The Daily Beans, "Kashed Out" – November 26, 2025
Hosts: Allison Gill (AG) and Dana Goldberg (DG)
Main Theme:
A rapid-fire breakdown of the day's bizarre and unsettling headlines in U.S. politics—from turmoil in Trumpworld, to Congressional investigations, to staggering environmental rollbacks. True to its style, the episode blends snark, wit, and serious alarm over the state of American democracy and policy.
Episode Overview
This episode, aptly described by the hosts as a “hodgepodge,” covers a string of chaotic political developments—ranging from the possible ousting of FBI Director Kash Patel and ongoing Trump scandals, to egregious environmental deregulation and the targeting of Democratic lawmakers. Amid all the political noise, the hosts provide both sharp analysis and much-needed comic relief, punctuated by memorable quotes, quirky segues, and an uplifting "Good News" segment.
Key Topics & Insights
1. Kash Patel’s Job in Jeopardy—FBI Director Shuffle
[03:45-06:00]
- Trump is reportedly considering removing current FBI Director Kash Patel due to negative headlines, misuse of resources, and Patel's social media boasting, which has allegedly jeopardized investigations.
- There’s tension within the Trump administration: Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche are also displeased with Patel’s conduct.
- Trump is rumored to consider Andrew Bailey as replacement, described by the hosts as “Bongino’s babysitter.”
- Memorable quote:
AG [05:05]: “I read the headline to the president, and he laughed. Well, yeah, because Patel’s in the room, you dumbass. That’s awkward, right?”
2. Tom Homan’s $50,000 Bribery Scandal and Senate FOIA
[06:11-09:01]
- Democratic Senators Whitehouse, Blumenthal, and Schiff file a FOIA request for details on Tom Homan—a Trump appointee caught accepting $50,000 in a bag during an undercover FBI sting.
- Their demand: all investigatory records, DOJ-FBI communication, video or audio evidence, and Homan’s tax returns.
- DG suggests deeper corruption:
DG [08:45]: “I have a feeling they’re about to find way more than a $50,000 bribe.”
3. FBI Investigates Six Democratic Lawmakers for 'Sedition'
[09:10-11:32]
- The FBI, under Kash Patel, is interviewing six Democratic Members of Congress who told military members they could refuse unlawful orders.
- Trump publicly calls for their execution, and the Justice Department frames the move as routine investigation.
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s response:
Slotkin, quoted by AG [11:16]: “The president directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place.”
4. Massive Environmental Rollbacks by Trump Administration
[11:40-15:02]
- The EPA and Interior Department propose stripping federal protection from millions of wetlands and endangered species, while opening 1.3 billion coastal acres for drilling—described as “the week from hell for environmental policy.”
- Lee Zeldin, EPA Admin, aims to “withstand swings of presidential elections.”
- Notable moment: Newsom and DeSantis unite to fight the coastal drilling plan, given the threat to state tourism.
- Memorable quote:
DG [13:28]: “Why are you so fucking proud of this, you asshole?”
5. Bolsonaro’s Ankle Monitor and Trump’s Curious Involvement
[15:02-18:20]
- Ex-Brazilian President Bolsonaro, under house arrest for his coup attempt, tampers with his ankle monitor. Trump claims to have spoken with Bolsonaro “last night,” coinciding with the tampering.
- The White House later hedges: press secretary claims, “not to my knowledge,” regarding the call.
- NBC: “Even by Trump standards, this one’s a doozy.”
6. Eric Swalwell Sues Trump Official Over Mortgage Doc Privacy
[18:20-19:50]
- Rep. Eric Swalwell sues Housing Director Bill Pulte for unlawfully obtaining and using his (and others’) mortgage records as political retribution.
- Pulte has subjected numerous Democratic officials to similar DOJ referrals.
- AG [19:50]: “How the fuck did Bill Pulte get these documents? ...That sounds really, really illegal.”
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On today's news cycle:
AG [01:17]: “It's a weird news day.”
DG [01:19]: “It is a weird news day. We've got a bunch of hodgepodge for you.” -
On FBI Director drama:
DG [01:44]: “He's not doing a poor enough job for this administration, which is wild.” -
On formal court filings (Ryan Routh):
DG [02:17]: “If the president wished to pummel the defendant just for good measure, put on the handcuffs and shackles and give it your worst. ...Don't be a pussy. Can I say pussy or coward? Sorry.”
AG [02:54]: “That's a formal filing on the court docket.” -
On Trump's healthcare dodging:
AG [01:25]: “Don't look at... nothing up my sleeve. Don't look over here at my healthcare plan that I still don't have after a decade while he's gutting the environmental policy.”
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [03:45] Kash Patel FBI Director Drama
- [06:11] Tom Homan $50K Bag Bribery FOIA
- [09:10] FBI Investigates Democratic Lawmakers
- [11:40] Environmental Policy Rollbacks
- [15:02] Bolsonaro, Trump, and the Ankle Monitor
- [18:20] Eric Swalwell v. Bill Pulte Lawsuit
- [20:47+] (Ads and Good News Segment)
Tone and Style
The hosts maintain a sardonic, sharply progressive tone throughout, using humor and exasperation to cut through the dire news. They frequently jab at Trump officials and their apparent incompetency or corruption, while expressing genuine concern for American democracy and institutions. The “bad segues” become a running joke, underscoring the absurdity of the day’s news.
Good News Segment Highlights
[24:49+]
Listeners share personal wins and stories of resilience:
- A family resettling from Germany to California with a nod to social services
- A proud mom whose shy daughter blossomed through theater
- A parent’s gratitude for inclusive scouting communities
- An author finishing a book on healing from religious trauma
- Celebration of academic milestones, adorable pet pictures, and more
Quote from listener Nick:
“I've always hated the idea of being a welfare recipient because the ideology I grew up in made me feel I would be less of a man...But fuck that, right?...the social services themselves have given my brain a little more freedom from the cortisol it's usually bathing in.” [26:43]
Closing Thoughts
[35:03-36:49]
The hosts express deep gratitude for their community and each other, reflecting on how the podcast began during the Covid pandemic and has evolved into an uplifting lifeline. Dana thanks listeners for their connection and positive energy.
Summary
"Kashed Out" is a whirlwind blend of outrage, insight, and empathy, as Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg dissect a wild political news cycle: chaos in Trump’s inner circle, Democratic probes, environmental devastation, and judicial absurdities. Their blend of wit, frustration, and hope, paired with heartfelt community stories, makes this episode essential listening for anyone seeking clarity—and a touch of laughter—in tumultuous times.
