And we're back - happy(?) 2026

Tilt[ed.1, 2026]

Hello! Happy 2026!

If you’re wondering ‘what on earth is this email and did I sign up for this?’ - I’m sorry to break it to you and your dreams of an empty inbox but, it’s me, Lizzie Hedding (Tilt / Social Sync / Project Planet / Build a Ballot) and yes… you did. I am just atrocious at following through on my newsletter plans so never added some of you to this list.

For those who joined when it was Social Sync - we’re back! It’s still a pretty similar format but with a few changes that I’ll explain in a sec.

If you are now reflecting on your decision to select ‘I agree to receive email communication’ and would prefer one less weekly email in your inbox: no stress. Please scroll to the bottom and unsubscribe. In an overwhelming media environment, I think we should be picky about the information that we let wash through our feeds and phones.

But first, let me try and convince you to stay:

When I started this not-at-all-regular newsletter last year, it was an attempt to consolidate the ideas Tegan and I were discussing about brands, social media, campaigning, what we’d learnt from Build a Ballot and our own experiences in an increasingly fragmented, online world.

As we enter 2026, some things are a little different. The big one: Tegan is now full time at Project Planet and will be pouring all of her thinking and energy into those channels (which you can follow on Instagram or Substack). She has also been joined by a wonderful head of policy and soon, a marketing coordinator. After years of side-hustling and no money, I’m so excited by what our growing team will be able to achieve. Step 1: bringing Build a Ballot to state elections 👀

But back to this newsletter…

Moving forward, Tilt[ed] will be a weekly newsletter that explores how we can apply marketing, brand and communications theory to creating real world impact. It’s for anyone that’s interested in building a world that’s a little fairer, kinder, greener and fractionally less hot. We’ll still be covering everything we talked about in Social Sync, I just wanted to zoom out a little vs focussing on social media alone.

It will be mostly me, Lizzie (although I haven’t ruled out some guest appearances), so you can also expect a fair dose of me unpacking my own existential crises, recommendations and occasional track and field memes.

I hope you’ll stick around, perhaps recommend it to a friend (wait until I’ve actually written something good first) and if you’re still not convinced, hit that unsubscribe button and have a wonderful 2026.

PS. The work we do at Tilt (branding and web design) is part of the way we support Project Planet. If you know anyone looking for branding or web support, we always appreciate introductions! You can check out our 2026 Service Guide here - please feel free to share around

(ok that’s enough promo, thanks for reading xx)

Before I go, some (relatively light) summer content recommendations…

1. Read: The Mushroom Tapes

   I mostly avoided coverage of the trial, but I picked this up as I flew to Japan in December and couldn’t put it down.

2. Listen: The Phantom of the Opera with Rebecca Kuang on Sentimental Garbage

   Escape from the news cycle and treat yourself to this absolutely delight of a pod. I’ve recommended this to so many people - weirdly thought provoking and deeply fun.

3. Read: You’re probably doing small talk wrong | NY Times

   “Our aim in conversation, then, shouldn’t be to mine for surface-level commonalities or go on a charm offensive. Instead, we should ask ourselves, ‘What could we create together in this moment?’ “

4. