← The Daily Beans
The Daily Beans
Stonewall Pride
00:36:10
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 Today, Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress as the Congressional Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into him; a federal judge has dismissed Trump’s $10B defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal; Republican Mike Lawler is dragged by voters at a Republican town hall in New York; Pope Leo pushes back on Trump’s threats over his response to the war in Iran; Minnesota is investigating the arrest of a Hmong American man as a possible kidnapping; the Pride flag can fly at Stonewall after a Trump regime reversal; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.
Loading summary
Transcript117 lines
- [00:02]
A
It's no surprise that newsmakers try to manipulate the audience. They want you to believe that they are the one holding the line, and they'll use any trick they can to get you there. But don't let them fool you. Get Unspun. I'm Amanda Sturgel. I've been a reporter, and today I teach future reporters to cut the spin and think critically about what newsmakers say. My podcast, Unspun, shows you how to know when you're being manipulated by the news, learn to spot the tricks, and how to make up your own mind about what's true. So if you're tired of being fooled by the news, subscribe to Unspun today. Unspun. Because you deserve the truth.
- [00:40]
B
MSW Media. Jelly beans.
- [00:54]
C
Jelly beans.
- [00:57]
B
Jelly beans.
- [00:59]
C
Daily Beans.
- [01:04]
B
Hello and welcome to the Daily beans for Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Today, Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress as the Congressional Ethics Committee opens an investigation into him. A federal judge has dismissed Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. Republican Mike Lawler is dragged by voters at a Republican town hall in New York. Pope Leo pushes back on Trump's threats over his response to the war in Iran. Minnesota is arrest of a Hmong American man as a possible kidnapping. And the pride flag can fly at stonewall after the Trump regime's reversal. I'm Allison Gill.
- [01:40]
C
And I'm Dana Goldberg.
- [01:45]
B
Wow, wow, wow. Swalwell resigned.
- [01:47]
C
I know. I tell you what, man, we move swift on our side, don't we?
- [01:50]
B
We do.
- [01:51]
C
Like, we move swiftly. And it. It sucks because obviously there was a lot of people that thought Swalwell would have made a good governor. And you know what? There's a possibility legislatively he made it, but we don't allow sexual assaulters allegedly to be in charge of our party. That's not who we are. And so I'm glad there was some swift action on this. And I just hope that the Democrats in California get their shit together so we don't have two Republicans at the top of the gubernatorial ballot come June.
- [02:19]
B
Yes, that would be wonderful. Yes, please, and thank you. And then can we take away the. The all party primary, please?
- [02:26]
C
100%. I'm actually sort of surprised they haven't changed that. I guess they just assumed that it would benefit Democrats. We're a Democratic led state and that. I don't know why they wouldn't have changed that unless that we thought we would continue to benefit from it, but we're not.
- [02:39]
B
It just bums me out that I can't vote with my whole chest for the candidate I want and still be assured that there'll be a Democrat on the ballot in the general election.
- [02:47]
C
Yeah, exactly.
- [02:48]
B
I hate that it makes you have to vote more strategically and less about who the person is. It's just, it's bullshit. We need to get rid of it. But, yes, Wall well's out. Gonzalez isn't, of course, because Republicans probably don't care, you know, sexual assault and all that stuff, if it means a vote is getting taken away. Hell, Donald Trump, I think, bought a new heart for a guy so he could keep a vote in Congress.
- [03:11]
C
So wild.
- [03:12]
B
That was a wild press conference. Mike Johnson's like, well, that was a private thing.
- [03:17]
C
It was heart issues. His heart. All right, his heart. He was going to die in five days. Ok, can you shut the.
- [03:21]
B
He was supposed to die in June. God.
- [03:24]
C
Whoa.
- [03:24]
B
And Mike Johnson just has to sit there with his head up Trump's ass or I don't know what, I don't know what they're. Anyway, we could talk about Republican sexual proclivities and assaults and pedophilia all day. They never hold one another accountable for that stuff. Also on Monday, a federal judge dismissed Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the publisher of the Wall Street Journal over its report of his lewd birthday greeting to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. $10 billion lawsuit. Judge Darren Gales in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida said in his decision that Trump had not plausibly alleged that the Journal published the article with actual malice, a legal standard, meaning that the Wall Street Journal knew what it was publishing was false or acted with reckless disregard to its accuracy. Judge Gales dismissed the complaint without prejudice. As Trump, you can try again, but I don't think that that's going to be a viable lawsuit, Dana. I just don't. And I mean, this judge was like, he said that your lawsuit is nowhere close to sufficient, but you can refile it if you want.
