Podcast Summary: The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

Episode: No Mercy / No Malice: Resist and Unsubscribe
Date: January 31, 2026
As Read By: George Hahn
Podcast Network: Vox Media

Episode Overview

In this urgent and provocative episode, Scott Galloway (through narrator George Hahn) delivers a powerful call to action in response to escalating federal intervention and violence in Minnesota. The deaths of two Americans, aggressive ICE occupation, and the arrest of journalist Don Lemon serve as a wakeup call for mass resistance against the Trump administration’s disregard for democratic norms and citizen protests. Instead of traditional demonstrations or symbolic gestures, Galloway advocates a tactically focused “national economic strike”: a month-long campaign targeting the tech and AI industries through consumer subscription cancellations and spending freezes. The episode weaves together business insight, political critique, and actionable life advice, urging listeners to “resist and unsubscribe” to restore American values and apply real market pressure where it matters most to the administration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Protests and Outrage Have Limited Power (01:20–02:00)

• The Trump administration, per Galloway, is indifferent to protests, public outrage, congressional scrutiny, or even Supreme Court interventions.
• Key Insight: What truly influences the current administration is the response from financial markets.
• Quote: “This administration doesn't respond to protests. It doesn't respond to citizenry. It doesn't respond to Congress or the Supreme Court. It responds to markets.” (02:03, George Hahn reading Galloway)

2. The Case for Economic Resistance, Not Labor Strikes (03:15–06:10)

• Galloway explains why traditional labor strikes or shuttering local businesses are ineffective or even harmful—they hurt small businesses and workers, rather than powerful interests.
• Instead, he proposes a coordinated economic strike: targeted subscription cancellations and consumer spending slowdowns focused on tech and AI companies.
• Quote: “We're not talking about a labor strike... We're proposing something quieter and less cinematic than a protest that will run all day on cable TV. But much more disturbing to the Trump administration. A one day slowdown is irritating. A one month slump is terrifying.” (04:16, George Hahn)

3. Targeted Boycotts of Tech, AI, and ICE-Contracted Companies (06:12–10:22)

• The episode singles out tech and AI companies (OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Uber) as the most sensitive to downturns in subscription revenue.
• Companies with ICE contracts (AT&T, Dell, FedEx) are also highlighted for cancellation or reduced use.
• Galloway notes that even a small decrease in subscription revenues can ripple through “America’s economy—one giant bet on AI.”
• Quote: “A modest reduction in their company's growth could have a substantial impact on valuations priced to perfection. Small changes in consumer behavior… could have an enormous ripple effect, one that extends all the way to the White House.” (07:35, George Hahn)

4. How to Join and Amplify the Movement (10:24–13:11)

• The campaign is explained in practical terms: visit resistandunsubscribe.com, document cancellations on social media (specifically Instagram), and share with friends to spread the word.
• The movement has clear objectives—ending the occupation by federal agents, upholding the rule of law, and restoring American democratic values.
• Quote: “Articulate the objectives: Forcing the president to end the occupation of cities by masked agents. Respect the rule of law and uphold American values.” (11:34, George Hahn)

5. Economic Impact: The Power of Consumers (13:15–17:55)

• Consumers drive two-thirds of the US economy; small spending reductions can have massive economic impacts—especially from the wealthiest 10%, who account for roughly half of all consumer spending.
• Historical examples: Great Recession (3.4% drop), COVID pandemic (9.8% drop) triggered sweeping political action.
• Quote: “Punishing America's economy isn't an act we propose lightly, but pain for some US tech businesses in the short term could inspire real change. A small price for restoring our democracy.” (15:15, George Hahn)
• Galloway likens this campaign to “Dry January” for spending—a chance to reset not only the political landscape but also personal consumption habits.

6. Tech CEOs and Corporate Resistance (18:00–22:36)

• Galloway criticizes the reluctance of major business leaders and CEOs, citing recent examples where letters and statements have failed to move the needle.
• Even after deadly incidents, leading tech CEOs remain complicit, attending White House events and avoiding direct confrontation with the president.
• Notable exceptions emerge from rank-and-file tech workers, who draft forceful letters urging corporate opposition to ICE policies.
• Quote: “Fortune 500 CEOs need to organize to resist the president as he bulldozes the values that make America great. Understandably, nobody wants to go first or be alone on this, but it's the right thing to do.” (19:30, George Hahn)
• Also quoted: OpenAI executive James Diet: “There was more outrage from tech executives over California's proposed wealth tax than masked ICE agents terrorizing communities and executing civilians in the streets.” (21:45)

7. Historical Context and the Path Forward (22:50–End)

• Galloway references historian Heather Cox Richardson, who notes the multitude of ways Americans are responding locally—through community patrols, mutual aid, and legal support.
• Real change comes from organized, collective economic action—not waiting for political leaders or CEOs to “grow a spine.”
• Quote: “Real change always comes from the American people, not from our political parties. But power doesn't fear protests nearly as much as economic withdrawals.” (25:12, George Hahn)
• Memorable Finale: “Getting off your couch, taking to the streets, and building community is important. But the most radical act in a capitalist society isn't marching, it's not spending. Life is so rich, Sam.” (End)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------| | 01:20 | Why the Administration Listens Only to Markets| | 03:15 | The Ineffectiveness of Traditional Strikes | | 06:12 | Targeting Tech and ICE-Contracted Businesses | | 10:24 | How to Join & Amplify the Economic Strike | | 13:15 | Economic Impact and Precedent | | 18:00 | Corporate Complicity & Worker Dissent | | 22:50 | Historical Context, Power of the People | | 25:12+ | Power of Economic Withdrawal and Final Note |

Notable Quotes

• “This administration doesn't respond to protests... It responds to markets.” — Scott Galloway (02:03)
• "A one day slowdown is irritating. A one month slump is terrifying." — Scott Galloway (04:16)
• "A modest reduction in their company's growth could have a substantial impact on valuations priced to perfection." — Scott Galloway (07:35)
• “Punishing America's economy isn't an act we propose lightly, but pain for some US tech businesses in the short term could inspire real change. A small price for restoring our democracy.” — Scott Galloway (15:15)
• “Fortune 500 CEOs need to organize to resist the president as he bulldozes the values that make America great... but it's the right thing to do.” — Scott Galloway (19:30)
• "There was more outrage from tech executives over California's proposed wealth tax than masked ICE agents terrorizing communities and executing civilians in the streets." — James Diet, OpenAI (21:45)
• “Real change always comes from the American people, not our political parties. But power doesn't fear protests nearly as much as economic withdrawals.” — Scott Galloway (25:12)
• "But the most radical act in a capitalist society isn't marching, it's not spending." — Scott Galloway (End)

Tone and Style

The episode is urgent, prescriptive, and unapologetically direct, blending Galloway’s classic incisiveness with a call for practical, market-driven activism. The language alternates between fiery critique and strategic instruction, mixing evidence-based argument with a sense of moral imperative.

Summary

In “Resist and Unsubscribe,” Scott Galloway delivers a bold, market-savvy roadmap for political resistance, urging Americans to leverage their consumer power through subscription cancellations and targeted boycotts—especially in the tech and AI sectors—as a means to pressure the administration where it matters most: the economy. The episode warns that symbolic protests are insufficient, highlights past failures of CEO leadership, and draws on both current events and historical analogies to argue for collective action. It’s a playbook for economic resistance, delivered with unmistakable urgency and wit, for anyone alarmed by government overreach and seeking actionable ways to effect change.