• What does it all mean?

• What do I do now?

Each one of the recommended publications answers one of those two questions in some form or way. It will either help you get mental clarity on the situation we’re facing. Or, it will help you get clarity on how to navigate the problems the present situation creates. With that in mind, here’s who we’re reading, and why you should too.

Journal of the Plague Years

In a media ecosystem drowning in clickbait and cowardice, Journal of the Plague Years offers something rare: insurgent intelligence with literary bite. Edited by Susan Zakin—an award-winning journalist whose bylines include GQ, Vogue, Salon, and The New York Times—this Substack publication feels like dispatches from the resistance, written with the clarity of hindsight and the urgency of now.

Zakin has built a collective of writers who don’t flinch. Their tone is unapologetically sharp, often darkly funny, and steeped in history, art, and power politics. Pieces span the personal and the political—one week, a meditation on grief or exile, the next, a deep dive into authoritarian drift or ecological collapse. The unifying thread? A kind of war-room clarity about what time it is.

For readers of The Long Memo looking to track the contours of collapse while holding onto what’s worth saving, this is a companion worth keeping close.

Explore it here: journaloftheplagueyears.substack.com

Persuasion

At a time when ideological purity tests are replacing intellectual curiosity, Persuasion stands as a necessary counterforce. Founded by political scientist Yascha Mounk, this publication brings together writers, academics, and public thinkers who believe in the radical idea that disagreement isn’t dangerous—and that defending liberal democracy still matters.

The essays span culture, politics, science, and philosophy, with contributors from across the ideological spectrum—left, liberal, libertarian, even disillusioned conservatives. What unites them isn’t dogma, but principle: a commitment to reasoned debate, open inquiry, and the kind of civic pluralism most institutions have quietly abandoned.

(Fun fact: The Long Memo has published work there, and Persuasion has invited more. So yes, I’m biased. But I’m also right.)

Whether unpacking illiberal tendencies on both the right and the left, revisiting Enlightenment ideals in modern terms, or spotlighting global threats to democracy that U.S. media ignores, Persuasion delivers signal, not noise.

For readers trying to stay grounded amid ideological whiplash—and who want more than clickbait tribalism—Persuasion offers clarity without condescension, and complexity without cowardice.

Explore it here: persuasion.community

Further

Most content aimed at midlife either patronizes or panders. Further doesn’t do either. Created by Brian Clark—yes, the guy behind Copyblogger—this newsletter is a smart, focused dispatch for Gen Xers rethinking what comes next.

Clark isn’t selling hustle culture or retirement fantasy. He’s building a playbook for “unretirement”—an intentional, entrepreneurial, and health-conscious life that rejects the idea that your best years are behind you. Further blends business sense with wellness insight and personal development in a way that’s both practical and aspirational.

If you’re in that midlife zone—still ambitious, still curious, but no longer buying the old narratives—Further offers the mindset shift and tactical clarity to chart your own path.

Explore it here: news.further.net

How to Survive the Broligarchy

Carole Cadwalladr doesn’t just report the news—she drags it, kicking and screaming, into the spotlight. Best known for exposing the Cambridge Analytica scandal, she now writes with blistering clarity about the unholy alliance of tech barons, political strongmen, and the media systems that enable them.

Her Substack, How to Survive the Broligarchy, isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a field guide to fighting back. Through sharp investigations and personal narrative, Cadwalladr unpacks the invisible architecture of modern power: how disinformation moves, how institutions fold, and how the “broligarchy”—her term for the ruling tech-bro class—manipulates both.

But this isn’t despair porn. It’s battle-tested journalism wrapped in righteous indignation. For readers who want to understand what’s happening and how to push back, Broligarchy is one hell of a primer. I have been enjoying the hell out of this Substack. Truly, it’s a gem.

Explore it here: broligarchy.substack.com

The Overshoot

If you’ve ever tried to decode the global economy only to be met with jargon, ideology, or hand-waving, The Overshoot is the antidote. Matthew C. Klein cuts through the noise with rigorous but accessible analysis, pulling apart trade data, monetary policy, and fiscal dynamics to show how the system really works.

This isn’t doomscroll fodder or market hype. It’s steady, well-calibrated insight for people who want to understand capital flows, policy outcomes, and how economic decisions ripple through institutions and individuals. His pieces regularly reframe conventional narratives, and often show just how wrong the mainstream got it.

For readers trying to make smart moves in an unstable system, The Overshoot is a compass worth following. And yes, it’s expensive, clarity and craft usually is. That said, as a fellow economist and finance analyst, the guy knows his stuff. It’s worth 300 bucks a year if this is your thing.

