The Daily Beans: "Refried Beans | Adopt a Striker (feat. Rick Smith)" Summary

Release Date: November 16, 2024
Episode Date: November 17, 2021
Host: Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Featured Guest: Rick Smith of the Rick Smith Show

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a range of timely political and social issues, blending progressive news with their characteristic humor and snark. The episode also features an insightful conversation with Rick Smith, host of the Rick Smith Show, highlighting labor movements and union growth.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Legal Troubles for Alex Jones

Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg discuss the significant legal victory against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Jones was found liable for defamation in lawsuits filed by parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The hosts highlight the court's decision to default Jones due to his and his companies' failure to produce critical documents, emphasizing the court's stance against Jones's attempts to conceal evidence of his profits from promoting the hoax theory.

• Notable Quote:
  • Alison Gill (05:21): "I hope it's a fucking lot."

2. Trump Allies and the 25th Amendment

The hosts explore revelations from Jonathan Karl's book, Betrayal, the Final Act of the Trump Show, which details conversations between Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about using the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump following the January 6th insurrection. The discussion underscores the internal attempts to challenge Trump’s presidency and the subsequent abandonment of the plan due to anticipated legal challenges.

• Notable Quote:
  • Dana Goldberg (05:21): "They know Trump weighs down on people."

3. Pfizer’s COVID-19 Antiviral Pill

Alison and Dana share positive news about Pfizer seeking FDA emergency use authorization for its experimental antiviral COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid (PF07321332). They discuss the pill's potential to significantly reduce hospitalization and death rates among COVID-19 patients when administered early. The hosts express cautious optimism about the pill's impact on ending the pandemic, while also humorously critiquing possible logistical challenges in its distribution.

• Notable Quote:
  • Alison Gill (14:48): "If you get this pill, you are 89% less likely to be hospitalized by COVID."

Feature Interview: Rick Smith of the Rick Smith Show

Labor Movements and Union Growth

Rick Smith discusses the resurgence of labor movements and the increasing public support for workers' rights in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of terrestrial radio in reaching working-class audiences, particularly in areas previously neglected by progressive voices. Smith highlights the expansion of his show to major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, aiming to amplify the labor message and advocate for fair wages, healthcare, and retirement security.

• Notable Quote:
  • Rick Smith (18:43): "People go, oh, finally. Yeah, whoa, we've discovered you."

Adopt a Striker Initiative

Smith introduces the "Adopt a Striker" initiative, encouraging listeners to support and engage with ongoing strikes across the country. He shares his personal experience leading a strike near his home, emphasizing the need for solidarity and community support in labor actions. The initiative aims to bridge political divides by fostering respectful dialogue between workers and the broader community.

• Notable Quote:
  • Rick Smith (24:03): "Find a striker, walk with them and hear their stories."

Infrastructure Bill and Labor Provisions

The conversation shifts to the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure bill on job creation and union growth. Smith explains the inclusion of prevailing wage provisions, which ensure workers are paid competitive wages representative of their region. He discusses how these measures can lead to higher quality work and support for labor unions, citing examples of successful projects that adhered to prevailing wage standards.

• Notable Quote:
  • Rick Smith (28:26): "You're going to get a better quality of worker."

Good News Segment

The episode concludes with the "Good News" segment, where Alison and Dana share uplifting stories submitted by listeners. Highlights include:

• Listener Achievements:

  • A listener named Steve praises the podcast and shares a discount on Ruth Ben Guillot's book, Strongmen.
  • Dana shares personal victories, including finding a new job after facing pay cuts and supporting content creators.
  • Heartwarming updates about pets being adopted and new babies entering families, celebrating personal milestones and community support.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dana Goldberg (43:08): "Today, my wife and I are celebrating the birth of our healthy baby boy."

Conclusion

Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of community support, labor solidarity, and staying informed on progressive issues. They invite listeners to submit their own good news and engage with the podcast through their website and social media channels.

• Notable Quote:
  • Alison Gill (45:26): "Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, and take care of your mental health."

Final Thoughts: This episode of The Daily Beans effectively balances serious political discourse with personal anecdotes and humor, providing listeners with both informative content and relatable, uplifting stories. The inclusion of guest Rick Smith adds depth to the conversation on labor movements, highlighting the podcast's commitment to covering diverse and impactful topics.