The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

Raging Moderates: Censoring Stephen Colbert Backfires

February 18, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The attempt by CBS/Paramount to censor Texas State Representative James Talarico's interview on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* backfired, amplifying Talarico's profile and making Colbert a winner in the process. 
  • The Department of Justice's claim of fulfilling the Epstein Files Transparency Act is highly suspect, as reports suggest only 2% of the seized data has been released, leading to concerns that the release strategy is designed for mass distraction rather than substantive justice. 
  • The ongoing DHS funding showdown and the controversy surrounding ICE are framed as part of a broader pattern where the Trump administration's unpopular policy positions are causing major political setbacks, evidenced by falling poll numbers among key voting demographics. 

Segments

Intro and Personal Update
Copied to clipboard!
(00:00:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlef open the episode, with Tarlef reporting from Zermatt.
  • Summary: Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlef greet each other. Tarlef mentions she is in Zermatt and is grateful to be podcasting instead of skiing. They briefly discuss skiing.
Colbert Interview Censorship Fallout
Copied to clipboard!
(00:01:28)
  • Key Takeaway: The attempt by CBS/FCC to spike the James Tallerico interview backfired, amplifying Tallerico’s profile.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss ‘Tallarico Gate,’ where CBS allegedly blocked an interview with Texas State Representative James Tallerico. They analyze how this censorship attempt amplified Tallerico’s campaign and made Colbert look like a defender of free speech.
Epstein Files Release Criticism
Copied to clipboard!
(00:01:39)
  • Key Takeaway: The DOJ’s release of only 2% of the Epstein files is seen as a deliberate tactic to create confusion and distract from criminal accountability.
  • Summary: The discussion moves to the Epstein files, noting that only a fraction has been released. They criticize the DOJ for releasing confusing data (like including Janice Joplin) instead of focusing on indictments, viewing it as a propaganda technique.
DOJ Focus: Criminality vs. Gossip
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:57)
  • Key Takeaway: The focus on peripheral figures in the Epstein files dilutes the necessary pursuit of criminal indictments for child rape and trafficking.
  • Summary: Galloway argues that public focus on who had email contact with Epstein (like Casey Wasserman) distracts from the DOJ’s core mission: indicting and imprisoning those who committed crimes against children.
DHS Funding and ICE Deadlock
Copied to clipboard!
(00:38:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The fight over ICE funding is ongoing, but Trump’s policies are causing him to lose support among key voting demographics.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the Congressional deadlock over DHS funding and ICE reform. Galloway highlights recent polling showing Trump losing ground with independents and young voters, linking this to unpopular policy positions like aggressive immigration enforcement.
Florida Politics and Election Calculus
Copied to clipboard!
(00:47:06)
  • Key Takeaway: While democracy issues are important, local elections like the Florida Senate race will likely be won or lost based on kitchen-table economic issues like insurance costs.
  • Summary: The conversation turns to specific races, including the Florida Senate seat. They discuss Alexander Vindman’s candidacy but conclude that economic concerns (insurance, cost of living) will ultimately drive voter turnout more than democracy arguments.