Explore it here: theovershoot.co

Why This Matters & How You Can Help

These five writers are worth your time. They’re not always the most prominent names, but they’re some of the most interesting voices on Substack. Every one of them is high signal/low noise.

If you enjoy The Long Memo, recommending it helps more people find it—and, as a perk, writers who recommend me can earn complimentary paid memberships.

• Recommend TLM to

• Recommend TLM to 25 people? You get a free year ($80 value).

• Over 10 writers have already hit that mark. Want in? Let’s go.

Refer a friend

Enjoy stacking. See you next month with five more.

Here’s who we’re reading, and why you should too.

The Resistance - Charlie Angus

In a digital landscape saturated with fleeting commentary, Charlie Angus / The Resistance stands out as a beacon of thoughtful dissent. Authored by Charlie Angus—a seasoned Canadian politician, accomplished musician, and prolific author with nine published books—this Substack publication delves into the stories and strategies of resistance in what Angus terms "this new dark age."

Angus brings a multifaceted perspective to his writing, drawing from his experiences in public service and the arts. His essays traverse a broad spectrum of topics, from confronting rising fascism and critiquing influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, to advocating for nonviolent resistance and social justice.

For readers seeking a blend of political analysis, cultural critique, and a call to action, Charlie Angus / The Resistance offers a compelling narrative that challenges the status quo and inspires engagement in the ongoing struggle for a more just society.

Explore it here: charlieangus.substack.com

Timeless & Timely - Scott Monty

In an era where the rapid pace of change often leaves us unmoored, Timeless & Timely offers a grounding perspective by intertwining historical wisdom with contemporary insights. Authored by Scott Monty—a former Fortune 10 executive with a deep appreciation for leadership, literature, history, and philosophy—this Substack publication serves as a reflective guide for those navigating the complexities of modern life.

(Fun Fact: I met Scott when he was at Ford. This newsletter appears both here on Substack and on LinkedIn.)

Monty's essays delve into enduring virtues and lessons from the past, demonstrating their relevance to present-day challenges. Whether exploring the nuances of language in pieces like "Janus Words," or discussing the impact of presence in leadership in "Making a Difference By Showing Up," he consistently bridges the temporal gap between historical context and current affairs.

For readers seeking a thoughtful exploration of how timeless principles can inform and enrich our contemporary experiences, Timeless & Timely provides a wellspring of contemplation and guidance.

Explore it here: timelesstimely.com

Trump Tyranny Tracker - Olga Lautman

In an era where political developments unfold at a relentless pace, Trump Tyranny Tracker serves as a vigilant chronicle of the evolving landscape. Authored by Olga Lautman, this Substack publication offers daily dissections of key news events, focusing on the actions and influence of former President Donald Trump and his associates.

Lautman’s commitment to meticulous documentation is evident in her ongoing series, with entries like "Trump Tyranny Tracker: Day 66" providing readers with a comprehensive breakdown of recent events and their broader implications. Her analyses are both timely and thorough, making complex political maneuvers accessible to a wide audience.

For readers seeking a detailed, day-by-day account of the challenges facing American democracy in the post-Trump era, Trump Tyranny Tracker offers an indispensable resource, blending current events with insightful commentary.

Explore it here: trumptyrannytracker.substack.com

Living it With Olivia Troye (Now Olivia Unfiltered) - Olivia Troye

In the tumultuous landscape of American politics, few voices resonate with the clarity and conviction of Olivia Troye. A former national security official and homeland security advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Troye made headlines when she resigned from the Trump administration, choosing to speak out against the forces she once worked alongside.​

Another fun fact, Liv and I have known each other for 20+ years now. We worked together at the Pentagon when I first started out as a political appointee. Heck, being honest, she’s the one who convinced me to become one. I don’t normally recommend large pubs, but I think hers is one worth reading. I know I’ve referred to her in the past, and I’ll undoubtedly do so in the future.

Her Substack publication, Olivia Unfiltered, is a candid chronicle of her experiences and observations from within the corridors of power. Troye offers sharp insights, exposes hidden risks, and unpacks the headlines to keep readers informed and prepared in an era rife with misinformation. ​

Olivia is an exceptionally good resource for readers seeking an unvarnished perspective from someone who has navigated the complexities of national security and politics firsthand. I’ll also give Liv this credit, she saw the shit show coming WAAAAY before me, and given I’m no slouch, that’s saying something.

