The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

How Netflix’s $5B WWE Deal Could Body-Slam Reality's Slump

The Ankler • 255 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Media
  1. Netflix's $5 billion deal with WWE is creating hope for unscripted producers and executives.
  2. Despite a slowdown in reality TV business due to tight budgets, recent announcements from Netflix and Comedy Central are sparking fresh prospects.
  3. The unscripted genre is seeing a revival, with Netflix's move beyond just sports signaling potential ripple effects on the industry.

Cyberpunk 2077 is Reactionary

The J. Burden Show • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Cyberpunk 2077 is considered reactionary due to its anti-capitalist themes and illiberal elements.
  2. The game presents a dystopian world with diverse characters, rampant drug use, and themes of human modification and transhumanism.
  3. The protagonist is led by a middle-aged female president in a highly immersive, futuristic setting.

Fighting Franco; Stormin' Norman Podhoretz; Italy's Red Cities

Unpopular Front • 34 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A live conversation with Max Read and Jay Caspian Kang drew thousands of viewers, and related interviews and book promotions show the newsletter’s active reach and audience engagement.
  2. Norman Podhoretz, a prominent neoconservative, has died; his memoir and career reveal a cynical, competitive worldview and he ultimately came to welcome Donald Trump’s combative politics.
  3. New research shows Franco’s regime relied on virulent antisemitic conspiracy theories (the contubernio judeo-masónico-bolchevique) and continued publishing antisemitic propaganda after the Holocaust, making praise for Franco especially troubling.
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More of what I'm reading about the election, a masterpiece "erotic thriller," and four songs I'm digging

Read Max • 816 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There's a collection of interesting reading material about the election that can help understand what's going on.
  2. A unique 'erotic thriller' book is recommended, noted for its dreamy qualities and great music rather than typical thriller elements.
  3. Four cool songs are also highlighted, showing a mix of various forms of entertainment to enjoy.

The biggest creators are no longer in the merch business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Top creators are moving away from selling low-quality merch and focusing on high-quality products that can compete with retail brands. This shift is about attracting a broader market beyond just their fans.
  2. Apple News has a huge user base and is likely the biggest source of traffic for traditional news outlets after Google. It highlights the importance of being present on major platforms to drive audience engagement.
  3. The current sports streaming landscape is complicated, with fans needing multiple subscriptions to access all games. A more straightforward solution could improve viewer experience and access to content.

Welcome, and thank you

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Thank you for subscribing to this Substack. It feels great to know people enjoy the content!
  2. Check out the weekly podcast for more fun stories and commentary. It's available on Rumble and YouTube every Sunday.
  3. Supporting through subscriptions helps with the costs of running the platform. Your support is really appreciated!

How Nominators on Medium Evaluate Stories for Boost (With Killer Insider Interview)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 479 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Medium's Boost Program helps writers get more views and earnings by promoting their stories to a wider audience.
  2. There are over 60 Boost Nominators on Medium who help select great stories to get a Boost.
  3. Nominators look for unique and insightful stories, not just those from popular writers, so having a small following doesn't stop you from being noticed.

Why stories matter

Tilting At Windmills • 275 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Stories have a significant impact on shaping our thoughts and behaviors.
  2. The entertainment industry often presents stories from a progressive perspective, influencing cultural norms.
  3. Seek out diverse sources of stories to ensure a balanced and broader view.

Matt Walsh did nothing wrong

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Matt Walsh is expressing his views about a controversial figure and believes that sharing his honesty is valid and necessary.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of consistency when critiquing others' opinions, urging critics to apply the same standards to him.
  3. The writer stands firm in their belief that their messages are not excessive or unproductive, indicating a commitment to their viewpoint.

The Monday Media Diet with Philip Stockton

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Philip Stockton follows a chaotic and headline-driven media diet.
  2. He recommends reading 'Art of War' by Sun Tzu for competition and Edward Tuftes series on Data Visualization for designers.
  3. Stockton suggests spending time underwater in the ocean and recommends everyone visit a place with good underwater visibility.

Look: You HAVE to Ask Josh Shapiro if He’s Ever Feasted on Palestinian Flesh

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Harris campaign asked Josh Shapiro intrusive questions about his ties to Israel and whether he might be an agent for a foreign government.
  2. The piece argues that intense vetting of a candidate’s ethnic or religious loyalties is normal and necessary, and says Democrats have done similar scrutiny of other politicians.
  3. The writer portrays Shapiro’s nuanced views on Israel as risky and defends extreme or provocative questioning as routine due diligence, using satirical exaggeration to make the point.

Journalists’ Day Shouldn't be a Celebration

Pekingnology • 83 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
📰 News Media
  1. Journalism today needs serious change, not celebration. The industry faces many problems like fake news and clickbait, making it hard for people to trust the media.
  2. The impact of local news is huge. When local newspapers disappear, communities suffer because people lose valuable information on local issues and businesses.
  3. Journalists must focus on producing high-quality content that helps society see the truth. It’s important to avoid sensational headlines and meaningless jargon that distract from real reporting.

