In this episode, Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a six-time U.S. ambassador whose service took him to Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From growing up in an Air Force family and traveling internationally as a child, to building a career in some of the world’s most dangerous diplomatic posts, Ambassador Crocker reflects on what diplomacy really is: listening deeply, understanding culture, speaking with adversaries, and knowing when strength must accompany conversation. He shares stories from Beirut, Baghdad, and Kabul, explains the real work of an embassy, and offers a powerful reminder that public service requires empathy, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.

Rabbi Sharon Brous joins Liz Hirsh Naftali for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, curiosity, and the urgent need to rehumanize one another. Rabbi Brous reflects on growing up in New Jersey, discovering Jewish learning later in life, falling in love with Talmud, and why community is built through presence—not agreement. Together, Liz and Sharon explore loneliness, loss, unlikely allies, and what it truly means to show up for one another in moments of pain.

Liz sits down for a virtual coffee with Congressman Gabe Amo of Rhode Island. Rep. Amo reflects on his journey as the son of West African immigrants, his path into public service, and what it means to be the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress. From lessons learned on the football field to helping his mother study for her U.S. citizenship test, this conversation explores leadership, collaboration, self-care, and joy as essential elements of meaningful service.