The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Trump is Toast

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many Republicans and former allies are turning against Trump, with more people wanting him charged for his actions on January 6th. This shift shows a growing backlash against him within the party.
  2. Trump's media support is fading as even his previous supporters in major networks are criticizing him. This lack of defense from prominent figures is damaging to his reputation.
  3. While Trump is facing a slump in popularity, there is concern that new radical Republican candidates could emerge, potentially continuing his influence in a different form. It's important to monitor and combat any extremist movements that may rise.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 29

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Starbucks has become a popular hangout for teens, offering sweet drinks and a cozy space. This shift has changed its image but raises questions about health and habits.
  2. Running can be addictive for some people, leading to a mindset where they feel they can keep going without limits. It’s important to reflect on the motivations behind such activities.
  3. A video from The Verge explores why cassette and CD players are still bulky despite advancements in technology, revealing some interesting insights about design trends.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 36

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. McDonald's self-service kiosks led to customers ordering more food than before. This shows technology can improve sales instead of just replacing workers.
  2. A piece explored how skillets are important during evacuations, highlighting their cultural and practical significance. It's a reminder of how everyday items can carry deeper meanings.
  3. An article showcased industrial photographer Christopher Payne's work, celebrating American labor. It emphasizes the beauty and honor in various types of work.

In which insane German delusions about the near-certainty of a Harris presidency are dashed on the rocks of Trump's decisive victory

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 322 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Donald Trump won the election by a large margin, securing more votes and sweeping key states. This shows a significant shift in voter support compared to previous elections.
  2. Media coverage leading up to the election was heavily biased and failed to accurately predict the outcome. Many people were misled by false narratives about the competitiveness of the race.
  3. The reaction from German officials and media after the election reveals their misunderstanding of American politics. They underestimated Trump's chances and overestimated Harris's appeal.
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'The Biggest Problems in Legacy Media:' A Conversation With Chris Hedges and Hasan Piker

The Chris Hedges Report • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Legacy media often struggles to cover important issues, leading to misinformation and a lack of public understanding.
  2. The ongoing situation in Gaza is a significant topic that needs more attention and compassion from both media and the public.
  3. There is a growing concern that the U.S. is moving towards authoritarianism, which requires vigilant critique from society.

Building the next generation of media brands on Substack

Substack • 593 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Substack has introduced new themes and search options to help creators customize their publications. This means writers can make their sites look different and more engaging.
  2. Improved search features allow readers to find specific content quickly. Now, they can easily search for topics or authors across all posts.
  3. The Bulwark, a successful Substack publication, moved its entire site to Substack to take advantage of these new features and saw a significant increase in subscribers and revenue.

Vol. 2, Issue 8 - Pokémon Legends Celebi: A Concept

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A new Pokémon game idea called 'Pokémon Legends: Celebi' blends elements from previous successful games, set in ancient Johto. Players explore the rich backstory while engaging with new and classic Pokémon.
  2. The game features exciting gameplay where players calm rampaging Pokémon and face off against a villainous group, drawing on the history and legends of the Johto region.
  3. Puzzles and quests sprinkled throughout the game encourage exploration and problem-solving, enhancing player experience and connecting players to Pokémon lore.

All on our own

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There was a time when people felt more connected and shared a common culture. It felt like things were simpler and more hopeful back then.
  2. People today often feel isolated and disconnected, being seen more as online personas rather than real individuals.
  3. For those feeling alone now, there's a recognition that it's okay to walk that path and share in that experience.

Somehow They Filmed a Movie From Inside My Internet-Addled Brain

Michael Tracey • 88 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The movie 'Eddington' effectively captures the chaotic nature of our online lives and how it spills into real life. It portrays how people get lost in social media and feel detached from reality.
  2. Joaquin Phoenix's character is complex and reflects contemporary political themes without endorsing any particular viewpoint. The film shows the absurdity of online behaviors and their real-world consequences.
  3. The film's representation of events like protests and conspiracy theories mirrors the strange and wild experience of recent years. It connects the dots between internet culture and current social issues in a unique way.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

Aaron Mate • 256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

T.V. Digest #23 Reveals the Paid Tier

Textual Variations • 66 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A new paid subscription option is available for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year, giving access to some older articles behind a paywall.
  2. The publication schedule will be flexible and inconsistent, with posts coming out when there's time and inspiration instead of on a regular basis.
  3. Recent updates include new content and discussions around various topics, such as films and viewer sensitivity to violence.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's easy to think that the world is a scary place. Many people feel this way sometimes.
  2. Often, the negativity we see around us is caused by our own attitudes and perspectives.
  3. Changing how we think can help us see things more positively and reduce fear.

