The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

HALLOWEEN HORRORS

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1278 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Art Media Literature
  1. The horror film 'X-TRO' explores deep themes of family and alienation against the backdrop of 1980s UK troubles. Its unique approach makes it not just a scary film, but also a reflection of society's issues.
  2. In 'FOUND', the story of a boy dealing with a serial killer brother unfolds in a disturbing, shocking way. It's not just about horror; it shows the complex family dynamics and the impact of violence.
  3. The classic 'PHANTASM' combines elements of science fiction and horror, raising questions about reality and death. Its surreal style captures the fears of childhood, resonating with anyone who grew up in the dangerous environment of the late 70s.

The "Wall Street Journal" Tells Us: Trump Takes Command of Inflation, Which Was Massively Unsatisfactory under Biden

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Elections Economic Policy Media
  1. Recent inflation rates are slightly above the targets set by the Federal Reserve, but not alarmingly high. This suggests that there isn't an urgent need for drastic policy changes right now.
  2. There is skepticism about Trump's understanding of monetary policy and how he believes oil prices affect overall inflation. Many experts think he is outdated in his thinking.
  3. Trump's comments on inflation and interest rates may not seriously influence economic policy due to his advisor's stance on maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence.

Brands, ads, and video games

SuperJoost Playlist • 416 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Gaming Media
  1. Brands are realizing that video games offer a better way to connect with younger audiences compared to traditional media like TV and magazines. This shift is important for capturing the attention of the next generation.
  2. There is a growing trend for brands to work directly with gaming companies to create engaging and immersive experiences. However, many brands still struggle to commit to long-term strategies instead of just one-time campaigns.
  3. As user acquisition costs rise, game developers are looking for new ways to make money, leading them to collaborate more with brands. This partnership is changing how audiences experience both gaming and advertising.

The True Power of AI Deepfakes Is Not What You Think

The Algorithmic Bridge • 700 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Deepfakes Media Misinformation Digital ethics
  1. Deepfakes are good at expressing feelings, not just deceiving people. They often illustrate what we want to believe rather than just hiding the truth.
  2. People react to deepfakes based on their existing beliefs. If a fake aligns with what they already think, it can spread quickly, regardless of whether it's real or not.
  3. The real danger of deepfakes lies in how they can reinforce stubborn beliefs. They act as tools for expressing desires rather than just tools for deception.

Here’s to the First Million Free Pressers—And the Next

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4405 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism Media Public Trust Subscriptions Content creation
  1. The Free Press has grown to one million subscribers by focusing on delivering honest journalism. People are looking for trustworthy news that reflects reality.
  2. Instead of just rejecting old media, The Free Press aims to provide valuable content that people need. They emphasize the importance of pursuing truth in their reporting.
  3. The growth of The Free Press shows that many people still care about real journalism and want to support it. This gives hope for the future of journalism as a whole.
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15 Highly-Effective Strategies for Mass Manipulation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 416 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Media Public Opinion Manipulation Ideology
  1. Mass manipulation often uses emotional appeals instead of logical arguments. This makes it easier to sway people's opinions.
  2. Controlling media and education helps spread propaganda effectively. When one side dominates information, it limits the public's understanding.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals can tune out mass media, think critically, and stick to their principles. It's about being aware and questioning what's presented.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Investigations Media Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

Watch out for snakes

Internal exile • 24 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Humor Television Social Commentary
  1. _Mystery Science Theater 3000_ shows how hard it is to make entertainment and how we often work hard to be entertained. It highlights the struggle of connecting with media while feeling isolated.
  2. While _MST3K_ creates a sense of audience community, it does so by presenting the viewer as an elite critic, which can feel misleading and isolating. It’s like enjoying something ironically rather than being part of the actual story.
  3. _Gogglebox_ offers a different vibe by showing regular people watching TV together, making fun of it in a relatable way. It portrays shared experiences and light-hearted skepticism, focusing on connection rather than competition for attention.

Embrace the content grind

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Content creation Streaming Advertising Monetization
  1. Consistency is key for creators. It's important to keep creating and improving, even when you don't see immediate results.
  2. YouTube is becoming more dominant in content creation due to its strong revenue sharing model, making it hard for other platforms to compete for talent.
  3. Tubi’s strategy of offering free content while avoiding expensive originals is smart. It focuses on generating ad revenue without needing big-budget shows.

Watching women cannibalize themselves for fun and profit

Men Yell at Me • 444 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Gender Society Religion Reality TV
  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.

