It took 72 episodes, but Carl finally got a politician on the show. And he got a big time Congressman in Steve Israel. He was an eight-term congressman out of New York who is proud to have been a bi-partisan representative who brought both sides of the aisle together.

Since leaving congress, Steve has been a political commentator on CNN, MSNBC and HBO and the author of two critically acclaimed political satires. In 2021, he became a first-time entrepreneur and launched a new dream job--as the owner of an independent bookstore, Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, NY.

Former Congressman Israel is very candid about his political life. He is devastated that his district in New York is currently represented by the infamous George Santos. And he sheds some light on the antics of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis while they both were in Congress together.

Steve ran for office 8 times and won 8 times(!) and has managed to retain his great sense of humor. His slogan when leaving office was "unindicted and undefeated".

• More about Steve Israel: https://government.cornell.edu/steve-israel

• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Israel-Interview-Eight-Term-Us-Congressman-Now-Cool-Bookstore-Owner

• Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: 
https://www.mikeownbey.com/

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: 
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage: 
https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast

• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: 
https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe