The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Episode 100-Happy New Year!

Disaffected Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Katie Porter, a California Democrat, fired a staffer who she claims exposed her to Covid, affecting her ability to care for her children.
  2. The episode includes fun stories about the host's past, like his experiences as a young gay boy and engaging in prank calls.
  3. There's a unique segment on kerosene lighting, featuring live demonstrations to showcase how it works.

Nadella's endgame

SuperJoost Playlist • 238 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Microsoft under Satya Nadella wants to move away from console exclusives, but market competition dictates otherwise.
  2. Some critics fear Microsoft's acquisition will lead to issues similar to Hollywood, especially in terms of rising consumer prices and lack of options for creatives.
  3. In the gaming industry, the rise of free-to-play multiplayer games is changing the traditional content-selling model, posing new challenges and opportunities.

Data arithmetic

benn.substack • 536 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. In analyzing data, focus on simple steps like observing trends, hypothesizing causes, and adjusting actions.
  2. Data interpretation doesn't have to be complex; sometimes, a straightforward approach is enough.
  3. In the world of marketing, brands can face challenges when unexpected people endorse their products.

Outside's lazy, fragile editors embrace ignorance and irresponsibility while blaming the world for their self-imposed anxieties and mental disarray

Beck of the Pack • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Outside editors are criticized for embracing ignorance and blaming others for their mental issues
  2. Corporate publications aim to shift blame for psychological distress onto external factors
  3. Critique is given on the quality and messaging of mental health articles published by Outside publications
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

What's got my attention this week #15

The Shift With Sam Baker • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The writer curates a weekly round-up of interesting articles, providing links to thought-provoking pieces on various topics like fashion, friendships, and menopause.
  2. There's a focus on critical issues like retouched magazine covers, the environmental impact of returns, and the relationship dynamics affecting friendships.
  3. Notable mentions include Naomi Klein's new book, the impact of menopause on income, and insights into the fashion industry's approach to clothing sizes and fits.

Episode 102: Put Up or Shut Up

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Ontario's psychology board is putting pressure on Jordan Peterson, asking him to write a public letter to keep his license. This has raised concerns about freedom of speech and professional integrity.
  2. An activist group called Gays Against Groomers is raising alarms about the dangers of transitioning minors, likening it to Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy, which has sparked significant debate.
  3. There is growing fear in society about things like gas cookstoves, showing how easy it is for people to panic and stop thinking critically about issues.

Michelle Pfeiffer Needs Help?

The Better Letter • 137 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Media
  1. Even though Michelle Pfeiffer looked perfect, she needed a lot of help to appear perfect
  2. Managing expectations is crucial - both in beauty standards and in investments
  3. Expectations of high returns in investments are often unrealistic and can lead to unhappiness

The Best Rabbit Holes of 2025

Creative Destruction • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Digital technology and AI are changing how we think and relate to information, often flattening ideas, breaking links between sources, and leaving people feeling mentally dulled or detached from reality.
  2. The coming period will reward friction, resilience, and alternative systems — build community-first, regenerative, and care-focused practices to escape surveillance and extractive power.
  3. Creative reframings and metaphors (like magic realism, communal dreaming, or the ‘everything becomes crab’ idea) give new ways to understand our situation and inspire imaginative, humane paths forward.

I Have No Mouth and I Must Stream

Default Wisdom • 222 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Social media creates power struggles similar to medieval fiefdoms, where individuals desire commercial recognition and control rather than just attention.
  2. People often sacrifice their well-being for online popularity, blurring the lines between personal suffering and entertainment for audiences.
  3. As technology advances, there’s a growing concern about becoming obsolete or 'redundant', leading to anxiety about our roles in a future dominated by AI and big data.

21 Questions for the Second Half of 2023

Next in Media • 137 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Media
  1. The post discusses 21 questions for the second half of 2023, covering topics like Google's fate, AI reality, and media mergers.
  2. There was talk about a programming initiative at Cannes, and the author shared podcasts from the event.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Next in Media for more articles and a 7-day free trial.

