Podcast Summary: Here’s the Scoop – Maxwell Pleads the Fifth in Epstein Files Deposition and Breezy Johnson on Her Olympic Gold
Air Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian (NBC News)
Episode Overview
This episode of "Here’s the Scoop" brings together the nation’s top news stories:
- Ghislaine Maxwell’s brief deposition before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein files, where she pled the Fifth Amendment.
- Insight into why the Congressional Epstein investigation persists despite calls to move on, and the imminent release of unredacted Epstein documents to select Congress members.
- An exclusive post-race interview with alpine skier Breezy Johnson, who made history with Team USA’s first gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and thoughts on Lindsey Vonn’s crash.
- A snapshot of current headlines, including updates from the Olympics, an ongoing Congressional tech lawsuit, and breaking developments in other stories.
Segment 1: Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition & Congressional Epstein Investigation
(00:03 - 11:09)
Key Discussion Points
-
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Brief Deposition
- Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right, refusing to answer any questions in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee.
- This action was anticipated by committee members, who had scheduled media to await a quick conclusion.
Quote:
“They warned us as a group of reporters to be in position at 10:30 to hear from members of Congress as they walked out.”
— Ryan Nobles (01:22) -
Maxwell’s Legal Calculations
- Her plea is tied to her active petition for clemency and legal concerns (including possible commutation from former President Trump).
- Maxwell’s legal team avoids risking additional self-incrimination that could jeopardize her plea for clemency.
Quote:
“She will spill the beans if, in fact, the President of the United States grants her clemency.”
— Yasmin Vossoughian (02:21) -
Congressional Reluctance to Grant Immunity
- Maxwell’s team requested immunity during her interview; Congress refused, not trusting she would be forthcoming.
- Former President Trump remains noncommittal when asked about pardoning Maxwell, leaving the matter “not completely off the table.”
Quote:
“He never answers the question with any sort of specificity... It’s never just a simple yes or no.”
— Ryan Nobles (03:36) -
Unredacted Epstein Files Access Begins
- DOJ opens access for members of Congress to view 3 of 6 million unredacted Epstein-related documents.
- Members are limited to a secure room with DOJ computers, are not allowed to bring electronics or staff, and may only take handwritten notes.
Quote:
“There are 6 million in total... 3 million of which they will have the opportunity to view.”
— Yasmin Vossoughian (04:00)
“You have to go into a very specific room. They have to be logged on to a DOJ computer portal... allowed to take handwritten notes, but they have no access to any electronic device.”
— Ryan Nobles (05:11) -
Transparency, Testimony, and Political Divides
- The Clintons, named in the files but not charged, have agreed to testify but only want to do so publicly—a request the committee has denied.
- Depositions are being videotaped and transcripts released, maintaining transparency even if hearings aren’t live.
- Political incentive for continued investigation is strong; public desire for disclosure is driving bipartisan support, outweighing President Trump’s suggestion to “move on.”
Quote:
“There are very few issues that I’ve covered... in which there is universal agreement from the average voter... they want as much information made public and transparent about the Epstein files.”
— Ryan Nobles (10:12)
Segment 2: Breezy Johnson, Team USA Gold Medalist Interview
(12:59 - 19:05)
Key Discussion Points
-
Historic Olympic Gold Win
- Breezy Johnson became the first American to win gold at the 2026 Games in the women’s downhill, joining Lindsey Vonn as the only other U.S. woman to win Olympic gold in this event.
- Details her focus and mental preparation: sticking to the plan, relying on visualization, and staying grounded.
Quote:
“If I execute my plan, I can do this. Like, you just have to execute your plan. That’s what you’re here to do.”
— Breezy Johnson (14:18) -
Emotional Reaction and Medal Mishap
- Breezy’s medal broke due to exuberant celebration, but she already has a replacement pending engraving.
Light Moment:
“Somebody told me they were gonna get me in touch with Tom Daly... and then the medal immediately just broke off the ribbon and fell to the ground.”
— Breezy Johnson (13:34) -
On Lindsey Vonn’s Crash and Inspirational Impact
- Johnson reflects empathetically on Vonn's crash, recalling her own Olympic heartbreak from injury in 2022.
