The Daily Beans Podcast Summary: "Refried Beans | States’ Rights to do What (feat. Moji Alawode-El)" | June 23, 2023
Published on June 21, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by MSW Media, Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a range of pressing political and social issues, blending progressive news with their signature snark. The episode, titled "Refried Beans | States’ Rights to do What," features a special guest, Moji Alawode-El, who co-hosts the Feminist Buzz Kills podcast. They discuss topics from the January 6th investigations to Supreme Court ethics, impeachment trials, and the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision on abortion rights.
1. Trump Aide’s Appearance Before January 6th Grand Jury (00:00 - 02:30)
Alison Gill opens the episode by highlighting that Gary Michael Brown, a Trump aide responsible for Election Day operations, was seen heading into Jack Smith's grand jury concerning the January 6th Capitol insurrection.
Alison Gill [00:00]: "Another Trump aide, Gary Michael Brown, has been seen heading into the January 6th Jack Smith grand jury in D.C."
Dana Goldberg acknowledges the significance of Brown’s testimony, hinting at further discussions on their upcoming Jack Podcast about potential indictments.
2. House Censures Adam Schiff (02:30 - 07:09)
The conversation shifts to the House of Representatives’ recent decision to formally censure Adam Schiff, marking a rare punitive action against a sitting member.
Dana Goldberg [03:55]: "Yeah, I don't think Adam spent much time trying to unearth those [Mueller report connections]."
Alison Gill elaborates on the censure, emphasizing it's the first such action in decades, passed with a vote of 213 to 209. Schiff, a key figure in the impeachment against Trump and the January 6th committee, defends his actions as standing up to corruption.
Alison Gill [05:39]: "She said the censure accused him of engaging in falsehoods, misrepresentations and abuses of sensitive information..."
Schiff’s response underscores his commitment to accountability, critiquing Speaker McCarthy’s motives.
Alison Gill [05:39]: "I will not yield. Not one inch."
The hosts discuss the broader implications, noting rising Republican anger and attempts to target Schiff while also seeking impeachment proceedings against President Biden.
3. Impeachment Trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (07:09 - 09:50)
Alison Gill reports on the impeachment proceedings against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who faces nearly two dozen allegations ranging from bribery to obstruction of justice.
Alison Gill [08:19]: "Ken Paxton was hit with nearly two dozen articles of impeachment in May after years of alleged wrongdoing from his own party."
Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, is mandated to observe the trial but barred from voting due to a conflict of interest.
Alison Gill [07:09]: "Angela Paxton must be there for her husband's impeachment proceedings, which I find hilarious. But she's not allowed to have a say in the outcome."
The Texas Senate has scheduled the trial for September 5th, with potential consequences including removal from office and a ban from future positions.
4. Supreme Court Ethics and Corruption (09:50 - 16:05)
The hosts turn their attention to rising concerns about Supreme Court justices’ ethics, focusing on Justice Samuel Alito’s undisclosed luxury fishing trip with hedge fund manager Paul Singer.
Alison Gill [10:35]: "Alito denied any wrongdoing and basically like one of the big ones was as he was like suing a foreign country."
Additionally, Clareence Thomas faces scrutiny for failing to disclose luxury travel and accepting gifts, raising questions about the Court's ethics and legitimacy.
Alison Gill [14:50]: "The court faces a kind of legitimacy crisis because of the really dire weaknesses of its ethics."
Experts advocate for stricter disclosure requirements and greater transparency to restore public trust in the judiciary.
5. Religious Challenges to Abortion Bans (16:05 - 23:04)
Reverend Jan Barnes and Reverend Krista Taves share their experiences supporting individuals seeking abortions, facing backlash from anti-abortion protesters.
Alison Gill [21:20]: "Reverend Jan Barnes and Reverend Krista Taves have logged hundreds of hours standing outside abortion clinics... holding up messages of love and support."
They are part of a broader movement where clergy from various faiths file lawsuits challenging state abortion bans, arguing that these laws infringe upon religious freedoms.
Moji Alawode [19:54]: "We decided to fight back along with rabbis and ministers across several denominations..."
Legal experts like Shlomo C. Pill highlight the strong basis for these challenges under First Amendment doctrines, with recent court decisions providing favorable precedents.
Moji Alawode [22:09]: "The arguments are quite powerful for creating religious exemptions in the reproductive context under First Amendment doctrine."
The segment underscores the strategic use of religious arguments to both restore abortion access and challenge the assumptions that all religious individuals oppose abortion.
6. Interview with Moji Alawode-El on the Dobbs Anniversary (23:04 - 37:36)
Guest: Moji Alawode-El, co-host of the Feminist Buzz Kills podcast.
Alison Gill welcomes Moji to discuss the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, exploring its profound impact on abortion access and the broader socio-political landscape.
Alison Gill [25:07]: "We're going to talk about this huge episode that's coming out this Friday, June 23rd."
Moji reflects on the rapid and extensive implementation of abortion bans across states, highlighting the devastating effects on individuals needing care and the challenges faced by healthcare providers.
Moji Alawode [27:19]: "Doctors are so perplexed by these poorly written bans that they don't even know where the line is where they can help a person stay alive or get healthy."
The discussion critiques Republican strategies that advocate for states' rights while simultaneously pushing for federal restrictions on abortion, revealing inconsistencies in their approach.
Moji Alawode [33:09]: "The states rights argument I think we can all find, especially as we see this rapidly accelerating attack on trans rights."
They also touch upon the federal efforts to ban abortion pills, the disproportionate impact on military personnel seeking reproductive healthcare, and the broader implications for civil rights and national security.
Alison Gill [35:26]: "It just reduces access... It's just the dumbest."
Moji and Alison emphasize the importance of grassroots activism, education, and supporting organizations that advocate for reproductive rights to counteract these restrictive measures.
7. Good News Segment (37:36 - End)
The episode concludes with a heartwarming good news segment, featuring listener Kathleen's uplifting story about her daughter Grace, who overcame early blindness through medical advancements and now thrives academically and socially.
Alison Gill [47:32]: "But this perfect little child had vision. She didn't have a meaningful vision for another year, but it was a start."
Dana Goldberg adds light-hearted content with adorable dog photos submitted by listeners, fostering a sense of community and positivity.
Dana Goldberg [43:09]: "Your dog look so cute. Oh, my gosh."
Alison and Dana encourage listeners to continue sharing their good news and personal stories, reinforcing the podcast's mission to balance hard-hitting news with moments of joy and connection.
Conclusion
Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg skillfully navigate through complex and often contentious topics, providing insightful analysis and spirited discussions. Their collaboration with Moji Alawode-El adds depth to the conversation on abortion rights, highlighting the resilience and activism within the community. The episode wraps up on a positive note, celebrating personal victories and fostering a supportive listener community.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The Daily Beans for your progressive news fix, served with the perfect blend of insight and snark.