The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Friday Funnies: "I Speak Jive"

Who is Robert Malone • 40 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A stream of jokes, cartoons, and images lampoons Governor Newsom and treats him as an easy target for humor.
  2. The central criticism is that he prioritizes staged appearances and media optics over solving real problems like wildfires, water systems, and rolling blackouts.
  3. The piece is presented as light entertainment with an embedded video, and it encourages readers to watch, share, and subscribe.

March 1, 2026

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The U.S.-led offensive has already killed and wounded American service members, and major combat operations are ongoing.
  2. The administration appears unclear about its objectives and the intelligence basis for the strikes, offering conflicting claims and openly hoping the attacks will spark an Iranian uprising without a clear plan for what comes next.
  3. The conflict is widening across the region—Israel, Iran, and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah are exchanging strikes—and global oil flows and markets are being disrupted as a result.

Is Black Friday a Spell?

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 609 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. What began as an outside description was turned into a marketing command: companies named and promoted Black Friday until people treated it as something they had to take part in.
  2. Words and slogans can make things real — marketers use speech acts and interpellation to address people as if the shopping event already exists, which pulls people into the behavior.
  3. Many celebrations have been hollowed out into occasions that demand buying, and Black Friday is the clearest example of a festival whose only meaning is commerce.
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Marry a Woman Smarter Than You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2021 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's great to be with someone smarter than you. It can keep you inspired and help you grow.
  2. Taylor Swift's recent podcast felt surprisingly relatable, making people curious about her life and personality.
  3. Even if you're not a fan, sometimes you can find joy in unexpected places and enjoy new experiences.

What Porn Took from Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3283 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many children today are exposed to porn at a very young age, which can shape their understanding of intimacy in harmful ways.
  2. The exposure to hardcore porn isn't just a casual experience; it can be a form of abuse that affects children's mental health and development.
  3. While society discusses various traumas, the impact of porn on young people is often overlooked, although it can have lasting effects on their lives.

The most exciting media companies have non-media business models

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
💼 Business Media
  1. The most successful modern media companies build non-media businesses — like ecommerce, SaaS, or product lines — so audience attention turns into direct revenue. Those commerce arms often outperform ads and subscriptions.
  2. Live events and conferences are a lucrative revenue channel because they generate fast, high-margin income and attract influential audiences. But events carry high overhead, are limited by venue capacity, and are hard to scale indefinitely.
  3. Creators and publishers need diversified monetization — sponsorships, paid newsletters, AI tools, branded content, and partnerships — plus a focused, often affluent audience and active sales effort to make those models pay. Relying on a single revenue stream or on platform-driven distribution leaves businesses exposed.

Yuri Norstein's Top 20

Animation Obsessive • 2063 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Yuri Norstein is a well-known animator from the USSR, famous for films like 'Hedgehog in the Fog'.
  2. He shared his top 20 favorite animated films, which include notable works from different decades and countries.
  3. Norstein highlighted groundbreaking animations, like 'Night on Bald Mountain', that changed the medium of animation.

After Iraq There's No Excuse For Buying The War Lies About Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3017 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. People shouldn't believe in war lies, especially after the evidence from Iraq. We have more information now, and it's important to think critically about what we're told.
  2. The conflict with Iran isn't just about nuclear weapons; it's really about control and power in the region. These reasons are often hidden behind official narratives.
  3. The situation in Gaza is closely tied to larger conflicts and could escalate into a bigger war. It's crucial to pay attention to these issues because they affect many lives.

WOW! More evidence of the government deceiving us about Epstein!

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Senior DOJ/FBI officials used vague language and a broad "victim" list that included families and adults, which inflated the claim of "over 1,000 victims" and created the impression of mass child sex‑trafficking.
  2. Evidence from Epstein's devices was broadly labeled "responsive" using loose criteria, and most seized material was adult or age‑ambiguous; only a very small number of CSAM were found and reportedly were not produced by Epstein.
  3. Politicians and media widely repeated the sensational figures without sufficient scrutiny, fueling public hysteria, so official claims need clear definitions and corroborating evidence before being accepted.

The Silver Bulletin Year in Review

Silver Bulletin • 336 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The newsletter experienced a post-election normalization: overall subscriptions rose about 12% but paid subscribers fell roughly 27%, with realized revenue down less (around 17%) while median post readership stayed strong.
  2. The team is hiring an editor to raise the baseline output while keeping quality high, and plans to diversify beyond politics and sports by launching new forecasting products like a generic ballot, COOPER for college basketball, and continued work on ELWAY/QBERT.
  3. The editorial approach centers on data-driven forecasting and testable predictions, producing notable hits and some misses, and the plan is to be more forward-looking and varied in 2026.

