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 bonded them in a way neither could have predicted.

Their shared journey—beginning with a night of dancing with the Torah during Simchat Torah and followed by the devastation of terrorism just days later—frames a conversation that is both heartbreaking and healing. Cory reflects on the role of vulnerability in leadership, the lessons his parents and teachers instilled in him, and how empathy continues to shape his work and worldview.

Together, Liz and Cory discuss what it means to lead with heart, how to navigate trauma with grace, and why love—real love—is never easy, but always worth the fight. It’s a deeply humanizing episode that transcends politics. Rediscover the power of connection, even amid heartbreak.

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 in reuniting families across the globe, reflecting on personal stories of bravery and love.

In this episode, explore the intricacies of international diplomacy, the essence of effective negotiation, and the incredible strength found in teamwork and empathy. Carstens shares his real-life experiences from his time at West Point to his tenure under different U.S. administrations, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to bring people home safely. Through his heartwarming and at times, challenging journey, Carstens illuminates the idea that leadership is not just a position but an action fueled by compassion and dedication.

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 terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Tamar received a call through United Hatzalah’s crisis network. On the other end: Michael (9) and Amalia (6)—two terrified siblings hiding in a closet, just feet from their murdered mother. Earlier that day, their father had been gunned down while trying to carry them to safety. Their 3-year-old sister, Abigail, was missing—believed to have been killed but later confirmed as a hostage in Gaza. Abigail was released after 51 harrowing days as an orphaned hostage in Gaza.

For 12 unimaginable hours, Tamar remained on the phone with the children, helping them stay calm and silent as terrorists roamed outside their door. Through intuition, trauma tools, and raw compassion, she became their anchor—until they were finally rescued that night. Liz, the children’s great-aunt, credits Tamar with “saving their souls.”

This is more than a story of survival—it’s a portrait of human connection in crisis, and the power of one person’s voice to guide others through the darkest hours. As the world nears the two-year mark of October 7, this episode is a reminder of the resilience of children, the strength of community, and the healing power of empathy.