Explore it here: livingitwitholiviatroye.com

Are you f'ng kidding me? - By JoJoFromJerz (Jo Carducci)

In the vast landscape of political commentary, Are you f'ng kidding me? stands out as a refreshingly candid and unapologetic voice. Authored by Jo Carducci, widely recognized as JoJoFromJerz, this Substack publication offers readers an unfiltered take on current events, politics, and the absurdities of modern life.​

I’ve called her the William Shakespeare of political commentary. Her blistering satire and wit I think rivals my own, and again, since I’m no slouch, that’s saying something. Perhaps it’s because we both have heritage from “New Joisy.”

Jo, a self-described Jersey girl, Democrat, news junkie, Lebanese, hothead, mom, and geek, brings a unique blend of humor, passion, and insight to her writing. Her posts often read like spirited conversations with a friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is, making complex political issues accessible and engaging. Beyond her written content, Jo offers exclusive audio material, including rapid response commentary, mini-podcasts, and rants, providing her audience with multiple avenues to engage with her perspectives. ​

For those seeking a blend of sharp political commentary, relatable anecdotes, and a dash of Jersey flair, Are you f'ng kidding me? delivers like a flamethrower of truth.

Explore it here: jojofromjerz.substack.com

Why This Matters & How You Can Help

These five writers are worth your time. They’re not always the most prominent names, but they’re some of the most interesting voices on Substack.

If you enjoy The Long Memo, recommending it helps more people find it—and, as a perk, writers who recommend me can earn complimentary paid memberships.

• Recommend TLM to

• Recommend TLM to 25 people? You get a free year ($80 value).

• Over 10 writers have already hit that mark. Want in? Let’s go.

Refer a friend

Enjoy stacking. See you next month with five more.

Here’s who you, the subscribers of TLM, recommended as the best Substacks:

They are in no particular order, just in the order in which they were reviewed and examined for the article. Each stack was reviewed, and several articles read, to develop a summary for this article. All submissions received from readers by the end of the previous month are eligible to make the next month’s recommended list. April’s list closes April 30th. See the last section for instructions on how to nominate your favorite Substack.

The West Point History Professor, by Terrence Goggin

If you’re looking for a Substack that blends sharp political insight with historical depth, The West Point History Professor should be on your radar.

This publication isn't your typical think-piece outlet written by Terrence Goggin—a former West Point history professor, Harvard Kennedy Fellow, California legislator, and practicing attorney. Goggin brings a rare combination of academic discipline, legal precision, and political realism to bear on America’s most volatile current events.

Recent posts have tackled Trump’s political endgame, the strategic implications of classified leaks, and the quieter signals of institutional erosion—all filtered through the lens of someone who understands battlefield history and legislative trench warfare. He’s not prone to hysteria but doesn’t pull punches either. Whether he’s dissecting Deep Throat 2.0 or mapping out the collapse of political norms, Goggin writes like someone who’s been in the room—and probably argued with the people making the decisions. Takes one to spot one.

Goggin’s voice is measured, seasoned, and essential for readers trying to make sense of how empires break—especially when they think they’re immune.

Postcards from Canada, by Alice Goldbloom, Kristin Shannon, & Sylvie Lamoureaux

If you've ever wondered what principled resistance looks like north of the border, Canada Stands Up is a compelling place to begin. This Substack delivers a distinctly Canadian voice—but one unafraid to confront the uncomfortable overlap between global pressures, domestic compliance, and the slow erosion of democratic norms.

Positioned at the intersection of politics, sovereignty, and civil liberties, the publication reads like a dispatch from those unwilling to watch their country slide into soft authoritarianism quietly. It's part investigative commentary, constitutional defense, and cultural critique. There’s an undercurrent of frustration, but it’s paired with discipline—these aren’t rants; they’re arguments.

Recent posts dissect Canada's shifting role on the world stage, the quiet creep of censorship, the country's complex entanglement with U.S. policy, and the failures of both left and right to safeguard national dignity. You don’t need to be Canadian to appreciate the warning signs catalogued here. If anything, the publication feels like a companion to the broader story unfolding across the West: when democracies drift, the first casualties are memory and sovereignty.

If you're looking for a non-American perspective on many of the same battles—civil liberties, institutional trust, and the weaponization of crisis—Canada Stands Up is sharp, well-paced, and quietly urgent.

