The Daily Beans — “Refried Beans | The Elevens”
Podcast: The Daily Beans (MSW Media)
Hosts: Allison Gill (AG) & Dana Goldberg (DG)
Air Date: December 2, 2022 (Rebroadcast as Refried Beans Episode)
Main Theme:
A celebratory recap of pivotal legal and political news, focusing on a flurry of stories connected by the number eleven — from the 11th Circuit’s Mar-a-Lago decision to Joel Greenberg’s 11-year sentence and Rule 11 sanctions in Arizona — all delivered with the Beans’ signature mix of sharp wit, progressive insight, and personal connection to listeners.
Episode Overview
This episode zeroes in on a day packed with justice-related developments marked by the number 11. The hosts break down significant legal victories, analyze their implications for Trump-era investigations, and highlight moments of accountability in American politics. The joyful, triumphant mood threads through as AG and Dana celebrate these wins, joke about numerology, and tease new projects. Memorable banter, listener engagement, and heartfelt community moments round out the content.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The 11th Circuit Mar-a-Lago Ruling
[00:45-05:30]
- The 11th Circuit vacated Judge Cannon’s order appointing a special master in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago documents case, citing lack of equitable jurisdiction.
- Trump’s legal arguments failed all four “Richie factors,” making the ruling a “thorough bench-slap.”
- AG paraphrased: “Of course, I was paraphrasing a lot, making the courts say things like, ‘nah, bro, you suck.’ And I think that was a quote.” (01:42, AG & DG joking)
- Consequence: DOJ regains control of all documents, including the “Donald Celine Dion photo.”
- AG anticipates, “I imagine Donald Trump will try to say please, Supreme Court step in and stop this… but I think just like in October… Supreme Court says no, unanimously, no…” (05:13, AG)
2. Joel Greenberg Sentenced to 11 Years
[06:00-08:25]
- Joel Greenberg, former Seminole County tax collector, receives 11-year prison sentence for multiple crimes (sex trafficking, fraud, stalking, etc.).
- Judge’s reaction: “I've never seen a defendant who has committed so many different types of crimes in such a relatively short period.” (06:35, quoting Judge Presnell via DG)
- Greenberg’s extensive cooperation (including info implicating Matt Gaetz) “more than I've seen in 22 years” (Judge quote).
- Disappointment expressed by Greenberg’s lawyer that no other high-profile charges (e.g., against Gaetz) have yet been made.
3. Federal Judge Orders Top Trump Lawyers Back Before Grand Jury
[08:25-09:55]
- Pat Cipollone and Patrick Philbin ordered to testify further in Jack Smith’s special counsel investigation on 2020 election interference.
- Their previous executive/attorney-client privilege claims are rejected. Similar rejections for Pence aides previously.
- Trump is expected to appeal, but “he has lost this appeal before… privileged claims have been the subject of an ongoing legal battle.” (09:01, AG)
4. Rule 11 Sanctions for Arizona Election Lawsuit
[09:55-13:00]
- A judge sanctions lawyers for Kari Lake’s failed Arizona gubernatorial campaign over a frivolous lawsuit demanding paper ballots (which Arizona already uses).
- Judge’s scathing criticism: “the factual legal pre-filing inquiry…permitted and required, which they did not… not a sentence you ever want to read if you’re on the pointy end of sanctions orders.” (10:13, DG)
- Alan Dershowitz and others now liable for Maricopa County’s legal fees; the judge calls lawsuit “entirely frivolous.”
- “Ignominious end to the Harvard emeritus professor's long legal career and an even more ignominious end to the big lie claims…” (12:48, AG reading/joking)
5. Arizona’s Cochise County Ordered to Certify Election
[13:00-13:47]
- Judge orders county to certify, ensuring all votes (many Republican) are counted.
- Failure to certify would have inadvertently flipped some seats blue due to uncounted GOP votes.
- “Katie Hobbs… sued Cochise County to force them to count their votes. They're mostly Republican votes. Had she not… it would have flipped a couple of seats blue.” (13:17 & 13:47, AG)
Announcement & Notable Projects
New Podcast: “You Don’t Know Jack”
[02:09-03:32]
- AG announces collaboration with Andrew McCabe covering Jack Smith’s DOJ special counsel inquiry:
- “I know I promised everyone I wasn't gonna do a new podcast about the new special counsel, but over Thanksgiving, I changed my mind… Andrew McCabe and I are joining forces to start a podcast called ‘You Don’t Know Jack’.” (02:13, AG)
- Launching Sundays to fill the “Mueller, She Wrote” Sunday slot.
Lightning Round: Listener Engagement & Pet Segment
[15:00-22:36]
- Good news submitted by listeners: pet photos, proud parenting moments, and touching memorials (notably, Rob’s tribute to senior dog Mongo).
- “We don't deserve them, but I'm so glad they're here.” (21:45, Rob via AG)
- Running “What the Mutt?” game and shoutouts.
- Emotional connection: hosts react with empathy and humor, reinforcing community.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Justice Wins:
- “It’s a good day for news today and justice party in the USA.” (01:19, DG)
- “Sick circuit, sick. 11th Circuit decision, bro.” (03:42, AG joking with DG)
- On Sanctions Ruling:
- “They eviscerated this complaint as a collection of mere conjectural claims and potential injuries, followed by the ominous warning that Rule 11 requires more.” (11:04, DG)
- “Why the fuck are you suing for something that's already happening?” (11:38, DG, on Lake lawsuit)
- On Senior Pet Adoption & Loss:
- “Mongo had been by my side for every episode… Goddammit, that dude loved ice cream.” (20:31, AG reading listener Rob's letter)
- “Thanks, Rob, for adopting senior animals. That's just like one of the best and greatest things you can do, you know?” (21:58, AG)
Final Notes & Calls to Action
[22:36-end]
- Clear reminders on early voting deadlines for Georgia runoff (December 2).
- “Just go vote early. But the deadline is today.” (22:44, DG)
- Good-natured podcast rivalry:
- "Please subscribe. Everyone subscribe and follow on Apple so we can blow Ben Shapiro off the fucking charts…” (23:21, AG)
- Community sign-off: “Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health. Vote blue over Q. Take someone with you.” (24:38, AG & DG)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Main Headlines and 11th Circuit Ruling | 00:45-05:30 | | Joel Greenberg Sentenced (Matt Gaetz Update) | 06:00-08:25 | | Trump WH Lawyers Ordered to Testify Further | 08:25-09:55 | | Rule 11 Sanctions for Arizona Election Lawsuit | 09:55-13:00 | | Cochise County Ordered to Certify Election | 13:00-13:47 | | Announcement: "You Don’t Know Jack" Podcast | 02:09-03:32 | | Listener Good News, Tributes, “What the Mutt?” Pet Segment | 15:00-22:36 | | Georgia Early Voting PSA, Final Thoughts and Sign-off | 22:36-end |
Tone & Style
- Witty, irreverent, and deeply informed.
- Relatable analogies, self-deprecating humor, and banter abound.
- Moments of empathy and seriousness, especially when reading listener submissions.
- Frequent use of pop culture references and casual language.
This episode is a snapshot of the Beans’ signature blend: incisive breakdowns of legal news, encouragement for civic action, and heartfelt community building — all sprinkled with joyful, sometimes salty humor.