The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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‘Severance’ and the Trauma of the Bullshit Job

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Entertainment Workplace Society Media
  1. The show 'Severance' highlights the frustration many people feel about their jobs, especially the long hours spent in a dull office.
  2. In 'Severance', employees have a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, creating two different versions of themselves.
  3. The concept of 'severance' raises an interesting question: Would you want to forget your work life completely if you could?

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2583 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Government Society Current Events
  1. There is an upcoming livestream called 'America This Week' tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. People can join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn as they discuss important stories from last week.
  2. During the livestream, they will also look back at 2024 and share predictions for 2025. This includes talking about how a second Trump administration might change the media landscape.
  3. The hosts expressed their appreciation for the support they've received from their audience over the years and shared their excitement for what’s coming in 2025.

Two podcasts

Jérôme à Paris • 72 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Education Entertainment Finance Environment
  1. I recently spoke at two different events: one about offshore wind finance and another on renewable energy investment.
  2. The presentation on offshore wind finance can be found on YouTube, but it's in French.
  3. The podcast on renewable energy investment is available in English and discusses how investors can approach this market.

Small P Podcasting

offscript • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Audio Content Communication Media Friendship Culture
  1. Podcasting can be a fun way for friends to stay connected, even when they can't talk frequently. Creating podcasts can help maintain close friendships and share experiences over time.
  2. Having a podcast doesn't mean you want to be famous or better than others. It's just a new way of expressing yourself and sharing thoughts with a small group.
  3. As technology changes, more people will see podcasting as normal and accessible, similar to how writing and blogging have become common. Everyone can have a voice now, not just professionals.
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On Mary and the Mob

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5332 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Media Identity Politics Art
  1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Jewish, and it's important to acknowledge her heritage. Denying this fact is seen as foolish or antisemitic.
  2. There is a current controversy over the casting of a Jewish actress to play Mary in a Netflix film. Some people are upset that an Israeli Jew was chosen for the role.
  3. The debate around the film reflects a broader conflict and misinformation about Israel and Palestine. Many narratives surrounding this issue are manipulated to serve certain political agendas.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.

The Weaponization Czar

Thinking about... • 683 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Law Media Politics Russia
  1. Ed Martin has been appointed as the 'weaponization czar' to use the law against Americans, which is seen as a move towards authoritarianism. His role focuses on intimidating and punishing people who haven't committed any crimes.
  2. Martin has connections with Russian propaganda outlets and has aligned his views with those of Trump, creating a troubling overlap between American politics and Russian interests. This connection shows how dangerous authoritarian practices can spread.
  3. The appointment of someone like Martin raises concerns about the growing influence of foreign propaganda in U.S. politics and highlights the need to recognize the reality of such connections in understanding current political events.

The Animation Trove That Keeps Growing

Animation Obsessive • 10494 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Media
  1. The Zagreb School of Animation has restored many classic cartoons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, making them available in high quality on YouTube. These cartoons are unique for their adult themes and artistic styles, breaking away from traditional children's animation.
  2. The success of the animated film _Nezha 2_ has set new box office records in China, surpassing $1 billion in just ten days. Its unprecedented popularity showcases a growing trend in animated films capturing massive audiences and financial success.
  3. Animation production in places like Yugoslavia and China reflects a strong spirit of creativity and boundary-pushing, with artists working together and exploring unconventional ideas, even in challenging circumstances.

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

Big Technology • 6380 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Trump Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

Cyborg Baby

Default Wisdom • 706 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Society Media Psychology
  1. Adderall and heavy internet use can change how people think and feel. They can make emotions flat and cause mood swings.
  2. There's a shift in writing styles today compared to the past, with longer and more emotional pieces becoming popular. These essays often focus on being authentic rather than just sharing ideas.
  3. The idea of mixing human DNA with robots raises interesting questions about the future of humanity and technology. It's a thought that's worth exploring more deeply.

Episode 189 Pt I

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Politics Health Entertainment
  1. There were technical issues that caused half an hour of the show to be lost, including important debate analysis. The hosts plan to redo it and offer more content soon.
  2. Residents in Springfield, Ohio, are expressing concerns about a large influx of Haitian immigrants and how it affects their community.
  3. A guest discusses the issues of responsibility among gay men concerning health risks linked to promiscuity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and personal accountability.

The Photos That Exposed Biden’s Lies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2402 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political theory Political parties Media
  1. Official photos have been released showing Joe Biden meeting with his son Hunter's business associates in China. This goes against Biden's previous claims that he never met these partners.
  2. Hunter Biden was involved with BHR Partners, which received significant funding from Chinese entities, and he held a 10 percent stake in this company until at least 2017.
  3. Joe Biden has consistently denied discussing business matters with Hunter or meeting his associates, even when confronted about evidence to the contrary.

