The hottest Interviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

A letter from the guy asking all the questions

The Sublime Newsletter • 118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. Talking to inspiring people can help you feel hopeful and connected, especially when you're going through tough times. It's like having a support system that lifts your spirits.
  2. It's important to ask big questions in life, like how to stay positive or authentic. Engaging in these discussions can lead to personal growth and new insights.
  3. Being open to conversations can change your outlook on life. You may find that sharing experiences can lessen feelings of loneliness and cynicism.

How Harris vanquished in the Fox News interview

The Signorile Report • 3037 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Interviews
  1. Kamala Harris handled her interview with confidence and composure, showing that she could push back against tough questions without losing her cool. This made her come across as strong and presidential.
  2. Harris was able to expose the bias in the interview and challenge misleading comments made by the host. By doing this, she highlighted Trump's deceptive rhetoric about using the military against Americans.
  3. Despite the hostile environment, Harris's performance could inspire viewers who might question Fox News narratives. Her smart and controlled responses might even encourage some to seek out the truth beyond what they hear on that network.

About Last Night

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2877 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Interviews
  1. Kamala Harris faced tough questions in her interview but struggled to connect with the voters she needs most. Her answers didn't reassure those unsure about voting for her.
  2. The interview highlighted a disconnect between Harris and potential Republican voters who dislike Trump. She needed to show she understands these voters, but she missed that chance.
  3. While some praised Harris for going on Fox News, her performance was seen as lacking. Critics from the left suggest she didn't meet expectations for this important moment.

There are weird people out there who have no identity

Blackbird Spyplane • 1538 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📚 Literature Interviews
  1. Rachel Kushner's new novel, 'Creation Lake', is about a morally ambiguous spy who is unlikable, but the story remains engaging. It explores deep themes like identity and the history of humanity.
  2. The author highlights the importance of hands-on skills in today's digital age. There's value in physical creation, and those who connect with tangible things often experience richness in life.
  3. Through her writing and experiences, Kushner illustrates complex social issues, including the struggles of marginalized communities. She emphasizes the need to focus on people, not just abstract politics.

My (deeply stressful) big tech interview grind

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. High-quality indie content can attract subscribers and partnerships, but running a solo digital business has real costs and runway risks that often require a more stable income source or sponsorships.
  2. The tech job market is healthy for experienced native iOS engineers with many AI startups and established companies hiring, but FAANG roles are limited outside major US cities so you need to be strategic about locations and targets.
  3. Treat job-hunting like a project: optimise your CV, nail recruiter screens, practice coding rounds and take-homes, and use disciplined tracking and iteration to improve interview pass rates while protecting your mental energy.
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America This Week, 4 PM Monday ET: The Last Show

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1676 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. The show is ending its Monday live segments and moving to a new schedule with taped Friday episodes.
  2. One co‑host quit after learning of other changes, so the show is temporarily paused while they decide what to do next.
  3. The hosts plan to rethink the format and consult readers before choosing a replacement, and their farewell episode probed how people can stay sane amid overflowing, unresolved news.

A Daily Show Appearance

Story Club with George Saunders • 61 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
📚 Literature Interviews
  1. Appeared on The Daily Show and shared the full interview with host Jordan Klepper, noting the TV version was slightly edited.
  2. Traveling home and thanking the show’s team, and plans to release the video from a recent marathon live event soon.
  3. Will write more about “The House with the Mezzanine” on Sunday and appreciates the lively discussion in the comments.

I'm Recommending 14 New YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 5917 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. You can train the YouTube algorithm to favor higher-quality videos so it starts delivering content you actually enjoy.
  2. Simple street interviews can prompt strangers to share deep, intimate stories, showing the power of genuine conversation.
  3. Great musical discoveries still exist — from lively contemporary pop bands with electric chemistry to brilliant, underrated film composers who never got major awards.

Inside Meta’s “iOS System Design” Interview

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 4810 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. Salaries for iOS developers at big companies like Meta can be really high, even reaching £400k for senior roles in London. Knowing someone in the industry can help understand these pay ranges better.
  2. The interview process for big tech jobs includes two main parts: algorithmic questions and system design. It's important to prepare for both, especially the iOS-specific system design interview at Meta.
  3. At Meta, candidates are judged mainly on behavioral and system design interviews, not just algorithm tests. Doing well in the iOS System Design interview can be a game-changer in getting hired.

Two Drinks with . . . Michael J. Fox

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. Michael J. Fox has returned to acting and plays a character with Parkinson's, even delivering a defiant line saying “Fuck Parkinson's.”
  2. The show portrays the progression of Parkinson's and uses blunt, dark humor to show how people with the disease support and reassure each other.
  3. Fox's role and frank attitude help remove shame, raise visibility, and challenge the stigma around Parkinson's.