- [04:31]
C
So it won't get refiled. Yeah, it won't get refiled.
- [04:35]
B
Or it will and it still will get dismissed. One of the.
- [04:38]
C
That's true. We were talking about this at the top of the episode. This is from NBC. The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it has opened an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell. That's the Democrat in California. The committee's leader said in a statement that they would review whether he, quote, violated the code of official conduct or, or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or discharge of his responsibilities with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision. And that allegation has been corroborated by several different accounts, as well as, I think, doctors and friends. And the timelines match up. Yeah. Yeah.
- [05:25]
B
Now, Matt Gates dropped out before he had to face his congressional ethics investig. So it kind of, you know, makes you wonder, is Swalwell dropping out to avoid this additional investigation? Because he's also being investigated in Manhattan by the district attorney. And he can't make that go away, but he can make this one go away by resigning from Congress.
- [05:45]
C
It's a great question. It's a great question.
- [05:47]
B
And his statement, also his statements in his videos have been. I think they've hurt him more than they've helped him. He says in his resignation statement, I'm deeply sorry to my family, staff, constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make. But he doesn't say what mistakes those are.
- [06:09]
C
Right.
- [06:10]
B
I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone without due process within days of an allegation being made is wrong, but it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. This is all about him being distracted from his duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress. I'll work with staff in the coming days to ensure they are able, in my absence, to serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district. So, again, saying he did stuff wrong, denying certain allegations, but not being very clear about what he's saying he did do and what he's saying he didn't do.
- [06:46]
C
Yeah.
- [06:47]
B
And if, I don't know, if I had a clear, innocent vision of what I did and didn't do, I'd be
- [06:53]
C
real clear about it publicly, saying it publicly pretty loudly.
- [06:56]
B
Anyway, he's out. He's also withdrawn from his governor bid, as we talked about yesterday. But, okay, we have more news that we have to get to, so let's hit hot notes. Hot notes. All right, first up from the Associated Press, US Born Pope Leo XIV pushed back Monday on Trump's broadside against him over the US Israel war in Iran, telling reporters that the Vatican's appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the gospel and that he doesn't fear the Trump administration. Quote, to put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think, is not understanding what the message of the gospel is. That's what Leo told the Associated Press aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, quote, and I'm sorry to hear that, but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today. History's first US Born pope stressed that he was not making a direct attack against Trump or anyone else with his general appeal for peace and and his general criticisms of the delusion of omnipotence that is fueling the Iran war and other conflicts around the world. I'm surprised he didn't just say, oh, it's not just Trump, it's Bibi Netanyahu, also MBS guy and Putin. Like, quote, I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as a tax on anyone. The message of the gospel is very clear. Blessed are the peacemakers. That's what he said. He went on to say, I will not shy away from announcing the message of the gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation and looking for ways to avoid war anytime that's possible. Speaking to other reporters, he added, I'm not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the gospel, which is what the church works for. We are not politicians. We do not look at foreign policy from the same perspective that he may have. I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent people have been killed and I believe someone must stand up and say that there's a better way now. Trump delivered an extraordinary broadside against Leo Sunday night, saying he didn't think the US Born global leader of the Catholic Church is doing a very good job and that he's a very liberal person, while also suggesting the pontiff should stop catering to the radical left. Like Jesus, for example, I guess. Flying back to Washington from Florida, Trump used a lengthy social media post to sharply criticize Leo, then kept it up after deplaning in comments on the tarmac to reporters. I'm not a fan of Pope Leo, he said. Everyone's got to be a fan of somebody some these days, I guess. Trump's comments come after Leo suggested over the weekend that a delusion of omnipotence is fueling the US Israel war with Iran. While it's not unusual for popes and presidents to be at cross purposes, it's exceedingly rare for the Pope to directly criticize a U.S. leader. And Trump's stinging response is equ. Uncommon, if not more so. Pope Leo is weak on crime. That's what he said.
- [09:56]
C
I. Right, because that's what Pope Leo. What the fuck? Like, this whole thing is ridiculous. And that last paragraph that said it's the first time that a Pope is attacked. Not attacked, but criticized the US Leader. He didn't start this. Like, why is that not rewritten another way? Like, this is the first time a US President has gone after the Pope.
