The Daily Beans – "Purpose Driven" (feat. Jocelyn Benson)

Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Alison Gill (MSW Media)
Special Guest: Jocelyn Benson (Secretary of State of Michigan, Democratic candidate for governor)
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced breakdown of the day’s major progressive-leaning political headlines, with a spotlight interview on pro-democracy leadership as Alison Gill welcomes Michigan Secretary of State—and gubernatorial candidate—Jocelyn Benson. The episode tackles national news, attacks on democracy, and Benson’s vision for protecting rights and improving quality of life in Michigan.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a round-up of urgent political news—from media censorship to escalating attacks on marginalized communities, immigration horrors, justice system setbacks, and glimmers of positive change. The marquee segment is a deep-dive interview with Jocelyn Benson, who discusses the purpose-driven character of leadership amid relentless threats to democracy. The tone is snarky, determined, and hope-tinged, balancing outrage over recent events with stories of resistance and resilience.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Media Censorship & Jimmy Kimmel Blackout

[00:55–04:40]

• Nexstar and Sinclair, two major local TV operators, announce they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite Disney's move to bring it back.
• Kimmel’s blackout exposes media consolidation and political powerbrokers in America’s broadcast landscape.
• Alison vents frustration at Disney and applauds growing awareness of Sinclair’s right-wing agenda.
• Quote:

  “I am one of those people I unsubscribed. I said I would think about subscribing again if Disney stood up and said fuck you make me as John Oliver said.” – Alison Gill (02:19)

2. Trump at the United Nations – A Refusal to Normalize

[04:43–08:23]

• Trump gives an erratic speech at the UN: complains, insults, blames teleprompter/escalator malfunctions on everyone else.
• Alison declines to “normalize” the coverage and skewers establishment media’s complicity.
• She punctuates the segment with a beloved Mitch Hedberg quote about broken escalators.
• Quote:

  “There’s just nothing I can say about the bloviating embarrassment. ... Corporate media can’t just keep covering this like politics as usual. So I can't do it.” – Alison Gill (05:31)

• Memorable Moment:
  Mitch Hedberg’s escalator joke, putting Trump’s excuses in perspective.

  “An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs.” (07:56)

3. ICE and Immigration Scandals

[08:23–11:10]

• ICE agents hold a 5-year-old autistic girl outside her Massachusetts home to pressure her father—recorded on video, despite DHS denials.
• Two-thirds of migrant detainees at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” camp are missing from ICE’s database—families can’t find them.
• Alison draws parallels to previous children lost under Trump, noting the problem has worsened.
• Quote:

  “They just lie.” – Alison Gill, regarding DHS responses (11:01)

4. Trans Rights Under Attack: Texas Bathroom Ban and More

[11:10–13:00]

• Governor Abbott signs bill making Texas 20th state to bar trans people from bathrooms matching their gender identity.
• Law extends to jails, shelters, and affects domestic violence services.
• Alison condemns the law as “cruel and unusual punishment.”

5. Justice and the Arizona Fake Electors Case

[13:01–16:55]

• Ryan Routh found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump; courtroom drama as he tries to stab himself after verdict.
• Arizona’s prosecution of fake electors hits a roadblock: appeals court declines to hear case, forcing AG Mays to choose: Supreme Court or retry.
• Listeners are encouraged to voice support for accountability.

6. Congressional Dynamics & The Epstein Files

[16:56–19:51]

• Arizona’s special election could tip the balance on a petition to force a House vote on the Epstein files.
• Both main candidates have pledged to sign the petition.
• Mike Johnson’s attempts to delay disclosure are unraveling.
• Quote:

  “The days of turning a blind eye to Trump must end.” – Grijalva, Dem candidate (17:56)

7. Philanthropy and Positive Change

[19:52–20:19]

• Mackenzie Scott donates $70 million to UNCF, supporting HBCUs and educational equity.
• Quote:

  “This extraordinary gift is a powerful vote of confidence in HBCUs and in the work of UNCF.” – Dr. Michael L. Lomax, CEO UNCF (19:57)

Spotlight Interview: Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State & Gubernatorial Candidate

[20:19–40:24]

Purpose-Driven Leadership in a Time of Democratic Crisis

Background and Motivation ([20:50–23:36])

• Benson reflects on her tenure as Secretary of State during a “tumultuous time,” defending democracy even as Trump tried to overturn Michigan’s 2020 results.
• Dual role: chief election officer and DMV reformer—emphasizes efficient public service as a foundation for expanding rights.
• Quote:

  “I can’t be bullied. I can’t be intimidated. My work remains the same and proudly so.” – Jocelyn Benson (22:00)

Protection Against Federal Aggression ([24:20–25:57])

• On defending Michigan from federal or out-of-state attacks on rights (e.g., reproductive, trans rights):

  “Governors...cannot allow for the bullying of the White House to infiltrate our own states.” – J. Benson (24:23)

• Highlights Democratic governors’ roles as “guardrails” and especially women leaders’ insights into protecting reproductive freedoms.

