The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Cultural endosymbionts

Wyclif's Dust • 804 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media History Communication Society Technology
  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.

THE SHOW NOTES: Three Weeks To Go, Ignoring Time Magazine, & Kamala On Joe Rogan?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polling Political parties Media
  1. Kamala Harris is behind Trump in key issues that matter to voters, like the economy and immigration. This is worrying her campaign as many voters are feeling negative about their current situation.
  2. More Americans are identifying as Republicans, and many believe the GOP will handle issues like safety and prosperity better than Democrats. This shift could impact upcoming elections.
  3. Kamala Harris has been selective with her media appearances, refusing interviews with Time Magazine but considering more informal talks, like a potential chat with Joe Rogan. This may be an attempt to connect better with voters.

The Influencer Era

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 140 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Influencers Public Discourse Opinion Entertainment
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1948 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Governance Media Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where they will discuss important political topics. It's a great opportunity to hear some insights and opinions live.
  2. The hosts will talk about how journalists should approach covering Trump's second administration, which is a hot topic right now.
  3. Trump's recent executive orders will also be discussed, including the declassification of files related to famous assassinations, which could change how we view those events.

Martin Gurri: The Great American Debate Begins Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2058 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Policy Speech Media Public Opinion
  1. Free speech is very important right now, more than just political policies. People should feel safe to express their opinions without worry.
  2. There are many big questions about current events, like the truth about January 6 and climate change. We need to discuss them openly instead of being scared to answer.
  3. The debates we have today are deeply divided and complicated. It's necessary to ask tough questions to understand each other better.
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A Peek Behind the Curtain at CBS Reveals Journalism in a Death Spiral

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 515 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📰 News Journalism Media Trust Ethics Corporate
  1. Recent events at CBS have shown a lack of clear leadership and professionalism in journalism. It seems like the environment there is chaotic and not focused on real journalistic practices.
  2. Trust in media is at an all-time low, partly because of how CBS handled a situation with journalist Tony Dokoupil. He was reprimanded for asking tough questions, while another journalist was praised for preparing her interviewee in advance.
  3. The internal reactions at CBS were intense, with reports of shouting and tears. This highlights a deep dysfunction within the newsroom, which makes it hard to maintain trust in media organizations.

Trump's "Shock And Awe" Month

The Weekly Dish • 163 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies Public Opinion Media
  1. Trump's recent actions are creating a lot of confusion and unpredictability. It's hard to know what he's going to do next.
  2. Despite the chaos, there seems to be a pattern of mistakes and miscalculations. His approach might not be successful in the long run.
  3. The ongoing drama around him keeps people's attention, but it may not lead to meaningful change or improvement. It's important to look beyond the headlines.

Admitting that Russia was provoked, Trump admin tells Ukraine war’s forbidden truth

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Election International relations Media
  1. Trump criticized Zelensky for not making a deal with Russia before the invasion, suggesting he had the chance to resolve the conflict sooner.
  2. Zelensky accused Trump of spreading false information while Trump pointed out uncomfortable truths about the war.
  3. As Trump looks to end the conflict, he’s moving away from the common narratives used to justify the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Special Livestream at 1 p.m. ET: On the Ongoing Global Engagement Center Saga

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1885 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Media Disinformation Government Investigative Journalism
  1. There's a special livestream discussing the Global Engagement Center and how it relates to State Department censorship. It's good to stay informed about these current events.
  2. Both hosts have faced some scrutiny from the Global Engagement Center due to their reporting. It's interesting how investigative journalism can sometimes attract unwanted attention.
  3. A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit seeking information on the GEC's actions against journalists. This highlights the ongoing tension between government transparency and media freedom.

The red-to-blue disinformation pipeline

Conspirador Norteño • 36 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Election Media Political Campaigns Social media
  1. False claims were spread about Twitter users being part of a pro-Ron DeSantis group, but there was no real evidence to back this up.
  2. These misleading stories originated from a blog by a Republican, and later Democrats used them to accuse other users without proof.
  3. The misinformation keeps spreading, showing how easy it is for false narratives to be believed and shared, especially on social media.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 1006 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Trends Lifestyle
  1. Emotional labor is often misunderstood and used incorrectly. It's good to learn the right terms to communicate feelings clearly.
  2. Rethinking how we talk about emotions can improve our conversations. Using the right language helps express what we really feel.
  3. Being aware of our consumption, whether it's content or emotions, can lead to better understanding ourselves. Reflecting on what we take in daily can help us grow.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 759 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Arts Media Entertainment
  1. Phantasm II is a sequel that captures the essence of the 1980s horror trend. It's a fun film with great action where the characters fight against a powerful evil entity.
  2. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a dark and brutal film that portrays the reality of serial murder without glamorizing it. It's a raw look at a killer's life and actions.
  3. Prince of Darkness blends horror and science fiction in a unique way. It explores deep themes while maintaining a creepy atmosphere, making it a standout John Carpenter film.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Games Media Literature
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.

