The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Mayor, the Ministers, the Media and Māori.

A B’Old Woman • 339 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Younger women can learn a lot from older women, even if they don't always agree with them. The connection and tension between generations can lead to valuable lessons.
  2. Di Landy, a kuia, criticizes the divisive 'wokery' in New Zealand that affects both Māori and non-Māori communities negatively.
  3. A recent incident highlighted how a woman faced consequences for her gender critical views, which raises concerns about freedom of speech and access to resources.

Did online influencers save boxing or ruin it?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Online influencers are bringing lots of attention back to boxing, but some people worry they are ruining the sport's true essence with gimmicky fights.
  2. Fox is successfully expanding its media presence by partnering with various personalities, while other networks like CNN struggle to adapt.
  3. Influencers are becoming powerful tools for governments, helping to promote tourism and soft power through engaging content on social media.

A Slack Tide Christmas Sale

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 61 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A holiday sale cuts the annual subscription from $50 to $35 (about 9.6 cents a day) and gift subscriptions are available, though the discount only applies to annual plans.
  2. The newsletter will take a holiday break but may post a year-in-review Q&A around New Year’s and will rerun a critical piece about politicized Christmas ornaments and related merchandise.
  3. The tone is satirical and critical, mocking the political commercialization of Christmas, frequent partisan email blasts, and tasteless merch that feel like cash-grabs.

How Jonathan Skogmo disrupted the viral video clip economy — and plans to do the same in travel media

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Jonathan Skogmo started his career by working with funny home videos but realized he could use the internet to find clips faster. He shifted to using YouTube as a source for user-generated content, which really took off.
  2. He founded Jukin Media, a company that licenses user-generated videos to various media outlets. His success here made him a key player in that industry.
  3. Now, Skogmo is looking to shake up the travel media world, applying his knowledge from the viral video business to create something new and exciting in that space.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 82

Why is this interesting? • 60 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The 1913 Webster's dictionary is appreciated by some for its clarity and timelessness, showing that older dictionaries can still be relevant today.
  2. The 'Rest is History' podcast is gaining recognition as a significant cultural achievement for Britain, celebrated for its engaging storytelling.
  3. Year-end lists from various publications are showcasing the best of TV and music, highlighting what people loved throughout the year.
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The Joker: 'I'm Just Ahead of the Game'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. We’re in a late-stage madness where a tiny, ultra-wealthy elite holds power and often behaves recklessly and corruptly.
  2. The ruling class lacks a consistent moral code — they break rules when it suits them while expecting everyone else to follow theirs, which erodes civilization’s norms.
  3. Those in charge care more about staying in power than preserving order, so they tolerate or even welcome chaos as long as they remain on top.

Why podcast ads demand higher prices than YouTube ads

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Podcast ads cost more than YouTube ads because people often focus more while listening to podcasts. Many watch videos passively, so advertisers get less value from those ads.
  2. YouTube is turning into a big platform for subscriptions, and it makes a lot of money from them. This shows that users are willing to pay to avoid ads.
  3. Most people in the U.S. do not pay for news when they hit a paywall, which highlights how difficult it can be for news publishers to get subscribers.

Does the Right Have a Stupidity Problem?

sebjenseb • 334 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Right wingers may be slightly less intelligent than left wingers, but the difference is small.
  2. IQ differences between right wingers and left wingers are mostly negligible.
  3. Attempts to promote genetic causes of race differences have historically faced challenges and may not be politically feasible.

Trans Trouble in Tiny Town

Look What You Made Me Do • 628 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There is a growing concern and hysteria surrounding trans individuals in the US, leading to legislative measures and social tensions.
  2. The issue at the heart of anti-trans efforts is not about men trusting trans women, but rather men trusting themselves around trans women.
  3. Respect and protection for trans individuals are crucial, and instances of violence against them underscore the need for understanding and support.

On Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and the curse of charisma

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 784 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock create their comedy in different ways, which shows in their performances. Chappelle is known for his powerful speaking that draws people in.
  2. Chappelle has strong oratory skills that put him on par with great speakers like MLK and Obama. His ability to captivate an audience is exceptional.
  3. Despite his charisma, there can be downsides to being such a compelling speaker. It raises questions about how that might affect him as a performer.

Brands are busy romanticising 2016, but you have to be here for the best of marketing in 2026 so far

The Social Juice • 29 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
💼 Business Media
  1. Top collaborations focus on resonance, not reach — the most effective partnerships are built for a small, passionate audience that creates depth instead of noise.
  2. AI is reshaping marketing as agencies and brands roll out AI-driven platforms and ads, but low-quality or careless AI work is already provoking backlash and regulatory scrutiny.
  3. Marketers are using nostalgia, celebrity tie-ins, bold stunts and product-first innovations to stand out, from fashion and beauty launches to gaming, sports and experiential activations.

