The Daily Beans - Episode: SCAN-DA-LOUS (feat. Martha Barnette)
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Alison Gill
Guest: Martha Barnette, Author of Friends with Words
Introduction
In the June 25, 2025 episode of The Daily Beans, host Alison Gill navigates a spectrum of pressing political and social issues before taking a compelling detour into the world of language with special guest Martha Barnette. This episode intricately weaves together groundbreaking news stories with an enlightening interview, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Whistleblower Account and Emil Bovey's Defiance
At the outset, Alison Gill delves into a startling whistleblower revelation from Araz Reveni, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer. Reveni exposes Emil Bovey's deliberate defiance of court orders just before his judicial confirmation hearing. This act is characterized as "the single biggest attack on the judiciary since the Supreme Court crowned Trump king."
Notable Quote:
“This is probably the single biggest attack on the judiciary since the Supreme Court crowned Trump king.”
— Alison Gill [10:15]
Reveni's account includes documented emails and texts that demonstrate Bovey's intent to undermine judicial processes, highlighting the severity of his actions and their implications for the integrity of the Department of Justice.
U.S. Bombing of Iran's Nuclear Sites
Alison reports on a preliminary classified U.S. intelligence assessment regarding the recent American bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites. Contrary to expectations, the strikes have only temporarily set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, as much of their enriched uranium stockpile was relocated prior to the attacks.
Notable Quote:
“The strikes sealed off the entrances to two of the facilities but did not collapse their underground buildings.”
— Alison Gill [15:40]
Additionally, President Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Israel's continued attacks on Iran post-ceasefire, accusing both sides of violating the truce.
Tech Executives Joining the Army Reserve
A surprising development in the tech and military sectors involves four prominent Silicon Valley executives being inducted into the U.S. Army Reserve's Detachment 201, the Executive Innovation Corps. This initiative aims to integrate seasoned technologists into the military to enhance its technological capabilities.
Notable Quote:
“These middle-aged techs were sworn into their posts wearing camo fatigues as if they just wandered off some army base in Kandahar.”
— Alison Gill [18:05]
The program, led by Colonel David Butler, is designed to make the military force more efficient and lethal by leveraging the expertise of industry leaders without disrupting their current professional roles.
Florida's Everglades Detention Facility
Florida is set to transform an airfield in the Everglades into a detention center for migrants, ominously nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility, projected to cost approximately $450 million annually, will utilize natural wildlife as a deterrent, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeyer.
Notable Quote:
“A Trump ally who has pushed to build center in the Everglades has said the state will not need to invest much in security because the area is surrounded by dangerous wildlife.”
— Alison Gill [22:50]
This move has sparked controversy, with critics labeling it a "gulag" and questioning the ethical implications of using wildlife as an unintended security measure.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Termination of UC Research Grants
A significant legal victory for academic freedom came when U.S. District Judge Rita Lynn granted a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration's termination of research grants at the University of California. The affected projects primarily focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics.
Notable Quote:
“A federal judge in California Monday said that the University of California researchers are likely to succeed on their claims.”
— Alison Gill [25:10]
This decision underscores the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional rights against executive overreach, ensuring that critical research funding remains intact.
Senate Parliamentarian Blocks Public Lands Sell-off in Billionaire Bailout Bill
The Senate parliamentarian has effectively halted the inclusion of a public lands sell-off within a large-scale bailout bill aimed at providing tax breaks for billionaires. The proposed sale of 250 million acres of public land faced defeat on the grounds of violating the Byrd Rule, which prohibits extraneous provisions in budget reconciliation bills.
Notable Quote:
“Celebrating big, beautiful betrayal of a bill because this bill is an attack on workers and families everywhere.”
— Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member [29:45]
Democrats, led by Ranking Member Jeff Merkley, have vowed to protect public lands and prevent the circumvention of the Byrd Rule, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation and opposition to wealthy favoritism.
Senator Lisa Murkowski Considering Caucusing with Democrats
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski has indicated that she might consider becoming an independent and caucusing with Democrats under certain circumstances. This potential shift could have significant implications for Senate dynamics and bipartisan collaboration.
