The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Is There a Crisis of Seriousness?

The Honest Broker • 43884 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Philosophy Society Technology
  1. Seriousness in society is fading, with many things now focused on being entertaining rather than meaningful. This shift makes it hard for people to expect anything authentic.
  2. The rise of technology has made it easier to create fake experiences, from movies to online interactions. Many people struggle with knowing what is real anymore.
  3. There is a growing desire for more genuine, serious engagement in life. People are starting to reject the fake and are seeking deeper connections and authenticity.

A New Kind of Forensics

Culture Study • 3847 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Gender Studies Forensics 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.

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 Elections Government Public Opinion Policy
  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.

The 25 Best Online Articles of 2024

The Honest Broker • 13863 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Art Media Journalism
  1. The list features 25 of the best longform articles from the past year. These articles cover a variety of topics, showing that good writing can be found in many different subjects.
  2. Supporting quality journalism is important. The writers highlighted in the list often rely on the support of their readers, so consider helping them as a new year's resolution.
  3. Many pieces explore unique personal stories and experiences. From a former Goldman Sachs trader to a psychic, these articles are interesting and reflect a wide range of human experiences.

poetry as the current state of American media

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Poetry Expression
  1. American media is chaotic and full of contradictions. It reflects a world where many things are happening at once.
  2. There are deep issues with governance and leadership. People feel unheard and question the decisions being made.
  3. Despite the turmoil, life goes on for many. People engage in everyday activities and seek entertainment amid the chaos.
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How to Win at Gambling and in Life

Kneeling Bus • 185 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Betting Media Culture Analytics Technology
  1. Courtsiding is when someone at a game places bets based on what they see in real time, taking advantage of the delay in betting apps. This shows how technology can create new opportunities to win in gambling.
  2. Sports betting is changing the way we consume sports media, with odds and spreads becoming more common on screens. This shift reflects a deeper trend where everything is becoming about numbers and predictions.
  3. As gambling expands into everyday life, people might start betting on personal actions. This can create new ways to have agency, suggesting that even if traditional success seems difficult, there are still ways to find success in unexpected places.

Supply your own title

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Public Opinion Political Commentary Psychology
  1. Things are getting tougher in America, and it's making many people feel anxious and on edge. There's a sense that society is becoming more chaotic and unhealthy.
  2. The way the media handled the news about the second assassination attempt on Trump showed a lot of manipulation. They downplayed the seriousness and later shifted the blame onto Trump instead of acknowledging the threat against him.
  3. There are deep issues surrounding how men and women are treated in society, particularly regarding how some women can get away with harmful behavior. It's important to see these patterns not just as personal attacks but as a reflection of broader societal problems.

What Happens in a Second?

Animation Obsessive • 2870 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Media
  1. The length of the film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' varies between different editions. Some versions are 65 minutes long while others are longer due to differences in playback speed.
  2. There's a debate about how long the film originally was, with some believing it could be as long as 90 minutes. This confusion stems from how silent films are understood and played today.
  3. The discussion around the film highlights a broader issue about silent films in general and how one second can mean different things in different contexts. It's a fun puzzle that has had people talking for many years!

Dawn Davenport Lives

Disaffected Newsletter • 1398 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Art Society Identity Media Fashion
  1. There are moments when people might embody characters or attitudes from the past, which can feel surreal. This can show how different styles, like the drag queen persona, still influence today's culture.
  2. Some individuals may present themselves as proud or fulfilled but are struggling inside. It's important to recognize that appearances don't always reflect true feelings.
  3. There are concerns about how certain lifestyles and views may negatively impact younger generations. This can lead to a sense of urgency for change in societal attitudes.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 579 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Critique Media Entertainment
  1. Rob Zombie's version of 'Halloween' presents a more human and demonic Michael Myers, giving depth to his character as he deals with abuse and violence.
  2. The portrayal of Dr. Loomis is twisted, showing him as a con man looking to profit from Michael's killings, which reflects modern culture's obsession with crime and entertainment.
  3. The film 'Lifeforce' offers a unique blend of sci-fi and horror with its storyline about energy vampires, featuring impressive special effects and an adventurous feel despite being a commercial flop.

