In this very special episode of The Capitol Coffee Connection, we are joined by an icon in American politics: the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is a mother of five and grandmother of nine, and was born into a family that she describes as “devoutly catholic, proudly Italian American, fiercely patriotic, and staunchly democratic.” In this episode, Nancy reflects on her journey from housewife to House Speaker and shares everything from mischievous moments growing up in Catholic school to memories of driving her kids to school in a nightgown. Tune in to hear Nancy talk about the shared belief that she and John Lewis bonded over.

Chris Deluzio was born and raised in the state he now proudly represents, Pennsylvania. A three time veteran, Chris was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11 to serve his country in Iraq and then at sea in the navy. He continues to this day to serve his country as a Representative in the U.S. Congress. In this episode, Chris reflects on the camaraderie of the military, the importance of baseball in his life, and his love of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and 90’s rap. Tune in to hear Chris talk all about his love for his 4th child— his cockapoo named Yankee Doodle.

Manhattan Beach native, Will Rollins was raised by a lawyer and a journalist— whom he likes to call his 1st and 4th amendment parents. In this episode, Will discusses growing up in a politically split family, his experience as an openly candidate running for office, and his love of margaritas. Tune in to hear Will tell the thrilling story of his first major trial as a prosecutor.

As the son of two Eritrean immigrants, Joe Neguse (CO-2) has never taken the miracle of democracy for granted. Since he was young, Joe has considered his parents his heroes who have instilled in him an obligation to “pay it forward” which drove him to become Colorado’s first Black member of Congress. In this episode, Joe talks about the importance of intellectual curiosity, the journey of welcoming a newborn into his family, and his lasting love of Halloween. Tune in to hear Joe discuss why he believes hope is more contagious than fear.

Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) grew up in Champagne, Illinois— the birthplace of Kraft Mac N’ Cheese and a place that Bob Dylan once compared to heaven. In this episode, Nikki dives into her non-linear path from competitive gymnast to congresswoman, her love of yoga, Madonna, and Brené Brown, and the importance of being kind, listening, and allowing people to feel heard. Tune in to hear the reason why Nikki encourages young people to embrace the unknown and take more intriguing paths less traveled.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) was born on a kitchen table in Chicago and spent her childhood there and in Brooklyn, where her mother snuck her into music festivals and took her to art museums. In this episode, Sydney dives into her relationship with her mother, her deep love of the arts and nature, doing humanitarian work in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia at 15, and her never-ending attempts to achieve superwoman status in all aspects of her life. Tune in to hear Sydney talk about why her husband sometimes gets jealous of the two diva cats that live in their household.

Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-30) is the son of a traveling textile salesman and a real estate agent and, believe it or not, he’s never had a cup of coffee in his life. In this episode, Adam talks about how he wound up tying his tie in a knot for prom, the tennis match that led him to meet the love of his life, and the liberating wisdom shared by his father that led him to pursue a life in politics. Tune in to hear why “don’t walk past an old friend to make a new one” is the best advice he’s ever received.

Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-1) is a freshman in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up between Cincinnati and Oxford, Ohio with parents who were both school teachers. Greg’s passion for education and his deep faith are large influences in his life of public service. In his early years, Greg did telemarketing for the Police Benevolent Society and cleaned the meat department at a local market. Find out how these jobs benefit Greg as he helps others and cleans up messes in his public life (and at home). Listen in and learn how Greg deals with friends and family with very different political beliefs and what the meanings are behind his tattoos?

Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-3) was born and raised in Michigan and has now become the first woman to represent Michigan’s 3rd district. In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Hillary delves into how her mother inspired her to pursue a life of service, why you can typically find her jamming out to either hymns or hip hop, and the important role of faith in her life. Tune in to hear her moving story about a Vietnam vet to whom she posthumously awarded a Purple Heart.

Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42) immigrated to the US from Peru as a little boy. Check out my coffee with Robert to learn how Republican President Ronald Reagan helped Robert’s family come to America! As a little boy growing up in Southern California, Robert fell in love with comic books and to this day, he is a huge Marvel Comics fan. Robert talks about all the ‘firsts' he has achieved in his young career; and he shares with us where his fearlessness and fortitude come from and who inspired him most on his dynamic journey.