Michael TenBrink
@michaeltenbrink.substack.com
Award-winning American writer and photographer based in Northern Italy. I’m a husband to a husband and a dad to a dog.
Find me on Substack: https://michaeltenbrink.substack.com/
Find me on Substack: https://michaeltenbrink.substack.com/
I'm an American who lives in Milan. Last Saturday I attended a large anti-ICE protest here. Italians are watching what is happening in America, and they do not like what they see. Read my full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-world-...
The World is Watching
Milan stands with Minneapolis on the eve of the Olympic Games
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:44 PM
I'm an American who lives in Milan. Last Saturday I attended a large anti-ICE protest here. Italians are watching what is happening in America, and they do not like what they see. Read my full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-world-...
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Read my full Substack piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-time-i...
Read my full Substack piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-time-i...
"The Time is Always Ripe to Do Right"
Timely words from a man who met an untimely end
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:45 PM
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Read my full Substack piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-time-i...
Read my full Substack piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/the-time-i...
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
Top U.S. Catholic clerics said that the U.S.'s “moral role in confronting evil around the world” is in question for the first time in decades. nyti.ms/4bDP7iK
Prominent Catholic Clerics Denounce U.S. Foreign Policy
Citing recent events in Venezuela, Ukraine and Greenland, three cardinals said their statement was inspired by Pope Leo.
nyti.ms
January 19, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Top U.S. Catholic clerics said that the U.S.'s “moral role in confronting evil around the world” is in question for the first time in decades. nyti.ms/4bDP7iK
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
News: "In a rare direct rebuke to a U.S. president, three American cardinals urged the Trump administration to step back from foreign policy strategies and goals that threaten world peace." www.americamagazine.org/politics-soc...
Cardinals urge Trump to step back from threats on Greenland and Venezuela
In a rare direct rebuke to a U.S. president, three American cardinals urged the Trump administration to step back from foreign policy strategies and goals that threaten world peace.
www.americamagazine.org
January 19, 2026 at 2:15 PM
News: "In a rare direct rebuke to a U.S. president, three American cardinals urged the Trump administration to step back from foreign policy strategies and goals that threaten world peace." www.americamagazine.org/politics-soc...
(Excerpt from my Substack piece "52 Drinks")
I was surprised by how beneficial it was to really pay attention to how much I was/was not drinking.
Read the full post, where I also share a substantial list of helpful resources. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
I was surprised by how beneficial it was to really pay attention to how much I was/was not drinking.
Read the full post, where I also share a substantial list of helpful resources. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
January 9, 2026 at 4:45 PM
(Excerpt from my Substack piece "52 Drinks")
I was surprised by how beneficial it was to really pay attention to how much I was/was not drinking.
Read the full post, where I also share a substantial list of helpful resources. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
I was surprised by how beneficial it was to really pay attention to how much I was/was not drinking.
Read the full post, where I also share a substantial list of helpful resources. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
For the last two years, my husband and I have kept track of each alcoholic drink we've had. We called the experiment "52 Drinks."
Read the full Substack post, where I explain more fully why I did it, how it went, and what I’m planning for 2026! michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Read the full Substack post, where I explain more fully why I did it, how it went, and what I’m planning for 2026! michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
January 7, 2026 at 2:05 PM
For the last two years, my husband and I have kept track of each alcoholic drink we've had. We called the experiment "52 Drinks."
Read the full Substack post, where I explain more fully why I did it, how it went, and what I’m planning for 2026! michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Read the full Substack post, where I explain more fully why I did it, how it went, and what I’m planning for 2026! michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Excerpted from my Substack piece "52 Drinks."
Read the full post, where I explain why I did 52 drinks, how it went, and what I’m planning in 2026. I also share a substantial list of helpful resources for those interested in reducing their alcohol intake. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Read the full post, where I explain why I did 52 drinks, how it went, and what I’m planning in 2026. I also share a substantial list of helpful resources for those interested in reducing their alcohol intake. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
January 6, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Excerpted from my Substack piece "52 Drinks."
Read the full post, where I explain why I did 52 drinks, how it went, and what I’m planning in 2026. I also share a substantial list of helpful resources for those interested in reducing their alcohol intake. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Read the full post, where I explain why I did 52 drinks, how it went, and what I’m planning in 2026. I also share a substantial list of helpful resources for those interested in reducing their alcohol intake. michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks-...
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
Take a look at this very good George Conway launch video here, for his campaign in the congressional district I grew up in.
I look forward to joining him as he campaigns on Broadway near Fairway, Zabar's, and Absolute Bagels. (I only do the West Side.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5pQ...
