Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans - "ICEBlock Retaliation" (Feat. Kel McClanahan & Carolyn Feinstein) Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction In the latest episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg from MSW Media, the duo delves into a spectrum of pressing political and social issues with their characteristic blend of progressive insights and sharp wit. This episode, titled "ICEBlock Retaliation," features in-depth discussions with legal expert Kel McClanahan and Carolyn Feinstein, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee who alleges retaliatory termination.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Donald Trump's Lawsuits and Media Conflicts

   • $10 Billion Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal

     • Timestamp [08:04]: Allison Gill outlines President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its parent company, News Corp. The suit alleges defamation over an article claiming Trump sent a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, which the lawsuit claims contains no authentic evidence.
     • Quote [08:33] Allison Gill: "This lawsuit is bananas. $10 billion he's suing for."

   • Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Bob Woodward

     • Timestamp [09:46]: The episode covers the dismissal of Trump's lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward. U.S. District Judge Paul Gardafford Jr. dismissed the case, citing that Trump failed to demonstrate a plausible copyright interest in the "Trump Tapes," an audiobook containing interviews with Trump.
     • Quote [10:35] Allison Gill: "He loves suing people. He loves suing people. We'll see how all this shakes out."

   • Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show

     • Timestamp [13:00]: Discussion centers on CBS's sudden cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" three days after Colbert criticized Paramount for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Trump over an edited 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
     • Quote [15:02] Dana Goldberg: "I just, my question is... why not do it immediately?"

   • Paramount's Settlement and Political Pressure

     • Timestamp [14:58]: The hosts explore accusations that Paramount's settlement with Trump was a bribe, leading to the cancellation of Colbert's show. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders criticized the move, suggesting it was politically motivated.
     • Quote [16:20] Dana Goldberg: "It is a scary precedent that's being set."

   • Trump's Comments on Late Show Cancellation

     • Timestamp [17:09]: President Trump publicly praised the cancellation, hinting at further actions against other late-night hosts.
     • Quote [17:40] Allison Gill: "He says Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert."

2. ICE's Access to Medicaid Enrollees' Personal Information

   • Timestamp [18:47]: The administration's new agreement allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access personal data of approximately 80 million Medicaid enrollees to identify and locate individuals believed to be unlawfully present in the country.
   • Quote [18:55] Dana Goldberg: "Such a violation, such as..."

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cuts

   • Timestamp [19:00]: The EPA announced the elimination of its scientific research arm, leading to the dismissal of hundreds of scientists. This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce and weaken regulatory agencies.
   • Quote [20:15] Dana Goldberg: "Yeah. They just want to. They hate science."

4. Idaho's Consent Decree on Abortion Referrals

   • Timestamp [20:50]: A significant legal development where Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and Ada and Valley County prosecutors agree to a consent decree that prohibits prosecuting healthcare providers for referring patients for out-of-state abortions. The decree also mandates the AG's office to pay $400,000 in legal fees.
   • Quote [21:27] Dana Goldberg: "Absolutely. And all right, here we go."

5. WNBA All-Star Game and Player Protests

   • Timestamp [21:30]: The episode highlights the WNBA All-Star Game where players, including Feasa Collier, demanded higher pay by wearing shirts that read "Pay Us What You Owe Us." The crowd's response was overwhelmingly supportive, echoing the players' call for better compensation.
   • Quote [23:31] Allison Gill: "That's I love this so much. So they wore the shirts of Warmup and then at the trophy ceremony the crowd started chanting wow."

Guest Interviews

1. Carolyn Feinstein: Retaliatory Termination from DOJ

   • Timestamp [26:11]: Allison Gill welcomes Carolyn Feinstein, a former DOJ forensic accountant, who discusses her sudden termination, which she claims was retaliation for her husband Joshua Aaron's activism through the ICE Block app—a tool used to notify communities of impending ICE raids.

   • Quote [27:59] Carolyn Feinstein: "They were making multiple posts on X and likely other platforms... subsequently, Tom Holman went on Newsmax and said... I had received that termination email."

   • Impact on DOJ Morale

     • Timestamp [33:51]: Feinstein elaborates on the declining morale within the DOJ, attributing it to the administration's negative rhetoric towards federal employees.
     • Quote [35:30] Carolyn Feinstein: "Federal employees are resilient. They're strong, they're patient...dedicated to making the country a better place."