📰 Techcrunch

First 1000 • 452 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Media
  1. TechCrunch's journey started with a personal blog and grew into a media giant through credibility and breaking big tech news stories.
  2. TechCrunch rode the wave of the Web 2.0 era, evolving from a research tool into a significant news outlet.
  3. The pivotal moment for TechCrunch was breaking the accurate story of Google acquiring YouTube, leading to a surge in subscribers and solidifying its position in the tech media industry.

Durham Eve

FOIA Around And Find Out • 471 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Key questions raised may not be addressed in the upcoming Durham hearing
  2. Signs indicate that the attribution for the DNC hack is linked to the Alfa Bank hoax
  3. There is frustration over lack of public attention to important information and a call for more accountability in addressing the issues

Radio tower caper goes sideways

INDIGNITY • 255 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A radio tower theft incident went wrong, involving stolen merchandise like tanks, trailers, and jewelry.
  2. Various items were recently found in America, including a rocket grenade, a brown diamond, credit card skimmers, and chewed money.
  3. The newsletter also features sandwich recipes and discussions on Bluesky codes, a morning podcast, and marketing for different publications.

The great American gaslighting

Men Yell at Me • 307 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Private equity firms often hurt the companies they buy instead of helping them. They can make money by cutting costs and stripping businesses rather than supporting them.
  2. The impact of private equity goes beyond businesses; it seriously affects people in communities. When companies shut down, it's not just a loss of jobs but also a loss of community support and services.
  3. Despite challenges in various industries, there are hopeful stories where businesses thrive by focusing on community needs and creativity instead of just profits. People can find better ways to support their industries and communities.

Israel's Savagery Is So Shocking It's Sometimes Hard To Take In

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Israel's actions in recent conflicts have been so shocking that it can be difficult to fully comprehend the extent of the brutality.
  2. Reports of Israeli forces targeting innocent civilians and infants in hospitals have sparked outrage and disbelief around the world.
  3. The widespread destruction caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza has raised concerns about the true motives behind the assaults.

⤴🎞 The 7 most Up Wing films of the 21st Century

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. 'Up Wing' films focus on positivity and human progress. They show that we can solve problems and create a better future.
  2. Movies like 'Gravity' highlight resilience. Characters face tough challenges but keep moving forward and growing.
  3. 'Black Panther' and 'Interstellar' inspire innovation. They remind us that our success and dreams for the future depend on our choices and actions today.

The Monday Media Diet with Dave Fielding

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Challenges help us grow and learn. Seeking out tough experiences can bring personal development.
  2. Being aware of bias in media helps us understand the true message behind the news. It’s important to analyze what we read critically.
  3. Nepal is a beautiful place worth visiting. The connection to nature and culture there leaves a lasting impression.

The Creator Credibility Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Having a camera crew or a podcast mic can add authority and credibility to a content creator.
  2. The visual presentation, like a podcast mic in shot, can influence perceptions of credibility even if the content itself is not impactful.
  3. Demonstrating credibility in the creator economy is crucial, and visual cues like microphones are a modern way to achieve it.

The Western Press Are Just Printing Straight Up Nazi Propaganda About Middle Easterners Now

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Some Western media outlets have been criticized for publishing racist content about Middle Easterners, reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.
  2. The comparison made between Muslim populations and insects by a New York Times columnist sparked controversy and accusations of dehumanization.
  3. The Wall Street Journal faced backlash for articles demonizing Muslim populations, coinciding with Western military actions in Muslim-majority countries.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 676 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A recent article discusses how Spotify is using fake stock music to fill popular playlists and save on royalty costs for musicians. It's a surprising practice that reflects larger issues in the music industry.
  2. A sugar cookie recipe from the New York Times was shared, and the cookies turned out really well. This shows that sometimes simple recipes can lead to delicious results.
  3. The post marks the last installment of the year for sharing consumed media, highlighting the importance of reflecting on what we've experienced throughout the year.

Friday Funnies: You are Bigger Than That

Who is Robert Malone • 35 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The post claims the 2020 election was stolen and says patriots were unjustly punished, fined, jailed, disbarred, and labeled insurrectionists.
  2. It’s a holiday-themed collection of jokes, images, and short videos, with mentions of Amish Christmas lights and a historical anniversary.
  3. The newsletter asks for subscriptions and support and includes promotional product links and political humor aimed at opponents.

Nudge and Behavioral Governance- Systematic Government Thought Modification

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Governments and agencies now use “nudge” techniques—behavioral science, defaults, emotional framing, and algorithms—to steer people’s choices without overt coercion. This approach can undermine individual autonomy and informed consent.
  2. In the U.S., behavioral science was formalized across federal agencies through an executive order, creating permanent teams and tools. Those systems were scaled up during emergencies like COVID to shape public behavior.
  3. Governments worked with Big Tech, contractors, ad firms, and academic centers to gather behavioral data, micro-target messages, and adjust platforms in real time. This formed feedback loops and algorithmic controls that engineered public consent while reducing transparent democratic debate.