- [10:18]
B
Yeah. And he said it wasn't specifically about Trump.
- [10:21]
C
Right.
- [10:21]
B
Like, he said that he answered that question. So that was a poor way of.
- [10:25]
C
No. I'm so annoyed by the way that album was written.
- [10:27]
B
But that is an objectively funny statement. Pope Leo is weak on crime. That's just fucking funny. I want a shirt that says Pope Leo is weak on crime.
- [10:35]
C
Oh my God. We should.
- [10:37]
B
I had a shirt when I was a kid, a little punk kid. It was just a T shirt. It had a picture of Pope John Paul II smoking a doobie on it and it just said, I like the Pope. The Pope smokes dope. And my mom was so angry about that shirt.
- [10:50]
C
Oh my God, I wonder how she feels about these comments.
- [10:53]
B
Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. That's what he wrote in his post, adding, I don't want a pope who thinks it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Italian politicians across the spectrum showed their solidarity with the Pope, Premier Giorgio Maloney said in a message of support for his peace mission, while the leader on the main opposition party, Ellie Schlein, was more direct, calling Trump's attacks extremely serious. Later, Trump posted a picture suggesting he had saint like powers, powers akin to those of Jesus Christ. Wearing a biblical style robe, Trump is seen laying hands on a bedridden man as light emanates from his fingers, while a soldier, a nurse, a praying woman and a bearded man in a baseball cap all look on admiringly. The sky above is filled with eagles, an American flag and vaporous images. Leo, who is on an 11 day trip to Africa starting Monday, has previously said, God, quote, does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them. He also referenced an Old Testament passage from Isaiah saying, quote, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. In the 2024 election, Trump won 55% of Catholic voters, according to an Associated Press vote cast an extensive survey of the electorate. But Trump's administration also has close ties to conservative evangelical Protestant leaders and has claimed heavenly endorsements for the war on Iran.
- [12:14]
C
So wild. I can't believe this timeline.
- [12:16]
B
I know.
- [12:17]
C
All right, this is from the Post. Rep. Mike Lawler faced another tough crowd at a town hall late Sunday night as frustrated constituents in his suburban swing district demanded he answer for the war in Iran. One man asked the GOP congressman why he voted against a measure that would have checked President Donald Trump's power to commit the country to the Iran conflict without congressional approval. And I quote, the fact is the president is well within his authority to conduct the strikes that have been conducted. Lawler responded over booze, compared the conflict to strikes on Libya during the Obama administration in 2011. He said if at the end of these 90 days, the conflict is not done, then yes, Congress should take steps to authorize continuing force. That's what he said, adding that it would be idiotic for lawmakers to order a withdrawal as the administration pursues peace talks with Iran. I know. And also, what's keeping them after, you know, at 100? And what is it? What did it say? 190 days, at 89 days, saying, we've won, Mission accomplished. This, this is done. And then five days later, doing another
- [13:25]
B
starting the clock, whatever the fuck he
- [13:26]
C
started with in the first place and starting the clock again now. This next question actually came from Marion Walsh, who identified herself as both a military mother and a daughter. She said, respectfully, you have abdicated your responsibility to the majority of the constituents in District 17. You have, in fact, endangered our young people, our service members, our country, and killed civilians by not standing up to Trump on this unjustified war.
- [13:51]
B
Wow. That's a military mother and daughter.
