How to Rewrite the Rules of Media with Chris Best of Substack

What if the media you consume isn’t just how you spend your
time—but who you become? Chris Best began his career as a software
engineer, driven by the idea that writing code could transform how
millions of people work. But after nearly a decade of coding, he
recognized an even greater potential with writing: the power to
shape who millions of people become. In 2017, Chris launched
Substack, a platform that empowers independent writers and creators
to own their connection with audiences and earn through paid
subscriptions. In this episode, Chris unpacks the “anti-media”
philosophy at the heart of Substack—eliminating barriers for
writers to share their work and creating a meritocratic space where
the most influential voices can be heard. From political
commentators and fashion gurus to sports enthusiasts, Substack has
grown into a vibrant ecosystem where readers can discover their
tribe. Today, the platform boasts over 35 million active readers
and more than 4 million paid subscribers. Chris shares how he
overcame initial skepticism about product-market fit, why he thinks
of Substack as an index for culture, and how authenticity is
increasingly vital in a world where AI generated content is
limitless.