Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov - podcast cover

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Vox Media Podcast Networkpodcasts.voxmedia.com
Raging against the extremes. Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov are in the middle — and they’re mad, because being a moderate in America these days does NOT mean staying silent. New episodes every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episodes

Stephen Colbert Signs Off as Trump’s Revenge Tour Crushes GOP Critics

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down a major election week for Trump-backed GOP primary candidates, including a high-profile win in Kentucky where incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie was defeated. Massie was the de facto leader of the small faction of congressional Republicans who fought for the release of the Epstein Files. They also preview the next major showdown in Texas, where a high-stakes runoff in the GOP Senate primary could further cement Trump’s influence over Republican politics if ...

May 21, 202650 min

Trump’s MAGA Loyalty Test Heads to the Ballot Box

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down the controversy surrounding Trump’s settlement with the IRS and the creation of a fund critics are already calling a political slush fund. With the attorney general set to oversee who receives compensation, major questions are emerging about whether taxpayer money could effectively become a reward system for political allies and January 6 defendants. They also unpack a massive primary night across the country, including Congressman Thomas Massie’s hig...

May 19, 202648 min

Trump Cashes in on Thousands of Stock Trades While Americans Get Crushed

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down explosive new ethics filings showing that President Trump made thousands of stock trades during the first quarter of 2026, with transactions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. While the White House insists the trades were handled through trusts and third parties, the revelations arrive alongside reports that Trump has secured a massive $1.8B fund from his own DOJ to be distributed to allies or supporters who were investigated during the Biden y...

May 18, 202649 min

Trump Sucks Up to Xi, But Doesn’t Care About Americans’ Financial Pain

Join ProfG+ ( https://profgmedia.com ) for exclusive access to a livestream with the latest analysis of the Trump/Xi summit. Hosted by Alice Han and James Kynge of the China Decode podcast, and featuring guest expert Kevin Xu of Interconnected Capital. It’s on Friday, May 15th at 10:00AM ET — click here: https://links.profgmedia.com/cd-livestream Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down Trump’s momentous trip to China, where discussions are taking place between the U.S. delegation and China’...

May 14, 202642 min

Trump Accelerates Superpower Decline as XI Plays the Long Game (ft. Sarah Longwell)

Scott Galloway and Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark break down Trump’s first visit to China since 2017, where discussions over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and rare earth exports are expected to dominate the agenda. But looming over the entire trip is the increasingly fragile ceasefire with Iran, rising instability in the Persian Gulf, and growing economic pressure at home as gas prices surge nationwide. They unpack what leverage each side actually has going into the summit, why major te...

May 12, 202651 min

Trump Rejects Iran’s Offer as Democrats Hit With Devastating Redistricting Blow Ahead of Midterms

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and temporarily suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief — even after it was deemed “unacceptable” by President Trump, and while Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on 60 Minutes to make it clear that Israel has little interest in a deal that leaves Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact. With oil prices falling and markets rallying, one major question remains: is economic pressure finally...

May 11, 202642 min

Is Trump the GOP’s Greatest Asset — or Biggest Liability?

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down a week defined by confusion, escalation, and political loyalty tests. As mixed messages pour out of Washington and Tehran, Trump threatens further action against Iran even as officials insist tensions are cooling — leaving allies, markets, and the world searching for clarity. Back at home, a judge has unsealed what a former cellmate has alleged is Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide note. Its release comes at a time when Secretary Howard Lutnick is giving close...

May 07, 202647 min

Trump and Hegseth Spout Lies and Contradictions on Iran

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down the latest developments in Iran, where confusion continues to swirl around a fragile ceasefire. With renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and mixed signals coming out of Washington, the situation remains volatile and increasingly difficult to read. Then they discuss the efforts by the Republicans to get Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman to switch parties, raising questions about the precarious balance of power in the Senate. At the same time, fr...

May 06, 202652 min

Trump’s “Project Freedom” Shows His Awful Negotiation Skills

With Tehran threatening to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. ramping up its response, is the Iran conflict entering a dangerous new phase — with no clear off-ramp? Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down the latest escalations, as oil prices surge and gas prices climb nearly 50% since the start of the war. With the Trump administration fast-tracking billions in arms sales, and launching “Project Freedom” to guide vessels through the region, one key question looms: is this de...

May 04, 202648 min

Trump Triggers Redistricting Chaos as GOP Pushes Power Grab Nationwide

Jessica Tarlov and Aaron Parnas break down the battle to redraw congressional districts, as Republican-led states like Louisiana move quickly to implement new maps ahead of the midterms — while Democrats signal they’re ready to retaliate in states like Illinois, Colorado, and New York. With primaries just weeks away in some states, one key question looms: is this a strategic power play, or a logistical and legal mess waiting to unfold? Plus: new concerns about federal involvement in election dat...