- [13:53]
C
Wow. Yes, it is. Now, Lawler said, the goal of the war is to, and I quote, dismantle the unholy alliance between China, Russia, and other US Adversaries. He added that he has delivered for the district and pulled out sheets of paper that said, included, and I quote, all the things I've actually done to push back on the administration on issues that I disagree with, from fighting to extend temporary protected status for the Haitians to pushing for an expanded property tax deduction known as salt, blah, blah, blah, responded one or more of the hundred of the 150 assembled in the high school auditorium, which appeared almost evenly split. Split. That was a direct quote, by the way. Evenly split between those frustrated with Lawlor and those who supported him. Lawler represents one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country. New York's 17th congressional district spans Rockland and Putnam counties, as well as parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties. Voters here supported both Kamala Harris for president and Lawler for Congress, which is interesting. One of only three districts in the country to both elect a Republican to the House and choose Harris in 2024. And I quote, the fact is if you want to get things done, you actually have to engage with the White House and the administration. That's what he said. And none of the people who are seeking to replace me will have any ability to do that whatsoever. Lawler is also one of a small group of lawmakers and only two Republicans who have held in person town halls over the two week recess from Washington that ends on Monday. House Republican leaders advise members to hold virtual town halls instead after a series of explosive confrontations with protesters early last year. We're doing this over zoom now. Is that what's happening? Republicans in Congress have been largely supportive of the war in Iran, which the Trump administration has argued was necessary to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, among other goals. Democrats have overwhelmingly opposed the conflict, which is estimated to cost more than a billion dollars a day, and have argued that Congress should have a say in it. The war creates a challenge for Republicans in swing districts like Lawler, who were already facing ultra competitive races year when the political headwinds were against them. Democrats see an opening as the MAGA base navigates internal conflicts over another foreign war. One attendee, who happened to be a 15 year old Landon J. Staples, told Lawler he was concerned that proposals for an automatic draft could mean a large scale ground invasion in Iran. Lawler responded that he would not support enacting the draft. Okay. Another man was escorted out of the event after demanding Lawler seek to impeach the president, citing Trump's social media post, threatening to wipe out a whole civilization and continuing to shout after staff took the microphone away. He makes genocidal threats against millions of innocent Iranian civilians, the man said. Don't be spineless. Impeach him. In February, Lawler, who was shouted down at a town hall by people livid over the Fatal shootings of 2s citizens in Minneapolis by federal law enforcement officers last year, he was heckled over the GOP tax and spending bill, tariffs and other Trump administration policies. So people are not happy with Lawler.
- [17:07]
B
Oh, we should do these by zoom from now on so we mute the audience.
- [17:11]
C
That's basically it.
- [17:13]
B
Mute them and stay far away. How very brave of you to know that you're on such on the wrong side of history that you can't Even face your constituents in public. All right, from the Coast Reporter in Minnesota, county is investing the arrest of a Hmong American man by federal officers who was captured. Captured on video as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment, according to officials. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher said at a news conference they will pursue information from the Department of Homeland Security that they need for their investigation into the arrest of Chong Lee Scott Thao in January. Ramsey county includes the state capital of St. Paul. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers bashed open the front door of thou's St. Paul home at gunpoint without a warrant and then let him outside in his underwear and a blanket in freezing conditions. Dhs, which oversees ice, has refused so far to cooperate with other state and local investigations. For example, at the killings by federal officers of two US Citizens, Good and Preddy in Minneapolis, Choi said they're trying to determine whether any crimes were committed that they should prosecute under state or federal law. Quote, this is not about any type of predetermined agenda other than to seek the truth and to investigate the facts. He said agents eventually realized Thao was a longtime US Citizen with no criminal record, Thao said in an interview with the Associated Press in January, and they returned him to his home after a couple of hours.
- [18:40]
C
All right, thank you so much, Allison. And this one is a little good news. This is from the Times. The federal government agreed on Monday that the rainbow Pride flag could fly at the Stonewall National Monument in Manhattan, reversing its decision to remove it and dealing a blow to the Trump administration's nationwide assault on diversity initiatives. The removal of the Pride flag in February from the monument, which is in Greenwich Village. It drew fierce backlash from LGBTQ people across the country and the state and local elected officials in New York, who saw it as an attack on the symbolic heart of the gay rights movement. The agreement, which was filed in federal district court in Manhattan, settled a lawsuit by a group of nonprofits. They argued that the government had illegally targeted LGBTQ people and violated a policy that allows the National Park Service to fly non agency flags at federal sites if the flags provide histor context. And this one does. It's under that policy, by the way, that Confederate flags are allowed to be flown at sites managed by the Park Service, including Gettysburg National Military Park. Hard to argue, isn't it? And I quote, the government has acknowledged what we argued from day one. The pride flag belongs at Stonewall. That's Alexander Kristofkak, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs. That's what he Said in a statement Monday, the flag will be restored. It will fly officially and permanently, and the court will stand ready to enforce that commitment.
- [20:00]
B
Fantastic. Excellent job, Stonewall, for standing up.
- [20:04]
C
I pass it on my walks almost every morning when I'm in New York. And that flag, by the way, that they put back up in February has been there the whole time because the LGBTQ community has not back down. And I think they knew if they take the flag down, we're going to put it up. If they take it down, we're going to put it up. People will get arrested. They got arrested back, you know, in the Stonewall riots. They're going to get arrested for this.
