Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – “It’s Falling Apart”
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Allison Gill (Dana Goldberg is away)
Episode Overview
In this high-energy, snark-laced episode, Allison Gill breaks down an overwhelming week in political and social justice news, highlighting chaos and unraveling within the current political regime, landmark legal developments, and victories for progressives across the nation. The tone is sharp, informed, and irreverent, providing both context and commentary on each story.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Russia’s Ukraine “Peace Plan” and Trump’s Involvement
[02:07-09:35]
- Trump is reportedly pushing Ukraine to accept a "peace plan" eerily similar to one drafted by Russia back in 2016.
- The plan includes non-starters for Ukraine: territory concessions, reducing its military, and ceding to numerous Russian demands.
- Secretary of State Rubio and Trump’s envoy were in Geneva for talks, but confusion reigns over the true authorship of the plan.
- Rubio denied the plan was Russian—and insisted publicly that it was a US product—despite historical markers to the contrary.
- Allison draws heavily on the Mueller Report, citing Manafort and Kilimnik’s 2016 attempts to introduce a similar plan—delivering campaign information and outlining a scheme for Russian control in Eastern Ukraine.
Quote:
"[This] is not new. The Russians wrote it in 2016 and they wrote it in 2025." (Allison Gill, 09:15)
2. FBI Surveillance of Immigrant Rights Activists
[09:35-11:10]
- The FBI spied on a private Signal group chat used by court watch volunteers in NYC immigration courts.
- A joint FBI/NYPD “Situational Report” characterized the activists as "anarchist, violent, extremist actors."
- Evidence from group chat utilized and shared with national law enforcement.
- Allison advises: Watch out for moles and use disappearing messages.
3. Judge Blocks IRS-DHS Data Sharing for Deportations
[11:11-13:27]
- A federal judge blocked the IRS from sharing taxpayer data with DHS, citing violations of privacy and taxpayer rights.
- The agreement was part of Trump’s mass deportation strategy, with DHS requesting information on 1.2 million individuals.
- Only about 47,000 matches were found before the practice was halted.
- Judge Caudaly emphasized the chilling effect on immigrant tax compliance and the broader impact on public funding.
Quote:
"It harms all of us." (Allison Gill, summarizing Judge Caudaly, 13:13)
4. Mamdani “Owns” Trump in White House Showdown
[13:27-16:18]
- The much-anticipated “Socialism Showdown” between New York Mayor-elect Mamdani and Trump blew up in MAGA faces.
- Trump, instead of attacking Mamdani, became surprisingly agreeable and even praised FDR and the New Deal.
- This led to confusion and anger on the right, with Laura Loomer and Elise Stefanik denouncing Trump’s warmth towards Mamdani.
- Mamdani reaffirmed that Trump is a “fascist,” which Trump awkwardly accepted.
Quote:
“Mamdani even got Trump to stand FDR, the creator of the New Deal ... when a reporter asked Mamdani, they asked if he stood by his comments that Trump is a fascist, Mamdani said, yes. And then Trump interjected, that's okay. You could say yes, it's okay. It's easier than explaining it. I don't mind.” (Allison Gill, 15:50)
5. Doug Jones to Run for Alabama Governor
[16:19-17:15]
- Former US Senator Doug Jones will announce a run against Tommy Tuberville for Alabama governor.
- Reported first by Voice of Alabama Politics, with campaign paperwork to be filed this week.
6. Democrats Sweep School Board Elections
[17:15-18:45]
- Democratic-backed candidates win big in school board elections in battleground states, focusing on academics and safety rather than "culture war" issues.
- Republicans lost key seats in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Quote:
“I've yet to see in a Republican that ran opposed that won something in that election.” (Allison Gill, 18:41)
7. Trump Threatens Democrats – Lawmakers Seek Police Action
[18:46-21:35]
- Democratic Congress members sought Capitol Police protection after Trump posted online that they should be “arrested and hanged” for allegedly encouraging military disobedience.
- Lawmakers Crow (CO) and D’Aluzio (PA) among those requesting investigation.
- Gill views the Democrats' public caution against illegal orders as a calculated move to highlight Trump’s "unlawful" tendencies.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation from Congress faced skepticism and jest, with speculation about her motives and financial losses from stepping down early.
Quote:
"You’re on the other side of the President for one week and you can't take the heat. Imagine what it's like to be in my shoes." (Rep. Jasmine Crockett, via CNN, referenced by Allison Gill, 21:15)
8. RFK Jr. Directs CDC to Weaken Vaccine-Autism Language
[21:36-22:44]
- RFK Jr. admitted he asked the CDC to change its website, softening language that denied a link between vaccines and autism—despite all scientific evidence to the contrary.
- Gill highlights that RFK has financial interests in lawsuits targeting pharmaceutical companies.
9. Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses To Testify Before Congress
[22:45-23:22]
- Maxwell claims she will plead the Fifth if questioned by House Oversight regarding Epstein, despite previously being cooperative with investigators.
- Host questions the logic of using the Fifth Amendment on matters already convicted and appealed.
10. Coast Guard Reclassifies Noose and Swastika as Hate Symbols
[23:23-24:07]
- After public outrage, the US Coast Guard officially labels both symbols as hate imagery (previous guidance called them “potentially divisive”).
- There’s still uncertainty about who originally approved the prior, less strict classification.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Mr. Trump has set a deadline for Thursday for Ukraine to agree to the 28 point plan that was drafted without input from Kyiv or anybody in Europe. The proposal contains many conditions that Ukraine has long rejected as non starters…” (Allison Gill, 02:46)
- “All that's required to start the process is a very minor wink or slight push from Donald Trump.” (Mueller Report excerpt, cited 08:24)
- “This is not new. The Russians wrote it in 2016 and they wrote it in 2025.” (09:15)
- “Who gets mad if my friend came to me and said, don't do anything illegal?” (Allison Gill, 21:31)
- “For anyone interested in connecting with [the DC Handmaid Army], their website is handmadearmydc.com.” (Good News segment, 26:45)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 02:07 — Start of Trump/Russia/Ukraine Peace Plan Segment
- 09:35 — FBI Surveillance of Activists
- 11:11 — Judge Blocks IRS Data Sharing
- 13:27 — Mamdani v. Trump, "Socialism Showdown"
- 16:19 — Doug Jones Governor Run
- 17:15 — Democrats Sweep School Boards
- 18:46 — Trump Threatens Democrats / MTG Resigns
- 21:36 — RFK Jr. / CDC Vaccine Language
- 22:45 — Ghislaine Maxwell & Epstein Probe
- 23:23 — Coast Guard Bans Hate Symbols
- 24:08 — Good News Segment
Good News and Listener Submissions
[24:08–End]
- Listener stories of protest, activism, and community (Handmaid Army in DC, intergenerational protest, volunteer STEM education, etc.).
- Photos of pets and positive moments bring a hopeful endnote.
- Listeners are encouraged to submit their own “microdoses of hope.”
Quote:
“We all need to microdose hope right now and share in your happiness.” (Allison Gill, 24:15)
Tone and Style
- The episode balances investigative seriousness with biting snark and humor.
- Allison Gill offers extensive context, connecting current events to historical background.
- Frequent asides invite the audience to take action, stay resilient, and support progressive causes.
Conclusion
This episode underscores the sense that the Trump regime is “falling apart” under the weight of scandals, judicial pushback, and electoral defeats, while the progressive movement scores key wins and communities organize for change. With insightful reporting, critical context, and moments of levity, Gill provides a brisk, thorough rundown for politically engaged listeners.