The hottest Sports Substack posts right now

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Photographing an Exposé Cover Story on Varsity Cheerleading for The New York Times Magazine

In the Flash • 1638 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Media Sports Athletics
  1. The article reveals that Varsity cheerleading, a major force in the cheer industry, has serious safety issues and has faced accusations of neglecting athletes' health.
  2. Access to photograph cheer events was very challenging, with many restrictions and a PR rep present at all times to control the situation.
  3. Despite frustrations during the photo shoots, creative solutions were found to achieve the desired shots, and everything eventually came together for the article.

Magnus Carlsen, David Deutsch and the "Fun Criterion"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Entertainment Sports Education
  1. Magnus Carlsen, a top chess player, emphasizes that enjoying the game is key to his success. He believes that treating chess as a fun hobby rather than a job helps him perform better.
  2. David Deutsch's 'fun criterion' suggests that feeling enjoyment during an activity can be a powerful guide for decision-making and problem-solving. It's about aligning your conscious and unconscious ideas to find what truly matters.
  3. Choosing paths based on fun can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. Many people, including successful figures, often overlook enjoyment in their choices, which can lead to dissatisfaction.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 41

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Food Sports Lifestyle
  1. The Murdoch family's succession drama is really complex, with tons of legal details coming to light. It shows how family dynamics can get messy when money and power are involved.
  2. There's a subreddit called 'Dad For A Minute' where people can seek advice even if they don't have a father figure in their lives. It's a touching space for those looking for support.
  3. Many people are debating whether the NBA is making a mistake by focusing so much on three-point shots. It's an interesting discussion about how the game is changing.

Decide You Are Not Done

The American Peasant • 2914 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Lifestyle Education Personal Growth
  1. When you want to improve a skill, don't just stop at what's easy. Keep going to push your limits, like continuing to practice a sport even if you don't enjoy it.
  2. Focusing on a specific task for longer can lead to better results. Working longer on the same project can help you learn more and improve your work.
  3. Practicing in a challenging way, instead of just going through the motions, makes a difference. Trying hard things can lead to great improvements, even if it feels frustrating at times.

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Sports Writing Art Comedy Literature
  1. Criticism can be seen as positive feedback, showing that people care enough to offer their thoughts. It encourages growth and improvement.
  2. The importance of creativity is highlighted through various writing methods and the need for authentic expression in art. Hard work often makes writing look easy.
  3. The text discusses modern trends, like how people engage with social issues and popular culture, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and critique about today's lifestyles.
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A Series of "Parodies," If That's the Right Word, of Podcasts on the Ringer Podcast Network

Freddie deBoer • 2722 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Media Entertainment Culture Sports
  1. Podcasts can be both entertaining and repetitive. It’s easy to notice when hosts keep saying the same phrases or jokes.
  2. Hosts often joke about the pressure to create content and meet audience expectations, feeling like they're stuck in a loop.
  3. There's a lot of fun in playful banter among podcast hosts, showing that behind-the-scenes discussions can be just as amusing as the main content.

The finer things in life

Austin Kleon • 6614 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Sports Media Lifestyle
  1. Being in a state of flow is key to happiness, as it helps us focus fully on what we love doing. This idea connects both athletes and artists, showing how engagement with our passions can bring joy.
  2. The Olympics brings out strong emotions in us, as we witness athletes pushing their limits. However, there’s a contrast between the real-life experiences of these athletes and the commercial push for technology and AI.
  3. Creative work often requires us to not overthink. Many athletes express that letting go of thoughts is what helps them perform better, which can also apply to how we approach creativity in our everyday lives.

Body Horror on Super Bowl Sunday

Off-Topic • 419 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising Media Consumerism Sports Social Commentary
  1. The Super Bowl is like a national holiday, with many people feeling they have to watch it, even if they're not big football fans. It's a time for friends and food, making it a fun ritual.
  2. This year's commercials took a strange turn, featuring creepy or gross body-related humor. Many ads seemed to focus on bizarre and unsettling visuals rather than traditional advertising themes.
  3. Some ads poked fun at the absurdity of the Super Bowl experience itself by including dark humor or shocking moments, possibly hinting that we should lighten up about this wild tradition.

