The hottest Podcasts Substack posts right now

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March Media Madness: Determining America's Worst Podcaster

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2269 implied HN points • 20 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Media Criticism Influencers Satire Competitions Cancel Culture
  1. It's a satirical bracket-style tournament that pits podcasters against each other so the most wrong or awful one advances, culminating in a live championship.
  2. Readers can help decide outcomes and submit terrible podcast pitches for a $1000 prize, with runners-up receiving merch prizes.
  3. The contest deliberately rewards sensationalism, mistakes, and cancel-culture theatrics, treating outrage and bad ideas as the event's main draw.

Doomscroll: Amber A'Lee Frost

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 457 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Cultural critique Political Commentary Social movements Media Analysis Activism
  1. Young people are often seen as the future of social change. But we need to think about whether they really will lead the revolution.
  2. There are new efforts by the Republican party to support workers. It's important to consider if these changes are genuine or not.
  3. A lot of educated people are struggling to find jobs, which raises questions about what happens next in our society.

The Truth About BS Podcast

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Books Ideas Education Philosophy Publishing Media
  1. Princeton University Press launched a podcast called “The Truth About Bullshit” that riffs on the book On Bullshit.
  2. An episode features a conversation about The Case Against Education, connecting the podcast to debates over the value and purpose of schooling.
  3. The episode is described as a high-quality, thoughtful conversation and is recommended listening for those interested in the topic.

Note from the Editor

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4518 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Announcements Scheduling Production Editorial Audience Content Operations
  1. A regular segment was paused this week because the host was too sick to record, and it will return next week.
  2. The publication has been light on content lately, and changes meant to fix that will be implemented after the weekend with readers asked to check back Monday.
  3. An apology was offered for the interruption, and readers were wished a good weekend and reminded to tune in Monday morning.
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Reform has a point (about this one, very specific thing)

Odds and Ends of History • 201 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Politics Housing Technology Copyright Public Policy Local news
  1. Changing how political control works in the Civil Service could have real benefits and is worth a calm, open debate instead of instant rejection.
  2. A local playground being unusable for kids for two years shows how everyday public services can get stuck and cause real frustration for communities.
  3. Text and data mining sits at the heart of the ongoing AI vs copyright debate, and we need clear rules that balance innovation with protecting creators' rights.

America This Week, 4 PM Monday ET: The Last Show

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1676 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts News Politics Media Journalism Opinion Interviews
  1. The show is ending its Monday live segments and moving to a new schedule with taped Friday episodes.
  2. One co‑host quit after learning of other changes, so the show is temporarily paused while they decide what to do next.
  3. The hosts plan to rethink the format and consult readers before choosing a replacement, and their farewell episode probed how people can stay sane amid overflowing, unresolved news.

Episode 189 Pt I

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Politics Health Entertainment
  1. There were technical issues that caused half an hour of the show to be lost, including important debate analysis. The hosts plan to redo it and offer more content soon.
  2. Residents in Springfield, Ohio, are expressing concerns about a large influx of Haitian immigrants and how it affects their community.
  3. A guest discusses the issues of responsibility among gay men concerning health risks linked to promiscuity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and personal accountability.

Criminal Minds

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts True Crime Social Issues Mental health Political Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Child abuse is a major factor in violent behavior, as suggested by the case of a young murderer. It's important to understand the home environment of troubled youth.
  2. Society is facing a decline with issues like street violence and controversial influences in media. These problems make it harder for people to feel safe.
  3. There's a mix of unusual news topics and merchandise being advertised. It reflects the unique and sometimes bizarre culture we are living in.

Some actual good news for once!

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Urbanism Housing Energy Science Transport Policy
  1. Cornwall could become Britain’s lithium and geothermal powerhouse as new projects develop there.
  2. London is finally set to get a pedestrianised Oxford Street after years of institutional gridlock.
  3. UK astronomy funding is under threat, and cuts to curiosity-driven fundamental research could seriously damage the country’s leadership in astronomy.

The Best Podcast of All Time!?

