The Daily Beans – "Refried Beans | The Fly Episode"
Release Date: October 11, 2025 (Original Air: October 14, 2022)
Hosts: Allison Gill (AG) & Dana Goldberg
Podcast: The Daily Beans (MSW Media)
Episode Overview
This "Refried Beans" edition is a look back at a pivotal and dramatic week in US politics from October 2022, focusing on a historic congressional hearing tied to January 6th, 2021, and multiple legal setbacks for former President Donald Trump. The hosts, AG and Dana Goldberg, break down key moments with their characteristic blend of incisive analysis and irreverent humor, offering both a snapshot of history and running commentary on the ongoing implications for democracy.
Key Discussion Points
1. A Blockbuster Week of Political News
- The hosts open marveling at "an absolutely incredible day, a historic day" (00:53), with AG urging listeners not to lose sight of the gravity behind the headlines, listing them out of context for full impact.
Major Stories Covered:
- Trump Subpoenaed:
The January 6th Committee unanimously subpoenas former President Donald Trump. - Supreme Court Loss:
Trump loses his Supreme Court appeal to intervene in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents investigation. - Key Testimony:
Former Vice President Pence's counsel testifies before a federal grand jury after privilege issues are resolved. - NY AG Injunction:
NY Attorney General Letitia James seeks an injunction to prevent Trump from hiding assets in her civil suit.
“Today, former President Donald John Trump has been unanimously subpoenaed by the congressional committee investigating the coup.” – AG [00:54]
2. Watching the January 6th Hearing – A Communal Experience
- The hosts recount watching the hearing in Kathy Griffin’s screening room, with commentary from comedians and political insiders (01:54).
- Notable guests include comedian Wendy Liebman and political commentator Victor Shi.
- "It was great to sit with so many intelligent, funny, plugged in people...that’s why I love the Good News segment..." – AG [03:28]
3. Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Motion
- AG details the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision: Trump’s request to have classified documents reviewed by a “special master” is unanimously denied (04:21).
- Justice Clarence Thomas referred it to the full court, which ruled 9-0 against Trump.
- The Department of Justice’s broader appeal continues, with major implications for the investigation.
“Justice Thomas did exactly what I said he was going to do...the full court unanimously, nine nothing, rejected his stupid motion.” – AG [04:23]
4. Letitia James’ Injunction & Trump’s Ongoing Fraud
- The hosts dissect AG James’ latest legal move, seeking to block Trump from moving assets amid fraud charges (06:43).
- Trump’s organization is accused of creating "Trump Organization 2" to hide assets.
- They riff on the brazen simplicity (“Genius name”), and stress how Trump obscures asset values by classifying them as "cash".
"Dude, he’s just going to be moving everything over to Trump Organization 2. Genius name..." – AG [07:27]
5. Grand Jury Testimony from Pence’s Former Chief of Staff
- Mark Short, VP Pence’s former chief of staff, is compelled to testify before the January 6th grand jury (08:01).
- Trump’s failed privilege claims are discussed.
- DOJ and Trump’s lawyers wage a sealed battle over further witness testimonies.
6. Deep Dive into the January 6th Committee Hearing
a. Nancy Pelosi’s Leadership & Misogyny
- Dana highlights new video evidence: Pelosi remains calm and decisive during the insurrection, directly countering claims she failed to respond (09:54).
- She calls Bill Barr, the Attorney General, urging immediate action.
- The emotional impact of seeing Congressional leaders under siege is discussed.
“That woman did more to save our democracy that day than the president of the fucking United States.” – Dana [09:54]
b. Shocking New Evidence
- Cassidy Hutchinson’s latest testimony: Trump’s furious outburst upon losing in the Supreme Court, pushing the strategy “we should have made more calls” (11:29).
- Hosts speculate about potential undue influence over Supreme Court justices.
- Secret Service knew of violence threats weeks in advance (13:13)—raising alarms about deleted texts and evidence of deeper issues.
