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

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.

What's got my attention this week #14

239 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books Age Environment Health Music
  1. Edinburgh festival season is here, featuring an interview with author Maggie O'Farrell at Fringe By The Sea about 'The Marriage Portrait'.
  2. An article discusses how newsletters are now akin to women's magazines in providing engaging content.
  3. There is a trend in adults reading children's books, an interesting lawsuit by women against the Swiss government over climate change, and other intriguing topics shared on The Shift With Sam Baker.

What you might have missed in June

239 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts Media
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, and you can subscribe to support the work.
  2. The post highlights a monthly round-up to keep readers informed about the latest on The Shift and catch up on what they may have missed.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to consider becoming paid subscribers to access the full post.

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

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.

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.

September Bookclub reveal

199 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Thriller
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker has a book club where subscribers get free monthly picks and access to the full archive of 80+ posts by becoming paid subscribers.
  2. The September Bookclub reveal features an anarchic serial killer thriller that promises to surprise, adding a twist to the typical genre.
  3. The book 'Wifedom' was the previous month's pick, and the September selection promises a refreshing change of pace with its unique storyline.

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.

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 #19

179 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Books Fashion Health Technology Family
  1. Rose Knox-Peebles, 81, challenged a review of her opera performance for 'frightful makeup' by saying it was just her face
  2. The post covers diverse topics like generational diet trauma, ballet flats trend, and starting IVF at 50
  3. The Friday Round-up includes articles on midlife collapse, 13-year-olds on social media, detoxifying AI, and more

Learning to grow, minding your wellness & why midlife women feel like screaming

179 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Self-care Dieting
  1. Wellness and self-care were not emphasized for those growing up in the 70s and 80s, revealing a societal shift over the years towards prioritizing mental health and well-being.
  2. Midlife women can experience feelings of frustration and exhaustion, often struggling to find their voice and express their emotions after years of conforming to societal expectations.
  3. Embarking on new activities like gardening later in life can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal growth, showing that it's never too late to try something new.

June bookclub reveal

179 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Review Fiction
  1. The June book club pick is a fun summer read called Wahala, set between London and Lagos, exploring past challenges of successful friends.
  2. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering new posts and supporting the author's work through free or paid subscriptions.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Shift to access exclusive posts, like the June book club reveal, and to further support the author's work.

Conversations with women (over 40): Anna Murphy

159 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Aging Style Beauty
  1. The conversation shares insights from women over 40 about embracing aging and visibility through personal style choices.
  2. Anna Murphy's journey to embracing her gray hair challenged societal norms about aging and visibility.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of challenging preconceptions and norms as individuals age.

When did you last make time for your wellness?

439 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Physical health Healing
  1. Wellness and self-care were not prioritized or widely discussed in past decades, often seen as unnecessary or indulgent.
  2. Ignoring physical and mental health signals can lead to serious consequences, impacting overall well-being.
  3. Acknowledging personal needs, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining mental and physical health, even if it goes against societal expectations.

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.

What's got my attention this week #11

139 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion Mental health Climate Sports Literature
  1. The post discusses various interesting topics to read, watch, and listen to over the weekend, from reflections on personal experiences to societal discussions like climate change and women's football.
  2. It highlights noteworthy articles on diverse subjects like sleep requirements, adult autism diagnosis, impact of Viagra on foreplay, packing advice, and climate change emotions.
  3. The content is tailored for paid subscribers, encouraging them to explore a range of thought-provoking and informative articles.

What's got my attention this week #15

139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion Media Society Music
  1. The writer curates a weekly round-up of interesting articles, providing links to thought-provoking pieces on various topics like fashion, friendships, and menopause.
  2. There's a focus on critical issues like retouched magazine covers, the environmental impact of returns, and the relationship dynamics affecting friendships.
  3. Notable mentions include Naomi Klein's new book, the impact of menopause on income, and insights into the fashion industry's approach to clothing sizes and fits.

July bookclub reveal

139 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Fiction
  1. The July bookclub pick is 'The Witching Tide' by Margaret Meyer, set in East Anglia in 1645 during a witch hunt.
  2. The story follows Martha Hallybread, a midwife, healer, and servant who has not spoken a word for years.
  3. Paid subscribers can join the bookclub and explore this unique story along with other bonus content.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live with Anna Funder

119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Books Feminism Author Discussion
  1. The Shift Bookclub discussed topics like misogyny, domestic labor, and erasure of women in history during a live session with author Anna Funder.
  2. Anna Funder highlighted the importance of acknowledging the artists' true selves in relation to 'can you love the art but hate the artist' debate.
  3. The conversation touched upon the significance of recognizing the roles of women in history like Eileen O'Shaughnessy, Orwell's wife.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live

119 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Jen Beagin about various topics like Big Swiss, fibroids, and her journey to success in her 40s.
  2. The discussion with Jen Beagin is available on YouTube for those who missed The Shift Bookclub event.
  3. To access the full discussion on YouTube, viewers need to be paid subscribers.

