Podcast Summary: The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

Episode: Does Scott Still Teach at NYU? Private Clubs for the 1%, and How Money Changed Scott’s Life
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: Scott Galloway
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

In this insightful episode of The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, Scott delves into three pivotal topics: his current teaching engagements at NYU, the exclusivity of private clubs catering to the elite, and the profound impact wealth has had on his personal and professional life. Through candid responses to listener questions, Scott offers a blend of business acumen, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking perspectives.

1. Teaching at NYU Stern: A Changing Landscape

Question from wildsource1359 (00:44): "What's the deal with you as a teacher at NYU Stern? You currently live in London. How and how often do you actually teach? Is it over Zoom? Is it for a concentrated period of time? Say one week?"

Scott’s Response:

Scott addresses his current relationship with NYU Stern, clarifying that he hasn't taught a traditional three-unit course since the onset of COVID-19. Upon relocating to London, he offered to resign, but NYU retained him for his brand value. In 2017, after selling his last company, Scott returned all his compensation to NYU, emphasizing his desire to distance himself from the "industrial complex" that perpetuates rising tuition costs.

"I've returned all my money. So I'm a pretty easy person not to fire right now. I don't cost them anything." [(01:20)]

Despite not teaching in person, Scott remains involved through symposiums and fundraising events, often serving as a keynote speaker during his visits to Europe. He plans to resume in-person teaching upon his return to the U.S. in about a year but currently engages in online courses focused on upskilling enterprise professionals in AI.

"I'm a professor in name only right now. But I plan to teach again." [(03:10)]

Scott reflects on his extensive teaching history, having educated between 4,000 and 4,500 students over 23 years, though he admits to feeling burnt out from traditional academic commitments.

2. The Exclusivity of Private Clubs and Social Implications

Question from Captain Lance Murdoch (06:00): "Scott, you talk a lot about expensive private restaurant clubs separating the rich and steering money away from open places. Should there be a more affordable private club option that comes in below the top of the market and tries to bring the experience to more people? Could this work?"

Scott’s Response:

Scott critically examines the current trend of private clubs adopting junior memberships, which, despite being less expensive than standard rates, still remain prohibitively costly for many. He highlights the inherent price discrimination based on age and income, asserting that while these clubs aim to attract younger members, the high costs create barriers.

"They're price discriminating by age. They want more younger people, but the junior memberships are still a lot of money." [(07:15)]

He expresses concern over the dwindling availability of affordable social spaces for young people, linking it to broader societal issues such as increased social isolation and reduced opportunities for meaningful interpersonal connections. Scott advocates for governmental intervention, suggesting tax subsidies for "third places" like softball leagues, nonprofit running clubs, and subsidized gyms to foster community and social interaction.

"Where on earth are young people supposed to meet and fall in love? They're not going into work, they're not going to school, they're doing remote school." [(07:50)]

Furthermore, Scott challenges the anti-alcohol movement, arguing that moderate alcohol consumption has been a cornerstone of his own social relationships and that responsible drinking can coexist with professional success.

"I can pay people really well, which makes me feel important and masculine. And then anything above that I give away." [(07:30)]

He underscores the importance of fostering environments where young individuals can form friendships, mentorships, and romantic relationships without the exclusive gatekeeping of elite institutions.

3. The Transformative Power of Wealth: Personal Reflections

Question from Reddit user boztenderoc (11:40): "How did your life change when you made money? I'm curious to hear about your transition from poor to able to pay the bills to millionaire to Deca millionaire to 100 millionaire."

Scott’s Response:

Scott offers a deeply personal narrative on how accumulating wealth has reshaped his life. He begins by debunking the societal taboo around discussing money, viewing such conversations as essential for financial literacy and empowerment.

"The zeitgeist that you're not supposed to talk about money is nothing but an effort by rich people to keep the poor and middle class down." [(12:05)]

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Scott recounts his struggles during his time at UCLA and Cal, highlighting how financial instability once dominated his life.

"I went to UCLA, almost had trouble paying my bills... I had a 1984 Honda Accord." [(13:00)]

His entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when he partnered with a financially stable individual, allowing him to achieve a comfortable lifestyle and, more importantly, provide for his mother. One poignant moment he shares is using his business resources to lavishly decorate his mother's home, creating a memorable and heartfelt experience for her.

"I decorated my mom's entire house at Pottery Barn, and she thought this was like the most opulent thing she'd ever experienced." [(14:10)]

Scott emphasizes that money has granted him the freedom to enjoy life, reduce stress, and make significant contributions to causes he cares about. He describes financial security as the absence of stress, where unexpected life challenges do not translate into financial crises.

"Money for me is really an absence of stress... my kids' struggles are not going to be a function of my inability to provide for them." [(15:10)]

Despite his wealth, Scott remains grounded, choosing to spend money on experiences and generously supporting friends without expecting anything in return. He frames his philanthropy not just as giving, but as a form of consumption that enhances his sense of masculinity and importance.

"I love to spend money and to give it away. That was a lot." [(16:30)]

Ultimately, Scott views wealth as a tool for reducing personal stress, enhancing life experiences, and enabling him to support and uplift others.

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott Galloway provides a candid glimpse into his evolving relationship with academia, critiques the exclusivity of high-end social clubs, and shares a heartfelt account of how wealth has transformed his life. His reflections offer listeners a blend of introspection and critical analysis, encouraging a deeper understanding of the intersections between money, social structures, and personal well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "I've returned all my money. So I'm a pretty easy person not to fire right now. I don't cost them anything." [(01:20)]

• "I'm a professor in name only right now. But I plan to teach again." [(03:10)]

• "They're price discriminating by age. They want more younger people, but the junior memberships are still a lot of money." [(07:15)]

• "Where on earth are young people supposed to meet and fall in love? They're not going into work, they're not going to school, they're doing remote school." [(07:50)]

• "The zeitgeist that you're not supposed to talk about money is nothing but an effort by rich people to keep the poor and middle class down." [(12:05)]

• "Money for me is really an absence of stress... my kids' struggles are not going to be a function of my inability to provide for them." [(15:10)]

• "I love to spend money and to give it away. That was a lot." [(16:30)]

Stay Connected:

To participate in future episodes, listeners are encouraged to submit questions via voice recordings to officehours@profgmedia.com or post them on the Scott Galloway subreddit. Join the conversation and engage with Scott on pressing topics surrounding business, technology, and personal development.