- [20:25]
B
Yeah. Yeah. Agreed. Dana, we do have some breaking news before we get to the good news. This just in. Representative Tony Gonzalez, who faces sexual misconduct allegations, will resign from Congress today on Tuesday.
- [20:38]
C
I hate to ask, which party does Tony belong to?
- [20:41]
B
This is the Republican guy.
- [20:42]
C
Okay. Thank God.
- [20:43]
B
Sent the sexually explicit messages. The Texas guy, who's former.
- [20:48]
C
Oh, God. Who's. Yes.
- [20:49]
B
Who self immolated. Yeah.
- [20:51]
C
Yes. Yes.
- [20:53]
B
He joined Swalwell, who's also said he will resign from Congress. Quote, there's a season for everything, and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas. That's what he wrote.
- [21:06]
C
All right. On Twitter.
- [21:07]
B
I wonder if there's some sort of deal that happened. Like the Dems were like, we'll. We'll resign ours if you resign yours.
- [21:13]
C
Or possible. I mean, it is pretty crazy that it happened at the same time. And they're back to even.
- [21:20]
B
Yeah. Because this has been going on with Gonzalez for a really long time.
- [21:23]
C
Yeah.
- [21:24]
B
So next do Rep. Corey Mills. But, I mean, I. I honestly didn't think that the Republicans would.
- [21:31]
C
I didn't either lose a vote like that.
- [21:34]
B
Yeah, it's got to be, because we did, too. I don't. Yeah. I don't see them doing this for the right reasons.
- [21:39]
C
Yeah.
- [21:40]
B
All right, everybody. We do have good news that we have to get to, but we have to take a quick break. Stick around. We'll be right back after these messages. We'll be right back. Since April is Earth Month, Koyuchi feels especially worth talking about. They make bedding, bath, and home products that feel luxurious, but in a way that still lines up with my priorities. Their organic sateen and flannel sheet sets are a great example because they make sleep feel more comfortable and healthier, no matter the season. Now, I've been trying to make small changes that actually matter and switching to Koichi bedding felt like an easy one. They use organic cotton and other natural materials. They partner with fair trade certified factories and take responsible sourcing and manufacturing ser the products I received are soft, they're calming, they're beautifully made and I appreciate the 100% recycled packaging as well. We have a deal for you from Koiuchi. You can get 15% off your first order@koyuchi.com DailyBeans what I like the most about Koiuchi is that it feels like comfort and peace of mind at the same time. Their sheets are made from natural fibers and certified to be free of toxins and harmful chemicals. So I like that I know what I'm putting on my skin and that matters. When you think about how many hours you spend in bed. They're also incredibly soft and gentle so the whole experience is more restful. And I love the look of them. They get softer with each wash. They have a subtle sheen in the sateen sheets or that cozy, warm, soft feeling in the flannel sheets. Everything is calm and effortless and with every wash, like I said, they keep getting softer. It's like butter and they don't wear down. So if you want healthy, organic luxury bedding that lasts a lifetime, you need Koiuchi. Get 15% off your first order when you visit Koiuchi.comDailyBeans that's Koiuchi.comDailyBeANS to get 15% off C-O-Y-U-C-H-I.comDailyBeans hey everybody, time to talk about one of my favorite subscription boxes ever. It's called Wild Grain. It's the first baked from frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, artisanal pastries and fresh pastas and it makes the whole idea of having great bread at home feel much easier and more accessible. Everything is made with simple ingredients and a slow fermentation process which can be easier on your stomach and also richer in nutrients and antioxidants. Everything bakes from frozen in 25 minutes or less, no thawing necessary and the boxes are customizable too. You can get variety, gluten free, vegan and now a protein box. Now this episode of Daily Beans is brought to you by Wild Grains. So check this deal out right now. Wild grains offering you $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box. When you head to wildgrain.com dailybeans to start your subscription or you can use promo code DailyBeans at checkout. Now, two of the wild grain items I've enjoyed the most are the sourdough loaf and the fresh fettuccine. Oh my gosh, it's so good. The sourdough bakes up with this nice crisp crust and great flavor and the fettuccine makes dinner feel easy without tasting like a shortcut. That's what I like the most about Wild Grain. It fits into my busy schedule, but the quality is amazing and my house smells incredible. The simple ingredients, the slow fermentation, it all lines up well with my health goals. So imagine having fresh bakery quality bread, pastries and pasta at home without any trips to the store. And you don't have to take my word for it. They have over 40,000 5 star reviews and they've been voted the best food subscription box by USA Today for three years in a row. And for a limited time, Wild Grain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box plus free Croissants for Life when you go to wildgrain.comdailybeans to start your subscription today. That's $30 off your first box and free Croissants for Life when YOU visit wildgrain.comdailybeans or you can use promo code dailybeans at checkout. History is messy. It's weird, wild and anything but boring. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a history podcast about unhinged stories that make you stop and ask, wait, is this real life?
