The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The World In Fragments

KERFUFFLE • 43 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. It's tough to focus on family and real life when news of serious events often pulls our attention. Sometimes, it's okay to pay attention to important news, especially during times of crisis.
  2. Today, we receive major news mixed in with less important content in a distracting way. This blurs the line between serious issues and everyday gossip, making it hard to feel the impact of what we see.
  3. Many leaders may be out of touch with real-life events due to their engagement with social media. This raises questions about whether world events are driven by real needs or by the desire for online approval.

💁‍♀️ Making space for a show and tell.

New_ Public • 78 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Making space for show and tell in online spaces is important for fostering engagement and community.
  2. Exploring creative and thoughtful approaches to web accessibility, like using alt text as a form of artistic expression, can enhance online experiences for disability communities.
  3. The use of AI in the arts raises concerns about workers' rights and the prioritization of profits over people in creative industries.

✍️ New Jobs and Trust In Mainstream Media ✍️ — March 20

Inside The Newsroom • 78 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📰 News Media
  1. The debate discussed trust in mainstream media, highlighting the importance of critical consumption of news sources.
  2. The need for collaboration and tolerance among different news organizations to enhance trust and strengthen the media landscape.
  3. Mainstream media must prioritize truth and accuracy over financial gains to restore trust from the public.
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The State of the Travel Media

Talking Travel Writing • 78 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Media
  1. Participate in the biggest-ever survey on the state of travel media to support valuable research.
  2. Join a webinar series hosted by industry experts to learn about pitching tips and travel writing strategies.
  3. Being involved can win you vouchers and lifetime newsletter subscriptions.

To Tell the Truth

The Newsguy -- Steve Herman • 78 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📰 News Media
  1. Lewis M. Simons, an award-winning journalist, played a role in ousting a dictator with his reporting.
  2. Foreign correspondents like Simons work long hours in challenging conditions to bring important stories.
  3. Maintaining work-life balance and mental health is a significant challenge for journalists, and skepticism towards journalism is a growing concern.

The Work of Getting Yours Before You Get Got

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 78 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📰 News Media
  1. Lessons from conflicts in small businesses can reveal the risks of mixing business with trust.
  2. The story of Max Blumenthal and Ben Norton highlights common challenges in the world of online news and politics startups.
  3. Consider supporting reader-backed publications to stay informed and fund the work of independent creators.

Links to Consider, 2/16

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Specialization and trade have changed how we interact with others over time, leading to less local solidarity but more wealth.
  2. Publication selection bias impacts different fields like economics and psychology, affecting the presence of certain effects.
  3. Being critical of documentaries and trusting experts with verified beliefs are important in forming opinions on controversial issues.

Vol. 1, Issue 5 - Interview with Pokémon Center New York Historical Website

Johto Times • 159 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Pokémon Center New York has a dedicated historical website that preserves memories and information about the now-closed store. This helps people remember or learn about its magical past.
  2. Julie and Grace are the passionate individuals behind the preservation efforts, and they share their excitement about the project through engaging interviews.
  3. Johto Times has reached over 100 subscribers in less than a month, showing that there’s a strong interest in Pokémon stories and content.

The Deep Humiliation of Watching My President Accept A Made-Up Major Award

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The World Cup draw is mostly a dull, staged event that can’t naturally generate excitement.
  2. FIFA created and handed Trump a bogus "FIFA Peace Prize" as a transparent, manipulative bit of flattery.
  3. That stunt shows organizations will pander to powerful hosts and exposes an embarrassing shift in America’s standing and how it is courted internationally.

Vol. 1, Issue 30 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: SteC

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A Pokémon fan in Japan shared amazing photos of cool Pokémon items and attractions. It's fun to see all the unique Pokémon products available in Japan.
  2. Pokémon Sleep, a mobile app for tracking sleep with Pokémon themes, recently celebrated ten million downloads. They are offering rewards for players to enjoy.
  3. New Pokémon are coming to Pokémon GO during the Adventures Abound season, including fan-favorite characters from the Paldean region. This event runs until December.

Inside the Lakers Sale: How Jerry Buss Built a $10 Billion Dynasty

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Media
  1. Mark Walter just bought the Lakers for $10 billion, making it the most expensive sports franchise sale in U.S. history.
  2. Jerry Buss, who originally bought the Lakers for $67.5 million, transformed the team and the NBA with innovative business strategies.
  3. Walter is known for his smart ownership approach, focusing on winning and hiring talented people, which has brought success to the teams he manages.

