The Shift With Sam Baker

The Shift With Sam Baker focuses on amplifying women's voices in midlife and beyond, exploring themes of identity, aging, personal growth, societal expectations, and the challenges and experiences unique to women over 40. It includes conversations with notable figures, personal reflections, cultural commentary, and recommendations for books, podcasts, and media.

Women's Issues Aging Career Transition Personal Growth Fashion and Beauty Health and Well-being Literature and Media Societal Expectations Feminism Mental Health

The hottest Substack posts of The Shift With Sam Baker

And their main takeaways

The time, life and brain-space-saving power of a uniform

2615 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Style Clothing Personal Growth Self-Expression
  1. Having a uniform can save time, mental energy, and stress when getting dressed every day.
  2. A uniform can simplify your wardrobe choices and help you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing.
  3. Adopting a uniform can lead to a sense of liberation from the pressure of constantly changing outfits and allow for a more streamlined and efficient life.

Conversations with women (over 40): author Helen Garner, 81

619 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Author Conversation Podcast Interview
  1. Helen Garner values human contact gaze over the erotic gaze in her work and conversations.
  2. Helen Garner, a respected Australian novelist at 81, is finally gaining recognition worldwide for her 13 books.
  3. Garner shares personal stories about her relationships with family members, highlighting the complexities and changes that come with age and life experiences.

What's got my attention this week #43

698 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Books TV Podcasts Movies Literature
  1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus highlights the power of aging and questions the overrating of youth.
  2. Exploration of diverse topics like quilting for emotional sustenance and benefits of working with hands.
  3. Insightful discussions on various issues including gaslighting, book publishing, and the evolving roles of women.

A bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch & listen to this weekend

878 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts TV shows Music Literature
  1. The post shares a bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch, and listen to, providing a variety of recommendations for entertainment and information consumption.
  2. It features insights on effort, productivity, and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of giving it your all but also learning to tolerate unknowns and knowing when to give up on certain endeavors.
  3. Recommendations include books read, shows watched, and podcasts listened to, offering a diverse range of content suggestions for different tastes and interests.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why do I put so much faith in moisturiser?

1417 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Skincare Beauty industry
  1. Despite our limited skincare knowledge, we often put faith in moisturizers for their promises and perceived results.
  2. The beauty industry is shifting towards more positive aging messaging, moving away from traditional anti-aging ideals.
  3. While society continues to push beauty standards, it's important to find your own way to navigate and define aging on your own terms.

April Bookclub reveal

279 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel Author
  1. The Shift Bookclub has revealed its April selection, and it includes a discussion event with the author, Emily Howes. You can find more details on their Substack page.
  2. The book being featured is inspired by the fascinating story of Styllou Christofi, a woman who was hanged in Britain. The narrative sheds light on lesser-known historical figures like her.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this content, so consider subscribing if you want to uncover more about the bookclub's pick and related discussions.

Do you need to reinvent – or should you just cut yourself some slack?!

3854 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mindfulness Well-being
  1. Reinvention is a popular theme for New Year's resolutions, but it's worth questioning why you feel the need to reinvent something in your life.
  2. Consider what aspects of your life truly need change and why before jumping into reinventing yourself.
  3. Don't feel pressured to follow trends like 'New Year, New You' if it doesn't resonate with you; it's okay to not feel the need to constantly reinvent yourself.

What's got my attention this week #40

878 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Podcasts Literature Music
  1. The newsletter shares links, recommendations, and stories to enjoy over the weekend.
  2. One highlighted book discusses the challenges faced by women trying to advance in their careers, offering a relatable and eye-opening narrative.
  3. The podcast episode features a remarkable woman, Karyn McCluskey, who made significant impact in reducing gang violence in Glasgow and shares candid insights on various topics.

Conversations with women (over 40): no longer Accidental Icon, Lyn Slater

678 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Identity Aging Writing Podcasts
  1. Lyn Slater discusses the importance of aging and embracing identity in her new book 'How to be Old'. It's about being comfortable in your own skin at any age.
  2. There is a shift in society where young women are interested in truthful conversations about aging and challenges that come with it. They want honesty and realism rather than idealized versions of aging.
  3. As older women, there is a responsibility to speak truthfully about the positives and challenges of getting older. It's about remaining optimistic while acknowledging the serious aspects of aging and life changes.

What's got my attention this week #45

99 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Midlife Artists News Essays Personal Growth
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter offers a variety of curated content, including essays, round-ups, book clubs, and more for readers.
  2. The newsletter contains interesting links and recommendations on topics like relationships, celebrity encounters, personal reflections, and societal issues.
  3. Paid subscribers get access to exclusive posts and support the work of the newsletter creator.

