The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

What We Learned This Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2805 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Tuning out distractions and staying focused on important work can lead to positive results, as shown by efforts to improve safety and create jobs.
  2. Apathy is a major threat to open societies, highlighting the need for active participation in institutions that shape our future.
  3. Vigilance and resilience are crucial. Protecting ourselves and recognizing threats is important for safety and freedom.

Fake Standards & Real Pro-Trump Censorship: 60 Minutes, CBS News, Bari Weiss, Paramount-Skydance, the Ellisons, & the Trumps

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A finished 60 Minutes report about El Salvador’s prison camps was pulled after demands that it include an interview with a Trump administration official, turning a call for “balance” into a de facto veto.
  2. Corporate owners and partners seem to prioritize protecting business ties and avoiding Trump’s ire, leading them to tolerate newsroom self‑censorship rather than risk political or financial fallout.
  3. The episode shows how ostensible standards and elite media maneuvering can function as real pro‑Trump censorship, and how praise for figures who enable that behavior helps normalize the cycle.

The Long Shadow of January 6th

The Future, Now and Then • 110 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Failing to punish political and media elites who promoted the Big Lie lets insurrectionist behavior become normalized, making future attacks more likely.
  2. Preventing another January 6th requires focusing on elite accountability and sustained normative pressure—especially from institutional Republicans—rather than only civic education or blaming platforms.
  3. Media, tech, and business often prioritized profit and safety over principle, and that retreat, combined with weakened legal and political checks, has pushed the political system toward greater authoritarian risk.

Varieties of Exhaustion

Five’s Substack • 299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Recovering from illness can change how we spend our time, like listening to true crime podcasts instead of focusing solely on reading classics.
  2. It's challenging for young adults to maintain an intellectual life outside of school because there are no structured support systems like deadlines or guidance.
  3. Building a meaningful intellectual life requires both access to resources and a network of support, but many people struggle to make it work.
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Michael Wolff on Stephen Miller

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 115 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Stephen Miller was viewed by insiders as an extreme, almost fascistic figure whose demeanor and rhetoric suggested something deeply troubling.
  2. He went from being treated as a joke to becoming a central power in Trump’s orbit, helping design harsh immigration enforcement and driving Trump’s comeback and second-term agenda.
  3. Trump didn’t invent America’s brutal global actions, imperial presidency, or cruel neoliberal policies — he’s exposing, testing, and more openly delivering what already existed.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's private military contractor hires crisis comms firm led by former Biden and Obama spokespersons

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 956 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A private military contractor named UG Solutions is working on aid distribution in Gaza, but it faces criticism for its connections to military operations.
  2. UG Solutions hired a PR firm led by former government spokespersons to help manage the negative publicity they've received about their actions in Gaza.
  3. There have been reports of violence near UG Solutions' aid sites, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of their humanitarian efforts.

Happy Sunday to You All

Story Club with George Saunders • 103 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
📚 Literature Media
  1. An interview ran in The New York Times and is available in written, video, and podcast formats.
  2. The post is behind a paywall and directs readers to subscribe or sign in to access the full content.
  3. The announcement greets readers and points them to the newly released interviews with links to each format.

Trump, Tucker, and the War Tearing Apart MAGA

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1131 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump publicly criticized Tucker Carlson, showing tensions within the MAGA movement. It seems like their relationship is not as strong as it once was.
  2. Carlson argued against U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, suggesting that Trump is partly responsible for the situation.
  3. There is a growing divide among MAGA supporters regarding foreign policy and their approach to issues like the conflict with Israel and Iran.

The L.A. Times’ Owner Takes the Red Pill. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2276 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The owner of the L.A. Times has changed his stance, now supporting more conservative views after previously focusing on systemic racism. This shift raises questions about sincerity in media ownership.
  2. There are concerns about how public media, like NPR, has lost trust with many Americans. A CEO is being called to answer for this trust deficit as funding is scrutinized.
  3. Young people are becoming influential in shaping important decisions in America, much to the surprise of older generations. This reflects a historical trend where youth have led cultural and political changes.

There Is No Antisemitism Crisis In Australia. It's A Carefully Constructed Lie.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There is a belief that the accusations of antisemitism in Australia are exaggerated or fabricated. Some incidents that were labeled as antisemitic may have been staged or manipulated.
  2. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions around antisemitism, sometimes conflating criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people.
  3. The real issues in Australia might be more related to anti-Palestinian sentiments and general apathy toward serious humanitarian crises, rather than a widespread problem of antisemitism.

We Broke The Matrix

Welcome to Absurdistan • 1847 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The push-back movement against the current narrative is growing stronger worldwide.
  2. Media credibility has significantly declined, leading to a shift towards alternative platforms.
  3. Various notable events and resignations indicate potential shifts in political, social, and economic landscapes.