May 01, 202632 min

As the War Nears Its Legal Limit, Trump Pushes Presidential Power Further

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down a rapidly escalating moment at home and abroad, as his war in the Middle East continues to seem like it will be going on for a while. Iran’s leadership has issued another direct threat as Donald Trump ramps up his rhetoric and pushes for a broader deal — even as the war hits its 60-day mark, raising serious legal questions under the War Powers Resolution. Meanwhile, oil prices surged, and Wall Street doesn’t appear confident that a resolution will be ...

Apr 30, 202636 min

The Rise of Conspiracy Politics in Trump’s America (ft. Astead Herndon)

After Trump imposed sweeping tariffs, tried to prevent the release of the Epstein files, and led the U.S. into another potential “forever” war, are the bonds that keep the MAGA coalition together starting to fall apart? Jessica Tarlov sits down with Vox’s Astead Herndon — political journalist and host of the new podcast “America, Actually” — to discuss these and other big-picture trends on both sides of the aisle. They also break down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony on Capitol Hill, a...

Apr 29, 202639 min

Trump Blames Democrats, Demands His Ballroom, and Attacks Jimmy Kimmel Again (ft. Sen. Rand Paul)

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov sit down with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to unpack a volatile political moment in Washington. In the wake of the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Republicans and President Trump are blaming Democrats for fueling political violence — while critics argue the response is part of a familiar cycle of partisan escalation, and that President Trump has espoused even more egregious rhetoric throughout his presidency. At the same time, Cong...

Apr 28, 202630 min

The Aftermath of Trump's Third Assassination Attempt

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov examine the incident that took place this weekend at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where an armed suspect was apprehended after breaching a security perimeter. The incident, described by authorities as a potential assassination attempt, has renewed questions about the safety of high-profile political figures and the persistence of political violence in the United States. They discuss what is known about the suspect, how the breach occurred, and what th...

Apr 27, 202630 min

A War That Trump Won’t End — and an Economy Starting to Feel It

Trump says the ceasefire is holding — but the bigger question is: what’s actually changed? Jessica Tarlov and Aaron Parnas break down a Middle East conflict that feels stuck in place while the consequences keep escalating. Oil prices have surged past $100, the U.S. is burning through thousands of missiles, and tensions with Iran are still boiling beneath the surface as both sides escalate in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the ripple effects are hitting closer to home — from rising fuel ...

Apr 24, 202630 min

The Limits of Trump's "Madman" Iran Strategy

Is this a ceasefire in name only? What does “ceasefire” even mean? After extending the ceasefire with Iran, Donald Trump is threatening “shoot to kill” in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran seizes ships and commercial vessels come under fire. Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down how close we are to open conflict, what the Secretary of the Navy’s firing means, and what happens if global oil shipments become even more incapacitated. Plus: Scott and Jessica talk about the potential government bai...

Apr 23, 202631 min

Democrats Erase GOP Redistricting Gains with Power Move in Virginia

Jessica Tarlov sits down with activist and influencer Carlos Espina to break down Democrats’ aggressive redistricting win in Virginia and what it means for the fight for control of Congress. They dive into voter backlash, Trump’s shaky ceasefire as global tensions rise, and the growing chaos inside Trump’s orbit. Plus — after losing ground with Latino voters in the 2024 election, what will it take for the party to win them back before 2028? #trump #uspolitics #politics #scottgalloway #jessicatar...

Apr 22, 202634 min

How Trump’s Iran War Could Break the GOP (ft. Ben Shapiro)

Just hours before a fragile ceasefire deadline, tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating — and the political fallout at home is already taking shape. Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov sit down with Ben Shapiro, one of the most influential voices on the right, who has called this the “single bravest foreign policy move” of his lifetime. But as the risk of a prolonged conflict grows, so do the stakes: for American power, for President Trump, and for the future of the Republican Party. The...

Apr 21, 202653 min

Trump Faces New Uncertainty as Iran Pulls Back from Talks

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down a fast-moving moment in global and domestic politics as Iran steps back from new peace talks following the U.S. seizure of an Iranian cargo ship. With tensions rising, questions are mounting over whether the current ceasefire can hold — or whether negotiations are already beginning to unravel. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel back to Pakistan, even as Tehran signals deep hesitation. At home, the Supreme Court has struck down ke...

