The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

In Defense of Brooklyn Beckham

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 213 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Brooklyn repeatedly tries different high-profile careers—photography, cooking, wine collecting, modeling—but those efforts often fall flat and get mocked online.
  2. He alleges his famous parents have meddled in his life, even sending his siblings to attack him on social media and treating his wedding like an Instagram opportunity.
  3. Despite the ridicule, he appears to have accepted public humiliation to create distance from his family, which has generated sympathy.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 90

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Watching football on television isn’t just more convenient—it’s often the only way to see the whole game and understand what’s happening on the field.
  2. Restaurants can use loss-leading deals like very cheap oysters to bring customers in, who then spend on drinks and other higher-margin items.
  3. Recent iOS updates are increasingly frustrating for users, highlighting how phone software changes can damage the everyday user experience.

Why legacy news outlets are embracing Substack

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
📰 News Media
  1. Traditional news outlets are increasingly using Substack as a distribution platform to reach broader audiences and collect email addresses they can own and monetize. It functions like a social network and a direct-marketing channel that publishers can use for sponsorships and subscriptions.
  2. The user experience — the container, interface, and product — matters as much as the journalism itself, and publishers lost attention when platforms offered easier, cleaner ways to consume content. Improving UX and distribution is now central to rebuilding audience and revenue.
  3. AI is severely disrupting the copywriting industry, with many companies replacing or downgrading writers in favor of AI-generated drafts that humans only edit. That shift is drying up freelance work and forcing the industry to rethink roles and monetization.

Does The Name Club Chalamet Mean Anything To You

Hung Up • 5680 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The confirmation of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's relationship sparked intense reactions from fans.
  2. Club Chalamet, a fan account, gained attention for its lore and analysis of Chalamet.
  3. The divorce of Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas showcased different responses in the media.
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George Orwell, Pickup Lines, Uglification

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 852 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Marriage and relationships are becoming less common among young adults, with many choosing to live alone.
  2. Most people find life gets better after middle age, contrary to the belief in a midlife crisis.
  3. In heterosexual relationships, if the woman is less committed than the man, they are more likely to break up.

The Anti-Abortion Movement’s Language War

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5660 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  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.

The New York Times Finally Stops Avoiding The G-Word

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A genocide scholar has admitted that Israel's actions in Gaza can be seen as genocide. This is important because it shows a shift in understanding among experts.
  2. The New York Times has changed its approach and is now starting to acknowledge the word 'genocide' in relation to Gaza. They previously avoided using this term despite evidence suggesting it.
  3. There is a growing public awareness and pushback against the narrative supporting Israel's actions, indicating a change in sentiment regarding the situation in Gaza.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 581 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A short, curated list of things you consumed can surface useful recommendations and fun discoveries to try.
  2. Tiny, playful messages like “Wanna hear something crazy lolol” show how small texts can bring unexpected joy and connection.
  3. An essay about dictionaries can shift how you think about words and spark curiosity about older reference works like the 1913 Webster’s.

Culture Links, 12/18/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Writers today have to build a visible personal brand and keep producing useful or entertaining work to win attention, because content is infinite and automation raises the noise level.
  2. Society needs people willing to occupy elite roles and exercise leadership responsibly, and those elites should combine ambition with humility about the limits of understanding complex systems.
  3. Recent cultural shifts are leaving groups feeling excluded or unsafe: many younger white men say DEI has blocked early-career opportunities, while growing antisemitism is driving Jewish communities to add security and retreat from public life.

My favorite articles of 2025

Maybe Baby • 524 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A yearly roundup highlights fifteen favorite articles of the year. The selections come from reading many pieces and applying a picky, rigorous standard.
  2. The recurring "15 Things" format usually showcases exactly five articles, and it sometimes drops to four when the choices don’t meet the standard.
  3. The full post is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription or sign‑in to read.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

The Empire Is A Nonstop Insult To Our Intelligence

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2891 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The idea that those speaking out against genocide are labeled as terrorists while the ones committing these acts receive peace prizes is deeply concerning. This shows a big disconnect in how actions are judged.
  2. Misinformation and propaganda play a huge role in keeping people uninformed about serious issues. This ignorance allows harmful actions to continue unnoticed.
  3. The current state of events shows a disturbing trend where the truth is manipulated, and the public is treated like they can't see what's really happening. This highlights the need for critical thinking and awareness.