Painting to See, by Michael Chesley Johnson

For artists and art enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the creative process, Painting to See offers a compelling exploration into the world of plein air painting. Authored by Michael Chesley Johnson—a seasoned landscape painter, workshop instructor, and contributor to publications like The Artist's Magazine—this Substack provides a wealth of insights drawn from years of experience in the field.

In early 2024, Johnson transitioned his longstanding blog, A Plein Air Painter’s Blog, to Substack, rebranding it as Painting to See. This move reflects his commitment to sharing techniques, tutorials, and philosophies underpinning the art of outdoor painting. Subscribers can expect free content and exclusive material for paid members, including monthly podcasts and specialized posts.

Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned painter, Painting to See is a valuable resource that offers guidance, inspiration, and a community for those passionate about capturing the world en plein air.

Persuasion, Edited by Yascha Mounk

In an era where the foundations of free societies are increasingly scrutinized, Persuasion emerges as a vital platform championing the principles of open discourse and liberal democracy. Founded in 2020 by Yascha Mounk, a political scientist and author, this Substack publication serves as a magazine and a community dedicated to fostering thoughtful debate and defending the values underpinning free societies.

Persuasion offers a rich tapestry of content, including essays, analyses, and a weekly podcast titled "The Good Fight," in which Mounk engages with guests from diverse backgrounds to discuss pressing political and cultural issues. The publication's mission is clear: to build a free society where individuals can pursue meaningful lives, uphold the importance of persuasion and free speech, and respectfully engage with differing viewpoints.

For readers seeking a nuanced understanding of contemporary challenges through the lens of philosophical liberalism, Persuasion provides an invaluable resource. Its commitment to open-minded debate and intellectual rigor makes it a standout in today's media landscape.

Fun fact: Yours truly will be publishing here in the near future. Their editor reached out to me, I pitched a series of stories in response, and I’m working up one of them now. Look for a “TLM” style piece at Persuasion shortly. It was totally coincidental one of you nominated this piece. I wasn’t going to reveal my guest publication until it dropped.

And to the three people who nominated our publications… I thank you. :) But they don’t count.

Again, here’s how it works to nominate your favorite Stack:

Nominate an author you love. Here’s what to send me:
✅ Their Substack (or another place they publish)
✅ A sentence or two on why their work is great
✅ Send via DM (best way to keep it organized)

Self-nominations? Fine. There is no shame in self-promotion.

What’s in It for You?

• The first 20 subscribers each month (including now through Friday) who send recommendations get a free 1-month comp, even if their author declines. (You don’t control that—I get it.)

• If your recommended author contributes to The Long Memo, you get a 6-month comp.

• Every month, I’ll publish two “Referrals” lists—one with your nominations and one with my editorial picks, giving these writers more visibility.

This is about expanding the conversation at The Long Memo. I know I have one of Substack's sharpest, most engaged readerships. Let’s use that.

👉 Send me your picks.

Thank you to all those who submitted stacks for us to review.

Here’s who you, the subscribers of TLM, recommended as the best Substacks:

They are in no particular order, just in which they were reviewed and examined for the article. Each stack was reviewed, and several articles read, to develop a summary for this article. All submissions received from readers by the end of the previous month are eligible to make the next month’s recommended list. April’s list closes March 31st. See the last section for instructions on how to nominate your favorite substack.

Pen Strokes, by Nick Anderson

Oh my, I love this. Nick is a gem. A former illustrator for the Houston Chronicle (and a former Pulitzer prize winner), he distributes his wit and charm on Substack before it gets distributed internationally.

This is awesome. I can’t write much about it, because its art, not articles. Look for yourself.

Village Medicine, by Malin Mycelium Christenson

Malin Mycelium Christensson’s Village Medicine offers a deeply introspective and poetic meditation on identity, belonging, and the ever-evolving self. With a voice that is both vulnerable and insightful, Christensson invites readers into the messy, layered, and interconnected nature of personal and collective transformation.

This one is unique. Go take a look.

American Times, with Tim Barnicle

Tim Barnicle’s American Times delivers what excellent historical writing should: a compelling, well-researched narrative that bridges the past and present with striking clarity. In his most recent piece, for example, Moment of Surrender: PEPFAR and America’s Declining Leadership, Barnicle takes a deep dive into the surprising origins of one of the most successful foreign aid programs in modern history—and the political failures that now threaten to dismantle it.

It’s a gem to read that comes from fellow former politicos like Barnicle.