People Aren't Garbage. Partisan Politics Is

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12968 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Partisanship Media Political Opinions Public Sentiment
  1. People are not defined by their political choices. Voting can say little about who we are as individuals.
  2. The media often ignores the majority of people who don’t vote, creating a misleading view of public opinion. This exclusion strengthens the divide between those who are politically active and those who are not.
  3. Caring deeply about politics is seen as essential now, and those who aren't invested are looked down upon. This mindset can harm relationships and mischaracterize people.

Year in review, 2024

The Common Reader • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Criticism Media Publishing
  1. Subscriber numbers more than doubled from 7,440 to 16,068 in a year, showing strong growth. Thanks to everyone for reading!
  2. The book 'Second Act' received positive reviews from well-known publications, highlighting its appeal to late bloomers seeking success.
  3. Popular topics on The Common Reader included essays on literary criticism and cultural commentary, reflecting a mix of interests among readers.

Why there's no "Joe Rogan of the left"

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Politics Society Identity
  1. There's no 'Joe Rogan of the left' because Rogan appeals to a non-political crowd. To engage more people, the left needs to communicate in spaces outside traditional politics.
  2. Rogan has created a strong connection with his audience by producing a lot of content. This helps him fight loneliness for listeners who feel like he is their friend.
  3. People are drawn to fun and relatable content. If the left wants to attract more followers, they need to focus on building positive relationships instead of criticizing others.

Daughter of Stanley Kubrick Responds to Trump 'Full Metal Jacket' Political Ad: 'I Believe My Father Would Approve'

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 456 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media War Ideology Public Opinion
  1. Vivian Kubrick thinks her father would support using scenes from 'Full Metal Jacket' in a political way, even if it seems strange since the film is anti-war.
  2. She believes it's important for the military to focus on strong training and not be influenced by what she calls 'wokism'.
  3. Vivian sees a big difference between past racism/sexism and today's America, saying that many people overlook how much progress has been made.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Education Philosophy Media Politics Society
  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.

18 Paying Pitch Calls and a Chance to Write About Chilly Movies

The Sub Club Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Movies History Media Parenting
  1. There are 18 different pitch calls available this week for writers looking to get paid. It's a great chance for anyone to get their stories published.
  2. Writers should focus on making their stories feel timely and relevant. Adding a current angle to historical topics can help attract interest.
  3. There's a free workshop available to learn how to write effective pitches. It can help improve your chances of getting published by teaching you what editors want.

two new YouTube video essays!

Switch Hitter • 438 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Celebrity Transgender Relationships
  1. New YouTube videos explore parasocial relationships and gender issues. They look closely at how fans' behavior can mimic harassment.
  2. One video challenges the idea that trans people reinforce gender stereotypes. It argues that this view is based on flawed logic and double standards.
  3. There are plans for more video essays in the future, covering various topics. The creator is still committed to writing while expanding to video content.

Body Horror on Super Bowl Sunday

Off-Topic • 419 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising Media Consumerism Sports Social Commentary
  1. The Super Bowl is like a national holiday, with many people feeling they have to watch it, even if they're not big football fans. It's a time for friends and food, making it a fun ritual.
  2. This year's commercials took a strange turn, featuring creepy or gross body-related humor. Many ads seemed to focus on bizarre and unsettling visuals rather than traditional advertising themes.
  3. Some ads poked fun at the absurdity of the Super Bowl experience itself by including dark humor or shocking moments, possibly hinting that we should lighten up about this wild tradition.

#1: Directing Attention + first ever article

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Tech Analysis Media Satire Startups
  1. The publication '12 Challenges' has been rebranded to 'Directing Attention', aiming to create fun content about technology. It focuses on making tech exciting and offers a fresh perspective on the industry.
  2. The plan includes three types of content: playful tech analysis, satire, and interactive mini-sites. The writer plans to start by focusing on satire to quickly build an audience.
  3. A new website for 'Attention' is being created for maximum creative control, allowing for unique and interactive article presentations. This will help surprise and engage readers in new ways.

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Political Commentary Elections Media
  1. Populism is a strong feeling in America that often pits ordinary people against the powerful elite. It's more about emotions and attitudes than strict political plans.
  2. Trump's approach to politics echoes past leaders like Andrew Jackson, who also promised to challenge the established order and 'drain the swamp.' This shows how deeply rooted populism is in American history.
  3. Populism can lead to big changes in government, where people express their frustration with the ruling class and demand action. It can shake things up and even remove those in power.