I look forward to joining him as he campaigns on Broadway near Fairway, Zabar's, and Absolute Bagels. (I only do the West Side.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5pQ...
George Conway for Congress: Launch Video
YouTube video by George Conway For Congress
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Take a look at this very good George Conway launch video here, for his campaign in the congressional district I grew up in.
I look forward to joining him as he campaigns on Broadway near Fairway, Zabar's, and Absolute Bagels. (I only do the West Side.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5pQ...
I look forward to joining him as he campaigns on Broadway near Fairway, Zabar's, and Absolute Bagels. (I only do the West Side.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5pQ...
I’m grateful to all the activists who have gone before to help secure my right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as an LGBTQ+ American. I stand on their shoulders. Happy Pride!
Read the full piece (and see many more photos and a video) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/now-more-t...
Read the full piece (and see many more photos and a video) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/now-more-t...
Now More Than Ever
Celebrating Pride amidst the ongoing scourge of prejudice
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:40 PM
I’m grateful to all the activists who have gone before to help secure my right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as an LGBTQ+ American. I stand on their shoulders. Happy Pride!
Read the full piece (and see many more photos and a video) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/now-more-t...
Read the full piece (and see many more photos and a video) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/now-more-t...
It was 20 years ago today that I headed west. I loved Nashville, but I was a mess, and it was time for me to go. Every Cinco de Mayo I remember that turning point with fondness and gratitude. Read the full piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/050505
May 5, 2025 at 7:58 PM
It was 20 years ago today that I headed west. I loved Nashville, but I was a mess, and it was time for me to go. Every Cinco de Mayo I remember that turning point with fondness and gratitude. Read the full piece here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/050505
Today is Liberation Day, a national holiday in Italy.
Milan, the city I now call home, was liberated from the Nazis 80 years ago today.
Read the full piece (and see many more photos) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/liberation...
Milan, the city I now call home, was liberated from the Nazis 80 years ago today.
Read the full piece (and see many more photos) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/liberation...
Liberation Day!
"The Celebration of the Resistance" marks its 80th anniversary
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
April 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Today is Liberation Day, a national holiday in Italy.
Milan, the city I now call home, was liberated from the Nazis 80 years ago today.
Read the full piece (and see many more photos) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/liberation...
Milan, the city I now call home, was liberated from the Nazis 80 years ago today.
Read the full piece (and see many more photos) here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/liberation...
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
Once you disregard the legal rights of immigrants, everything is on the table
Today, they are arresting judges
Tomorrow it could be Democratic members of Congress
Today, they are arresting judges
Tomorrow it could be Democratic members of Congress
April 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Once you disregard the legal rights of immigrants, everything is on the table
Today, they are arresting judges
Tomorrow it could be Democratic members of Congress
Today, they are arresting judges
Tomorrow it could be Democratic members of Congress
I was thinking recently about the very last page of my 2024 book, where I wrote:
“A decade or two from now, there will almost certainly be millions of young American adults who suffered far more severe damage in the church than I and my peers did.”
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/born-again...
“A decade or two from now, there will almost certainly be millions of young American adults who suffered far more severe damage in the church than I and my peers did.”
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/born-again...
Born Again (Again)
Taking another look at my 2024 memoir
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
April 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I was thinking recently about the very last page of my 2024 book, where I wrote:
“A decade or two from now, there will almost certainly be millions of young American adults who suffered far more severe damage in the church than I and my peers did.”
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/born-again...
“A decade or two from now, there will almost certainly be millions of young American adults who suffered far more severe damage in the church than I and my peers did.”
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/born-again...
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
This is wild @timmiller.bsky.social.
Trump’s BIGGEST Grift Yet—We Have RECEIPTS!
YouTube video by The Bulwark
youtube.com
April 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
This is wild @timmiller.bsky.social.
SIDEWAYS IN SWITZERLAND
In between all of the activity, with various doctors and nurses coming and going, I lay on that stretcher for over five hours in some of the worst pain of my life.
What exactly was happening to me?
Full piece and photos here:
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/sideways-i...
In between all of the activity, with various doctors and nurses coming and going, I lay on that stretcher for over five hours in some of the worst pain of my life.
What exactly was happening to me?
Full piece and photos here:
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/sideways-i...
Sideways in Switzerland
Sometimes things really don't go according to plan
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
April 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
SIDEWAYS IN SWITZERLAND
In between all of the activity, with various doctors and nurses coming and going, I lay on that stretcher for over five hours in some of the worst pain of my life.
What exactly was happening to me?
Full piece and photos here:
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/sideways-i...
In between all of the activity, with various doctors and nurses coming and going, I lay on that stretcher for over five hours in some of the worst pain of my life.