- [25:22]
C
From crazy disasters and tasty scandals to
- [25:25]
B
enlightening and surprising heartwarming tales, we explore
- [25:28]
C
the moments where people behave badly and sometimes beautifully.
- [25:32]
B
We've got naughty politicians, cultural chaos and a deep love for the Pacific Northwest, including Bigfoot. It's thoughtful, irreverent, occasionally serious and always entertaining.
- [25:43]
C
Let's fall down the rabbit hole.
- [25:46]
B
MSW Media. Everybody. Welcome back. It's time for the good news. Who likes good news? Everyone?
- [26:00]
C
Then good news.
- [26:15]
B
And if you have any good news or good trouble suggestions, maybe you just want to tell us a fun story. Something big or small that's happened to you. It could have been from last week or 10 years ago. Doesn't really matter as long as it'll make us smile. Maybe tell us your favorite street joke. Anything like that at all. It could be a shout out like to your spouse or yourself or a small business in your area or a non profit. You want us to know about a government program that's helped you or a loved one. Maybe you're one of the couple hundred thousand people that just got their student debt forgiven. We would love to hear from you and all they send it to us dailybeanspod.com click on Contact. And all you got to do to submit is to pay your pod pet tax, which means attach a photo of your pet. If you don't have a pet, send an adoptable pet in your area. We'll see if we can find them a home. If you don't have that, just grab a random animal off the Internet. We have favorites. We like otters and pandas, both red and black and white pandas. We also like, I like secretary birds, capybaras. It's, it's really just any, any animal. You can also send family photos, baby pictures, your baby pictures, photos of the last no kings you went to some of your favorite signs for protests. What you're going to do on May 1, right on Mayday for the economic blackout, which is indivisible's. Next thing, it's a big general strike for that day. Anything at all, send it to us dailybean spot.com click on Contact. First up is your good Trouble. Good trouble today 2026 phone bank for Virginia redistricting on Mobilize tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15, from 3pm to 5pm Pacific Time. You can join Grassroots Democrats Headquarters, Virginians for Fair Elections, Team Pelosi, Social Security Works, Stonewall, Democratic Club, Chopwood Carry Water and many others to call Virginia voters about the importance of the special election that happens on April 21st to redistrict Virginia and defeat the MAGA agenda. First time making calls. Phone banking is easy, it's fun and it's rewarding. I've done it. I love it. You'll receive comprehensive training. And if you can't make it Wednesday, there's going to be more phone banking events scheduled throughout this weekend, all the way up to the important Election day on the 21st. So to sign up or for more information, go to the link in the show notes or search Virginia on Mobilize us.
- [28:27]
C
Right on.
- [28:28]
B
Yeah.
- [28:28]
C
Thank you. Thank you. All right. This is from Meg's mom, whoever Meg is. I bet your mom's amazing. She hers? Meg's mom.
- [28:35]
B
All right.
- [28:36]
C
Hello, AG and dg. On Friday, someone gave a shout out to NATO and their North American headquarters in Norfolk. I just wanted to share what some of the folks in NATO and Norfolk have done for my daughter. In 2019, we met Shammy, who is with NATO here in Norfolk. He and his wife teamed up with my disabled daughter Meg, with a goal of raising enough funds for her to get an adaptive racing chair of her own. And for the three of them to race together in the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. amazing. When the international senior rates mess at NATO Norfolk found out about the goal, they stepped up in a huge way and raised the vast majority of the funds needed. Shammy and Robin pushed May to complete her first ever marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. this is awesome. Today, Shammy took Meg for a role at the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City. Her chair has hundreds of miles, and many of them have been generated by Shammy's legs. I'm so grateful that NATO brought Shammy here for the blessing he and his co workers have been to My girl. Oh, my God.
- [29:43]
B
Look at this.
- [29:43]
C
It's my pod pet tariff. I've included a photo of Robin, Shammy and Meg after their first rainy marathon together in 2019, and a photo of Shammy and Meg showing off at the finish line today.