Small Deeds Done, by Michele Hornish

I read a few pieces on this Stack. The one that caught my eye the most was her last. My Dad, the Dittohead: Rush Limbaugh Stole Our Fathers is a masterful blend of memoir, media history, and political analysis—delivered with the raw emotional weight of someone who lived through the consequences firsthand. It’s not just an indictment of Rush Limbaugh or right-wing talk radio; it’s a deeply personal story of generational loss, the slow erosion of empathy, and the corrosive power of infotainment on the American psyche.

The most gut-wrenching moments come in the quiet, everyday interactions: a father laughing at a sexist joke on the radio, only to catch his daughter’s reflection in the rearview mirror; a daughter struggling to reconcile the warmth of a parent with the coldness of their politics. These small, human moments make Hornish’s argument more powerful than any policy critique could.

And yet, the piece is not just personal—it’s a devastating critique of how America lost its way. Hornish lays out, in strikingly clear terms, how the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine set the stage for an entirely one-sided media ecosystem that radicalized millions. She methodically traces how the tactics Limbaugh pioneered—righteous indignation, identity-based grievance, an “us vs. them” mentality—became the bedrock of modern conservative politics, culminating in Trump’s MAGA movement.

She doesn’t publish much, but this is worth reading when it drops.

Red State Resistance, by Rev. Shannon Fleck

Well, here’s one I wasn’t expecting, to be sure. Rev. Fleck and others write at “Red State Resistance,” about “White Christian Nationalism,” from their perspective as members of the clergy (I presume they’re Episcopals, although their faith doesn’t particularly matter to me.) They’re doing so from the “heart” of the MAGA “Bible belt,” Oklahoma. This makes the content even more stunning. All I could think was Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves.”

The women writing at RSR (Rev. Fleck is one) are hardly sheep; if anything, they are possibly the wolves with their wit and insight. But then, people misunderstood Matthew: Jesus is telling his apostles to be wise and harmless when faced with persecution, shrewd as snakes to avoid being taken advantage of, innocent as doves to avoid inviting conflict, and on guard against men who will hand them over to councils and flog them in synagogues. People forget that part of the Bible.

Rev. Fleck doesn’t just report on the latest legislative moves—she translates them into practical steps that everyday citizens can take to push back. Whether it’s tracking SJR4, which threatens the separation of church and state by allowing public funds to flow to religious organizations, or recognizing Representative Kevin West as a rising star in the Christian Nationalist movement, she names names, breaks down threats, and arms her readers with knowledge.

She also understands the importance of timing and morale. Rather than waiting for legislative battles to escalate, she calls for preemptive gratitude, urging readers to thank state representatives who voted to uphold the separation of church and state in previous sessions. It’s a subtle but brilliant strategy: legislators who feel supported are more likely to stand firm amid mounting pressure from extremists.

Rev. Fleck’s writing is sharp, urgent, and laced with just the right amount of dry humor—she acknowledges the overwhelming flood of bad bills but refuses to let despair take hold. Her voice is one of both authority and camaraderie, reminding readers that while the opposition is relentless, so too must be the resistance.

For anyone concerned about the rise of Christian Nationalism at the state level, Red State Resistance is an essential read. It’s not just an analysis of the problem—it’s a roadmap for fighting back.

Again, here’s how it works to nominate your favorite Stack:

Nominate an author you love. Here’s what to send me:
✅ Their Substack (or another place they publish)
✅ A sentence or two on why their work is great
✅ Send via DM (best way to keep it organized)

Self-nominations? Totally fine. There is no shame in self-promotion.

What’s in It for You?

• The first 20 subscribers each month (including now through Friday) who send recommendations get a free 1-month comp, even if their author declines. (You don’t control that—I get it.)

• If your recommended author contributes to The Long Memo, you get a 6-month comp.

• Every month, I’ll publish two “Referrals” lists—one with your nominations and one with my editorial picks, giving these writers more visibility.

This is about expanding the conversation at The Long Memo. I know I have one of Substack's sharpest, most engaged readerships. Let’s use that.

👉 Send me your picks.

Thank you to all those who submitted stacks for us to review. Let me also say that several guest writers will be featured at TLM as a result of our first round. Look for their articles starting about mid-March.

That’s nice, I guess.

I curate.

Here’s why:

1. You actually go read the stacks I recommend. On average, my readers send hundreds of free (and paid) subscribers to other writers every month. That’s amazing. I love helping you find great work—and helping those authors grow.

2. I only recommend five per month. Substack rotates recommendations round-robin, so if you recommend 500 people, most will barely be seen. By limiting mine to five, they always show up—and they get real exposure.

