The Daily Beans – Episode: "In Sadness, I Dissent" (feat. Molly Jong-Fast) Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host/Authors: Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Guest: Molly Jong-Fast, New York Times Bestselling Author

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into the Supreme Court's recent decision upholding Tennessee's ban on transgender healthcare for minors. The episode combines incisive political analysis with heartfelt advocacy, highlighting the repercussions of the ruling on the transgender community and broader societal implications. Additionally, the episode features an insightful interview with Molly Jong-Fast, author of How to Lose Youe: A Daughter's Memoir, which explores personal trauma and resilience.

Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Healthcare

Timestamp: [00:00 – 04:28]

The episode opens with Alison Gill outlining the day's major news:

• The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on transgender healthcare for minors, marking a significant setback for trans rights.
• Cuts to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) affecting Trump-voting communities.
• The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates despite pressure from former President Trump.
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) displaying the far-right "Appeal to Heaven" flag.
• President Trump's frustrations with Pete Hegseth over the "squeaky tank parade."
• Russ Vaught's consideration of using a rarely employed power to override congressional spending.

Dana Goldberg expresses her profound frustration and anger regarding the Supreme Court's decision:
Quote: “This corrupt court literally dismissing dozens of scientific and medical organizations and associations, reputable ones. This is never about science and taking away the rights of parents.” ([01:09])

She emphasizes the emotional toll on the transgender community and their families, assuring listeners that the fight is far from over:
Quote: “I am right now just sending love not just to my trans community, but really deeply to the parents... We're still fighting. This isn't the end of it.” ([01:34])

Alison Gill provides a detailed breakdown of the ruling, noting that it doesn't affect states where gender-affirming care is legal but opens the door for more restrictive laws in red states. She underscores the broader impact by mentioning that 26 states have similar laws in place.

Reactions and Statements from Advocacy Groups

Timestamp: [04:28 – 07:46]

Dana Goldberg highlights a powerful dissenting opinion from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasizing the Court's retreat from meaningful judicial review:
Quote: “In sadness, I dissent.” ([04:52])

The hosts read a statement from the ACLU, articulated by Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU's LGBTQ and HIV Project, condemning the ruling as a devastating loss for transgender individuals and affirming their commitment to continue the fight:
Quote: “We are as determined as ever to fight for the dignity and equality of every transgender person.” ([06:10])

Sasha Boucher of Lambda Legal echoes this sentiment, asserting that gender-affirming care is often life-saving and that major medical associations support its safety and efficacy:
Quote: “Gender affirming care is often life saving care, and all major medical associations have determined it to be safe, appropriate and effective.” ([06:50])

Alison Gill concludes this segment by reiterating the ACLU of Tennessee's stance, highlighting the creation of a two-tiered healthcare system based on political affiliations:
Quote: “This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare and a class of people who do not.” ([07:13])

Impact on FEMA and Communities

Timestamp: [07:46 – 14:34]

The discussion shifts to FEMA's budget cuts, particularly targeting communities that supported Trump in the 2024 election. Alison Gill explains that the $4.6 billion BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) program is being eliminated, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in the Southeast. Dana Goldberg points out the irony and injustice of cutting aid to areas recently hit by natural disasters, especially during hurricane season:
Quote: “When we defund the Triangle, you know, like what Joe Biden was doing to try to quell the violence in... When we stop doing that, those places get more violent and send more migrants up.” ([16:22])

Russ Vaught and Federal Spending Cuts

Timestamp: [08:30 – 12:02]

Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg discuss Russ Vaught's consideration of invoking "pocket rescission" to unilaterally cancel federal spending without congressional approval. They explain that this power is legally untested and has been deemed illegal by the Government Accountability Office during the first Trump administration. Vaught's potential use of this power is portrayed as a maneuver to apply pressure on Congress for spending cuts.
Quote from Dana Goldberg: “You'll remember, Russ Vaught is the guy who impounded Ukraine funding illegally.” ([12:02])

Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Decision

Timestamp: [12:02 – 13:17]

The hosts analyze the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates while signaling potential cuts in the future. Despite pressure from Trump to reduce rates, the Fed also raised its inflation projections due to the ongoing impact of Trump's tariffs. Dana Goldberg critiques the Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, noting his appointment by Trump and attributing the administration's economic challenges to Trump's policies:
Quote: “Fed chair, Jerome Powell, cautioned that officials expect tariffs imposed by Trump to increase prices over the course of the summer.” ([12:32])

Small Business Administration and the "Appeal to Heaven" Flag

Timestamp: [17:37 – 18:54]

Alison Gill informs listeners about the controversial display of the "Appeal to Heaven" flag at the SBA headquarters, associating it with the far-right and Christian nationalist movements. The flag, once a historical symbol, has been co-opted by groups opposing LGBTQ+ rights and democratic processes, including individuals connected to the January 6th Capitol riot. Dana Goldberg criticizes Republicans supporting such symbols:
Quote: “And one of the wives of a shitty Supreme Court justice.” ([18:23])

They discuss the implications of political symbols in federal institutions and the pushback led by figures like Sam Alito, whose vacation home also displayed the flag.

