House of Strauss

House of Strauss is a Substack exploring intersections between sports, business, politics, and culture. It delves into the evolving sports media environment, the impact of political and social issues on sports, coaching strategies, the influence of influencers in sports, and critiques of media handling of sports stories. It aims to provide insights into the dynamics shaping modern sports and culture.

Sports Media Evolution Politics and Social Issues in Sports Coaching Strategies and Personalities Influencer Impact in Sports Media Critique and Analysis Sports and Culture Intersection Business Aspects of Sports

The hottest Substack posts of House of Strauss

And their main takeaways

80 Percent of American Politics Is Just Who Runs Twitter

22 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Election Dynamics Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Whoever controls Twitter has a big impact on American politics. This platform shapes the information people see and influences public opinion.
  2. The Democrats seem to struggle with their messaging because they don't control Twitter. Their attempts to communicate may be falling flat because they can't get their message out effectively.
  3. Political parties need to adapt to the current landscape, where social media plays a huge role. Right now, Republicans seem to have the upper hand in shaping the narrative and controlling the discussion.

LeBron James and this Face of the League Problem

39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
  1. LeBron James talked about the pressure of being the 'face of the league,' especially when top players often face criticism from the media.
  2. NBA stars have a life many dream of, but they can still feel unhappy despite their wealth and fame.
  3. The mix of soft official media and harsh social media makes it tough for players, leading to a lot of stress and criticism.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Sports Corporate strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.

Nico Harrison's Dončić Disaster

57 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball Management Trade Analysis Team Dynamics Player Performance
  1. Nico Harrison, the Mavericks' GM, made a surprising trade that shocked everyone, trading superstar Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. It seemed so unbelievable that even reporters thought their sources were hacked.
  2. Many people are trying to understand why the trade happened, but some believe it might be related to the team's ownership wanting to tank for better casino deals.
  3. Critics think that hiring someone from a sneaker marketing background like Harrison for a GM role was a mistake, as he's had previous failures that could impact the team's future.

Retrospective: Trump's Executive Order on Males in Women's Sports

38 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues Government Action Public Sentiment Political Opposition
  1. Trump's recent order restricts biological males from competing in women's sports, which has sparked varying reactions, especially from sports media. It shows a shift in the conversation around gender and sports.
  2. There seems to be a growing consensus among the public against the inclusion of trans women in women's sports, with polls indicating strong support for this stance.
  3. Some individuals feel uncomfortable joining activist movements, even if they agree with the cause, indicating a hesitance to publicly associate with political movements.
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Jimmy Butler Trade Shows Me I'm a Casual

36 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎾 Sports NBA Trades Fan culture Player analysis Media
  1. There's a big gap between casual and hardcore NBA fans. Casual fans enjoy the excitement of trades and star players, while hardcore fans focus more on the details and how moves affect teams overall.
  2. Many NBA trades seem great at first but can be risky or have bad fits. Fans often feel hopeful but need to consider the team's overall strength and needs before celebrating a trade.
  3. After a trade, fans often look for expert opinions to understand if the move was good or bad. This shows how people want to feel smart about their opinions, and they may be influenced by what experts say.

Mark Cuban, Kobe Bryant: Two More Theories on Why the Luka Dončić Happened

37 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Athletes Teams Management Trade Analysis
  1. Mark Cuban hired Nico Harrison as GM, but it seems he was not ready for the job. This has led to problems that only became noticeable later.
  2. There are underlying reasons for the issues that the NBA community is aware of, even if they don't openly discuss them.
  3. Kobe Bryant's influence and theories regarding the situation may also provide additional insights into what is happening with Luka Dončić and the Mavericks.

Is the Vibe Shift Bad for House of Strauss?

37 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Opinions Trends Sports Commentary
  1. The current changes in media and culture, referred to as the 'Vibe Shift,' might hurt some businesses in the short term. However, staying focused on important ideas is more crucial than immediate profits.
  2. Some content creators are worried that opinions they shared before might not be as impactful now. It's important to think about how the audience's reception might change.
  3. Criticism of major sports media has shifted, but some believe there are still important, undisclosed issues that deserve attention. Recognizing the change in discussions around sports can help maintain a unique perspective.

I Hate That I Hate the Chiefs

40 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Athletes Teams Fan culture Competitions
  1. Many fans dislike the Chiefs despite recognizing their talent and success. It’s common to root against the best teams because of the competitive spirit in sports.
  2. The Chiefs have a smart strategy as a team, making clever choices like investing in undervalued positions. This shows they are not just relying on big names but are focused on building a strong overall team.
  3. People often blame luck or outside factors for a team's success, but successful teams like the Chiefs are usually better and make fewer mistakes during important games.

