Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – "No Take Backsies" (April 17, 2025)

Hosts: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg | Produced by MSW Media

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "No Take Backsies," Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a series of pressing political and social justice issues, interspersed with moments of levity and community engagement. The hosts balance serious discussions with lighter segments, maintaining their signature blend of progressive news and snarky commentary.

2. Judicial Actions and Government Accountability

a. Judge Boasberg's Ruling on Government Contempt (00:00 - 05:20)

Allison Gill opens the discussion by addressing Judge Boasberg's recent opinion declaring that probable cause exists to find the government in criminal contempt for defying a court order to turn around planes transporting prisoners to El Salvador.

• Key Points:

  • Incident: On March 15, President Bukele denied Senator Chris Van Hollen access to Seacoat, a detention center in El Salvador, preventing a meeting with the kidnapped Maryland father, Abrego Garcia.
  • Legal Implications: The Supreme Court vacated the initial orders, but Judge Boasberg emphasized that court orders must be respected regardless of subsequent vacations.
  • Consequences: The government may need to provide due process to the detained individuals or face criminal contempt charges, potentially leading to the appointment of a special prosecutor if the Department of Justice (DOJ) fails to act.

• Notable Quote:

  “You cannot defy a court order even if the order ends up being vacated.” — Allison Gill [02:10]

b. Senator Chris Van Hollen's Denied Access in El Salvador (05:20 - 07:20)

Dana Goldberg discusses Senator Van Hollen's unsuccessful attempt to secure a meeting with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center.

• Key Points:

  • Context: Van Hollen aimed to negotiate Garcia's release but was blocked by Salvadoran officials.
  • Government's Stance: Salvadoran Vice President claims the Trump administration is financing Garcia’s detention, labeling it as constructive U.S. custody.
  • Discrepancy: Contradictory messages from the Trump administration about Garcia's custody status raise concerns about transparency and accountability.

• Notable Quote:

  “A 9 to 0 Supreme Court ruling, the Trump administration, the Department of Justice is in his pocket. Who is going to do something?” — Allison Gill [07:09]

3. Immigration and Legal Battles

a. Government's Case Against Mahmoud Khalil (07:20 - 09:45)

Allison Gill highlights the scrutiny over the government's deportation efforts against Mahmoud Khalil, emphasizing the reliance on dubious tabloid sources.

• Key Points:

  • Evidence Issues: The government's deportation case against Khalil is based on unverified tabloid articles from sources like the New York Post and Washington Free Beacon.
  • Contradictions: Claims about Khalil's affiliations and activities are often erroneous or misleading.
  • Legal Outcome: Khalil has until April 23 to file for relief, with his legal team presenting substantial evidence contradicting the government's claims.

• Notable Quote:

  “Once you cut loose your Pecker, David Pecker, and you don't have the Inquirer anymore, you go and you rely on the New York Post for your court evidence. Unbelievable.” — Dana Goldberg [09:45]

b. Habeas Corpus Petition for Edeckson David Quintero Chacon (09:45 - 13:09)

Dana Goldberg reports on a new habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Edeckson David Quintero Chacon, who is being detained in El Salvador.

• Key Points:

  • Background: Quintero Chacon, a 28-year-old Venezuelan carpenter and father, was deported to El Salvador after failing to secure his residency in the U.S.
  • Legal Struggle: Despite filing a habeas petition in February 2025, the U.S. government proceeded with his deportation to El Salvador's oppressive detention center, Seacote.
  • Call for Action: The American Immigration Council and other civil rights organizations are pushing for Quintero Chacon's immediate release, drawing parallels to past human rights violations like those in Guantanamo Bay.

• Notable Quote:

  “The Trump administration's new tactic of sending migrants to Seacote, where they are held incommunicado and subject to torturous conditions, is from the same playbook as the incommunicado detention and torture the center for Constitutional Rights has been challenging in Guantanamo since the early 1990s.” — Dana Goldberg [12:35]

4. Government Overreach and Nonprofit Interference

a. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s Efforts (14:39 - 16:58)

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg discuss DOGE's attempts to embed its members within federal agencies and nonprofit organizations receiving federal funding.

• Key Points:

  • DOGE’s Proposal: The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, seeks to assign DOGE members to various institutions, aiming to reshape the federal government.
  • Case Study: The Vera Institute of Justice faced potential DOGE infiltration but reconsidered after federal funding was revoked following DOGE's involvement.
  • Implications: This move signals increased government interference in nonprofit sectors, raising concerns about autonomy and freedom from political agendas.

