THE CAPITOL COFFEE CONNECTION

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.