The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Five Craziest Things About the Epstein Case, Vol. 1

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4134 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The word "pedophile" has been thrown around so freely in coverage of Epstein that it functions like a rhetorical bomb, shutting down careful thinking.
  2. The Epstein story has been weaponized by politicians and media as partisan ammunition, fueling moral panic and reflexive accusations instead of sober inquiry.
  3. The actual legal record is often ignored: Epstein's sole conviction was a 2008 plea to two state charges, yet many people make broad, evidence-free claims without checking the facts.

Indie Culture Is Great—But What's Coming Next is Better

The Honest Broker • 24169 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Indie culture started strong by emphasizing freedom and independence, but over time, it has become less influential as major platforms promote conformity.
  2. There's a need for a new movement that goes beyond indie, focusing on collaboration among artists, protecting their rights, and encouraging creative risk-taking.
  3. We can build a better artistic future by creating supportive communities, developing new platforms, and advocating for artists' ownership of their work.

You Know They're Lying About Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2300 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. A familiar propaganda script is being used to push for intervention in Iran, repeating the same claims about oppression and the need for military 'help'.
  2. Media and empire apologists often use human-rights rhetoric, nuance-policing, and false both-sides arguments to steer public opinion toward war.
  3. Trust your own judgment, resist being shouted down by loud voices, and be skeptical of narrative distortion and recycled talking points.

The Morally-Challenged In Charge.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many public elites behave in an amoral, self-interested way, doing whatever isn’t explicitly illegal and setting a harmful example for others.
  2. A culture of radical individualism and legalism — asking “what can I get away with?” instead of “how should I behave?” — has replaced shared norms, and written rules and codes can’t substitute for personal decency.
  3. Ordinary people still retain a sense of common decency and expect moral conduct, and the growing gap between elite behaviour and public expectations fuels distrust, cynicism, and social harm.

The carousel keeps turning

Austin Kleon • 5495 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The newsletter celebrates reaching 200,000 subscribers with a special offer of 20% off paid subscriptions. This helps support the free newsletter for everyone.
  2. There is a blend of personal reflections, like enjoying a vintage stamp carousel, and sharing creative projects and recommendations, such as books and music.
  3. Useful advice on research techniques includes maintaining a routine, taking notes, and exploring diverse perspectives to enrich creativity and learning.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Noam Chomsky's wife responds to Epstein controversy

Aaron Mate • 1131 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
đź“° News Media
  1. Noam Chomsky suffered a severe stroke and cannot speak or engage publicly, so his wife has been caring for him and has issued the explanation about their contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
  2. They describe their interactions with Epstein as professional and social—meetings, dinners, a lunch at his ranch, visits to apartments, a $20,000 payment for a linguistic prize, and Epstein’s help resolving a financial issue—while saying they never visited his island, never saw criminal behavior or underage people, and had no investments or account access with him.
  3. They acknowledge Epstein manipulated them, admit Noam’s overly trusting nature led to poor judgment and a failure to research his background, apologize for that lapse, and express unrestricted solidarity with Epstein’s victims.

How Starter Story grew from a side project into a multi-million dollar media business (and why HubSpot bought it)

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Media
  1. A simple side project of interviewing founders and publishing detailed case studies can grow into a scalable media business.
  2. Growth came from constantly reinventing distribution, building proprietary data from thousands of interviews, and leaning into video (YouTube) while shifting monetization away from ads toward higher-priced products and bootcamps.
  3. Bootstrapped and profitable, the company reached hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and multi-million dollar revenue, culminating in an acquisition by HubSpot.

The World of Today

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 9 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many recent high-profile films focus on democratic backsliding and show what life looks like under repression, violence, and systemic injustice. They trace stages from sporadic repression to organized, everyday authoritarian control.
  2. Democratic erosion is usually slow and driven by factors like polarization, rising inequality, economic shocks, globalization, and new information ecosystems that spread conspiracies and hollow out institutions. These forces weaken courts, media, and civil society while keeping a democratic façade.
  3. Protecting democracy depends on clear public narratives and political will: awareness, elite commitment, and active pushback matter, and elite complacency or complicity is a central danger. Without people and leaders recognizing the threat, backsliding can continue.

At least five interesting things: Cool research edition (#68)

Noahpinion • 18353 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. AI is not causing job losses right now. Research shows that even though many jobs involve tasks AI can do, employment rates remain stable, especially for those in high-exposure jobs.
  2. Using misleading charts can damage credibility. Bernie Sanders' example of housing versus wages illustrates how data can be misinterpreted to create alarm about economic crises that aren't as severe as presented.
  3. Personalist dictatorships, where one strong leader holds power, may lead to slower economic growth compared to more balanced systems. Countries like China and Russia are examples, as their economic performance is facing challenges under their current leadership styles.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 277 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading weekly highlights can help you discover new ideas and topics of interest.
  2. Keeping up with trending articles allows you to stay informed and engaged with current discussions.
  3. Subscribing to newsletters or content can offer deeper insights and access to exclusive material.

