The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

On my bullshit tonight at 8 pm!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Entertainment Discussion Politics
  1. A live conversation is happening tonight at 8 pm Eastern time. You can join in to hear some interesting discussions.
  2. It's on Rumble, so you'll need an account to participate in the live chat. Make sure to sign up beforehand!
  3. The event will focus on American politics and themes of authoritarianism. It could be a good chance to gain new insights on these topics.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Comedy Social Trends Entertainment Celebrities
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

The Trump-Colombia Crisis That Trump Deliberately Created and Then “Fixed,” Explained in One Paragraph

Proof • 275 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Immigration Media Trump
  1. Trump often creates problems and then claims to solve them, which confuses the public and media.
  2. His immigration plans are very expensive and not well thought out, leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
  3. The media frequently fails to explain these issues clearly, leaving many people misinformed.

NEW EVENT: Helen Lewis tickets now on sale!

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Events Media Books Podcasts
  1. Helen Lewis is speaking at an event on July 29th, and tickets are available now. It's a great opportunity to hear from a well-known writer and author.
  2. Lewis is known for her work in The Atlantic and her podcasts, which are popular among many listeners. If you enjoy insightful conversations, this event should be intriguing.
  3. She also has a new book called 'The Genius Myth' that discusses interesting ideas about rebels and rule-breakers. The event will likely dive into themes from her book.

Subscrive Drive 2025 + Free Unlocked Posts

Astral Codex Ten • 6400 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Subscriptions Finance Marketing Media Economics
  1. You can subscribe to Astral Codex Ten for paid access, which includes extra articles and special threads for subscribers. It's a chance to support the blog and get more content.
  2. The blog had strong subscriber growth at first but has seen a drop in recent years. The author encourages financial support but understands if people cannot afford it.
  3. Several subscriber-only posts offer unique insights, covering topics like historical figures and personal reflections. When you subscribe, you can access a lot of great content.
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The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Publishing Media Subscriptions Marketing Technology
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.

Hey, thanks friends!

Disaffected Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Content creation Freelancing Subscriptions Personal Stories
  1. The creator is thankful for their subscribers and the support they provide. It's great to have people interested in the work.
  2. Having subscribers helps with finances, especially after transitioning to freelancing. It means a lot to get paid for their content.
  3. New essays will be coming soon, despite a busy week with work and shows. The creator wants to keep engaging with their audience.

The biggest creators are no longer in the merch business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Creators Ecommerce Streaming Content Strategy
  1. Top creators are moving away from selling low-quality merch and focusing on high-quality products that can compete with retail brands. This shift is about attracting a broader market beyond just their fans.
  2. Apple News has a huge user base and is likely the biggest source of traffic for traditional news outlets after Google. It highlights the importance of being present on major platforms to drive audience engagement.
  3. The current sports streaming landscape is complicated, with fans needing multiple subscriptions to access all games. A more straightforward solution could improve viewer experience and access to content.

In Touch With The Inner Adult

The Fry Corner • 13848 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Childhood Media Fashion Consumerism
  1. People today can be very sensitive about their choices and how others comment on them. It's important to express observations without appearing critical.
  2. There has been a major shift in the way people interact with childhood memories and experiences. Many adults are embracing what were once seen as childish interests.
  3. Maturity and adulthood seem to have less appeal for some people now. Many are choosing to hold onto their youthful pleasures instead of fully embracing the traditional responsibilities of adulthood.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Why did CNN do it?

Robert Reich • 30051 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Republicans Democracy Journalism
  1. CNN's decision to give Donald Trump an hour of prime-time television was criticized for promoting lies and insults.
  2. The shift in CNN's news coverage towards more conservative guests and avoiding certain terms was linked to corporate interests and right-wing billionaire influence.
  3. Criticism of CNN's decisions highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and not giving a platform to misinformation and demagoguery.

The Endless, Perplexing Controversies Over (How We Talk About) Lamar Jackson

Freddie deBoer • 2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Media Performance Controversies Football
  1. Lamar Jackson is an outstanding quarterback, but he faces unique scrutiny compared to others, especially regarding his playoff performance. Many see criticism of his playoff games as unfair, considering he has had a strong regular season.
  2. The media often treats Jackson differently than other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, despite similar playoff records. This shows a possible double standard in how these players are discussed.
  3. Winning a Super Bowl is crucial for a quarterback's legacy, and both Jackson and Prescott need to prove themselves in the playoffs to be considered among the best. Fans and analysts should recognize this reality instead of making excuses.

Psycho

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Media Psychology
  1. The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

was she born with it or was it god damn Maybelline?