The Broken Day

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 587 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The author feels disconnected from contemporary culture and has a nostalgic attachment to memories and objects from their past. They spend a lot of time reflecting on their personal experiences and the things they've collected over the years.
  2. Despite being housebound for a long time, the author creatively envisions life outside by 'nightwalking' in their imagination, exploring places they remember.
  3. There is a sense of infinite exploration in the author's journey through memories and objects, leading them to think about uncovering deeper meanings from their past.

Against Branding (and Sarah Fay)

Castalia • 4895 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Writing should be about exploration and self-discovery, not just about building a brand or following. Writers should feel free to express their thoughts without worrying about market trends.
  2. The idea of 'branding' can limit creativity and individual expression. People should resist pressure to conform to easy, recognizable formats in their writing.
  3. Substack was meant to be a platform for genuine writing, not just a marketplace for consumer-driven content. It's important to keep the spirit of originality and experimentation alive.

Donald Trump, Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 63 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. An opinion piece titled "Donald Trump, Pagan King" ran in the New York Times.
  2. The article builds on themes previously explored on the Substack called Social Studies.
  3. A linked post directs readers to the NYT piece and encourages them to check it out.

Activism, Uncensored: Christopher Columbus and Stephen Colbert

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2297 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A tweet from 2020 sparked a big debate about Christopher Columbus, especially among Italian-Americans who see him as a symbol of pride.
  2. People protested against a politician named Mamdani due to his opinions on Columbus statues and his proposed policies in NYC.
  3. There was also a protest against CBS for cancelling Stephen Colbert, where some people expressed concerns about free speech and censorship.

The Art of the Pardon. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 384 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. President Trump has dramatically expanded clemency in his second term, and the pardon process increasingly benefits people with wealth or close ties to the administration.
  2. J.D. Vance is urging the MAGA movement to drop purity tests and broaden its base, a deliberate strategy that risks embracing people who flirt with conspiracy theories and antisemitism.
  3. There’s a growing alarm about generational economic strain, with expensive entitlements that funnel money from younger people to retirees being called “Total Boomer Luxury Communism” and argued to be unsustainable.

This Week in Marketing: Instagram Alerts, QuitGPT, Paramount-WBD deal, and Snap Awards

The Social Juice • 34 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Big social platforms are under pressure to protect kids and enforce age checks, leading to new safety features, fines, and delayed verification rollouts.
  2. AI is reshaping content, ads, and search at speed, but it’s also provoking user backlash, legal fights, and growing regulatory scrutiny.
  3. The creator economy and media landscape are shifting: user-generated content and creator tools are rising while big mergers and advertiser moves reshape where brands spend.

Thank God for Re-runs

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Re-runs of old TV shows helped connect generations. They showed a version of life that parents and grandparents recognized but kids see as old-fashioned.
  2. Modern technology has changed quickly, and young people today don't have the same cultural links to the past that older generations had. This leaves them feeling disconnected.
  3. The absence of re-runs and gradual cultural change might contribute to a lack of understanding or appreciation for older ways of life, leading to discomfort with things from the past.

The 29 "Best" (?) Movies of the 21st Century

Read Max • 2739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Lists of great movies can be very different depending on personal taste. Some people choose popular films everyone knows, while others pick lesser-known gems.
  2. Counter-consensus opinions in film criticism are valuable because they challenge the common views and spark interesting conversations. It's good to mix popular choices with surprising or personal favorites.
  3. Creating a movie list can be a fun way to reflect your unique style and feelings about films. It can show how quirky or serious your tastes are.

The political takeover over journalism

Striking 13 • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Journalism and politics are increasingly blurred, making it hard to differentiate between the two.
  2. Some individuals operate simultaneously as journalists and politicians, creating a dangerous scenario where roles get mixed up.
  3. Journalism is not just about spectators; it holds the power to change history and should be grounded in truth and journalistic values.

Practice Small, Daily Acts Of Sabotage Against The Imperial Machine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2696 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Do something small every day to challenge and change how people see powerful systems and institutions. It can be as simple as sharing information or sparking conversations.
  2. Help others see the negative impacts of governments and powerful groups on daily life. Point out the lies and manipulations to foster a clearer understanding of reality.
  3. Collectively, we can work toward a better society by opening each other's eyes to the truth. Even small acts can contribute to major change when done together.

Coleman Hughes: Candace Owens, Brigitte Macron, and Our Age of Conspiracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Candace Owens is spreading a wild conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron is actually a man, which has gained a large following online.
  2. This theory was created by a French citizen and then popularized through a book and Owens' podcast, showing how quickly bizarre ideas can spread.
  3. Despite her past as an anti-cyberbullying advocate, Owens is now facing backlash for her role in promoting harmful claims against an elderly woman.

The Best Night of My Life Was a Free Press Party

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1989 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many people think younger generations don't know how to have fun, but events like the Free Press party show they can gather, socialize, and enjoy themselves enthusiastically.
  2. The nightlife experiences create strong connections and relationships among attendees, proving that young people can engage deeply with each other.
  3. A diverse mix of young individuals at the party highlights a growing community that embraces different backgrounds and opinions, fostering optimism about future generations.

