The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

This politics newsletter was almost destroyed by Facebook's algorithm changes

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Business Technology Subscription Advertising
  1. Facebook's algorithm changes can seriously hurt online businesses. It happened to a politics newsletter that lost a lot of traffic and income overnight.
  2. Switching to a subscription model helped save the newsletter. This change allowed them to focus on their loyal readers instead of just chasing traffic.
  3. Building a direct relationship with subscribers is important. It helps secure income and creates a more dedicated community around the content.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

Aaron Mate • 256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Government Elections Security Media
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

Sundress Eroticism

Many Such Cases • 999 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Gender Race Sexuality Media
  1. Sundresses are popular in summer because they are comfortable and pretty. Many people enjoy wearing them as they feel good in them.
  2. There is a discussion about who sundresses are worn for, with some women dressing for themselves and others for attention. It's okay to dress in a way that attracts others.
  3. The meaning and style of sundresses can vary among different racial groups. Both types offer comfort and a sexy look, but they can be seen differently based on culture.

NO!vember

Austin Kleon • 5955 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Music Comics
  1. Saying 'no' can help you focus on what really matters. If you're unsure about going out, ask yourself if you'd want to do it tomorrow.
  2. Spending time alone can help you discover your true self. It's important to sit quietly and reflect on who you really want to be.
  3. Reading is essential for artists. Great works can inspire you, so make time to read often and explore different stories.

The Monday Media Diet with Emilia Petrarca

Why is this interesting? • 2232 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Literature Travel Media Art
  1. The author has a deep love for fashion and culture writing, often consuming and creating content across many platforms. They follow a diverse range of publications and newsletters to stay informed.
  2. Reading is an important part of their routine, with a special interest in fiction, particularly romance. They also appreciate stories that showcase unique experiences, such as total eclipses.
  3. The author had a memorable experience with train travel and learned to be cautious with airplane food after a bad incident. They are passionate about sharing fun travel stories and quirky experiences.
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Me and a Stapler of My Own

The Fry Corner • 2278 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Interviews Personal essays Journalism
  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.

NORD STREAM AND THE FAILURES OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Media
  1. The Biden administration has faced serious criticism during its leadership. Many believe that Biden's lack of visibility in his physical and mental capabilities hindered the party's ability to present a strong candidate.
  2. Donald Trump's return to power seems tied to Biden's failures. Some people think the Democratic Party was slow to respond to the need for a new candidate as Biden struggled.
  3. Elon Musk's influence has grown in the political sphere. There are concerns about how much control he has over key government positions and what that means for democracy.

The Erosion of Taste in the Age of Mass Production

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Taste Creativity Media Art Technology
  1. Taste can't be simplified into a formula or process. It's something unique that comes from genuine understanding and experience, not just copying others.
  2. There's a danger in mass production and optimization. It leads to mediocrity and a lack of real creativity, which can hurt genuine innovation.
  3. True Taste involves seeing connections between different ideas and fields. It's about creativity and thinking deeply, not just following trends or patterns.

Vulnerable Narcissism, Conformity, High Heels

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Behavior Fashion Gender Studies Media
  1. Men with more success tend to have more children. This shows a pattern in how parenting and status are linked.
  2. Younger people are divided about canceling J.K. Rowling for her views on transgender issues, while older people generally oppose canceling her. This trend may change society's views in the future.
  3. Women are more likely to wear high heels when they expect to meet attractive men. Their choice of footwear seems to be influenced by their interest.

Chaos vs. Poverty, Intelligence and Personality, Live Event with Dr. Drew

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 909 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Events Psychology Education Social Issues Media
  1. Realistic baby dolls used in schools to prevent teen pregnancy actually led to more pregnancies among some students. This suggests that the program might not work as intended.
  2. Some studies show that liberal college students report worse mental health than their conservative peers. This raises questions about the impact of political beliefs on mental well-being.
  3. Cousin marriages are quite common in many regions like the Middle East and among their diaspora. In some areas, they make up a significant percentage of all marriages.

Markets Can Turn And Inform

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Market Trends Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Prediction markets can show trends in politics, like giving Trump a higher chance to win. They react quickly to news, telling us what people think in real-time.
  2. Many people have lost trust in mainstream media. This is because they feel that the news is biased or not credible, leading more to rely on alternative sources.
  3. It's important to recognize our own biases when interpreting market signals. Getting caught up in our beliefs can prevent us from seeing changes that could affect our decisions.

Why Do We Coddle Gen Z Boys But Think Gen Z Girls Are Annoying?