- [29:55]
B
Oh, look at this. It's incredible. So great. Look at that racing chair. That's incredible and amazing. Aw, people are so fucking cool, you guys.
- [30:05]
C
I know. There's just good people out there. This is awesome. Thank you for the submission.
- [30:10]
B
Thanks to NATO and Norfolk and Shammy and the whole gang. And Meg's mom. You're an amazing mom. And of course, shout out to Meg all those hundreds of miles. It's incredible. All right, next up, Rachel Pronoun. She and her good morning beans queens and my fellow Leguminati. I've been waiting since January to be able to share this good news. Ooh, four months to share this good news with y', all, and it's finally happened. And it happened on Friday afternoon. After taking an I just got laid off and need a job right now job with a DOD subcontractor. Last summer that I ended up absolutely fucking hating and was sucking my soul dry, I got offered a dream job in my previous industry that I'm pants tent excited about. Okay, first of all, pants tent excited is great. I accepted and immediately turned in my resignation. Can't wait to start a new chapter and to not have to, quote, work for anything even proximal to the war criminal keg stand pod pet tax. Last summer, I was able to WFH and I would take calls and meetings outside on the patio, work from home. A curious squirrel started coming to visit, who I named lemmy winks after Mr. Slave's gerbil in South Park. Very good. I started keeping walnuts or peanuts in my pocket to toss to her whenever she visited. Eventually, she got brave enough to take the nuts right out of my hand. And now she'll come bouncing up the path to greet me when I go outside. A couple weeks ago, we took our relationship to the next level. She jumped up the patio chair next to me and then she jumped in my lap. Oh my goodness. No. Her little squirrel boobies have been prominent lately. I'm hoping she'll be bringing some little squirrellettes to meet me this summer and get in on the pocket walnut action. Thanks for all you do. I love y' all in this good troubly community. Look at that baby.
- [31:58]
C
I know I got in trouble the other day because I was giving the squirrel almonds. Not from anyone on the street, but from the person I share my space with. Oh yeah, they come.
- [32:09]
B
My girlfriend is demanding.
- [32:10]
C
I know, but I did it in in front of another apartment so they maybe they think the person lives in that apartment building and not mine.
- [32:16]
B
There you go.
- [32:17]
C
I'm very smart when it comes to marvel shenanigans. All right, this is from care pronouns, she and her. Hello, Queens of the beans. My wife and I went to the courthouse to get married just days before Vermilion Voldemort took office last January, fearing that he could take away our right to do so. My good news is that on Saturday, I will have, or had, depending on when you see this, the incredible joy and privilege of marrying her all over again in our official wedding celebration with friends and family. She's the most amazing partner I could have ever asked for, and I fall more in love with her every day. She's a sporadic listener of the pod, so if she happens to hear this, you're a sprinkle and I love you the most forever. Promise to send wedding pictures as soon as they're available. As anyone needs more lesbian and more happiness in their lives, I agree. But for now, Potpet Tariff is our boy Sven, using as little sister Juniper as a pillow. They've been inseparable since we found her in the woods around the same time last year. Anyways, thank you ag and for all the incredible work you do. Keep up the good fight and sayonara. So good.
- [33:27]
B
Lush said. There's something about puppies and kitties cuddling. I just absolutely love it. And Carol, congratulations. Congratulations. That's amazing. Can't wait to see those wedding photos. Next up, Michelle Pronoun. She and her I'm sharing some history with you to give you a laugh. My name is Michelle. During Obama's first presidential campaign, a friend and I got to meet Barack at a Chicago campaign event. On my birthday, no less, he quickly and kindly posed for A photo with us. I cropped out my beautiful friend and turned the picture into a Christmas card with the greeting, merry Christmas from Barack and Michelle.
- [34:00]
C
Oh, my God. That's funny.
- [34:02]
B
It remains a favorite among friends and family. Thought you could use a chuckle in these stressful times. Keep up the excellent work. Look at that, from Barack and Michelle.
- [34:12]
C
That's very funny. Well done.
- [34:15]
B
Well done. Good sense of humor.
- [34:16]
C
Yeah. All right. This is from Anonymous. Pronoun, she and her dear Beanie Quinn weenies. We celebrated my mom's 90th birthday in Florida. On April 4, my daughter and I made a slideshow sharing the gorgeous quilts mom had made. In the past 51 years, mom has made quilts for all of the members of our family. Plus, mom has been making quilts for each member of the families that moves into a Habitat for Humanity house. Her generosity is changing the world.
