Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans
Episode: Refried Beans | Random Acts of She-Ra
Release Date: December 22, 2024

Hosted by MSW Media, "The Daily Beans" delivers progressive news with a touch of snark, aimed primarily at women listeners. In this episode titled "Refried Beans | Random Acts of She-Ra," recorded on December 23, 2021, hosts Alison Gill and Amy Carrero delve into significant political and social topics, engage with legal experts, and celebrate uplifting listener stories.

1. Opening Remarks

Alison Gill introduces the episode with a playful nod to the title, expressing enthusiasm for both "refried beans" and the concept of "fried beans." The hosts set a lively tone, signaling a mix of serious news and lighthearted segments.

2. Major News Highlights

a. Donald Trump's Appeal to the Supreme Court

• Summary: Former President Donald Trump filed an appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to block the National Archives from releasing approximately 700 pages of documents to the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Details: The House committee responded by requesting expedited consideration, aiming for a decision by mid-January.
• Key Quote:
  Alison Gill (02:00):
  "At issue are hundreds of documents, including activity logs, schedules, speech notes, Mark Meadows notes, and three pages of handwritten notes from him from Meadows, paperwork that could reveal the goings on inside the West Wing as Trump supporters gathered goings on the shenanigans."

b. President Biden Supports Voting Rights Filibuster Exception

• Summary: President Joe Biden expressed support for making an exception to the Senate filibuster rules to pass voting rights legislation.
• Details: In an interview on ABC News, Biden emphasized the urgency of overcoming the filibuster to advance voting rights amid Republican resistance.
• Key Quote:
  Alison Gill (05:15):
  "President Joe Biden says he supports making an exception to the Senate filibuster rules in order to pass voting rights legislation."

c. Kim Potter Convicted of Manslaughter

• Summary: Former police officer Kimberly Potter was found guilty on both counts of manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Dante Wright in Minneapolis.
• Details: The jury's decision marks a rare conviction for a police officer, with Potter facing potential prison time ranging from seven to fifteen years.
• Key Quote:
  Alison Gill (07:10):
  "The jury deliberated across four days before agreeing on guilty verdicts from Kimberly Potter. She's the 49-year-old white woman who testified she had never fired a gun on the police force in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota until she shot a single bullet into the chest of Dante Wright."

d. Madison Cawthorn's Divorce

• Summary: Congressman Madison Cawthorn filed for divorce after a short marriage of eight months, citing his earthly vessel metaphorically linked to his controversial political actions.
• Details: Cawthorn faces multiple allegations, including racism, insurrectionism, and sexual misconduct, leading to personal and political turmoil.
• Key Quote:
  Amy Carrero (09:10):
  "Madison, make it make sense. A real estate investor before running for office, Cawthorn has been called a rising star of the Republican party, but has also stirred up plenty of controversy..."

3. Legal Insights with Andy Laufer

a. Michael Cohen's Lawsuit Against Trump and Others

• Guest: Andy Laufer, attorney representing Michael Cohen in his lawsuit against Donald Trump, William Barr, and federal Bureau of Prisons personnel.
• Discussion Highlights:

  • Retaliation Allegations: Cohen's lawsuit claims retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights, particularly after publicly announcing his forthcoming book.

  • Legal Proceedings: Laufer explains the legal basis for the lawsuit, referencing a habeas petition filed by Cohen and subsequent rulings by Judge Regina Chu.

  • Quote:
    Andy Laufer (12:37):
    "The crux of the suit is essentially retaliation for Michael Cohen's lawful exercising of his First Amendment rights."

  • Alison Gill's Personal Experience: Alison relates her own encounter with restrictive telework agreements, drawing parallels to Cohen's situation.

  • Future Implications: Both hosts express concerns over potential overreach by executive authorities and the importance of judicial independence.

  • Quote:
    Alison Gill (17:25):
    "I know what I've been through, and on a much smaller scale, I was not Donald Trump's personal fixer. But that kind of shows how much he retaliates..."

4. Legal Analysis with Ethan Behrman

a. Kim Potter's Conviction

• Guest: Ethan Behrman, host of the "Law Junkie" podcast.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • Shock at First-Degree Manslaughter Verdict: Behrman expresses surprise over Potter's first-degree manslaughter conviction, questioning the evidence of premeditation.
  • Implications for Law Enforcement: Concerns are raised about the impact of such convictions on police morale and recruitment.
  • Quote:
    Ethan Behrman (24:22):
    "I am bluntly shocked on the first degree conviction, first degree manslaughter, which is different from homicide..."

b. Elizabeth Holmes Trial Overview

• Summary: Behrman provides an overview of the Elizabeth Holmes trial, highlighting the complexities of proving wire fraud and conspiracy.