Economic Security and Healthcare ([26:29–29:32])

• #1 concern for voters: Affordability—from housing to healthcare to food insecurity.
• Benson pledges to revamp state agencies (e.g. Health and Human Services), streamline bureaucracy, and make sure support actually reaches people.
• Quote:

  “Too often care decisions are being made by insurance providers and hospital execs instead of doctors and patients...I want to build something better.” – J. Benson (28:11)

• Example areas: Fixing Medicaid access, ensuring state help with insurance denials, protecting against hospital “profit over people” mentality.

Bipartisanship, Practicality, and Legislative Partnerships ([29:34–32:06])

• Prioritizing what works: bringing innovations from other states (e.g., universal childcare, free lunches).
• Sees the budget as a tool for building real public-private partnerships and realigning tax policy to invest in people.

Winning Coalitions and Lessons from 2020/2022 ([32:28–35:13])

• Benson has won statewide twice (by 9 and 14 points), stressing experience in coalition-building.
• Criticizes Trump’s impact on Michigan: failed economic promises, reckless tariffs, and surging costs.
• Quote:

  “We’ve got an opportunity to remind folks that governors can be the ones to not just say we’re gonna lower the cost of living, but actually deliver.” – J. Benson (33:48)

Courage and Purpose Under Threat ([35:13–38:57])

• Recounts being targeted by armed protesters during Trump’s bid to overturn Michigan’s vote.
• Personalizes the fight: “The way I react to bullying is to become even more emboldened to do the work I was elected to do.” (36:45)
• Emphasizes her purpose as a mother and a protector of future generations, drawing inspiration from previous civil rights struggles.
• Quote:

  “As a mom, I'll always stand up to anyone, anytime, anywhere who would stand in the way of any of our citizens and their rights, their freedoms, their voices.” – J. Benson (37:24)

Call to Action ([39:19–40:11])

• Encourages national support for her campaign to keep Michigan a pro-democracy stronghold.
• Website: jocelynbenson.com

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the heartbreak of persistent ICE abuses:

  “Unbelievable…It’s on video. They just lie.” – Alison Gill (11:00)

• On the urgency of resisting normalization:

  “I just can’t cover it. I just can’t.” – Alison Gill, on Trump’s continuing antics (06:44)

• On being purpose-driven as an official:

  “My drive to make sure Michigan schools are among the best in the nation, that our economy is one where anyone can thrive, that healthcare is free and freely accessible...comes from knowing the work I do over the next decade is going to define my kid's future.” – Jocelyn Benson (36:20)

• On media evil:

  “I know everyone…knows how evil Sinclair is. And now we know Nexstar is as well.” – Alison Gill (01:41)

Listener Engagement & Community

[40:24–56:05]

• "Good Trouble" and "Good News" sections: Listeners share acts of activism, community, and personal victories—many themed around disability and resistance to right-wing attacks.
• Repeated affirmations from Alison about the power of community, hope, and collective action.

Episode Flow and Tone

• Tempo: Fast-paced, information-dense, punctuated by humor and irreverence
• Emotional Tone: Balances outrage, exhaustion, and gratitude for the community and purpose-driven leaders
• Speaker Style: Candid, resilient, progressive, occasionally profane, always passionate

Summary/Takeaway

This episode of The Daily Beans is a call to attention and action: American democracy is at risk, marginalized groups are under attack, and systemic change is essential. Jocelyn Benson exemplifies the type of grounded, experienced, and purpose-driven leadership necessary to defend rights and modernize government. The episode underscores the need for resistance, hope, and the building of functional coalitions—anchored by the deep conviction that “just listening to the truth and the news is an act of resistance.”

For more: Visit jocelynbenson.com to support Benson’s campaign.
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