3. I don’t pick the usual suspects. You already know the big names—Robert Reich, Joy Reid, Aaron Parnas. They don’t need me. I’d rather introduce you to unique, high-value voices that aren’t just repackaging the same takes.

So with that, here are my March picks.

The French Dispatch – Julien Hoez

Substack leans America-centric, but if you want sharp, insightful European political analysis, this is it. Julien Hoez has a master’s in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam, has worked in IGOs, and actually knows his stuff. He writes about European politics with clarity and depth—without the academic jargon. If you want to break out of the U.S. political bubble, he’s your guy.

👉 Check out The French Dispatch

It’s In The Water – Stuart’s H2O

This one grabbed me with a single post. It was some of the clearest thinking I’d seen from someone outside political science. So I dug deeper. Turns out, Stuart Rojstaczer is a geophysicist. Rock guy.

Maybe that’s why he’s good at analyzing Trump—his head must be filled with rocks and dirt.

His political commentary is smart, direct, and refreshingly non-hysterical. He’s not a political scientist, but he’s one of those people who sees things clearly and cuts through the noise. If you want political analysis that isn’t performative outrage, he’s worth your time.

👉 Read Stuart’s Work

Economics Matters – Laurence Kotlikoff

If you studied macroeconomics in college, there’s a good chance you learned from Laurence J. Kotlikoff.

Yes, that Kotlikoff.

He’s one of the most influential economists in the U.S., and now he’s on Substack—writing accessible, high-value insights on finance and policy. If you’re into economics, this is a must-read. If you’re not, he still manages to explain things in a way that makes sense.

👉 Follow Economics Matters

SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19)

Our new Secretary of HHS is an ex-heroin addict, an anti-vaxxer, and had a worm eat half his brain. So, if you’re looking for reliable pandemic and health policy reporting, the CDC isn’t it.

This Substack curates academic and state-level data on pathogens, outbreaks, and emerging threats. The kind of thing we used to rely on the CDC for—before everything got political. If you want real public health reporting, this is a solid source.

👉 Read SARS-CoV-2 Updates

Living Elsewhere – Gregory Garretson

I found this one while researching for Breakaway Brief, and it really made me think.

If you’re planning to move abroad, it’s not a vacation—it’s a lifestyle change. This Substack captures the realities of expat life in a way that most don’t. No sugarcoating, no ‘digital nomad’ nonsense—just real talk on what it means to start over in a new country.

Also, if you want to learn how to swear in multiple languages, this is your place.

👉 Check out Living Elsewhere

Why This Matters & How You Can Help

These five writers are worth your time. They’re not the most prominent names, but they’re some of the most interesting voices on Substack.

If you enjoy The Long Memo, recommending it helps more people find it—and, as a perk, writers who recommend me can earn complimentary paid memberships.

• Recommend TLM to

• Recommend TLM to 25 people? You get a free year ($80 value).

• Over 10 writers have already hit that mark. Want in? Let’s go.

Refer a friend

Enjoy stacking. See you next month with five more.

A New Chapter for The Long Memo – Guest Authors Are Coming

Something new is brewing at The Long Memo…

Starting in March, I’ll be bringing in guest authors to contribute.

I think you’ll like their work. I know I do.

I’m aiming to get things rolling in mid-March. I’ve already contacted a few writers, and it’s coming together. But I know there are more great voices out there, and I want your help finding them.

Who I’m Looking For

Not the prominent names. They’re great, but they don’t need anyone’s amplification. (If anything, I’d need theirs. LOL!)

I’m after undiscovered gems—sharp, original writers who deserve a broader audience. They don’t have to sound like me or write about politics (though many will). If they cover economics, law, history, culture, art, or even food, and they’re damn good, I want to know about them.

How You Can Help

Nominate an author you love. Here’s what to send me:
✅ Their Substack (or another place they publish)
✅ A sentence or two on why their work is great
✅ Send via DM (best way to keep it organized)

Self-nominations? Totally fine. There is no shame in self-promotion.

What’s in It for You?

• The first 20 subscribers each month (including now through Friday) who send recommendations get a free 1-month comp, even if their author declines. (You don’t control that—I get it.)

• If your recommended author contributes to The Long Memo, you get a 6-month comp.

• Every month, I’ll publish two “Referrals” lists—one with your nominations and one with my editorial picks, giving these writers more visibility.

This is about expanding the conversation at The Long Memo. I know I have one of Substack's sharpest, most engaged readerships. Let’s use that.

👉 Send me your picks.

Let’s make TLM something truly unique.