Freshly Brewed
Literacy isn’t just about classrooms and textbooks — it’s the backbone of economic mobility, public health, workforce readiness, and even national security.
America’s literacy gap impacts everything — from jobs and healthcare to innovation and national security. In this episode, Andrew Roberts of the Barbara Bush Foundation joins Ken to explore what truly moves the needle and how anyone can help — from daily reading at home to smart investments that scale.
Upcoming Convos
Featured Convos

November 13, 2024
Leslie Odom Jr.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr., as he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and creative journey. In this Coffee with Ken talk, Odom reflects on...

April 24, 2024
The Soul of America
They say history always repeats itself, and we're about to find out just how true that is, with Historian, Jon Meacham. Don't miss this insightful conversation highlighting the enduring relevance of history in shaping our...

May 31, 2023
Leave No One Behind
We had the distinct honor of hosting Maryland Governor Wes Moore at Avocet Tower in Bethesda. The purpose of this insightful event was to delve into Governor Moore’s dedicated efforts to enhance the state’s economy...

April 20, 2023
The Power of Public Markets
We are speaking to the President of The New Stock Exchange about the power of public markets.

February 23, 2023
A Maritime Nation
We partnered with JBG Smith to host the Honorable 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro.

September 20, 2022
How to Reach Liftoff in U.S. CleanTech
With guest Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office for the Department of Energy, joined us to talk about their work and the impact the Inflation Reduction Act will have on climate and clean tech across America.
Past Convos

September 23, 2025
Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air
IWBI CEO Rachel Hodgdon joins us to announce a worldwide coalition tackling the invisible crisis of indoor air quality.

August 18, 2025
Ecosystem Formation
From Amazon HQ2 to advanced manufacturing, Jason El Koubi reveals how Virginia keeps winning.

August 5, 2025
1953 Tequlia
Lindsey Davis Stover and Shivam Mallick Shah share how they left their day jobs to launch 1953 Tequila—the first spirit founded, farmed, distilled, and led entirely by women.

July 22, 2025
Inside the Actors Studio
How Actor Jenn Lyon found humor, humanity & meaning in showbiz. Plus she discusses her new show "Stumble"

July 8, 2025
Rebuilding America’s Industrial Base
Explore how the Pentagon is rebuilding America’s industrial base through the Office of Strategic Capital, with senior policy advisor, Will Quinn.

July 1, 2025
Carbon Capture Innovation
Paul Gross, CEO of Remora, and Josh Raglin, CSO of Norfolk Southern, reveal how carbon capture railcars are transforming freight, emissions, and the U.S. CO₂ supply chain.
News
Catch up on recent articles, commentary or news from Ken about business, politics and real estate.
July 1, 2025
Ken profiled on creating Coffee with Ken
Story published in American, the American University Magazine