The New 80% Rule in Culture

The Honest Broker • 25799 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The entertainment industry is increasingly relying on old ideas instead of creating new ones. Nowadays, a large portion of movies and music comes from remakes or older content.
  2. This trend isn't just in movies; music streaming shows a similar pattern where most songs played are older hits, reflecting a shift from new to past favorites.
  3. People are getting tired of the same old stuff, and this won't last forever. The entertainment industry needs to focus on fresh, original content to keep audiences engaged.

Kristi Noem’s Reckless Lies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1511 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Kristi Noem publicly said Alex Pretti brandished a firearm, attacked officers, and that an agent fired in self‑defense.
  2. Multiple videos from the scene contradict that account and show a different sequence of events.
  3. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was killed by a border patrol officer in Minneapolis — the second federal‑agent killing in the city this month — and critics say the administration is misleading the public.

The Best Podcast of All Time!?

The Society of Problem Solvers • 299 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. Many health issues like heart disease and anxiety are rising because of the poor quality of our food and medical advice. We need to pay attention to what we eat and who we trust for health advice.
  2. The current food system is corrupted, and we should look for alternatives that prioritize nutritious and safe options. It's important to demand transparency in what we consume.
  3. Society should focus on effective solutions to our problems rather than just discussing them. We can make a change by working together and valuing results.

TGIF: ICE on Ice

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1956 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Most politicians are unpopular right now, and Democrats are struggling to find an effective response to a performative, transactional Trump who dominates the news cycle.
  2. American diplomacy is being disrupted by presidential priorities, illustrated by the G7 being delayed because of a planned MMA birthday event.
  3. The news roundup mixes alarming and surreal moments—incendiary political claims, extremist-inspired crimes, and odd tech stories like an app that asks “Are you dead?”—showing a blend of outrage, spectacle, and weirdness in public life.

Open Thread 422.5

Astral Codex Ten • 481 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Open Thread 422.5 is an open-thread entry published on Feb 26, 2026.
  2. The content is paywalled and requires a paid subscription or signing in to read.
  3. The entry shows modest engagement (3 comments and 74 interactions) and provides links to subscribe or sign in.

Pluribus and Our Age of Hive Minds

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5349 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. We live in a world where our thoughts and opinions are influenced by larger groups, like social media or advanced AI, which can feel both overwhelming and entertaining.
  2. The show _Pluribus_ explores a world where everyone is linked in a hive mind, raising questions about privacy and individuality in such a closely connected society.
  3. The idea of a positive hive mind, where everyone is cheerful and helpful, is intriguing but might also come with its own set of problems, like loss of personal freedom and constant scrutiny.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 30, 2026: “Marriage Advice From Matt and Walter, and Minnesota”

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1215 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Media
  1. The episode will include marriage advice and a segment focused on Minnesota.
  2. They plan to examine a self-annihilating cultural trend and argue that Brave New World is unexpectedly relevant to current times.
  3. The two hosts record from different locations—one abroad with positive impressions of the place, and the other in Washington, D.C., joking about strained diplomatic vibes across from the White House.

The Monday Media Diet with Lee Glandorf

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Build a distinct career by combining writing, marketing, and a personal passion for sports and fashion. That mix can create a clear niche that changes how women’s athletics are presented.
  2. Keep a voracious, curated media diet—books on your phone, selected Substacks, and favorite podcasts—to feed ideas and avoid endless scrolling. Preferring female protagonists and re-reading favorites makes the habit sustainable and comforting.
  3. Value small local rituals and curiosity—community swimming holes, train cafe cars, and digging into neighborhood histories provide restorative joy and inspiration. Use practical tools like training apps and manageable accountability to balance parenthood, fitness, and work.

SHAME! SHAME! LET CHILDREN READ BOOKS!

The Common Reader • 3862 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Removing full-length novels from the 8th grade curriculum is wrong. Kids should be reading entire books to develop a deeper understanding.
  2. Watching movies on a small screen is fine, but experiencing them in a theater is a different and better experience. It's important to appreciate films as they were intended.
  3. There should be more emphasis on traditional reading and viewing experiences in education and entertainment. Kids deserve to have these opportunities.

The journalists embracing AI in their reporting

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
đź“° News Media
  1. Freelance journalists are increasingly using AI to speed up pitching, transcribing interviews, researching, and drafting, which frees time to focus on editing and big-picture reporting.
  2. Some streaming platforms are exploring add-on subscription bundles to sell niche services through their storefronts, but those moves can fail if the host lacks scale or international reach.
  3. Local news can thrive with community-funded, membership-driven models that prioritize neighborhood reporting, enabling growth to tens of thousands of paying subscribers.

