The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

This Week in Marketing: TikTok is local, Instagram is loco, Discord is locked, and AI is labor

The Social Juice • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Social platforms are racing to add new features and revenue streams — think TikTok’s local feed and Shop, X and LinkedIn subscriptions, and Meta/YouTube ad and AI tools driving creator commerce.
  2. Those product pushes are colliding with privacy, safety and legal headaches — Discord’s age checks sparked backlash, Instagram faced scrutiny over youth harm, and Google and Meta are under regulatory and antitrust pressure.
  3. AI is booming in investment and productization, but it’s also intensifying work and creating real risks — studies, botched real‑world uses, fake experts and automation worries show the tradeoffs as companies rush to monetize AI.

Further Thoughts on: CROSSPOST: DAN DREZNER: Revenge of the Toddler-in-Chief

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A president fixated on symbolic details—like map projections and perceived personal slights—is a symptom rather than the root problem.
  2. The deeper scandal is the failure of American guardrails and institutions meant to restrain dangerous or erratic executive behavior.
  3. This pattern points to broader risks of authoritarian or neofascist drift, showing systemic dangers that go beyond any one leader's tantrums.

60 Minutes's 'Inside CECOT'

Unpopular Front • 158 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. An editor halted a TV investigative piece about detainee abuse and pushed for major changes, asking for administration on-the-record responses and a policy debate instead of the human-focused report as produced.
  2. Several claims in that editorial request were inaccurate or misleading, including points about how many people were charged versus sentenced and what legal arguments the government actually made in court.
  3. Courts have ruled the deportations unlawful and subject to judicial review, and the whole episode raises worries about poor editorial judgment and possible conflicts of interest affecting newsroom decisions.
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THE JC PENNEY DEBACLE

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1316 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The author faced backlash and public condemnation for an article she wrote about JC Penney that was perceived as snobbish and cruel.
  2. The incident led to the author being publicly renounced by The New York Times, causing significant personal and professional consequences.
  3. Despite the backlash, some individuals supported the author and appreciated her humor and writing style.

Editors’ Picks: Jimmy Lai, Norman Podhoretz, and Rob Reiner

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 199 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
📰 News Media
  1. Editors highlight the lives and legacies of three notable men: Jimmy Lai, Norman Podhoretz, and Rob Reiner.
  2. This week included a string of brutal violence — a shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine, an MIT professor was later murdered, and Rob Reiner and his wife were fatally stabbed.
  3. The pieces mix remembrance and ongoing struggle, noting that while some are being mourned, one of the three is still fighting for his freedom.

Here are the Substacks You Should Read

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Comedy Distant is a sharp, darkly funny satire newsletter that skewers improv and workplace culture with wicked wit, filling a rare comedy niche on Substack.
  2. big reader bad grades mixes memoir and literary reportage in a distinctive numbered format, offering poignant and often funny reflections from life as a grocery-store clerk and a singular novelist’s perspective.
  3. Cross Current delivers deep, wide-ranging cultural and political essays that weave history, media, and ideas together, pushing readers beyond simple left‑versus‑right debates and rewarding slow, thoughtful reading.

Mixed feelings

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's normal to feel two emotions at once, and that's okay. We all have mixed feelings about things in life.
  2. Kids can learn a lot from shows like Daniel Tiger, especially about understanding emotions and complex feelings.
  3. Adults often struggle more with these feelings, and it's important to practice dealing with emotions rather than ignoring them.

On the open-borders insanity of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show

Unreported Truths • 56 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was overtly political, pushing a pro-immigration message and using deliberately provocative imagery that went farther than past NFL protests.
  2. Much of the mainstream media downplayed or mischaracterized the performance as simply joyful entertainment, failing to acknowledge its clear political content.
  3. The intentionally provocative nature of the show could alienate viewers and energize critics, potentially worsening public sentiment against open-borders advocates.

As Duncan Black Says, Time for Another WebLogger Ethics Panel!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many elites who promote meritocracy often display poor ethical standards, which undermines the idea that society is run by merit.
  2. Journalists and public intellectuals who hide or downplay personal ties to controversial figures damage their credibility and make conspiracy thinking more likely.
  3. Secretive elite gatherings and destroyed or concealed guest lists help normalize problematic people and shield powerful actors from accountability.

A Culture Study Mirror

Culture Study • 3295 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. You don't have to read everything an author puts out. Just engaging with some of their work is enough, and that's something to celebrate.
  2. There’s a lot of content available, including popular essays and personal favorites, so there’s always something new or interesting to discover.
  3. Being proud of what you create is important, and it’s okay to highlight the work that feels very personal or meaningful to you.

Suzy Weiss: Jussie Smollett Sticks to His Story

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Cracker Barrel changed its logo, and many people think the new design feels corporate and out of touch. They miss the old logo that represented a simpler, more nostalgic time.
  2. The reaction to the logo change highlights how some view such changes as part of a bigger cultural fight, associating it with being 'woke' or losing traditional values.
  3. Critics suggest that the redesign erases Southern culture, while supporters claim it keeps the brand relevant and connected to its roots.