Immigration protests and media distrust: Everything comes back to 2020

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Immigration Civil Rights Trust
  1. The recent immigration protests in Los Angeles are serious, but the city's size means not everywhere is affected. Media reports can downplay the situation, but it's clear there's unrest.
  2. Past media coverage during protests, especially in 2020, has led to distrust. Many felt the media downplayed violence and unrest, saying protests were mostly peaceful when that wasn't the full story.
  3. The credibility of traditional media has been damaged since 2020. Some are skeptical of their current portrayal of protests, believing that the truth is not always fully reported.

Trump Is Uncool. And That’s a Good Thing.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2504 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Elections Public Opinion Political Leadership Media
  1. The idea is that having a president who isn't seen as 'cool' could be a positive change. It suggests that style and image might matter less than the actions they take.
  2. The comparison with Obama shows how being cool can influence public perception of a leader. When Obama took office, his cool demeanor made many feel hopeful.
  3. The text hints that after years of trendy leaders, it might be time to appreciate a more straightforward, less flashy approach to leadership.

Avraham Eisenberg Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for Child Porn Following Karlstack Investigation

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📰 News Crime Legal Media Technology
  1. Avraham Eisenberg was sentenced to 52 months in prison for possessing child pornography. This followed an investigation that unveiled serious crimes connected to him.
  2. Before his arrest, Eisenberg exploited the Mango Markets crypto protocol, leading to significant financial gains. His actions had serious consequences in the crypto world.
  3. The investigation not only held Eisenberg accountable but also showed the risks that investigative journalists face when exposing wrongdoing.

In Election Aftermath, Hollywood Smashes Records for Lack of Self-Awareness

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18171 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Jimmy Kimmel and other Hollywood figures showed a lack of self-awareness after the recent election. They seemed surprised by the outcomes and how others viewed their influence.
  2. Kimmel's emotional response highlighted the disconnect between Hollywood elites and everyday voters. Many people feel misunderstood by the media and entertainment industry.
  3. There's a growing debate about the future of late-night talk shows. Kimmel's remarks suggest that their relevance might be fading as viewers have different expectations today.

A Series of "Parodies," If That's the Right Word, of Podcasts on the Ringer Podcast Network

Freddie deBoer • 2722 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Media Entertainment Culture Sports
  1. Podcasts can be both entertaining and repetitive. It’s easy to notice when hosts keep saying the same phrases or jokes.
  2. Hosts often joke about the pressure to create content and meet audience expectations, feeling like they're stuck in a loop.
  3. There's a lot of fun in playful banter among podcast hosts, showing that behind-the-scenes discussions can be just as amusing as the main content.

A Year of Ukrainian "Collapse" Narratives:

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Media Narratives
  1. Many media stories claimed that Ukraine was about to collapse during the war, painting a very negative picture of their situation.
  2. These repeated negative narratives can be harmful, influencing people's perceptions and possibly decisions regarding support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the media's alarming predictions, Ukraine has continued to resist and fight back against Russian advances.

What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 2231 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Community Entertainment Arts Discussion
  1. People are feeling overwhelmed by negative news and events. It's tough to stay positive when everything seems so heavy and scary.
  2. Discussing feelings and finding community can help ease the weight of these emotions. Connecting with others can bring comfort during hard times.
  3. There will be an advice session focused on culture and community. Sharing experiences can be an antidote to the negativity.

In 2025, blogs will be the last bastion of the Good Internet

The Intrinsic Perspective • 34996 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Internet Blogging Art Media Literature
  1. Blogs are becoming one of the last good places on the internet. People are tired of social media and want more meaningful content.
  2. Writing blogs today is about sharing a lot of ideas often, rather than creating one perfect piece. It's about being expressive and engaging regularly.
  3. In 2025, bloggers should aim to create rich, detailed content that takes time to explore, much like appreciating a large, complex artwork.

The End of DEI? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1947 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Elections Civil Rights Media
  1. Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. This move is seen by some as a return to a more merit-based approach.
  2. San Francisco is shifting towards a more practical governance style, moving away from radical ideas that previously plagued its leadership. The new board president promises to restore effective governance.
  3. The launch of meme coins like $TRUMP has raised questions about their legitimacy and potential risks, with debates on whether they're just fun investments or something more questionable.

Election games

SuperJoost Playlist • 178 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political Campaigns Political Communication
  1. Political campaigning is changing. People are getting annoyed with traditional ads and want more genuine connections, like those created through gaming and streaming.
  2. European game companies are restructuring because they overexpanded too quickly. Now, they're focusing on being more efficient rather than just getting bigger.
  3. Netflix's gaming efforts are struggling. They are shifting focus to more casual, mobile games instead of big titles, as most subscribers aren't interested in gaming content.

The femcel crypto-degen catalog model and the serial killer

Read Max • 922 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Film Music Literature Art
  1. There's been a lot of talk about a little AI from China that really made waves in Silicon Valley this week. It seems to be a big deal in tech discussions right now.
  2. A new dark web movie explores intense themes like true crime, cryptocurrency, and mental health issues. It sounds like a gripping watch for those interested in these topics.
  3. A new album has been released that combines sounds similar to Radiohead. If you enjoy multi-instrumental music, this could be a great addition to your playlist.