Google suspends ad account linked to Atlanta influencer which was used to recruit Iranian agents for the Mossad

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1566 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Google suspended the verified ad account tied to Desi Banks Productions LLC and removed the Mossad recruitment ads for violating its advertising policies.
  2. The ads were part of an international campaign linked to the 'Blue Message' network that used deceptive bait-and-switch tactics and targeted family members of Iranian officials, LGBTQ Iranians, and people across multiple countries to recruit Mossad assets.
  3. Desi Banks denied knowledge of the ads while independent investigations showed the campaign operated across Telegram, X, and Google Forms and used AI-generated and misleading content.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: The System Is Working Exactly As Intended

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 973 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. People split into two camps over the Epstein revelations: reformers who think the system is broken and can be fixed, and revolutionaries who believe the system is working exactly as intended and must be dismantled.
  2. The abuses tied to Epstein are presented as products of a capitalist, imperial system that protects elites, so real accountability or high-level prosecutions are unlikely under the current institutions.
  3. Genuine change requires popular radical politics and pressure, not mainstream parties, and growing awareness of elite corruption may push more people from wanting reform to demanding systemic overthrow.

If Newsom Is the Front-Runner, Democrats May Be Doomed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1066 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Gavin Newsom has surged into clear front-runner status for the 2028 Democratic nomination, leading major polls and betting markets.
  2. His national profile has been boosted by high-profile media attention and a nonstop political blitz that appeals to elites and tastemakers.
  3. There’s a real risk his elite-focused image won’t translate into votes in key states, repeating the danger of a liberal California Democrat failing to connect with the voters who decide national elections.

The Wii Tennis Theme Edition

Why is this interesting? • 3619 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Wii Sports theme isn't just background music; it connects with people of all ages and reflects a joyful gaming experience. Its upbeat and jazzy style was designed to be inviting, especially for newcomers to gaming.
  2. Kazumi Totaka, the composer behind the theme, has made a significant impact at Nintendo since 1990. He's known for his catchy melodies and has hidden a special tune, 'Totaka's Song,' in many games, showcasing his creativity and influence.
  3. Wii Sports became a huge cultural phenomenon, selling millions and even being used in places like retirement homes for fun and rehabilitation. Its appeal helped redefine who plays video games, highlighting that gaming is for everyone, not just kids.

When you get confused

Austin Kleon • 6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
  2. Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
  3. When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.

Best of Advertising: Forget Influencers, Focus on Narrative

The Social Juice • 66 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Media
  1. A product needs a strong narrative; without a compelling story, influencer marketing and ads become more expensive and less effective.
  2. Brands can create big attention cheaply by controlling the story — through events, keynote-style reveals, familiar faces (even CEOs), or stunts that make the product unignorable and invite organic creator coverage.
  3. The industry is shifting: brands are experimenting with rebrands, mascots, partnerships and AI-driven creative, while agencies restructure and new measurement tools change how advertising performance is judged.

This Week in Marketing: Instagram has links, Disney is Quibi, and Perplexity exits Amazon

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Media
  1. Social platforms are racing to capture attention with new formats and creator tools, from clickable links and edit features on Instagram to Disney’s vertical 'Verts' and TikTok’s radio and podcasts.
  2. AI is reshaping content and commerce but also causing legal, safety, and trust headaches — shopping agents face blocks, deepfakes and misinformation are rising, and publishers are pushing licensing and protections.
  3. Big tech is changing business models and controls by shifting costs to advertisers, altering privacy and moderation rules, and rolling out ad and AI features that could reduce traditional traffic and revenue.

I Survived My Father’s Kidnapping. This Is My Message to the Guthrie Family.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 287 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother was kidnapped from her bed and remains missing weeks later, and the family has offered a $1 million reward to find her.
  2. Waiting in uncertainty for a missing loved one makes time feel like it stops and forces people to endure unbearable stress while clinging to the hope of a miracle.
  3. Public sympathy is widespread but few truly understand the lived experience; surviving a parent's kidnapping gives someone a rare, personal insight to share with the family.

21 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 396 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Editors are really busy right now and getting lots of pitches, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
  2. If you're unsure if a story idea will be popular, don't hesitate to pitch it. Your unique experience could resonate with many readers.
  3. There are many opportunities to pitch stories on various topics like lifestyle, politics, and ageism, so keep looking for the right fit for your ideas.