It's Not The Responsibility Of The Global South To Bring Down The Empire. It's Ours.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2156 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism Resistance Media Activism Global relations
  1. It's not fair to expect the Global South to fight against powerful empires for us. We need to take responsibility ourselves.
  2. The current empire is strong and won't easily fall just because some resist. Change may take a long time and we have to be patient and realistic.
  3. We have the tools and ability to create awareness and drive change in our own societies. It's important to help others see the need for a better world.

Amazon Is Censoring My Most Recent Magazine Issue

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2025 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Surveillance Media Political Climate Public Opinion
  1. Amazon blocked a magazine issue without explaining why, but later reversed its decision after some noise was made. It's important to pay attention to how platforms handle free speech.
  2. There's skepticism about a recent fake incident of antisemitism in Sydney, showing the need to question narratives we hear, especially related to politics and social issues.
  3. Being happy and staying informed can go hand in hand. Facing truths in life leads to true happiness, rather than avoiding painful feelings.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 4

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Literature Performing Arts
  1. There are many great movies that most people haven't seen, and they are worth checking out. These films often have unique stories and perspectives that can inspire and entertain.
  2. One movie, 'After Life,' explores what happens when you die and how people choose a significant memory to carry with them. It's both a thoughtful and fun take on life and memory.
  3. Another interesting film, 'Temple Grandin,' tells the inspiring true story of a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. It highlights her unique understanding of animals and her journey in overcoming challenges.

From A Care-Less To A Care-Full Future

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Design Fashion Gaming
  1. Products made with care and love stand out in a world filled with mediocre options. People appreciate the effort put into creating something beautiful and meaningful.
  2. There is a growing movement against mass-produced, cookie-cutter items. Many are seeking unique and thoughtful creations that offer a sense of connection.
  3. With so much low-quality content and design around us, high-quality work feels refreshing. It reminds us that better things are possible and worth pursuing.

Reasonably Happy, Intelligent Partner, NYC event

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 757 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎙 Podcasts Audio Media Entertainment Interviews Recommendations
  1. Even with new technologies, people in America aren’t feeling happier overall. Our social lives are falling apart, which seems to take away from any advances we might have made.
  2. Babies need to be close to their caregivers to feel secure, a trait built into us over thousands of years. They often have trouble sleeping alone because of this natural instinct.
  3. Younger people today seem to have a more negative view of certain groups compared to older generations. This shows a shift in attitudes over time that might be concerning.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 879 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Biden Trump Democrats
  1. Democrats had a strong week, with positive news on the economy, ending workers' strikes, and job growth. These issues are important for voters as elections approach.
  2. Biden highlighted concerns about possible violence around the upcoming election, which the media hasn't focused on enough, especially regarding Trump's actions.
  3. Trump and JD Vance missed an important Christian nationalist event this year, raising questions about Trump's stance on sensitive issues like abortion and his connection to that group.

A Culture Study Mirror

Culture Study • 3295 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Media Trends Identity Critique
  1. You don't have to read everything an author puts out. Just engaging with some of their work is enough, and that's something to celebrate.
  2. There’s a lot of content available, including popular essays and personal favorites, so there’s always something new or interesting to discover.
  3. Being proud of what you create is important, and it’s okay to highlight the work that feels very personal or meaningful to you.

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 Comedy Performing Arts Public Speaking Entertainment 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.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 880 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fashion Media Lifestyle
  1. This week I focused on enjoying a lot of desserts because of my period. It was a nice treat to indulge in sweet things.
  2. I read an interesting article about David Lynch and what it was like growing up near him. The story about his Scion car was especially fun.
  3. I found a cute knit outfit for Sunny that makes her look just like Diane Keaton. It's a stylish choice!

Totoro Before Totoro

Animation Obsessive • 16952 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art Media History
  1. In the late 1970s, Hayao Miyazaki began his career by working on the film 'Panda! Go, Panda!' which greatly influenced his future works.
  2. The film focused on everyday life, showing a young girl and her magical encounters, aiming to highlight the charm in simple moments.
  3. Many key staff members from 'Panda!' went on to shape Studio Ghibli, showing its lasting impact on animation and storytelling.