“They had information for weeks in advance… it is fucking nuts.” – Dana [13:13]
c. Attempts at Military Withdrawal
- After the election loss, Trump orders a rapid withdrawal of US troops—a highly dangerous directive, ultimately stonewalled by military leaders (15:16).
7. Obstruction of Justice and Witness Tampering
- Possible obstruction involving Trump’s staff and Secret Service officials could become a new focus (15:56).
- Testimonies described as evasive; some officials resigning to avoid further questioning.
- Committee has evidence of efforts to coach or intimidate witnesses.
8. The Subpoena Heard ‘Round the World
- The episode’s climax: a unanimous vote to subpoena Trump, announced with direct address to Capitol Police officers in the hearing room (18:00).
- Subpoena aims to secure firsthand testimony in light of mass Fifth Amendment invocations by Trump allies.
- AG predicts Trump will seek to turn it into a spectacle—insisting on testifying only live, on TV, with his own terms, which the committee will likely refuse (19:01).
- After a breaking news alert, it’s confirmed Trump is floating this idea to associates. (20:17)
"He loves spectacle… I'll come in, if it's live, on television, in public… And the committee will be like, 'No, dude.' And he'll be like, 'See? I tried.'" – AG [19:01]
“He pops off so fast… they’re not going to be able to shut him up fast enough to say something that’s not going to incriminate himself live on national television.” – Dana [21:10]
9. Good News Segment
The tone shifts to sharing good news submissions, listener pet photos, and heartwarming personal stories (21:51 onward).
Highlights:
- Listeners celebrate voting, animal rescues, surviving family bigotry, and creative swearing.
- An especially uplifting letter from a mother in Texas:
“Both my children have come out to me as transgender...I love that my bigoted Trump-loving mother now has six non-bigoted democratic-voting grandchildren. Sometimes change comes too slowly, but it does happen.” – proudmother from Texas [28:42] - Multiple adorable pet photos, creative Halloween costumes, and rescue updates provide a wholesome close.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the day’s magnitude:
"I mean, insane." – AG [01:39] - On Giuliani’s law license:
"They sat down like an hour into it, they were like, fuck, we gotta suspend him while we investigate..." – AG [02:38] - On Trump’s legal strategy:
“Sort of like…we’re taking away Rudy’s law license because he’s going to keep fucking doing this.” – Dana [05:41] - On Secret Service complicity:
"The Secret Service needs to be investigated because obviously they erased the text messages...a million pieces of evidence, and I’m not exaggerating that number..." – Dana [14:17] - On historic subpoena:
"And everyone was like, whoa. And then they voted, and it was unanimous." – AG [18:59]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|-----------| | Headline Rundown | 00:53 | | Watching the Hearings (w/ Griffin) | 01:49 | | SCOTUS Mar-a-Lago Decision | 04:21 | | Letitia James' Injunction | 06:43 | | Pence's Counsel Testifies | 08:01 | | Pelosi’s Jan 6th Role | 09:54 | | Secret Service Intel Fumbles | 13:13 | | Trump’s Military Withdrawal Order | 15:16 | | Obstruction Investigation | 15:56 | | Subpoena Vote & Fallout | 18:00 | | Trump’s Likely Response | 19:01 | | Breaking News: Trump’s Reactions | 20:17 | | Good News Segment | 21:51 | | Heartwarming Family Story | 28:42 |
Tone & Style Highlights
Throughout the episode, AG and Dana alternate between sharp-witted political commentary and moments of sincere emotional reflection. Their banter is rich with sarcasm, profane rejoinders, and cutting observations about the stakes for democracy, matched by their warmth and appreciation for the Daily Beans "Leguminati" community.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode offers a vivid, accessible recap of a watershed period in US politics, blending breaking legal drama, behind-the-scenes congressional insights, and sharp progressive banter. Even listeners new to the podcast or without prior episode context will find themselves quickly caught up—and likely entertained—by the hosts’ real-time analysis and irrepressible humor.
End of Summary.