Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans

Episode: Brick By Brick (feat. Jocelyn Benson)
Date: February 18, 2026
Hosts: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Guest: Jocelyn Benson (Michigan Secretary of State & Gubernatorial Candidate)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Beans spotlights the critical role state-level officials play in protecting democracy and public welfare during turbulent political times, with a focused interview with Michigan Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. The hosts recap major national news stories concerning threats to civil rights and governmental integrity, while highlighting the importance of grassroots activism and building community resilience. The episode’s tone balances sharp political critique, personal anecdotes, and snarky humor, especially in its reflection on current events and listener interactions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

National and Political Headlines

[00:58–05:10]

• Coverage of recent headlines:
  • CBS’s refusal to air Colbert’s interview with Senate candidate James Talarico over FCC fears ([07:34])
  • Federal judge prohibits ICE from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlighting failures in deportation procedures ([11:11])
  • Ongoing DHS funding crisis as Democrats push for ICE and CBP reforms ([13:59])
  • Growing friction between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the U.S. Coast Guard ([15:54])
  • Departure of DHS spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin ([19:02])
  • Hyatt Hotels’ executive chairman resigns over Epstein disclosures ([19:51])
  • Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson’s passing and his legacy ([05:50])

Commentary on Media and Censorship

[07:34]

• CBS’s legal concerns cited for not airing Talarico’s interview on Colbert, connected to the FCC’s "equal time" provisions, but hosts argue this is political pressure from the Trump administration.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Let's just call this what it is. Donald Trump's administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV.” — Allison Gill [09:46]
• The “Bari Weiss effect, previously known as the Streisand effect,” referenced as attempts to suppress content fueling greater public attention instead.

Immigration Enforcement and Judicial Pushback

[11:11]

• Judge blocks renewed ICE detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, noting the government has no realistic plan for deportation and ignored Costa Rica's willingness to accept him.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The government made one empty threat after another to remove him to countries in Africa with no real chance of success.” — Judge Paul Xinis [12:03]
  • “If the government were truly trying to remove Mr. Abrego Garcia, they would have sent him to Costa Rica long before today.” — Simon Sandoval Moshenburg, attorney [13:38]
• Illustrates political manipulation and cruelty in current immigration policy.

DHS Dysfunction and Staff Turmoil

[15:54]

• Secretary Kristi Noem’s mismanagement, including diverting a Coast Guard rescue plane to deport migrants and internal squabbles involving advisor Corey Lewandowski.
• Notable Snark:
  • “Maybe he's more of a bottom advisor… I think he probably is. Otherwise that makes Noem a bottom which would make sense anyway.” — Dana Goldberg [16:40]

Interview: Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State & Gubernatorial Candidate

[24:26–42:26]

The Pivotal Role of Governors

[25:24]

• Governors are described as the “guardrails for our rights, freedoms, and also the ones who can actually run our states in a way that is driving down the astronomical costs of everything… and invest in economic opportunity.”
• Benson emphasizes her administrative reforms as Secretary of State, making government more efficient and accessible (e.g., eliminating DMV wait times).

Labor Partnerships and “Top vs. Bottom” Politics

[27:51]

• Benson’s strong labor backing (Michigan Nurses Association, Teamsters, etc.) highlighted as key to her campaign's values.
• She roots her approach in her background as the daughter of union teachers.

Bravery and Personal Experience with Political Violence

[30:12]

• Discusses her resolve after armed protesters, fueled by Trump’s lies, gathered at her home in 2020.
• Emphasizes the need for Democrats to reclaim their party's moral courage and legacy of civil rights.
• Notable Quote:
  • “In this moment, where it does feel like, metaphorically, Rome is burning, we all have to be firefighters… We see fear as a tool of those who are trying to take away our rights... It is exactly the opposite of who we are as Americans.” — Jocelyn Benson [30:12]

Environmental Policy and State Autonomy

[34:17]

• As the federal government guts EPA regulations, Benson pledges to “rebuild… protections, brick by brick,” especially for Michigan’s natural resources.
• Michigan’s stewardship of 20% of the world’s fresh water is highlighted as a unique responsibility.

