The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The film 'The Zone of Interest' explores the mundane lives of a Nazi family but reminds viewers of the horrors they are involved in. It struggles between showing normality and hinting at the evil actions taking place nearby.
  2. In 'Anatomy of a Fall', the story focuses on a couple's troubled relationship and the complexities of love, blame, and domestic life. It questions if challenges in marriage can lead to tragic outcomes.
  3. Both films touch on broader themes about humanity and morality. They suggest that ordinary lives can hide deep frustrations and darkness that, if unchecked, can spiral into serious issues.

The Encampments (w/ Mahmoud Khalil and Michael Workman) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The encampments were largely peaceful and united a diverse group of students calling for university divestment from companies tied to Israel, while the film shows most real violence came from pro‑Israel counter‑protesters and heavy police responses, not the protesters.
  2. University administrations prioritized PR, donors and security over student demands, inviting police and private guards to suppress protests, which eroded academic freedom and silenced dissent on campus.
  3. Organizers and filmmakers faced legal and institutional pushback — including detention and deportation attempts against activists and screening barriers for the film — so grassroots organizing, legal pressure, and continued public engagement are essential to keep the issue alive and defend free speech.

Thursday State of the SubStacks: Walking the Tightrope Over the Attention-Economy Abyss

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Media
  1. The platform is walking a tightrope: it needs discoverability to help writers grow paying audiences without turning into an ad-driven attention machine that just maximizes time on the app.
  2. The new Notes/social feed creates real risks — its algorithmic tuning can push short-form engagement at the expense of longform newsletters and amplify extreme or divisive voices, making moderation and content choices thorny.
  3. Substack (and rivals) need transparent, data-driven experiments with adjustable dials like teaser samples, patronage/tips, and premium perks so writers can sustainably earn while protecting an open public-good core.

Gaza 2.0 – The World’s First Digital Genocide

Pen>Sword • 898 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. The emergence of social media has revolutionized how protests can be carried out, offering virtual platforms for those in authoritarian nations where physical protests are impossible.
  2. Social media platforms showcase and even justify genocides, with images and videos of Gaza representing a new level of instant and widespread exposure to violence.
  3. Viewers today are exposed to graphic content from conflict zones in real time, leading to desensitization and a dangerous normalizing of human tragedy on social media.

Tuesday Thread: Your Comfort Watch

Culture Study • 1564 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Comfort watches help people feel relaxed, especially during dark and cold seasons. They can bring a sense of coziness and emotional safety.
  2. Many comfort watches are holiday-themed, designed to create warm and nostalgic feelings.
  3. People enjoy revisiting favorite shows or movies because they offer a familiar escape from everyday stress.
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Documentary Exposes Politics Trumping Science in Child Transgender Medicine

The DisInformation Chronicle • 440 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Medical decisions about transgender treatments for kids can be influenced more by politics than by solid science. It's important to look closely at the evidence behind these treatments.
  2. In the U.S., the healthcare system has a profit motive that can lead to quick decisions without thorough evaluations, which is different from some European approaches.
  3. Media coverage of transgender medicine can be inconsistent, sometimes highlighting the lack of evidence but then later suggesting there's a broad agreement on its benefits. This makes it hard for the public to understand the real facts.

Prominent New Zealand trans activist’s “disturbing” social media account is uncovered.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A notable trans activist in New Zealand has been found to share concerning content on social media, including fetish material.
  2. Mainstream media and sports organizations in New Zealand have supported this activist without proper investigation into his background.
  3. There are worries about the implications of allowing people with certain views unrestricted access to women's spaces and sports.

The Other Christmas Classics

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There are unique Christmas films from other countries that aren't well-known in the U.S.
  2. These films have become holiday classics in their own nations, just like American favorites.
  3. They often reflect local traditions and humor, making them special for their audiences.

Under-the-hood of writing on Substack

Sustainability by numbers • 658 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Building an audience takes time, and almost no one starts with one. Consistently publishing interesting content helps attract more readers over time.
  2. You can potentially make money on platforms like Substack, but it often depends on how engaged your audience is. Even a small, dedicated group can lead to a good income.
  3. Long-form writing is valuable because it allows for deeper exploration of topics. There's always room for new voices, and sharing your insights helps improve public discussions.

