The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Who gets to be funny?

Men Yell at Me • 338 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
😂 Humor Media
  1. Humor in politics can divide people into groups, creating an 'us versus them' mentality. Some find it funny, while others see it as cruel.
  2. Laughter can distract us from serious issues, making it harder to address important problems in society. We sometimes laugh when we should be paying attention.
  3. Not everyone gets to be funny; who is considered funny often depends on power dynamics. Some people make jokes while others are made the butt of the joke.

How a former 60 Minutes producer raised six figures in donations to launch an LGBTQ-focused media outlet

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
📰 News Media
  1. Spencer Macnaughton started Uncloseted Media to focus on investigative journalism that looks deep into anti-LGBTQ discrimination. He believes there's a real need for this kind of reporting.
  2. He raised a significant amount of money from wealthy donors to launch his nonprofit news outlet. This shows that people are willing to support quality journalism with a focused mission.
  3. Macnaughton, who worked for 60 Minutes and the Wall Street Journal, left those jobs because he wanted to uncover the hidden forces that influence anti-LGBTQ movements, rather than just reporting on surface issues.

What my cooperative media ecosystem could look like

The Novelleist • 912 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The idea is to create a network of independent writers who can work together while still keeping their own unique styles and incomes. This allows for more creativity and collaboration.
  2. By teaming up on projects like podcasts, films, or books, writers can reach a larger audience and make more money together than they could alone.
  3. There's a new platform called Metalabel that helps artists collaborate easily and split their earnings, making it possible for them to launch exciting media projects together.

The Scapegoating of Meghan and Harry

Changing The Channel • 896 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Meghan and Harry have faced scapegoating and criticism for speaking out about their experiences, challenging the narrative set by the royal family and British tabloids.
  2. It's important to consider the dangers of disrupting established myths and narratives, especially when powerful institutions are involved.
  3. The criticism faced by Meghan and Harry reveals underlying biases and issues within society, highlighting the need for fair treatment and a more balanced perspective.
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We need more than Westminster reporters to understand government

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Relying only on political reporters can lead to misunderstandings of complex topics. We need experts in various fields to report accurately.
  2. Specialist journalists can provide important context that general political reporters might miss. This can help clarify complicated subjects for the public.
  3. The issue isn't about political bias, but rather the dominance of lobby reporters in news coverage. This can result in incomplete or unclear stories about significant issues.

It's Not Racist to be a "Culturist"

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. We are living in an all-out cultural war that is shaping politics and social life.
  2. People are often discouraged from naming or discussing this conflict because they fear being labeled "racist."
  3. Refusing to acknowledge or confront this cultural battle is presented as harmful and can itself be seen as racist, so it’s important to address it openly.

Amazon never figured out its podcast platform strategy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Amazon struggled with its podcast strategy because it had separate teams for Amazon Music and Audible, which made it hard to compete in the market. This led to a lot of wasted talent and opportunities.
  2. Using content marketing is often more effective than traditional PR. Creating valuable content lets businesses connect better with their audience compared to just sending press releases.
  3. More media companies are starting to hire influencers and independent creators, like ESPN has done. This trend shows that traditional career paths in media are changing, and new talent is being recognized.

Disaffected, Episode 151, December 23, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The show crew is having a relaxed time and are likely under the influence, which sets a casual tone for the episode.
  2. Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast by subscribing, either for free or paid options.
  3. The episode is shared around Christmas and New Year, adding a festive vibe to the content.

“Moving Forward, Or Moving On”

TSOH Investment Research Service • 668 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Prices went up and value went down in the U.S. pay-TV business.
  2. The number of U.S. households subscribing to pay-TV has decreased due to superior OTT DTC services.
  3. Charter's dispute with Disney reflects significant changes in the pay-TV ecosystem and the future of multichannel video consumption.

Cultural endosymbionts

Wyclif's Dust • 804 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. People have always been worried about new technology, from books to smartphones. Looking back, many of these fears seems overblown, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider the possible problems today.
  2. Different forms of media can create real changes in society and how people think. For example, novels and TV shows changed how we view culture and morality over time.
  3. New technologies can be both good and bad for society, creating winners and losers. It's important that we evaluate their effects and think about how to adapt them to fit our needs.

Six lessons from the 2024 election

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Campaign drama and memorable moments are often overvalued and don’t usually shift polls or decide elections. Polls are often stable for long periods, so single events rarely change the outcome.
  2. When votes do move, it’s frequently because of issue-driven polarization (like Brexit) rather than a leader suddenly winning new supporters, so apparent gains may not be a lasting realignment. Parties risk mismatch if their policies don’t fit the new voters they attract.
  3. Avoiding election myths requires careful, data-driven analysis and new thinking about a more fragmented electorate; media and campaign strategies should adapt to changes in polling and coverage.