Boring niches are extremely valuable

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Monetization Publications Trends
  1. Boring niches in media can be very profitable, as they often provide unique insights that larger publications may overlook. This means that publications focusing on less glamorous topics can attract a dedicated audience.
  2. There's a dilemma in the media about whether to prioritize quality journalism or profitability. Some outlets might keep their paywalls but cut back on original content, which might affect their credibility.
  3. Short-form content, like mini dramas, is gaining traction and proving successful in markets like China, hinting that there may be untapped potential for similar formats elsewhere.

The finer things in life

Austin Kleon • 6614 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Sports Media Lifestyle
  1. Being in a state of flow is key to happiness, as it helps us focus fully on what we love doing. This idea connects both athletes and artists, showing how engagement with our passions can bring joy.
  2. The Olympics brings out strong emotions in us, as we witness athletes pushing their limits. However, there’s a contrast between the real-life experiences of these athletes and the commercial push for technology and AI.
  3. Creative work often requires us to not overthink. Many athletes express that letting go of thoughts is what helps them perform better, which can also apply to how we approach creativity in our everyday lives.

What I'm Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Media Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Music Entertainment Art Technology
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

I'll Take the Crypto Industry Seriously When Its Biggest Advocates Stop Saying "What Did You Expect?"

Freddie deBoer • 8384 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investments Regulation Scams Media
  1. The crypto industry has a problem with accepting responsibility for scams and fraud. Many people in the community brush off losses with a 'what did you expect?' attitude, which doesn't help their credibility.
  2. A serious industry should focus on cleaning up its image and ensuring accountability. If crypto enthusiasts want people to take their industry seriously, they need to demand better practices.
  3. If the crypto culture continues to mock victims of scams, it risks pushing more people towards stricter regulations. This could hurt the industry in the long run.

Things Worth Remembering: The Empathy of J.K. Rowling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Public Speaking Media Art Philosophy
  1. J.K. Rowling reminded everyone how powerful imagination can be during her speech at Harvard. It's a great reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives.
  2. Rowling is praised for being a brilliant and successful writer, despite facing controversy in recent years. Her talent and impact on literature shouldn't be overlooked.
  3. It's essential to appreciate remarkable people like Rowling while they are still alive. We often wait too long to celebrate the contributions of influential figures.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Awards Media Entertainment Arts
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.

David Lynch, 1946-2025.

The Bottom Feeder • 630 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Fantasy Media
  1. David Lynch was a unique filmmaker who made strange but influential art that didn't always make sense. His work often blended reality with surreal elements, creating something both unsettling and captivating.
  2. Lynch believed in having the final cut of his films, which meant his vision was fully realized without outside interference. This independence can inspire other creators to prioritize their artistic integrity.
  3. Modern fantasy often makes magic too clear and predictable, which can take away its mystery. Lynch's work reminds us that magic can be strange and elusive, making it much more compelling.

Interview: On Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg

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

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Media Youth Trends Society Criticism
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.

How America's Accurate Election Polls Were Covered Up

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11997 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Media Partisanship Data journalism
  1. Some polls are seen as biased or not reliable because they're labeled as 'partisan', even if they prove to be more accurate than those deemed 'nonpartisan'. This can affect their credibility.
  2. Wikipedia removed a popular polling aggregator, Real Clear Politics, right before the election, saying it had a bias, but later had to restore it after realizing its accuracy.
  3. There's a concern that mainstream media may manipulate polling data to fit a narrative, which can mislead the public about the actual state of elections.

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 Arts Literature Film Music
  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.

THE SHOW NOTES: Kamala's Bad Answer, Hurricane Milton, & Why Kids Can't Read

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Media Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris struggled to explain what she would do differently than President Biden, raising concerns about her leadership skills.
  2. Hurricane Milton is extremely powerful, causing serious evacuation challenges for many residents in Florida, with some areas facing significant storm surges.
  3. There is a worrying trend of elite college students struggling to read, which could have serious implications for education and literacy.

Why ESPN ended its 35-year relationship with Major League Baseball

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Media Broadcasting Contracts History
  1. ESPN ended its long 35-year partnership with Major League Baseball. This change will affect how baseball is broadcasted on national TV.
  2. Both ESPN and MLB decided to part ways after a significant relationship that spanned multiple generations of fans.
  3. ESPN will continue to air MLB games for the remainder of the current season before officially ending their agreement.

I said no to $20,000 because writers must take a moral stand on AI

The Intrinsic Perspective • 40255 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Ethics Creativity Technology Media
  1. Writers should think carefully about the use of AI in their work. Making money is tempting, but authenticity and moral choices matter more.
  2. AI-generated content can create false connections. It's not the same as having a real conversation with a human being.
  3. Supporting human writers and creators is important to maintain authenticity in culture. Subscriptions to real human content can help keep that alive.