How I Write Culture Study

Culture Study • 3885 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Essays Podcasts Writing Organization
  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.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 7, 2025: "The Big Store: Politico, USAID, and Managed Reality."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1375 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Scandals Journalism Influence
  1. Mainstream media often receives significant funding from government contracts, which raises questions about their independence. It's hard to believe they can remain unbiased when they rely on such large amounts of money from the government.
  2. The money that media companies like Politico take from government sources can be seen as a form of corruption. This compromises their credibility when they report on issues like election integrity.
  3. Critics argue that publications that heavily report on political scandals should be held to high ethical standards. If they engage in questionable practices while accusing others of corruption, it undermines their trustworthiness.

THE SHOW NOTES: Live From Texas, Trump Roasts Kamala, & The Pennsylvania Problem

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politicians Political Commentary Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump roasted Kamala Harris and other Democrats at a charity dinner, making fun of their comments and actions. This showed his confidence and humor during the campaign.
  2. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, is distancing himself from Biden by supporting fracking. This suggests that he thinks Trump might win in Pennsylvania, which is crucial for the election.
  3. Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, was killed by Israeli forces. His death highlights ongoing tensions in the region and reflects the serious threats involved.

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

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2109 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Media Policy Public Opinion
  1. There is a livestream event called America This Week happening at 8 PM ET tonight, where important topics will be discussed.
  2. The hosts will cover media reactions to the new Trump administration and Senate confirmation hearings for notable figures.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, and they can also follow the hosts on Twitter for updates.

Beware the Internet Mob—on USAID and Everything Else

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Scandal Public Opinion
  1. Rumors spread quickly on social media, often without checking the facts first. It's important to be cautious about what we believe online.
  2. A recent claim about a scandal involving USAID and a news organization turned out to be misleading or false. Not everything viral is true.
  3. People can easily get swept up by popular opinions online, even when those opinions are based on incorrect information. Always look for reliable sources.

Salman Rushdie Faces His Alleged Attacker

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Crime Free speech Cultural Conflict Media
  1. Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage and suffered serious injuries, including being stabbed 15 times. This attack left him with partial use of his left hand and loss of vision in his right eye.
  2. During the trial, Rushdie detailed his experience and shared the painful reality of his injuries with the jury. He displayed his glasses to show the effects of the attack on his eye.
  3. The key question in the trial is whether his attacker acted alone or as part of a larger agenda connected to Iran. This raises important discussions about the motivations behind such violent actions.

Federal workers fired to improve efficiency - media outraged; Federal workers fired for not complying with an unethical vaccine mandate - media silent

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Vaccine Mandates Employment Public Policy Government Ethics
  1. The media shows a double standard when covering different types of worker firings. They react strongly to layoffs for efficiency but often ignore firings for not taking vaccines.
  2. Vaccine mandates raised ethical concerns because they did not significantly protect others and forced individuals to lose their jobs. Many people who were fired have not been given a voice in media discussions.
  3. The way the media reports on firings affects public trust in vaccines. Layoffs from companies like Elon Musk's may feel random, but firings due to vaccine mandates can lead to specific anger and distrust.

Activism, Uncensored: A Clash of Inauguration Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Rights Government
  1. Protests can bring together people with very different views, leading to chaotic interactions on the streets. It's a reminder that activism often sparks intense emotions and actions.
  2. Some protesters use art and symbols to express their messages, which can be open to interpretation. This shows how deeply feelings about rights and identity can influence what people create and display.
  3. It’s important to document events like these without judgment, allowing visuals to tell the story. Capturing these moments helps us understand the context of today's activism.

The Art of The Distraction

Vicky Ward Investigates • 599 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Media Foreign Policy Public Relations National Security
  1. Trump is skilled at distracting the news media with bizarre comments, taking attention away from important issues. This keeps journalists focused on the flashy stories instead of serious topics.
  2. Jared Kushner's business connections with Saudi Arabia pose potential risks to U.S. foreign policy. There are concerns that his ties could influence national interests if Trump were to become president again.
  3. The couple, Jared and Ivanka, is pursuing new business ventures that could also raise eyebrows about possible conflicts of interest. Their social media portrays a glamorous lifestyle that distracts from the seriousness of their past and current connections.

The Honest Broker's 20 Most Popular Articles From 2024

The Honest Broker • 8610 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Technology Art Humanities Society
  1. The Honest Broker had a remarkable year with 171 articles published, attracting 25 million views and nearly doubling its subscriber count to 198,000. The growth exceeded initial expectations and highlights a strong community engagement.
  2. Many popular articles focus on technology and culture, reflecting a public concern about the impacts of new tech, including digital platforms that can manipulate and abuse users. There is a call for voices to address these issues, especially for those affected.
  3. Despite a shift towards discussing technology, there's still a yearning for deeper topics like the humanities and creativity. Articles that explore significant cultural shifts and raise critical questions resonate well with readers.