• Notable Quote:

  “DOGE goes in. We need to come in and add some people to your team. We were defunded. Oh, well, never mind. Bye. Fuck.” — Allison Gill [15:36]

5. Environmental Policy and Legal Wins

Judge Tanya Chutkan Blocks EPA’s Withholding of Clean Energy Funds (16:58 - 18:37)

Dana Goldberg shares positive news about Judge Tanya Chutkan's recent ruling against the EPA's efforts to withhold $20 billion allocated for clean energy programs.

• Key Points:

  • Inflation Reduction Act: The $20 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was established to support energy independence and reduce costs.
  • EPA & FBI Actions: The agencies attempted to freeze grants citing unfounded criminal investigations, deriving their claims from misleading sources like Project Veritas.
  • Judicial Decision: Judge Chutkan blocked the EPA's actions, mandating the immediate distribution of funds unless the EPA can provide substantial evidence.
  • Future Prospects: Despite the EPA's appeal, the ruling marks a significant victory for environmental nonprofits and clean energy initiatives.

• Notable Quote:

  “Untoward or legal. I like the word.” — Allison Gill [17:36]

6. Good News and Community Engagement

a. Supporting Small Businesses and Personal Stories (01:16 - 03:28)

Dana Goldberg shares a heartwarming story about a small, Latin-owned, lesbian-owned business in Gilbert, Arizona, which saw a surge in orders following a community call to action.

• Key Points:

  • Success Story: Over 100 orders for marshmallows were placed, showcasing the power of community support.
  • Future Plans: Potential collaboration for exclusive "Daily Beans" flavored marshmallows.

• Notable Quote:

  “They’re the best marshmallows I’ve ever had. And now she sent me a text and she’s like, what happened? And I was like, I just wanted to give you a shout out.” — Dana Goldberg [01:22]

b. Listener Submissions and Shout-Outs (23:04 - 34:36)

The hosts engage with listeners by sharing submissions, including shout-outs to family members, support for fellow activists, and showcasing community efforts.

• Highlights:

  • Personal Tributes: Listeners share heartfelt messages about their loved ones participating in protests and community activities.
  • Local Events: Promotion of upcoming shows and community gatherings, fostering a sense of solidarity.
  • Creative Contributions: Photos of pets, community rallies, and personal achievements add a personal touch to the episode.

• Notable Quotes:

  “I was able to attend an empty chair town hall last Monday for Daniel Webster, who of course was not in attendance.” — Holly, Listener [29:56]

  “I find such solace in your presence. And I know a lot of others do, too.” — Nicole, Listener [25:51]

7. Call to Action and Upcoming Events

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg encourage listeners to take actionable steps against government overreach and support progressive causes.

• Key Points:

  • Grassroots Mobilization: Emphasis on organizing local rallies, building coalitions, and leveraging voter power to influence legislative outcomes.
  • Community Support: Highlighting the importance of collective action and solidarity in combating oppressive policies.
  • Upcoming Events: Promotion of Dana Goldberg's upcoming comedy show to support fundraisers and community healing.

• Notable Quote:

  “If everyone at the same time... said enough and just fucking said no to this guy, we're not going to do it anymore.” — Dana Goldberg [13:12]

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a blend of humor, encouragement, and solidarity, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to delivering progressive news with a touch of humor. The hosts remind listeners to engage with their community, support small businesses, and stay informed on critical social justice issues.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Allison Gill [02:10]: “You cannot defy a court order even if the order ends up being vacated.”
• Dana Goldberg [09:45]: “Once you cut loose your Pecker, David Pecker, and you don't have the Inquirer anymore, you go and you rely on the New York Post for your court evidence. Unbelievable.”
• Allison Gill [07:09]: “Who is going to do something?”
• Dana Goldberg [12:35]: “Who is going to do something?”
• Allison Gill [15:36]: “DOGE goes in. We need to come in and add some people to your team. We were defunded. Oh, well, never mind. Bye. Fuck.”
• Allison Gill [17:36]: “Untoward or legal. I like the word.”
• Dana Goldberg [01:22]: “They’re the best marshmallows I’ve ever had. And now she sent me a text and she’s like, what happened? And I was like, I just wanted to give you a shout out.”
• Dana Goldberg [13:12]: “If everyone at the same time... said enough and just fucking said no to this guy, we're not going to do it anymore.”
• Nicole, Listener [25:51]: “I find such solace in your presence. And I know a lot of others do, too.”
• Holly, Listener [29:56]: “I was able to attend an empty chair town hall last Monday for Daniel Webster, who of course was not in attendance.”

Final Thoughts:

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg effectively navigate complex political issues, advocating for justice and governmental accountability while fostering a supportive community environment. Their blend of serious discourse and personable interactions makes "The Daily Beans" a compelling listen for those seeking informed and progressive perspectives.