Both Are True • 192 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Fashion Music Media Identity Advertising
  1. Commercial taglines and songs from childhood can stick with us and shape our lives in unexpected ways. They often act like the 'gospels' we learn from as kids.
  2. It's okay to admit that you don't know something. Society often pushes us to have all the answers, but not knowing can be a valuable lesson too.
  3. High school often teaches us strange ideas about relationships and sex that can stick with us as we grow up. Many of these lessons come from silly or inappropriate sources.

Look what you made us do

read • 13994 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrities Opinion
  1. Taylor Swift's influence permeates global culture, politics, and media
  2. Writers on Substack provide original, insightful, and sometimes humorous analyses on Taylor Swift's impact
  3. Taylor Swift's actions, endorsements, and mere existence provoke strong reactions and shape narratives in various spheres

How ‘The Babylon Bee’ Predicted the Vibe Shift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 913 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Satire Comedy Free speech Political Commentary Media
  1. The Babylon Bee is a conservative satire site that found success by filling a void in political humor, particularly when most comedy was coming from the left. They use humor to comment on current events and political absurdities.
  2. The site has faced scrutiny and censorship from big tech companies for its jokes, especially those that challenge progressive ideas. Their CEO believes defending satire is crucial for free speech.
  3. Many of the Babylon Bee's jokes have turned out to be surprisingly prophetic, capturing and predicting cultural trends and reactions. This shows how humor can reflect and influence the times.

Jerry Springer Was Trash. But He Was Honest.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 723 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Television Entertainment Society Pop culture
  1. Jerry Springer was unapologetic about the shocking content he presented on his show. He focused on giving viewers what they actually wanted, even when it was controversial.
  2. His show was popular, drawing millions of viewers, but also sparked criticism for being immoral and exploitative. Some episodes were so outrageous they were even banned.
  3. Springer was seen as a disruptive figure in American media, compared to more wholesome personalities like Oprah, positioning himself as the 'black sheep' of talk shows.

Who Is Responsible for TikTok's Feeder Fetish?

Many Such Cases • 1218 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Media Body Image Social Trends Food culture
  1. Mukbang videos on TikTok show people eating large amounts of food, which many find entertaining. Watching someone indulge can feel fun and even a bit luxurious.
  2. Some viewers develop a fetish for watching people gain weight, known as feederism. This can involve both the enjoyment of watching someone eat and the transformation of their body.
  3. Not everyone watching these videos has a sexual interest; they may just enjoy the visual of someone eating. This leads to debate about the intention behind such content and its widespread popularity.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 563 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Food Art Writing Community
  1. Sharing resources is important during tough times, especially for those affected by disasters. It's good to help each other find places that need support.
  2. Being aware of what's happening around us, like natural disasters, helps us stay connected as a community. Taking action, even small steps, can make a difference for those in need.
  3. Consuming different kinds of media can enrich our lives and keep us informed. It's fun and interesting to share what we've been reading, watching, or listening to.

The rise and fall of "fact-checking"

Silver Bulletin • 824 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Misinformation Fact-checking Political Bias Social media
  1. Facebook is getting rid of fact-checkers because they were seen as biased. They will be replaced with a community notes system, letting users help decide what is true.
  2. Fact-checking has always been part of journalism, but it became a separate role after the 2016 election. Many thought it was necessary to fight misinformation, but it also created trust issues.
  3. There are concerns that community-driven fact-checking might not work well on a large platform like Facebook. The idea is that everyone should be checking facts, not just a few designated people.

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Comedy Social Issues
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

Why Democrats won't build their own Joe Rogan

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10689 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Influencers Democratic Party Conservatism
  1. The right has built a strong network of influencers who promote their message, but the left lacks similar support and reach in media.
  2. Conservative content creators often receive substantial funding and institutional backing, allowing them to grow rapidly and gain credibility.
  3. The Democratic Party seems uninterested in fostering a progressive media ecosystem, making it hard for left-leaning influencers to compete.

We Thought We Were Free

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Fascism Democracy Activism Media
  1. There's a slow collective awareness about the political changes happening in the US. Many people seem unaware of how these changes can affect their lives.
  2. Some young people feel it's already too late to fight back against the growing control of technology and government. This attitude can lead to a pessimistic acceptance of a bleak future.
  3. It's important for people to recognize the potential for a loss of democracy. A significant portion of the population needs to wake up and take action to stop these trends.

Just for Xeets and Giggles (2.10.24)

The Status Kuo • 12539 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Congress Media
  1. In a political event, candidate Dean Phillips experienced unexpected setbacks, despite his initial high expectations.
  2. The talk in the media about Black voters shifting support didn't translate into actual votes for other candidates.
  3. House Speaker MAGA Mike Johnson compared himself to Moses leading the GOP, sparking humor and mockery in response.

The Media Keeps Trying to “Understand” Trump Voters Because They Don’t Want to Accept the Truth About Them

Bulwark+ • 14976 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Partisanship Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The media attempts to understand Trump voters but may not fully accept the truth about their motivations.
  2. Guardrails in democracy may not be enough to prevent certain actions of those seeking power.
  3. Google search influences web design, impacting user experience and content creation.

