Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – Episode "Squirrel Hurdle" (January 9, 2025)

Host/Authors: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Description: The Daily Beans is a progressive news podcast, women-owned and operated, blending social justice and political news with a healthy dose of snark. In this episode titled "Squirrel Hurdle," host Allison Gill and co-host Dana Goldberg delve into pressing national issues, including the devastating California wildfires, significant developments at The Washington Post, legislative attempts to overturn same-sex marriage, and ongoing political investigations.

1. Introduction and Headlines

[00:00] Allison Gill:
Allison opens the episode by outlining the day's major news topics:

• Jack Smith counters Judge Cannon's injunction blocking his final report.
• Idaho legislators petition the Supreme Court to revisit the same-sex marriage ruling.
• The Washington Post announces layoffs of over 100 reporters.
• Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles delays his FBI investigation through legal maneuvers.
• The White House responds to the severe wildfires in California.

[00:58] Dana Goldberg:
Dana shares her personal experience with the California wildfires, emphasizing the proximity and impact on her safety and community.

2. California Wildfires Discussion

[01:02] Dana Goldberg:
Dana describes her situation near the wildfires in Southern California:

“I'm safe. We're in a safe zone. The biggest impact for us, we're about 10 miles from the closest fire, but they're surrounding us... the smoke... zero percent contained.”

She expresses the emotional and physical toll, highlighting the loss of homes and the destruction of both property and memories.

[02:03] Allison Gill:
Allison reflects on the political narratives surrounding the fires, noting Republican attempts to blame Democrats and dismiss climate change:

“Republicans are... espousing the idea that climate change is a hoax.”

She recalls previous major fires in California (2003, 1998, and roughly a decade ago) to underscore the recurring nature of these disasters.

[02:48] Dana Goldberg:
Dana clarifies the types of fires affecting different regions in California, ensuring listeners understand the widespread devastation beyond just Northern California.

3. Vice President Kamala Harris's Statement on Fires

[03:09] Allison Gill:
Allison presents Vice President Kamala Harris’s official statement addressing the wildfires, highlighting federal support and urging caution:

“We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders... President Biden and I are committed to ensuring that no community has to respond to this disaster alone.”

4. Washington Post Layoffs and Jeff Bezos Controversy

[06:32] Dana Goldberg:
Dana transitions to the troubling news about The Washington Post laying off approximately 100 employees, marking a 4% reduction in staff. She details the broader context of financial struggles exacerbated by owner Jeff Bezos's interference in editorial decisions.

[07:34] Dana Goldberg: Dana provides an in-depth analysis:

“The cuts... come after Bezos blocked the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris... over 250,000 readers canceled their subscriptions.”

She critiques Bezos's actions, suggesting they prioritize personal influence over journalistic integrity:

“Democracy dies in darkness is it's no longer their motto. It's their plan, I guess.”

5. Congressman Andy Ogles and FBI Investigation

[11:14] Dana Goldberg:
Dana reports on Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles's legal battles to delay an FBI investigation into his campaign finances:

“Ogles... has managed to tie up an FBI investigation into his campaign finances for the past five months.”

[13:14] Dana Goldberg:
Dana elaborates on the legal tactics employed by Ogles and his legal team to protect his personal communications, citing the Speech or Debate Clause and comparing it to a similar case involving Representative Scott Perry.

[17:39] Allison Gill:
Allison emphasizes the delays and potential political motivations behind Ogles's actions, highlighting insights from veteran lawyer Gary Blackburn:

“If I were cynical, I would say perhaps the November election had something to do with a desire to delay.”

6. Idaho Legislation on Same-Sex Marriage

[17:48] Dana Goldberg:
Dana shifts focus to Idaho's legislative efforts to overturn the 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage:

“An Idaho House committee will consider a formal statement asking the U.S. Supreme Court to end same-sex marriage nationwide...”

[22:06] Allison Gill:
Allison discusses the broader implications and the resistance from Democratic leaders, urging listeners to take legal precautions:

“Legal precautions. Make sure your will is up to date... power of attorney... organizations out there that'll help you.”

Dana passionately advises listeners to protect their rights amid these legislative challenges, emphasizing resources available through organizations like HRC.

7. Good Trouble Segment: Jack Smith Report and Calls to Action

[22:34] Dana Goldberg:
Allison and Dana transition to the "Good Trouble" segment, focusing on Jack Smith's opposition to Judge Cannon's injunction:

“Jack Smith filed a scathing opposition to Judge Cannon's... blocking the entire Jack Smith report...”

[25:55] Dana Goldberg:
Dana outlines actionable steps for listeners to engage, encouraging them to send messages to Attorney General Merrick Garland to advocate for the release of Volume Two of the Jack Smith report:

“Today you can get into some good trouble by sending a note to Merrick Garland at the justice department.”

[26:13] Allison Gill:
Allison reiterates the importance of civic engagement and provides links for listeners to participate:

“We'll have a link in the show notes to both the Department of Justice contact form and a link to the case law.”

Listeners are urged to contribute to the transparency and integrity of the justice system by actively supporting the release of the report.

8. Good News Segment: Listener Submissions

[30:06] Dana Goldberg:
The hosts introduce the "Good News" segment, showcasing heartfelt and humorous listener submissions, including pet photos and personal stories.

• Linda from Texas shares photos of flipping off Trump properties, which Allison acknowledges with humor.

• Carrie submits misheard song lyrics and poignant pet photos, expressing gratitude for the hosts' support during difficult times.

• Valerie introduces her dog, Cara, and shares her appreciation for the podcast’s perspective.

• Dawn narrates her wife's struggles with political burnout and highlights their family's resilience, accompanied by a photo of their cat, Leo.

• Bruce contributes a tongue-twister challenge with “squirrel hurdle” and playful interactions.

• Getter in Good Trouble praises the hosts' impact, detailing their own efforts to engage in civic action prompted by the podcast.

Each submission is met with warmth and encouragement, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among listeners.

9. Closing Remarks

[39:00] Dana Goldberg:
Dana and Allison offer final thoughts, reiterating support for those affected by the wildfires and emphasizing the importance of listening to local officials and preparing for emergencies:

“Please listen to your local officials... my heart's heavy, but we're holding onto love and positivity for our friends across California.”

[39:28] Allison Gill:
Allison concludes by thanking listeners, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind the podcast, and reinforcing key messages about self-care, community support, and environmental stewardship:

“Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet...”

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to the production team and invitations for listeners to engage through the MSW Media Network.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Goldberg [01:06]:
  “One of my dear friends lost everything in Altadena. She and her wife, unfortunately, they are safe and the animals are safe, but this is catastrophic.”

• Allison Gill [02:03]:
  “Thank you, Dana. We're safe down here in San Diego... President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are sending California everything it needs.”

• Dana Goldberg [10:56]:
  “Yep. That's huge. That's a huge amount of money. It's makes the 1 million look like pennies.”

• Dana Goldberg [21:00]:
  “You are not an alarmist. They are going after marriage equality.”

• Allison Gill [25:55]:
  “Today you can get into some good trouble by sending a note to Merrick Garland at the justice department...”

• Getter in Good Trouble [35:58]:
  “Here is the closing of the note and I hope it meets with your Seal of Good Trouble approval...”

Conclusion: In "Squirrel Hurdle," The Daily Beans navigates a complex array of urgent topics with depth and empathy. From the immediate and personal impacts of the California wildfires to the intricate political struggles surrounding same-sex marriage and journalistic integrity, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg provide listeners with comprehensive insights and actionable steps. The episode also fosters community bonds through the "Good News" segment, celebrating listener contributions and reinforcing the podcast's commitment to progressive values and social justice.