The Tiger Mother Roars Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5907 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures Education Media Cultural Commentary Book Publishing
  1. Amy Chua, known for her strict parenting style, faced a lot of backlash when her book came out. Even though she was criticized, she continued to stand by her methods.
  2. J.D. Vance, a former student of Chua, found inspiration in her teachings and later wrote his own successful book, _Hillbilly Elegy_. Their connection shows how mentoring can help shape people's futures.
  3. Chua's influence extends beyond just her students, as her ideas about tough love in parenting resonate with many, sparking discussions about parenting styles and cultural differences.

Blake Lively Reshoots the End of Her Story

Culture Study • 5988 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Gossip Media Social media Entertainment
  1. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni became part of a media storm over their movie 'It Ends With Us'. Each accused the other of bad behavior on set, shaping how people saw them, especially online.
  2. TikTok has a huge influence on how celebrities are perceived today. Unlike traditional media, TikTok users create narratives that can quickly spread and affect a celebrity's image.
  3. The power of publicity in Hollywood is shifting. Celebrities can now use social media to shape their narratives, but they can also fall victim to online campaigns that expose their flaws, as seen with Lively.

Cameras, Cars, and Culture: Notes From a Brief China Visit

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Society Technology Media Automobiles
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.

Our Product is Permission

Freddie deBoer • 12407 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Social Trends Parenting
  1. Many people today often make excuses for their choices, believing life is too hard to do what's right instead of what's easy. This mindset can lead to unhealthy habits and a lack of personal accountability.
  2. There has been a cultural shift where values like authenticity, artistic integrity, and genuine relationships are being overshadowed by the pursuit of fame and comfort. It’s important to continually challenge ourselves and be open to growth.
  3. The rise of social media has allowed people to embrace slouching standards in lifestyle and behavior, leading to a rejection of former norms like dressing well or valuing hard work. It's crucial to recognize the impact of these changes on our culture.

TGIF: Hard Pivot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4595 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Media Public Opinion
  1. Biden warned about the growing influence of wealthy individuals in American politics. He believes this could threaten democracy and everyone's chance to succeed.
  2. He talked about the need for accountability on social media platforms to stop the spread of false information. Biden thinks this is important to protect families and democracy.
  3. The idea of oligarchs controlling politics can be complex, especially when they support causes on different sides. It raises questions about the balance of power in a democracy.

CBS News Brings In a Racist to Help Its Employees

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2058 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Racism Public Opinion Political Commentary Diversity
  1. CBS News is getting help from a controversial figure to discuss a sensitive interview that upset some employees. This choice has sparked debates about who should lead such discussions.
  2. The network is facing backlash for how it handled a challenging interview about anti-Semitic views. Employees feel that management is avoiding the issue instead of addressing it directly.
  3. Critics believe that bringing in this figure undermines the credibility of CBS News. They argue that this is a poor decision for a major news organization.

My "Perplexing" Response to Ta-Nehisi Coates's New Book

Glenn Loury • 2023 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Race Politics Identity
  1. It's okay to criticize someone's past views while still recognizing their current work as valuable. You can appreciate a good piece of writing even if you don't always agree with the author.
  2. Ta-Nehisi Coates expresses deep feelings about injustices he sees, which can be important in understanding his perspective. Understanding emotions in discussions about complex issues can lead to more meaningful conversations.
  3. Writing can be powerful, and even if you disagree with the message, you might admire the craft and skill of the writer. It's worth giving credit where it's due, regardless of personal beliefs.

Beware biased GOP polls flooding the zone, with corporate media's help

The Signorile Report • 1498 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Campaigns Media Political strategy
  1. Be careful with GOP polls; they can be biased and create unnecessary stress for Democrats. It's important to understand that some polls may be designed to make it seem like Republicans are winning.
  2. Trump's own internal polls show different results than public ones, suggesting a bias toward him. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the polls being reported by mainstream media.
  3. It's crucial not to get overly anxious about polling numbers. Focus on real indicators like voter registration and early voting trends, which can provide a clearer picture of the election landscape.

