The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

every anti-EA thinkpiece

Going Awol • 838 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Effective Altruism focuses on maximizing utility by prioritizing certain causes over others, even equating enjoyment of art with eating a sandwich.
  2. EAs have shifted towards 'longtermism', emphasizing the importance of future generations and sometimes at the cost of present concerns like supporting independent journalism.
  3. Effective Altruism has had a controversial history, including issues of racism, and it quantifies the value of various aspects of human life against the utility of saving shellfish.

Fox News Just Helped Netanyahu Spread The Lie That Iran Tried To Assassinate Trump

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Netanyahu made strong claims on Fox News about Iran trying to assassinate Trump, but there was no evidence to support this. It's important to question such serious accusations, especially when they're presented without proof.
  2. The interview showed how some media outlets might promote misinformation without challenging what powerful figures say. This could mislead viewers and shape public opinion negatively.
  3. There's a concern that the media often works to further the goals of powerful interests rather than providing unbiased news. It's a reminder to stay critical of what we see and hear in the news.

On Mary and the Mob

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5332 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Jewish, and it's important to acknowledge her heritage. Denying this fact is seen as foolish or antisemitic.
  2. There is a current controversy over the casting of a Jewish actress to play Mary in a Netflix film. Some people are upset that an Israeli Jew was chosen for the role.
  3. The debate around the film reflects a broader conflict and misinformation about Israel and Palestine. Many narratives surrounding this issue are manipulated to serve certain political agendas.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

Debt Limit Update: The GOP Admits to Extortion

The Message Box • 3262 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The GOP's approach to the debt limit is seen as extortion instead of negotiation, using threats to get policy concessions.
  2. President Biden offered solutions to avoid a catastrophe, but faced incompetence and unwillingness to compromise from the Republicans.
  3. The media portrays the debt limit issue as a normal negotiation, overlooking the extreme nature of the GOP's demands.
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Our Knowledge System Has Collapsed. Can We Survive Without It?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. We are going through a big cultural shift that most people aren't even aware of yet. It’s happening quietly, just like past major changes in history.
  2. Right now, a lot of people are losing trust in traditional knowledge sources. Instead, they value practical, everyday skills from regular workers like plumbers and mechanics.
  3. This change might be as significant as the Renaissance, but it doesn’t have a name yet. It's important to recognize and talk about these shifts in society.

A Truth-Based Relationship With Reality Requires Courage

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2123 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Facing the harsh realities of the world, like suffering and injustice, takes real courage. It's uncomfortable, but it's necessary for healing.
  2. Truth can be scary, but it's the only way to improve ourselves and our society. To find peace and happiness, we must confront our hidden fears and lies.
  3. Changing the world requires small, brave steps towards truth. Each person must face their own darkness and contribute to creating a healthier and more harmonious future.

Chip Berlet, in memoriam; Poland's Perils; Matters of Church and State

Unpopular Front • 31 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. A long-term, research-driven fight against the far right shows that effective organizing centers on listening to and following the lead of people directly affected.
  2. Poland successfully blocked an authoritarian shift, but the right-wing populist party that pushed it remains active and could try to return to power.
  3. The new government made institutional gains like freeing public media and unlocking EU funds, but investigations stalled, accountability was limited, and promised social reforms failed, leaving many supporters disillusioned.

The Monday Media Diet with Joel Condemi

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading both physical books and magazines is very enjoyable and calming, especially on weekends as a way to unwind. It's good to pick interesting articles first rather than feeling obligated to read everything.
  2. Travel plays a big role in inspiration, with personal experiences and unique destinations enriching storytelling and creativity. Visiting special places like jazz bars can be very impactful.
  3. Social media can provide fresh ideas and inspiration, especially by following creatives in areas you love like photography and menswear. Sharing your own experiences online can connect you with like-minded people.