The media and our thinking

Douglass’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📰 News Media
  1. Media focuses less on climate change and more on other topics like politics and finance.
  2. Consumers may not be getting the full picture from the media.
  3. Urgent topics like climate change and potential collapse are not receiving adequate attention.

A Brutal Invasion: Hidden Values and Two 20-Year Anniversaries

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Different language and judgmental terms are used in the media when reporting on civilian casualties of different events, showcasing potential biases and hidden values.
  2. The media coverage on the victims of the September 11 attacks differs significantly from the reporting on victims of the Iraq War, revealing inconsistencies in how humanizing language is applied.
  3. There is a call for more honest and inclusive reporting in the news media and political discourse about the events of the Iraq War, urging for a broader and objective portrayal of facts and perspectives.

What's got my attention this week #9

The Shift With Sam Baker • 179 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Join the #ILookMyAge campaign to change the narrative about age and beauty.
  2. Explore articles and interviews about being in your 40s and 50s for insightful perspectives.
  3. Consider breaking the habit of saying sorry for a month and reflect on the concept of mindfulness without relying on apps.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is more about the human cost of espionage than the spy work itself. It shows how pressure and ambition can wear people down and impact their lives.
  2. The series emphasizes the theme of waste, highlighting how many characters dedicate their lives to ideals without any reward. Their struggles often lead to feelings of emptiness and loss.
  3. While George Smiley and others navigate a morally gray world, the show suggests that maintaining one's dignity and doing your best work can be meaningful, even if the larger system feels corrupt.

The Words of War

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Mainstream war reporting often uses vague euphemisms and jargon, which can obscure the true impact of conflict on human lives.
  2. The language we use around war matters, as it can shape perceptions and beliefs. It's recommended to use direct language that accurately reflects the reality of warfare.
  3. It's important to be conscious of how we attribute responsibility in discussions of war, avoiding language that masks the true agents of violence and destruction.

Unboxing videos, cover quotes, acknowledgement pages

The Leftovers • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Unboxing videos, cover quotes, and acknowledgment pages in the Anglophone scene are criticized in the post for being disliked authorial rituals.
  2. The author started the day with reflection and writing, but an encounter with an unboxing video led to an angry rant about aspects of the contemporary literary scene.
  3. Subscribers need a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives on The Leftovers.

The DisInformation Chronicle Welcomes You to 2025

The DisInformation Chronicle • 245 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The publication has over 31,000 readers and aims to expose corruption and misinformation in the media and government. It's always important to stay informed about what's really happening around us.
  2. Recent stories cover topics like political manipulation, censorship, and the effectiveness of masks, suggesting there are many hidden truths in the current narrative.
  3. The community is encouraged to support the publication through paid subscriptions, as this helps it to continue growing and uncovering more important stories.

How I passed the time in 2024

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading can be deeply enjoyable and offers a chance to dive into complex thoughts and stories. It brings unique insights and can inspire new ways of thinking.
  2. Music from unique artists like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman can create memorable experiences with its catchy lyrics and emotional depth. There's a sense of connection through their creative expressions.
  3. Meeting new people, even online, can lead to meaningful friendships. These connections enhance our lives and help us feel less alone.

Mass Affect: War and the Global Synchronisation of Emotions

Paroxysms • 499 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The integration of mass media, politics, and military actions has led to the creation of media spectacles like televised beach landings, showcasing the power of live television to shape global events.
  2. The real-time nature of social media and smartphone technology has revolutionized warzone visibility, allowing for the instantaneous transmission of combat footage and fostering a sense of tele-objectivity.
  3. Global emotional synchronisation through mass spectator events and online platforms has become a powerful force, influencing collective emotions and shaping global consciousness around significant events like the war in Ukraine.

Should You Watch People Die

Regress Studies • 176 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There is a difference between witnessing war and seeking out death for personal satisfaction.
  2. Social media can worsen our consumption of war as content, leading to desensitization.
  3. The concept of 'bearing witness' to human suffering can be complex and may not always have a clear moral imperative.

Happy birthday to us

London in Bits • 176 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. London in Bits is celebrating its two-year anniversary
  2. The newsletter started due to a lack of credible alternative media sources
  3. Readers are being thanked with extended subscriptions and free content

Pouch is now available for preorder!

vrk loves paper • 99 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Pouch is available for preorder, and it's an indie magazine for paper lovers. The first issue has 22 pages and is set to ship around April/May 2024.
  2. The author is excited yet curious about how people will receive Pouch. They've put a lot of love and effort into this project, and it's a big milestone for them.
  3. A new zine store called Pouch Cafe is also launching, selling their various zines. They feel more legit as a zine maker now that they have a store, even if they sell zero zines.