One Day, Tracy Chapman and why we're obsessed with looking back

838 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Music TV & Film
  1. The author discusses the wave of nostalgia that many are experiencing, triggered by events like Tracy Chapman's resurgence and the popularity of 'One Day.'
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in our fascination with 'One Day,' as it brings back memories of landlines, phone boxes, and waiting for calls that never come.
  3. 'One Day' is praised for its casting, script, pacing, and locations, but its real charm lies in evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time without the distractions of the 21st century.

Have you hit "peak ENOUGH"?

958 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Women's issues Storytelling Society
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter and podcast explores moments in TV shows or movies that resonate with audiences due to their truthful impact, sparking strong emotional reactions from viewers.
  2. The post discusses a powerful monologue from the character Rose Aguineau in True Detective, highlighting the theme of self-acceptance and finding peace with one's past and present.
  3. There's a focus on the idea of reaching a point of 'having enough' in life, symbolizing a turning point where individuals may reassess their choices and seek a quieter, more meaningful existence.

What's got my attention this week #42

299 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Beauty
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication that relies on paid subscribers for its existence.
  2. The newsletter includes links to interesting articles and writings about topics like midlife crisis, privacy issues, and life coaching.
  3. The newsletter also covers diverse subjects such as fashion, current events, and personal development.

How to determine your own value

1118 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Value Workplace Gender Income Equality
  1. Value can be determined by more than just money, accolades, or others' opinions.
  2. It's important to question societal norms that undervalue certain types of work or individuals.
  3. Many creative, self-employed individuals, especially women, often face the expectation to work for free despite their expertise and experience.

Catch up with Emily Howes on The Shift Bookclub Live

59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture Mental health Gender Literature History
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughters, covering topics like art, sexism, mental health, and societal expectations.
  2. Emily Howes, an existential psychotherapist and writer, delved into themes of women's roles in 18th-century society, freedom vs. money, mental health, and family dynamics in her book.
  3. The conversation during the live event explored issues like shaming women, family secrets, sisterhood, and self-sacrifice within the context of The Painter's Daughters' narrative.

How to break out of a dark months reading slump

818 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Book recommendations Bookclub Memoirs
  1. Discover new book recommendations to get out of a reading slump, including Strong Female Character, One of the Good Guys, and A Killing in November.
  2. Explore different genres like fantasy, thrillers, and memoirs to find engaging reads, such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, House Woman, and Hermit.
  3. Consider joining a book club like The Shift Bookclub to immerse yourself in discussions and new perspectives on books, such as The List of Suspicious Things.

What's got my attention this week #35

619 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts TV & Film Music Fashion
  1. The newsletter highlights interesting links, recommendations, and topics worth exploring throughout the week.
  2. Readers can find valuable insights on determining personal value, relatable life questions, and thought-provoking articles.
  3. The post includes diverse content recommendations like books, podcasts, and TV shows for entertainment and personal growth.

Nahid De Belgeonne on tackling a midlife identity crisis

219 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-discovery Body awareness
  1. Feeling lost in midlife is common due to various life changes like career peaking, children growing up, and menopause. It's natural to question who we are at this stage of life.
  2. Our self-image involves more than just physical appearance. It's about understanding our physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. True self-discovery comes from listening to your body, not external pressures.
  3. Instead of chasing external ideals or expecting constant happiness, focus on connecting with your body to navigate your identity crisis. Embrace changes and listen to what your body is telling you.

Araminta Hall on living post-MeToo

399 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender History Society Literature
  1. Araminta Hall questions if the MeToo movement has lost momentum or needs a fresh perspective, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
  2. Growing up in a time of evolving views on women, the author reflects on the societal changes she has witnessed, highlighting the challenges and contradictions faced by women over the years.
  3. The post emphasizes the ongoing importance of discussions around gender equality and the complexities of navigating societal expectations.

Your weekly links and recs round-up #37

379 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Relationships Aging Friendship Self-Improvement
  1. The post is a weekly roundup featuring interesting articles on various topics like moving on from chapters in life, divorce stories, resilience, friendships, and interviews with experts.
  2. The content includes thought-provoking pieces on caregiving expectations, being an old friend, and insightful discussions on marriage, divorce, and aging.
  3. The subscribers get access to a curated collection of readings on diverse subjects, as well as exclusive content reserved for paid subscribers.

