The Daily Beans Podcast Summary
Episode: Refried Beans | Inside The Perfect Phone Call (feat. Simon Shuster)
Release Date: January 19, 2025
Hosts: Alison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Featuring: Simon Schuster

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a highly eventful news day, covering significant political developments, legal battles, and international affairs. The episode also features an insightful interview with author Simon Schuster about his latest book on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Key News Highlights

1. E. Jean Carroll Defamation Trial

• Overview: Day one of the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial commenced in New York, focusing on former President Donald Trump's repeated legal losses.

• Court Rulings: Trump faced multiple setbacks, including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals dismissing his immunity claims and defamation arguments in Carroll's case.

• Hunter Biden Contempt: The House Republicans have withdrawn from charging Hunter Biden with contempt of Congress, opting instead for closed-door negotiations for testimony.

  Alison Gill [03:49]: "They issued that subpoena illegally... it was never going to work."

2. Trump’s Iowa Caucus Victory Amid Low Turnout

• Details: Trump secured the GOP Iowa caucus victory with only 14.4% of registered Republicans participating, translating to roughly 56,280 votes.

• Analysis: Hosts discuss the implications of the low voter turnout, highlighting potential weaknesses in Trump's support base.

  Alison Gill [04:24]: "He won, but did he win anyway?"

3. Roger Stone’s Threatening Remarks Under Investigation

• Incident: Capitol Police and the FBI are investigating Roger Stone for comments suggesting the assassination of Representatives Eric Swalwell and Jerry Nadler.

• Stone’s Defense: He claims the audio recordings are fabrications, denying involvement in any threats.

  Dana Goldberg [07:16]: "This is not AI, this is there. This is a documentarian."

4. Biden Administration’s Policy Shift on Yemen’s Houthis

• Policy Change: The U.S. is set to relist Yemen's Houthi rebels as global terrorists to address their attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. assets.

• Impact: Unlike the previous designation, the new label aims to facilitate humanitarian aid without imposing strict sanctions.

  Alison Gill [15:40]: "The specially designated global terrorist label... may not pose a substantial impediment to providing aid to Yemeni civilians."

5. Biden Invites Congressional Leaders to Discuss Ukraine Funding

• Meeting Details: President Biden has called top congressional leaders to the White House to negotiate funding for Ukraine, Israel, and border security amidst looming government shutdown threats.

• Challenges: The talks face hurdles, including GOP demands for stringent border security measures tied to aid packages.

  Alison Gill [17:24]: "I have no faith that Republicans will ever pass any kind of border security they need to run on that problem."

In-Depth Interview: Simon Schuster on "The Showman Inside the Invasion"

Guest: Simon Schuster, Author of The Showman Inside the Invasion that Shook the World and Made a Leader out of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Background and Motivation

• Early Reporting: Schuster began covering the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2014 and formed a close relationship with Zelenskyy, which inspired his comprehensive book on the Ukrainian president.

• Focus Shift: Unlike previous wartime reporting, Schuster concentrated solely on the presidential leadership in Kyiv to explore Zelenskyy's transformation from comedian to wartime leader.

  Dana Goldberg [21:18]: "I decided to focus my reporting on the presidential compound... to shed light on how the leadership in Ukraine were experiencing this war and responding to it."

Zelenskyy's Leadership Style

• Showmanship as a Superpower: Zelenskyy's background in entertainment equipped him with the skills to captivate global attention, crucial for garnering international support.

  Dana Goldberg [22:05]: "His showmanship turned out to be his superpower... he concocted a plan... to maintain that support."

• Authenticity and Persona: Schuster highlights Zelenskyy's genuine demeanor, making his leadership both effective and relatable, contributing to global unity.

  Dana Goldberg [24:48]: "He is now the wartime leader we see on our screens... he is indistinguishable from that Persona."

Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics

• Impeachment Scandal Impact: Zelenskyy's initial encounter with U.S. politics during Trump's impeachment fostered a sense of cynicism towards international alliances.

  Dana Goldberg [27:24]: "He doesn't trust anybody at all anymore... everybody just has their interests."

• Conflict with Military Leadership: The evolving relationship between Zelenskyy and General Valery Zaluzhny is a central theme, showcasing strategic disagreements that ultimately led to successful military operations, such as the Kharkiv offensive.

  Dana Goldberg [35:57]: "President Zelensky Trotsky develops enough confidence in his own decisions... and these don't align with those of the general."

Book Insights

• Strategic Decision-Making: Schuster provides examples from his book illustrating how Zelenskyy's decisions, sometimes at odds with military leaders, resulted in significant battlefield successes.

  Dana Goldberg [33:49]: "It was a tremendous success. Back an enormous amount of territory."

Good News Segment

The hosts transition to a lighter segment, inviting listeners to share positive stories, photos, and personal victories. Highlights include:

• Listener Submissions:

  • Triska Decca: Shared a nostalgic story about halflinger horses.
  • Phil: Celebrates adopting a rescue dog, Winston.
  • Danny: Narrates success with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, expressing relief and gratitude.
  • Chris: Describes the resolution of long-standing student loan debts through a lawsuit.

  Dana Goldberg [41:57]: "He was a rescue I adopted last year and he's brought nothing but joy and sunshine to my life."

• Community Efforts: A listener shares inspiring community initiatives in Oklahoma addressing homelessness and supporting the unhoused population, emphasizing collective action and compassion.

  Carisa [46:30]: "Help comes out of the woodwork... it's amazing."

Upcoming Events and Announcements

• Live Shows: An announcement of upcoming live shows by Simon Schuster, including dates and locations in Florida and Oregon, encouraging listeners to attend and support his work.

  Simon Schuster [48:06]: "I'm gonna make some noise, tell some Rhonda jokes and bring some super gay stuff to Florida because we need it."

• Future Episodes: Teasers about upcoming content, including potential updates on legal cases and additional interviews.

Conclusion

Hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode with heartfelt messages urging listeners to take care of themselves and their communities, emphasizing themes of unity and support.

Alison Gill [49:40]: "Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health, take care of your family."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alison Gill [03:49]: "They issued that subpoena illegally... it was never going to work."
• Dana Goldberg [07:16]: "This is not AI, this is there. This is a documentarian."
• Dana Goldberg [22:05]: "His showmanship turned out to be his superpower... he concocted a plan... to maintain that support."
• Alison Gill [04:24]: "He won, but did he win anyway?"
• Alison Gill [17:24]: "I have no faith that Republicans will ever pass any kind of border security they need to run on that problem."
• Dana Goldberg [27:24]: "He doesn't trust anybody at all anymore... everybody just has their interests."

This episode of The Daily Beans offers a comprehensive overview of pressing political and legal issues, enriched by an in-depth interview that provides a deeper understanding of global leadership under crisis. The blend of serious news analysis and uplifting listener stories ensures a balanced and engaging listening experience.