Merry Christmas 2025

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The message arrived later than planned because life got in the way.
  2. Warm holiday wishes are offered, saying Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to readers.
  3. There’s a hope the new year will bring more retro computer nerdiness and related content.

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

The DisInformation Chronicle • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Media
  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.

Open Thread 366

Astral Codex Ten • 7089 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Anyone can share thoughts or ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for discussing anything on your mind.
  2. There are opportunities for people interested in AI safety, including a course that can help you get started in the field.
  3. An AI forecasting project is looking for news outlets to publish articles on future predictions about AI advancements.

TGIF: Life of a Showgirl

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump is making a lot of money from cryptocurrencies, especially since the election, and his family's crypto ventures are linked to some controversial companies.
  2. Americans are uncertain about their wealth due to mixed job reports and potential data manipulation by authorities to present a specific economic narrative.
  3. The crime situation in Washington D.C. is downplayed by some, despite high rates of car theft and lingering concerns about safety among residents.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  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.

The American People Fact-Checked Their Government

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Governments can suppress and falsify records to minimize state violence and recast protesters as threats.
  2. Fast-moving video evidence now spreads quicker than official narratives, exposing contradictions in real time and making coverups harder.
  3. Public access to footage and rapid sharing lets ordinary people fact-check the state and push back against rewritten histories, increasing accountability.

I'll Take the Crypto Industry Seriously When Its Biggest Advocates Stop Saying "What Did You Expect?"

Freddie deBoer • 8384 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Media
  1. The crypto industry has a problem with accepting responsibility for scams and fraud. Many people in the community brush off losses with a 'what did you expect?' attitude, which doesn't help their credibility.
  2. A serious industry should focus on cleaning up its image and ensuring accountability. If crypto enthusiasts want people to take their industry seriously, they need to demand better practices.
  3. If the crypto culture continues to mock victims of scams, it risks pushing more people towards stricter regulations. This could hurt the industry in the long run.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

Never Forget The Lies They Told About Gaza. Never Forgive Them.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1969 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. IDF records show that a large majority, over 80%, of those killed in Gaza are civilians, and this number may be higher due to unreported casualties.
  2. Efforts to downplay or deny the suffering in Gaza, like claiming low civilian casualty rates or that starvation isn't happening, have been debunked by independent reports.
  3. The destruction of Palestinian olive trees highlights the ongoing impact on Palestinian identity and livelihood, resembling historical acts of colonial oppression.

☞ Innovation Biopics

Cabinet of Wonders • 254 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Innovation biopics are a popular film and TV genre that dramatizes how products and companies came to be.
  2. These films are often not fully accurate, but they push people to learn more and spotlight the messy, human side of innovation and success or failure.
  3. There’s a broader curiosity about obscure jobs and complex systems, illustrated by examples like insurance archaeology and a curated roundup of links on technology, design, and cultural history.

The unbreakable urge to Google

The Rectangle • 141 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Googling is a normal, modern part of chatting and many people instinctively look things up on their phones.
  2. The technology you grow up with shapes how you consume and share information, so different generations form different habits around searching and listening.
  3. It’s okay to look things up during a conversation if you say you’re going to check, talk through what you find while searching, and then return to the conversation.

Why is Rear Window so tense?

The Common Reader • 2268 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. _Rear Window_ shows a mix of different people's lives, creating a sense of tension and curiosity. Even before any crime happens, you feel like something important is unfolding.
  2. Instead of loud actions typical in murder stories, the film is quiet and uses visual cues to hint at danger. This makes the audience question what they truly see and understand.
  3. The film plays with genre expectations. It's not just about solving a crime; it also explores themes of voyeurism and our curiosity about others' lives, making you think about what you watch and why.

Is Honest Writing the Next New Thing in Journalism?

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Honesty in writing can be a powerful tool to break down obstacles and strengthen your writing and thinking.
  2. There are many reasons why writers are dishonest, such as to please editors, gain favors, or increase popularity.
  3. Embracing an 'honest writing style' can lead to a shift in your writing, making it more conversational and impactful.

Weekend reads: What happened to Canada?

