The Daily Beans Podcast

Episode: "Refried Beans | Seventh Kevin (feat. Adrian Fontes)"

Date: January 5, 2023 (Replayed January 3, 2026)

Hosts: Allison Gill (AG), Dana Goldberg
Special Guest: Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State

Episode Overview

This episode revisits a tumultuous week in January 2023, highlighting key developments in U.S. politics with an emphasis on Republican infighting over the House speakership, the ongoing investigation into the January 6th Capitol pipe bomber, international updates from the Russian-Ukrainian war, and an in-depth interview with newly-elected Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. The hosts blend progressive analysis with their signature humor and snark, aiming to inform and empower listeners on issues of democracy, justice, and civic engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The House Speaker Chaos: Kevin McCarthy’s Losing Streak

[03:30-05:12]

• Kevin McCarthy lost his sixth consecutive bid to become Speaker of the House, leading to congressional paralysis:

  "We’ve had six ballots now, and he’s lost them all. The situation... has left Congress paralyzed since no member... can be sworn in and no rules can be adopted until they choose a Speaker." (AG, [03:30])

• A group of 20 hard-right Republicans – Boebert, Gaetz, and the Freedom Caucus – stood firm against McCarthy despite his extreme concessions:

  "He was promising outrageous shit like a one member could vote to oust him at any time... promising Lauren Boebert the gavel for the Intelligence Committee." (AG, [04:03])

• The rumor that the hardliners might concede was quickly shut down:

  "Nope, it's gonna get worse for him." (Lauren Boebert, per AG, [05:12])

• Contextual snark from the hosts emphasizes the dysfunction:

  "What a clown car of a shit show." (Dana, [03:24])

2. The FBI’s Ongoing Pipe Bomber Investigation

[05:47-08:15]

• The FBI increased the reward for information on the January 6th pipe bomber from $100,000 to $500,000, as the case remains unsolved two years later:

  "The FBI and our partners are seeking to encourage the American public to take a fresh look at our Seeking Information website... nearly two years." (Dana, [06:36])

• Details on the bomb construction provided by the FBI suggest premeditation and the ongoing risk the suspect could pose.
• AG questions investigative methods:

  "It shouldn't take two years to find them, but here we are... Maybe they didn't have a phone on them. Maybe they knew." (AG, [07:44])

• Hosts express frustration and concern over the ongoing danger.

3. Mike Fanone Visits the Capitol Amid Republican Turmoil

[08:13-09:43]

• Former MPD officer Mike Fanone, notable for his public testimony about January 6th, appeared at the Capitol to observe McCarthy’s struggles:

  "Fanone pointed out... where the Speaker’s name would normally be, saying, ‘Just here to rub it in. Maybe the fourth time's the charm.’" (AG, [08:44])

• Fanone, a vocal critic of Republican leaders’ downplaying of January 6th, demonstrates ongoing concern from those who defended the Capitol.

4. Ukraine’s Surrender Hotline for Russian Soldiers

[09:43-12:42]

• Over a million Russian soldiers have contacted Ukraine's "I Want to Live" hotline, seeking to surrender or avoid military service:

  "A million Russians have called, texted, or visited the website... many seeking a way to avoid going to war." (Dana, [09:43])

• The project’s face, Vitaly Matveenko, is a former Russian actor, giving credibility and comfort to those reaching out.
• Ukrainian authorities promise humane treatment in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
• AG comments on the contrast in POW treatment between both countries and hopes for further expansion of such programs:

  "It's a very different kind of the way that the Ukrainians are treating captured Russian soldiers. Very different from the way Russians are treating captured soldiers." (AG, [12:16])

Interview: Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State

[14:21-24:49]

Background & Significance

• Adrian Fontes, a Democrat and former Maricopa County Recorder, discusses winning a hard-fought race and the historic shift in Arizona leadership:

  "For the first time in 48 years, the top three executive offices are not only held by Democrats, but... all three... are held by Arizona natives. So we’re very proud." (Fontes, [15:03])

Safeguarding Arizona Elections

• As Secretary of State, Fontes outlines his priorities:
  • Developing understandable and robust procedures for elections.
  • Enhancing network security statewide.
  • Supporting county officials with training and resources.
  • Pushing the legislature for more funding.
• Recounts the overhaul he led as Maricopa Recorder, bringing credibility to his plans.

Combatting Election Denialism & Frivolous Lawsuits

• Arizona courts have sanctioned and rejected baseless lawsuits from election deniers:

  "You can only pitch these nonsensical stories for so long until people get fed up. And I think that’s really what happened." (Fontes, [17:33])

• Emphasizes his bipartisan appeal:

  "I'm a Democrat... I won with 53%. That means a heck of a lot more than just Democrats voted for me. A lot of Republicans and a lot of independents." (Fontes, [17:33])

Directness: Calling Out ‘MAGA Fascists’

• Fontes defends his use of the term “MAGA fascists” in public discourse:

  "If they feel a little sensitive about that, then maybe they ought to reconsider their positions vis a vis American democracy and stop acting like fascists." (Fontes, [19:18]) "If you’re upset that banning books is seen as authoritarian and anti-American, then stop banning books... Just call them what they are. Just say the truth and say it assertively because it is true." (Fontes, [20:19])

• Urges political clarity and moral courage, criticizing Democrats for hesitancy in naming the threat.

Protecting Election Workers from Threats

• Fontes calls for stronger penalties for those intimidating election workers, defining such acts as domestic terrorism:

  "Guys hanging around ballot drop boxes with long rifles and camouflage, that's terrorism... we've got to increase the penalties against those kinds of things and really make it matter. And we have to prosecute folks who would intimidate or threaten their fellow citizens for a political end." (Fontes, [22:12])

Closing Remarks

• Invites AG to return to Arizona and runs through the advantages of the state’s robust, fair elections and open business climate.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Congressional Chaos:

  "What a clown car of a shit show." (Dana, [03:24])

• On MAGA Extremism:

  "They're not Grand Old Party Republicans. They're MAGA fascists... If they feel a little sensitive, they ought to reconsider their positions." (Fontes, [19:18])

• On Election Workers' Safety:

  "Hanging around ballot drop boxes with long rifles and camouflage, that's terrorism... we've got to increase the penalties." (Fontes, [22:12])

• On Defending Progressive Clarity:

  "Just call them what they are. Just say the truth and say it assertively because it is true. And stop worrying about their feelings because they don't care about yours." (Fontes, [20:19])

Good News Segment

[26:00-end]

• Listener submissions include birth announcements, local election info, health tips (with characteristic Daily Beans humor), the importance of respecting trigger warnings, and CPR education.
• Uplifting pet photos and community notes close out the episode, maintaining the show's supportive, inclusive spirit.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Kevin McCarthy's Speaker Failures: [03:30-05:12]
• January 6th Pipe Bomber Update: [05:47-08:15]
• Mike Fanone Capitol Visit: [08:13-09:43]
• Ukraine Surrender Hotline: [09:43-12:42]
• Interview with Adrian Fontes: [14:21-24:49]
• Good News/Listener Feedback: [26:00-end]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains The Daily Beans' signature blend of sharp progressive analysis and unfiltered humor. Language is direct, occasionally irreverent, and intentionally calls out extremism while fostering optimism and civic engagement among listeners.

For Listeners Who Missed The Episode

This episode is a time capsule placing listeners back at the start of 2023, capturing American political disarray and frontline democracy defense. Through news analysis and an in-depth interview with a key election official, it equips listeners with context on ongoing challenges and hope for the resilience of democratic institutions. The community-driven good news section reminds listeners of the power of collective action and support.