Making the Video That Made Gorillaz

Animation Obsessive • 15517 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Music Media Art Television
  1. Pete Candeland, the director behind the iconic Gorillaz video for 'Clint Eastwood,' used innovative animation techniques to blend 2D and CGI, creating a unique look that set the standard for animated music videos at the time.
  2. Candeland's animation style evolved from a limited budget, leading him to focus on the most important movements and actions, resulting in a distinctive, under-animated approach that became a signature for Gorillaz.
  3. The editing process was crucial for Candeland, allowing him to manipulate timing and create a dynamic flow with the music, making animation a more live and engaging experience.

New column: Headlines of Interest

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 121 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Politics Science Technology Entertainment
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.

TGIF: It All Comes Out

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4915 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Economy Policy Media
  1. Melania Trump is promoting Christmas ornaments this year, showcasing her designs and emphasizing their patriotic theme. This may hint at a future where political events are paired with merchandise.
  2. Janet Yellen has acknowledged that the U.S. is facing a significant deficit, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility. She suggests that future spending needs to be more careful to manage this debt.
  3. There’s criticism regarding recent government spending, particularly on student loan forgiveness, which some believe primarily benefits wealthier individuals. This has sparked debate about fiscal sustainability.

The Plays About the End of the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Art Literature Media Performance
  1. New plays about AI are popping up everywhere, showing how people respond to new technologies. They don't predict an apocalypse, but they reveal our emotions and reactions.
  2. Theater might seem like a strange place to talk about complicated tech ideas. But these plays manage to make tough topics more relatable and human.
  3. Rather than traditional, boring themes, these plays bring fresh perspectives on current issues with technology that are important to us today. They offer entertaining yet thoughtful reflections on our future.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Government Policy Media
  1. Marco Rubio has shifted his stance from a hawkish perspective to a more realist approach regarding U.S. foreign policy, focusing on opportunities in war-torn regions.
  2. Biden's $42 billion broadband program aimed to provide internet access to rural areas has faced major setbacks due to bureaucratic issues and regulatory challenges.
  3. A researcher argues that factors beyond climate change contribute to events like California wildfires, suggesting a need for a more balanced view on climate issues.

Pete Hegseth Fights Back. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Media Public Opinion
  1. Price gouging laws in Los Angeles may seem good, but they can actually hurt people in desperate situations. It might limit supply and make it harder for those in need to get help.
  2. Pornography is likely here to stay, regardless of attempts to restrict it. Even if laws are passed, people will still find ways to access it, highlighting challenges in internet freedom.
  3. Shopping shouldn't be seen as a hobby. Real hobbies involve creativity and skill, while buying things is more about spending money than personal fulfillment.

Escape from Los Angeles. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2114 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📰 News Wildfires Immigration Crime Media Health Politics
  1. Southern California is facing serious wildfires, leading to evacuations and deaths. Many structures, including famous schools and celebrity homes, have been destroyed.
  2. Women have been exposing the long-hidden issue of grooming gangs in Britain, which involved the exploitation of young girls for years. Their efforts are gaining attention after recent events sparked wider discussions.
  3. Many Indians on H-1B visas feel excluded from the American Dream. Some are experiencing challenges with the visa system and have chosen to return home instead.

How Fireship became YouTube's favorite programmer

engineercodex • 635 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Education Media Trends Content creation
  1. Fireship's videos are short and fast-paced. This keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to watch more.
  2. He uses humor to make learning fun. His jokes and memes help explain complex topics in a way that's easy to understand.
  3. Fireship combines trending topics with timeless content. This strategy helps him attract a lot of views both right away and over time.

The Canadians Who Say: ‘Trump, Take My Country—Please!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3227 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion International relations National Identity Elections Media
  1. Some Canadians feel so frustrated with their country that they joke about wanting to become part of the United States. They believe life has become stagnant and see more opportunities in America.
  2. People like Ryan Hemsley express a longing for change and believe that becoming the 51st state could bring a fresh start and revitalization.
  3. Discontent with the current political leadership in Canada is leading some to fantasize about a different kind of future under the U.S. government.

2025 Is Off To A Wild Start

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2393 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Military Extremism Immigration Media
  1. Recent news events are raising suspicion, especially involving two military veterans committing violent acts. This has sparked discussion about the connection between military service and extremism.
  2. There are concerns about the current U.S. administration's approach to international conflicts, especially with talks of military action involving Iran. This raises questions about decision-making in leadership.
  3. The debate on immigration is highlighting the exploitation of workers, as both political sides have different reasons for their stance. It's important to consider the impact on all workers, not just the politics surrounding immigration.