Notable Quote:
“There are certain situations in which I'd consider becoming an independent and caucusing with the Democrats.”
— Senator Lisa Murkowski [28:30]
Murkowski's openness to changing her caucus alignment reflects broader shifts within the Republican Party and signals a possible realignment in response to evolving political landscapes.
House Democrats Select Robert Garcia for Oversight Committee Leadership
In a move that challenges the traditional seniority system, House Democrats have chosen Representative Robert Garcia of California to lead their party on the Oversight Committee. Garcia, a second-term lawmaker, emerged victorious in a secret ballot against more seasoned members, highlighting the rising influence of younger Democrats within the party.
Notable Quote:
“His selection suggested a rebuke to the seniority system that Democrats have traditionally used.”
— Alison Gill [27:10]
Garcia's leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and prioritize issues that resonate with the newer generation of Democratic voters.
Interview with Martha Barnett
Guest: Martha Barnett, Author of Friends with Words: Adventures in Language Land
Guest Background: Martha Barnett is a seasoned journalist, dynamic public speaker, and co-host of the popular radio show and podcast Away With Words. Her latest book explores the fascinating evolution of language, the reclamation of words, and the personal stories that shape our linguistic landscape.
Book Overview: Friends with Words
Barnett discusses her motivation behind writing Friends with Words, emphasizing the desire to share her extensive knowledge of word origins, slang, and grammar in an engaging and humorous manner. She incorporates memoir elements to provide context and relatability.
Evolution of Pronouns and the Singular "They"
Barnett elucidates the historical fluidity of English pronouns, highlighting how you originally served as a plural form and how singular they has been a legitimate and longstanding usage in English literature.
Notable Quote:
“People get all bent out of shape about using they for one person. There's nothing wrong with that.”
— Martha Barnett [31:25]
She advocates for the acceptance and normalization of singular they, citing its usage by literary giants like Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen, and emphasizing the importance of respecting individual pronoun preferences.
Reclamation of "Queer" and Language Evolution
The conversation explores the reclamation of the term "queer," illustrating how marginalized communities have transformed derogatory terms into symbols of pride and identity.
Notable Quote:
“...as you mentioned, I mean, queer is one of those terms that has been reclaimed like so many other terms.”
— Martha Barnett [35:30]
Barnett expresses her personal affinity for the term and discusses attempts to introduce alternative acronyms like "quilt bag," though acknowledging their limited adoption compared to "queer."
Favorite Old Words: "Respair" and "Throttle Bottom"
Barnett shares her love for revitalizing obsolete words:
-
Respair (16th Century): Meaning a return from despair.
- Respair offers a poetic way to describe the journey back to happiness.
-
Throttle Bottom: An old term for an inept or corrupt public official, originating from a 1930s musical farce.
- "Throttle Bottom" reflects the blend of humor and critique in language evolution.
Notable Quote:
“Throttle bottom can mean an inept public official or some dictionaries define it as a corrupt public official.”
— Martha Barnett [37:55]
Barnett encourages the reintegration of such expressive terms into modern vocabulary to enrich communication and critique.
Good News Segment
Alison Gill emphasizes the importance of positivity amidst challenging times, inviting listeners to submit good news stories. This segment features uplifting stories and community highlights, fostering a sense of hope and communal support.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Alison reinforcing the value of taking breaks from intense political discourse by engaging with topics like language evolution. The insightful interview with Martha Barnett serves as a thoughtful counterbalance to the heavier news segments, leaving listeners both informed and inspired.
Final Thought:
“Take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health and take care of your family.”
— Alison Gill [41:00]
Additional Information
- Podcast Credits: The Daily Beans is produced by Alison Gill with contributions from Dana Goldberg and Desiree McFarlane. It is part of the MSW Media Network, dedicated to creator-owned podcasts focusing on news, politics, and justice.
- More Details: Visit mswmedia.com for additional information and resources related to the episode.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the SCAN-DA-LOUS episode, highlighting critical news stories and an enriching discussion on language with Martha Barnett. Whether you're looking to stay informed or explore the intricacies of English, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging content.