I Attended Substack's 'New Media' Event in D.C. This Weekend

What I learned about this platform that every reader should know

Apr 28, 2025

I’ve never written a piece like this before because frankly I’ve never felt this strongly about a platform. This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending Substack’s national invite in Washington, D.C. I left inspired, energized, and more convinced than ever that Substack is not just a platform—it's a movement. I want to share with you three critical takeaways that matter for you, my readers, and for the future of independent media in America. Let’s Address This.

1. Substack Recognizes the Collapse of Corporate Media Demands A Viable Response

At a time when trust in corporate media is cratering and most social media platforms are tightening algorithmic controls to restrict content, Substack is moving in the opposite direction — expanding access and prioritizing open, honest communication. Substack’s leadership team isn't just building a platform; they are building a lifeline for public discourse at a time when democracy and truth-telling are under assault. It was clear from every conversation: they are deeply committed to ensuring that diverse, authentic voices have a place to be heard — uncensored, unbought, and unrestricted.

This is the foundation that independent journalism must stand on if we are to preserve a healthy democracy. And it’s why I believe so strongly in growing our community here.

Qasim of Let’s Address This and Salaam of Poverty Lawyer

2. Substack’s Leaders Are Accessible — And That Matters

One of the most striking experiences was how accessible Substack’s leadership truly is. I had the opportunity to meet and speak directly with executive board members, including the CEO. I shared what I love about the platform — and where I think it can improve. They listened carefully, took notes, and thanked me for being honest.

And to be clear: they didn’t ask me to write this. I'm sharing this because you deserve transparency about the platforms I use.

I've been active on virtually every major social media platform — and never once have I had a conversation like this with leadership at Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. Accessibility builds trust. And Substack's leadership is earning that trust the right way — by being open, responsive, and committed to improvement.

L-R: Allie O’Brien, David Hogg, Qasim, Ariana Jasmine

3. Substack Is Just Getting Started — And So Are We

Substack’s growth has been organic, powered by authentic voices — writers, scholars, journalists, and academics speaking truth to power. That authenticity is why it’s succeeding, and why it’s replacing a collapsing corporate media landscape.

And here’s the exciting part: we’re still in the early chapters of this movement.

The politics vertical — where I’m honored to be ranked among the top 70 platforms on all of Substack — is Substack’s largest and fastest-growing genre. That’s because readers like you are hungry for insight and scholarship rooted in truth, justice, and integrity. But for this movement to truly grow and thrive, we need you more than ever. We need your voice, your engagement, your willingness to share articles, and to invite friends and family to subscribe.

This is our moment to build something that corporate media cannot touch: a people-powered media ecosystem that uplifts facts over fear, justice over propaganda, and humanity over hate.

Conclusion: Let’s Build This Together

I came away from D.C. with greater faith that the future of media—and democracy—can be bright if we commit to building it together. Substack is giving us the tools, but it’s up to us to use them. So if you value having a place where human rights, justice, and truth are prioritized and where our community can grow free from billionaire manipulation and corporate control, I invite you to stay engaged, to subscribe if you haven’t already, and to bring others along with you.

Together, let’s reclaim the public square.