Apr 20, 202635 min

Hormuz Confusion Grows — Trump Digs in on Blockade as Iran Calls the Shots

Trump is claiming a win after the Strait of Hormuz reopens — but the reality is far more complicated. Jessica Tarlov and Aaron Parnas break down the fragile Middle East ceasefire and the mixed signals coming out of the Trump administration. With reports of backchannel talks, a possible cash-for-uranium proposal, and Trump publicly denying it, the key question at the center of it all: is there a real deal with Iran, or just the illusion of one? Meanwhile, new concerns are emerging about condition...

Apr 17, 202632 min

Trump and Pete Hegseth Under Fire as Questions of Competence Mount in Iran War

Today is the last day to vote! We’ve been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: ⁠ ⁠https://wbby.co/57448N⁠ Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down a rapidly escalating global crisis as the Iran ceasefire nears expiration and peace talks teeter on the edge of collapse. With Pakistan stepping in as a potential mediator and no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight, questions are mounting a...

Apr 16, 202632 min

Trump Promised Lower Costs and Bet Big on Tax Cuts... It's Backfiring (ft. Galen Druke)

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Voting closes on Thursday 4/16 — So cast your vote HERE: ⁠https://wbby.co/57448N Jessica Tarlov sits down with data-driven political analyst Galen Druke, host of the GD Politics podcast, to break down what the numbers are actually saying — and what everyone else is getting wrong. On Tax Day, Republicans are still trying to sell last year’s tax cuts f...

Apr 15, 202635 min

Trump Spirals as Iran Blockade Triggers Recession Fears (ft. Sen. Chris Murphy)

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: ⁠ https://wbby.co/57448N Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down the escalating crisis following the Trump administration’s Iran blockade—and what it could mean for the global economy. As tensions intensify in the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations stall between the U.S. and Iran, markets are flashing warning signs that a bro...

Apr 14, 202633 min

Trump Blockades Hormuz as Ceasefire Collapses and Orbán Loses Power

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: ⁠https://wbby.co/57448N What was supposed to be a de-escalation between the United States and Iran is already rapidly collapsing. U.S.–Iran talks in Pakistan ended without a deal, and tensions are now rising sharply after President Trump moved toward a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, a political earthquake is ...

Apr 13, 202635 min

MAGA Revolts Over Trump’s Iran Disaster

Big news! We’ve been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: https://wbby.co/57448N What was supposed to be a breakthrough is unraveling—fast. Jessica Tarlov and Aaron Parnas break down the chaos surrounding Donald Trump’s so-called Iran ceasefire as tensions surge across the region and the deal appears to be collapsing in real time. At the same time, Trump is facing a full-blown revolt from hi...

Apr 10, 202633 min

Trump’s War in Iran Accomplished Nothing (ft. Tommy Vietor)

Big news! We’ve been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: https://wbby.co/57448N Jessica Tarlov sits down with Tommy Vietor — co-host of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and the former National Security Council spokesperson under President Obama — to unpack the chaos behind Donald Trump’s so-called “ceasefire” with Iran. Trump is claiming victory — but on the ground, missiles are still ...

Apr 09, 202640 min

Did Trump Just Give Iran the Win on a Silver Platter?

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: ⁠https://wbby.co/57448N The U.S. and Iran agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, just hours before President Trump’s threatened strike. Iran has pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz open — but reports suggest it may demand payment in cryptocurrency. Israel continues major strikes in Lebanon, and drone and m...

Apr 08, 202626 min

Trump Threatens to WIPE OUT Iran and Triggers 25th Amendment Calls (ft. Katie Phang)

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: https://wbby.co/57448N Jessica Tarlov sits down with attorney and MeidasTouch host Katie Phang to break down Trump’s latest escalation with Iran — his 8:00 P.M. deadline, threats to strike civilian infrastructure, and the very real question of whether this is brinkmanship... or something much worse. They talk through what happens...

Apr 07, 202636 min

Trump Issues Insane Iran Ultimatum as Ceasefire Talks Collapse

Big news! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: https://wbby.co/57448N Trump threatens to bomb Iran’s power grid as ceasefire talks quietly unfold behind the scenes — raising the stakes for a potential wider conflict. Jessica Tarlov is joined by The New York Times's Lulu Garcia-Navarro to break down whether this is a high-risk negotiation strategy or the brink of a longer war....

Apr 06, 202636 min

BREAKING: We're Nominated for a Webby Award!

Big news! We’ve been nominated for a Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast! Now it’s time to bring it home — and we need your help. Cast your vote HERE: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/podcasts/shows/news-politics Voting is open until Thursday, April 16th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 04, 202649 sec
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