The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Did New Zealand's mainstream newspapers collude to collectively cancel an unobjectionable advert?

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. New Zealand's mainstream media seems to avoid controversy and only promotes certain values. This has led to a boring and uniform direction in their content.
  2. A conservative group had ads approved in major newspapers, but then all the newspapers canceled them without clear reasons, suggesting a possible collusion.
  3. The idea of 'cancellation' can affect anyone, and it's important to stand up for different viewpoints to protect everyone's rights and speech.

The State of Play

Points And Figures • 985 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many people feel that the election process is unfair and that institutions lie to the public. This has led to a loss of trust in political leaders and the media.
  2. Voter sentiment has shifted, with issues like lockdown policies, economic struggles, and social issues influencing people to lean more towards Republican perspectives.
  3. The debates around social issues, like gender identity in sports, may be turning some voters away from the Democrats, especially among suburban women who value traditional rights.

ADL Takes Aim at my Substack

Kevin’s Newsletter • 530 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📰 News Media
  1. The Anti-Defamation League criticized a Substack writer for alleged antisemitic content
  2. The writer refutes the accusations made by the ADL with detailed explanations and counterarguments
  3. The writer invites the ADL to engage in a debate to discuss the accusations further

Video Clips of Iraq Invasion Lies: Beyond Cheney/Bush -- From Biden to Powell to Pelosi

husseini • 530 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. There were multiple lies about the Iraq invasion and these lies influenced the culture.
  2. The narrative that the Iraq invasion was a failure is actually a lie; it was a strategic success.
  3. The web of lies surrounding the Iraq invasion spanned multiple administrations, not just Bush and Cheney, including figures like Biden, Powell, and Pelosi.
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Transgressive But Stupid.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Today’s transnational ruling class is largely mediocre, self‑serving and bonded by money and transactions rather than public service or moral principle.
  2. Jeffrey Epstein acted more as a fixer and middleman who facilitated transgressive behavior than as a master spy, and many powerful contacts behaved amateurishly and insecurely in their links with him.
  3. The disclosures will deepen public cynicism, weaken mainstream parties and institutions, and risk greater political instability because there is no ready or credible replacement elite.

Whither "the zombie apocalypse"?

well, actually • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The term "zombie apocalypse" gained popularity in major media after the premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead in 2010, but it was used in other media and society before that.
  2. The concept of a zombie apocalypse has been creatively referenced in various contexts, from food sections to climate change reports to workplace discussions.
  3. The idea of a zombie apocalypse has become culturally significant, appearing in books, articles, and even being linked to topics like finances, marriage, and travel.

Disappearing media

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📰 News Media
  1. Authors write books to be part of a bigger conversation and gain media coverage for visibility and sales.
  2. Traditional media outlets are struggling, with many layoffs and declining trust from the public.
  3. Emerging digital media has not yet reached the employment levels of traditional journalism, and news trust among the American public is low and declining.

Rundell, Ibsen, Gogh, Yoshida, Tanizaki, Atwood, Dolan, Bate, Chaucer, Orbital, Liberalism, Future, Monsters, Justice, Autism, Ass

The Common Reader • 815 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Katherine Rundell is a talented children's author, and her books are worth reading for both kids and adults. Her work promotes the importance of great children's literature.
  2. Ibsen's play 'Wild Duck' can be boring because it feels overly structured and focused on heavy themes. However, seeing it performed in Norwegian adds to its emotional depth.
  3. Van Gogh's exhibition has some beautiful works, even if he's not a favorite. Experiencing art with family can create lasting memories.

Your year-end China-watching test

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Americans are split between two founding stories—1776 (independence and state sovereignty) and 1865 (Civil War, emancipation, and a stronger federal nation)—and that dispute drives a lot of contemporary political identity.
  2. Attempts to build an inclusive national narrative have sometimes sidelined the cultural identity and interests of the majority, producing policies and symbolic changes that many people see as unfair and alienating.
  3. History is a political tool: when alternative views are suppressed and majority grievances are ignored, it can fuel nationalist backlash and deepen social fracture.

✅ Please and thank you, ChatGPT

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Media
  1. AI can help public relations workers do their jobs better, but it won't completely take their place. There are still many tasks that need human touch, like building relationships.
  2. Many public relations professionals see AI tools as partners in their work, even giving them human-like qualities. This shows a growing acceptance of AI in the industry.
  3. Trust in government and media is quite low right now. Many people feel politicians are not honest or are out for their own interests, which makes it hard for the next government to regain public faith.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

Markets Can Turn And Inform

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Prediction markets can show trends in politics, like giving Trump a higher chance to win. They react quickly to news, telling us what people think in real-time.
  2. Many people have lost trust in mainstream media. This is because they feel that the news is biased or not credible, leading more to rely on alternative sources.
  3. It's important to recognize our own biases when interpreting market signals. Getting caught up in our beliefs can prevent us from seeing changes that could affect our decisions.