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the Art of the Smear

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Celebrity Justice Social Issues
  1. Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he organized a smear campaign against her. This has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy for her situation.
  2. The case brings up questions about the complexity of such accusations, especially given how media often portrays men as villains and women as victims in Hollywood.
  3. Amid all the drama, it's important to remember that there are often multiple sides to every story, and not everything is as clear-cut as it seems.

The “Trump Is a Master Negotiator” Myth Should Die, Be Encased in Cement, and Sunk to the Bottom of the Ocean

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Negotiation Foreign Policy Media Government
  1. The idea that Trump is a great negotiator is not true and needs to be put to rest. His tactics often seem more like intimidation than skillful negotiation.
  2. Trump's attempt to pressure Ukraine for a deal was like trying to force someone to buy something at a ridiculous price, and it backfired.
  3. Despite the controversial methods, a new agreement between the US and Ukraine is happening, but the morality of shaking down a struggling country is a big concern.

TOO MANY SUBSCRIPTIONS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 281 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Media Public Policy Political News Bureaucracy
  1. The federal government has spent $44 million on POLITICO subscriptions since 2017. This spending comes from various agencies, showing a trend of reliance on paid news sources.
  2. The White House, especially under Biden, dramatically increased its spending on subscriptions, reaching $7.8 million in 2023. This raises questions about efficiency and whether multiple officials need separate subscriptions.
  3. Many people are skeptical about supporting media outlets with tax dollars, especially when there are many who already don't trust these sources. It's worth considering if the government should be funding private news businesses at all.

How Hollywood streamers should work with YouTubers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Marketing Advertising Content creation Streaming
  1. Hollywood streamers are looking to collaborate more with popular YouTubers, especially for unscripted projects. They might save money by licensing existing creators' content rather than creating new shows.
  2. Facebook groups are filling the gap left by local newspapers, providing communities with news and updates. However, these groups might lack the accuracy and depth of professional journalism.
  3. TikTok, especially BookTok, is driving more people to visit physical bookstores like Barnes & Noble. It's interesting how the platform encourages in-person shopping instead of just online sales.

The Gillespie Immigration Interview

Bet On It • 35 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Interviews Trump Policy Media
  1. The interview took place in a very cold basement right after Trump's inauguration. It was a fun experience despite the freezing temperatures.
  2. The discussion centered around immigration and its importance. The speakers were eager to share their views on how immigration can benefit society.
  3. A video of the full interview was shared for others to enjoy. It highlights the engaging conversation between the participants.

Was the UHC assassin a "pro"?

Read Max • 4215 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Violence Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. There is a lot of debate online about whether the person who killed the UHC CEO was a skilled professional or just someone angry with the company. This shows how people are fascinated by the idea of hitmen and assassins.
  2. Most of the discussions about assassins come from movies and TV shows, not real life. Many people who talk about being 'cool gun guys' often have no real experience but love consuming action-packed media.
  3. The myth of hitmen being like the ones in movies may influence some to try and act like them. However, real-life hitmen are quite different from fiction, and trying to hire one is likely to lead to trouble.

Reasons to Calm Down about China

Nonzero Newsletter • 406 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Public Opinion Media
  1. Americans often exaggerate threats from other countries, which can lead to unnecessary panic. It's important to take a step back and evaluate these fears critically.
  2. The current worries about China's growing power are similar to past concerns about other countries. History often shows that these fears can be overblown.
  3. Calming down about perceived threats can lead to a sense of peace and better decision-making. It's okay to question the intensity of current anxieties.

2.8k

Ali's Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media Content creation Social Platforms Digital Identity
  1. YouTube videos can stay relevant for a long time, unlike posts on other social media that quickly disappear.
  2. Creating videos helps build trust with your audience and shows your true self, making you stand out.
  3. Vlogging can be challenging but rewarding, especially when you think about leaving a lasting mark for future generations.

On Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the problem of ketamine

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Figures Health Issues Media Social Commentary
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have very different personalities and styles. Musk is focused on big, visionary goals, while Trump is more about managing perceptions and negotiating.
  2. Musk's recent comments about Trump crossing a line with Epstein claims seem impulsive and may not be backed by solid evidence. This could damage Musk's reputation instead of helping him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's drug use, especially ketamine, which could be affecting his behavior negatively. People worry he might need help managing his stress and responsibilities.

What We Learned This Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2805 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Media Politics Art Philosophy
  1. Tuning out distractions and staying focused on important work can lead to positive results, as shown by efforts to improve safety and create jobs.
  2. Apathy is a major threat to open societies, highlighting the need for active participation in institutions that shape our future.
  3. Vigilance and resilience are crucial. Protecting ourselves and recognizing threats is important for safety and freedom.

The Monday Media Diet with Jasmine Sun

Why is this interesting? • 4222 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Technology Travel Lifestyle
  1. A varied media diet is important. It's good to consume information from different sources instead of just what algorithms choose for you.
  2. Books can offer deep insights. Reading across genres, like fiction and nonfiction, can help understand complex societal issues better.
  3. Curiosity about subcultures can spark creativity. Exploring unique groups and ideas can inspire new perspectives and work.

