The Daily Beans - Episode Summary: "Practical Magic" (feat. Katie Paris)
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Allison Gill

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Allison Gill, the conversation seamlessly blends pressing political news with an inspiring interview featuring Katie Paris, the founder and CEO of Red Wine and Blue. The episode delves into critical legal battles, government accountability, and the power of community-driven activism, all infused with the show's signature blend of social justice and snark.

Key News Highlights

1. The Abrego Case Hearing

• Timestamp: [00:00] - [27:00]

Allison Gill opens the episode by discussing the ongoing Abrego case, where a recent hearing mandated the U.S. government to produce any witness with knowledge about the detention and deportation plans for Mr. Abrego. The government has been evasive, failing to clarify whether Mr. Abrego will be deported to a third country or face trial for his alleged crimes.

Notable Quote:
“All the government is saying is, 'No, you can't let him out because we want to try him for his crimes,' and simultaneously, 'We're going to deport him' without any concrete plans.”
— Allison Gill [15:45]

The conversation highlights the chaotic handling of detainees, particularly the 250 Venezuelan migrants held in El Salvador, whose conditions in the Everglades detention camp have been described as inhumane.

2. Failed Prisoner Swap with Venezuela

• Timestamp: [10:30] - [25:00]

Allison details the Trump administration's failed attempt to negotiate a prisoner swap involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The proposed deal aimed to exchange American detainees for Venezuelan political prisoners but ultimately collapsed due to conflicting terms and lack of coordination within the administration.

Notable Quote:
“Rick Grinnell was promising some shit that he couldn't deliver.”
— Allison Gill [20:15]

The failed negotiations left both American and Venezuelan detainees still imprisoned, showcasing the disarray within the Trump administration's foreign policy strategies.

3. IRS Allows Churches to Endorse Political Candidates

• Timestamp: [35:00] - [40:00]

Breaking from decades-long tradition, the IRS has amended policies to permit houses of worship to endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. This change overturns the Johnson Amendment of 1954, which previously restricted such endorsements.

Notable Quote:
“Communications from a house of worship on electoral politics, viewed through the lens of religious faith, do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.”
— IRS Statement [36:20]

Allison critiques the IRS's reasoning, comparing religious endorsements to family discussions and expressing skepticism about the policy's implications on church-state separation.

4. Departure of Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino

• Timestamp: [40:00] - [45:30]

The episode covers the exit of Linda Yaccarino, Twitter’s CEO, amid tumultuous changes under Elon Musk’s ownership. Since Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, the platform has seen significant layoffs, relaxed speech restrictions, and a decline in advertising revenue.

Notable Quote:
“When Elon Musk and I first spoke for his vision for Twitter, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company.”
— Linda Yaccarino [42:10]

Allison speculates on the reasons behind Yaccarino's departure, linking it to Musk's controversial decisions and the platform's shifting dynamics.

5. Wisconsin Supreme Court Bans Conversion Therapy

• Timestamp: [46:00] - [52:00]

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld a ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy, declaring previous legislative attempts to block such bans unconstitutional. This landmark decision empowers Governor Tony Evers' administration to enforce policies that classify conversion therapy as unprofessional conduct.

Notable Quote:
“The court's ruling has effectively blasted a hole in the issue, stripping the committee of its ability to independently impede the executive branch.”
— Allison Gill [50:25]

The decision not only impacts conversion therapy but also undermines Republican-controlled committees' attempts to block other executive agendas, signaling a shift towards greater executive autonomy in Wisconsin.

In-Depth Interview: Katie Paris of Red Wine and Blue

Empowering Women in Politics

• Timestamp: [27:33] - [46:59]

Allison Gill engages in a profound conversation with Katie Paris, exploring the mission and impact of Red Wine and Blue, a women-owned and operated progressive organization dedicated to fostering political activism among women.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Foundation and Growth of Red Wine and Blue:
   Katie shares her 25-year career in politics, highlighting the transition from traditional D.C.-centric activism to grassroots, community-based organizing. She emphasizes the organization's focus on local engagement, which has expanded to over 850 local groups nationwide.

   Notable Quote:
   “The heart of who we are is working locally even though we've become a national organization. Women's networks, women getting shit done, being effective.”
   — Katie Paris [29:50]

2. Building Community as an Antidote to Extremism:
   The duo discusses how strong, connected communities can counteract divisive and authoritarian tendencies by fostering solidarity and mutual support.

   Notable Quote:
   “Community care can be self care. If you do it in a way where you are engaging with others, you're doing it at the local level, you can touch and feel your impact.”
   — Katie Paris [43:00]

3. Practical Strategies for Local Activism:
   Katie introduces "160 Ways to Change the World Without Losing Your Shit Again," a guide designed to empower individuals with actionable steps that align with maintaining personal well-being.

   Notable Quote:
   “You can change the world and maintain a sense of peace of mind. Because you can do it in a way that's connected with your community.”
   — Katie Paris [45:00]

4. The Power of Collective Action:
   Highlighting recent successes in local elections, Katie illustrates how grassroots movements, like those in New York City and Wisconsin, have effectively challenged entrenched powers and achieved significant victories.

   Notable Quote:
   “These women just didn't know about each other, like one suburb over. We got to connect them together.”
   — Katie Paris [31:15]

5. Sustainability Through Infrastructure:
   Katie underscores the importance of building sustainable political infrastructure that transcends election cycles, ensuring continuous support and mobilization.

   Notable Quote:
   “Sustainability requires infrastructure. These women, as smart as they were, as much as they were engaging in politics in new ways, didn't know about each other. So here comes Katie to connect them.”
   — Allison Gill [30:00]

Throughout the interview, Allison and Katie emphasize the synergy between personal empowerment and collective action, advocating for a political landscape where women lead with both passion and pragmatism.

Good News Segment

Community Stories and Triumphs

• Timestamp: [47:00] - [End]

The episode concludes with Good News, where listeners share uplifting stories. Highlights include:

• Catherine from Colorado celebrates her dog, Ms. Wilma, excelling in obedience amidst chaotic Independence Day celebrations.

  Listener Quote:
  “Ms. Wilma practiced her loose leash walking and focused on her human skills at the Independence Day celebrations.”
  — Catherine [48:15]

• Empresses of All Things Legume Fada discusses relief efforts for flood victims in Kerrville, Texas, inspired by the Kerrville Folk Festival.

  Listener Quote:
  “The Kerrville Folk Festival has a relief effort going on to help displaced flood victims. Friends of the Beans can donate and volunteer.”
  — Legume Fada [49:45]

• Elizabeth H. shares the joyous addition of a 10-year-old cat, Malia, to her family, fostering harmony between her new pet and their adopted greyhound.

  Listener Quote:
  “We have a seven-pound bundle of happiness joining our 78 pounds of goofy long legs joy every day with these two.”
  — Elizabeth H. [50:30]

These stories underscore the podcast's commitment to highlighting positive community engagement and personal victories amidst broader societal challenges.

Conclusion

In "Practical Magic," The Daily Beans effectively navigates a complex array of political and social issues, intertwining hard-hitting news with a heartfelt exploration of grassroots activism. The episode serves as both a call to action and a beacon of hope, illustrating that meaningful change is achievable through community, resilience, and the collective efforts of passionate individuals.

For more insights and to join the conversation, listeners are encouraged to engage with Red Wine and Blue and share their own stories of good news and community triumphs.

Produced by Allison Gill and the MSW Media team.