The NBA is Better Off Because LeBronism is Fading Out

60 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletes Leagues Viewership
  1. LeBron James has influenced the NBA by showing players they can prioritize their personal brand over team loyalty. This shift made some fans feel disconnected as players seem less committed to the teams they play for.
  2. As LeBron's career fades, younger players are becoming more loyal to their drafted teams. This trend could create stronger connections between fans and players, which is good for the game.
  3. The NBA is in a better place financially now compared to when LeBron entered the league. The growing loyalty among players and updates in the league may help boost its popularity moving forward.

Warriors Twitter Negative?

24 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Basketball Fan culture Media Team Dynamics Social media
  1. Some Warriors fans are being really critical on Twitter, even about big names like Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr. This negativity seems to come from a mix of frustration as the team's success winds down.
  2. Fans often look back and criticize team decisions without understanding the context at the time. Many decisions had logical reasons behind them, and hindsight can be misleading.
  3. There's a sense that fans should trust the journalists who cover the team. These reporters have more access and knowledge about what’s really happening with the Warriors, so their insights can be valuable.

Fox Sports Mess Yields Era of #SheToo?

27 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Media Harassment Lawsuit Gender Issues Workplace culture
  1. There are sexual harassment allegations happening at Fox Sports, which are causing a big stir. Many are curious about how this will affect the people involved, especially Joy Taylor.
  2. The situation highlights a larger issue in the workplace, showing that women often face challenges and harassment. This is sparking discussions about the need for change, similar to the #MeToo movement.
  3. It's important for companies to take these allegations seriously and create safer environments for everyone. The hope is that transparency and accountability will lead to improvements.

Semafor's, "Things We Got Wrong in 2024"

29 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary Media Analysis Accountability
  1. Public figures often struggle to admit when they're wrong. This can lead to them avoiding accountability and making excuses instead.
  2. Many responses to the prompt reveal a tendency to shift blame or make it about others' failures rather than true self-reflection.
  3. Actual self-critical reflections are rare, but some individuals like Derek Thompson are able to genuinely acknowledge their mistakes.

It's Uncomfortable to Discuss How the NBA Saved Itself in the Mid Aughts

41 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Media Culture History Viewership
  1. The NBA faced a tough time in the mid-2000s but managed to recover from a drop in viewer interest. Recognizing how they turned things around can help address current issues in the league.
  2. There is a lot of negativity around the NBA today, especially from retired players and media pundits. Their comments can discourage casual fans from watching games.
  3. Discussing the NBA's previous comeback story feels uncomfortable to some people. It's important to reflect on past successes to find solutions for today's challenges.

One Sneaky Reason Why Sports Media Shunned Kamala Harris

44 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Strategy Political culture Media influence Voter Demographics Elections
  1. Kamala Harris struggled to connect with the sports media, which is a vital cultural space in America. This made it hard for her campaign to reach younger audiences who are more engaged with sports than with traditional politics.
  2. Young men have shifted their political support away from the Democrats, making it tough for the party to connect with this demographic. This change has been influenced by cultural figures and platforms that resonate more with younger guys.
  3. Sports media is becoming more conservative, which complicates efforts from political figures like Harris to gain support. As sports and culture merge with conservative values, it becomes tricky for athletes and media personalities to engage in politics.

Chuck Klosterman Asked a Provocative Question About the Media

48 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Opinion Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. Reading more news can actually make you feel more confused about what's happening in the world. This can lead to a sort of disconnect from the actual public sentiment.
  2. People often fall into the trap of confirmation bias, meaning they only pay attention to news that supports their views. This can leave them misinformed about broader issues.
  3. Chuck Klosterman's questioning of the media reflects a deeper issue where mainstream news fails to represent diverse perspectives and accurately capture the national mood.

I Don't Think Dan Le Batard Should Dump on Trump Voters

80 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Opinion Media Analysis Civic engagement Political trends
  1. Political discussions can get really intense because they affect people's lives. It's important to try to understand where others are coming from, even if you don't agree with them.
  2. Voting decisions are complicated and often involve many factors. People vote for candidates based on personal experiences and beliefs, not just political slogans.
  3. It's important to focus on connections with others and recognize their humanity, regardless of their political choices. Judging others harshly for their votes can create divides instead of understanding.

