Detailed Summary of "Refried Beans | Wrapped in a Flag, Carrying a Cross" (feat. Peter Strzok) – May 16, 2022

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Daily Beans
• Host/Author: MSW Media
• Description: The Daily Beans is a women-owned and operated progressive news podcast for your morning commute, featuring the Webby award-winning hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg. It delivers social justice and political news with just the right amount of snark.
• Episode: Refried Beans | Wrapped in a Flag, Carrying a Cross (feat. Peter Strzok)
• Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with Allison Gill welcoming listeners to "Refried Beans," a segment that revisits a previous episode from the Daily Beans podcast to reflect on past events and their progression over time.

Alison Gill [00:45]:

"Hello and welcome to the Daily beans for Monday, May 16, 2022. Today, 10 people are dead after a white supremacist domestic terrorist opened fire in a Buffalo supermarket..."

Allison outlines the major topics of the episode, setting a serious tone as she highlights the tragic events and significant political developments of that weekend.

Buffalo Supermarket Shooting

The discussion begins with the harrowing news of a mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket carried out by an 18-year-old white supremacist. Allison and Dana express their horror and frustration over the prevalence of such racially motivated attacks.

Dana Goldberg [01:26]:

"It was, it's a heavy news weekend and I'm holding all the families that have been affected by the shooting in Buffalo. In my heart, it's horrifying..."

Alison Gill [02:38]:

"...we have another five people shot in Houston at a flea market and another five shot in Orange county in Laguna Woods at a church, just in the last hour or so."

They detail the shooter’s motives, referencing a 180-page manifesto that underscores the racist ideology driving the attack. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia is quoted affirming the incident as a hate crime.

Joseph Gramaglia [06:30]:

"The evidence that we have uncovered so far makes no mistake that this is absolutely a racist hate crime. It will be prosecuted as a hate crime."

Dana connects this event to the broader "Great Replacement" theory, noting its historical persistence and influence on various extremist acts, including the January 6th Capitol attack.

Dana Goldberg [07:03]:

"This is a great replacement theory and this isn't new. We've heard it going back all the way to Charlottesville and even way before that."

The hosts emphasize the necessity of combating such ideologies with facts, transparency, and accountability.

Alex Jones and Sandy Hook Defamation Suit

The conversation transitions to legal developments involving Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook defamation lawsuits. Allison explains how Jones's bankruptcy filings are influencing the progression of these cases.

Dana Goldberg [07:39]:

"The Sandy Hook family's lawsuits against Infowars host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for calling the 2012 Newton school shooting a hoax appear poised to resume soon."

Allison Gill elaborates on the legal maneuvers, detailing how bankruptcy has shifted the defendants in the lawsuits from Jones's companies to him personally and his main company, Free Speech Systems.

Dana Goldberg [08:45]:

"The families will be removed as creditors... The state cases would then continue against Jones and his largest money making company, Free Speech Systems, neither of which filed for bankruptcy."

The hosts discuss the court’s expedited briefing schedule for these cases, underscoring the legal pressure on Jones.

January 6th Committee Subpoenas Cassidy Hutchinson

Allison Gill brings attention to the January 6th Committee's renewed efforts to subpoena Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Mark Meadows. The significance of her testimony is highlighted, given her potential insights into the events surrounding the Capitol riot.

Alison Gill [08:45]:

"...the January 6 committee subpoenas Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson for a third interview."

Dana Goldberg provides context on Hutchinson's previous interviews and the committee's determination to extract more information, signaling the ongoing depth of their investigation.

John Eastman's Legal Challenges

The episode delves into the legal struggles of John Eastman, focusing on his case related to coup emails and the expedited briefing schedule set by the court.

Dana Goldberg [11:59]:

"...the judge in the Eastman coup emails case has granted the January 6 committee their expedited briefing schedule."

Allison Gill breaks down the court's instructions, emphasizing the tight deadlines imposed on Eastman to respond to the committee's subpoenas.

Alison Gill [14:34]:

"...the judge is like, look, you can argue as to whether... these 601 documents should go or stay or be privileged or whatever."