How Not To Get Away From It All

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. Finding wonder in ordinary, everyday things helps you feel more connected and less worn out, because small moments can be deeply meaningful.
  2. Enthusiasm and curiosity are powerful ways to reconnect with life and others, and being able to tolerate small, temporary discomforts lets you pursue things that matter.
  3. Short immersive experiences and sincere conversations can clarify what you want from life and inspire real change, and feeling grateful for those moments keeps perspective and momentum.

How to Change Your Mind

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Interviews
  1. Changing your mind shows you think for yourself and takes curiosity, honesty, courage, and humility.
  2. Right now, admitting you changed your mind often becomes a 'gotcha' that pressures people to stick to their old positions.
  3. The new video series Confessions interviews people who left earlier beliefs to understand why they changed; it starts with Richard Hanania and asks others to share their stories.

Self-recommending

In My Tribe • 136 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. Two former high-school classmates recorded a podcast interview together.
  2. The interviewee was very tired, but the host kept a good pace and the conversation turned out better than expected.
  3. The episode is shared for listeners to check out and enjoy.

Tori Amos

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 178 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎶 Music Interviews
  1. Tori Amos explains that she can't force creativity like some songwriters can. Inspiration for her songs comes from moments in life, not from a set schedule.
  2. She emphasizes that great songs and hit records are not the same thing, and real artists often avoid formulas to make authentic music.
  3. Tori believes that understanding emotions and personal experiences is crucial for songwriting. Living a full life helps writers create deeper, more meaningful art.

My Joe Rogan Experience

Injecting Freedom • 82 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. A guest appearance on a popular podcast was used to bring a debate about vaccines to a huge audience and encourage people to listen and decide for themselves.
  2. A personal shift in perspective happened after COVID — someone who once mocked critics began questioning standard views on vaccines and became open to re-evaluating beliefs.
  3. The argument centers on promoting data-driven reality and public discussion about whether vaccines are treated as ordinary products or something closer to unquestioned faith, and it asks for audience engagement and support.

My Conversation with Charlie Kirk

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2159 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Interviews
  1. Charlie Kirk was known for being open to debate and engaging with anyone, which helped him gain a strong following. People admired his willingness to take risks in his discussions.
  2. The interview highlighted Charlie's thoughtful and gracious nature, showcasing why he had such a significant impact on his audience.
  3. His tragic death shows the risks that come with speaking out in public. It emphasizes how important and dangerous it can be to share one's views openly.

How I Run System Design Interviews for Data Engineers

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 1036 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. Using the 'exploration' approach in interviews helps candidates show their true understanding of data engineering. It starts with a broad view and zooms into details, making for engaging, productive conversations.
  2. Creating a human connection during interviews is important. Small personal introductions can ease candidates' nerves, allowing them to perform better when discussing technical topics.
  3. Assessing both breadth and depth of knowledge is key in interviews. Good candidates can explain how different data technologies work together and understand the reasoning behind their choices.

An interview with Mary Ruefle

Austin Kleon • 3337 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature Interviews
  1. Mary Ruefle loves to create poetry by painting over old texts, which makes her work unique and interesting. It's a fun way for her to express creativity.
  2. She prefers to communicate through typewriter and postal mail instead of using technology like computers or Zoom. This shows her love for traditional methods.
  3. Ruefle believes in doing things simply because they are enjoyable, like her erasure poetry. This perspective encourages people to pursue what they love.

Two Drinks with. . . Bill Maher

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. His home podcast studio is very casual and cannabis-friendly — he smokes during recordings and prefers getting high over having drinks.
  2. He just got his first Golden Globe nomination but says he won’t go to the ceremony and would be annoyed by a room full of "super-woke" Hollywood people.
  3. He projects a provocative, irreverent persona, shown by keeping an anatomically correct Whitney Cummings sex doll in his studio and making blunt, playful remarks.

Turing Award Histories

The Chip Letter • 4149 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. The Computer History Museum has a treasure trove of almost 2,000 interviews with important figures in computer science, offering insights into the field and its pioneers.
  2. These interviews capture not just technical knowledge but also the personal stories of innovators, making them relatable and engaging for anyone interested in technology.
  3. The Turing Award winners have made significant contributions and their interviews provide a curated starting point for exploring this vast archive of oral histories.

Crushing on the singer or rock star

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎶 Music Interviews
  1. It's normal to crush on musicians and rock stars. They create strong feelings in us through their art, and it feels like we connect with them on a deeper level.
  2. People often confuse their feelings for the artist with feelings for the person. We get swept up in the emotions their work brings out in us.
  3. Many of us don't pay enough attention to each other. When someone really listens, it makes us feel seen and loved, leading to these intense crushes.

Me and a Stapler of My Own

The Fry Corner • 2278 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. Many newspapers and magazines have fun questionnaire sections that ask interesting personal questions. These can reveal your favorite books or who you'd like to have dinner with.
  2. Some publications have a quick Q&A format that saves time and keeps things light. It’s an easy way for readers to learn about someone's daily life without deep interviews.
  3. People can often answer these questions through email, making it super convenient. This way, they can participate without the hassle of meeting in person.

