What’s a banger? What’s a jam?
An explanation of what goes on over here
There are a lot of new subscribers here lately, which is cool. Welcome. It’s surprising how much bigger this thing has gotten since launching on a whim in September.
I’ve been thinking a lot about dining out in the wake of the Frog Club freakout and I wanna do a bigger thing about it after my res on Tuesday, following some more interesting meals at Demo, Torrisi and a few other spots. So, until then, I’m borrowing a classic staple from my editor days and going FAQ mode on what happens over here as an explainer for new and existing subscribers.
Who am I?
I’m Austin Tedesco. I’m part of the partnerships team here at Substack, overseeing sports while working with our podcasters and video creators. Before that I was an NBA editor at ESPN, a line cook at Cool World (RIP) and a strategist at another tech company.
Why do this?
At first, mostly just to learn the product. When someone asks how to migrate their podcast from Patreon or comp their crush a lifetime paid subscription, it’s easiest to just show them over here.
I’ve never really liked writing. But I’ve always liked making recs (and quietly judging yours). Surprisingly, I have enjoyed working on stuff like this. Or this. And I’m planning some more of that. I also like not forgetting things, and this project helps with that.
What is a banger? And what is a jam?
You know it when you see it. This started as a running bit with friends that every good song was either a banger or a jam. Like, “Hey Ma” by Cam’ron, jam. “I’ve Got Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks, banger. “Hit ‘Em Up Style” by Blu Cantrell, banger. “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue, jam. Since then it’s become a shorthand for all kinds of recs. Most weeks I’ll do one big banger or one big jam, and then at least 9 more quick hitters.
What else goes on over here?
Before my friends would go on trips, I’d send them a Google Doc. Here’s where to eat, here’s what to avoid, here’s how to spend a perfect afternoon, that kind of thing. It was fun for me, and the reviews from them were consistently positive.
I’ve moved those Google Docs over here and blown them out a bit. There should be a new one every few months.
And?
A paid subscription gets you:
The weekly recs for restaurants, food, films, fashion and other stuff
A few insidery restaurant things I’ve been working on and will eventually launch
A Reckless Spender membership gets you all of that, plus personalized recommendations and professional help securing difficult restaurant reservations. (I have my ways).
A free subscription gets you whatever goes above the paywall. That’s pretty much it, though sometimes I get the urge to do a full free piece like these.
What else?
Here are some Substacks I love (non-sports division, so as not to play favorites). Subscribe here then go check those out. See ya next week.