What's got my attention this week #38

299 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Podcasts Interviews Entertainment Society
  1. Samantha Morton, 46, found solace in acting after nine years in foster care, receiving a BAFTA fellowship.
  2. Explore diverse topics like the gender gap in supplements, a dreamy morning routine from Kate Winslet, and the influence of women like Gloria Steinem at 90 years old.
  3. Discover intriguing stories like turning crossword constructing into a boys' club and the experience of a husband creating a murder podcast about his own family.

What's got my attention this week #31

698 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion & Beauty Age Home Women Literature
  1. Sam Baker's newsletter highlights articles about powerful women over 50, personal style, and the legacy of Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh.
  2. The newsletter features thought-provoking pieces on the concept of home and age-gap relationships.
  3. To access the full content and weekly essays, becoming a paid subscriber is suggested.

Time travelling (with coffee and buns)

599 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Memory Time travel Personal Story
  1. Time travel to a place where significant moments happened can evoke memories and the spirit of who we were then.
  2. Visiting familiar places can bring back not just memories, but also the essence of the person we were at that time.
  3. Exploring a familiar place after many years can reveal the changes while still preserving the essence of past memories.

What's got my attention this week #34

419 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics
  1. Graphic novelist Posy Simmonds won the Grand Prix at the Angoulême comics festival, making her the 5th woman to achieve this. Recommended reads include Gemma Bovery, Tamara Drewe, and Cassandra Darke.
  2. Articles of interest include one on Cindy Sherman not embracing aging, Poorna Bell's piece on living alone, and a story about medical gaslighting towards women.
  3. Encouragement to appreciate the mundane miracles in life, a reflection on Roe v Wade 51 years later, and sex myths debunked for long-term couples.

I've been trying to write about Russell Brand, but I can't

1697 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Gender Issues Media
  1. Writing about sensitive topics like accusations against celebrities can be challenging and intimidating due to fear of repercussions.
  2. There are societal pressures and expectations that contribute to the silence around issues of abuse and assault, making it difficult for victims to come forward.
  3. The cultural narratives and responses to accusations of abuse and assault often place blame on the victims, questioning their credibility and actions.

If they can see us, they can fleece us

878 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Marketing Society
  1. Menopause marketing can sometimes be insensitive and ridiculous, like promoting menopause tea with flower pictures.
  2. Society's attitude towards menopause is evolving, but there is still progress to be made in how it is perceived and addressed.
  3. This post highlights the societal shift in embracing menopause and the need for better representation and understanding of menopausal experiences.

Your weekly links and recs round-up #36

299 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Fashion & Beauty Art & Illustration Humor
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter features a variety of interesting topics like Tracy Chapman, menopause marketing, and personal stories.
  2. The newsletter includes links to thought-provoking pieces like getting married in Manhattan's City Hall and transforming relationships through travel.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to all the content shared in the newsletter.

Learning to give it 85%

1637 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance Self-care Mental health Physical health Professional development
  1. It's important to realize that giving 100% all the time may not be sustainable or healthy in the long run. Aim for 85% effort to prevent burnout.
  2. Society's expectations of always giving 100% can lead to negative consequences on one's well-being, especially when not reciprocated by employers.
  3. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care by working at 85% capacity can actually lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

March Bookclub reveal

139 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel
  1. The March book club pick is "The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes, a departure from mysteries and murders, highly recommended by Hilary Mantel
  2. The book has already won an award and praised for being beautifully written - a must-read for book club members
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this month's book club selection

"Every part of my body hurt"

1118 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain Diagnosis Fertility
  1. Hilary Mantel experienced years of pain before being diagnosed with endometriosis, impacting her fertility.
  2. Exercise was thought to be helpful for menstrual pain, but Mantel's condition led her to feel like she was leaving normal life behind.
  3. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication that offers both free and paid subscriptions.

Maggie Smith and the belated lure of the much older woman

958 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty
  1. Fashion brands are embracing older women for ad campaigns, promoting natural beauty and authenticity.
  2. Women over 80 like Maggie Smith, Joan Didion, and Joni Mitchell are setting a trend of wearing age with joy and pride.
  3. The presence of older women in fashion campaigns symbolizes resilience and experience, challenging societal norms of youth and perfection.

50something woman leaves the house without makeup shocker!

1058 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Makeup Aging Self-Acceptance
  1. Leaving the house without makeup, especially as a woman over 50, can be seen as an act of courage and rebellion against societal beauty standards.
  2. As people age, their attitude towards makeup and beauty standards may shift, with some choosing a more minimal approach or opting to prioritize comfort and self-acceptance.
  3. The discussion around makeup, particularly going makeup-free, extends beyond just a fashion trend and can signify a larger movement towards women feeling empowered to embrace their natural beauty.