The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Media
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.

Transcript - America This Week November , 2024: "The Insanity Era Dies. What's Next?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1738 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Mainstream media is losing its audience and facing layoffs after an election loss. Many viewers are turning to conservative outlets instead.
  2. The current media environment seems to be failing as it struggles to predict election outcomes and meet audience expectations.
  3. There's a sense that the media's influence is diminishing, especially as they no longer have strong ties to the government or political figures.

Disaffected on Audio, right here on Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The podcast is now available in audio format on Substack. It's a new way for listeners to engage with the content.
  2. Feedback from the audience is welcome to improve the show. They want to hear your thoughts and questions.
  3. The newsletter is supported by readers, and subscriptions help sustain its production. Joining as a free or paid subscriber shows your support.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 624 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The importance of balancing heavy and light content is a frequent topic. It's common to wonder whether to keep serious articles apart from lighter ones or mix them together.
  2. Reading can bring awareness to serious issues happening around the world, like the situation in Gaza. It's vital to understand these events, even if they're tough to digest.
  3. Engaging with different types of media each week helps broaden perspectives and encourages deeper thinking about both light and heavy subjects.

The Real Reason Actresses Are Rejecting Intimacy Coordinators

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Some famous actresses are saying they don't need intimacy coordinators for sex scenes, believing they can handle it themselves. They feel it's important to have more freedom in how these scenes are performed.
  2. Critics argue that rejecting intimacy coordinators could be harmful, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. They worry this could lead to unsafe working environments for actors.
  3. There's a history of troubling practices in film, like in the past when actors were put in uncomfortable situations without their consent. As a result, there's a push for more safety and professionalism in filming intimate scenes now.

Note to Readers: "The Fix is In"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3966 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The author clarified the involvement of Rosa Brooks in a reported 'loose-knit group' of public interest groups and lawmakers.
  2. Mary McCord, former acting head of the National Security Division, was mentioned as a participant in the new group, but Brooks denied being part of it.
  3. Brooks mentioned that there may not be a formal 'group,' just occasional coordination among various individuals and organizations.

Broadcast TV: It Only Looks Dead

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Broadcast TV is still relevant, even with the rise of streaming services. People can watch live sports and local news without paying for subscriptions.
  2. Digital broadcasting has increased the number of channels available, including many free options that people may not know about.
  3. Older TV shows often have more depth and quality compared to many new productions. Watching them can remind us of what good storytelling looks like.

Processing: Why Benjamin Percy Is Writing a Novel as a Newspaper with Stephen King

Counter Craft • 427 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Media
  1. Writing a novel as a newspaper is a unique and fun approach that mixes storytelling with a physical format. This idea helps the author connect with readers in a new way.
  2. The author values physical media because it creates a connection to memories and experiences. In today’s digital age, people may start to appreciate real, tangible things more.
  3. Collaborating with famous authors like Stephen King can be exciting and rewarding. Sharing ideas and creativity with established writers can inspire and enrich a project.

Reasonably Happy, Intelligent Partner, NYC event

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 757 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Even with new technologies, people in America aren’t feeling happier overall. Our social lives are falling apart, which seems to take away from any advances we might have made.
  2. Babies need to be close to their caregivers to feel secure, a trait built into us over thousands of years. They often have trouble sleeping alone because of this natural instinct.
  3. Younger people today seem to have a more negative view of certain groups compared to older generations. This shows a shift in attitudes over time that might be concerning.

How the media completely missed Zohran Mamdani

Contra Post • 531 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Zohran Mamdani's victory showed that many voters are struggling with affordability in New York City. He spoke directly about these issues, attracting a strong following.
  2. Mainstream media was slow to recognize Mamdani's significance and largely focused on superficial aspects of his campaign rather than the real problems he aimed to address.
  3. The media's reaction to Mamdani's success highlighted its disconnect from the voters' needs and frustrations, especially in terms of economic challenges and living costs in the city.