Dow Jones partners with Chinese media outlet, says partner TMTPost

Pekingnology • 45 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Dow Jones has partnered with TMTPost, a Chinese media outlet, to launch a Chinese version of Barron's. This move expands Barron's presence into the Chinese-speaking market.
  2. The partnership aims to provide Chinese-speaking investors with reliable financial news and insights in their native language. This is important for helping them make informed investment decisions.
  3. Zhao Hejuan, a respected figure in finance journalism, will lead the new Chinese Barron's. She is expected to bring valuable expertise to enhance the publication's quality in China.

Goodbye 2021

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The end of 2021 brings a feeling of relief and a desire to move on from the challenges faced in the year.
  2. A powerful photo from the year symbolizes deep feelings about America, showing how it affected people's views.
  3. Reflecting on the year reminds us of the impact events can have on national pride and individual morale.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 113 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Change is happening, and people need to recognize it. It's important to stay aware of shifts in society and adapt accordingly.
  2. The discussion surrounding opinions can sometimes be sensitive. It's okay to challenge ideas and spark conversation, even if it offends someone.
  3. Engaging with different perspectives is crucial. By understanding other viewpoints, we can navigate complex issues better.

#3: The ad that checks you're rich

12challenges • 85 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
💼 Business Media
  1. There's a humorous ad concept that checks if you're wealthy before you can click it. It's meant to point out the silliness of clicking on ads for things we can't afford.
  2. The idea is that ads wasting money can harm everyone, so this ad aims to avoid that waste by making sure only those who can actually buy stuff see it.
  3. This initiative shows a creative approach to advertising and is part of a larger plan to create more satirical ads that poke fun at everyday marketing tactics.

dispatch from celesbian updates

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Dispatch from the Celesbian Updates offers a mid-week news roundup for paid subscribers.
  2. Paging Dr. Lesbian provides exclusive content for those interested in the lesbian internet.
  3. New subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

Vol. 1, Issue 4 - The Legacy of Pokémon

Johto Times • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many fans are excited about the Legacy of Pokémon series. It's a chance for older players to share memories and newer fans to understand the history.
  2. The Nintendo eShop for Wii U and 3DS is closing soon, meaning many Pokémon games will be hard to buy legally after March 27, 2023.
  3. New Pokémon-related announcements were made on Pokémon Day, including new downloadable content and a cool new Pokémon card game set.

Dingus of the week: Ryan Walters

Men Yell at Me • 301 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Ryan Walters appointed a controversial figure to the State's Department of Education, sparking criticism
  2. NYT upset Midwesterners with a tater tot casserole recipe that omitted canned cream of mushroom soup
  3. Positive events like emerging cicadas, local bar ownership, and charity work bring hope amidst controversies

Traditional media outlets are under-monetizing their YouTube channels

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Media
  1. Traditional media outlets are not fully utilizing the monetization potential of their YouTube channels, missing out on significant revenue opportunities.
  2. Newsletter advertising has experienced growth despite challenges faced by the larger advertising industry, with brands noting higher engagement and return on investment.
  3. John Oliver's YouTube channel for Last Week Tonight showcases high engagement with fewer videos compared to other late night shows, yet HBO is not directly monetizing it, highlighting a missed opportunity for revenue.

Intellectual promiscuity

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 42 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's great to explore different ideas from everywhere, no matter the source. You can learn something new from a comic book, a tweet, or even a TikTok video.
  2. Being open to new thoughts doesn't mean you have to agree with them. You can take what you like and leave the rest.
  3. Collecting ideas is like a fun hobby. The more you engage with different perspectives, the richer your own understanding can become.

Dear Subscribers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

Notes on Lost in Translation

As Ever • 2 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The film captures a pre-smartphone loneliness that could still breathe and lead to meaningful, face-to-face encounters. Modern technology would likely have erased the conditions that let this strange intimacy happen.
  2. Tokyo is shown as a vivid, often warm backdrop rather than the source of alienation; the real emptiness comes from the characters' own interior desolations and fantasies. Coppola's painterly visuals, soundtrack, and loose, improvisational style create the film's moody atmosphere.
  3. The relationship feels equal parts performance and genuine feeling, with both characters afraid to collapse their fantasies into real life. The ambiguous ending suggests growth and hard-won awareness more than a tidy romantic escape.

New Year Open Thread and Subscriber Exclusive Video (2026)

The Corbett Report • 4 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
📰 News Media
  1. A New Year greeting invites readers to share their hopes, expectations, fears, and plans for 2026 in an open thread.
  2. Paid members can log in to comment and watch a subscriber-only video that demonstrates new membership management features. Non-members are encouraged to sign up and can contact support for login help.
  3. The site is reader-supported and asks people to subscribe or otherwise support the work to help keep independent media growing.

