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 curse of f*ckability

738 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Ageing Empowerment Sexuality
  1. The concept of 'fuckability' is a curse that affects women from puberty and beyond, with societal expectations and objectification causing harm.
  2. Women, especially as they age, are rejecting the societal pressure of being seen as 'fuckable' and embracing their independence and experiences.
  3. The issue of 'fuckability' is deeply intertwined with power dynamics and ownership over women, beyond just physical appearance.

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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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.

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.

Is this really what 50something looks like?

579 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Age Media Gender
  1. The idea of how women in their 50s should look is changing, with celebrities like Kate Beckinsale and J-Lo challenging traditional expectations by being vibrant and bold.
  2. There is a conflict in the media's portrayal of women in their 50s, struggling to balance objectification with the idea of women 'old enough to know better' engaging in lively behavior.
  3. The text reflects the author's personal feelings of both admiration and exhaustion towards the evolving representation of women in their 50s, highlighting the importance of women taking up space and being visible at all ages.

I feel bad about my chin

579 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Body Image Self-Acceptance Beauty Standards
  1. The author expresses feeling bad about a specific physical feature, the chin, in the context of societal pressures and norms related to body image and self-love.
  2. There is a reference to the body positive movement that encourages self-acceptance and love for all body types, contrasting personal struggles with societal expectations.
  3. The post also touches on discussions around menopause and the losses associated with it, reflecting on personal experiences and reactions shared online.

What's got my attention this week #32

319 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Beauty
  1. The fashion industry is showcasing older female celebrities like Diana Ross, who is 80, in campaigns, highlighting a positive shift in representation.
  2. Various interesting articles and interviews discussing topics like women artists, health tips, and multigenerational living were shared in the post.
  3. The post is exclusive for paid subscribers, offering access to the newsletter archive, book club, reader chat, and supporting the production of the newsletter and podcast.

What you might have missed on The Shift this year

359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Publications Content creation
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication that offers some content for free and some behind a paywall.
  2. The author has decided to remove the paywall from a few favorite posts of the past year as a gesture of apology for health-related delays.
  3. The author reflects on the past six months on Substack and expresses gratitude to subscribers for their support.

Woody Allen thinks cancel culture is “silly”

519 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture Film Industry Sexual misconduct Patriarchy
  1. Cancel culture is seen as 'silly' by Woody Allen, especially for powerful white middle-aged/elderly men who often escape being canceled.
  2. At the Venice Film Festival, directors accused of sexual misconduct have been given platforms and even standing ovations, raising questions about who gets multiple chances in the industry.
  3. The industry's treatment of powerful middle-aged/elderly white men accused of wrongdoings highlights disparities in who receives forgiveness or opportunities for redemption.

What's got my attention this week #21

439 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Gender Relationships
  1. Isabella Rossellini, at 71, is defying age norms on the cover of Italian Vogue after being replaced by Lancome at 43.
  2. Actor Julia Ormond is taking legal action against Harvey Weinstein for sexual battery, shedding light on the dark facets of the entertainment industry.
  3. Women are exploring anger openly, redefining success on their terms, and sharing personal stories in a bold and empowering way.

I've succumbed to a midlife piercing

419 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Identity
  1. The author talks about getting a midlife piercing and how it's not related to a crisis but a personal choice, mentioning the preference for the act of piercing over the jewelry itself.
  2. They also touch on their interest in tattoos and how body art has shifted from being frowned upon to a common form of self-expression among younger generations.
  3. The post explores how attitudes towards body modifications, like tattoos and piercings, have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms and personal identities.

All your gift giving problems solved

279 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gift Giving Books Short Stories Poetry
  1. Consider gifting a meaty detective novel or a thrilling read to the granddad or dad in your life who loves sport and action movies.
  2. For the busy reader who struggles to find time for books, opt for short stories, essays, or poetry collections that can be easily read in short bursts.
  3. Short stories and poetry are becoming popular choices as gifts due to time constraints and attention span challenges.

Feel like your wardrobe hates you?

379 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Menopause Fashion Body Image Health Women
  1. Menopause and perimenopause are being openly discussed now more than before, helping women seek information and support for symptoms and hormonal changes.
  2. Despite the challenges of menopause, with physical changes like weight and metabolism shifts, and mental changes like anxiety, it is essential to remember that you are not alone.
  3. As women navigate dressing during menopause, where bodies change unpredictably, it's important to seek ways to adapt and feel comfortable in their skin.

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.

What's got my attention this week #28

279 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Relationships Celebrities Personal Development
  1. The post highlights interesting reads, watches, and listens for the weekend, such as celebrating singleness and the centennial of Maria Callas.
  2. It mentions coping strategies for dealing with conflicts and explores intriguing topics like celebrity tell-alls and personal growth.
  3. There's a mix of subjects from Jeff Bezos to the concept of 'killing time,' offering a diverse range of content for the audience.

