Podcast Summary: The Prof G Pod – Raging Moderates: Censoring Stephen Colbert Backfires

Date: February 18, 2026
Hosts: Scott Galloway & Jessica Tarlov
Produced by: Vox Media Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This “Raging Moderates” episode dives into three hot-button issues in American political life through a centrist, sharp-tongued lens:

• The controversy around the pulled Stephen Colbert–James Talarico interview (“Talarico-gate”) and accusations of Trump administration-driven censorship
• The DOJ’s limited release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and continuing ramifications
• The deadlock in Congress over ICE and the future of immigration enforcement
  Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov dissect these stories’ nuances, highlighting the dangers of institutional cowardice, political own-goals, and distraction tactics, while debating prospects for political change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Censorship Backfires: The Colbert–Talarico Incident

(00:39–11:23)

• Background: Texas State Rep. James Talarico’s scheduled interview on Colbert was pulled by CBS, reportedly due to FCC pressure, sparking controversy about censorship and corporate media’s political compliance.
• Colbert’s Response: Rather than remaining silent, Colbert called out FCC chair Brendan Carr, and the full interview was swiftly released on YouTube, attracting huge attention.
• Media and Political Fallout:
  • Corporate Media’s Loss of Nerve: Jessica criticizes corporate media and law firms generally "bending the knee" in the Trump era rather than standing for principles.
  • The ‘Own-Goal’ Effect: By attempting to hide the segment, the move amplified both Colbert and Talarico’s platforms. “It gave them a bit of a badass sheen that two kind of arguably, you know, dorky guys like Stephen Colbert and James Talarico wouldn't normally have.” (Jessica Tarlov, 02:51)
  • Who’s Winning & Losing?:
    • Paramount/CBS comes off as weak and complicit, damaging its brand and viewership.
    • The Trump administration appears “fascistic” and “stupid,” fueling attention to the very topics it sought to censor (Scott: 09:04).
    • Talarico emerges as an anti-establishment folk hero, and Colbert is lionized for pressing on.
  • Long-Term Consequences: This episode is seen as further evidence of the Trump administration's disregard for press freedom and raises the ante for Democrats to champion constitutional rights.
  • Notable Quote:

    “This wasn't censorship, this was amplification. Brendan Carr just made Talarico famous in Texas. Talarico could have raised 20 or 30 million dollars—it wouldn’t have done as much for his campaign as Brendan Carr just did.”
    (Scott Galloway, 06:06)

  • Broader Context: The contrast is drawn with right-wing rhetoric about censorship abroad, and the cross-party hypocrisy is highlighted.

2. DOJ, Epstein Files & Weaponized Distraction

(14:43–38:12)

• Epstein Files Released—But Only 2%:
  • The DOJ claims compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but only a tiny sliver of records has reached the public.
  • “Because they're lying, but that makes sense.” (Jessica Tarlov, 15:13)
  • The hosts discuss international ramifications (resignations in France, UK) versus US inertia.
• Why the DOJ Stalled:
  • Jessica is disillusioned about there being little accountability or real investigation—calling DOJ the "Department of Delay and Obfuscation" (Scott, 18:51).
  • Scott argues neither party’s administration acted swiftly or justly and describes the release strategy as “confuse the shit out of everyone, release a ton of shit that makes no sense, then drip it out and create a ton of confusion.” (18:51)
  • Flooding the public with data (“weapons of mass distraction”) is compared to GRU disinformation tactics, designed to exhaust the public and shift focus away from criminal acts.
• What Justice Should Be:
  • Scott believes the DOJ should focus on indictments, not mass data dumps that tar the innocent and muddy the guilty, arguing selective outrage and ring-light activism fuels division.
  • Jessica notes that some (like medical influencer Peter Attia) deserved extra scrutiny due to the volume and content of their Epstein connections—raising thorny moral and journalistic questions.
  • Notable Quote:

    “The Department of Justice is the most poorly named government agency in the world right now. This has nothing to do with justice. It's the Department of Propaganda, it's the Department of Delay and Obfuscation.”
    (Scott Galloway, 19:35)

• Hope for Accountability:
  • Jessica highlights a New Mexico “truth commission” with subpoena power to probe suspected Epstein crimes at Zorro Ranch—offering a rare, tangible sign of hope for consequences.
  • Scott is cautiously optimistic serious action will come, but likely not until “2029” or a new administration; acknowledges the statute of limitations may run out on some charges.
• On Media, Outrage & Division:
  • Scott rails against the perverse incentives of internet mobbing:

    “Instead we're talking about this guy should resign or this guy should or shouldn't be on CBS. I think it's an incredible miscarriage of justice and we are falling into the exact trap that the Trump administration has laid for us.”
    (Scott Galloway, 25:40)

  • The show decries Democrats’ tendency for “circular firing squads,” nitpicking allies and losing focus.
• Pain of Survivors:
  • Both express deep sympathy and frustration for survivors; the system continues to fail them.