TGIF: It All Comes Out

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4915 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Melania Trump is promoting Christmas ornaments this year, showcasing her designs and emphasizing their patriotic theme. This may hint at a future where political events are paired with merchandise.
  2. Janet Yellen has acknowledged that the U.S. is facing a significant deficit, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility. She suggests that future spending needs to be more careful to manage this debt.
  3. There’s criticism regarding recent government spending, particularly on student loan forgiveness, which some believe primarily benefits wealthier individuals. This has sparked debate about fiscal sustainability.

Election Update 3: Self-Injury Watch On

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5628 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Watching political TV can feel overwhelming and stressful for many people. It often highlights negative news and can be quite draining.
  2. Election updates show a mix of moods, with both excitement and worry among different voter groups. The shifting results lead to a lot of anxiety and chatter on social media.
  3. Different states are reporting varied results, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability during election nights. People are looking for any signs of good news amidst the tensions.

Why I love movies (and why you should too)

Adaobi’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Movies can give you a sense of friendship and belonging by showing characters and communities you recognize and want to be part of.
  2. They help you face hidden feelings and start honest conversations with yourself and others, because seeing someone on screen can reveal emotions you didn’t know you had.
  3. Great cinema blends visuals, music and dialogue into powerful experiences that are often best in theatres, and films are also an easy, universal ice-breaker — choosing movies that fit your mood and rewatching them can make the experience even richer.

The Golden Age of Humanity? We’re Living in It. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
📰 News Media
  1. Many people feel modern life is empty, but Enlightenment ideas like reason, rights, and science have driven huge gains in health, wealth, and freedom, leading some to call this a golden age for humanity.
  2. There’s a notable religious revival and a strain of political nostalgia on the right that longs for older Christian social orders, even flirting with monarchic or feudal ideas that challenge modern democratic norms.
  3. Current events show a mixed reality: legal battles, heated debates over the Second Amendment, foreign-run social media accounts stoking outrage, and rising utility shutoffs all highlight serious problems that persist despite long-term progress.

Election Update 2: Obama Instructs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5579 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Obama is reminding everyone to stay calm and patient during slow election processes. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get results, and that's okay.
  2. Some people are finding Obama irritating lately, questioning his current relevance and influence. There are mixed feelings about his role in today's political climate.
  3. Early election results show Trump leading in Kentucky and Indiana. This could indicate a shift in voter preferences in these states.

Why fashion influencers are pivoting to Substack

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Media
  1. Fashion influencers are moving to Substack to earn more money through subscriptions and reliable audience reach. This shift helps them avoid the unpredictability of social media algorithms like Instagram’s.
  2. YouTube is becoming a big player for creators, allowing them to earn through memberships and ads as they publish content like audiobooks. This helps authors gain a following while generating revenue.
  3. The focus for media publishers is shifting from growing their audience size to keeping readers engaged longer. By increasing how many articles a visitor reads, they can boost revenue and encourage subscriptions.

Transcript - America This Week, August 8, 2025: "The AI Invasion: Why the Media Won't Correct Itself"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1319 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Journalism is shifting from finding the truth to just influencing people. Now, it's more about how powerful your message is than how accurate it is.
  2. AI is changing how we understand and spread information. It's not about what is true anymore; it's about what gets shared the most.
  3. Even if reporters used to be trusted, now their old reputations can let them get away with spreading false information without correction.

Two Drinks with. . . a Very Modern Lover

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A long, once-happy marriage can end without being a failure. Partners can part lovingly and see separation as the final, respectful act of a good relationship.
  2. Suggesting separation can be healthy provoked strong online backlash, with many people calling such choices selfish or self-absorbed.
  3. The argument has kicked off a wider cultural debate about modern love and whether divorce must always be viewed as a tragedy or can be a healthy choice.