- Reveals Lindsey sent her a good-luck text even while being airlifted for treatment.
Quote:
“Fear is allowed to come with me, but it has to sit in the backseat... It doesn’t get to decide what we do.”
— Breezy Johnson (14:56)
“Her coaches told me that even as they were loading her into the helicopter, she was... saying ‘grass to Breezy, good luck to her.’”
— Breezy Johnson (16:30) -
Preview of Upcoming Events and Teammate Camaraderie
- Breezy will compete in the women’s combined with Mikaela Shiffrin; discusses the unique blend of pressure and support in team competition.
-
Speed Round (Fun Facts)
- Favorite pastime: making ice cream or browsing Etsy (shops for yarn, furniture, 'little doodads’).
- Favorite Olympic event to watch: luge; summer event she’d try: tennis.
Segment 3: Headlines & Updates
(21:39 - 25:47)
Olympics and Lindsey Vonn Update
(21:39)
- Lindsey Vonn remains hospitalized after a serious crash during her event; underwent surgery for a broken leg.
- Team USA’s mixed doubles curling ousted previous champions Italy; next faces Sweden.
- Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin to compete together in the women’s alpine combined event.
Major Headlines
(22:44)
-
Opening arguments underway in a landmark trial against Meta and YouTube over alleged deliberate addictiveness of their platforms for children.
- Tech companies argue added safeguards and deny responsibility under Section 230.
- CEOs, including Mark Zuckerberg, expected to testify.
-
Ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie (mother of Savannah Guthrie). Investigation continues following a ransom note; no suspects yet.
-
In Hong Kong, pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in a highly scrutinized national security trial.
-
Bad Bunny surprises a couple by officiating their real wedding onstage during his Super Bowl halftime show.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Congressional Reluctance to Grant Immunity
“I don’t think anybody trusts her in that regard.”
— Ryan Nobles (02:50)
On the Unredacted Files
“The Department of Justice is not making it easy... They can’t bring any staff with them. They’re allowed to take handwritten notes, but they have no access to any electronic device.”
— Ryan Nobles (05:08)
Breezy Johnson’s Approach to Fear
“Fear is allowed to come with me, but it has to sit in the backseat... It can’t tug on the steering wheel.”
— Breezy Johnson (14:56)
Empathy Between Competitors
“Even as they were loading her into the helicopter, she was, like, saying ‘good luck to Breezy.’”
— Breezy Johnson (16:30)
On Public Demand for Transparency
“As powerful as Donald Trump is with the Republican base, his pleas for this thing to go away have just not resonated... The political costs would be too great for them to end this at this point, because this is what the American people want.”
— Ryan Nobles (10:34)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:03 – Show intro, Maxwell deposition setup
- 01:22 – Ryan Nobles: Inside Maxwell’s deposition and strategy
- 04:00 – DOJ grants Congress access to unredacted Epstein files
- 06:39 – Clintons’ planned testimony and House Oversight dynamics
- 10:12 – Why the Epstein files investigation continues
- 12:59 – Breezy Johnson interview (Olympic gold win)
- 14:18 – On mental prep and overcoming pressure
- 15:38 – Johnson’s reaction to Lindsey Vonn’s crash
- 16:30 – Vonn texting Johnson good luck from the hospital
- 17:13 – Breezy on upcoming team event with Mikaela Shiffrin
- 18:01 – Fun speed round with Breezy Johnson
- 21:39 – Molly Hunter: Lindsey Vonn’s medical status; Olympic updates
- 22:44 – Headlines: Social media lawsuit, Nancy Guthrie search, Jimmy Lai sentencing, Bad Bunny Super Bowl wedding
Tone and Style
The podcast maintains a brisk, conversational style with direct, insightful exchanges—balancing hard news (Maxwell, Congressional intrigue) with emotional, human-centered sports coverage (Johnson, Vonn) and headline round-ups.
For listeners who missed this episode, this summary delivers all essential storylines, illuminating both the high-stakes Congressional investigation and Olympic triumphs with clear context, direct quotes, and notable moments.