3. ICE Reform & Institutional Trust

(38:50–53:15)

• Congress Deadlocked: Ongoing gridlock over Department of Homeland Security funding and ICE reform. Senate Democrats demand increased transparency (body cams, ID rules), while Republicans argue for status quo, insisting ICE has guaranteed funding till 2028.
• Who Wins the Standoff?
  • Jessica suggests Democrats (except potentially Fetterman) lack appetite for compromise, and Republicans are in a tough spot—especially with Trump polling at record lows among independents, Latinos, and young voters.
  • Despite right-wing talking points, ICE’s budget is secure due to prior reconciliation.
  • Recent peaceful protests in Minneapolis show meaningful pushback is possible:

    “You may have to show up for a protest or two, that you may have to resist and unsubscribe, but you can make change and you're not powerless.”
    (Jessica Tarlov, 43:00)

  • Scott frames the debate in historical perspective, emphasizing Americans’ resilience but noting current record-low trust in government (just 17% trust D.C. to do the right thing, vs. 73% in 1958).
• Election Outlook & Blue Wave Potential:
  • The possibility of Democrats regaining both chambers gains credibility. Jessica points to potential Senate pickups in North Carolina, Maine, Ohio (with the Epstein association in GOP candidate ads), and possible surprises in Texas, Iowa, and Florida.
  • Scott is skeptical an impeachment-focused campaign (e.g., Vindman in Florida) will connect; predicts cost of living and insurance issues will be pivotal instead.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It is a luxury to be a quote, unquote democracy voter. Unless you can connect the dots ... between the assault on democracy and your cost of living, because that is available ... immigrants make us more prosperous and they make the country better. They are a net contributor.” (Jessica Tarlov, 52:05)
  • “Vindman is a hero who needs an insurance plan.” (Jessica Tarlov, 53:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scott Galloway, 09:04: “I'm not comfortable calling the Trump administration fascists. That's the bad news. The good news is they're really fucking stupid fascists.”
• Jessica Tarlov, 02:51: “It gave them a bit of a badass sheen that two kind of arguably, you know, dorky guys like Stephen Colbert and James Talarico wouldn't normally have.”
• Scott Galloway, 06:06: “This wasn't censorship, this was amplification. Brendan Carr just made Talarico famous in Texas.”
• Scott Galloway, 19:35: “The Department of Justice is the most poorly named government agency in the world right now. This has nothing to do with justice. It's the Department of Propaganda, it's the Department of Delay and Obfuscation.”
• Jessica Tarlov, 43:00: “You may have to show up for a protest or two ... but you can make change and you're not powerless.”
• Jessica Tarlov, 52:05: “It is a luxury to be a quote, unquote democracy voter. Unless you can connect the dots ... between the assault on democracy and your cost of living ... immigrants make us more prosperous and they make the country better.”
• Scott Galloway, 53:15: “Vindman is a hero who needs an insurance plan.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Start | |-----------------------------------------------|-----------| | Colbert–Talarico & Corporate Censorship | 00:39 | | Amplification over Censorship | 02:51 | | Trump Admin ‘Own-Goals’ & Backfire | 06:06 | | DOJ, Epstein Files, Department of Delay | 14:43 | | Mass Distraction & GRU Comparisons | 18:51 | | New Mexico “Truth Commission” | 22:30 | | Division in Outrage and DOJ’s Real Role | 24:46 | | Media Outrage, Democratic Division | 33:34 | | ICE, DHS, Immigration Funding Stalemate | 38:50 | | Political Consequences, Blue Wave Outlook | 45:24 | | Florida, Insurance Politics, Vindman | 49:05 |

Tone & Style

The conversation is energetic, irreverent, and at times profane, blending insider political analysis with blunt, sometimes dark humor. Both hosts are passionate, occasionally despairing, but always searching for signs of hope and practical action—never shy about calling out hypocrisy, cowardice, or self-sabotage across the political spectrum.

Conclusion

This episode of “Raging Moderates” offers a sharp, critical examination of the week’s political controversies, lacing together incidents of state censorship, elite impunity, and institutional mistrust. Galloway and Tarlov argue for focusing outrage and resources on substantive justice and practical change—while warning against the drumbeat of distraction and division exploited by those in power.

Listeners leave with a deeper understanding of the week's biggest political fights, and a sense that, even amid gridlock and scandal, organized public action and vigilance still hold power.