Mistakes at ‘The New York Times’ Only Go in One Direction

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1391 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The New York Times published a story about hunger in Gaza that gained significant attention but later needed a correction. This shows how quickly misinformation can spread.
  2. The original article used information from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which has a history of reporting inaccuracies. This puts the reliability of sources into question.
  3. Even after the correction, the initial message still affected public opinion and led to calls for action against Israel. It highlights how impactful stories can shape perceptions, even if later corrected.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1899 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There's a livestream called ATW happening today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT. It's a great way to catch up on recent events.
  2. Walter and Matt will host the show and discuss their book club choice, Orwell's _1984_. It's a chance to dive deeper into that classic book.
  3. You can watch the livestream on the Substack app, Rumble, or YouTube. Don't miss it if you're interested!

Spitballing

Chuck Palahniuk's Plot Spoiler • 3085 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Consider focusing on a very small customer base that will pay high prices for your service or product.
  2. Creating a high-status-signaling commodity can attract a niche market of wealthy individuals.
  3. Emphasizing exclusivity and luxury in your offerings can drive demand and high price points.

On Don Lemon

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10768 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Don Lemon sought a significant financial package, including an upfront payment, salary, equity stake, and extravagant perks like a Tesla Cybertruck and a private jet to Las Vegas.
  2. Despite past critiques, mainstream media are now portraying Lemon as a free speech hero due to his interactions involving Elon Musk.
  3. To access the full post and archives on Don Lemon, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.

Here’s to the First Million Free Pressers—And the Next

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4405 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📰 News Media
  1. The Free Press has grown to one million subscribers by focusing on delivering honest journalism. People are looking for trustworthy news that reflects reality.
  2. Instead of just rejecting old media, The Free Press aims to provide valuable content that people need. They emphasize the importance of pursuing truth in their reporting.
  3. The growth of The Free Press shows that many people still care about real journalism and want to support it. This gives hope for the future of journalism as a whole.

Daily Show Creator Freaks Out Over Gutfeld Ratings, But Says Audience is 'Gross' Anyway.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3026 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Daily Show creator expressed strong negative feelings towards Greg Gutfeld's ratings and his audience.
  2. The creator's remarks were filled with profanity and elitism, criticizing Gutfeld's humor and his viewers.
  3. Despite criticizing others, the creator's own dietary habits were revealed to include indulgence in unhealthy foods.

A New Kind of Forensics

Culture Study • 3847 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Marty Goddard played a key role in creating the rape kit, which helped provide evidence of sexual assault. This changed how incidents were taken seriously in the legal system.
  2. The history of the rape kit shows that many women were not believed when they reported assaults. It highlights a culture that often dismissed survivors.
  3. This story also reveals how women's contributions can be overlooked in innovation. Even when they create important tools, men often get the credit.

I'm tracking which brands are sponsoring newsletters

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Tracking newsletter sponsorships can be tricky due to many brands and no standard ad units. Some suggest starting with brands already advertising in other newsletters.
  2. Forbes is cutting back on its contributing writers to focus on a more financially sound model as they face pressures from declining traffic and revenue.
  3. More independent media outlets may start experimenting with print media to engage fans, as it offers a tangible experience away from online platforms.

How I Write Culture Study

Culture Study • 3885 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Organizing your week can help you manage different types of work like essays and Q&As. It’s about finding a balance and creating a routine.
  2. Creating interesting content often involves a bit of mystery or curiosity. This can lead people to appreciate and pay for the material you offer.
  3. Collaboration with others can enhance your work. Finding 'coworkers' or partners can support your creative process and make things more enjoyable.

Public intellectuals need to say what they actually believe

Aaron’s Blog • 159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Public intellectuals should state their actual beliefs rather than softening or hiding them, because people take published words as the author’s real view.
  2. Most readers lack the background to guess what’s been omitted, so withholding key beliefs predictably misleads and deprives people of important information they could use.
  3. Candidness is practical and compatible with careful communication: label speculation, give confidence levels or probabilities, and only hide beliefs in extreme safety-risk situations.

The media is pivoting to video again

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Media companies are starting to use vertical video on their websites to compete with popular platforms like TikTok. This strategy might not work because they lack the powerful algorithms that keep users engaged.
  2. Many publishers are launching cooking apps to retain audience control as traffic shifts to big tech platforms. Dedicated apps can help convert casual users into loyal content consumers.
  3. Print books are still very popular despite the rise of ebooks and audiobooks. Many readers enjoy the physical experience of reading a print book, which keeps print formats thriving.