COVIDians Strike Back -When Will America Finally Tell The Media And ‘Experts’ That They’ve Had Enough?

Unmasked • 33 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Media is still pushing fear about COVID, even in 2025, which feels unnecessary. It seems they want people to panic like in 2020 instead of recognizing the normal patterns of virus spread we see every year.
  2. The effectiveness of COVID vaccines has been overhyped by the media and experts, leading to disappointment and mistrust. It's important to be cautious about claims made without evidence.
  3. People are encouraged to stand up against constant pressure from media and experts regarding COVID measures. It's time to say enough and think for ourselves.

You Say You Want A Revolution?

Public • 397 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The revolution and political change are interconnected in today's era.
  2. There are concerns and debates around the origins of COVID-19 and potential censorship of information.
  3. Musicians like Carlos Santana and Alice Cooper are sparking conversations about gender and identity.

I'm Glad Some Crazy Journalist Scolded Baseball Over Atlanta Getting its All-Star Game Back

House of Strauss • 37 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Media
  1. During the height of the Twitter Era, many people seemed to switch their beliefs quickly, often for social media approval. It felt like they were more focused on trends than on genuine convictions.
  2. A journalist recently questioned Major League Baseball's return to Atlanta for the All-Star Game, highlighting how positions on issues can change over time. It's important to hold people accountable for their past statements.
  3. The way voting laws in Georgia were discussed in 2021 was very dramatic, using phrases like 'Jim Crow on steroids.' In hindsight, this labeling seems extreme compared to the actual impact of the laws on voter turnout.

Alone With Our Thoughts.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Our political and professional classes are ill-equipped to grasp or solve very large, complex problems, so societies retreat into small, symbolic actions and managerial posturing instead of serious solutions.
  2. The decline of shared, holistic worldviews and reliable authorities leaves people isolated, prompting emotional, tribal decision-making or the adoption of totalising ideologies to provide meaning.
  3. Education and public life no longer teach real thinking skills like logic, rhetoric, and clear reasoning, so most people rely on authority, identity, or feeling rather than careful evaluation of evidence.

Hanson-Caplan Dialogue on Cultural Drift

Bet On It • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Cultural drift is a concerning issue that can affect society in various negative ways. It means that cultural values and ideas can change quickly and not always for the better.
  2. The topic has been a point of discussion and worry for some, indicating a need to address these changes in a healthy manner. It's important to reflect on what behaviors and ideas we want to keep or discard.
  3. Conversations about cultural drift can help raise awareness and encourage people to think critically about the influence of modern technology and trends on our culture. Talking about these issues is the first step toward understanding and possibly addressing them.

A list of recs to get you through the anxious hell of the next 48 hours (or longer? longer??)

Both Are True • 124 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Arc Browser lets you view two web pages side by side, which is really handy. It also has separate spaces for different logins, so you can switch between work and personal browsing easily.
  2. People are unhappy about the upcoming changes to Arc Browser, which has sparked a lot of online drama. This drama feels similar to the chaos surrounding political events, making it hard to focus.
  3. To cope with anxiety, it's helpful to find distractions like books, videos, games, and music. Engaging in these activities can help ease the stress of uncertain times, like elections.

Vol. 1, Issue 20 - Interview with Blue Moon Falls

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Blue Moon Falls is a Pokémon fansite that focuses on the first two generations of Pokémon games. It aims to make older game information accessible and fun for both new and returning players.
  2. The site’s design reflects classic 2000s Pokémon websites while being mobile-friendly. This blend helps modern users enjoy nostalgic content easily on their devices.
  3. Creating a personal website like Blue Moon Falls can be a rewarding experience, regardless of your programming skills. It's a great way to explore your interests and share them with others.

The Erosion of Taste in the Age of Mass Production

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Taste can't be simplified into a formula or process. It's something unique that comes from genuine understanding and experience, not just copying others.
  2. There's a danger in mass production and optimization. It leads to mediocrity and a lack of real creativity, which can hurt genuine innovation.
  3. True Taste involves seeing connections between different ideas and fields. It's about creativity and thinking deeply, not just following trends or patterns.

Vol. 1, Issue 13 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: Vectrex

Johto Times • 119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A Pokémon card shop in Japan is only selling new cards to older kids and adults to prevent reselling and help younger fans buy them. This is a nice move to keep the game fun for kids.
  2. A Pokémon fan named Vectrex shares his cool Pokémon finds from Japan, showing off lots of unique Pokémon merchandise. His discoveries include plushies, game consoles, and even themed food.
  3. In Japan, there are various themed places and items related to Pokémon, like a bus featuring their characters for tourists. It's exciting to see how integrated Pokémon is in Japanese culture.