My Most Trusted Sources (A very subjective list)
This is a work in progress. Head to the comments and tell me who I'm missing.
This is a VERY subjective, work-in-progress list of people I’m reading and following these days. It spans newsletters, podcasts, books, and more—all tied to the themes of AI, creativity, and the evolving landscape of storytelling.
I hope you’ll find a few to add to your regular diet of insights, provocations, and guidance.
(Full disclosure: YES, this list is heavy on Substack writers. I just moved in here and I’m trying to make nice with the neighbors. That said — this is another opportunity for me to tell you that — outside of Substack — you should ABSOLUTELY listen and Subscribe to AI for Humans)
The World of AI
Michael Spencer – AI Supremacy
Michael’s newsletter is one of the first emails I read every morning. He’s like the Eye of Sauron in the AI world, spotting everything and writing about the convergence of technology, business, creativity, science, art, and more.
Subscribe to Michael Spencer on Substack
Alex McFarland – AI Disruptor
Alex is an incredibly practical guide to AI tools and how to use them. His breakdowns are succinct, actionable, and always a few steps ahead of the curve.
Follow Alex McFarland on Twitter
Gavin Purcell and Kevin Pereira – AI for Humans
It’s a podcast! A newsletter! A YouTube show! A Discord server! Gavin and Kevin are the ultimate guides to what’s happening in AI, with their fingers on every pulse. Bonus: They’re wildly entertaining. Don’t miss them.
Alberto Romero – The Algorithmic Bridge
Alberto started his Substack to explain AI to his friends and family. The result is one of the most thoughtful and illuminating newsletters out there. You’ll learn something new every time you read.
Subscribe to Alberto Romero’s Substack
Scott Belsky – Implications
The founder of Behance and former Adobe executive delivers prescient insights on the future of tech, creativity, and culture. His ability to spot what’s next is unmatched.
Subscribe to Scott Belsky’s Newsletter
Ethan Mollick – One Useful Thing
Ethan, a Wharton professor, shares his adventures with AI and its impact on work and creativity. For a great introduction, read What Just Happened, a brilliant monthly summary. And his book, Co-Intelligence, is a really fun read.
Yuval Noah Harari – Nexus
In Nexus, Harari explores the profound implications of AI on humanity’s future, diving into ethical dilemmas and societal transformations. One line that’s stuck with me:
“The real question is not what AI will do to us, but what we will do with AI.”
This book profoundly shaped my thinking about the story I’m writing, Autonomous.
Read Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
The “Decline and Fall” of Media
Evan Shapiro – Media War and Peace
Evan has long been a sharp, piercing presence in the media world. He offers a front-row seat to the industry’s implosion and what’s coming next.
Subscribe to Evan Shapiro’s Substack
Erik Barmack – The Ankler
Erik’s incisive writing about AI’s impact on Hollywood is must-read. Start with his piece I Asked OpenAI for a Female Taxi Driver, Here’s What Happened—it’s brilliant.
Ted Hope – Hope for Film
A loud and clear voice for the new indie film culture. With over 70 films under his belt, Ted’s perspective is always worth your time. I don’t think Ted will agree with my “Product Design” work, but I love reading him.
Writing—with AI and “Just Writing”
David McIlroy – How to Write for a Living
David’s weekly Saturday Morning Coffee wrap-ups are a must for writers. Insightful, grounded, and actionable.
Subscribe to David McIlroy on Substack
Wes Pearce – Escape the Cubicle
Wes offers down-to-earth advice for writers looking to succeed on Substack and beyond.
Subscribe to Wes Pearce on Substack.
Jane Friedman – The Hot Sheet
A publishing insider’s insider. Jane’s newsletter delivers the latest on the book world with a deep understanding of what writers need to succeed.
Amanda Hinton – The Editing Spectrum
Focused on newsletters, Amanda’s advice is equally relevant for any writer navigating the new B2C world of publishing.
Ana Calin – How We Grow
Ana breaks down growth, monetizing, and brand deals for writers. A must-read if you’re looking to turn your craft into a sustainable career.
Subscribe to Ana Calin on Substack.
Creativity and AI
Mike Gioia – Intelligent Jello
Mike writes about how generative AI is transforming creativity. His insights are sharp, personal, and always surprising.
Subscribe to Mike Gioia on Substack.
Brian Sykes – The AI Lab
Brian is my go-to for practical, hands-on reviews of AI tech. He makes the complicated simple and the impossible accessible.
Subscribe to Brian Sykes on Substack
Peter Yang – The Creator Economy
With humor and curiosity, Peter dives into the collision of AI and creativity, offering interviews, insights, and advice sprinkled with life lessons.
Substack Guides
Simon Owens – Media Newsletter
Simon explains how publishers create, distribute, and monetize. A must-read for anyone building an audience.
Claudia Faith – Wander Wealth
Claudia’s Grow Your Substack course was a huge help to me. Twice a week, she shares actionable advice for growing your audience.
Sarah Fay – Substack Writers at Work
Sarah’s no-nonsense advice for Substack writers is exactly the shot in the arm we all need.
Subscribe to Sarah Fay on Substack.
Your Turn
Who are you reading and following?
Share your recommendations in the comments—I’d love to hear about them. And don’t forget to subscribe to some of the amazing people listed here. Each one is an incredible resource for navigating AI, writing, and creativity.
And before I forget… If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the AI Writers’ Room.
And if you know someone who would enjoy diving into the conversation, please share.