What I'm reading about the tech right and Trump, a gonzo Iron-Age movie with dialogue in proto-Latin, my all-time favorite album now on streaming

Read Max • 1290 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There are lots of interesting articles out there about tech leaders like Trump, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. They cover some pretty serious topics.
  2. A fun Italian movie set in the Iron Age is being recommended. It's cheesy and entertaining, perfect for a light watch.
  3. One of the all-time favorite albums of the author is now available to stream online. It's exciting to have it accessible again.

My Review of George W. Bush's Substack

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
😂 Humor Media
  1. He launched a Substack but has only posted once so far. To grow an audience he should publish more often because quantity helps build momentum.
  2. The first post is a straightforward biographical piece about George Washington rather than a personal or sensational essay. It doesn’t use clickbait and might be a tie-in to a movie promotion.
  3. Better visual branding and a bolder, more varied posting strategy would likely attract more subscribers. A fresh banner and more frequent, varied content could help signal seriousness and draw readers in.

Best of Can We Still Govern 2025: Personal Favorites

Can We Still Govern? • 66 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A presidency built around personal loyalty is eroding democratic norms and has enabled the use of armed federal forces and legal changes to target political opponents.
  2. Policy decisions like cutting foreign aid and imposing new work requirements on safety‑net programs can cause widespread human suffering and will affect millions of people.
  3. Scholarly critique, mentorship, thoughtful reporting, guest research, and direct giving matter — they shape understanding, push back on harmful policies, and provide tangible help to those in need.

TLP Week in Review, 1/21-1/27

The Liberal Patriot • 530 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The TLP Week in Review provides a weekly summary of The Liberal Patriot's activities.
  2. Interesting articles cover topics like geopolitics, American cynicism about politics, and Wall Street's ties with Trump.
  3. The TLP website features posts on a resilient navy, working class elections, political trench warfare, and more.

The end of the content farms

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Content farms, which used to thrive on SEO-driven articles, are becoming obsolete due to advancements in AI and changes in how people consume media. This shift can lead to better quality content focused on what readers really want.
  2. Tech companies are buying media outlets to improve their customer engagement and lower marketing costs. It's easier for these companies to acquire established brands than to build their own from scratch.
  3. The landscape of journalism and media is changing, with more emphasis on subscription-based models and unique content creation strategies. Creatives are finding new ways to monetize their work, like selling products directly to their audiences.

Real Rooney Rule Has Never Been Tried!

House of Strauss • 28 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Media
  1. NFL media and insiders are again focused on racial representation after this hiring cycle produced no Black head coaches.
  2. Critics say the Rooney Rule and the league’s racial-bureaucracy approach are flawed and haven’t been truly tested, so the NFL should rethink how it handles race in hiring.
  3. Race labels are messy—cases like Mike McDaniel show that official definitions don’t match public perception, which makes the whole system feel arbitrary.

Israel's Propaganda Machine Is Glitching

Discourse Blog • 884 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Israel's propaganda machine is struggling to convince people.
  2. The devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza is reflected in the high number of civilian deaths, especially children.
  3. There is a growing awareness of the lack of meaningful intervention and consequences for the atrocities occurring.

The Weaponization Czar

Thinking about... • 683 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Ed Martin has been appointed as the 'weaponization czar' to use the law against Americans, which is seen as a move towards authoritarianism. His role focuses on intimidating and punishing people who haven't committed any crimes.
  2. Martin has connections with Russian propaganda outlets and has aligned his views with those of Trump, creating a troubling overlap between American politics and Russian interests. This connection shows how dangerous authoritarian practices can spread.
  3. The appointment of someone like Martin raises concerns about the growing influence of foreign propaganda in U.S. politics and highlights the need to recognize the reality of such connections in understanding current political events.

Dating is broken. Two old books can solve it.

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Modern dating is challenging for many people today. Many singles experience frustration and disappointment due to common issues like bad profiles and toxic behavior.
  2. Two specific books from 2005 claim to offer solutions for these dating problems. One book focuses on helping women, while the other addresses men's dating struggles.
  3. Despite the complexity of dating apps, these books suggest simple ideas that can improve dating experiences. You don't even have to read them fully to benefit from the advice they contain.

