Chris Best

Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, shares insights on redefining media through email, a tech from 1971. He discusses Substack's remarkable rise to over 3 million paid subscribers and the shift creators are making from traditional platforms to direct audience connections. The conversation touches on navigating the impact of AI in media, emphasizing the importance of human authenticity. Best reflects on lessons from his previous venture, Kik, and highlights how Substack empowers creators to achieve financial independence and thrive in a changing landscape.

Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, discusses the recent launch of Substack Notes, drawing comparisons to Twitter amidst competitive tensions. He shares insights about the platform's shift from enterprise software to consumer-focused products. Best reflects on the challenges of content moderation, emphasizing a unique subscription model that prioritizes community. Delving into algorithms, he contrasts Substack’s user-centric approach with traditional ad-driven platforms, highlighting the importance of trust and financial transparency in nurturing writers and their audiences.

Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie, co-founders of Substack, dive into the turmoil surrounding their platform amid Elon Musk's recent criticisms. They clarify the intentions behind Substack Notes, countering the notion it's a Twitter clone. Highlighting the challenges of newsletter monetization versus social media models, they reflect on the impact of their platform's approach to free expression. The duo discusses how current tensions shape the future of content creation, emphasizing Substack's growth and evolving dynamics in the industry.

Chris Best, the tech entrepreneur and CEO of Substack, shares his insights on the evolution of the media landscape and the empowering role of independent writing. He discusses the complexities of content moderation and the importance of free speech amidst rising censorship. Best highlights Substack's mission to create direct connections between writers and their audiences despite initial skepticism. The conversation explores the intersection of culture and technology, emphasizing the need for diverse voices in combating media chaos.

Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, discusses the platform's collaboration with FIRE to safeguard writers' free speech, especially those critiquing foreign governments. He emphasizes the challenges of fostering diverse voices amidst rising censorship and political biases. The conversation also touches on a Yale professor fleeing the U.S. over political concerns and highlights troubling congressional hearings, exposing the disconnect between politicians and everyday Americans in the realm of freedom of expression.

Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, discusses how his platform is transforming journalism by empowering independent writers to monetize their work through subscriptions. He explains Substack's unique business model, focusing on legal protections and content moderation challenges faced by independent journalists. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on writing and the need for sustainable practices in subscription journalism. Best also shares insights into the future of reader platforms and potential subscription bundles.

Chris Best, CEO and co-founder of Substack, is at the forefront of the free speech movement in online media. He discusses the necessity of alternative platforms like Substack amid rising censorship. The conversation delves into the unique challenges creators face and the role of community-driven moderation. Best reflects on the decline of Clubhouse, the influence of AI on content, and the dynamics of status within creative communities. He also envisions Substack’s potential impact on journalism and the importance of nurturing independent voices.

Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, discusses attention, quality, and gatekeepers in media, building an audience, using AI as a creative tool, and the state of freedom of speech. The podcast explores Substack's challenges, niche content, cultural attitudes towards paying for content, network structures, and the impact of AI tools on content creation.

Jen Gerson, a prominent Canadian journalist at The Line, and Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, dive into the evolving world of journalism. They explore how Substack is reshaping media dynamics, emphasizing the struggles and successes of independent writers. The conversation touches on the platform's confrontation with Twitter and Elon Musk's unexpected role in boosting its visibility. They also provide practical advice for aspiring journalists, stressing the importance of foundational skills over platform-centric focus, and discuss the essential nature of free speech in today’s landscape.

Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, and Jen Gerson, a prominent Canadian journalist, delve into the transformative impact of Substack on the media landscape. They discuss the freedom it offers journalists, allowing for profitable self-publishing. The duo also tackles hot-button issues like Substack's controversial content moderation and the platform's rivalry with Twitter. Personal stories highlight the shift from traditional media roles, emphasizing the need for audience connection and preserving journalistic values in this evolving environment.