   • Summary of Termination Circumstances

     • Timestamp [42:14]: Feinstein recounts her tenure at the DOJ and the abruptness of her firing, emphasizing the lack of due process and the broader pattern of retaliatory actions against federal employees.
     • Quote [43:40] Carolyn Feinstein: "As a fan and a former Fed, it's appreciated."

2. Kel McClanahan: Legal Strategies Against Trump Administration

   • Timestamp [47:03]: Allison Gill introduces Kel McClanahan from National Security Counselors, who discusses the legal actions underway to obtain grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

   • Quote [50:47] Kel McClanahan: "So we're saying, but don't weigh in on privacy stuff, because while we don't want the victim's information... it's a question for the judge."

   • Legal Implications of Trump's Public Statements

     • Timestamp [57:14]: McClanahan explains how President Trump's public directive may have waived certain legal protections, forcing the DOJ to contend with releasing sensitive information.
     • Quote [62:15] Allison Gill: "He did the work. He did the work."

   • Call to Action for Supporters

     • Timestamp [64:01]: Kel urges listeners to support the legal efforts by donating to National Security Counselors, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
     • Quote [65:16] Allison Gill: "Tell Joshua we said hello and I hope that we get to speak to you again soon."

Legal Actions and Future Developments

• Allison Gill's Lawsuit Over Epstein Transcripts

  • Allison Gill discusses her lawsuit aimed at accessing all grand jury transcripts related to Epstein, pushing for greater transparency and accountability within the DOJ and Trump administration.

• Kel McClanahan's Legal Strategy

  • Kel outlines the strategy to compel the release of grand jury testimony, leveraging Trump's public statements to bypass traditional legal protections.

• Potential Motions and Court Proceedings

  • The hosts anticipate forthcoming legal motions that will challenge the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files, with the goal of exposing any undue influence or hidden information.

Good News Segment

The hosts conclude the episode with a "Good News" segment, featuring listener submissions celebrating personal achievements, community activism, and heartwarming animal stories. Highlights include:

• Celeste's Support for SNAP Program Discussions

  • Timestamp [68:15]: Celeste shares her involvement in advocating against rules that require states to share SNAP information with federal authorities.

• Brian's Testimonial on Overcoming Adversity

  • Timestamp [70:33]: Brian honors his wife, Lee, for her unwavering support during his recovery from a stroke and multiple broken ankles, celebrating her professional achievements and their rescue pets.

• Tanya's Community Efforts in Indiana

  • Timestamp [71:40]: Tanya highlights Boone County Democrats organizing food drives to support children affected by cut funding for summer lunch programs.

• Rachel's Artistic Activism in Montgomery, Alabama

  • Timestamp [72:57]: Rachel showcases her artwork displayed at a Good Trouble protest, emphasizing the role of art in civil rights activism.

• Deb's Positive Experiences at Protests

  • Timestamp [73:02]: Deb recounts her positive interactions at Good Trouble protests in Washington state, particularly the inspiration drawn from involving her child in activism.

Conclusion

The Daily Beans episode "ICEBlock Retaliation" offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of media, politics, and personal activism. Through candid interviews and incisive analysis, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg shed light on controversial legal battles, retaliatory actions within federal agencies, and the enduring spirit of activism within communities and professional spheres. The episode not only informs but also empowers listeners to engage in meaningful "good trouble" for social justice.

Notable Quotes

• Allison Gill [08:33]: "This lawsuit is bananas. $10 billion he's suing for."
• Dana Goldberg [15:02]: "My question is... why not do it immediately?"
• Carolyn Feinstein [27:59]: "None of that is true. And that's one of the reasons I'm really thankful."
• Kel McClanahan [50:47]: "Instead of withholding information, they have to justify it to whatever judge we sue with for this FOIA request."
• Dana Goldberg [20:15]: "Yeah. They just want to. They hate science."

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the persistent challenges and resistance faced by federal employees and activists in maintaining integrity and transparency within governmental institutions. The Daily Beans continues to provide a platform for crucial conversations, fostering awareness and encouraging proactive engagement among its listeners.