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.

Today's Epstein’s Records Destroy Official Narratives

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 64 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
📰 News Media
  1. Camera footage from the jail around Epstein’s death was deliberately removed, with documents saying an FBI agent physically took a hard drive so the key recordings are gone.
  2. Epstein ordered 55 gallons of sulfuric acid the same day a federal child‑sex trafficking probe began, a quantity that strongly suggests intent to destroy large amounts of material rather than any ordinary use.
  3. A federal record mentions a decoy dead body, and the files that survived redactions and delays collectively undermine the official account and point toward possible coordinated cover‑ups.

Summer Roundup (2024)

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Each month, a roundup is shared featuring the best podcasts, readings, and creative projects discovered recently. It's a great way to find new interests.
  2. The summer roundup focuses on personal updates and some engaging new projects, like a physical internet phone book and a digital sidekick prototype.
  3. The author enjoys curating content and interacting with creative individuals, and there's an invitation for readers to recommend their own favorite finds.

LETTER FROM LONDON

Seymour Hersh • 27 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Traveled to London for an awards event, didn’t win the prize, and had the return to Washington delayed by Northeast storms.
  2. The State of the Union came across as a performative show and raised concerns that the U.S. is preparing a Middle Eastern military buildup without clear aims.
  3. Commentators warn that a tendency for the leader to believe his own lies and be surrounded by flatterers, rather than honest advisers, increases the risk of reckless foreign-policy decisions.

I, too, have a "Nazi Problem"

if not, Paris • 1768 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Substack faced scrutiny for alleged Nazi content, leading to discussions about responsible reporting and labeling.
  2. Historic words like 'Nazi' losing meaning can be damaging, making historical truths debatable.
  3. Focus on real issues of white supremacy and bigotry, rather than creating controversies over a small percentage of content creators.

HEY! Watch Disaffected on Twitter Sunday Night!

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The show 'Disaffected' will be available on Twitter this Sunday at 9 pm Eastern time. People are encouraged to join and chat during the show.
  2. YouTube and Apple blocked a video from 'Disaffected', claiming it was unfairly flagged despite it being a fair use critique. This situation highlights concerns about censorship.
  3. Viewers are urged to support 'Disaffected' and help make the Twitter show a success after their struggles with other platforms.

On Rebuilding

The Save Journalism Committee • 309 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🚌 Education Media
  1. A forthcoming essay called "The Curiosity Crisis" will lay out a renewed focus on the core reasons some knowledge systems flourish while others crack and decay.
  2. Paid subscriptions are currently paused, free subscribers will still get periodic pieces, and monetization may return in a new form later.
  3. A reporter’s dispatch from Syria is highlighted as a clear example of what rebuilding looks like, and there are plans for careful, selective collaborations with former colleagues—only promoting work that truly seems excellent.

Can Someone Let Joe Biden Know He’s a Gay Icon Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Joe Biden is being treated like a gay icon now, even though his relationship with the LGBTQ community often feels transactional.
  2. He’s had awkward, out-of-touch moments — like the 2019 town hall bathhouse remark — that highlight a disconnect between him and queer people.
  3. People are asking why he’s getting awards and public praise when those gestures might be more performative than rooted in genuine understanding or consistent support.

Curator

Castalia • 519 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many traditional institutions, like PEN America and NPR, are struggling because they tried to overly cater to progressive demands but ended up alienating audiences. It's important for these organizations to return to their core missions and values.
  2. The New York Times seems to be adjusting its approach to reporting and emphasizing independence after a difficult period, while other outlets continue to face public trust issues due to perceived ideological bias.
  3. The so-called 'Intellectual Dark Web' has gained attention for their critiques of mainstream discourse, but many still view them with suspicion. This shows a need for open conversations and diverse perspectives, especially in today's polarized political climate.