Trump’s Spy Chief Alleges a “Treasonous Conspiracy.” Is She Right?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Tulsi Gabbard, the former director of national intelligence, has accused Barack Obama of being involved in a treasonous conspiracy during Trump's transition to the presidency.
  2. Gabbard claims that high-level officials rushed out a false intelligence assessment about Russia's election interference to damage Trump's reputation even before he took office.
  3. She has called for a Justice Department investigation into these accusations, which, if proven true, could be a major scandal in American history.

Disaffected, Episode 162

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The WPATH Files reveal that the World Transgender Health Association is aware of the possible harm done to children but continues with their practices.
  2. Mainstream media often fails to accurately report on controversial topics, like the Moms4Liberty group's efforts to remove certain books from school libraries.
  3. President Biden's recent speech included tense remarks aimed at the Supreme Court and addressed serious issues, like a murder case involving an illegal alien.

On the chronicle of a life wasted

Unreported Truths • 50 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Epstein’s post-2008 network was much smaller than people imagine, with most A-list celebrities, major media figures, and mainstream politicians largely absent.
  2. Over the 2010s the stigma around him grew and he became increasingly isolated, dealing mainly with a few confidants, foreign moneyed associates, struggling entrepreneurs, academics, and young women from Eastern Europe.
  3. By 2019 he had few allies and no realistic way to avoid a long prison sentence, which helps explain why his suicide became tragically believable.

The Surf Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A new piece was written for the Financial Times Weekend. It's exciting to share work in such a respected publication.
  2. You can find this issue at local newsstands, and subscribing supports good journalism.
  3. Look out for a roundup of links for subscribers coming on Saturday.

Disaffected: Episode 159

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Shadow projection happens when people ignore their own flaws and blame others for them. This can be seen in various social issues where individuals deny their own problems.
  2. The show highlights ways society is changing, like how some commercials claim to promote Christian values while pushing different ideological messages. This shows a disconnect in what is being communicated versus the actual values being represented.
  3. There are concerning trends, like towns monitoring employees' personal social media and schools making decisions about kids' identities without informing parents. This raises questions about privacy and parental rights.

Misinformation Scholarship Exposed as Liberal Activist Grift

The DisInformation Chronicle • 720 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Some so-called experts on misinformation may actually have political motives. They sometimes portray themselves as neutral scholars while pushing specific agendas.
  2. There's a concern that the field of misinformation studies is not diverse in viewpoints. Most experts seem to lean towards one political ideology, which could affect the objectivity of their work.
  3. Censorship and suppression of dissenting opinions can be justified in the name of fighting misinformation. This raises questions about who gets to decide what is true or false.

How a former USA Today columnist launched his own travel channel on YouTube

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🏝 Travel Media
  1. Jefferson Graham started making video podcasts way before they were popular, even sending tapes by FedEx. He really was a pioneer in that space.
  2. After working at USA Today for 30 years, he left to start his own YouTube travel show called PhotowalksTV, sharing tips on where to take great photos in different cities.
  3. He managed to expand his show by partnering with Scripps News, and now it airs weekly, showing that there's a lot of potential in launching personal projects online.

The Free Press, Tailored to You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2735 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📰 News Media
  1. The website has a fresh new look that makes it easier to use. Now, you can quickly find what interests you most.
  2. You can listen to podcasts and watch videos more easily, thanks to dedicated sections on the site.
  3. You can customize what you receive in your inbox. This means you’ll get the stories you care about right when they're published.

Some big news about The Mill

The Mill • 1808 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Media
  1. The Mill has successfully raised a total of £350,000 in funding from supporters to hire journalists around the country.
  2. The funding will be used for expanding the company and hiring new staff members in different cities.
  3. The success of The Mill's funding round is attributed to the support and belief of paying members and prominent figures in the media industry.

Colbert and the slow death of dissent

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Colbert's performance on _The Colbert Report_ was truly exceptional and demanding, showcasing his skills as a solo performer. He was known for his sharp wit and ability to improvise brilliantly in front of the audience.
  2. His memorable appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner, where he directly mocked the president, is still talked about today and highlights his fearless approach to comedy.
  3. Colbert's transition to CBS raised questions about whether it was driven by financial reasons or a desire for political correctness, especially since his comedy often criticized powerful figures and institutions.

This is not the essay I wanted to present to you

Disaffected Newsletter • 1918 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Writers today often struggle with readers who misunderstand or misrepresent their ideas. This makes it hard to have honest conversations.
  2. Many readers act like online debates are a competition instead of a discussion. This creates a barrier to meaningful exchanges.
  3. Writers feel frustrated by the pressure to engage with all readers, especially when some just want to argue rather than understand.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2583 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There is an upcoming livestream called 'America This Week' tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. People can join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn as they discuss important stories from last week.
  2. During the livestream, they will also look back at 2024 and share predictions for 2025. This includes talking about how a second Trump administration might change the media landscape.
  3. The hosts expressed their appreciation for the support they've received from their audience over the years and shared their excitement for what’s coming in 2025.

