Substack: The Anti-social Media Platform You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re over the endless performance of social media – you’re not alone.

The constant noise, the beige aesthetic and the battle to win over the algorithm has lost its appeal for some of us who are drawn to more meaningful content.

I’ve noticed a deluge of copy/paste content, especially on LinkedIn and Instagram recently. Unqualified life coaching in carousel form? Bragging about your six-figure sales month? Please make it stop.

The sad fact is most content is now produced by AI and lacking a human angle or emotion.

However, there is a corner of the internet which feels more…organic.

// Introducing Substack – the slow content movement we all need in our lives

Substack a newsletter and publishing platform that lets writers, journalists, creators and thinkers share long-form content directly with their readers via email and on the Substack app/website.

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, it’s not about flashy reels or follower counts – it’s about meaningful connection and ideas.

It’s a platform for those us who crave depth in what we consume.

If you don’t particularly care about influencer culture and just want to hear from real people about real life, Substack is a great place to be.

// But do you have to pay? 

Most writers have free and paid-access content, so you have the option to pay and support the writers you love or just enjoy the free stuff.

// Why Substack matters now

Substack reached over 5 million paid subscriptions as of March 2025, perhaps a signal of how the type of content people want to consume. The platform has also recently introduced video and podcast capabilities so there are big opportunities for everybody– not just writers.

// Three reasons why Substack feels like a digital detox

1.     It's not about presenting a perfect image or catching somebody’s attention in three seconds.

2.     You see content because you subscribed to it, not because it’s “trending.”

3.     Writers own their content and audience.

// Here are the Substack accounts we love:

• Work, Burnout & Ambition 

Emma Gannon – The Hyphen

Emma is the voice of a generation redefining success. Formerly the host of the Ctrl Alt Delete podcast, she now explores the space between ambition and rest, hustle and happiness – aka "the hyphen life."

Anna Rose – The Burnout Rebellion

For anyone who's ever hit a wall and thought, "This can't be it", Anna's writing is your rebellion handbook. Expect tough love, real talk, and strategies for rewriting your story on your own terms.

Farrah Storr – Things Worth Knowing

The former Editor-in-Chief of Elle UK and Cosmopolitan delivers clever cultural analysis and life insights. Farrah’s newsletter reads like a sharp chat with your smartest friend.

Sabrina Molu – The Work Wife

A newsletter for career-driven women, packed with honest takes on ambition, imposter syndrome, and making work work for you.

• Life, Womanhood & Identity

Elizabeth Day – DAYLIGHT

The How to Fail author brings her signature vulnerability and curiosity to Substack. Essays range from friendship breakups to navigating middle age with grace and humour.

Jameela Jamil – A Low Desire to Please

True to form, Jameela’s newsletter is bold, honest, and full of heart. She tackles everything from self-worth to mental health to smashing the patriarchy – all with her trademark candour.

Cat Sims – Life to the Letter

Honest, raw, and often hilarious, Cat’s open letters on motherhood, mental health and everyday chaos remind readers they’re never alone in their mess.

Anne Helen Petersen - Culture Study 

A culture critic, formerly of BuzzFeed, Anne unpacks everything from hustle culture to remote work to why we're all so tired. If you want smart takes with a sociological twist, this is the one to subscribe to.

• Motherhood & Mental Health

Anna Mathur – The Frazzled Mums Club

Therapist, author, and mum of three, Anna writes with warmth and wisdom. Her newsletter is a hug in email form – perfect for mothers who are juggling it all and need a moment to breathe.

• Lifestyle

Joanna Goddard – Big Salad

The beloved founder of Cup of Jo, Joanna brings her signature charm and warmth to Substack. Big Salad is a mix of thoughtful essays, life observations, and the kind of heartfelt honesty that’s made her a trusted voice for years.

Alex Elle – Gratitude Journal 

Author and wellness educator Alex Elle shares gentle, grounding reflections that invite readers to slow down and tune in. Her newsletter offers journal prompts, affirmations, and soulful writing that makes self-care feel deeply personal.

• Voices from the region

Katy Gillett – Desert Prose

A journalist based in the UAE, Katy’s newsletter is building a regional community of freelancers and editors sharing insights from both sides of the table.

P.S. I’m on there too! Head over to chapter39.substack.com to read more of my ramblings on navigating life as I approach 40.

Download the Substack app or visit substack.com to get started.