What exactly was happening to me?
Full piece and photos here:
michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/sideways-i...
My late father-in-law moved back to his native Poland the year before he died, into a senior community located in Warsaw's former Jewish Ghetto from WWII. One afternoon, he told me a chilling story about a nearby church.
Read the whole thing here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/steeple-pe...
Read the whole thing here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/steeple-pe...
Steeple People (Redux)
Reposting one of my most-read pieces
michaeltenbrink.substack.com
March 6, 2025 at 9:43 PM
My late father-in-law moved back to his native Poland the year before he died, into a senior community located in Warsaw's former Jewish Ghetto from WWII. One afternoon, he told me a chilling story about a nearby church.
Read the whole thing here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/steeple-pe...
Read the whole thing here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/steeple-pe...
Dear Senator Schumer and Representative Jeffries,
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Every day of Trump 2.0 is a five-alarm fire, and it’s happening on your watch. You need to do something dramatic to change the narrative. NOW.
Full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/do-something
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Every day of Trump 2.0 is a five-alarm fire, and it’s happening on your watch. You need to do something dramatic to change the narrative. NOW.
Full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/do-something
March 3, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Dear Senator Schumer and Representative Jeffries,
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Every day of Trump 2.0 is a five-alarm fire, and it’s happening on your watch. You need to do something dramatic to change the narrative. NOW.
Full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/do-something
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Every day of Trump 2.0 is a five-alarm fire, and it’s happening on your watch. You need to do something dramatic to change the narrative. NOW.
Full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/do-something
Last fall, I was on my way to Italian language school here in Milan. As I passed a newsstand, my eyes saw something my brain couldn’t process. There in front of me, proudly displayed for sale, was a 2025 Benito Mussolini calendar.
Read the full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/we-are-not...
Read the full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/we-are-not...
January 20, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Last fall, I was on my way to Italian language school here in Milan. As I passed a newsstand, my eyes saw something my brain couldn’t process. There in front of me, proudly displayed for sale, was a 2025 Benito Mussolini calendar.
Read the full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/we-are-not...
Read the full piece: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/we-are-not...
Are you doing Dry January? I wrote this piece to try to start a conversation with those who are interested in reducing or eliminating their alcohol consumption in 2025.
There are many fantastic, science-based resources available. I included a list here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
There are many fantastic, science-based resources available. I included a list here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
January 16, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Are you doing Dry January? I wrote this piece to try to start a conversation with those who are interested in reducing or eliminating their alcohol consumption in 2025.
There are many fantastic, science-based resources available. I included a list here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
There are many fantastic, science-based resources available. I included a list here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
January 15, 2025 at 12:33 PM
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
What do you think of when you think of alcohol?
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
January 14, 2025 at 4:46 PM
What do you think of when you think of alcohol?
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
In 2024, I undertook a year-long experiment in drinking less, which I called “52 Drinks.” You can read the story of why I did it, how it went, and what I learned here: michaeltenbrink.substack.com/p/52-drinks
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
JOB ALERT(S): The Bulwark is looking FOR smart, thoughtful, provocative and fun reporters to join our forces. Hit me up if you have an interest.
stein @ thebulwark dot com
stein @ thebulwark dot com
December 2, 2024 at 7:16 PM
JOB ALERT(S): The Bulwark is looking FOR smart, thoughtful, provocative and fun reporters to join our forces. Hit me up if you have an interest.
stein @ thebulwark dot com
stein @ thebulwark dot com
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
Election Interference: Aileen Cannon Denies Republicans Speedy Trial in Stolen Document Case
www.emptywheel.net/2023/11/16/e...
www.emptywheel.net/2023/11/16/e...
Election Interference: Aileen Cannon Denies Republicans Speedy Trial in Stolen Document Case - empty...
Aileen Cannon has all but ensured that Republican voters won't learn whether Donald Trump sold out America's security before they choose to make him their party's nominee.
www.emptywheel.net
November 16, 2023 at 8:39 PM
Election Interference: Aileen Cannon Denies Republicans Speedy Trial in Stolen Document Case
www.emptywheel.net/2023/11/16/e...
www.emptywheel.net/2023/11/16/e...
Reposted by Michael TenBrink
Truth Social lost $73M and took $3.7M in net sales since launching in early 2022, shows a filling from Trump Media & Technology Group's SPAC merger partner DWAC (Alex Weprin/The Hollywood Reporter)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
November 13, 2023 at 11:40 PM
Truth Social lost $73M and took $3.7M in net sales since launching in early 2022, shows a filling from Trump Media & Technology Group's SPAC merger partner DWAC (Alex Weprin/The Hollywood Reporter)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink