The Daily Beans: "Refried Beans | Fight On And You Will Prevail"

Host: Allison Gill (AG), Dana Goldberg (DG)
Guest: Marie Yovanovitch, Former US Ambassador to Ukraine
Date of Original Episode: March 22, 2022
Summary Date Context: March 21, 2026

Episode Overview

This "Refried Beans" edition of The Daily Beans revisits an episode from March 2022, capturing a critical moment in US politics and international relations. The episode is packed with major news—from Supreme Court history and the January 6 investigation to a shifting global news landscape and, notably, a rich interview with Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. The hosts dissect pivotal stories with their trademark blend of progressive insight, humor, and candor, culminating in an impactful conversation about public service, disinformation, and the challenges facing democracy—both in Ukraine and the US.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major News Headlines (01:07–17:23)

a. Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings (07:00–10:59)

• Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Nomination: The hosts celebrate Judge Jackson becoming the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, highlighting the emotional weight of her opening remarks and the historic moment for representation.
  • Quote (DG, 07:30):
    “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson...vowed to make the words inscribed on its edifice, ‘Equal justice under the law,’ a reality and not just an ideal.”
• Republican Opposition: Dana Goldberg criticizes Republican senators for their attacks and thinly veiled racism, notably calling out Marsha Blackburn and Lindsey Graham for their behavior during the hearings.
  • Quote (DG, 10:07):
    "Lindsey Graham, particularly, was an asshole during this time. I think he brought up Kavanaugh 15 times...He’s just salty."

b. January 6th Investigation Updates (03:00–07:00)

• New Rolling Stone Report: Revelations emerge about Trump’s Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and campaign officials’ explicit efforts to direct supporters to the Capitol, deliberately avoiding permits to obscure official involvement.
  • Quote (AG, 04:55):
    “Johnson says he overheard Mark Meadows...talking about plans for a march to the Capitol...They planned to ‘direct the people down there and make it look like they went down there on their own.’”
• Jan 6 Planning Details: Scott Johnston’s testimony reveals the use of burner phones and strategic avoidance of paper trails.
  • Quote (AG, 06:41):
    “Johnston also told investigators he knew the call took place on a burner phone...because he’s the one who bought the fucking burner phones.”

c. Cooey Griffin January 6 Trial (10:59–13:39)

• Bench Trial Quirk: AG and Dana discuss the legal wrangling over whether Vice President Pence was on restricted grounds—affecting misdemeanor trespassing charges.
  • Quote (AG, 13:01):
    “All that back and forth…for a fucking misdemeanor trespass charge. And then here comes the Secret Service lady saying, ‘Yeah, it was in the loading dock. Everyone knows that.’”

d. Reuters-TASS Controversy (13:39–16:42)

• Journalist Backlash Against Russian Propaganda: Reuters staff are upset about their company’s partnership with Russian state news agency TASS amid the Ukraine war.
  • Quote (DG, 14:33):
    “In the wake of Ukraine invasion, more scrutiny is being placed on this agreement now...some staff has sought answers...and the silence from the top is worrying.”
• Other Media Respond: Getty Images had already severed ties with TASS, putting pressure on Reuters.

2. Headline Interview: Marie Yovanovitch (18:47–40:25)

Background & Upbringing (20:09–21:55)

• Yovanovitch recalls her family escaping Nazi and Soviet persecution, shaping her gratitude to America and sense of service.
  • Quote (MY, 20:09):
    “My parents immigrated to the United States...They were so grateful...and they brought my brother and I up on those values and also on the lesson that you need to give back.”

Foreign Service Career & Commitment (21:55–23:33)

• She links Princeton’s motto, “in the nation’s service,” to her long diplomatic career, especially championing anti-corruption abroad:
  • “I do miss working for the U.S. Government...it gives your life a greater purpose when you are...working for the greater good.”

Ukraine, Corruption, and US Policy (23:33–25:23)

• Shares the optimism and drive of Ukrainians fighting for rule of law, drawing parallels to American democratic ideals:
  • “When I was in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people wanted to end corruption...I want there to be one rule of law for every person.”

Disinformation and the American Experience (25:23–27:33)

• AG notes the irony that Ukrainian anti-corruption efforts were undermined by Americans (Trump’s circle), with Yovanovitch targeted in a smear campaign for resisting "shadow diplomacy" by figures like Rudy Giuliani.