Do short video clips actually drive value for podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Short video clips can help promote podcasts, but they aren't always super effective. Many people who use platforms like TikTok quickly scroll past videos and may not check out the longer content.
  2. There's a growing interest in bite-sized, polished video content, showing that people enjoy shorter entertainment formats. Companies that create these micro dramas might have better success with manageable budgets.
  3. Creating a diverse strategy for media and content can lead to success, as seen with popular creators building extensive networks. This shows the importance of adapting to trends and engaging audiences in different ways.

A Killing For Our Time

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Classic, warmly human movies that used to bind people together are now rare, and that older era of middlebrow, widely beloved filmmaking feels largely gone.
  2. His murder by his son is a terrible, almost unimaginable family tragedy that also feels emblematic of a wider cultural unraveling.
  3. The president’s cruel reaction to the killing shows how political life has normalized brutal rhetoric, and it forces a reckoning that we collectively enabled leaders who act this way.

Suzy Weiss: Comedians Should Not Be Hot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Comedians are often expected to be funny and not overly fashionable. This idea suggests that dressing too well can take away from their comedic persona.
  2. There is a concern that some comedians are focusing more on their appearance rather than their humor. Being stylish might not mix well with the rawness expected in comedy.
  3. The conversation reflects broader societal expectations on how different professions, like comedy, are perceived in terms of looks versus talent. It hints at a belief that authenticity in comedy is key.

Welcome to Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 2997 implied HN points • 29 May 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The author experienced a difficult childhood with a mother who had personality disorders, leading to a realization about the impact of such behavior on family dynamics.
  2. There is a connection between personal experiences of emotional manipulation and the larger cultural and political climate today, suggesting many leaders exhibit similar traits to those seen in dysfunctional families.
  3. Understanding these personality disorders can help us recognize and address the emotional instability present in society, which is crucial for making positive changes.

some things I learned about love this year

bookbear express • 941 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's okay to have imperfect friendships. Just keep in touch and stay in each other's lives, even if it's not perfect.
  2. Conflict in relationships isn't as scary as it seems. Listening to each other can strengthen your bonds.
  3. Love and life can be uncertain and scary, but that's normal. Embrace change and find people who want to explore with you.

The Monday Media Diet with Crispin Burke

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Media
  1. Consuming a lot of media is essential for staying informed. Many people start their day by checking multiple news sites and apps.
  2. Reading physical books with highlighters can enhance memory and engagement compared to digital reading. People often find physical interaction with print books more satisfying.
  3. Exploring unique travel destinations can be rewarding. Places like Hood River, Oregon, offer great food, hiking, and easy access to different climates.

The Profile: The secretive 38-year-old billionaire & the reporter who quit The New York Times

The Profile • 555 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💼 Business Media
  1. The Profile newsletter features interviews with interesting individuals like Laura Dekker, discussing parenting and chasing dreams.
  2. The edition highlights notable figures like Josh Kushner and Bari Weiss, providing insights into their success and ventures.
  3. Profiles of important personalities like Laura Alber, Dr. Ruth, and Beryl Tomay shed light on their remarkable careers and roles in various industries.

The Epstein Conspiracy Theorists Will Never Be Satisfied

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Some people will always believe in conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein, no matter the evidence. It's like trying to convince someone that a magic trick isn't real; they just won't accept it.
  2. Donald Trump raised doubts about Epstein's death, suggesting it might not have been a suicide. This was unusual for a president and got people talking.
  3. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, was found guilty of serious crimes and is now in prison. Yet, the questions about the case seem to continue to hang over everything.

Build bridges. And, moats.

Trickle-Down Wellness • 373 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Building bridges and moats is important for navigating the social and political landscape.
  2. Controlling the flow of ideas is essential for mental health and societal well-being.
  3. Defending civil rights and healthcare accessibility is crucial, even amidst societal challenges.

Whistleblower

Rebekah’s Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The post discusses the story of a whistleblower who was fired from her job leading a COVID-19 data project in Florida.
  2. The whistleblower's termination became a major news story in 2020, capturing media attention.
  3. Readers can subscribe to Whistleblower News to access more content and a 7-day free trial.

How three Morning Brew alums are building their own network of niche media outlets

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Three former Morning Brew employees started Smooth Media to build a network of niche media outlets. They're focused on unique topics that cater to specific audiences.
  2. They applied what they learned at Morning Brew, expanding into new media formats like podcasts and online content, showing how versatile and scalable media can be.
  3. Their current projects include collaborations with popular creators and the acquisition of established brands, highlighting their ambitious growth plans.

The Coup at the Capitol (Part 1)

SHERO • 393 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The events of the US Capitol insurrection showed concerning signs of possible inside help.
  2. Multiple investigations are ongoing to determine who was involved and the extent of their actions.
  3. Media personnel also faced danger and harassment during the attack on the Capitol building.