- [34:44]
B
Look at this slideshow. It's adorable. I like how they're all like little mason jars with the photos of quilts in them. So cute. Okay, that's so crafty. Anonymous. I absolutely love this. I love this so very much. That's amazing. What an Amazing Mom. Happy 90th, Mom. All right, next up, from Kelly T. Pronoun. She and her AG and dg. Despite the freakish hellscape we're in, I have something positive to share. Excellent, Kelly. That's what the good news is all about. My good news involves a dream come true for me. My play was published. Plot twist. It's an adaptation of the Scarlet Letter. Because apparently the patriarchy, hate culture trolling, alternative facts, and good old fashioned slut shaming are the true classics that just keep getting revivals upside down. Smiley face. I'm pretty sure this is directly correlated to years of rage, laughing with you, staying informed, and feeling like part of the smartest, snarkiest community on the planet. Oh, thank you so much for saying that. Seriously, though, thank you for the truth, the humor, and the daily dose of. Okay, we're not alone in this. It means everything, and it's absolutely fueled my creative fire. My eternal thanks to you. Photos below include the COVID of my script with artwork by my dear friend Jill Whitney Burke and my pod pet, tax, my little neighbor, Ewok. Maple. Maple is a blank. Okay, that's. Art is incredible.
- [36:04]
C
Yeah, it is. It looks like a Shih Tzu.
- [36:07]
B
No.
- [36:07]
C
What is the dog from as Good as it Gets?
- [36:10]
B
Oh, no, that's a cairn terrier. A Brussels griffon. I don't think that's. This is. I think you're right. I think you got it. Shih tzu, maybe with a Maltese in it or something.
- [36:22]
C
Yeah, there you go.
- [36:23]
B
Teddy bear, Bijon Frise and shih Tzu mix. Okay. But man, that scarlet letter art is incredible.
- [36:32]
C
Yeah, it is.
- [36:33]
B
And I like the da Vinci frog on top. That's so cool. Oh, thank you for that. Thanks everybody. Oh, what. What a great good news sesh we had today. I appreciate you all. Please send all your good news to us dailybeanspod.com and click on Contact and we'll catch you over on Beans Talk. Do you have any final thoughts, my friends?
- [36:49]
C
Friend? Nope. Let's head on over.
- [36:51]
B
Let's head on over and we'll see you there. And we'll be back here tomorrow. Until then, please 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. I've been ag. I've been dg and them's the beans. The Daily Beans is written and executive produced by Allison Gill with additional research and reporting by Dana Goldberg. Sound design and editing is by Desiree McFarlane with art and web design by Joelle Reader with Moxie Design Studios. Music for the Daily Beans is written and performed by they Might Be Giant and the show is a proud member of the MSW Media Network, a collection of creator owned podcasts dedicated to news, politics and justice. For more information Please visit msw media.com msw media
- [37:35]
D
filming the Way on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela was one of the most important and rewarding experiences of my life and it was by far the most satisfying role of my career. The Way was filmed in 2009 over an eight week schedule and followed the pilgrimage route from St Jean Pierre de Port in the French Pyrenees, across northern Spain to Santiago and then on to Muchia for the final scene. And the entire production was a family affair. Those are the opening lines of a story I share and they reflect the very heart of my podcast. And through sharing autobiographical stories and inspired poetry and personal reflections, that is the theme I find myself exploring again and again. But I do so in the hope that it sparks listeners to see how it relates to their own lives and their own story of discovery. So please join me each Sunday for a beautifully crafted 20 minute journey of personal exploration. I'm proud to announce the Martin Sheen Podcast, Season two. I've often said if it's not personal, it's impersonal. And that is how I choose to approach my podcast with all its contents from storytelling to poetry and book selections. Each unique episode is a journey we will share together. And I think it's important you know that I have no intention of leaving who I am at the door with this podcast. Anyone who knows me knows I cannot tell a personal story that doesn't have at least some social justice connection at its core. I have my convictions and issues that draw on my empathy and compassion. Frankly, that's what drives and informs my conscience and makes me who I am. How could I bring any less to this endeavor? So tune in Sundays as I invite you to follow, subscribe and receive notifications about what's next next for me. Martin Sheen oh, and for more information, please visit themartensheenpodcast. Com and thank you again.