Paramount's math doesn't add up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Bari Weiss is seeking over $200 million for her media startup, but it might not be worth that much due to culture clashes with traditional newsrooms.
  2. Independent podcasters can earn significant money, suggesting that larger companies like Paramount need to better monetize their content, especially on social media.
  3. Generative AI may affect production more than screenwriting in Hollywood, as it struggles with creating good long-form stories.

My Predictions For 2026

Teaching computers how to talk • 57 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Generative AI went mainstream in 2025, powering images, video, code and daily tools, but its widespread use has also produced clear harms, controversies, and ethical risks.
  2. Current models are very capable yet lack true understanding and real-world experience; alignment is mostly shallow, so continual learning and richer world models are emerging as crucial next steps.
  3. AI is forcing big social changes—education must reinvent itself because students can use AI to shortcut learning, and people risk emotional dependence on chatbots that can be addictive, so society needs to protect critical thinking and human connection.

Music News Has Lost Its Appeal

First Floor • 511 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Music journalism is struggling to connect with younger audiences.
  2. The changing nature of music consumption is impacting the relevance of music news.
  3. Streaming platforms and online communities are changing how music fans discover new music, affecting the need for traditional music journalism.

The Future of Media

Growth Croissant • 982 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Shift from large media companies to niche media led by individuals and small teams.
  2. Move from renting audiences on big tech platforms to owning audiences through platforms like Substack.
  3. Transition from an ads-based internet to subscription-based ecosystems for media companies.

What I read this week...

Chamath Palihapitiya • 982 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Byju's allegedly hid $533 million in a Miami IHOP operated hedge fund.
  2. Sam Bankman-Fried's parents reportedly played a part in enabling his crypto empire.
  3. Google's antitrust trial could have significant implications for web browsing.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: New Frontiers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A new app for The Free Press is now available, making it easier to access all their content. It's designed to be fast and user-friendly.
  2. The article discusses various important topics, including advances in genetics and social issues in Europe.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is encouraged, as it helps maintain the quality and breadth of investigative stories from The Free Press.

“UK Files” Exclusive, Part 2: The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) Told the IRS It Was A Charity. Documents Say Otherwise

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3820 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) incorrectly claimed charity status with the IRS, raising questions about their truthfulness.
  2. The CCDH is known for pressuring companies to restrict certain content and promoting its own political agenda in the media space.
  3. The CCDH's ties to major-party politics and regulatory mix-ups suggest a complex background and operational strategy.

BREAKING NEWS: Adjudicated Rapist Donald Trump Defies Congress to Keep Investigative Files That Could Incriminate Him a Secret

Proof • 77 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Donald Trump is accused of defying Congress to keep investigative files secret that could potentially incriminate him.
  2. The Epstein files and his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein are central to the controversy and are being framed as part of a larger political hoax.
  3. Epstein is described as a convicted child sex offender, and his crimes plus his friendship with Trump are presented as politically explosive and possibly incriminating.

Welcome to the MAGA Hamptons!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5713 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is a popular summer destination for the affluent from Midwest cities.
  2. The region around Lake of the Ozarks represents a shift away from traditional coastal elite culture.
  3. The atmosphere at Lake of the Ozarks is all about fun, relaxation, and a rejection of mainstream cultural norms.

The Season of the Scumbag

Look What You Made Me Do • 511 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Powerful individuals are being exposed for behavior that surpasses standard norms.
  2. Scandals involving high-profile figures are prevalent, revealing misconduct and abuse of power.
  3. Public figures facing serious allegations are often embroiled in controversies related to sexual misconduct.

Here’s A Fake Profile Of Me To Go With The Real One UnHerd Just Published

Singal-Minded • 597 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Having a profile written about you can feel strange, especially if it's very positive. It's normal to feel uncomfortable with too much praise.
  2. People often have different sides to their personalities, and the truth about someone can be a mix of good and bad aspects.
  3. Interacting with someone who is unconventional can lead to unexpected and funny moments, making for a memorable experience.