Meet NYC's Coolest Stealth Design Ninja!

CAFÉ ANNE • 3400 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. The newsletter shares the fun story of Max Kolomatsky, a designer who redesigns NYC street flyers for free.
  2. He started the project for fun and ended up gaining a large social media following and big design gigs.
  3. Max's advice is to embrace doing creative work for fun or for free to nurture your unique creativity and spirit.

Upcoming Podcast: What Should I Ask Virologist and Former CDC Director Robert Redfield?

The DisInformation Chronicle • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. Former CDC director and virologist Robert Redfield will be the podcast guest to talk about his experiences with HIV and COVID, and to discuss his new book on infectious diseases and vaccines.
  2. Listeners are asked to submit questions in the comments, with paid subscribers encouraged to contribute so their questions can be asked on the show.
  3. The interview will be posted on the podcast’s YouTube channel and could attract wider media attention, so subscribing to the channel is recommended.

DisInformation Chronicle Podcast with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya

The DisInformation Chronicle • 290 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. A new podcast will interview interesting, smart thinkers and plans to release new episodes about twice a month at first.
  2. The first episode features NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya discussing his move from Stanford professor to the government role that manages a huge chunk of biomedical research funding.
  3. Future guests will be announced ahead of time so paid subscribers can suggest questions, and listeners are invited to suggest guests and consider subscribing.

We need SpaceTech founders for customer interviews

Space Ambition • 299 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. Space Ambition is looking for founders in the SpaceTech field to join in customer interviews. This is a chance for them to share their challenges and needs.
  2. The interviews will last about 20-30 minutes and will help Space Ambition create new services tailored to these founders.
  3. Founders are encouraged to fill out a form to participate and to share this opportunity with other SpaceTech founders.

Interviews! YouTube Silver Award Thingy! 50% Off Subs!

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Interviews
  1. Two interviews were conducted, one with the creator of Ruby on Rails and another with a lawyer for 4chan, showing a variety of topics covered.
  2. The Lunduke Journal's YouTube channel reached 100,000 subscribers, which means they'll receive a silver award plaque.
  3. There’s a 50% discount on subscriptions available until November 24, making it a great time to sign up and get perks like access to videos and exclusive forums.

Focus!

Austin Kleon • 4316 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. Music memoirs can be a great way to relax and unwind, especially if you've read something heavy. They're often fun and refreshing.
  2. It's really important to focus on the learner in the education process, as they're the ones truly driving their learning journey.
  3. Getting creative and organizing your space can help spark new ideas and inspiration, like the concept of 'knolling'.

8 Key Themes You Should Be Preparing For Your Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral OS for Techies • 219 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
💼 Business Interviews
  1. You should prepare stories about your experiences with customers. This can show how you improve their experience and handle complaints.
  2. It's important to share your successes and how you overcame challenges. This helps interviewers see your problem-solving skills and achievements.
  3. Think about times you've faced failure or conflict. Sharing these experiences can show how you learn from mistakes and work well with others.

The Weekend Press: Meeting My Birth Family

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Interviews
  1. Discovering a birth family can be emotionally complicated and messy; reunions don’t always end in clear joy or heartbreak, even when records become accessible.
  2. The newsletter mixes sharp cultural commentary and personal advice, from roasting big movies and profiling public figures to debating whether someone is too young to marry.
  3. It also offers practical weekend ideas and warm tributes, with book and music picks, recipes, hosting tips, and memorial pieces.

Live event today!

Story Club with George Saunders • 40 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
📚 Literature Interviews
  1. There’s a live conversation today with George Saunders and Anand Giridharadas on The Ink at 1:30pm EST / 12:30pm CST.
  2. A link will be sent out just before the livestream, so join if you can.
  3. The.Ink book club is discussing the novel Vigil and its big questions about salvation, truth, and whether free will exists.

Open thread and poll: what live interviews and podcasts would you like to see going forward?

Unreported Truths • 10 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Interviews
  1. They're thinking about adding live interviews and podcasts and deciding whether to commit to a weekly show or do occasional episodes; if a good guest isn't available they might just do solo riffs.
  2. They want readers to suggest topics and realistic guests, asking for names and ideas while noting some high-profile figures may be unrealistic.
  3. They're weighing production details like a better studio background and appreciate that Substack makes video hosting easy, but they still view writing as their main focus.

With Love from St. Louis

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📚 Literature Interviews
  1. Touring and talking with readers and collaborators energizes creative work and shows that books build real community. It’s a reminder that live conversation and shared stories matter.
  2. A single book can spark wildly different reactions — essays, long interviews, radio features, and even group readings — and that range of response can be valuable. The sparks a book makes are part of its success, even if opinions vary.
  3. It’s okay to abandon a draft if you don’t have the desire or joy to revise it; sometimes a manuscript is mainly a way to process experience rather than a project to develop. Trust that the technical and emotional learning from that work carries into future projects, and prioritize projects that give you anticipatory joy and playful uncertainty.