Episode 185 with Steve Israel, Former U.S. Congressman For N.Y. 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Steve Israel, former U.S. Congressman for New York’s 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts. A lifelong Long Islander, Steve represented his home region in Washington for over fifteen years, earning a reputation for thoughtful, pragmatic leadership and a deep commitment to the communities he served. His Long Island roots have always grounded his work in public service, in writing, and in his continued engagement with local life.Since leaving Congress, Steve has remained active as a writer, political commentator, and advocate for bipartisanship. He’s the owner of Theodore’s Books, an independent bookstore in Oyster Bay that celebrates the power of reading and civic conversation. He’s also the author of several books, with a new one set to be released this October, exploring the intersection of politics, power, and character in America today.In this conversation, we talk about his family’s history on Long Island, his path into public service, memorable moments from his time in Congress, and his reflections on the challenges and opportunities facing American democracy today.