THB Insider #13

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 745 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Issues Natural Disasters Sports
  1. The post provides updates on several important topics like the Social Cost of Carbon and Billion Dollar Disasters. It's a good way to keep up with what's been happening recently.
  2. There are also new updates on climate scenarios and influential figures in climate science, like Michael Mann. This information can help you understand changing perspectives in climate science.
  3. Finally, there's mention of Colorado football which shows a variety of topics being discussed. This keeps the content diverse and engaging for readers.

The Daily Mail proves my point

Men Yell at Me • 235 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Equality Trans rights Sports Media Culture
  1. Trans girls do not threaten cis girls; they are actually the ones facing threats. Everyone, including all children, deserves to compete in sports and be treated with love and protection.
  2. There's research that shows trans girls do not have an unfair advantage in sports. It’s important to focus on facts rather than fear.
  3. The response from major publications can reflect broader societal attitudes. The fact that a national paper spent time on a niche topic shows the ongoing normalization of transphobia in culture.

An ayahuasca fan’s take on the Aaron Rodgers documentary

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Sports Wellness Psychology
  1. Aaron Rodgers talks about perfectionism in the documentary, saying it often makes us feel broken inside. He believes we can learn to be more emotional and vulnerable, especially as men.
  2. The idea of 'ego death' is discussed, but it seems Rodgers may misunderstand it as a fixed goal. True ego death is more like an ongoing journey rather than something you can achieve completely.
  3. The documentary feels more like a personal promotion for Rodgers than a deep exploration of his life. It misses key questions about his past decisions and relationships.

An Exquisite Panorama of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2103 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Sports Podcasts Literature Art
  1. The author discusses women's sports and gender issues in a recent podcast episode, offering a unique perspective compared to mainstream media.
  2. They are taking a break for a cycling trip but have gathered some recommended readings to share, focusing on topics outside of politics.
  3. Paid subscribers can access additional content and discussions each week, which includes in-depth threads and personal insights.

What Surfing Has Taught Me

Remarkable People • 479 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Personal Growth Family Nature Life lessons
  1. It's never too late to start something new, like surfing. Trying new things can teach you valuable lessons about perseverance.
  2. The ocean doesn't care about who you are, so always respect it. This is a great reminder to stay aware of the bigger forces in life.
  3. To improve at a skill, like surfing, you need the right equipment. Using the right tools can make a big difference in how well you learn and succeed.

Smokey starts practising for the next Olympic Games.

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
😂 Humor Satire Animals Sports Gender Society
  1. Smokey the cat is training to compete in the Olympics as a female participant. He's excited about the chance to win despite knowing he might not be the best.
  2. He recognizes that the rules allow him to compete as a girl, and he plans to use this to his advantage. Smokey is clever and knows how to charm people to get what he wants.
  3. If the rules change and he needs to prove his gender, he's not worried. He can easily switch back to being a boy, but he seems to enjoy the idea of competing as a girl for the fun of it.

The memefication of the Olympics

The Leap • 339 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Social media Sports Communication Entertainment
  1. Memes play a big role in how we experience events like the Olympics. Even if people don't watch, they can still feel connected through the memes circulating online.
  2. Social media is a main source of information and entertainment during major events. It allows people to stay updated without watching the events live.
  3. The way people engage with the Olympics has changed with technology. Memes are a fun and easy way to share moments and reactions from the games.

The Absurdity of Big Chess

Obvious Bicycle • 460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Entertainment Community Trends
  1. Big Chess, the growing online community around chess, has a lot of content creators and viewers who often rely on computer analysis instead of understanding the game fully. Most casual players can't really grasp the complexity of grandmaster-level chess.
  2. There are huge skill gaps in chess; the difference between a regular player and a grandmaster is immense. Even the top grandmasters have skills that seem almost unreachable for average players.
  3. Despite knowing they don't fully understand what's happening, many people still enjoy watching top-level chess. They might appreciate the excitement, want to see great plays, or are simply drawn to the brilliance of the players.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Sports Corporate strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.

EXCLUSIVE: Female Athletes Sue NCAA Over Transgender Competitors in Sports

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5467 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Legal issues Sports Lawsuit
  1. Female athletes are suing the NCAA over transgender athletes competing against them and using female locker rooms, claiming violations of Title IX.
  2. The lawsuit aims to change the rules so that biological males are ineligible to compete against female athletes, demanding awards be revoked from trans athletes and given to female contenders.
  3. The suit highlights concerns about gender inclusion in sports, citing the advantage biological males have over females even with hormone therapy, and questions the existing eligibility rules set by the NCAA.