Emilia Benton—having been ratioed and smacked down—responds with a non-answer and dismisses legitimate questions as "trolling"

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Emilia Benton dismisses legitimate questions as 'trolling' in response to criticism
  2. There is debate on the integrity of Emilia Benton's accusations and the situation around photos and tweets.
  3. The post raises questions about the validity and impact of media narratives and societal attitudes.

The Wokish people of running are hostile, cowardly, and ruthlessly stupid even by the standards of the faith

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The post criticizes certain behaviors in the running community, highlighting issues like cancel culture and extremism.
  2. It discusses the impact of Wokism on different aspects of society, such as running, journalism, and societal norms.
  3. The text shares personal anecdotes and opinions on specific individuals, shedding light on conflicts and controversies within various communities.

Subscriber giveaway – March 2023

Murray Bridge News • 137 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💼 Business Media
  1. Murray Bridge News offers a monthly subscriber giveaway with prizes like a signed novel, DVDs, and merchandise.
  2. To participate, upgrade to a paid subscription or maintain an existing one before the deadline.
  3. Supporting Murray Bridge News helps fund local storytelling and gives you a chance to win prizes.

Weekly Wednesday: Pottersville

Deprogram • 137 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Religious organizations are prone to exploiting labor, especially among the devoted followers.
  2. Local cults with hidden agendas can infiltrate communities through seemingly harmless outlets like fast food chains and obscure ministries.
  3. Vigilance is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful ideologies and control tactics within communities.

These are the people in my neighborhood!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The writer describes quirky characters in their neighborhood, giving them playful names and personalities. Each character has unique likes and dislikes that reflect their traits.
  2. One character, 'Toine', seems confident and focused on their appearance, while another character, Velma, has a tough, rebellious vibe with a strong stance against meat-eaters.
  3. The descriptions include humor and exaggeration, making the neighborhood feel vibrant and full of life, even in mundane settings like a grocery store.

Media regurgitates fake news from US spies, risking World War III with Russia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Top Western media outlets published false information about Russia attacking Poland based on an unsupported claim from a US intelligence official, potentially escalating tensions between nuclear superpowers.
  2. The Associated Press was a key actor in amplifying the unsubstantiated claim, leading to international repercussions that could result in military conflicts.
  3. This incident highlights the close relationship between mainstream media and US intelligence agencies, demonstrating how false narratives can be spread to serve political interests.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Making a list of 100 things that made your year can help reflect on the good moments. It's a nice way to appreciate the little things in life.
  2. Sharing favorite quotes can be a fun way to connect with others and find more inspiration. It shows how words can impact us differently.
  3. Setting resolutions doesn't have to be stressful. You can choose simple challenges, or even opt to take a break and just be for a while.

My Interest in Affordability Isn't Based on Anyone’s Sob Story

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Economic data show many young people are financially better off than earlier generations, but the public conversation treats affordability as a crisis.
  2. Anecdotes from well-paid young adults get amplified and make it seem like upward mobility is dead, even when the statistics disagree.
  3. The mismatch partly comes from distorted perspective and nostalgia for an idealized past. Visible spending on nonessentials also skews perception and fuels the story.

Spread cheer!

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 24 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading good books is important. Some favorites this year included 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff and 'The Master and his Emissary' by Iain McGilchrist.
  2. Celebrating the lives and works of great writers is valuable. Remembering Eve Babitz and Joan Didion highlights the impact of their writing.
  3. Finding joy and comfort in art, like playing video games or listening to music, can really help us relax and feel better.

DOJ/FBI: There's nothing on Epstein.

The Reactionary • 72 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The DOJ and FBI claim they found no evidence against uncharged individuals in the Epstein case, raising questions about their thoroughness. It's hard to believe they couldn't find anything given the volume of evidence on Epstein.
  2. They reported that Epstein harmed over a thousand victims, primarily through serious crimes like sex trafficking. This suggests he was charged with fewer crimes than he should have been.
  3. The investigation turned up a large amount of disturbing material, including videos and images of child abuse. This shines a light on a significant issue in how these cases are handled by federal authorities.