Jerry Springer Was Trash. But He Was Honest.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 723 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Jerry Springer was unapologetic about the shocking content he presented on his show. He focused on giving viewers what they actually wanted, even when it was controversial.
  2. His show was popular, drawing millions of viewers, but also sparked criticism for being immoral and exploitative. Some episodes were so outrageous they were even banned.
  3. Springer was seen as a disruptive figure in American media, compared to more wholesome personalities like Oprah, positioning himself as the 'black sheep' of talk shows.

Cooper Flagg Should Sue The Guardian For Premeditated Offense Archaeology

Singal-Minded • 761 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Media
  1. Cooper Flagg is a talented basketball player heading to the NBA draft, which is notable since American-born white players are rare at that level. This makes him a subject of unique interest.
  2. The article about him tries to link his potential impact on basketball to another player, Caitlin Clark, but fails to explain why he is considered 'discourse-breaking'.
  3. The writer seems to be digging for offense in the article where there may not be much, raising questions about the need to politicize college basketball through Flagg's story.

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Hollywood often struggles with moral philosophy and promotes a kind of morality that seems unrealistic. Instead of dealing with complex situations, they opt for simple solutions that make heroes look good.
  2. In Hollywood, self-defense is tricky; heroes must wait for an attack before fighting back, even when it's clear they're in danger. This approach can make characters seem foolish and overly lenient.
  3. The way Hollywood portrays morality ignores real-world consequences. Their stories often end with characters benefiting from luck rather than genuine moral choices, which can lead to dangerous ideas about how to handle conflict.

Odds and Ends #47: I think this YouTube video just changed my life

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A YouTube video can have a big impact on someone's life, showing how quickly ideas can change our perspectives. It's amazing how something simple can inspire us to think differently.
  2. Urban reviews can be subjective and funny, highlighting how even a short stay can lead someone to feel like an expert. It shows that everyone has different experiences in new places.
  3. The conversation about political lobbying is complex, and there seems to be growing concern about its influence. It's important to stay informed about how these issues affect us and our communities.

David Lynch, 1946-2025.

The Bottom Feeder • 630 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

Thank You!

Unpopular Front • 58 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The newsletter is approaching its fifth anniversary, which is a significant milestone. It's a celebration of the journey and the community built over the years.
  2. The support from paying subscribers has been essential in keeping the newsletter alive and thriving. It's a reminder of how important community backing is for any project.
  3. The newsletter started after the author experienced a layoff, showing how challenges can lead to new opportunities and creativity. It highlights resilience in difficult times.

Water in the well

Austin Kleon • 1898 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's important to keep your creative well full so you can keep making good work. Think of it as filling up a water tank; you need it to be full to use it.
  2. Creativity often faces resistance, and overcoming that resistance can lead to better creative outcomes. Embrace the challenges as part of the creative process.
  3. Finding joy in what you read or watch can inspire and refresh your creativity. Explore new books or films to keep the ideas flowing.

Hovercraft Invasion, Labubu, Tea

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. China is actively trying to acquire Russian expertise in advanced military technology, especially in the area of hovercraft design, to enhance its military capabilities.
  2. Chinese media and entertainment are growing in popularity, especially among Gen Z, reflecting a cultural shift where domestic content is more favored over foreign influences.
  3. Taiwan's semiconductor industry is facing challenges due to US export controls and competition from China, leading to varied experiences across different sectors within the industry.

I cannot defend this defense of slop

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Lowering the cost of making and sharing media didn’t produce a creative golden age; instead it concentrated attention on a few winners, made mainstream culture more repetitive, and harmed trust in institutions.
  2. Automating discovery with AI isn’t a guaranteed fix—replacing human gatekeepers with profit-driven algorithms can repeat the internet’s problems and worsen content quality and polarization.
  3. Funding models matter: historically profitable intermediaries underwrote risky, less-commercial art and journalism, so if AI generates large profits we should funnel some of that money to human curators and to projects that aren’t immediately profitable.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 58

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Skype was a game-changer for communication, connecting people in new ways before its shutdown.
  2. Hampton Inn has grown to be the biggest hotel chain in the US by sticking to a solid, dependable formula.
  3. There are interesting debates about the moral lessons in shows like The Simpsons, which some critics have misunderstood.