🐬 Reality Is What You Make of It 🐬

Default Wisdom • 251 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Cultural trends take time to develop and evolve. They don't just start and finish within a single year.
  2. There's a growing belief that our thoughts and imaginations can shape reality. Many people are exploring ideas like manifestation and online connections in more spiritual ways.
  3. Political landscapes are changing, with a mix of niche ideologies emerging. People are labeling themselves more based on aesthetics rather than clear political beliefs.

The Monday Media Diet with Kelsey Keith

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Kelsey Keith, brand creative director for Herman Miller, describes her varied background in editing design and architecture publications.
  2. Her media diet includes a mix of work-related and personal interest subscriptions like AD Pro, New Yorker, and Bloomberg Business Week.
  3. She recommends lesser-known writers like Stephanie Madewell and Fred Nicolaus, and praises the app Libby for library downloads on Kindle.

The right kind of outrage

Social Warming by Charles Arthur • 98 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A TV drama can emotionally engage and prompt outrage more effectively than factual news reports.
  2. Moral outrage plays an important role in pointing out and addressing injustice in society.
  3. Social media outrage can be overwhelming, but when channeled effectively, it can lead to positive change.

The Monday Media Diet with Ashtyn Butoso

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Ashtyn Butoso is a creative who loves sports and media, and she enjoys a mix of writing, video production, and freelance work. She's also passionate about animal rights and often indulges in various forms of media.
  2. She has a diverse media diet, including newsletters, podcasts, and local NYC content. She particularly enjoys work by Josh Gondelman and Hanif Abduraqib, showcasing her love for both humor and deep storytelling.
  3. Ashtyn recommends everyone visit Porto, Portugal, as it's an underrated gem. She also emphasizes the importance of attending WNBA games to appreciate the uniqueness of the experience.

The Unreal Thing

The Ruffian • 294 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Coca-Cola's new Christmas ad was created using AI technology, marking a shift in how ads are made. This involves using tools that help creative teams visualize ideas much faster than before.
  2. The process of making the ad felt more like software development than traditional filmmaking. This new method allows for quick drafts, which can speed up the entire creative process.
  3. Overall, the integration of AI in the creative industries could change how we think about creating art and media, making it more efficient but also raising questions about creativity.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 26

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Russia has fined Google an insane amount of money, more than all the money in the world combined. This shows how serious they are about controlling tech companies.
  2. There’s a deep connection between the anime 'Perfect Blue' and the film 'Requiem for a Dream,' offering a unique history worth exploring. Both works have intriguing themes that many people appreciate.
  3. Crows have strong memories and can hold grudges, sometimes even mistaking others for their enemies. This behavior highlights how intelligent and complex these birds are.

How to "not try too hard" | #48

The Pole • 79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Making videos that people pay big money for requires good taste and understanding how to evoke feelings through art.
  2. Good taste involves accurately modeling reality, understanding feelings, and mapping them effectively.
  3. Trying too hard in creative pursuits can lead to inauthentic outcomes; building good taste by observing and understanding is key.

Curator

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There's a cultural shift where therapy and acting classes are now influenced by performance, politics, and social justice, which can lead to people feeling pressured rather than genuinely understood.
  2. Art has become bland and unoriginal, often falling into the trap of needing to fit into institutional standards, instead of embracing creativity and individuality.
  3. The Great Resignation reflects a change in how people see work; many are valuing their time and personal interests more than just traditional job expectations.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 93 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. We should recognize and appreciate ordinary people who do extraordinary things. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed but make a big impact.
  2. Taking action on your own can create change, especially when you see a problem that needs fixing. It's important to step up and do what you can.
  3. Supporting each other and sharing stories about these heroes can inspire more people to take action and help out in their communities. Everyone can contribute in their own way.

Fall in the Family

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Certain violent events and the political reactions to them can act as archetypal signs that reveal shifts in the collective psyche.
  2. A mainstream cultural figure can stand for an older liberal, secular vision of America—social mobility, pluralism, and civility—that now feels like a fading, outdated ideal.
  3. These deaths combined with an extreme political response signal a broader collapse of civic discourse and the rise of authoritarian impulses, marking an unsettling threshold in public life.

What Now?

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The firing of leaders in institutions won't bring significant change, just push issues underground.
  2. Some well-known figures are starting to realize the flaws in institutions they trusted before.
  3. Conservatism values individual rights, limited government, rule of law, and a market-based economy.