[Captured] Caddy-wack, Chyron the spectrum, and tampons at Meta

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Politics Entertainment Social Issues
  1. America's perspectives seem to have shifted, as some now cheer for the wealthy and powerful instead of supporting the underdog.
  2. It would be handy if we labeled people's conversations with details like their medications for better understanding, just like political labels do.
  3. It's great to see women making progress, as it shows how far feminism has come over the years.

Why Substack is trying to lure in TikTok creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Creators Advertising Digital Transformation Content Strategy
  1. Substack is aiming to attract TikTok creators by offering a $20 million fund to help them transition to the platform without losing money. This shows their desire to expand beyond just newsletters into multimedia content.
  2. Progressive media outlets might benefit from creating more non-political content to engage a broader audience. Mixing politics with entertainment could reach viewers who wouldn't typically seek out political content.
  3. The New Yorker has successfully transitioned to digital by becoming profitable and expanding its staff. This success story highlights how legacy media can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

This Week's Podcast Ep is REALLY Good + Friday Open Chaos Thread

Culture Study • 1679 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Media Social Issues Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Therapy speak is becoming more common in conversations, especially on social media, and includes terms like 'boundaries' and 'shadow work.'
  2. The podcast discusses how to approach New Year's resolutions in a balanced way, avoiding extremes of hustle culture or vague therapy language.
  3. An Open Chaos Thread allows people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive, yet freeform, environment.

Fix Your Hearts or Die!: A Short Ode to David Lynch (RIP)

Counter Craft • 910 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Tribute Media Music
  1. David Lynch was a visionary artist whose work greatly influenced American cinema and television. His shows and films changed how we think about storytelling in media.
  2. Lynch blended different tones in his art, mixing horror with humor and beauty. This combination made his work feel real and relatable.
  3. Even in death, Lynch's legacy lives on through his art, which captures the complexity of life and human emotions. His stories remind us of the beauty and mystery of existence.

The Raunchy Right Has Triumphed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Political culture Media Society Trends
  1. A new MAGA-themed pinup calendar has been released, showing a shift in American culture influenced by conservative ideas.
  2. The calendar is promoted as a symbol of a 'golden age' by the company behind it, reflecting their political stance.
  3. This is part of a larger trend where conservative themes are becoming more prominent in pop culture and marketing.

The Monday Media Diet with Ayo Fagbemi

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Design Art Travel Technology
  1. Combining timely and timeless information is important for staying updated without being overwhelmed. It's good to pick what you consume thoughtfully rather than mindlessly scrolling.
  2. Listening to podcasts and reading books are great ways to learn. Choosing insightful content helps understand complex topics better, like AI and Crypto.
  3. Following your curiosity can lead to fun discoveries. Getting lost in interesting interviews and street-style content can open your mind to new perspectives.

Evangelicals for Trump? It's Not About Religion

Steady • 28774 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Religion Society Polling Media
  1. Evangelicals support Trump not necessarily because of religion but for reasons like opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
  2. Despite Trump's personal controversies, many white evangelical Christians see him as a savior figure saving the country from perceived threats.
  3. There is a shift in evangelical priorities, with church attendance declining and political identity becoming more significant.

Movie Recommendations: 3 Wordless Features

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Recommendations Cinema Media
  1. Recommending good movies is important because it helps people discover great films instead of just focusing on negative critiques. It shows that you care about what you love and want to share it with others.
  2. Wordless movies can tell powerful stories through visuals and music alone, making them relatable to everyone regardless of language. This opens up new ways for filmmakers to connect with audiences worldwide.
  3. The success of wordless films highlights the need for movies that are unique and confident, pushing filmmakers to create innovative content rather than just following trends.

CUcommunity vs. the Intruder From Harvard

Default Wisdom • 29 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Fashion Music Art Literature Media
  1. Rehan's early years were shaped by the vibrant and experimental nature of the early Internet. It was a time full of new challenges and opportunities.
  2. Growing up in a mostly white community as a person of color brought unique experiences and perspectives for Rehan. These experiences influenced his understanding of identity and belonging.
  3. The story highlights the tension between local communities and outside influences, particularly from prestigious institutions like Harvard. This represents the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity.

A quieter phone

Silentium • 199 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Wellness Media Art Design
  1. A quieter phone can help bring more peace into your life. Reducing distractions allows you to focus better.
  2. Quiet wallpapers can serve as a gentle reminder to seek calmness. They can enhance your phone's look while promoting tranquility.
  3. Taking time for silence can lead to better mental health. Embracing quiet moments can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Election Update 3: Self-Injury Watch On

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5628 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Media Polling Political Commentary
  1. Watching political TV can feel overwhelming and stressful for many people. It often highlights negative news and can be quite draining.
  2. Election updates show a mix of moods, with both excitement and worry among different voter groups. The shifting results lead to a lot of anxiety and chatter on social media.
  3. Different states are reporting varied results, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability during election nights. People are looking for any signs of good news amidst the tensions.