• Details: The trial centers on Holmes' fraudulent claims regarding Theranos' blood-testing technology, backed by high-profile investors.

• Key Quote:
  Ethan Behrman (34:06):
  "Wire fraud requires the defendant knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud, made or omitted a material fact, acted with intent to deceive, and caused someone to part with money based on those false statements."

• Comparison to Other Fraud Cases: Behrman contrasts Holmes' case with Bernie Madoff's, noting the challenges in proving intent and materiality.

• Outcome Predictions: He speculates a 30% chance of a guilty verdict, with possibilities of lesser charges if the jury doubts her intent to defraud.

• Quote:
  Ethan Behrman (45:02):
  "I give it a 30% chance she's found guilty, and I think the jury might find her guilty on a lesser charge, maybe a conspiracy count..."

5. Listener’s Good News Segment

The hosts share heartwarming stories submitted by listeners, providing a counterbalance to the intense political and legal discussions.

a. Cheryl’s Story

• Summary: Cheryl shares a humorous anecdote about her nephew misinterpreting "Feliz Navidad," resulting in the new Christmas song "Feliz Naughty Dad."
• Quote:
  Alison Gill (48:13):
  "This is a shit kids say. My nephew asked Alexa to play Feliz Navidad and when it started to play, he was singing Feliz Naughty Dad."

b. Tom’s Holiday Baking Success

• Summary: Tom celebrates successfully making Greta Christina's spicy chocolate pie for his family's holiday gathering, overcoming challenges from the previous year.
• Quote:
  Tom:
  "I made my semi-traditional holiday chocolate pie again for today's family gathering at my sister's. This is Greta Christina's chocolate pie. The spicy version."

c. Matt’s Pet Updates

• Summary: Matt shares good news about his dog Thor turning 15 and his cat Cleo's recovery from a severe health scare, expressing gratitude for their improved health.
• Quote:
  Matt:
  "Cleo is especially good news. Last Christmas we spent the day at the emergency vet because she threw up blood... We have her on meds now, not throwing up anymore and slowly gaining weight."

d. Patrick’s Pet Antics

• Summary: Patrick introduces his playful cat, Frankie, and his chihuahua, Vincent, highlighting their charming personalities.
• Quote:
  Patrick:
  "Frankie, the big gray dipshit with blue eyes, and my girlfriend's little tabby girl, Vincent, named after Vinventure from the Mistborn series."

e. Lisa’s Inspirational Message

• Summary: Lisa shares her recent reading of Ruth Ben-Ghiat's "Strongmen" and reflects on the importance of believing in justice and the moral arc of the universe.
• Quote:
  Lisa:
  "After hearing your interview with house candidate from Pennsylvania, Ashley Ehas... the access to abortion allows women to be mothers when they feel ready for the responsibility."

f. Sarah’s Cat Adoption

• Summary: Sarah talks about adopting her cat, Glinda, from the Humane Society, praising her polite nature and love for books.
• Quote:
  Sarah Lee:
  "Glinda is a polite little lady with a very soft meow and definite ideas about her entitlement to adequate lap time and playtime."

g. Amy’s Random Act of She-Ra

• Summary: Amy recounts a touching moment with her young daughter, Amy, who playfully claims the superhero identity of She-Ra during a family gathering.
• Quote:
  Amy Carrero (58:45):
  "When she reached out to accept it, I said, thanks, Amy, and she shook her little head and came close to my ear so only I could hear and said, I am She-Ra the case before Amy's court."

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Episodes

Alison Gill and Amy Carrero wrap up the episode by sharing holiday wishes, discussing upcoming content, and encouraging listeners to take care of themselves and others. They tease future episodes, including book club discussions and interviews with notable guests like Asha Rangappa.

Key Highlights:

• Book Club Preview: Alison mentions an upcoming episode of the MSW Book Club covering "Right Matters" by Alexander Vindman.
• Guest Teasers: An interview with Asha Rangappa, host of "Mueller, She Wrote," is announced.
• Good News Continuation: Listeners are encouraged to continue sending in their good news stories for future episodes.

Final Quote:
Alison Gill (64:15):
"Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Take care of the planet. Take care of your mental health. I've been AG, and I've been Amy Carrero, and that was the beans. Refried beans. I like refried beans."

Conclusion:
In this episode of "The Daily Beans," Alison Gill and Amy Carrero provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of pressing political and legal issues, enriched by expert insights from legal professionals. The blend of serious discourse and uplifting personal stories offers a well-rounded listening experience, embodying the podcast's commitment to informing and engaging its audience with both depth and heart.