Of ICE Queens and Handmaidens

Reactionary Feminist • 18 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Online memes and jokes claim progressive women protesting ICE are really motivated by sexual attraction, often riffing on Handmaid’s Tale costumes and romanticized imagery.
  2. It’s possible for protesters to be sincerely committed to a political cause while some participants also bring erotic or performative elements to demonstrations.
  3. Using horny memes to mock these protests is a way to dismiss and delegitimize their politics, and that ridicule often says more about the mockers than about the protesters.

The Deluge

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Vermont is facing serious flooding that is leaving many people without homes, but there are acts of kindness among the chaos. The National Guard is doing a great job helping those in need.
  2. A listener took a stand against an Oregon school board for forcing employees to wear masks and get vaccinated, showing real bravery. This kind of courage can inspire others to speak up too.
  3. There are smartphone games that promote communist ideas in silly ways, like farming. It sounds strange, but it's actually happening and reflects some odd influences in popular culture.

You're not the only one who sees it

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many people feel that something is wrong in society, leading to a sense of disconnection and confusion. It's not just you who notices this feeling; others share similar concerns.
  2. There's a lack of basic respect and attention in everyday interactions, like cashiers not making eye contact or delivery people rushing away. This reflects a bigger issue in how society communicates.
  3. The problems we see today are rooted in deeper spiritual and physical issues that have built up over time. This can make it hard to feel connected and understood, but knowing others feel the same can provide some comfort.

Insufficient postage

INDIGNITY • 255 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The United States Postal Service is facing issues with postage labels not sticking, highlighting challenges in mail delivery
  2. Louis DeJoy's tenure as postmaster general under Donald Trump raised concerns and issues with mail service
  3. The importance of functioning postal service and the impact of inefficiencies on everyday tasks can be significant

There is a Russia Iran news outlet blackout across the internet.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
📰 News Media
  1. Several major Russian state outlets and Iran's Press TV are currently inaccessible online, with sites like RT and TASS showing "website can't be reached" errors.
  2. The outage looks widespread and simultaneous, suggesting it’s more than a simple isolated technical problem.
  3. If the blackout continues, it could significantly disrupt official news flow and change how people access information about events in those countries.

Can Zohran Mamdani Beat the New York Post?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The New York Post is a powerful, populist tabloid that fills a local news gap and helps set the city’s daily agenda.
  2. The Post has waged relentless, sensational attacks on Zohran Mamdani and framed him as a dangerous Muslim democratic socialist. That kind of coverage can wear away political support over time.
  3. With fewer local reporters and columnists, the Post’s influence is amplified, so Mamdani’s chances depend on how he responds and whether other outlets restore deep, granular city coverage.

Westerners Have An Absolutely Psychotic View Of Airstrikes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1853 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Many Westerners have a distorted view of airstrikes, believing them to be more civilized and humane than other forms of killing.
  2. There is a discrepancy in the language used by media to describe attacks based on whether they are done 'remotely' or close up.
  3. The use of military explosives in bombings causes immense suffering and should not be seen as less brutal or vicious just because they are carried out from a distance.

The Empire Depends On Our Unwillingness To Look At Its Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1732 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. The empire relies on people's unwillingness to face its crimes, as looking directly at the unpleasant truth can shatter their worldview.
  2. Mass media propaganda aims to build a worldview loyal to establishment power structures and trap individuals in power-serving echo chambers.
  3. Creating awareness about the empire's atrocities and encouraging people to critically examine the status quo can help break the cycle of indoctrination and bring about change.

The past can't save you

Men Yell at Me • 282 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Nostalgia can create a false sense of security, making us long for times or ideals that never truly existed. It's important to recognize that the past can’t save us.
  2. Events like the Field of Dreams baseball game highlight how we often romanticize a manufactured version of Americana, which doesn't reflect the real history or struggles people face.
  3. Instead of yearning for a simpler past, we need to focus on the present and address our challenges, as what we really miss is not the past, but a sense of ignorance about today's realities.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 78: "The Surveillance State is a Moody, Sadistic Child"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1634 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The rise in Bitcoin price can serve as a proxy for general anxiety felt by the investing public, reflecting concerns about uncertain times.
  2. A notable news development was the New York Times article revealing the ways in which the CIA assists Ukraine in its conflict against Putin.
  3. The general anxiety levels are increasing across various facets, not just limited to one area.

On fait quoi pour les 4 ans de l'Atelier ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Atelier is celebrating its 4th anniversary with ideas for themed celebrations and offer promotions to subscribers
  2. Sharing a reader's recommendation on a book about housekeeping and decluttering
  3. Considering various themes like favorite videos, influential books, preferred press, impactful emails, and life changes from 4 years of the Atelier