Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36) emigrated from Taiwan to Ohio at the age of 3. By the age of 26, he took part in one of the US Air Force’s most successful humanitarian operations ever. In this inspiring episode, Ted shares the challenges of growing up as an immigrant; his time in the Air Force; the balance of being a husband and father in Congress; his love of 80’s music and sci-fi novels; and the unlikely phone call he made during the insurrection.

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43) The Capitol Coffee Connection with Maxine is an inspiring journey from her childhood in St. Louis as one of thirteen children where she worked in a segregated coffee shop, to her Los Angeles stories working at a dress factory, the phone company and then with small children and families at Head Start - all before entering over 40 years of public service. Maxine remembers her mother’s unconditional love; her incredible teachers; her friendship with Nelson Mandela; and she shares her love of Hip Hop. You will not want to miss these and more incredible stories from this living legend - Maxine!

Republican Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt is a member of the Osage Indian Nation. His mother introduced him to Shakespeare in the park when he was little and then performed in Shakespearean theater until he graduated high school and went Washington DC to study and work on Capitol Hill. He shares the importance of big city mayors and how they contribute to the quality of Americans’ everyday life. He values different and diverse people working together and treating each other with kindness. He finds great joy in spending quality time with his wife and children.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05) is the Democratic House Whip. Katherine shares her stories of being a mother, daughter, wife, friend, neighbor and leader. She talks about the importance of knowing her WHY and surrounding herself with people who get her laughing.

Rep. Ruben Gallego was raised by a single mom and grew up outside of Chicago. He worked in a meat packing factory to pay for Harvard University; and joined the Marines where he served in Iraq. Ruben talks about the importance of believing in yourself and taking risks in life if you want to move forward.

Rep. Eric Swalwell went to 11 different schools before graduating high school and then was off to play division 1 college soccer. An injury and the support of family, friends and mentors lead him to public service and Taylor Swift dance parties in the kitchen with his wife and three kids. Eric’s stories are authentic, relatable, funny and leave us wanting to know more about him.

Introducing The Capitol Coffee Connection hosted by Liz Hirsh Naftali. This podcast leaves partisanship and politics at the door, instead peeling back the layers to uncover the common threads that bind us all together—shared experiences, stories, interests, values, and dreams – the passions that drive their service to our communities and nation. New episodes drop every Tuesday.