Coffee and Cables is your unofficial guide to diplomacy. A “cable” is how diplomats communicate, official messages sent between Washington and posts around the world. We like to think of our podcast as a more relaxed version of that. We’re delivering stories, history, and insights straight to you. At Coffee and Cables, we explore Foreign Service Officer oral histories, revisit major global events, and create episodes that make foreign policy feel approachable and fun.
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In this week's episode, Sofia and guest co-host, Liz Dee, discuss the importance of sharing food and drink in diplomacy. We cover everything from French Thanksgiving dinners to drinking competitions in China. Food brings people together no matter your nationality is and this episode explores how diplomats recognize the value of this. Warning: this episode may make you hungry.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Sofia Lang, Amelia Wysoczanski, and guest host, Liz Dee, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https.//pixabay.com/music/
28 Sept 2026
So, You Want an Internship?
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In this episode of Coffee and Cables, Amelia has a conversation with Fran Leskovar about finding internship opportunities, making the most of your experience, and navigating the first steps toward a career during college. Whether you’re just starting your search or wondering what comes after the internship, this episode offers practical advice for building your career.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
20 Sept 2026
Cables & Conversations: Tom Selinger
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In this episode of Coffee and Cables, Sofia sits down with Tom Selinger to talk about his work with ADST’s outreach program, where he travels to different communities and organizations to introduce people to the world of diplomacy and the Foreign Service. Tom shares what it’s like to bring stories and lessons from American diplomacy to new audiences and why connecting people with the work of diplomats matters.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/
11 Sept 2026
Spies! Part 2
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Tune in this week for Part 2 of Spies! We cover some gold ole fashioned Cold War shenanigans: Khrushchev Visits America – A Cold War Comedy of Errors, Act I, Constant Companions: KGB Stalking of FSOs, and I, Spy? Diplomatic Adventures during Soviet-American Détente. Each one of these touches on what interactions between Foreign Service Officers, the KGB, and various government leaders were like. This episode was so good we had to make it in to a two-parter. Be sure to check out Spies! Part 1 if you missed it last week.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/
11 Sept 2026
Spies! Part 1
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/coffee-and-cables/voicemail)
In this week's episode, we cover some gold ole fashioned Cold War shenanigans. We’ve got 3 incredible moments we’re going to highlight today: Khrushchev Visits America – A Cold War Comedy of Errors, Act I, Constant Companions: KGB Stalking of FSOs, and I, Spy? Diplomatic Adventures during Soviet-American Détente. Each one of these touches on what interactions between Foreign Service Officers, the KGB, and various government leaders were like. This episode was so good we had to make it in to a two-parter. Tune in next week for Spies! Part 2.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/
23 Aug 2026
The Road to Jonestown
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On this week’s episode of Coffee and Cables, Amelia and Sofia are going beyond the headlines to explore the story of Jonestown. From the rise of the People’s Temple to its move to Guyana and the tragic events of 1978, we’ll examine the people, politics, and history behind one of the most infamous chapters of the 20th century.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Sofia Lang and Amelia Wysoczanski, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
18 Aug 2026
Black Hawk Down Debrief
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In this week's historical episode, we share first-hand accounts from US diplomats during the 1993 downing of United States Black Hawks in Somalia. Sofia and Amelia unpack the political climate at the time of the event, what led to the the tragedy, and how it shaped future American diplomacy. You don't want to miss this one.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Sofia Lang and Amelia Wysoczanski, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
10 Aug 2026
Diplomatic Truths and Tall Tales
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On this week’s episode of Coffee and Cables, we’re putting our knowledge of diplomacy, history, and the Foreign Service to the test with a game of Two Truths and One Lie! Amelia will share three stories and facts, but there’s a catch: only two of them are true. Can you figure out which one is the lie? Play along with us as we explore some surprising, funny, and unexpected moments from the world of diplomacy.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
3 Aug 2026
Evacuation of Saigon and Can Tho
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In this week's episode, we recount first hand stories from Operation Frequent Wind - the 1975 evacuation of Saigon and Can Tho. Our hosts, Sofia and Amelia, shed light on the chaos leading up to this evacuation, share the discrete evacuation signal broadcasted over the radio at the time, and unpack the conflicting opinions of leaders involved in the evacuations and how these views impacted evacuation day. You do not want to miss this jam packed episode showcasing the impressive nature of diplomats under pressure.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
26 Jul 2026
Cracking the Code
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This week our hosts, Amelia and Sofia, spotlight Ms. Betty Allan, a World War II codebreaker whose work helped unlock critical intelligence during the war. We dive into the world of codebreaking, where individuals were recruited to decipher foreign military communications, and explore Betty’s role in analyzing Japanese signals. It’s a story of quiet impact, sharp minds, and the unseen work that shaped history behind the scenes.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
19 Jul 2026
No Laugh Challenge - Foreign Service Edition
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Who knew American diplomats had so many funny stories from their time in the foreign service? This second episode has your hosts, Sofia Lang and Amelia Wysoczanski, cracking up as we unpack some silly stories from abroad. From impromptu concerts for hundreds and messy translations to Mongolian barbecues and a little too much vodka, this episode showcases the lighter side of American diplomacy and the sense of humor found in the Foreign Service. Try not to laugh as you join us for this one.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook @Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
12 Jul 2026
Stars, Stripes, and State Department Parties
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What does Independence Day look like when you’re thousands of miles from home? In our first episode, Amelia Wysoczanski and Sofia Lang dive into how American diplomats celebrate the Fourth of July overseas. From embassy receptions and cultural exchanges to unexpected challenges and memorable moments, we have it all. Blending humor, history, and firsthand accounts, this episode explores how one of America’s most iconic holidays becomes a tool of diplomacy far beyond U.S. borders.
This episode was brought to you from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. Thank you to our hosts, Amelia Wysoczansk and Sofia Lang, for leading the discussion. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: Instagram @adst_diplomacy, Facebook Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, TikTok @coolben1986.
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/ (https://pixabay.com/music/)
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