Trump’s Frustration with Pete Hegseth

Timestamp: [18:54 – 21:22]

Dana Goldberg brings up President Trump's recent outburst against Pete Hegseth, the Director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, over the perceived failure of a military parade celebrating the Army's 250th birthday and Trump's own 79th birthday. According to sources cited from the Daily Beast, Trump criticized Hegseth for the parade's lackluster execution:
Quote: “Trump reamed Hegseth in a phone call after the president said the parade didn't give off the proper image.” ([19:03])

The hosts express skepticism about Hegseth's job security, especially after his challenging Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with Senator Jackie Rosen, who fiercely questioned his decisions:
Quote: “She went after him pretty hard, and it was fantabulous.” ([21:09])

Interview with Molly Jong-Fast

Timestamp: [22:56 – 37:57]

Guest Introduction:
Molly Jong-Fast, a prominent political commentator, special correspondent at Vanity Fair, and host of the Fast Politics podcast, joins the show to discuss her New York Times bestselling memoir, How to Lose Youe: A Daughter's Memoir. The conversation centers around her personal journey through immense family trauma and the coping mechanisms she developed.

Key Points Discussed:

• Motivation for Writing: Molly shares that her book is not overtly political but deeply personal, focusing on navigating the hardest year of her life in 2023, which included her husband's pancreatic mass diagnosis, the deaths of her stepfather and father-in-law, and her mother's dementia diagnosis.

  Quote: “I wanted people to come away and say, like, I did the best I could.” ([24:36])

• Handling Trauma and Anxiety: She talks about her struggle with anxiety and uncertainty, particularly in the face of her father's dementia and other personal losses. Writing served as a therapeutic tool, helping her process and understand her experiences.

  Quote: “If I kept everything very small... I could really face anything.” ([35:21])

• Universal Themes: Molly emphasizes that her experiences are relatable to a broad audience, as many people face unexpected traumas and uncertainties in their lives. Her memoir aims to provide solace and understanding, reinforcing that readers are not alone in their struggles.

• Integration of Humor: The memoir incorporates dark humor as a coping mechanism, which Molly believes is essential for navigating difficult times.

  Quote: “There were so many days when things were so bad that I could not help but laugh.” ([28:00])

• Enduring Relevance: Alison Gill appreciates that the book remains relevant over time, unlike political analysis that can quickly become outdated with new events.

Closing Remarks:
Alison Gill lauds Molly for her vulnerability and the book's ability to offer hope and resilience to readers facing similar challenges. They encourage listeners to support local independent bookstores and share Molly's work widely.

Quote: “Go to your indies if you're able and get this book. It's truly just a wonderful book and I recommend it just with the highest marks.” ([37:14])

Good News Segment

Timestamp: [37:53 – 47:15]

Transitioning from the heavy news, Alison and Dana invite listeners to share positive stories, shoutouts, and heartwarming experiences. This segment features contributions from various listeners, celebrating community activism, personal milestones, and uplifting moments.

Notable Contributions:

• Kate Jessie Good Trouble: Shares a humorous anecdote about reserving seats for a parade she didn't attend, reflecting the show's blend of activism and humor.
• Misty: Describes a rewarding biking trip to a protest, highlighting the dedication of everyday activists.
• Jackie: Discusses raising children with an understanding of appropriate swearing, balancing humor with parenting insights.
• Anonymous Listener: Showcases a diverse and humor-filled interaction with a Republican gay optometrist, emphasizing unity despite political differences.

The segment underscores the show's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged community, encouraging listeners to connect, share, and celebrate each other's victories.

Final Thoughts and Closing

Timestamp: [47:15 – End]

In her closing remarks, Dana Goldberg reiterates the importance of reaching out to and supporting transgender individuals, especially in light of recent legal setbacks. She encourages listeners to send messages of love and support to those in need, emphasizing the power of community and solidarity.

Alison Gill wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to take care of themselves and each other, reinforcing the podcast's mission to blend progressive news with social justice advocacy and a touch of snarky humor.

Quote from Dana Goldberg: “If you know a trans person, call them, check in on them... Let them know you're thinking about them and you love them and is there anything they need in this moment.” ([47:15])

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beans masterfully balances urgent political discourse with compassionate storytelling and community engagement. By addressing critical issues like transgender rights, federal budget cuts, and the state of American politics, while also providing a platform for personal narratives and positive community interactions, Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg create a rich, informative, and emotionally resonant listening experience. The inclusion of Molly Jong-Fast's interview adds depth and personal insight, making complex societal issues relatable and highlighting the resilience of individuals facing adversity.

Listen to The Daily Beans for more insightful discussions and empowering stories every morning. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join the conversation for a more just and equitable world.