The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

What I Learned After I Met Pete Hegseth

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1894 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Fame can change how people treat you. It's important to stay humble and remember your roots.
  2. Meeting famous people can show you that they are just regular people with their own struggles.
  3. The way society views success and fame can be misleading. True fulfillment often comes from meaningful relationships, not just fame.

What I read this week…

chamathreads • 1454 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Revenue surges at smaller cloud providers with NVIDIA's help
  2. Shopify uses cost calculator to discourage pointless meetings
  3. Canadian court rules 👍 emoji counts as a contract agreement

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Hidden Figures

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There are exciting developments in gene editing. Soon, it might be possible to design babies with specific traits, which raises a lot of ethical questions.
  2. Amanda Knox forgave the people who wrongfully convicted her, showing a remarkable ability to move past her past and share her story genuinely.
  3. Omeed Malik made a surprising shift from supporting Democrats to becoming a key supporter in the MAGA movement, blending his connections and business interests in interesting ways.

For the resisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 2098 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Resisters are a minority who often don't get recognition or support from society, but their actions matter. It's important to document what they did and how they stood against mainstream pressure.
  2. There has been a cultural shift where some people are starting to realize the wrongness of past actions, but many won't apologize or acknowledge their mistakes. This creates an uneasy silence about the issues faced by resisters.
  3. It's vital for resisters to share their stories and actions, no matter how small, as they can inspire future generations. Even the smallest act of resistance can be significant for someone else.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 772 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Discovering new voices and stories can be enlightening, like the profile of a sound recordist who captures life on Earth. It shows how diverse experiences can connect us.
  2. Celebrating milestones, like weddings, creates a deep sense of joy and community. It's important to cherish moments spent with loved ones.
  3. Consuming a variety of content each week keeps our perspectives fresh and interesting. Trying different articles, ideas, or experiences helps us grow.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why a former New York Times editor launched her own women-focused magazine

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Francesca Donner felt there weren't enough female voices in mainstream media, so she decided to create her own space.
  2. She launched an online magazine called the Persistent, which is all about women writers and perspectives.
  3. Francesca wants to build a strong community through her magazine and is thinking carefully about putting content behind a paywall.

Vol. 2, Issue 34 - A Tribute to Rachael Lillis

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Rachael Lillis was a talented voice actress known for bringing characters like Misty and Jessie to life in the Pokémon anime. Many fans have fond memories of her performances, which shaped their childhood experiences.
  2. She sadly passed away on August 10, 2024, after battling breast cancer, and her loss is deeply felt in the Pokémon community. People are sharing their love and tributes to celebrate her contributions.
  3. The 2024 Pokémon World Championships took place recently, showcasing new champions and announcements for upcoming games. Fans can look forward to more exciting Pokémon content in the future.

Richard Dawkins's Nonsense Makes Me Miss the Not-Quite-New Atheism of Quentin Smith

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 399 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Public atheism could have focused more on atheism itself rather than being a part of the culture war.
  2. Richard Dawkins was once a prominent figure in popular culture, featured in TV shows like South Park and The Simpsons.
  3. The author misses the approach to atheism presented by Quentin Smith, different from the politicized anti-theism seen in public discourse.

Bari Weiss Overplayed Her Hand

JoeWrote • 134 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Americans voted largely because of economic frustration, not to endorse a broad conservative cultural revolution.
  2. The GOP’s aggressive push of culture-war policies is unwanted by many voters and is making conservatives seem annoying and alienating people.
  3. High-profile examples and stunts tied to that cultural push have backfired, underscoring the miscalculation and worsening approval as economic problems persist.

White House Officials Have Had It With Laura Loomer

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 556 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Laura Loomer is a right-wing influencer who claims to be an informal adviser to Trump but cannot get a job in the White House. She uses her platform to exert influence and impact, despite being viewed skeptically by some officials.
  2. Loomer has been effective in making things happen, leading to firings within government agencies after criticizing certain officials. Her actions have real consequences in political circles.
  3. White House officials are wary of Loomer's motives, suspecting that her actions may be influenced by outside interests or lobbying efforts, rather than solely loyalty to Trump.

Thanks to subscribers

Thinking about... • 97 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📰 News Media
  1. Subscribers are thanked for their support and for following the newsletter through the year.
  2. Paid subscriptions deliver all written and video posts as they are published.
  3. Paid members also get on-demand access to a five-year archive with hundreds of posts, plus special audio and other subscriber-only extras.

Mind Viruses

ideassleepfuriously • 746 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🔬 Science Media
  1. Ideas can spread like viruses from person to person, affecting fitness and function.
  2. The impact of mind viruses can be seen in historical case studies like the Xhosa Cattle-Killing Movement and Brazilian Soap Operas.
  3. Secularism in France and the Bradlaugh-Besant Trial in the UK are examples of how ideologies can shape demographic transitions.

