What does real American progress look like today?

Ken Biberaj sits down with Neera Tanden, CEO of the Center for American Progress and former senior advisor to three U.S. presidents, for a candid conversation about policy, power, and the people public service is meant to serve.

From helping pass the Affordable Care Act to shaping landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and bipartisan infrastructure law, Neera reflects on what it actually takes to turn big ideas into real change — and why lowering the cost of living, expanding access to healthcare, and fixing America’s housing crisis remain urgent national priorities.

The conversation also explores the realities of governing, the challenges of modern political communication, the rise of AI and energy demand, and what the 2026 midterms may signal about voter frustration and economic anxiety.

If you’re curious about how policy gets made — and how it impacts everyday lives — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What if the buildings around us are shaping our health—without us even realizing it?

Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona joins Ken Biberaj live at Georgetown University during International WELL Building Institute DC Policy Day to unpack the hidden crisis of indoor air quality.

From COVID-era HEPA filters to healthier building design, Dr. Carmona explains why “the environment is never neutral”—and what leaders must do next.

If you care about public health, workplace performance, or the future of our cities, this episode is a must-listen.

What does it take to thrive in the Age of AI? Ken Biberaj sits down with Jason Palmer — AI innovator, investor, and former presidential candidate — for a candid, fast-moving conversation about the future that’s already here.From EdTech to entrepreneurship, policy to productivity, Jason breaks down the opportunities and risks shaping our next decade. He also shares how he built an AI-powered version of himself on the campaign trail — and why the people who understand AI will define the future.If you’re curious about how AI will transform work, education, and society, you won’t want to miss this episode.

As America’s demand for energy surges—from AI data centers to advanced manufacturing—a once-forgotten power source is making a comeback. Juliann Edwards, Chief Development Officer at The Nuclear Company and Chair of Women in Nuclear, joins Ken to explore how nuclear innovation is shaping the future of American power, competitiveness, and clean energy leadership.

What happens when art becomes the bridge between culture, community, and conversation?

In this special episode of Coffee with Ken—guest-hosted by Ernie Jarvis— Sheila Johnson (Founder of the Middleburg Film Festival, Co-Founder of BET, and Founder & CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts) joins Susan Koch (Emmy & Peabody Award–winning filmmaker and Executive Director of the Middleburg Film Festival) to explore how storytelling connects people and sustains communities.

Unlike larger festivals, Middleburg is built on intimacy—world-class films screened in a small town with no permanent theater, conversations after every showing, and a spotlight on the unsung heroes behind the camera, especially composers. It’s where hospitality meets humanity.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, entrepreneur, or creative at heart, this episode is a reminder that meaningful growth never loses sight of purpose—or people.

How are Apple’s supply chains, China’s rise, and the “offshore world” redefining the global economy?

Recorded live in Washington, D.C. at the 25th Annual National Book Festival, Financial Times journalist Patrick McGee (Apple in China) and historian Ian Kumekawa (Empty Vessel) join Ken Biberaj for a fascinating discussion on globalization, technology, and the unseen forces shaping our interconnected world.

They explore how containerization, offshore manufacturing, and corporate interdependence transformed nations and industries—from Apple’s vast supply chain to the ships that keep global trade moving.

Andrew Roberts, President of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, joins Coffee with Ken to explain why literacy is the foundation of economic mobility, workforce readiness, national security, and public health—and how coordinated action across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors can scale proven solutions.

From one-to-one and small-group tutoring to family literacy programs and employer-linked training, Andrew shares what works, why it matters, and how organizations can help. He also unpacks the $2.2 trillion annual GDP drag caused by low adult literacy and offers practical ways companies, governments, and communities can drive change—through grants, workplace-aligned programs, and expanding awareness of free local resources.

Ahead of UN Climate Week, Coffee with Ken sits down with Rachel Hodgdon, President & CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), to discuss the launch of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air—a multi-year, multi-country effort to make clean indoor air a public-health priority.

They explore why indoor air quality is finally front and center, how a coalition of 100+ commissioners from 30 countries came together, and what it will take—policy, tech, finance, and awareness—to move from research to action. Rachel highlights real-world progress, from Asia’s live IAQ dashboards to building-level automation, and previews the roadmap for a Global Framework for Action and country-level blueprints targeted for 2026.

Recorded live at the Virginia Consultants Forum, Coffee with Ken talks with Jason El Koubi, President & CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), about how the Commonwealth is building one of America’s most competitive economies.

They unpack Virginia’s formula for attracting global brands like Amazon HQ2, advancing manufacturing, investing in talent, and ensuring reliable power at scale. Jason also shares insights on Virginia’s nonpartisan approach to economic development, the advantages of proximity to Washington, D.C., and how large-scale projects create lasting community impact.

How do you turn a bold idea into a brand that’s changing an entire industry?

Ken Biberaj sits down with Lindsey Davis Stover and Shivam Mallick Shah, co-founders of 1953 Tequila, for a conversation about vision, grit, and building a first-of-its-kind, women-led tequila company.

From careers in politics and advocacy to creating a premium, additive-free tequila founded, farmed, distilled, and led by women, Lindsey and Shivam share the defining moments and challenges that fueled their journey. They discuss building a women-led supply chain in Mexico from the ground up, the remarkable story of an agave farm run by four daughters, and how 1953 Tequila became a #1-selling spirit on its path to nationwide expansion.

At its core, their mission isn’t just to succeed in the industry—but to change it.