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 3184 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Canada is facing a housing crisis, where affordability is a major issue affecting many Canadians.
  2. An ideology emphasizing identitarian moralism has gained influence in Canada's political landscape.
  3. The failing media and intellectual class in Canada have contributed to the nation's current crisis and polarization.

When investing $200 million in a media company is actually worth it

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Big checks into creator-led companies can make sense when the creator has massive reach and builds real non-media businesses like products and merch.
  2. Merging or bundling streaming services can create a viable challenger to Netflix, since some services (like Disney+) haven’t produced enough regular, broad-appeal originals to keep viewers coming back.
  3. Media companies are shifting toward sponsorships, events, newsletter ad strategies, and creator partnerships—leaning on branded experiences and owned products rather than trying to match big tech ad scale.

Harems Are Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 449 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The newest Avatar movie is shockingly bad and dull, leaving viewers bored and disappointed.
  2. The original film had epic visuals and a satisfying ending, and the sequels feel unnecessary and overextended.
  3. The series leans on recycled colonialist tropes and pop-culture mash-ups, making the franchise feel repetitive and creatively spent.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘Jaws’ Was Never About a Shark

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2049 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The movie 'Jaws' is really about facing our own fears rather than just being about a shark. It's a deeper look at what scares us the most.
  2. This summer marks 50 years of 'Jaws,' and the town of Martha’s Vineyard is celebrating with events like screenings and exhibits. It's bringing a lot of tourists to remember the film's impact.
  3. The film has truly left a mark on the culture, with attractions, merchandise, and local events that still connect the community to that summer in 1974.

TGIF: Monitoring the Situation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3116 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There is an ongoing war between Israel and Iran, with significant military actions being taken by both sides. This conflict is real and escalating, not just rhetoric.
  2. Discussions in the U.S. about race and gender are getting heated, especially with debates involving public figures like Whoopi Goldberg. These conversations show different perspectives on what it means to face inequality.
  3. Maintaining independent journalism is costly, highlighting the need for support from readers. It's important to recognize the financial challenges that come with providing investigative news.

Yes, Blowing Things Up Is How We Build Things

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 547 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Deliberately testing hardware to destruction is a normal, necessary way to find weaknesses and build stronger weapons, and it’s better to fail on the range than on the battlefield.
  2. Calling routine destructive tests mere 'failures' misframes and can unfairly damage companies doing risky but essential national-defense work.
  3. There was a time when the press accepted and even supported testing-to-failure because it sped weapon development, and recent negative coverage represents a shift from that practical mindset.

Two Cheers for the Democratic Establishment?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Biden's leadership has faced criticism due to his declining health, but it’s important to compare how the Democratic establishment handles challenges versus the Republican side. The Dems seem to prioritize accountability and ethics more.
  2. Even when Democrats make mistakes, the ethical standards they follow make them different from leaders like Trump. They seem to genuinely care about the rule of law, unlike some in the Republican party.
  3. It's crucial to recognize that while both sides have flaws, the Democratic establishment has dealt with its issues more honestly. We shouldn’t ignore their mistakes, but we also shouldn't pretend they're as severe as the problems on the other side.

Merry Christmas

Wrong Side of History • 332 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Culture and identity debates are everywhere now, shaping casting, museum displays, and how history is told. These fights feel political and change which stories and voices get prominence.
  2. Free speech and political conflict are getting harsher, with real legal and social consequences for people who speak out and with fiction and media strongly influencing political views. That combination is reshaping public debate and accountability.
  3. Britain still projects soft power through cultural exports like popular history podcasts, even as people worry about younger generations, rising authoritarian tendencies, and ongoing security and historical memory issues. These cultural and political anxieties are linked and feed into each other.

Legacy publishers embrace the Creator Economy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Big publishers are building creator networks and paying individual creators to make content on their channels, acknowledging that individual personalities now hold more audience power than brands alone.
  2. Creators are choosing platforms based on audience ownership and monetization control, with some moving platforms over fears of lock‑in even though email lists are generally portable.
  3. Newsletter and creator monetization is shifting: sponsorship tracking is becoming important as ad formats fragment, market forces like GLP‑1 drugs are changing affiliate and brand-deal dynamics, and some partisan outlets are losing traffic as audiences splinter.