Welcome! Start Here
It's a newsletter for creators redesigning work + life on their terms.
Hello! I’m a writer covering tech, culture, and creative work—based between London and sunny St Leonards.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for independent media and creator-led journalism—the fastest-growing and most exciting space in journalism, imo!
I’m here for it.
As music journalist Sean Adams wrote:
The rise of influencers and content creators isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how stories are told and who gets to tell them. [CJR].
The pale-male-stale old guard may resist, but it’s made journalism more democratic, inclusive, and community-led.
And now, another power shift: AI is transforming our lives and work.
Maybe, like me, you enjoy dating Claude the butler—but don’t want to get too dependent on him. You’ve got questions about ethics, sustainability, and creators’ rights. #MakeItFair
Can we find a middle ground - for a happy, harmonious relationship that feels good?
Why The Shift?
The indie media movement
The creator economy is forecast to hit $500bn by 2027. [Goldman Sachs]. More writers are going solo, building personality-driven newsletters, and a direct relationship with readers, away from the algos. From Bullshit Jobs to Made-up Jobs!
The indie magazine scene is thriving, and women’s mags are ripe for a comeback - built around fandom and communities, from gorgeous glossies like The Gentlewoman, with its ambitious journalism and fantastic photography, to the fun mini-mags run by ex-editors on Substack.
Shining a spotlight on exciting indie mags and their makers.
Humans + AI
We’re all at the beginning here - there is no digital divide. AI tools are an equaliser.
There’s a lot of fear and concern about AI, especially the existential thing. Most of that is from highly-educated, potentially over-educated people. But regular folk, who are struggling - working for Doordash, taking care of their kids, other people’s kids…
Like, you want every advantage you can get. And you’re not gonna be in the position of ‘I’m too cool for AI school.’ Is this thing gonna help me get that job or look better in that interview? It’s worth a shot. - Baratunde Thurston.
I’m a tech optimist - we all want growth, right? Bigger brains, more money. I also see the bigger picture - they’re trying to cure cancer with this.
Just imagine, when AI’s doing the grunt work, we can get back to our Coffee Viennese, chatting and plotting. Making media.
What a time to be alive. I hope you'll join me on this wild ride.
What You’ll Receive
Free membership:
✔️ Weekly letters from me & free resources. Daily delights on Notes.
WorkFrom - A Remote Work Map
WorkWith - A Newsletter Talent Directory
I’m growing a thriving community of creators with paid membership, where you'll unlock:
Paying membership:
✅ Access all member-only writings & my juicy archive (eBook included)
✅ Sync The Shift Calendar (the only events guide you’ll ever need!)
✍️ Write with me at weekly Writers’ Café + join our live chat group
Friends of TS membership:
✨ Everything above PLUS a personal 1:1 call with me - AMA about writing or life.
All digital resources and paid perks are on The Shift+ page.
However you support The Shift, THANK YOU. It means so much to me.
Who Am I?
In a nutshell, I love a good story. I believe in the power of writing to connect people and create a more compassionate world.
I’ve been writing online since ‘99 (remember Y2K? The Millennium Bug. We’re still here…). Always up for a new experience!
📚 12 x book babies. 3 x startups. 2 x awards
👩👧 1 x teen (my proudest achievement!)
🍭 Old skool raver
📖 Indie magazine lover
I grew up in the golden era of women’s mags when they were fearless, fun, and a big part of female culture. They inspired me to move to London and try my hand at fr££lancing.
I’ve written for New Woman, Woman’s Journal, More, Cosmo, Eve, Here’s Health, Scarlet, The Sun, Huff Post, and more. Good fun but precarious, and I didn’t love the ‘90s ladette culture.
I ran a digital sex mag called Rude for a few years but struggled (burned out → RA) trying to make it sustainable as a one-woman show and lone parent.
So here I am, having another go (the tech is better!). Bringing life + work together, thinking about my next book (empty nesters 🌎), and building something magical for my ‘unretirement’.
I don't know where it’s all going, or if I can turn my newsletter into a full-time gig, but I've never felt so compelled to work on one thing (sorry, clients), so I'm going for it.
Outside The Shift, I run Firebird, a delightfully tiny storytelling studio.
I help creators + brands show up on Substack.
A content partner for hire → This way, reader
A Digital Neighbourhood
Join a community of indie media makers doing things differently. For email zen and reading on the go, download the app.
Kind words from readers
🗣️ Nika writes a really helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many people. Her guidance is greatly appreciated.
— Ann Marie McQueen, Founder, HotFlash Inc
🗣️ Nika has written 12 books relating to health and wellness. There is fun to be had as we make The Shift to work smarter and live better—recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!
— Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist
🗣️ If you’re interested in a lifestyle-first one-person model too, subscribe to The Shift, the newsletter for content entrepreneurs. Written by Nika Talbot, a fountain of knowledge in creating online.
— Ellen Donnelly, Founder, The Ask
🗣️ Thank you for your thoughtful questions. Answering them felt more like a journaling session than an interview. Very great!
— Johanna Renoth, Founder, Bye, Social Media!
🤩 Gold star for reading this far. I love connecting with like-minded souls. Get in touch if you want to work with me or find out more.