The diminishing returns of commodity news content

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📰 News Media
  1. News content that simply repeats information is losing its value. Outlets need to focus more on original reporting and deep analysis to stay relevant.
  2. Many successful YouTube journalists started at Vox, where they learned to tell stories creatively through video. Their experience helps them connect better with online audiences.
  3. Artists have mixed feelings about AI. Some feel it steals their work, but others see it as a helpful tool to create faster and tackle misinformation quickly.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

Watching women cannibalize themselves for fun and profit

Men Yell at Me • 444 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reality shows like 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' show the struggles women face in a patriarchal society. These women navigate personal relationships while dealing with societal pressures.
  2. Despite being successful, many women feel trapped by expectations at home and in their faith. They are the breadwinners, but still carry the bulk of household responsibilities.
  3. The show's drama reflects real issues many women face today, like work-life balance and societal judgment. Watching these stories can make it easier to question the larger systems affecting all women.

Four THB Takeaways from the Incredible 2024 US Election

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There has been a big shift in U.S. politics, showing that more voters are supporting Trump than in previous elections. This could change the political landscape for years to come.
  2. Policies are really important for making actual changes in government. It's crucial for Congress to play a bigger role in creating effective policies that help everyone.
  3. Independent media has become more important because they provide thoughtful and diverse viewpoints. Many traditional media outlets missed key points during the election, so people are turning to independent sources for better insights.

How Did Jon Stewart Get Like This?

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Jon Stewart's recent interview revealed surprising gaps in his economic knowledge and often reduced complex issues to a caricature of extreme free-market thinking.
  2. Economists and commentators reacted with shock and criticism, saying his performance exposed real misunderstandings rather than clever skepticism.
  3. That shift appears to have been brewing for years, with a widely noticed 2009 interview with a financial TV host marking an early turning point toward his current outlook.

Here’s your ticket

Austin Kleon • 2378 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Creativity can feel more like discovering something than making it from scratch. It's about uncovering ideas that already exist.
  2. Bookstores are becoming more diverse and popular, which is great news for readers. It’s nice to see so many indie bookstores thriving.
  3. RIP to influential artists like William Hart and Claes Oldenburg, who contributed a lot to the music and art world. Their legacies will be remembered.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

Are We In a Hyper-Sexual Culture or Not?

Many Such Cases • 1079 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There's a mix of hyper-sexuality and sexual emptiness in our culture. We see lots of sexual content online, but it often feels lacking in intimacy and meaning.
  2. Media has shifted from playful to more serious when showing sex. Many now complain about romantic comedies being too sexual, even though that's been a tradition.
  3. People often react negatively to sexual scenes in movies, which highlights a growing discomfort with sexuality. This can make our current sexual culture feel dull and disconnected.

Buzzfeed, Gawker, and the end of the 2010s

Read Max • 4162 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The 2010s are still recent and it's unclear what cultural trends from that decade will last.
  2. The digital media landscape changed in the 2010s with the rise and fall of publications like Buzzfeed and Gawker.
  3. The shift from ad-based revenue to subscriptions signals a new direction for digital media.

On Substack (sigh)

Notes from a Small Press • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Substack has faced criticism and controversies over its policies, leading many writers and readers to leave or stop using the platform. This has created a divide among newsletter creators regarding where to publish.
  2. Many writers rely on Substack for income, and leaving the platform could significantly hurt their earnings. This makes it tough for some to decide whether to stay or leave because the options out there might not be any better.
  3. The idea of creating a newsletter co-op, where writers could collaborate and bundle their subscriptions, was interesting but faced challenges in gaining interest. Without more options for writers, the future of independent newsletters seems uncertain.

A mock interview with Donald Trump

steveinskeep • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The mock interview with Donald Trump was a spontaneous idea that led to helpful insights.
  2. Morning Joe format features a dynamic conversation style with rotating guests and news discussions.
  3. The conversation at the diner highlighted the importance of analyzing media challenges.

Trump Wins Bigly in Iowa. Fentanyl for Minors in Canada. And, Is the Golden Age of TV Over?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2457 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Donald Trump set a new record for the largest margin of victory by a Republican in Iowa caucus history, with a lead of nearly 30 points over his closest competitors
  2. The divide between college-educated and working-class voters is a significant factor in American politics, causing fractures in both the Republican and Democratic parties
  3. Ron DeSantis faced challenges in the Iowa caucus, showing that embodying a political agenda and connecting with voters is more important than competence or experience

Mainstream media also has audience capture

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Mainstream media has higher standards but still faces declining trust and increased criticism from the public. People seem to prefer media that closely matches their political beliefs.
  2. As media costs go down, more specialized outlets emerge, often catering to narrower political viewpoints. This fragmentation shifts mainstream media to become more partisan over time.
  3. The mainstream media wants to appeal to a broad audience but struggles because their original audience is drifting away to more extreme and specialized sources. This leads to an 'audience capture' effect.

