Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – "Refried Beans | A Baker’s Dozen (feat. Hugo Lowell)" | June 21, 2022

Released on June 22, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg, the team delves into significant political events and updates surrounding the fourth committee hearing on the alleged coup attempt. Featuring insights from Hugo Lowell of The Guardian, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in U.S. politics, judicial misconduct, and Republican party dynamics, all delivered with the podcast's characteristic progressive slant and sharp wit.

1. Fourth Committee Hearing on the Attempted Coup

Timestamp: [00:46]

Alison Gill opens the discussion by outlining the key topics for the day:

• Committee Hearing: The fourth committee hearing addressing the alleged coup attempt is scheduled for 1 PM Eastern Time. Alison will be live-tweeting from the hearing room to capture real-time reactions and significant moments that may not be evident through traditional media coverage.

• Witness List: The initial list includes Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, his deputy Gabriel Sterling, and Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers. Notably, Wandrea Shay Moss has been added as a fourth witness.

• Legal Actions: Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, have filed lawsuits against several organizations, including OANN and Rudy Giuliani, for defamation related to unfounded claims of election fraud. These lawsuits stem from accusations that they manipulated ballot counting processes, a theory thoroughly debunked by the Department of Justice and FBI agents like BJ Pack. A critical piece of evidence involves video footage of Kanye West’s publicist pressuring Ruby Freeman to confess to election fraud under threats of physical harm and imprisonment.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg [02:50]: "We are going to want to pay attention to that."

2. DeSantis Judge and Judicial Misconduct

Timestamp: [03:59] – [06:05]

Hugo Lowell highlights a significant scandal involving Florida Supreme Court Judge Renatha Francis, who falsified information on her judicial application by denying past complaints to the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Key points include:

• False Statements: Judge Francis falsely claimed no prior complaints, despite having three complaints against her, including one citing, “When I appear in her court, it's like watching a judge burn our flag that is white,” referencing her biased rulings.

• Legal Implications: Under Florida statute Section 837.06, making a false official statement with intent to mislead a public servant is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

• Appointment Issues: Francis was prematurely promoted to a state Supreme Court position by Ron DeSantis without meeting the ten-year legal experience requirement, a move that was legally contested and overturned in court.

Notable Quote:

Hugo Lowell [04:04]: "Making, quote, a false official statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her official duty is a second degree misdemeanor crime."

3. Proud Boys' Ethan Nordean and Pretrial Release Denial

Timestamp: [06:05] – [10:34]

The hosts discuss the latest developments in the legal battles faced by Ethan Nordean, a leader within the Proud Boys:

• Pretrial Motions: Nordean has filed a baker’s dozen (13) motions seeking pretrial release, citing his right to a speedy trial. A federal judge, appointed by Trump, has consistently denied these motions, emphasizing the extensive discovery process and the impact of COVID-19 on court proceedings.

• Legal Proceedings: Nordean's attempts to manipulate the speedy trial clock by claiming his detention period includes time on home detention have been dismissed. The judge maintains that his trial, set for August, remains on schedule despite Nordean's efforts to delay.

• Proud Boys' Activities: The discussion touches on Nordean’s involvement in seditious conspiracy, including creating an online crowdfunding campaign to fund activities on January 6th. His social media posts reflect a determined stance to challenge the election results and support for Trump’s claims of election fraud.

Notable Quote:

Alison Gill [06:52]: "Nordean was a member of the Proud Boys Elders chapter and a president of his local chapter."

4. Texas Republican Party Platform and Far-Right Declarations

Timestamp: [10:34] – [14:16]

Hugo Lowell critiques the Republican Party of Texas' recent platform updates, pointing out a shift towards more extreme positions:

• Election Legitimacy: The platform includes unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, stating, “We hold that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was not legitimately elected by the people of the United States.”

• Social Issues: The party rebukes Senator John Cornyn for bipartisan gun legislation and labels homosexuality as an “abnormal lifestyle choice,” reflecting a stark departure from previous platforms.

• Secession and Legislative Control: The platform controversially mentions retaining the right to secede from the Union and showcases the party's control over Texas' legislative bodies, which has facilitated the passage of stringent anti-abortion laws and other conservative measures.

• Public Reaction: Alison and Hugo express alarm and frustration over these declarations, highlighting the growing influence of far-right ideologies within the Texas GOP.

Notable Quote:

Hugo Lowell [11:01]: "The resolutions adopting the false claims that former President Trump was the victim of a stolen election in 2020... were the latest examples of Texas Republicans moving further to the right in recent months."

5. Interview with Hugo Lowell on the Hearing and Potential Evidence of Trump's Involvement

Timestamp: [16:23] – [23:19]

Alison Gill engages in a detailed conversation with Hugo Lowell, a Congressional reporter for The Guardian, regarding the upcoming committee hearing:

• New Evidence: Lowell confirms that the committee has obtained new evidence suggesting direct involvement of former President Donald Trump in the fake elector scheme, which aims to overturn the 2020 election results.

• Fake Elector Scheme Details: The discussion explores how individuals like Cleta Mitchell and John Eastman devised the strategy to present alternate slates of electors in key states, intending to challenge the certified election outcomes.

• Legal Implications: Lowell emphasizes the potential criminal charges for falsifying election documents and the significance of connecting Trump directly to these fraudulent activities.

• DOJ and State Investigations: The Department of Justice, along with state prosecutors like Fani Willis of Fulton County, are actively investigating these schemes, which could lead to substantial legal repercussions for those involved.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg [17:54]: "I'm really looking for what the committee has in terms of evidence that connects Trump directly to the fake elector scheme, which, as we know, is a potential crime."

6. Good News Segment – Listener Contributions

Timestamp: [25:06] – [33:37]

The episode concludes on a positive note with Alison and Hugo sharing heartwarming stories and listener submissions:

• Listener Highlights: Contributions range from birthday celebrations, adoption of rescue animals, to personal anecdotes that showcase the supportive Daily Beans community.

• Heartfelt Tributes: Stories of overcoming challenges, such as adopting previously unloved pets and celebrating milestones despite personal hardships, add a touch of warmth and humanity to the episode.

• Community Engagement: The hosts encourage listeners to continue sharing their good news and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among the audience.

Notable Quotes:

Alison Gill [26:36]: "We made new friends. Best night in a long time."

Robert Beamer [28:24]: "They're a vegan organization run by the sweetest young family you'll ever see."

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beans offers a thorough examination of pressing political issues, including judicial misconduct, extremist movements, and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. By incorporating expert insights from Hugo Lowell and engaging listener stories, Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg deliver a balanced and informative narrative that keeps their audience well-informed and connected.

Notable Timestamps and Quotes

• Witness List and Legal Actions: [00:46]

  • Dana Goldberg: "We are going to want to pay attention to that."

• Judicial Misconduct: [04:04]

  • Hugo Lowell: "Making, quote, a false official statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her official duty is a second degree misdemeanor crime."

• Proud Boys' Legal Struggle: [06:52]

  • Alison Gill: "Nordean was a member of the Proud Boys Elders chapter and a president of his local chapter."

• Texas GOP Platform Critique: [11:01]

  • Hugo Lowell: "The resolutions adopting the false claims that former President Trump was the victim of a stolen election in 2020... were the latest examples of Texas Republicans moving further to the right in recent months."

• Trump's Involvement in Fake Elector Scheme: [17:54]

  • Dana Goldberg: "I'm really looking for what the committee has in terms of evidence that connects Trump directly to the fake elector scheme, which, as we know, is a potential crime."

• Good News and Listener Stories: [26:36]

  • Alison Gill: "We made new friends. Best night in a long time."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and notable moments from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.