My One Neat Trick to Save the NBA

25 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Basketball NBA Athletes Rules Coaching
  1. Allowing hand-checking behind the three-point line might help make the game more physical. This could encourage players to move more and not just rely on shooting threes.
  2. While adding some physicality could improve game dynamics, there's a risk of overdoing it and hurting the sport's appeal. Striking the right balance is key.
  3. Changing rules in basketball can be tricky, especially for referees. The idea is to allow some contact without making it too confusing or chaotic for players and officials.

There Are More People Interested in Why They're No Longer Interested in the NBA Than Are Interested in the NBA

36 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Sports Media Television Athletics Fan engagement
  1. More people are curious about why interest in the NBA is falling than about the games themselves. It's a sign that fans might feel disconnected from the sport.
  2. There’s a lot of talk about NBA ratings dropping, especially after a big TV deal was made. This seems to have made many media figures more comfortable discussing these issues openly.
  3. Many people are more focused on discussing NBA ratings and the league's problems instead of the actual basketball. This shows a shift in what fans care about.

Your Social Media Experience is Bad, Regardless of Race and Gender

56 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Social Issues Race relations
  1. Social media experiences can be bad for everyone, no matter their race or gender. Many people face negativity and harsh comments online.
  2. People's experiences on platforms like Twitter can vary greatly based on their background. However, that doesn't mean others can't also face challenges.
  3. There's a growing recognition that everyone struggles with social media in their own way. It's not just a problem for specific groups; it's a widespread issue.

Is Caitlin Clark Atoning or Bragging?

40 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Media Discourse Performance Cultural impact
  1. Caitlin Clark has changed her public image by acknowledging her privilege, which some people see as a way for her to connect with different audiences.
  2. She's gained both supporters and critics because of her race and background, with different groups interpreting her success through their own lenses.
  3. Recently named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year, her latest quotes reflect a shift in how she addresses topics like race and responsibility in sports.

Will Con Media Turning on Caitlin Clark Impact WNBA Popularity?

34 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Media Popularity Athletes WNBA Culture
  1. Caitlin Clark's fame is currently boosting attention for the WNBA. Many people are curious about how her stardom will affect the league's popularity.
  2. A co-owner of the Washington Mystics expressed frustration about Caitlin being recognized as Athlete of the Year instead of highlighting the whole WNBA. This might reflect deeper racial issues in the league.
  3. The culture around the WNBA feels different compared to other sports leagues, and there's concern that the excitement around Caitlin Clark could be negatively impacted by the league's current dynamics.

Athletes Doing the Trump Dance, Sports Journos Going to BlueSky

41 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Journalism Media Politics Social media
  1. There is a growing separation between athletes and sports journalists. It seems like journalists are feeling pushed out or disconnected from the athletes they cover.
  2. Many sports journalists are leaving Twitter/X for a new platform called BlueSky. This shift shows concerns about the current social media landscape and its impact on communication.
  3. The changing dynamics in the sports world reflect broader societal shifts. Athletes are taking control of their narratives while traditional media is struggling to keep up.

Subscriber questions on 2020 Election Fallout, Simmons + Klosterman, NBA, College Football

28 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball College Football Media Politics Culture
  1. The 2020 election had huge effects, and the actor's outcomes led to unexpected issues for the winning party. Winning didn't solve problems, and there's a feeling that it was a shaky victory for Democrats.
  2. In sports, the new NBA Cup feels forced and too focused on money, which makes it less interesting for fans. Authenticity matters, and the NBA needs to do better to connect with viewers.
  3. With college football playoffs expanding, there's a worry about too many teams making games less valuable. Sometimes, having fewer teams can make the competition more exciting.

Something I'm Thankful For...

26 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Traditions Gratitude Society Anthropology Food
  1. It's important to take time to be thankful, especially during special seasons like holidays. Being grateful can help us appreciate what we have instead of focusing on what's lacking.
  2. Learning about different cultures can change our perspective on our own lives. For example, seeing how happy the Huli tribe women were to have a meal made me reflect on my own daily experiences.
  3. Asking others what they're thankful for can create meaningful conversations. It's a great way to connect with friends and family during changing times.

Should Subscriber Norm Have Been Kicked out of Vince Carter's Jersey Retirement?

