The Daily Beans Podcast Summary

Episode: Refried Beans | Durham Is the Hoax
Date: October 19, 2022 (Rebroadcast on October 18, 2025)
Hosts: Allison Gill ("AG") and Dana Goldberg ("DG")
Theme:
A retrospective look at the chaotic aftermath of the Mueller investigation, the collapse of the Durham probe, political repercussions of Jan 6, Trump’s legal entanglements, and some well-earned progressive snark. The episode blends hard news updates with personal reflections and moments of humor between the hosts.

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the defeat of John Durham’s investigation into the Mueller probe, the ongoing fallout from Trump-era scandals, testimony from a former Oath Keeper related to Jan 6, scrutiny of the Secret Service’s conduct, and a lively “good news” segment from listeners. The hosts, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg, bring in personal context, sharp commentary, and camaraderie, marking a milestone moment for those invested in justice post-2016.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Durham Investigation Falls Flat

[00:45–06:56]

• John Durham, appointed by Bill Barr as a special counsel to investigate the origins of the Russia probe, faces a notable defeat: the acquittal of Igor Danchenko on all four counts.
• AG recounts the right-wing hysteria and conspiracy theories Durham’s appointment fueled, with wild claims of mass arrests and “Deep State” actors.
• The reality: After three years, Durham’s efforts have led to just one minor guilty plea, not a single significant conviction, and no evidence supporting Trump-world claims.

“Far and wide, right wing dipshits told us to buckle our seat belts because half the beltway was going to be rolled up in this Deep State probe and sent to Guantanamo Bay, including Hillary Clinton and Obama and Pete Strzok, Andy McCabe, Jim Comey, the entirety of what they claimed were Deep State operatives…”
— AG [02:43]

• AG notes media complicity in early Barr-era spin, particularly citing the rush to declare Trump exonerated after the Mueller report release.
• The sum-up: “Time for Durham to be defunded, close up shop so we can use those resources for actual crimes like insurrection and espionage.” — AG [06:47]
• Dana and Allison share a cathartic, celebratory tone, referencing their connection to the Mueller investigation and its witnesses.

2. Oath Keeper Testifies: Jan 6 Plots and Reflections

[06:56–09:21]

• Testimony from Jason Dolan, ex-Oath Keeper and Marine Corps veteran, reveals the escalating rhetoric among Oath Keepers post-2020 election.
• Dolan testified about readiness to take up arms, sharing both his weapons and his past social media posts.
• Quotes and attitudes circulating in Oath Keeper chatrooms display the willingness to contemplate violence for Trump.

“I have to be mentally prepared for however far I’m willing to go to stand for America, for the Constitution, for the President, and for the survival of our ideals.”
— Jason Dolan (as recounted by Dana) [08:08]

“If I’m lucky, I get a prison sentence tagged with treason or a bullet from the very people I would protect. … Yet I swore to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
— Jason Dolan (as recounted by Dana) [08:34]

• AG points out the importance of Dolan’s testimony about Trump’s tweet targeting Pence as a turning point in crowd violence, a clue for potential DOJ prosecution. [09:21]

3. Special Master’s Skepticism in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Case

[09:40–13:34]

• Judge Raymond Dearie, acting as Special Master, challenges Trump’s legal team’s claims about privilege over seized Mar-a-Lago documents.
• Dearie critiques the lack of substantive information in Trump’s privilege logs:

“It’s a little perplexing as I go through the log… Where’s the beef? I need some beef.”
— Judge Deary (as recounted by AG) [10:41]

• Dearie points out the contradiction of claiming both personal custody and executive privilege for the same documents.
• The segment exposes the Trump team’s misrepresentations (inflating document page counts from ~21,000 to 200,000), a pattern of obfuscation.
• AG expresses confidence that the 11th Circuit will support DOJ’s position, citing developments from her other podcast. [13:34]

4. Secret Service Under the Microscope

[13:34–16:21]

• Nancy Pelosi, in a recent NBC interview, expressed concern over whether the Secret Service was a potential threat to Pence during Jan 6th.
• The hosts discuss:
  • Unusual deletion of Secret Service messages around Jan 6.
  • Growing suspicions inside Congress, with Rep. Adam Kinzinger openly questioning if the Secret Service was involved in “very criminal activity or just having a preference for one side or the other.” — Kinzinger [15:48]
  • Jamie Raskin’s description of Pence’s decision to remain in the Capitol as a critical, chilling moment.
  • The committee’s ongoing investigations could bring more agents in for questioning.

5. Upcoming Legal Developments

[16:21–16:41]

• Bannon’s sentencing for contempt of Congress is imminent. [16:21]
• Trump to be deposed in E. Jean Carroll’s case the next day. [16:27]
• AG relishes the judicial and investigatory momentum, noting, “I don’t know how many investigations there could be, but there are all of them. That’s how many.” [16:39]

6. Listener Good News & Community Moments

[17:03–22:13]

• Uplifting segment featuring pet stories, photos, and whimsical songs submitted by listeners.
• Notable entries:
  • Gwendolyn W. rewrites Tom Jones lyrics for a “great big pussycat.” [18:05]
  • Listeners share photos of photogenic pets and heartwarming rescue stories.
  • Andy, a proud pet parent, shares improvised verses for Roxy the dog, such as:
    “Hello, my name is Roxy? … if you throw the ball for me I’ll never get enough…” [21:01]
• The hosts’ playful banter and affection for listeners create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere, a hallmark of “The Daily Beans.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Durham’s failure & media complicity:
  “Even though both Mueller himself and the report explicitly stated the opposite. Barr got called out by Judge Sullivan for inappropriately redacting the public version of the Mueller report to hide the breadth and depth of Russian interference in the election.” — AG [03:39]

• On Trump’s privilege claims:
  “Deary seemed doubtful. For instance … one document that Trump’s lawyers claimed was his personal property, not a government record, but also claimed it was protected by executive privilege, which is a designation reserved for government documents.” — AG [11:13]

• On gratitude for the podcast’s community:
  “I wouldn’t have this opportunity to speak for all of you if all of you weren’t here listening. And I’m so, so honored to do this and proud of the work that we’ve done and all of the work that you all have done as well.” — AG [22:56]

• On fighting for democracy:
  “Vote blue over Q. And for God’s sakes, take someone with you.” — DG [23:26]

Timestamps for Main Segments

• Recap and Durham Probe: 00:45–06:56
• Oath Keeper Testimony: 06:56–09:21
• Special Master & Trump Documents: 09:40–13:34
• Secret Service Investigation: 13:34–16:21
• Upcoming Court News: 16:21–16:41
• Listener Good News: 17:03–22:13
• Community & Final Thoughts: 22:56–23:32

Conclusion

This episode offers both catharsis and vigilance—documenting the failure of right-wing conspiracy narratives around the Russia investigation, the seriousness of ongoing Jan 6 accountability processes, and the necessity of watchdog journalism. Allison and Dana’s rapport and listener engagement imbue the episode with optimism and community spirit. For progressive, justice-minded listeners, it’s both a progress report and a call to keep pushing forward.