Protecting Voting Rights and Election Security

[37:12]

• Addresses Trump’s bizarre efforts to federalize elections and her constant readiness for interference, including scenario planning for everything from cyber to physical threats.
• Quote:
  • “As astounding as it is to have a president of the United States joking about canceling elections… we have to both take it seriously and also recognize that we've been at this rodeo before. What I saw living through that [2020], prevailing through those efforts, was how important it is to stand firm and know that the truth, the law, the history, and the vast majority of people in our state and our country are on our side.” — Jocelyn Benson [37:12]

Call to Action

[41:35]

• Directs listeners to jocelynbenson.com to join her campaign, emphasizing the stakes for democracy and affordability in Michigan.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Jesse Jackson’s Legacy:

  • “Marriage is based on love and commitment, not on sexual orientation. I support the right for any person to marry the person of their choosing.” — Jesse Jackson, quoted by Dana Goldberg [06:24]
  • “May he rest in power.” — Dana Goldberg [06:55]

• On Labor and Family:

  • “My parents were special education teachers. They were union members… I saw too often their service was disregarded by people in power who really didn't understand how hard they worked.” — Jocelyn Benson [27:51]

• On Voter Suppression Risks:

  • “The president has no role in administering elections, though he's going to say Article 2 and due deference to foreign affairs gives me the ability to come in and take your voting machines or whatever.” — Allison Gill [37:12]

• On Courage under Threat:

  • "Doing that work of protecting our democracy does put you in harm's way. It does put you in the fire. ...it's also matched by incredible inspiration by so many citizens...choosing not to be fearful, but instead be courageous." — Jocelyn Benson [31:44]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:58 | Overview of day's news headlines | | 07:34 | Discussion on FCC, CBS, and Colbert-Talarico interview censorship | | 11:11 | Ruling on ICE and Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s detention | | 13:59 | DHS shutdown and ICE/CBP reforms negotiations | | 15:54 | Report on Kristi Noem’s Coast Guard controversy | | 19:02 | Trisha McLaughlin’s departure from DHS | | 19:51 | Hyatt chairman’s resignation over Epstein ties | | 24:26 | Interview with Jocelyn Benson begins | | 25:24 | Benson on the responsibilities and importance of governors | | 27:51 | Discussion on labor, unions, and working-class vs. elite dynamics | | 30:12 | Benson addresses political violence, courage, and reclaiming the Democratic Party’s legacy | | 34:17 | Benson on environmental policy and state government autonomy | | 37:12 | Benson describes election security preparations against federal interference | | 41:35 | Benson promotes campaign website and invites support |

Episode Tone and Character

• Snarky, Relatable, and Grounded: The hosts’ lighthearted banter runs throughout the episode (“Maybe he’s more of a bottom advisor… That would make Noem a bottom which would make sense anyway.” — Dana Goldberg [16:40]).
• Emphasis on Resilience: Both hosts and Benson frame their activism as rooted in courage, hope, and community solidarity.
• Direct Advocacy: The show closes with calls to support Benson’s gubernatorial campaign and to participate in broader progressive organizing (“Let’s build a community. Let’s build it on laughter. Art is resistance. Comedy is resistance.” [58:58]).

Listener Contributions and Community Segment

[44:47 ff.]

• Listener good news, organizing tips, and humorous anecdotes, such as environmental engineers weighing in on floodplain developments and stories of personal activism and microdosed hope.
• Podcast community is highlighted for its intelligence, supportiveness, and activism.

Summary Takeaways

• State-level elections and leadership have never been more critical as a check on federal overreach and the erosion of civil rights.
• Jocelyn Benson offers a model of courageous, effective leadership, combining administrative acumen, pro-labor advocacy, and readiness to confront both political violence and anti-democratic maneuvers.
• Engagement and resilience at both individual and community levels are presented as vital tools against both political manipulation and personal despair.

Useful Links Mentioned

• JocelynBenson.com (Benson’s campaign page)
• DailyBeansPod.com (sending in listener good news)
• FEMA Map Service Center (for floodplain info, as referenced by a listener)

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode delivers a blend of current progressive political coverage, heartfelt reflection on civic courage, and actionable advocacy during a high-stakes election year. With sharp wit and real-world insight, it centers on how everyday people and state leaders can – brick by brick – defend democracy against unprecedented threats.