The Society of Problem Solvers • 299 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Communication Entertainment Culture Health
  1. Many health issues like heart disease and anxiety are rising because of the poor quality of our food and medical advice. We need to pay attention to what we eat and who we trust for health advice.
  2. The current food system is corrupted, and we should look for alternatives that prioritize nutritious and safe options. It's important to demand transparency in what we consume.
  3. Society should focus on effective solutions to our problems rather than just discussing them. We can make a change by working together and valuing results.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 30, 2026: “Marriage Advice From Matt and Walter, and Minnesota”

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1215 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Politics Culture Society Literature Relationships Humor Media
  1. The episode will include marriage advice and a segment focused on Minnesota.
  2. They plan to examine a self-annihilating cultural trend and argue that Brave New World is unexpectedly relevant to current times.
  3. The two hosts record from different locations—one abroad with positive impressions of the place, and the other in Washington, D.C., joking about strained diplomatic vibes across from the White House.

Apple's move into video podcasts is too little too late

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Industry Distribution Platforms Monetization Advertising Subscriptions
  1. Apple’s new video-podcast features and HLS support improve the experience but are likely too little, too late to stop market share loss to Spotify and YouTube, which benefit from much stronger user lock-in.
  2. More publishers are shifting from metered paywalls to hard paywalls and confidently charging full price, because metered models only work if you produce enormous volumes of repeat traffic.
  3. Niche and independent publishers can build durable businesses by selling direct subscriptions, high-priced specialized access, memberships, events, and brand-funded projects, reducing dependence on big tech platforms.

On my bullshit tonight at 8 pm!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Entertainment Discussion Politics
  1. A live conversation is happening tonight at 8 pm Eastern time. You can join in to hear some interesting discussions.
  2. It's on Rumble, so you'll need an account to participate in the live chat. Make sure to sign up beforehand!
  3. The event will focus on American politics and themes of authoritarianism. It could be a good chance to gain new insights on these topics.

Hey, thanks friends!

Disaffected Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Content creation Freelancing Subscriptions Personal Stories
  1. The creator is thankful for their subscribers and the support they provide. It's great to have people interested in the work.
  2. Having subscribers helps with finances, especially after transitioning to freelancing. It means a lot to get paid for their content.
  3. New essays will be coming soon, despite a busy week with work and shows. The creator wants to keep engaging with their audience.

Deep Future on the Orthogonal Bet Podcast

Subconscious • 434 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Technology Artificial Intelligence Strategic Thinking Risk management
  1. Scenario planning helps you imagine different possible futures and test how strategies hold up in each one.
  2. It's important to tell the difference between calculable risks and deep uncertainty. Keeping multiple futures in mind instead of betting on just one outcome reduces blind spots.
  3. AI-powered scenario engines can generate many plausible futures and stress-test strategies at scale, helping people make better, more resilient plans.

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Comedy Social Issues
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

How Not To Get Away From It All

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Personal Travel Literature Wellness Creativity Culture
  1. Finding wonder in ordinary, everyday things helps you feel more connected and less worn out, because small moments can be deeply meaningful.
  2. Enthusiasm and curiosity are powerful ways to reconnect with life and others, and being able to tolerate small, temporary discomforts lets you pursue things that matter.
  3. Short immersive experiences and sincere conversations can clarify what you want from life and inspire real change, and feeling grateful for those moments keeps perspective and momentum.

Every news outlet should produce a video podcast

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Production Distribution Monetization Audience Growth Technology
  1. News organizations should make video podcasts because they’re a relatively low-effort way to turn reporting into full episodes and short clips that reach audiences on YouTube and social platforms, while also helping reporters build personal brands.
  2. Newsrooms are increasingly using AI assistants to draft articles from reporters’ materials, which can expand coverage and speed up production but changes workflows and raises questions about training and oversight.
  3. Long-form podcasts attract major tech executives who often avoid hard scrutiny, yet those conversations still yield useful quotes for journalism, and media companies chasing short-form vertical video are mostly repurposing clips rather than investing in true mobile-first original content.

Joe Rogan is Still Hiding

Freddie deBoer • 10705 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Critique Political Commentary Cultural analysis Public Discourse
  1. Independence in media can mean different things to different people. What one person sees as open-mindedness might feel like conformity to someone else.
  2. Joe Rogan's show claims to offer a variety of opinions, but many times he favors guests who align with his views. This creates an illusion of openness while limiting genuine debate.
  3. For real dialogue to happen, Rogan should include guests who truly challenge his ideas, instead of mainly booking supporters. This would make his platform more balanced and truly open-minded.