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

Freddie deBoer • 5847 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

Orf vs. the Memory Hole: Rats!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5698 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The post discusses the controversy surrounding a quote from a Veterans' Day speech by Donald Trump, where he referred to political opponents as vermin and threatened to root them out.
  2. There is a reference to a media reaction that involved the exploding-media-heads style, hinting at a strong and immediate response to Trump's statement.
  3. To access the full content, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.

Freedoom

¡Do Not Panic! • 1434 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. People socially construct their reality, which can clash with natural brute facts.
  2. Post-truthism has become mainstream, with various political groups denying natural realities like the ongoing pandemic.
  3. Society's focus on individuality and consumerism creates a culture in denial, ignoring the collision course with natural realities like climate change.

Cussing For Ladies

Design Mom • 1434 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. When women are criticized for swearing, it may mean they need to speak up more.
  2. Women are often held to impossible standards when it comes to language and behavior.
  3. The reaction to language changes, like cursing, can reveal deeper issues and beliefs.

NEW YORK TIMES INTERVIEW!!!

History, etc • 766 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📰 News Media
  1. The author had an interview with The New York Times.
  2. The interview article can be found on The New York Times website.
  3. Readers may need a subscription to access the interview.

Breaking: Trump and UAP?

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump suggested he might declassify information about non‑human visitors, criticizing Obama for revealing classified material and saying he could declassify it.
  2. Allies have indicated he may have a prepared speech on extraterrestrial life, and recent comments show momentum toward some form of disclosure.
  3. Official declassification or disclosure would be positioned as a legacy-defining, game‑changing move that could dramatically shift public understanding of UAPs.

15 things Mallory consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 646 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Mallory shared her weekly experiences by listing 15 things she consumed, offering a personal glimpse into her life. It's a fun way to connect with readers and show what interests her.
  2. The format of sharing personal pieces, like influences or habits, encourages community and engagement among readers. It makes the content relatable and conversational.
  3. The post highlights the trend of personal storytelling in blogs, making content feel more intimate. Readers often enjoy seeing the everyday lives of others, which helps build a connection.

The Luddite Kids saying NO to Smartphones

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1415 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Young people are starting to reject smartphones and social media for improved mental health and real-life connections.
  2. The increasing use of technology has led to a mental health crisis among students, with many struggling to attend school.
  3. Children are influenced by social media influencers and marketing to buy things, alter their appearance, and follow trends, leading to dissatisfaction and body dysphoria.

The Profile: The self-made billionaire who never read an investment book & the age-gappers defending their relationships

The Profile • 1031 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Profile features original interviews with interesting people like self-made billionaire Anthony Geisler and age-gappers in relationships.
  2. The motto for the new year is to do one hard thing in 2024, inspired by Jesse Itzler's advice of taking on challenges for personal growth.
  3. The Profile offers insights from various personalities in interviews, sharing stories like Laura Dekker's solo sailing journey and Ron Shaich's advice on building iconic brands.

Odds and Ends (5)

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Some stores, like Fry's and Wegman's, are designed as artistic experiences to attract certain types of customers. They create a special atmosphere that makes shopping feel unique and enjoyable.
  2. California has a jungle primary system where all candidates compete against each other, which can give Republican voters a bigger voice since they can influence which Democrat makes it to the general election.
  3. Official advice on things like salt consumption or saturated fats has sometimes been wrong, reminding us to be skeptical of so-called 'truths' promoted by authorities, as they may not always be backed by solid evidence.

'You know we are in the final stages of an invasion when even the corporate media is reporting on the thousands of Chinese nationals streaming across the U.S. southern border.' Biden is and has

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 668 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Some believe that there is a stealth invasion happening at the U.S. southern border with the influx of Chinese nationals, and this issue is gaining mainstream media attention.
  2. There are concerns about the potential threat posed by individuals entering the U.S., especially if they are of military age and come from regions with anti-American sentiments.
  3. There are warnings and calls for preparation for potential conflict from national leaders across the globe, but a lack of such alerts in the U.S. prompts questions about readiness in the face of perceived threats.

What Tom Lehrer Left Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Tom Lehrer was a fun and sharp satirical songwriter and mathematician known for his music from the 1950s.
  2. The influence of Lehrer’s music can be felt even today, despite many not growing up in musical families.
  3. Listening to Lehrer’s songs brings nostalgia and a unique blend of humor and intellect to the musical landscape.