22 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Fan culture Team Dynamics Sports Commentary
  1. A fan named Norm was kicked out of an NBA game for heckling Vince Carter during his jersey retirement. He expressed his long-standing dislike for Carter, calling him a 'quitter' as he walked by.
  2. The incident highlights a growing rift between NBA players and fans, with players feeling elevated and fans feeling ignored. There's a sense that the NBA doesn't cater to fan opinions anymore.
  3. Norm feels the Raptors' response shows they care more about the players than their fans. Even though some fans appreciate the team's reconciliation with Carter, others feel sidelined and unsatisfied with the current state of the league.

Michael Jordan is the GOAT and We're Not Done With the 90's

53 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Legacy
  1. The debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the GOAT is ongoing, with arguments highlighting different aspects like championships and career longevity.
  2. Social media trends like 'We're done with the 90's' provoke discussions about basketball legends and the evolution of the game over time.
  3. Michael Jordan's impact and legacy as an iconic sports figure remain strong, transcending nostalgia and time, as seen through his enduring influence in popular culture.

End of Football Season Reflections

51 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Family Emotions Memories
  1. Losing can be more interesting than winning because there's more to consider and manage.
  2. As a parent, it's important to maintain a calm and composed demeanor even during disappointing moments like sports losses.
  3. Family and responsibility take precedence over sports outcomes, teaching the value of emotional management and stoicism.

Bill Simmons is Right About Pat McAfee

50 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Media Content Gambling Entertainment
  1. Pat McAfee criticized Bill Simmons over Super Bowl parlay bets, not content or integrity.
  2. The conflict between McAfee and Simmons is about competing visions for sports media and the role of sports gambling.
  3. Some speculate that the criticism stems from McAfee giving a platform to Aaron Rodgers to criticize Simmons' friend, Jimmy Kimmel.

NBA All Star Weekend Buzz and Flubs

41 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball NBA Sports Media
  1. The NBA All Star Game was heavily criticized and considered uncompetitive, with even the commissioner showing concern.
  2. There is speculation that NBA commissioner Adam Silver's recent focus on the product's quality is driven more by business interests than personal enthusiasm.
  3. The NBA is in a critical phase of securing its financial future, but the current players seem disinterested in putting on an engaging performance.

General Managers and Coaches Think the NBA Changed Its Rules Midseason

37 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎾 Sports NBA Public Opinion
  1. General managers and coaches in the NBA believe the league changed its rules midseason, causing scoring trends to shift abruptly.
  2. Statements from league executives prior to the scoring drop are now seen as ironic, given the sudden shift in average points per game by teams.
  3. There is a widespread belief within the NBA that the league's rules were secretly altered due to outside pressure, sparking speculation and questions among those involved.

Nick Saban Rejects the Gerontocracy

45 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Coaching Retirement Aging Leadership Success
  1. Nick Saban's retirement as a top coach at age 72 was a rare and thoughtful decision in sports.
  2. The concept of gerontocracy, where older individuals persist in power, is notable in both sports and politics.
  3. Recognizing one's limitations with age and gracefully passing responsibilities to the next generation is a wise and necessary practice.

It's Interesting That NFL Teams Risked Their Seasons Rather Than Sign Matt Araiza

37 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎾 Sports NFL Media Impact Team performance
  1. NFL teams prioritized public relations over on-field advantage by not signing Matt Araiza, which ultimately impacted their seasons.
  2. Media hysteria played a significant role in influencing teams' decisions on player signings, revealing the impact of irrationality in sports media.
  3. The avoidance of signing Araiza by Super Bowl contenders due to media pressures ended up hurting these teams during the season.

Gilbert Arenas Shows Success is Built on Boring

33 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Training Success NBA Workout
  1. Success often comes from mastering the basics and being consistent rather than seeking flashy shortcuts.
  2. Persistence and commitment to tedious tasks can lead to significant growth and improvement over time.
  3. Embracing boredom and putting in the repetitive work can be a key factor in achieving long-term success in various aspects of life.

Mailbag Monday: Yes, Bluey is Really Good

34 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
  1. The TV show Bluey is enjoyable and emotionally impactful for both kids and adults.
  2. Bluey's success lies in its focus on parenting, appealing to children as they are curious about boundaries and rules.
  3. Bluey stands out as a rare gem of quality entertainment that can be shared across generations, bridging the gap between childhood and parenthood.

Keep Uniforms Uniform

31 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Uniforms Fan engagement
  1. Professional sports should stick to familiar uniforms that fans love.
  2. Sometimes uniform changes work if a team lacks a strong brand image, but unnecessary changes can frustrate fans.
  3. Visual consistency and nostalgia hold significant value in sports uniforms, connecting them to history and fan memories.