Dana Goldberg expresses skepticism over Eastman's lack of cooperation and the potential legal repercussions he may face.

Dana Goldberg [15:29]:

"...he filed nothing, didn't do it. Otherwise, the court will proceed with the above schedule... tough shit, Eastman."

Department of Justice Investigation into Classified Documents

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth discussion with former FBI Special Agent Pete Strzok about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into the mishandling of classified documents by former President Donald Trump. The focus is on why the DOJ had to subpoena the National Archives to retrieve the 15 boxes of classified documents taken to Mar-a-Lago.

Alison Gill [19:21]:

"...we have Pete Strzok to come and tell us why there is a subpoena required in this particular instance."

Pete Strzok [21:23]:

"...there is a rule called the Code of Federal Regulations, which lays out in particular all the rules and regulations around presidential records..."

Strzok explains the legal framework governing presidential records, detailing the requirements for subpoenas in criminal investigations involving classified information.

Pete Strzok [24:00]:

"...the government going, the FBI and DOJ in this case, getting a subpoena to take to the archivist to get those documents is presumed... to obtain that as part of an investigation."

He discusses potential reasons for delays in the DOJ's actions, expressing concerns about the lack of urgency and the bureaucratic hurdles that may hinder swift legal proceedings.

Pete Strzok [35:52]:

"...it's the only way or one of the only ways that the archivist can do it... there's a chunk of investigation that has to be done. All this does is push that out into the future..."

The dialogue concludes with reflections on the necessity of prioritizing the investigation to safeguard democratic processes, especially in the face of upcoming elections.

Alison Gill [39:03]:

"Charges seem unlikely because of that high bar of intent that you have to prove..."

Both hosts temper expectations regarding the investigation's outcomes, acknowledging the complexities involved in prosecuting high-profile individuals like Trump.

Good News Segment

After the intense discussion on political and legal issues, the hosts shift focus to the "Good News" segment, sharing uplifting stories and listener submissions to provide a balanced perspective.

Listener Submissions

1. James from Cosmos Correction:

   • Submission [44:58]:

     "Tiny correction of cosmic import. I'm assuming I made a mistake about the black hole."

   • Alison Gill [45:03]:

     "A black hole's name is Sagittarius A*, pronounced Sagittarius a star, even though that's not a star..."

2. Updates on Pets:

   • Alison Gill [46:09]:

     "I have some updates on Cobalt, the mini Aussie and her sister, Denim. Cobalt is fully recovered from her cancer and vestibular syndrome..."

3. Apology and Personal Story:

   • Anonymous Listener [47:00]:

     "Hello, awesome humans of the beans. I am a teacher. On Friday, high school students around the country, they stood up and they walked out of class over the leaked SCOTUS decision and the attempts to overturn Roe..."

Affirming Messages

Listeners share heartfelt messages, showing appreciation for the podcast's role in providing comfort and validation during challenging times. Stories include support for families affected by shootings, celebrations of student activism, and humorous anecdotes about pets.

Anonymous Listener [50:29]:

"I was so excited to hear about the party heading to Niagara Falls, New York. Of course, I was born and grew up there..."

Young Activist [51:19]:

"...I walked out with my students yesterday, and I'm so proud of them while also being profoundly sad that their rights are under attack again..."

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Allison and Dana expressing deep sorrow for the victims of recent shootings and reaffirming their commitment to supporting affected communities.

Alison Gill [53:20]:

"I just don't know how to express my sorrow and sadness and support for everyone who are victims, family members, communities of these mass shootings this weekend."

Dana Goldberg [53:20]:

"...the black community is hurting in general... please know that that's who I'm thinking about."

They encourage listeners to take care of themselves and each other, promote upcoming episodes featuring guests like Jen Bud, and conclude with heartfelt goodbyes.

Alison Gill [55:06]:

"Until then, please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health, and please vote blue over Q..."

Pete Strzok [55:07]:

"I like refried beans."

This comprehensive summary captures all the key discussions, insights, and emotional moments from the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps to guide interested listeners to specific segments. The hosts adeptly balance heavy, distressing news with positive, uplifting stories, providing a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.