Offer accepted

Off to Lunch • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Media
  1. Barratt Developments is acquiring Redrow in a £2.5 billion deal, creating the largest housebuilder in the UK
  2. The all-share deal values Redrow's shares at a 27% premium, with Barratt shareholders owning 67.2% of the new company
  3. The merger expects to save up to £90 million in annual costs and position Redrow as the premium housing brand within the group

Make remotes great again

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Simple, physical remotes feel satisfying because they make actions obvious and immediate — point, press, and the thing responds.
  2. Modern smartphones and apps often hide complexity and demand attention, turning simple tasks into fiddly, opaque experiences.
  3. Dedicated, single-purpose controls would be calmer and more usable, and we’d benefit from more tangible, easy-to-understand interfaces.

Legacy Media is an Antiquated, Obsolete Relic

DARK FUTURA • 1395 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
📰 News Media
  1. Legacy media is becoming outdated and irrelevant in the face of democratized citizen journalism.
  2. The internet has revolutionized news delivery, allowing direct access to information and challenging traditional media sources.
  3. Legacy media is resorting to censorship and biased reporting to maintain control over the narrative as their power diminishes.

Be Nice....Or Else!!!!

Mental Hellth • 1395 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Compulsory niceness can stifle criticism and meaningful discussion.
  2. Being kind is important, but it's also essential to question and critique when needed.
  3. Philanthropy and charitable acts can sometimes mask systemic issues and lack public accountability.

China Is Overtaking America. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. China is becoming a major player in the electric vehicle market, challenging America's dominance. Many are concerned about how this shift affects jobs and national security.
  2. There are legal concerns surrounding Trump's actions in Washington D.C., with some calling them unlawful. This raises questions about his control over local law enforcement.
  3. Major media outlets are being criticized for their coverage of conflicts, particularly regarding Hamas. Some believe they are not providing a balanced narrative.

Disaffected: Episode 158

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There's a sense that many people in the West are out of touch with reality. This disconnect can lead to serious problems for society.
  2. President Biden is showing signs of memory issues, and this has been highlighted in a recent report. It raises concerns about his ability to remember important events.
  3. There are alarming trends in society, like extreme actions taken by some parents regarding their children's health. This suggests we may be facing significant social issues.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 819 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Republican National Committee is in financial trouble and facing internal division due to its close ties with Donald Trump.
  2. Right-wing media figures are finally acknowledging the positive jobs report, putting pressure on Trump.
  3. Delays in addressing Trump's immunity claim in court are causing worries and playing into his hands.

Does the State of Israel Have a Case Against The New York Times?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 542 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering legal action against The New York Times for an article about starvation in Gaza. He believes the article falsely defames Israel.
  2. Some legal experts think Israel could win a defamation case due to the seriousness of the claims in the article.
  3. However, under U.S. law, countries cannot actually sue for libel, so Israel's chances of winning such a case are very slim.

Trump's Ballot Access Case On Trial

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5328 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing Colorado's decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot, drawing attention from the press.
  2. There are delusions and strong opinions surrounding Trump's response and the impact it may have on society, as reflected in media coverage.
  3. The case about Trump's ballot access is a topic of discussion and analysis in current news.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Right from Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 616 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There's growing concern about the acceptance of violence in politics, shown by online reactions to a tragic murder. Many are questioning how society has shifted to celebrate such events.
  2. A respected doctor, Dr. Vinay Prasad, faced a smear campaign that led to his removal from a key health position. This highlights issues of trust and transparency in public health.
  3. In the chaos of war, accurate information is critical yet often hard to find. Voices in Israel are grappling with how to navigate conflicting reports about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Tina Brown: MAGA Is Right About Jeffrey Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 718 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many people doubt that Jeffrey Epstein really committed suicide, and there are still lots of unanswered questions about his death.
  2. The journalist Tina Brown has been involved in investigating Epstein's past and believes that the justice system failed his victims.
  3. There's a call for more transparency regarding the Epstein files, as many believe important information has not been fully released yet.

Love Grows

The Map is Mostly Water • 1643 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Love isn't just something that happens to you; it's something you actively work on. Like tending a garden, you have to put in effort to help love grow.
  2. Many people have a casual attitude about love, thinking it will just appear by chance. This mindset can lead to a sense of helplessness in relationships.
  3. Introspection is important, but it needs to be paired with action. If you want love in your life, you have to take initiative and make choices to nurture it.

Controversy, cleavage, and societal collapse

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Controversies often aren't as serious as they seem. Many people aren't actually upset and it's more about grabbing attention online.
  2. Brands can create buzz through earned media, sometimes even by starting their own controversies to get free publicity.
  3. Social media thrives on drama and sensationalism, which can distort reality and lead to societal issues.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 4

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There are many great movies that most people haven't seen, and they are worth checking out. These films often have unique stories and perspectives that can inspire and entertain.
  2. One movie, 'After Life,' explores what happens when you die and how people choose a significant memory to carry with them. It's both a thoughtful and fun take on life and memory.
  3. Another interesting film, 'Temple Grandin,' tells the inspiring true story of a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. It highlights her unique understanding of animals and her journey in overcoming challenges.