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 books that moved me in 2023

758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature History Memoir Fiction Women Humor
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

Conversations with women (over 40): Barbara Kingsolver

1577 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Nature Women
  1. The conversations with women over 40 cover a wide range of topics from personal experiences to professional achievements, offering insights and perspectives from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Barbara Kingsolver shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reflecting on overcoming challenges, finding courage to be authentic, and embracing wisdom that comes with age.
  3. Through her experiences with strong female role models like her literary agent and mother-in-law, Kingsolver highlights the importance of supportive relationships and the impact they can have on personal growth and success.

What's got my attention this week #24

758 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Health & Wellness News Media
  1. The post provides a roundup of links, books, programs, and podcasts every Friday for The Shift subscribers.
  2. Thought-provoking pieces following Matthew Perry's death were highlighted, discussing addiction, identity, and significance.
  3. The post touches on various topics including the impacts of men's wars on women and children, consumerist self-care, and capitalism's involvement in menopause.

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

Midlife women feel like screaming

2556 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Women's Health Self-care Emotions Support
  1. Midlife women may feel overwhelmed and frustrated, leading to a need to let out pent-up emotions, like anger and exhaustion.
  2. Suppressed rage and unexpressed feelings can build up over time and negatively impact mental well-being.
  3. Making friends can be challenging for some individuals, causing feelings of desperation and inadequacy in social situations.

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.

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.

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 #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.

All your gift giving problems solved

279 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

The constant pain that dominated my pre-menopause life

1198 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Menopause
  1. Naga Munchetty bravely shared her adenomyosis diagnosis, shedding light on a condition often overlooked.
  2. Adenomyosis causes excruciating pain and heavy periods, often dismissed as 'just one of those things' by healthcare providers.
  3. Many women suffer in silence with adenomyosis, but speaking up, seeking help, and advocating for proper treatment is crucial.

Is it a podcast? Is it a newsletter? Is it a community?

1098 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Community Newsletter Magazine Women Midlife
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a multi-faceted platform including a podcast, newsletter, and community where women in midlife share experiences and wisdom.
  2. The platform emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space to discuss topics that matter like aging, feminism, books, and societal expectations.
  3. Sam Baker's journey from launching a podcast on midlife experiences to growing a substantial following highlights the power of podcasts and newsletters in today's media landscape.

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.

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.

Attack of the 50something women

838 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music Feminism Media Aging Gender
  1. Women over 50 are showcasing their skills and confidence in various fields, challenging the notion that they should be invisible.
  2. Prominent female figures like Sharlene Spiteri, Cate Blanchett, and Jo Whiley are inspiring with their energy and talent at ages 54-57.
  3. The growing visibility of women over 50 in media, entertainment, and other industries may signify the start of a movement towards inclusivity and recognition.

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.

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 #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.

Catch up with Araminta Hall on The Shift Bookclub Live

99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Misogyny
  1. Araminta Hall discusses misogyny, Me Too, and women's safety concerns during The Shift Bookclub Live.
  2. The community around The Shift Bookclub is growing, with engaging discussions and entertaining conversations during the live events.
  3. The conversation during The Shift Bookclub Live covered various topics like coercive control, #notallmen, character analysis, and more.

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 #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.

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.

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.

What's got my attention this week #25

199 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Books Life Relationships Faith Health
  1. Compassion fatigue is a significant topic to reflect upon, and it's worth exploring whether it's real or just an excuse.
  2. Advertisers often overlook menopausal women as a demographic despite their financial power.
  3. Celebrating the experiences and voices of midlife women is crucial, as evidenced by various stories and interviews shared.

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.

November bookclub reveal – and it's a smasher!

159 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Book Club Author
  1. The November bookclub selection is 'Went to London, Took the Dog' by Nina Stibbe, known for her bestselling memoir 'Love, Nina' set in 80s literary London.
  2. The book is praised for its wit, likened to the humor of Adrian Mole creator Sue Townsend, and adapted for screen by Nick Hornby, starring Helena Bonham Carter.
  3. Nina Stibbe has written six books since 'Love, Nina,' and this new selection promises to be a worthy successor to her acclaimed work.

What's got my attention this week #20

219 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion Gender Relationships Society Generations
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker offers reading recommendations, including topics like embracing natural beauty and feral femininity.
  2. The Friday Round-up includes interesting articles on diverse topics like gender issues and personal stories.
  3. Consider supporting reader-supported publications like The Shift With Sam Baker to access exclusive content and show appreciation for the work.

What's got my attention this week #18

239 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Beauty
  1. Jenna Lyons, ex-J Crew powerhouse and Real Housewives of New York star, is making waves without her signature glasses due to a genetic disorder.
  2. Ageism in advertising is being challenged, and Poorna Bell launched a Substack newsletter discussing the illusion of busyness.
  3. An inspiring 91-year-old filmmaker, Tracey Emin's column in the Evening Standard, and the toxic impact of the 'positivity paintbrush' are worth exploring.

January Bookclub reveal

99 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Books Authors
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker's January Bookclub pick is 'One of the Good Guys' by Araminta Hall, recommended for those tired of formulaic thrillers.
  2. The book has received praise from authors like Gillian Flynn and Lisa Taddeo, known for their groundbreaking works like 'Gone Girl' and 'Three Women'.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Shift With Sam Baker for more book recommendations and support for the publication.

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.'