Substacks recommended by Joy-Ann Reid

Recommended by Joy-Ann Reid

Kurt Takes

By Kurt Bardella

Former GOP, Now Democrat. Former MSNBC, Now NewsNation.

The Left Hook with Wajahat Ali

By THE LEFT HOOK

A political, cultural, and intellectual playground for the rest of us with writer Wajahat Ali

We need loud, direct and clear voices in this moment. Waj is one of them. Highly recommend!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Zeteo

By Mehdi Hasan

Zeteo is a new media organization that seeks to answer the questions that really matter, while always striving for the truth. Founded by Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo is a movement for media accountability, unfiltered news and bold opinions.

Fearless journalism, real talk and global insight. Just the medicine we need in this crucial and sometimes frightening time.

- Joy-Ann Reid

The Beautiful Mess by John Pavlovitz

Authentic words for everyone trying to figure out the best way to be human.

Humanity and brilliant insights. Calming and sometimes alarming, but always essential.

- Joy-Ann Reid

ALKEBULAN

By The Merc

Discover TRUE African History and Current Affairs with my weekly Newsletter and Podcast

My favorite source for real talk about the Global South and insights into Africa's many nations and political and cultural truths.

- Joy-Ann Reid

What I'm Reading

By Phil Lewis

An award-winning newsletter that shares some of the most interesting and informative news stories about the Black experience in America. 2024 Webby Award honoree.

The Dean's Report by Dean Obeidallah

Saving American democracy from the GOP's FASCISM one fact (and punchline) at a time! Only the truth--never the corporate media's "both sides" BS!

Dean is a must-read for all things comedic, defensive of our democracy, and illuminating about our Muslim-American community.

- Joy-Ann Reid

Hopium Chronicles By Simon Rosenberg

Expert commentary from a 30-year veteran of US politics. Here at Hopium we work on strategies to defeat MAGA, tell our story more effectively, and ensure freedom and democracy prevail. Expect sharp analysis, live events, and all sorts of Hopium!

Gotta have hope!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Dog Shirt Daily

By Benjamin Wittes

The #BeastOfTheDay Had to Go Somewhere

Inside Medicine

By Jeremy Faust

Merging what I'm seeing in the ER with rigorous deep-dives on the very latest medical and public health data. I want you to know what really matters.

Amazing insights, more needed than ever with RFK Jr and Dr. Oz at the wheel...

- Joy-Ann Reid

Sherrilyn’s Newsletter

By Sherrilyn Ifill

Civil Rights & American Democracy

Sherrilyn's legendary mind, shared with the world. Get in on this brilliance!

- Joy-Ann Reid

The Warning with Steve Schmidt

Explains what is happening, and why in our turbulent era. Speaks truth to power. 1 written & 1 broadcast commentary/day 6x/week.

The blunt warnings we need in this moment. Steve and I don't always agree, but he is a forceful and essential voice for democracy. Read it, don't weep!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance

By Joyce Vance

Worried about the state of the republic? Get the legal knowledge & analysis you need to be an advocate for democracy, along with a dose of savvy optimism.

The friend who talks me down on legal things, and an essential voice on the legal landscape in these crazy times.

- Joy-Ann Reid

Seeing Things

By Liza Donnelly

New and unpublished drawings and thoughts for people who want to see more of life, from a New Yorker cartoonist. Drawings, cartoons, words, live drawing, process, more...

ContrabandCamp

By Michael Harriot

Smart. Bold. Brilliant. Black.

This is where you need to be for the culture, for Black thought and the survival strategies we need in this moment. Just literally essential reading.

- Joy-Ann Reid

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank

your dose of news, minus the depression

Patriarchy beware, Liz has your number!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Culture Fries by Touré

By Toure

Fun bites about culture by Touré. Independent cultural journalism. Constant essays about culture.

Check out my friend Toure's newsletter for the latest in news on the entertainment world and the culture!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Insight into national politics and elections from a seasoned and fearless independent journalist, delivered to your inbox daily so you can stay inspired and informed—while you push back on Trump and corporate media.

Fierce fighter for democracy, and a friend to the end. Recommended!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Robert Reich

Daily newsletter exposing where power lies — and how it's used and abused

Truth, facts, data ... nuff said!

- Joy-Ann Reid

White Too Long by Robert P. Jones

Analysis and reflections on religion, white Christian nationalism, & protecting a pluralistic democracy. Hosted by NYT bestselling author Robert P. Jones, president/founder of PRRI.

Robert Jones is not just a brilliant pollster and demographer, he is a key expert on the origins and history of white Christian nationalism. His honesty and forthrightness on race is the balm we need to move this country forward. Highly recommended reading!

- Joy-Ann Reid

The Hartmann Report

By Thom Hartmann

A Daily Newsletter of Renaissance Thinking about Progressive Politics, Economics, Science, and the Political News Issues of Our Day

One of my most important daily reads, from one of my absolute longtime favorite voices. Essential reading as the right tries to deconstruct our safety nets.

- Joy-Ann Reid

Paul Krugman

Notes on economics and more

The Bulwark

Analysis and reporting on politics and culture in America. Home to Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Bill Kristol, JVL, Sam Stein, and more. No partisan loyalties. No tribal prejudices.

The.Ink

By The Ink

A newsletter on politics and culture, money and power -- telling the truth without fear -- from Anand Giridharadas

The Signorile Report

By Michelangelo Signorile

Exposing far-right extremism and corporate media complicity. News, politics, analysis, interviews by journalist & SiriusXM radio host Michelangelo Signorile.

Nobody fights the madness like Micheleangelo. Get 'em, friend!

- Joy-Ann Reid

Letters from an American

By Heather Cox Richardson

A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

Popular Information

By Judd Legum

Independent accountability journalism.