In a gripping and profoundly moving episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, host Liz Hirsh Naftali speaks with Dr. Tamar Shlezinger, an Israeli social worker, educator, and psychotrauma responder with United Hatzalah of Israel, who shares—for the first time in English—the story of how she helped save the lives and souls of two young children trapped in the horrors of October 7. When Hamas terror...

Join host Liz Hirsh Naftali in Capitol Coffee Connection as she sits down with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren from Northern California's 18th District, a unique blend of Silicon Valley tech and agricultural prowess. Explore how Lofgren, a passionate advocate for fusion power, navigates the political landscape, collaborates across party lines, and reflects on her personal and professional journeys from...

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali on the Capitol Coffee Connection as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York. In this episode, Governor Hochul shares her inspiring journey from her modest upbringing to becoming the first female governor of New York. Discover her insights on navigating the complexities of politics, embracing resilience, and empowering women to purs...

In this episode of the Capital Coffee Connection podcast, host Liz welcomes the 46th Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers. Unlike typical political discussions, this conversation dives into the personal side of leadership, focusing on Governor Evers' background and values. Listeners will hear about Governor Evers' small-town upbringing, his dedication to education, and the pivotal moments that shaped...

Join Liz Hirsh Naftali as she welcomes Congresswoman Susie Lee from Nevada's 3rd District on the Capitol Coffee Connection podcast. Discover the diverse cultural tapestry of Nevada, as Susie Lee shares insights about her vibrant district, biking adventures in Nevada and D.C., and her commitment to public service beyond politics and policy. Through an engaging discussion, delve into Susie's upbring...

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 communit...

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 in...

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 gro...

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. Con...

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 an...

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 inspi...

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....

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. Sen...

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....

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 Americ...