America This Week, Friday, November 8th, 2024 Livestream: Election Week Postmortem, 10 am ET

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3952 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There will be a live discussion about the recent elections on November 8, 2024. It's a chance to go over what happened during the election week.
  2. The show is hosted by Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi. Viewers can tune in to hear their insights and analysis.
  3. The livestream is open to everyone and will take place at 10 am ET. People are encouraged to join for this special event.

Small requirements

Austin Kleon • 3577 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's important to let go of perfection and just share your work, like Joan Baez says about drawing. Sometimes, you just have to put it out there.
  2. Telling your story is crucial for holding onto your memories and who you are. If you don't share it, you might lose it.
  3. Creative work can be like gardening: you take your time, grow slowly, and eventually leap into your projects with confidence.

The Monday Media Diet with Daniel Giacopelli

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading a lot of newsletters can help you stay informed and inspired, but it's easy to get overwhelmed. It's important to find a balance and prune your subscriptions sometimes.
  2. Exploring local culture and history can spark curiosity and lead to fascinating discoveries about where you live. Even your own neighborhood can have a rich past worth exploring.
  3. Using apps and technology in creative ways, like learning about bird species or local history through geolocation, can enhance your experiences and connection to your surroundings.

The Celibates, the Gooners and the Moralists

Many Such Cases • 1538 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many people are calling themselves celibate, but this often doesn't mean they're actually not having sex. Some just like the idea of being celibate because it makes them feel superior or detached from the current sexual culture.
  2. There is a trend of women choosing celibacy due to feeling disrespected in dating. This choice is significant, but it highlights the ongoing problems in the way people relate to each other sexually.
  3. Words around sexuality, like 'gooning', are becoming normalized in everyday conversation. This shift can contribute to a toxic culture, making it important to talk about these topics without judgment and to seek a healthier sexual culture.

Ask Me Anything, Anyone

Singal-Minded • 158 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. He's hosting an open Ask Me Anything and inviting readers to post questions in the comments, open to anyone with a Substack account.
  2. He plans to publish a post answering some questions by the end of the year and says he'll favor questions that get more likes.
  3. The invitation is framed as a low‑stakes experiment to boost engagement and see how the wider Substack community responds over the holidays.

‘South Park’ Knows How to Mock Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1038 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many late-night comedians have struggled to make people laugh about Donald Trump, and some have even lost their shows because of it.
  2. Comedy became very political during Trump's presidency, making it hard for comedians to joke freely without taking sides.
  3. Shows like SNL focused too much on serious themes instead of funny sketches, which changed the way viewers enjoyed comedy.

Corporate media is catching up: Trump is weak, economy is strong

The Signorile Report • 1418 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Corporate media is acknowledging Trump's weakness and the strong economy in contrast to earlier narratives.
  2. Trump's representation as an incumbent, not a newcomer, is highlighted by media reports which could impact the 2024 election.
  3. Beltway reporters are recognizing positive feelings about the economy and how it could influence the election narrative.

What Are You Watching?!? (in August)

Culture Study • 961 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Being busy outdoors can disrupt your usual TV watching habits. It's normal to go through periods where you watch less.
  2. Getting back into a routine can help you enjoy watching shows again. Just like picking up a book, finding a way to get back into watching can make it easier.
  3. Using reminders or strategies can help keep your viewing habits consistent. It's all about creating the right environment for your interests.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1131 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There's a livestream happening today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT. You can join it on platforms like Substack, Rumble, and YouTube.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, will discuss recent events and continue reading a book called 'Scoop.'
  3. You can also follow the hosts on X for updates and more information about the livestream.

The Canadians Who Say: ‘Trump, Take My Country—Please!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3227 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Some Canadians feel so frustrated with their country that they joke about wanting to become part of the United States. They believe life has become stagnant and see more opportunities in America.
  2. People like Ryan Hemsley express a longing for change and believe that becoming the 51st state could bring a fresh start and revitalization.
  3. Discontent with the current political leadership in Canada is leading some to fantasize about a different kind of future under the U.S. government.

Hatchlings into fledglings

Austin Kleon • 3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A writer creates the story, and the reader brings it to life in their imagination. They both play important roles in enjoying a book.
  2. Celebrating the life of cartoonist Al Jaffee, who entertained many with his creativity, shows the impact of humor and art across generations.
  3. Listening to audiobooks and travel stories can inspire new experiences and adventures, like dreaming of visiting far-off places with family.

Exclusive: Amazon's new James Bond script

Read Max • 2529 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise, which worries some fans about the future direction of the films. There's a concern that Bond might lose its unique identity under a corporate-driven approach.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the rise of cryptocurrency and the potential risks involved, especially as many people have been hurt by scams. Some politicians may benefit from supporting crypto now but might need to shift to stricter regulations in the future.
  3. Many young men are investing in cryptocurrencies, aligning more with pro-crypto views, which is creating a challenge for Democrats who don't support crypto. If a market crash happens, this supportive group might quickly turn against it.