This is what a grandma looks like

199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Ageing Society Women Media
  1. Ageing is a natural process that can bring different perspectives at various stages of life.
  2. Becoming a grandma can evoke complex emotions and societal perceptions.
  3. Grandmothers today break stereotypes by being diverse, active, and defying traditional expectations.

Catch up with Nina Stibbe on The Shift Bookclub Live

79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Conversation Discussion Literature
  1. Nina Stibbe discusses topics like running away from home at 60, learning to be alone, and the 'menopause movement' on The Shift Bookclub Live.
  2. The conversation in the bookclub ranged from personal experiences like taking a year out of marriage to broader discussions about fear of finances and the rise of the 'menopause movement'.
  3. You can catch up with the discussion with Nina Stibbe at any time by watching the recording on YouTube.

Examining my (unhealthy) obsession with true crime

99 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture True Crime Personal Experience Media influence
  1. The author reflects on their fascination with true crime, which started at a young age and was influenced by real-life cases like the disappearance of Genette Tate.
  2. The author's obsession with true crime led to a fear and paranoia, especially fueled by notorious cases like the Yorkshire Ripper and other high-profile crimes in the late 70s.
  3. The lasting impact of these true crime stories led to the author developing nighttime rituals and a constant awareness of personal safety.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live

99 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Misogyny Novel
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured Margaret Meyer discussing witches, Me Too, and misogyny in a novel set in 1645 that surprisingly resonates with 2023.
  2. The event was live on YouTube, providing an opportunity for paid subscribers to catch up on the discussion.
  3. To access the full content, individuals can subscribe as paid members on the website.

What's got my attention this week #5

79 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Podcasts Interviews Entertainment
  1. This post shares a round-up of interesting reads, watches, and listens for the weekend.
  2. The post includes various topics like life lessons from a 102-year-old, thoughts on divorce, and reflections on passion in work.
  3. It also mentions interviews with well-known personalities like Kim Cattrall, Isabel Allende, and Lynn Paltrow.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live

79 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Interview
  1. Nikki May discussed making a significant career shift in her 50s and the pressure she feels not to disappoint her father
  2. The Shift Bookclub Live event with Nikki May is available to watch on YouTube
  3. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering subscription options to receive and support the content

Empowering or exhausting?

59 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Opinion
  1. Martha Stewart, at 81, made history as the oldest woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue.
  2. The discussion revolves around whether this act is empowering or exhausting for women.
  3. The writer expresses conflicting emotions and takes time to reflect on the significance of this visibility for women.

The endless pillorying of Madonna

79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music Women's Rights
  1. The post discusses the relentless criticism Madonna faces, particularly related to aging as a woman in the music industry.
  2. It highlights the achievements of other female artists at the Grammy Awards, like Beyoncé and Viola Davis, that were overshadowed by the focus on Madonna's appearance.
  3. The author implies a societal double standard in the way aging female celebrities are treated compared to their male counterparts in the entertainment industry.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live with Jean Kwok

39 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Immigration Motherhood Divorce Beauty
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live with Jean Kwok covers topics like being an immigrant, motherhood, unexpected divorce, and beauty standards.
  2. The conversation ranged from growing up in a Chinese family to the concept of 'leftover women' to ballroom dancing and Icelandic volcanoes.
  3. The next bookclub live event will feature Nina Stibbe discussing 'Went to London, Took the Dog,' covering topics like menopause, midlife separation, and more.

What I've learnt from thirty years of marriage

39 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
  1. Wedding anniversaries are both significant and trivial, marking the passage of time without always being a major event.
  2. Reflecting on years spent together can be a mix of disbelief and gratitude.
  3. Choosing unconventional dates for milestones can add humor and uniqueness to special occasions.

It was "just what you had to do"

99 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Reflecting on what we tolerated before and wouldn't accept now, can be eye-opening
  2. The ways older generations dealt with difficult situations might not be appropriate or accepted today
  3. The issue of sexual harassment and how it was perceived in the past compared to now is an evolving conversation

What's got my attention this week #3

19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books Health Relationships Self-Improvement Media
  1. Tina Turner's legacy and impact are celebrated widely, with a special remembrance by Mad Max director George Miller highlighting her stance against relationship abuse.
  2. Consider setting your time free instead of managing it, as explored in a thought-provoking piece.
  3. Exploring topics like the significance of trees, a new drug for hot flushes, reflections on therapy, and questioning the concept of self-optimization in beauty culture are all highlighted.

What's got my attention this week #1

19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art People Health Life
  1. Tracey Emin's art exhibition in Rome showcases 15 works created since she recovered from cancer.
  2. An American study highlights the challenges menopausal women face at work.
  3. Robert de Niro becoming a father at 79 evoked strong reactions from many.