Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – Gubernatorial Candidate Toni Atkins And Author Brian Cuban

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Daily Beans
• Host: Alison Gill (MSW Media)
• Description: A women-owned progressive news podcast delivering social justice and political news with a touch of snark.
• Episode Title: Gubernatorial Candidate Toni Atkins And Author Brian Cuban
• Release Date: December 27, 2024

1. Introduction

In this special edition of The Daily Beans, host Alison Gill engages in two compelling interviews. The first features Toni Atkins, a trailblazing candidate for Governor of California and the first woman and LGBTQ individual to hold significant leadership roles in the California State Assembly and Senate. The second interview introduces Brian Cuban, an attorney, author, and long-term sobriety advocate, discussing his latest book, Body Brokers, which delves into the fentanyl crisis.

2. Interview with Governor Candidate Toni Atkins

a. Background and Activism

Toni Atkins shares her extensive history of activism and public service, highlighting her journey from a political science major to influential roles in California politics.

• Notable Quote:
  • Toni Atkins (00:00): "I have been your state senator, but I left office on December 2nd... So I am now running full time for governor."

b. Reproductive Rights and Healthcare

Atkins emphasizes her lifelong commitment to reproductive justice, detailing her work in running women’s reproductive health clinics and advocating for abortion rights.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (04:49): "I wanted to make sure they had access to everything they need."

She discusses California’s embrace of the Affordable Care Act and her efforts to expand healthcare access, including authoring Proposition 1 to enshrine abortion and contraception rights in the state constitution.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (05:52): "I think my background and my activism, all those early years, I've translated into the work that I do in the legislature."

c. Future of California’s Healthcare

Atkins outlines her vision for advancing California’s healthcare system, including the potential for a single-payer system and improving Medi-Cal coverage.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (07:44): "We have to figure out pragmatically how to finance it... healthcare access... we provide healthcare, a third of our population is on Medi Cal."

d. Climate Change Initiatives

Addressing climate change, Atkins highlights California’s proactive measures, such as the $10 billion bond for sustainability and resiliency projects, and the state’s leadership in national climate policy.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (11:46): "Climate change has impacted so many places in the world. We are really going to have to work with people across the country on how to solve it."

e. Civil Justice and Intergenerational Wealth

Atkins discusses her commitment to civil justice, focusing on economic equality, housing access, and creating opportunities for intergenerational wealth, especially for marginalized communities.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (18:17): "It's about real people... find real solutions for real people to get things done."

She shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing and the importance of government support in enabling individuals to achieve economic stability and wealth.

f. Potential Competition with Kamala Harris

When asked about Vice President Kamala Harris potentially running for governor, Atkins candidly responds, emphasizing her own commitment and readiness to lead California.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (24:58): "For me, I want to be the governor of California. Kamala's going to have to decide if she wants to run for president or be governor."

g. Call to Action

Atkins encourages listeners to support her campaign by visiting her website and getting involved in her gubernatorial run.

• Notable Quote:
  • Atkins (26:02): "If you want to know more about me, tonyapkins.org is the place to go."

3. Interview with Author Brian Cuban

a. Personal Recovery Story

Brian Cuban opens up about his long-term recovery from alcohol and cocaine addiction, detailing the personal struggles and pivotal moments that led to his sobriety.

• Notable Quote:
  • Brian Cuban (29:26): "I'm moving towards 18 years from alcohol and cocaine. It was a near suicide attempt in the summer of 2005..."

He narrates his descent into addiction, the impact on his career and personal life, and his eventual path to recovery through support and self-realization.

b. The Fentanyl Crisis and Policy Critique

Cuban critically examines the ongoing fentanyl crisis, arguing that current policies focusing solely on border control and law enforcement are ineffective without addressing the underlying demand for drugs.

• Notable Quote:
  • Cuban (34:02): "People are always going to want to change how they feel... until we address why people want to change how they feel, the human condition..."

He differentiates between disrupting drug flow and reducing demand, advocating for a shift towards treatment and de-stigmatization of addiction.

c. Stigma and Public Perception

Discussing societal stigma, Cuban emphasizes the need for compassion and supportive measures rather than punitive approaches, highlighting the importance of programs like Narcan.

• Notable Quote:
  • Cuban (39:31): "Hunter Biden was no different than anyone else... struggling with addiction that deserved compassion."

He criticizes the polarized views on addiction and the misinformation surrounding fentanyl, calling for a more informed and empathetic public discourse.

d. Overview of "Body Brokers"

Cuban provides an overview of his novel, Body Brokers, a fictional yet reality-based narrative that tackles the fentanyl epidemic through the story of a disgraced lawyer seeking justice.

• Notable Quote:
  • Cuban (43:03): "It's fiction, but it's based on a true story... addresses the signs and dispels myths about fentanyl."

He explains how the book aims to educate readers on the complexities of the fentanyl crisis while providing an engaging narrative.

e. Call to Action: The Two-Ask Rule

Cuban concludes with a powerful message urging listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and addiction, proposing the "two-ask rule" as a simple yet effective way to support those in need.

• Notable Quote:
  • Cuban (45:23): "Just two words... How are you doing?... do you know that I'm here for you if you want to talk."

4. Conclusion

Alison Gill wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with both guests' initiatives—supporting Toni Atkins’ gubernatorial campaign via tonyapkins.org and exploring Brian Cuban’s insightful work in Body Brokers. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of healthcare, climate, and civil justice, reiterating the importance of compassionate leadership and informed policymaking.

Key Takeaways:

• Toni Atkins embodies dedication to social justice, healthcare expansion, and climate action, positioning herself as a transformative leader for California.
• Brian Cuban offers a poignant perspective on addiction, critiquing current drug policies and advocating for humane, stigma-free approaches to the fentanyl crisis.
• Both guests highlight the critical need for compassionate, systemic solutions to complex societal issues, urging listeners to participate actively in creating positive change.

Support the Campaign:

• Toni Atkins: Visit tonyapkins.org to learn more about her campaign, donate, volunteer, or get involved.

Additional Information:

• Podcast Production: The Daily Beans is written and executive produced by Allison Gill with contributions from Dana Goldberg, Desiree McFarlane, Joelle Reader, and Moxie Design Studios. Music by They Might Be Giants.

For more details, visit mswmedia.com.