Disaffected Homestyle

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The hosts discuss new terms for people crossing borders, showing how language evolves in society.
  2. They explore the topic of civil unions for the LGBTQ+ community and whether it was a better choice than marriage.
  3. The conversation also touches on traditional parenting and nostalgic items like old kitchen wall telephones.

We Need a Renaissance of Rhetoric

Investing 101 • 73 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The art of rhetoric is fading because attention-driven tech and emotional political theater reward quick, persuasive tricks over careful reasoning.
  2. AI and modern information systems are changing language and thought, making it easy for people to hand over their worldview to platforms or partisan narratives instead of forming their own judgments.
  3. We need a renaissance of rhetoric and spirited purpose: teach people to read, debate, and think critically so they can be convinced by good reasons again.

The Spellbinding Transformation of Tulsi Gabbard

Michael Tracey • 114 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Tulsi Gabbard made a dramatic about-face on foreign policy, going from a public, central opposition to US 'regime change' to actively endorsing and enabling similar interventions.
  2. Her reversal is unusually stark and largely unexplained, feeling more like political opportunism to join and advance within Trump’s Republican orbit than a reasoned change of heart.
  3. In government she has used the DNI role as a political platform, defending interventions in places like Venezuela and Iran and making public pronouncements that contrast sharply with her earlier positions.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1277 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. There is an ATW livestream happening today at 4 PM ET. It's a great chance to catch up on the latest news.
  2. Walter and Matt will be discussing events from the weekend. They will also talk about the book 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller.
  3. You can watch the livestream on Substack, Rumble, or YouTube. Don't miss it!

The Free Press App Is Here!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. The Free Press has launched a new app for easy access to all their content. You can find everything from articles to podcasts in one convenient place.
  2. The app allows you to listen to articles, watch video podcasts, and get notifications on topics you care about. It's designed to keep you updated with the latest stories.
  3. You need to be a paying subscriber to access all content, but you can still read some free articles. The app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

This Week in Marketing: Social Media Addiction vs. Human-Free Social Media and AI Layoffs

The Social Juice • 63 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Social platforms are in flux as users, creators and advertisers react to trust, moderation and product changes — some people are ditching apps like TikTok while new, AI‑only social networks and 'desocialized' feeds emerge.
  2. AI is reshaping media and jobs: companies are pouring money into agentic tools and ad tech even as some firms cut roles and many new AI startups and features debut, with uneven product success.
  3. Safety, legal and privacy pressures are rising as regulators, courts and publishers push back — youth addiction trials, encryption and data investigations, deepfakes and mass breaches are driving demands for controls and opt‑outs.

Which brands are sponsoring newsletters?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Many brands are starting to sponsor newsletters, showing they see value in this advertising method.
  2. Tracking newsletter sponsorships can help publishers understand which brands are actively spending money on ads.
  3. It's helpful for anyone looking to sell sponsorships to know which brands have already advertised in other newsletters.

Pivot to Video!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Text is still where ideas are born and sharpened, but video is now the better way to spread those ideas and get discovered by a wider audience.
  2. To have influence you need a workflow that does both: keep writing long-form while turning ideas into audio and short-form video, including making podcasts into video where useful.
  3. Start experimenting with formats, lengths, platforms, and tools now — use TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach people without abandoning careful, text-driven thinking.

It’s Trump 2024 Versus a Never-Trump Cartel

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2122 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The 2024 Republican presidential primary is a battle between Trump and a well-funded Never-Trump Cartel.
  2. The Never-Trump Cartel includes dark money interests, media conglomerates, and Silicon Valley figures.
  3. Various political figures like Nikki Haley and Chris Christie are part of the Never-Trump Cartel aiming to challenge and diminish Trump's support.

America This Week - Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2542 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There's a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on current topics in America.
  2. The hosts will discuss various issues, including Tulsi Gabbard's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate votes and Trump's comments about Gaza.
  3. They'll also cover recent media controversies and how traditional news outlets are changing or declining in relevance.

Culture Links, 11/20/2025

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Humans have developed to form pair bonds and invest in their young, leading to smaller sex differences compared to other species. This means that both men and women know the importance of caring for their children.
  2. Taking time to think and reflect, like walking or spending time outdoors, can help improve our understanding and creativity. In today's fast-paced world, it's important to slow down and really think things through.
  3. New technologies change how we interact and think, often pushing us into more tribal mindsets. Social media can amplify these identities and lead to more division instead of unity.

Final Overstock Sale!

50 Years of Text Games • 1444 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There will be a final sale of leftover items from the 50 Years of Text Games campaign on May 25th. Many of these items have been sold out for a while, so it's a good chance to grab them.
  2. The sale includes special items like collector's editions, replica cassette tapes, and unique maps. Some items are limited in quantity, so they may sell out quickly.
  3. If you're outside the U.S., be aware that extra shipping costs might apply due to customs. It's best to consider this before making a purchase.