Reader Recommendations April 2025
Here's what you love for April 2025
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.