Default Wisdom • 451 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Gender Generation Sociology Commentary
  1. Gen Z boys are often seen as victims in media while Gen Z girls face negative stereotypes. The media tends to paint young women in a narrow and often unflattering way, ignoring their real issues.
  2. There is a rise in young women who critique their own generation, but they often cater to older audiences, which can twist their perspectives. This creates a disconnect between their true experiences and how they are perceived.
  3. The conversation about Gen Z boys can sometimes overshadow the concerns of young women, leaving them without a strong voice in the discussion. It’s important to elevate female perspectives and ensure they are heard.

Note to Readers

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6697 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📰 News Media
  1. The author is partnering with another site for a campaign column during campaign season to navigate digital pressure and maintain site's independence.
  2. Despite this partnership, the author reassures readers that they will not receive less content and emphasizes that it is not about money but rather about ensuring site's integrity and independence.
  3. The author appreciates the support of subscribers and promises more content to come, including transcripts from events and stories with familiar partners.

Young Men Are in Crisis Mode, Fox News Abandons Pretense of News, Southern Baptists Boot Women, School Superintendent Boots Education, AI Can Make You Lonely and Drink, Gerry & The Pacemakers Sing

kareem • 6230 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Gender Media Leadership Influence
  1. Young men are facing challenges in society in terms of finding their identity and facing societal expectations.
  2. Income potential is still seen as a measure of worth for young men, impacting their views on attracting women.
  3. Many public figures may not be providing positive guidance for young men, perpetuating toxic masculinity and harmful behaviors.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Entertainment Media Society
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

The State of Play

Points And Figures • 985 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Media Public Opinion
  1. Many people feel that the election process is unfair and that institutions lie to the public. This has led to a loss of trust in political leaders and the media.
  2. Voter sentiment has shifted, with issues like lockdown policies, economic struggles, and social issues influencing people to lean more towards Republican perspectives.
  3. The debates around social issues, like gender identity in sports, may be turning some voters away from the Democrats, especially among suburban women who value traditional rights.

Power trip: Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over Bird Flu

The Dossier • 292 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Emergency Response Policy Media
  1. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California over Bird Flu. He is looking to strengthen monitoring and testing for it, even though there's been no significant risk to the public.
  2. The Bird Flu has not been shown to easily spread from birds to humans, which raises questions about the urgency of this emergency declaration.
  3. Some experts warn about potential human transmission due to untreated infections, but solid evidence for human-to-human spread is lacking.

NOW FREE: The Monologue That Got Tucker Carlson Fired

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3412 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Leadership Journalism Media Government
  1. Politicians should not censor speech or control thoughts; citizens have the right to criticize leaders.
  2. There is opposition to violence, such as against violent crime, late-term abortion, and the war in Ukraine.
  3. Discussions around January 6th events and the characterization of violence are debated, including the actions of Ray Epps.

Soon Will Come a Day That None of This Exists

Discourse Blog • 3400 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📰 News Media Journalism Digital Media Publishing Online Content
  1. Legacy media is being replaced by something worse, with media-wide layoffs being a visible sign.
  2. Publications are struggling and dying due to financial issues, particularly affecting traditional print media.
  3. The future of journalism looks bleak, with the rise of individual-driven media leading to misinformation and lack of accountability.

UK's chief rabbi gives his blessing to war crimes in Gaza

Jonathan Cook • 3557 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Religion Genocide Media Ethics
  1. The UK's chief rabbi has given approval to war crimes in Gaza, praising Israeli soldiers for their actions.
  2. His statements potentially incite dehumanization of Palestinians and could inspire war crimes against them.
  3. By conflating Jewish identity with Israeli actions, the rabbi risks stoking anti-Semitic sentiments and overlooking the atrocities committed in Gaza.

Then and Now: Stop Motion

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Art History Film Media
  1. Stop motion animation has been around for over a hundred years. It involves taking photos of objects in small movements to create the illusion of motion.
  2. The '50s and '60s were a golden age for stop motion, and we're seeing another rise in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s.
  3. People appreciate the handcrafted look of stop motion compared to digital animation. It has unique qualities like texture and imperfections that make it special.

Why the largest creators are bypassing traditional book publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Publishing Digital Social media
  1. Many big creators are skipping traditional book publishers. They can earn much more money by self-publishing their books instead.
  2. Companies are starting to focus more on engaging their subscribers through mobile apps. This helps keep people interested and less likely to cancel subscriptions.
  3. Creators like Kai Cenat are making huge money through platforms like Twitch. This shows how individuals can now earn as much as, or more than, traditional celebrities.