Testifying in the Impeachment, Personal Consequences (26:58–30:39)

• Yovanovitch discusses her sense of obligation to the Constitution, not politicians—amid fear of retaliation and professional isolation.
  • Quote (MY, 27:33):
    “If I don’t testify, I really couldn’t live with myself because my larger obligation was not to an individual, but to the Constitution.”

Lack of Institutional Support (30:39–33:37)

• Describes the emotional toll of being abandoned by the State Department, and the signal that sent to other diplomats and adversaries:
  • Quote (MY, 31:27):
    “It felt like a betrayal...If this happens to me, it can happen to other people...bad actors...could work with the Trump administration and get that person out.”

Ongoing Investigations (33:37–34:14)

• Can’t comment on open inquiries about Russian-backed interference and Giuliani’s dealings.

Russia’s Invasion and Ukraine’s Response (34:14–39:33)

• Yovanovitch gives sobering analysis of the Russian invasion, Zelensky’s leadership, and the Ukrainian people's tenacity.
  • Quote (MY, 39:05):
    “If I were a Russian soldier, I wouldn’t want to go into a Ukrainian cafe...because the Ukrainian people will resist...Their most famous poet’s line is: ‘Fight on and you will prevail.’ That is what Ukrainian children are brought up on.”

Memorable Moments

• AG’s admiration: “She is a hero to me.”
• Yovanovitch’s vulnerability about being targeted, feeling betrayed, and her deep love of service.
• The moving story of Ukraine’s resistance and democratic spirit.

3. Listener Good News, Shoutouts, & Pet Tax (42:45–54:05)

• Uplifting stories and pet photos from listeners.

• Listeners correct earlier miscues and share heartfelt responses to recent news and podcast moments.

• Closing with a discussion of the emotional impact of the Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings—especially on her family—and the value of men showing emotion.

  • Quote (DG, 52:32):
    “For those people...who don’t think you should [cry], or you don’t think you can...just try and embrace that part of yourself...”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Jan 6 Pretext (AG, 04:55):
  “They planned to ‘direct the people down there and make it look like they went down there on their own.’”
• On Testifying Against Trump (MY, 27:33):
  “If I don’t testify, I really couldn’t live with myself because my larger obligation was not to an individual, but to the Constitution.”
• On Ukrainian Resolve (MY, 39:05):
  “‘Fight on and you will prevail.’ And that is what Ukrainian children are brought up on.”
• On Representation (DG, 10:07):
  “Lindsey Graham...is just salty. My god, he’s so salty about Kavanaugh.”
• On Media Integrity (DG, 14:33):
  “Now, in the wake of Ukraine invasion, more scrutiny is being placed on this agreement now, of course, including from Reuters, their own employees. Everyone’s like, what the fuck?”

Important Timestamps

• Ketanji Brown Jackson Coverage: 07:00–10:59
• Jan 6 Planning/Investigation: 03:00–07:00
• Cooey Griffin Bench Trial: 10:59–13:39
• Reuters-TASS Story: 13:39–16:42
• Marie Yovanovitch Interview: 18:47–40:25
• Yovanovitch: Family & Background: 20:09–21:55
• Her Impeachment Testimony: 26:58–30:39
• Ukraine–Russia Analysis: 34:14–39:33
• Emotional Good News Segment & Reflections: 42:45–54:05

Tone & Style

The episode is sharp, witty, and emotionally candid. AG and DG blend progressive analysis with humor—never shying from strong language and honest emotion ("fucking burner phones," "salty," "phenomenal dick" for Ted Cruz). The interview with Yovanovitch is deeply respectful, reflective, and somber—punctuated by moments of admiration and gravitas.

Final Takeaway

This episode is a time capsule of a democracy under strain—skewering political hypocrisy, highlighting moments of courageous service, and drawing strength from the resistance of Ukraine and everyday acts of integrity. The centerpiece interview with Marie Yovanovitch is a masterclass in resilience, duty, and hope, underscored by her stirring invocation: “Fight on and you will prevail.”

Whether you’re catching up on history, seeking insights into disinformation’s dangers, or needing reassurance that service and truth still matter, this episode delivers in spades.