Why don't media outlets personalize their homepages?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Most major news outlets haven't personalized their homepages like social media has, which feels surprising given the tech advancements. Publishers often think their audiences prefer a curated experience instead of individualized content.
  2. Patreon is focusing on content discovery outside big tech companies, promoting quality over sensationalism. This could help creators earn more money without relying on engagement-driven algorithms.
  3. The Guardian has gained a strong membership base in the U.S. by directly confronting right-wing extremism, which sets it apart from many American news outlets that shy away from such stances.

#207: The Cringe Matrix

Maybe Baby • 2194 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Cringe can come in different forms, like wholesome, clueless, train wreck, and malevolent. Each type reflects a mix of awareness and sincerity.
  2. Not all actions that break social norms are cringe-worthy, but knowing your own cringe can help you avoid being too out of touch.
  3. When sharing personal thoughts online, it's important to stay sincere and aware to avoid falling into the trap of inauthenticity.

Welcome to Dinner Music

Culture Study • 2154 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Algorithms can make discovering new music really hard. They often push mediocre songs and make us passive listeners, which takes away the joy of finding something special.
  2. Creating playlists can be like telling a story. A good playlist has a flow and evokes feelings, unlike algorithm-generated ones that can feel random and uncreative.
  3. Having more music in your life can improve your mood and spark creativity. It’s important to be intentional about listening and to enjoy music in social settings with friends.

The Monday Media Diet with Naomi Zeichner

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed and entertained throughout the day, especially during morning routines or before sleep.
  2. Finding new music can be fun; using charts and social media to discover songs is a good strategy.
  3. Reading print books and engaging with well-designed articles in magazines offers a unique experience that digital formats can't fully replicate.

Interview: On Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2367 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Mark Zuckerberg has recently made a big shift in how he is presenting himself and Facebook. This change could have important effects moving forward.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of Facebook on free speech, especially in comparison to other social media platforms.
  3. There will be more updates and stories coming soon, including a new law in the U.K. and some controversies involving the TSA.

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.

‘I Won’t Treat Them. I’ll Kill Them.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2026 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Two Australian nurses were caught on camera saying they wouldn't help Israeli patients and even suggested they deserved to die. This shocking behavior raises serious concerns about medical ethics.
  2. Many Muslim community leaders in Australia have publicly defended the nurses' remarks, which has alarmed many people and sparked discussions about antisemitism in society.
  3. The situation highlights a troubling trend where extremist views seem to gain support in certain communities, raising fears about the spread of hate and discrimination.

Transcript - America This Week, July 4, 2025: "The Great American Intelligence Scam"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 949 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Diddy was acquitted of serious charges but still convicted of lesser ones, making the outcome seem better for him. This shows how legal optics can change perceptions.
  2. The case against Diddy involved claims that his business was a criminal enterprise, but critics think they went too far with those charges. It raises questions about the fairness of such accusations.
  3. There are hints that Diddy has powerful connections which may have influenced the outcome. Some believe he has friends in high places who help him navigate legal troubles.

Brands are keeping celebrity culture alive, questioning role of politics, and the vibe shift

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Celebrity culture is front and center — brands keep leaning on celebrities, creators, and star-powered stunts to grab attention across campaigns and big events.
  2. Brands are conflicted about politics and purpose. Some do real on-the-ground action, others post performatively, so know your customer and only speak up if your action will create real change.
  3. The vibe is shifting toward trend-chasing and AI 'slop' — lots of cheap engagement from memes and long Super Bowl teases, while the best work focuses on interactive OOH, clear storytelling, or meaningful use of AI.

Suzy Weiss: What Do Rich Dorks Buy?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Rich people today often come from tech backgrounds, not traditional industries like gold or railroads. This shift is changing the way we think about wealth.
  2. Tech entrepreneurs are using their money for various ambitious projects, from space exploration to changing biology. Their influence is reshaping many aspects of society.
  3. People who were once seen as nerdy, like gamers and coders, are now some of the wealthiest individuals. Their success has transformed what it means to be successful in today's world.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

Jesus Models and Luigi-Scolds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. In Utah, there’s a growing trend of hiring lookalikes of Jesus for family portraits and events. These models often face high expectations from those who hire them.
  2. The 'Luigi-Scolds' online don't aim to change minds; they just like to criticize. Their approach is more about expressing their views rather than persuading others.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a popular medium for discussing hip-hop battles, especially between big names like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They bring a new angle to how fans engage with music.