Find out

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Set clear boundaries in communication. It's important to let others know what is acceptable and what isn't.
  2. Emotional manipulation will not be tolerated. It's crucial to stand your ground against such behavior.
  3. Be firm and direct when addressing issues. A straightforward approach helps maintain respect and integrity.

Best of 2024

Obvious Bicycle • 723 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The best of 2024 includes a wide range of media like songs, movies, and books that made an impact. It's great to keep track of what we've enjoyed over the year.
  2. Live events like concerts and stand-up shows are memorable experiences that often stand out. They bring joy and a sense of community.
  3. Quotes from various sources can inspire us and offer different perspectives on life. They remind us to think deeply and reflect on our experiences.

Call of Duty as a lens into American foreign policy from 2003-2025

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 298 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Call of Duty series is the most popular video game franchise, showcasing a realistic combat simulator that reflects American military history and identity over the years.
  2. Unlike other games that focus on fantasy or abstract puzzles, Call of Duty aims to recreate real-world conflicts and the emotions tied to them.
  3. Each installment often mirrors contemporary geopolitical issues, making it a unique lens through which we can analyze America's view on foreign policy and military engagements.

Vote for the July 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Subscribers are encouraged to vote on a new post topic for July 2025, showing community involvement.
  2. The author is working on content for June and aims to keep readers updated.
  3. There's a promotion for a 7-day free trial to access the full archives of posts, enticing more subscriptions.

The Machine Sessions

The Abbey of Misrule • 193 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. A new podcast called 'The Machine Sessions' will feature conversations about the author's upcoming book. Each episode will be released every Tuesday until the book comes out.
  2. There are special offers for subscribers who pre-order the book, including access to an online event and discounts on writing courses.
  3. The author thanks his readers for their support, explaining that the book's ideas were developed through his writing on this platform over the past five years.

Conclave is an M. Night Shyamalan Movie for Viewers Who Want to Feel Sophisticated

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 814 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Conclave is a film that tries to appeal to an audience that enjoys complex stories. It presents itself as sophisticated and intriguing.
  2. The movie features a twist ending that many viewers may find unearned or silly. This can leave a frustrating impression on the overall experience.
  3. While the film has decent elements, it may not live up to the expectations set by other movies in the genre, particularly those by M. Night Shyamalan.

The End of Rebel Wisdom and What's Next

The Bigger Picture • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Rebel Wisdom is coming to an end, but new initiatives are on the horizon with a focus on sensemaking, philosophy, and cultural context.
  2. David will collaborate with Perspectiva on a new project in 2023, recasting Rebel Wisdom's YouTube channel and courses.
  3. Alexander will continue with a new Substack called 'The Bigger Picture' starting from tomorrow, featuring exclusive content on trauma, heterodoxy, and pop culture.

Israel Accused Of Torturing UN Workers To Obtain False Testimony About UNRWA

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1778 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. UNRWA staff were reportedly tortured by Israeli forces to obtain false testimonies about the agency's ties with Hamas.
  2. The information ecosystem can sometimes prioritize certain narratives over others, with allegations against enemies receiving more attention than evidence against those in power.
  3. The media coverage around this incident highlights potential biases and disparities in how news is reported and prioritized.

You're Never Going to Be Original! (And Neither Am I)

Default Wisdom • 222 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Originality isn't everything for writers. Instead, it's about how well you can market your ideas and connect with your audience.
  2. Many writers face idea theft, but it's often just a matter of timing and who presents an idea first, rather than straightforward copying.
  3. Success today relies more on adaptability than being original. The best writers understand their audience and keep creating content consistently.

UK Government And Media Spread Disinformation About Southport Killer, Evidence Suggests

Michael Shellenberger • 862 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The UK media and government initially blamed far-right groups for spreading false information about a stabbing incident, claiming a Muslim migrant was the attacker. However, this was later disproven.
  2. The police have charged the suspect with producing a deadly poison and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual, suggesting a possible link to radical groups.
  3. There are questions about whether the UK government knew about the suspect's background earlier than they revealed, raising concerns about their handling of information during the incident.

Tuesday At The Masters

The Quadrilateral • 491 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Media
  1. Weather forecast for the Masters remains bleak with anticipated rains and grey skies.
  2. Groupings for the Masters were announced with notable golfers and distance discrepancies.
  3. Tiger Woods discussed his preparation, support for a golf ball rollback, and playing with persimmon equipment.