Top Links 646 Defense tech. The Trump tower in Belgrade. Time-biased and space-biased media. The global gender crisis & the book DuBois could not finish.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Media Gender Architecture Tech
  1. There is ongoing discussion about defense technology and its impacts on society. People are exploring how tech shapes our safety and security.
  2. The mention of the Trump tower in Belgrade shows that events and places linked to political figures continue to draw attention. The tower serves as a symbol of larger political themes.
  3. The global gender crisis highlights ongoing issues related to equality. It suggests a need for deeper conversations and solutions around gender disparities.

Strange and Dazzling Things Are Happening Right Now

The Honest Broker • 19781 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Media Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Elon Musk tried to buy Substack, but the CEO chose to reject the offer, showing loyalty to independent writers.
  2. Substack's subscription numbers are growing, with many creators earning significant income, but the platform still isn't profitable yet.
  3. There are concerns about some tech companies, like Nvidia, using risky accounting practices that can create a false sense of success.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Media Athletes Performance Criticism
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Literature Art Fashion
  1. The author shares a list of things they consumed over the week, which includes various articles and media. It's a way to share recommendations with readers.
  2. They mention a personal note about avoiding getting sick from a family member, highlighting their daily life.
  3. The post is primarily for paid subscribers, suggesting that the content may have more depth and value for paying readers.

Two Weeks to Go: Crime, Poll Anxiety, and a BIG Kamala Media Blitz.

COVID Reason • 495 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Media Crime Demographics
  1. As the election approaches, there's a lot of tension and uncertainty in politics. Predictions about who will win are heating up, making it a crucial time to pay attention.
  2. Kamala Harris is trying to improve her image by being more visible in the media, but some people in her party are not happy with her approach. The internal issues may be a bigger challenge for her than her opponents.
  3. Concerns about rising crime rates are also affecting the political conversation. More people are talking about how certain policies might be linked to this increase, which could influence voter opinions.

The Owner of the LA Times Takes the Red Pill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1326 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Race Journalism Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
  2. The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
  3. Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.

Links, May 2025

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society History Parenting Politics
  1. The 'Lost Cause' narrative around DOGE is misleading. People need to recognize the falsehoods behind it to address real budget issues.
  2. Cruise ships are getting bigger and better because they aren't held back by strict regulations. This shows how market decisions can lead to impressive innovations.
  3. The unification of Italy was influenced more by foreign victories than by internal strength. It's interesting to see how some states are formed in unusual ways.

Why Streaming Subscription Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Honest Broker • 25300 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entertainment Pricing Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.

The Monday Media Diet with Joost Joossen

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Books Photography Podcasts Music
  1. Joost Joossen uses photography as a way to practice mindfulness and boost his creativity. He believes in the power of daily photography to enhance well-being.
  2. Podcasts are a big part of Joost's media diet, helping him dig deeper into important topics without the stress of breaking news. He enjoys shows that cover culture, politics, and philosophy.
  3. He encourages everyone to visit bookstores and libraries, viewing them as essential places for learning and personal growth.

The 6 New Rules of Communicating

The Honest Broker • 19582 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Communication Leadership Media Society Conversation
  1. People trust leaders more when they sit down and have casual conversations instead of standing up and giving speeches. It makes things feel more relaxed and real.
  2. Speaking with people instead of at them is important. Using everyday language and being informal makes communication more friendly and relatable.
  3. Storytelling and humor are better than just giving quick soundbites. People enjoy hearing real stories that connect with them on a personal level.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Teddy Kim

Why is this interesting? • 1990 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Entertainment History
  1. Reading about history can teach us a lot about how things connect and evolve over time. It can even change the way we think about important world events.
  2. Predictive markets can help us gauge our understanding of the world. They can show whether our news sources are reliable and help us prepare for future events.
  3. Family history matters. Visiting the places where our ancestors came from can provide a deeper connection to our roots and help us see ourselves as part of a larger story.

Trump is now running scared of the media. Where are the headlines?

The Signorile Report • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Candidates Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. Trump has been avoiding mainstream media interviews, while Vice President Harris has been actively engaging with various media platforms. It's surprising because he usually loves the spotlight.
  2. Despite criticism, Harris has been doing interviews on major shows, reaching out to different audiences. The media seems to overlook her efforts, focusing instead on her supposed media avoidance.
  3. Trump's cancellation of an interview on '60 Minutes' raises questions about what he might be hiding. If Harris is criticized for her choices, why isn't there similar scrutiny on Trump for avoiding tougher interviews?