HS2's gravel nightmare

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Urbanism Infrastructure Transport Energy Politics Governance Policy
  1. Britain’s attempt to reform how it builds nuclear plants could be undermined if the country re-aligns its rules with the EU, because European regulations may block or complicate those domestic changes.
  2. The HS2 project and a local council adopted an extreme, complicated solution for a relatively minor gravel problem at Dobbins Lane, creating unnecessary drama and controversy.
  3. A new framework called 'Power Failure' argues we need to rethink how power operates, offering fresh explanations for why governments and institutions often fail to act effectively.

Derealization for a whole hour

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Mental health Society Culture Media Education
  1. Many people are feeling derealization, which makes them question if the world around them is real. This can happen even to those who are usually stable.
  2. A therapist is discussing what she's seeing in clients regarding derealization and offers advice for those worried about their mental state.
  3. There's a concerning situation in Vermont where the state's Supreme Court allowed schools to give vaccines to children without parents' consent, showing a troubling trend.

My Joe Rogan Experience

Injecting Freedom • 82 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Health Politics Media Culture Free speech
  1. A guest appearance on a popular podcast was used to bring a debate about vaccines to a huge audience and encourage people to listen and decide for themselves.
  2. A personal shift in perspective happened after COVID — someone who once mocked critics began questioning standard views on vaccines and became open to re-evaluating beliefs.
  3. The argument centers on promoting data-driven reality and public discussion about whether vaccines are treated as ordinary products or something closer to unquestioned faith, and it asks for audience engagement and support.

Europe needs better rockets

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Urbanism Energy Space Planning Infrastructure Environment Policy
  1. A single planning objection can kill local projects like a neighbourhood battery. This shows how complaints can waste council resources and block useful energy infrastructure.
  2. Europe needs its own independent rocket launch capability so it can reliably access space for industry, science, and future growth.
  3. Reliable, abundant energy is what makes modern life possible. Arguing for technologies like nuclear can help counter degrowth ideas and protect prosperity.

Queensbury Rules: Episode 181

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Social Issues Entertainment Discussion
  1. The show discusses the topic of cancel culture and invites listener comments. It's important to share your thoughts on it.
  2. The host wants to know what people think about cancel culture, showing engagement with the audience’s opinions.
  3. The newsletter is reader-supported, encouraging subscriptions to help continue the discussion and content.

NIMBYs vs Bristol Zoo

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Urbanism Public Policy Infrastructure Energy Government Economics
  1. Local NIMBY disputes, like the fight over Bristol Zoo, show how community opposition can strongly shape, delay, or block development and often plays out in parish council meetings.
  2. Proposals to reform the Civil Service focus on speeding up decision-making and improving delivery so government can move faster and fix things more effectively.
  3. Policymakers and economists are pushing bold, large-scale ideas—like building an enormous electricity cable linking Texas and the UK—to rethink how we solve big energy and infrastructure problems.

Neurologist Speaks Out

Injecting Freedom • 69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Health Medicine Public Health Vaccines Ethics Policy Media
  1. A double-board-certified neurologist says he has seen acute vaccine adverse events firsthand that are quietly acknowledged but rarely reported.
  2. He argues there is deep cognitive dissonance in medicine, with flawed vaccine surveillance systems and many neurologists staying silent about suspected vaccine harms.
  3. He calls for more transparency, better reporting, recognition of genetic susceptibility, and stronger informed consent and parental choice around vaccinations.

Somehow, HS2 to Manchester returned

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Transport Infrastructure Urbanism History Politics Technology
  1. The government's U-turn on digital ID is being treated like a huge scandal, but the reaction is overblown and doesn't need hysterical coverage.
  2. A 17th-century Cromwell-era engineering project is even visible from space, and its story has surprising parallels with modern big rail schemes like HS2.
  3. Northern Powerhouse Rail has been revived, including a new Birmingham–Manchester line that closely resembles the old HS2 plans.

Universal's troubled waters

Odds and Ends of History • 201 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Urbanism Planning Housing Infrastructure Immigration Economy Local Politics
  1. The new Universal theme park is creating unexpected pressure on local water infrastructure, showing gaps in planning and coordination with utilities.
  2. Planning committee meetings are a key public forum where politicians and campaigners can highlight development issues and sometimes create dramatic moments.
  3. Foreign-born founders make a large contribution to the UK economy, and immigration policy should be reformed to better attract and support high-growth entrepreneurs.