Remembering Rob Reiner. The Heroism of Jimmy Lai. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📰 News Media
  1. Jimmy Lai has become a powerful symbol of press freedom after staying in Hong Kong to run Apple Daily, and he now faces sedition and collusion convictions with a possible life sentence after more than 1,800 days in solitary.
  2. Rob Reiner’s shocking murder has left a cultural void, and many criticized the president for mocking the dead instead of showing basic respect.
  3. The pieces highlight broader alarms: rising antisemitism forcing Jews into hiding, controversies over human-rights reporting such as Amnesty’s handling of Hamas, and a spate of violent events and policy shifts shaping global news.

Is Curtis Yarvin 'influential'?

Read Max • 6033 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Curtis Yarvin, also known as Mencius Moldbug, shares controversial right-wing ideas about government and power. His thoughts are sometimes seen as extreme, but they're based on older conservative beliefs.
  2. While some powerful figures like Peter Thiel reference Yarvin, his actual influence on politics might be overstated. Many believe he provides justification for existing power rather than directly steering political actions.
  3. Yarvin himself downplays his importance, suggesting that any influence he has works through lower-level staff and thinkers rather than powerful leaders directly adopting his ideas.

How a local newsletter company is leveraging AI to cover hundreds of counties across the US

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. 6AM City uses AI to launch newsletters in smaller cities without hiring editors right away. This approach helps them start at low cost and grow until they can add human editors later.
  2. Their newsletters focus on local news and community events, using a friendly tone and avoiding divisive topics. This strategy helps attract advertisers and maintain a loyal subscriber base.
  3. Instead of just relying on traditional reporting, 6AM City uses technology to gather and compress information from local sources. This allows them to produce accurate content quickly while keeping costs down.

Subscrive Drive 2025 + Free Unlocked Posts

Astral Codex Ten • 6400 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Media
  1. You can subscribe to Astral Codex Ten for paid access, which includes extra articles and special threads for subscribers. It's a chance to support the blog and get more content.
  2. The blog had strong subscriber growth at first but has seen a drop in recent years. The author encourages financial support but understands if people cannot afford it.
  3. Several subscriber-only posts offer unique insights, covering topics like historical figures and personal reflections. When you subscribe, you can access a lot of great content.

Enemy Aliens and (Freudian) Displacement

Thinking about... • 352 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Tech billionaires often blame migrants in ways that don’t match the facts, which can be a form of displacement that shifts responsibility away from themselves.
  2. Social media algorithms act like alien forces that change minds, relationships, and politics, and tech leaders have helped open the gates for those harms.
  3. To understand public claims we should look beyond literal words and consider motives and context, because the misperceptions of powerful people have wide and real consequences.

The Qatari elephant in the room

The Dossier • 4599 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Top leaders of Hamas live in Doha, protected and celebrated by the Qatari regime.
  2. Qatar plays a significant role in supporting and sheltering Hamas leaders.
  3. Qatar's influence campaign presents it as a negotiator but supports terrorist organizations.

Things Worth Remembering: The Empathy of J.K. Rowling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. J.K. Rowling reminded everyone how powerful imagination can be during her speech at Harvard. It's a great reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives.
  2. Rowling is praised for being a brilliant and successful writer, despite facing controversy in recent years. Her talent and impact on literature shouldn't be overlooked.
  3. It's essential to appreciate remarkable people like Rowling while they are still alive. We often wait too long to celebrate the contributions of influential figures.

Your December Questions, Answered (2 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 148 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. This is a follow-up Q&A answering readers’ December questions on topics like Bari Weiss, Jewishness, the NFL, and The Simpsons.
  2. A reader asked about the Bari Weiss/60 Minutes controversy over a delayed segment on an El Salvadoran prison, and the writer said they’d devote a full article to that topic.
  3. The rest of the responses are behind a paywall, but the post offers a way to claim the free continuation or subscribe to read the full piece.

Judgment Day Has Arrived for the Journalism Business

The Honest Broker • 30220 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Media platforms struggling with advertising rely on gimmicky clickbait strategies that eventually fail.
  2. Subscription-based models are becoming successful in journalism, shifting the focus back to quality writing.
  3. AI-generated articles, the latest gimmick in media, reduce writing costs but sacrifice quality and are doomed to fail.

I have a problem: a desistor's manifesto - part 3

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2456 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Concerns about individuals bending gender to harm others in spaces like restrooms and prisons.
  2. Issues with men being awarded and competing in women's categories, affecting fairness and opportunities for women.
  3. Criticism of coercion to accept certain terms, limitations on free speech, and lack of logical debate in the context of trans ideologies.