Disaffected, Episode 150: December 16, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The latest Christmas video from Dr. Jill Biden has a bizarre and quirky theme, featuring strange visuals and dance routines. It aims to be entertaining, but many find it perplexing.
  2. A story is shared about a problematic community theater diva whose actions caused chaos in her community. In the end, her behavior caught up with her, leading to negative consequences.
  3. The episode also humorously critiques various cultural topics, including stereotypes and products, showcasing a playful tone throughout the discussion.

Who Needs Love

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Love is something we need, but asking for it all the time seems unrealistic. It's okay to want a little less love while we focus on our everyday lives.
  2. Even though it sounds nice to wish for constant love, the reality is that life is busy and complicated. We have work and responsibilities that often take priority.
  3. In the end, love would make life better, but we also need to manage our expectations and not let love overshadow our practical needs and goals.

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

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📰 News Media
  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.

My Review of "Melania"

I Might Be Wrong • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The film feels like a blatant money-laundering/bribe project rather than a genuine documentary.
  2. It’s excruciatingly dull and obsessively focused on trivial moments—coat fittings, furniture choices, and long transit shots—so it reveals almost nothing interesting.
  3. Huge bids and heavy marketing with no real access expose political cronyism that revives careers and wastes money, which comes off as an insult to viewers' intelligence.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.

The Monday Media Diet with Ayo Fagbemi

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Combining timely and timeless information is important for staying updated without being overwhelmed. It's good to pick what you consume thoughtfully rather than mindlessly scrolling.
  2. Listening to podcasts and reading books are great ways to learn. Choosing insightful content helps understand complex topics better, like AI and Crypto.
  3. Following your curiosity can lead to fun discoveries. Getting lost in interesting interviews and street-style content can open your mind to new perspectives.

Jordan Peele's Divided Aesthetic

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Jordan Peele's film _Get Out!_ was groundbreaking because it mixed horror with comedy and highlighted the awkwardness and hidden racism in America. It showed that racism is deep-rooted and not just a product of overt actions.
  2. Peele's later films, _Us_ and _Nope_, struggle with the same themes but seem less clear in their messages. While they aim to critique social issues, the storytelling sometimes veers into confusion.
  3. The success of _Get Out!_ has led to a genre of films that exaggerate social issues and trauma, but this can make the realities of those issues seem cartoonish and oversimplified, leading to less effective critiques.

It’s Over, and It’s Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2364 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Nikki Haley's campaign faces challenges after falling short in New Hampshire, signaling potential struggles ahead.
  2. Trump's resurgence in popularity and the GOP's lack of understanding contribute to his strong position for the 2024 presidential race.
  3. New poll data shows immigration as a top voter concern, impacting President Biden's favorability ratings.

The rise and fall of "fact-checking"

Silver Bulletin • 824 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Facebook is getting rid of fact-checkers because they were seen as biased. They will be replaced with a community notes system, letting users help decide what is true.
  2. Fact-checking has always been part of journalism, but it became a separate role after the 2016 election. Many thought it was necessary to fight misinformation, but it also created trust issues.
  3. There are concerns that community-driven fact-checking might not work well on a large platform like Facebook. The idea is that everyone should be checking facts, not just a few designated people.

The technology of nationalism

Yasha Levine • 589 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Media
  1. The concept of nationalism is tied to the emergence of mass media technology like the printing press.
  2. Print technology created national identities by standardizing languages and expanding cultural identity beyond local communities.
  3. The Internet may not be creating new ideologies, but rather reproducing existing nationalist ideals from before.

DC Elites Plan Biden Coronation

Krystal Kyle & Friends • 589 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The discussion revolved around key policy items for progressives in the upcoming presidential race.
  2. Marianne Williamson's 2024 bid for presidency was met with mockery and derision from the White House and corporate press.
  3. The condescension towards pro-working class ideas signals a tough fight for the 2024 election.

Slop as a Way of Life

Kneeling Bus • 273 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. 'Slop' describes random content that fills spaces without much thought, like a song playing in an empty store. It's almost background noise that people often overlook.
  2. 'AI slop' refers to the flood of AI-generated content online, which many blame on technology, but much of it is still created by real people.
  3. The concept of slop highlights how we've become careless about what we consume, making everything feel interchangeable and less meaningful.