White House May Have Violated Presidential Records Act By Altering Biden’s “Garbage” Remark In Transcript

Michael Shellenberger • 1123 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The White House may have changed Biden's words in a transcript, which could break the Presidential Records Act. It looks like they tried to soft-pedal a remark he made about Trump supporters.
  2. Biden was caught on video saying that the 'only garbage' he sees is related to Trump's supporters, despite attempts to clarify it afterward. This has led to mixed messages from the White House and media.
  3. Past Democratic leaders, like Obama and Clinton, have also made negative comments about Trump voters, indicating a pattern of disdain within the party towards those who support the opposite side.

How ‘The Babylon Bee’ Predicted the Vibe Shift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 913 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Babylon Bee is a conservative satire site that found success by filling a void in political humor, particularly when most comedy was coming from the left. They use humor to comment on current events and political absurdities.
  2. The site has faced scrutiny and censorship from big tech companies for its jokes, especially those that challenge progressive ideas. Their CEO believes defending satire is crucial for free speech.
  3. Many of the Babylon Bee's jokes have turned out to be surprisingly prophetic, capturing and predicting cultural trends and reactions. This shows how humor can reflect and influence the times.

Tuesday Thread: What Music is REALLY DOING IT FOR YOU

Culture Study • 1000 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Music can create special holiday memories and rituals in our homes. It's nice to play favorites like classic Christmas albums to bring joy.
  2. Listening to different types of music, like a cappella or specific artists, can remind us of our loved ones and their tastes.
  3. Engaging with music and podcasts can be a fun way to connect with others and share experiences, especially during festive times.

Vol. 2, Issue 30 - Interview with Lycanroc.Net

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Lycanroc.Net is a fan website that started in 2003 and shares various Pokémon content, along with other interests of its creator, Cat. It has been visited over 8 million times.
  2. Cat's work includes running an online community called Victory Road for eleven years, which had about 1,500 members at its peak. Even after its closure, he values the importance of keeping the community's history online.
  3. Cat's passion for Pokémon has shifted over time, and he now enjoys birdwatching, where he tries to capture photos of as many species as possible, keeping a 'BirdDex' instead of a Pokédex.

The anti-woke hero's journey

Read Max • 2423 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Some high-profile individuals like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have transitioned from generic liberalism to becoming prominent anti-woke figures.
  2. Both Ackman and Musk utilize their media presence and attention for their political campaigns, believing it symbolizes genuine power.
  3. Ackman and Musk approach their anti-woke campaigns with a logic similar to their investment strategies, showing a strong attachment to Twitter as a platform for discourse.

Is It A Wake Up?

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many believe that the recent political changes in the US show a major disconnect between mainstream media and the public's opinions. People are looking for a voice, and this new landscape allows them to speak up.
  2. There is a sentiment that the government has become too intrusive and wasteful. Citizens feel frustrated about how their tax dollars are spent, particularly regarding foreign aid and pandemic response.
  3. Leaders like Trump and Musk challenge traditional bureaucratic management styles, and some hope this will lead to reduced government control and more effective management in the future.

Why We’re Obsessed with JFK Conspiracies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many people are really curious about JFK's assassination and the theories surrounding it. These theories often stem from a mix of history and pop culture.
  2. The 1991 movie _JFK_ played a big role in shaping public interest in these conspiracy theories. It questioned the government's involvement in the assassination and got people talking.
  3. Recently, the idea of releasing more documents on JFK's assassination has garnered attention, especially with Donald Trump's involvement. It shows that the topic is still relevant and controversial today.

Inside the Manosphere (2026)

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 15 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. He used to excel at humanising fringe subjects while still holding them to account, but in recent specials he shifts toward harder journalism and often produces reductive films that don’t capture complex contexts.
  2. The manosphere film struggles because its subjects are media‑savvy and rarely slip up, it misses key figures and an intended arc, and the longer runtime feels padded with filler.
  3. Most importantly, it fails to grapple with the real harm the manosphere does to young men, so the documentary understates the danger and the broader social impact.

WHAT CHAOS WILL TRUMP UNLEASH IN 2026?

Seymour Hersh • 44 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The president is unpredictable, swinging between reckless impulses and boredom, which makes his decisions likely to be chaotic.
  2. He is surrounded by eager sycophants and a Republican-led Congress that shows little willingness to check him, so risky actions are less likely to be restrained.
  3. He avoids detailed policy briefings and prefers gossip and spectacle over sober preparation, raising the chance of poorly informed or dangerous choices.

WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT? JIM ACOSTA

Default Wisdom • 270 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Jim Acosta interviewed an AI version of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the Parkland shooting created by his parents. This sparked big reactions, with many saying it felt wrong or exploitative.
  2. The AI didn't perform well, looking and sounding awkward. It raised questions about using technology to recreate lost loved ones, and whether that's healthy or helpful for grieving families.
  3. Throughout history, people have used technology to try to connect with the dead, from telegraphs to AI. While this might feel powerful, it often leads to discomfort and uncertainty about truly communicating with those we've lost.