The expert class is failing, and so is Biden’s presidency

Silver Bulletin • 2066 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Media
  1. The expert class has struggled in recent years, failing to effectively manage significant events like wars, financial crises, and the pandemic. This has led to a loss of public trust in their judgment.
  2. Biden's presidency is viewed as unsuccessful, partly due to his decisions like pardoning his son. Many see this as a sign of weakness and it could give Donald Trump more confidence to act similarly without facing backlash.
  3. There is a growing connection between education and political power, with educated voters increasingly aligning with the Democratic Party. However, this has resulted in a disconnect with average voters, leading to political losses for Democrats.

ATW Live : Election Recap at 12 pm ET/ 11 am CT today

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3023 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Analysis Media
  1. The recent elections had a very close race, which kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the results were officially announced.
  2. Today at noon ET, there will be a live recap discussing the outcome and what it means for the future.
  3. You can join the conversation and watch the recap on platforms like Rumble or YouTube.

When will the sports media bubble pop?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Media Broadcasting Streaming Content Strategy Audience engagement
  1. The sports media market is becoming really expensive for fans because cable bundles that used to help pay for sports are fading away. Many believe this bubble will burst, leading leagues to lower their prices and possibly stream games themselves.
  2. There's a growing niche in media, with some focused newsletters and channels doing well by targeting very specific interests. This shift shows that unique, dedicated content can attract a loyal audience.
  3. For media companies, it’s essential to focus on both new material and evergreen content. By promoting older content, businesses can keep viewers engaged and drive more traffic.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2123 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Public Opinion Events
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on the latest news and media topics.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, plan to add some festive fun to the discussions since it's around Thanksgiving time.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, or follow updates on social media.

The danger is now

Robert Reich • 25000 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Democracy Accountability
  1. Trump's recent actions and statements are alarming, signaling a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism.
  2. There is concern about the lack of accountability for Trump's actions, particularly related to the Capitol riot and ongoing lies.
  3. Calls for action include holding Trump accountable, condemning media complicity, and mobilizing to protect democracy and equal rights.

some things I learned about love this year

bookbear express • 941 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Friendship Personal Growth Media
  1. It's okay to have imperfect friendships. Just keep in touch and stay in each other's lives, even if it's not perfect.
  2. Conflict in relationships isn't as scary as it seems. Listening to each other can strengthen your bonds.
  3. Love and life can be uncertain and scary, but that's normal. Embrace change and find people who want to explore with you.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Trends Personal Social
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

Du Fu and Li Bai critique modern media

Wyclif's Dust • 536 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Media Literature Music Performing Arts
  1. Modern media offers a wide range of content that can be just as good as classic art. Today’s shows and movies have a depth that critics often overlook.
  2. The technology we have now helps artists reach more people and improve their work. Better sound and video mean more exciting performances.
  3. Mass media also helps educate audiences about what good art looks like. As things get personalized, there are more chances for niche, artistic works to thrive.

Big Tech's AI shock troops came for us

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Big Tech Media Freelancing
  1. Big Tech is using AI significantly, impacting jobs in various sectors. Many workers, including freelance writers, are losing their jobs because of AI advancements.
  2. The rise of AI poses challenges for those in industries reliant on human creativity and labor. It raises questions about the future of work as more tasks get automated.
  3. There are concerns about the influence of Big Tech, especially regarding political leanings and job security for workers in media and similar fields. The landscape is changing, and many feel it's not in their favor.

‘Looking Forward’: A Brief Film for Our Times.

Breaking the News • 1141 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Documentary Creativity
  1. The film 'Looking Forward' combines AI and real-world footage to highlight the contradictions of our time. It's a unique mix that encourages viewers to think deeply about today's world.
  2. It has a hopeful message about how we face challenges, showing that optimism and pessimism can exist together. This balance is important for understanding our current situation.
  3. The film is not just informative but also visually impressive, making it enjoyable to watch. It features interesting moments that capture the audience's attention.

Are you high agency?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3642 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Social Issues Political trends Employment
  1. The term 'high agency' is trending in Silicon Valley, describing people who seize opportunities and take action.
  2. This phrase hints at a strong individualistic mindset, which can overlook various challenges people face in life.
  3. The struggles of journalists like Miranda Green highlight serious issues in the media industry, emphasizing the need for independent reporting.

Porn Is Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Law Society Sexuality Politics
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing laws that require age verification on porn sites, but porn will likely continue to exist regardless of the outcome.
  2. Many states have introduced laws to prevent minors from accessing pornography, citing concerns about the impact on youth.
  3. Despite these regulations, the history of porn shows it's always been around and is easily accessible online, making these laws largely ineffective.