A Year of Ukrainian "Collapse" Narratives:

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Many media stories claimed that Ukraine was about to collapse during the war, painting a very negative picture of their situation.
  2. These repeated negative narratives can be harmful, influencing people's perceptions and possibly decisions regarding support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the media's alarming predictions, Ukraine has continued to resist and fight back against Russian advances.

The Sexy Alien, the Blair Witch and the Rejected Hunter

Textual Variations • 198 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. _Alien Resurrection_ is a unique film that combines surreal visuals with erotic themes. It's different from typical horror movies and stands out for its strange and beautiful imagery.
  2. The movie emphasizes mood and feelings over traditional storytelling, making it feel more like a dream than a straightforward narrative. This artistic choice adds to its weirdness.
  3. Despite mixed reviews over the years, many argue that _Alien Resurrection_ deserves more appreciation and can be seen as the third best movie in the Alien franchise. It plays with themes that push boundaries in cinema.

Is He Crazy?

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many people on TV try to explain Vladimir Putin's behavior in the war but often use unreliable sources.
  2. Some are just sharing ideas from his official biography or propaganda.
  3. Masha Gessen, a knowledgeable journalist, offers a deeper understanding of Putin's mindset.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 464 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The author shared 15 things they consumed in a week, including an article on anxiety by Lauren Oyler from The New Yorker.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content behind a paywall.
  3. The author had trouble sending the post due to technical issues with Substack, showcasing the challenges of online platforms.

kitten corner: scooping the media

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Democratic National Committee is not planning to buy CNN. They feel like they've owned it long enough and it hasn't worked well.
  2. An insider shared a funny quote about Anderson Cooper, suggesting it's time for someone else to deal with him.
  3. This is an ongoing story that has people curious about the future of CNN and how it will change hands.

The Banality of Jeffrey Epstein

Unpopular Front • 64 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Some people believe Jeffrey Epstein likely committed suicide due to the shame and guilt he faced while in prison. He had always lived a life of luxury and vice, and isolation may have driven him to despair.
  2. The philosopher Aristotle noted that bad people struggle with self-reflection and tend to feel regret. Epstein, having to confront his actions alone, may have found that state unbearable.
  3. Epstein's past behavior and his level of greed suggest he was deeply troubled. Feeling trapped and without support, he might have seen suicide as a way out of his situation.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 24

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Recording progress in skills can show how much you improve over time. For example, one person showed that after 2,000 hours of piano practice, he became a great pianist.
  2. It's important to create original work rather than just capturing what others do. Embracing this mindset can lead to greater creativity and success.
  3. Cheating can happen in even the most unexpected places, like in a conker championship, which shows the importance of fair play in competitions.

This Week in Marketing: Pinterest vs. Snap, Meta's scam ads, AI Search, and teen safety in 2025

The Social Juice • 22 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Pinterest's user growth was strong, but its stock took a big hit due to lower ad revenue from tariffs. It's important for companies to adapt their strategies in response to changing market conditions.
  2. Meta is making a lot of money from scam ads, which raises concerns about trust and integrity in digital advertising. Brands need to be careful about where they invest their marketing dollars.
  3. Discord is focusing on teen safety by introducing new features, showing that companies are becoming more aware of their responsibilities to protect young users online.

Of Course They're Reusing The Iraq War Playbook. It Worked.

JoeWrote • 79 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Politicians are using the same strategies from the Iraq War because they worked well for them before. They aren't forgetting their past; they're repeating what was successful.
  2. Many people believe the Iraq War was a failure, but those who supported it don't see it that way. They see the destruction as necessary to show power.
  3. There's a lack of accountability for leaders who led the Iraq War. Until there's real consequences for these actions, the cycle of repeating historical mistakes is likely to continue.

Notes on Chapter 25

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Media
  1. Meeting discussions often become unproductive when everyone tries to push their own favorite features instead of focusing on what's best for the product. Clear decision-making is essential to avoid mediocrity.
  2. Successful product development requires someone in charge who can confidently say 'no' to less important ideas, making it easier to prioritize essential features.
  3. Media strategy can be very effective when interviews are used to direct the conversation toward key topics, allowing for a more focused and engaging presentation.