The Daily Beans: Episode Summary – "In Bed With Satan (feat. John Fugelsang)"
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host/Authors: Allison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Guest: John Fugelsang
Introduction
In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve deep into the latest political and social upheavals, spotlighting significant events such as the controversial South Park season 27 premiere, President Donald Trump's plummeting approval ratings, and the ongoing Epstein investigation. The episode also features a candid conversation with comedian and activist John Fugelsang, who provides insightful commentary on recent developments and the broader political landscape.
Key Topics Covered
- South Park's $1.5 Billion Deal and Season 27 Premiere
- Donald Trump's Declining Approval Ratings
- Jeffrey Epstein's "Birthday Book" and Congressional Subpoenas
- Columbia University's Settlement with the Trump Administration
- Potential Termination of PEPFAR
- White House's Denial of Maryland's Disaster Relief Request
- Amy Sherald's Withdrawal from the Smithsonian Exhibit
- Conversation with John Fugelsang
1. South Park's $1.5 Billion Deal and Season 27 Premiere
Allison Gill opens the discussion by highlighting South Park's massive $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount. This deal precedes the contentious season 27 premiere, where the show takes a bold stance against Donald Trump and the network.
Notable Quote:
Allison Gill [02:00]: "They throw me out there. It is very offensive if you haven't seen it yet."
Dana Goldberg expresses her anticipation and apprehension about the episode's graphic content but acknowledges the show's knack for addressing topical issues with humor and edge.
2. Donald Trump's Declining Approval Ratings
The hosts discuss the alarming drop in Donald Trump's job approval ratings, now at a historic low of 37%, closely approaching his all-time worst.
Notable Quote:
Allison Gill [03:10]: "Trump's approval rating hits a new low... including a 17-point drop among independents."
Dana Goldberg connects this decline to ongoing scandals, notably the Epstein situation, and discusses Trump's negative standing on critical issues like immigration.
3. Jeffrey Epstein's "Birthday Book" and Congressional Subpoenas
A significant portion of the episode centers on Rep. Ro Khanna's plans to subpoena Epstein's "birthday book," which allegedly contains letters from high-profile individuals, including Trump.
Notable Quotes:
Dana Goldberg [04:24]: "I think that's exactly. I was like, that sounds really familiar."
Ro Khanna [07:43]: "We subpoenaed the Epstein files, but that's a hard thing to do to get the Department of Justice to cooperate."
Allison Gill reveals that her Substack had reported on this story five days prior to the New York Times, emphasizing the importance of congressional action over potential Department of Justice non-cooperation.
4. Columbia University's Settlement with the Trump Administration
The episode covers Columbia University's agreement to pay a $200 million fine to settle allegations of failing to protect Jewish students, restoring over a billion dollars in federal research funding.
Notable Quote:
Dana Goldberg [08:07]: "I hate this. Making a deal with the White House brings its own risks."
The hosts critique the Trump administration's strategy of leveraging research funding to influence university policies, expressing concern over academic freedom and institutional integrity.
5. Potential Termination of PEPFAR
Allison Gill highlights plans to dismantle PEPFAR, the U.S. program combating HIV in developing nations, despite its bipartisan support and significant impact over the years.
Notable Quote:
Dana Goldberg [11:11]: "We are bringing the news and we know it sucks sometimes."
The discussion underscores the severe implications of terminating a program that has saved an estimated 26 million lives, reflecting concerns over global health initiatives under the current administration.
6. White House's Denial of Maryland's Disaster Relief Request
The podcast addresses the White House's rejection of Maryland's request for federal disaster assistance following severe flooding, highlighting the political undertones of the decision.
Notable Quote:
Governor Moore [13:38]: "This isn't about politics. This is about standing with our people."
Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg express frustration over the administration's portrayal of the denial as political retribution, emphasizing the dire consequences for affected communities.
7. Amy Sherald's Withdrawal from the Smithsonian Exhibit
Artist Amy Sherald cancels her solo show at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, citing censorship concerns over her transgender Statue of Liberty painting.
Notable Quote:
Amy Sherald [16:03]: "I entered into this collaboration... no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived."
The hosts lament the loss of a significant artistic voice and critique the museum's decision to potentially remove provocative artwork to avoid political backlash.
8. Conversation with John Fugelsang
In an engaging segment, Allison Gill interviews John Fugelsang about the explosive South Park episode and its implications.
Notable Quotes:
John Fugelsang [23:11]: "This is beyond anything South Park has ever done in terms of social and political commentary."
Allison Gill [27:40]: "The very visual penis jokes."
Fugelsang praises the episode's audacity in addressing Trump and his supporters, comparing its impact to historic satirical works. He discusses the strategic timing post the colossal streaming deal and anticipates significant cultural repercussions. The conversation also touches on the potential fallout for Paramount and the broader media landscape, as well as the waning support for Trump among political elites and oligarchs.
Key Insights from Fugelsang:
- South Park is challenging both Trump and the corporate structures supporting him.
- The episode employs bold humor and raw commentary, pushing the boundaries of satire.
- Fugelsang foresees lasting cultural impacts and possible shifts in political alliances as a result of the episode.
Good News Segment
Despite the heavy topics, Allison and Dana conclude the episode with their signature "Good News" segment, featuring uplifting stories from listeners. Highlights include:
- Figure Tree Gal: Celebrates adopting a rescue puppy and shares adorable photos.
- Gen G Pronoun She and Her: Announces the formation of an Indivisible chapter in Ottawa, promoting international unity.
- Lee Pronoun She and Her: Shares personal stories of overcoming fears to support charities and highlights rescue pets.
- Julie: Announces retirement after 30 years as a nurse, expressing gratitude for support and showcasing her beloved dog.
- Cynthia Pronouns She and Her: Shares the joy of an upcoming new baby and the challenges faced as a progressive individual from a conservative background.
Conclusion
The Daily Beans episode "In Bed With Satan" offers a comprehensive and incisive look into the current political and social climate, blending hard-hitting news with thoughtful analysis and candid conversations. The inclusion of John Fugelsang adds depth to the discussion, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on the intersection of media, politics, and social justice. The episode encapsulates the show's commitment to delivering progressive news with a dose of humor and resilience.
Final Notable Quote:
Allison Gill [56:12]: "I've been ag."
Dana Goldberg [56:13]: "I've been dg."
Allison Gill: "And them's the Beans."
Additional Resources:
- Substack: mellowshireoute.com
- Contact for Good News Submissions: DailyBeansPod.com/Contact
- Guest Information: John Fugelsang's shows and books, including "Separation of Church and Hate"
This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode for those who haven't had the chance to listen. For a more detailed understanding and the hosts' unique voices, tuning into the full episode is highly recommended.