A Week in the War on Women: Monday 29th January - Sunday 4th February

The Glinner Update • 2338 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender identity Equality Law Sports
  1. Children in unregulated online chatrooms are exposed to harmful advice and behavior regarding gender issues.
  2. Institutions like the NHS and Environment Agency are altering policies to be more gender-neutral under the influence of organizations like Stonewall.
  3. Instances of individuals facing consequences for expressing views on gender identity and discrimination, including bans from events and investigations by legal authorities.

Don't watch sports

Becoming Noble • 4504 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Philosophy Identity Values History
  1. Sport has historically been a vital part of society, representing values, nobility, and community.
  2. Modern commercialized sports have shifted the focus from active participation to passive observation, leading to a loss of essential virtues and identity.
  3. Engaging in sports through active participation is essential for cultivating virtues, joy, honor, and a sense of community.

Brands are really eager to sponsor live events

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Sponsorship Events Marketing Sports
  1. Brands are very interested in sponsoring live events. This means companies see value in connecting with people in person.
  2. The NFL is becoming a huge media player, making billions from TV rights and producing lots of its own content. They're seen as one of the most valuable media properties globally.
  3. B2B media is on the rise, especially after the pandemic, as more businesses are looking to connect in person through events and other platforms.

VFYW: Super Bowl Puppies & Poop Rocks

The Weekly Dish • 9 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Food Sports Media
  1. People often feel excited and lucky when they win contests, even if they think they didn't try their best. It's nice to feel connected to others through fun activities.
  2. Finding locations can be tricky, especially when many details in a photo can lead you to wrong conclusions. Pay attention to clues like street signs and architectural styles.
  3. Sharing experiences and stories about places can help create a sense of community. Everyone enjoys reminiscing about their travels and the memories they hold.

The Monday Media Diet with Ashtyn Butoso

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Communication Sports Travel
  1. Ashtyn Butoso is a creative who loves sports and media, and she enjoys a mix of writing, video production, and freelance work. She's also passionate about animal rights and often indulges in various forms of media.
  2. She has a diverse media diet, including newsletters, podcasts, and local NYC content. She particularly enjoys work by Josh Gondelman and Hanif Abduraqib, showcasing her love for both humor and deep storytelling.
  3. Ashtyn recommends everyone visit Porto, Portugal, as it's an underrated gem. She also emphasizes the importance of attending WNBA games to appreciate the uniqueness of the experience.

Is the Vibe Shift Bad for House of Strauss?

House of Strauss • 37 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Opinions Trends Sports Commentary
  1. The current changes in media and culture, referred to as the 'Vibe Shift,' might hurt some businesses in the short term. However, staying focused on important ideas is more crucial than immediate profits.
  2. Some content creators are worried that opinions they shared before might not be as impactful now. It's important to think about how the audience's reception might change.
  3. Criticism of major sports media has shifted, but some believe there are still important, undisclosed issues that deserve attention. Recognizing the change in discussions around sports can help maintain a unique perspective.

Messi, Inc.

The Generalist • 2341 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💼 Business Sports Technology Investing Entrepreneurship Marketing
  1. Being considered the GOAT in a sport can lead to lucrative opportunities and wealth accumulation, as seen with athletes like Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi.
  2. Changes in social media, technology, and athlete earnings have given superstar athletes more power and control over their wealth and commercial endeavors.
  3. Lionel Messi's strategic moves, like moving to America and establishing Play Time, indicate a growing potential for immense wealth through business ventures beyond his football career.

Politics and Sports Attention Surplus Syndrome

donaldjeffries • 1120 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Sports
  1. The author's life has been strongly influenced by politics, sports, and the bond with their father through shared interests.
  2. They have a deep passion and knowledge for baseball history, sports, and politics, which shaped their childhood and adult life.
  3. Their voting history reflects a transition from die-hard Democrat to independent thinker, aligning with various Third Party candidates and ultimately expressing skepticism towards traditional politics.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 24

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

Under the microscope: Actua Golf & Virtual Golf

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming History Technology Entertainment Sports
  1. The game 'Actua Golf' has some secret cheat codes that can change the game experience, like showing the names of the game creators.
  2. There was a plan for a follow-up disc with more golf courses for 'Actua Golf', but it never officially released.
  3. In 'Virtual Golf', players can use scrambled player names as passwords to unlock professional tournaments, making it more accessible for everyone.