Walking and talking

359 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Walking Conversation Exercise
  1. Walking and talking can make conversations more relaxed and easygoing, similar to chatting in a car on a long journey.
  2. Combining walking with talking can help with difficult conversations and make idle chat more rhythmic.
  3. Some people find walking and talking to be intimate yet comfortable, providing a conducive environment for different types of conversations.

Best summer books 2023

359 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Books Reading Book Club
  1. The article recommends some intriguing summer reads for 2023, including 'August Blue,' 'I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home,' and 'The Guest.'
  2. There are also mentions of engaging family sagas like 'Watch Us Dance,' 'Hello Beautiful,' and 'Family Lore,' each with unique storylines and captivating settings.
  3. The post highlights assorted novels that delve into themes like female desire, mysterious disappearances, and self-discovery, such as 'Mrs S,' 'Killingly,' and 'The Late Americans.'

We owe a huge debt to E. Jean Carroll

359 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sexual Assault MeToo Movement Donald Trump Sexual Abuse
  1. E. Jean Carroll bravely stood up against her abuser, Donald Trump, and fought for justice, inspiring many others to speak out as well.
  2. Carroll's decision to speak out in the #MeToo era shed light on the challenges faced by survivors and the societal response to allegations of sexual assault.
  3. The legal battle between Carroll and Trump highlights the difficulty survivors face in seeking justice and the societal consequences of holding perpetrators accountable.

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

What's got my attention this week #27

279 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Self-Improvement Lifestyle
  1. The post discusses various interesting reads and experiences, like a New Yorker piece by Zadie Smith, aging on your terms by Anita Bhagwandas, and learning to ride a motorcycle at 50.
  2. There's a piece on surviving sibling rivalry as an adult, overcoming shame tied to perfectionism, and the rise of selfishness among the super-rich.
  3. The content is for paid subscribers, emphasizing the support needed to access more exclusive material.

What's got my attention this week #33

179 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion & Beauty Literature Health & Wellness Music Art & Illustration
  1. DJ Annie Nightingale, Radio 1's pioneer female DJ, passed away at 83, leaving a legacy for others to follow.
  2. Mean Girls growing up, Kate Moss turning 50, and the forgotten feminist Shere Hite are discussed in the newsletter, offering a mix of pop culture and feminist insights.
  3. The newsletter also delves into topics like creativity blocks, female luxury in method acting, and the emotional depths of hotel rooms, providing a varied and thought-provoking read for subscribers.

February Bookclub reveal

159 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Club Fiction Nostalgia
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering perks like joining the bookclub, winning free copies, and author Q&A by becoming a paid subscriber.
  2. This month's bookclub pick, 'The List of Suspicious Things' by Jennie Godfrey, is a unique coming-of-age tale set in 1979 with a child's view of society amidst a serial killer stalking West Yorkshire.
  3. The book provides a nostalgic look at 1979, featuring Margaret Thatcher as PM, drain pipe jeans, cherry lip gloss, and a more insightful exploration of society rather than just focusing on the crime aspect.

What's got my attention this week #26

239 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Writing History Caregiving
  1. Tracy Chapman recently became the first black artist to win a CMA Award for Fast Car.
  2. Various thought-provoking topics were touched upon, like compost's hidden treasures and the challenges writers face in making a living.
  3. The post highlights a range of interesting articles, from a profile of Lauren Sánchez to Robbie Williams advocating for taking 'manopause' seriously.

What's got my attention this week #30

199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Media Entertainment
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, with opportunities for free or paid subscriptions.
  2. The post mentions interesting articles and stories to read, watch, and listen to over the weekend.
  3. It highlights notable content like Sharon Stone's art, Elizabeth Gilbert's Oldster questionnaire, Margaret Atwood's sermon, and more.

August bookclub reveal

259 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Biography Fiction Memoir
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker bookclub reveals a book blending memoir, biography, and fiction about George Orwell's wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy.
  2. The book focuses on giving recognition to Eileen O'Shaughnessy, who has been overlooked in history.
  3. Anna Funder discovered Eileen O'Shaughnessy and decided to shed light on her story through this unique book.

What's got my attention this week #12

259 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎶 Music News Newsletter Recommendations
  1. Sinead O'Connor, the singer, passed away at 56. Her music was significant in the late 80s and early 90s.
  2. The Friday round-up is a weekly newsletter where the author shares the best things they've read, watched, and listened to.
  3. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, with exclusive content for paid subscribers.

Catch up with Jennie Godfrey on The Shift Bookclub Live

99 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books Community Conversation
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured author Jennie Godfrey discussing her bestselling debut, The List of Suspicious Things.
  2. The conversation covered topics like growing up in the 1970s, father's music preferences, and societal impact of events like the Yorkshire Ripper case.
  3. The event highlighted a sense of community with recurring and new participants, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.