OpenAI’s Waterloo? [with corrections]

Marcus on AI • 14900 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
đź•ą Technology Media
  1. OpenAI has overhyped its AI models, especially GPT-5, leading to disappointment among users. Many now realize that the promises made about the technology were not delivered.
  2. Critics of AI, who have been dismissed in the past, are starting to gain recognition as the limitations of current models become clearer. The scientific community believes that a new approach may be necessary to advance AI technology.
  3. The situation reveals that the science of AI isn’t about popularity; it’s about truth and progress. It's important to listen to critiques and recognize that real advancements need honest discussions.

Doomscroll: Trevor Paglen

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 437 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Trevor Paglen discusses how art connects technology and politics, showing us what can often be hidden or ignored. His work helps us think about the important issues behind new tech.
  2. He talks about 'psyops capitalism', where media creates content based on user behavior, which can shape our views and experiences.
  3. Paglen compares early UFO stories to today's social media disinformation, highlighting how misinformation has always been a part of our society.

Lying Media, Lying People

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The media and many people often lie or shade the truth nowadays, and this trend shows up strongly in politics.
  2. Voter ID has broad public support and is seen as a way to restore trust in elections. Passing measures like Nevada’s Question 7 is important to make that trust more permanent.
  3. Candidates should be honest and straightforward, especially for offices like State Treasurer where trust matters, and a culture where your word is your bond is essential.

Everyone Wants Peace Until They Get Hit With The War Propaganda

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1732 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Mainstream Western media and big tech often act as propaganda systems that steer public opinion toward war and elite interests.
  2. That propaganda is especially effective because most people don’t realize they’re being manipulated, so they believe aggressive policies are their own ideas.
  3. If enough people learn to recognize and expose this manipulation, the propaganda loses power and citizens can more easily choose peace and freedom.

Monthly Roundup #38: January 2026

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
đź“° News Media
  1. A proposed California wealth tax that taxes billionaires and illiquid startup equity could drive founders and tech companies out of the state and seriously damage the startup ecosystem.
  2. Saying a large share of taxes just pays interest is misleading; the right things to watch are debt-to-GDP and whether interest rates exceed nominal growth — interest costs are manageable now but the primary deficit is too large.
  3. Burnout isn’t just working too hard but specific mismatches like being always on, lacking control, or losing a sense of mission, and it needs early, targeted fixes like real rest, autonomy, novelty, or clearer goals.

Why the Term 'Porn Star' Should Go

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 218 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The term 'porn star' is misleading because most performers aren't actually stars, just regular actors in adult films.
  2. Using euphemisms like 'porn star' can distort the truth and make serious topics less clear, which isn't helpful.
  3. The glamorization of pornography through phrases like 'porn star' raises questions about how we view and talk about these actors in society.

Big Technology's Cyber Monday Discount!

Big Technology • 3752 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
đź’Ľ Business Media
  1. Big Technology Premium is on sale for Cyber Monday at just $60 for the first year. It's a great opportunity to access exclusive perks.
  2. The package includes access to a private Discord server and bonus reporting, adding extra value to the subscription.
  3. Supporting Big Technology helps keep their reporting going, so your purchase makes a difference beyond just getting content.

Trump is losing normies on immigration

Silver Bulletin • 1261 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Videoed killings by ICE agents in Minneapolis have shifted public opinion and eroded Trump's advantage on immigration, bringing his immigration approval in line with his overall approval.
  2. Many Americans may favor stronger border enforcement in general, but they strongly reject ICE officers killing civilians or roaming armed in city streets.
  3. The administration’s defensive rhetoric and attempts to gaslight these incidents are backfiring, alienating some conservatives and creating political risks for DHS funding and broader support.

The Abundance Boom: A Memo from 2030

Future History • 150 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Media
  1. AI-driven productivity drastically cut production costs, creating broad deflation that made goods and services cheaper and raised overall prosperity instead of causing mass unemployment.
  2. Routine tasks were automated but jobs didn’t vanish—work shifted toward creativity, judgment, relationship skills, and new AI-integration roles, and people who adapted generally did better.
  3. Lower barriers to entry let small teams and micro-studios produce high-quality content and products, exploding niche markets and increasing opportunities across industries.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 667 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A devastating first-person account of abuse by a public figure teaches important lessons and feels essential reading.
  2. A rediscovered interview with a leading philosopher on moral fragility shows how older ideas can still feel relevant and illuminating.
  3. This is a personal weekly roundup that mixes product picks, long reads, and some paywalled items, functioning as both recommendations and an invitation to subscribe.

Ampersanding

Austin Kleon • 4995 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The ampersand symbol comes from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. It shows how language can evolve over time.
  2. It's important to revisit your old notes because they can remind you of ideas and thoughts you may have forgotten.
  3. Finding the right music for writing is key; it should be upbeat but not too distracting so you can focus on your thoughts.