The Titanic Sub Saga, Jim Jordan's Remark Backfires, DeSantis' Street Poop, Dan Crenshaw Wants Biden to Dive for Debris, Lawyers Use AI Fake Cases, Fox News Alters Quotes, "Fiddler on the Roof" Sings

kareem • 5975 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Politicians Media News Social Issues
  1. The story of the Titanic submarine tragedy reveals societal value placed on lives.
  2. Blaming the Titanic sub deaths on 'wokeness' was misguided.
  3. Different perspectives on faith and science emerged from the Titanic sub and Greek shipwreck tragedies.

Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Entertainment Identity Consumerism
  1. People should be honest about their feelings, even if they don't always align. It's okay if someone doesn't agree with you; what matters is being real and understanding.
  2. Narcissism, rather than gender, is a key factor when judging hurtful behavior. Both men and women can act badly, and it's important to see that it's not just about being a man or a woman.
  3. Getting good value for your money is important. Nowadays, store brands often offer just as good quality as name brands, so it's smart to shop wisely.

Google opens another traffic spigot for publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Advertising Publishing Finance Technology
  1. Google Discover is now a major source of traffic for publishers, but it may lead to less meaningful connections with their audiences. Publishers often end up serving low-quality ads to visitors who leave quickly.
  2. Podcasters are looking to change the trend of having the same guests on many shows to make interviews more unique and engaging. Many hosts are tired of recycled content that doesn’t stand out.
  3. Apple is starting to sell ads in Apple News directly, which could mean more revenue for publishers. This shift may help Apple balance its user privacy principles with the need to generate advertising income.

The Anti-Abortion Movement’s Language War

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5660 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Language Media Conservatives Journalism
  1. The anti-abortion movement is pressuring journalists to stop using the word 'ban' and replace it with terms like 'consensus' or 'standard'.
  2. Conservatives are trying to redefine the term 'ban' to make anti-abortion laws sound more acceptable and are pressuring media outlets to comply.
  3. It is crucial for pro-choice activists and lawmakers to monitor and call out any changes in language used by publications regarding anti-abortion legislation.

One of YouTube's biggest channels is opening a massive production studio

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2000 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Social media Influencers Content creation
  1. Alan Chikin Chow is opening a large 10,000-square-foot studio in Los Angeles to create content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This shows how creators can compete with big Hollywood studios.
  2. His YouTube series, 'Alan's Universe', is really popular, getting millions of views with stories aimed at a young audience, especially girls. It combines K-drama themes with relatable storylines.
  3. Alan wants to expand 'Alan's Universe' into movies, TV shows, and more, showing that content creation is changing and that anyone with a good idea and the right skills can succeed.

What people are getting wrong about bro comedy podcasts

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Politics Media Culture Entertainment
  1. Not all comedians lean right. Many are just looking for attention and will say what they think audiences want to hear.
  2. Standup comedy is diverse, with many different styles and viewpoints. Watching it live shows a wider range than what you might see online.
  3. Comedians aren’t modern-day philosophers; they're entertainers. They crack jokes and often push boundaries, but it's all in good fun.

How I passed the time in 2024

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Media Outdoor Essays
  1. Reading can be deeply enjoyable and offers a chance to dive into complex thoughts and stories. It brings unique insights and can inspire new ways of thinking.
  2. Music from unique artists like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman can create memorable experiences with its catchy lyrics and emotional depth. There's a sense of connection through their creative expressions.
  3. Meeting new people, even online, can lead to meaningful friendships. These connections enhance our lives and help us feel less alone.

Their emotions are a carefully constructed facade

Internal exile • 42 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Identity Technology Consumerism Surveillance
  1. People often create a facade of emotions to hide their true feelings. This can lead to a disconnect between how they present themselves and how they really are.
  2. Submitting images online can reveal a lot about personal information without one even realizing it. Companies use these images to draw conclusions about us that might not be accurate.
  3. Scrolling through social media can make people feel outraged or fearful, but it often prevents them from taking real action. This cycle of reaction without action can be discouraging and unproductive.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Social Issues Media Politics Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

Bangers and Mash

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Politics Art Philosophy
  1. The authors of The Hinternet are using pseudonyms for professional reasons and to create a unique writing style. Despite this, they promise clearer writing in the future.
  2. The publication plans to produce more popular essays, referred to as 'bangers', to meet economic needs and subscriber interests, even if the topics seem controversial.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage more deeply by submitting essays on featured works, highlighting the community involvement in shaping the publication.

🎁 The only 2025 gift guide you'll need

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gift Guides Humor Media Society Lifestyle
  1. Gift-giving can be fun if you think outside the box. Consider unique items like books or funny merch rather than typical gifts.
  2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only times to save; look for deals at other times like Planned Obsolescence Thursday.
  3. Remember, things can be complex, and it’s okay to hold nuanced opinions rather than taking a hard stance on every issue.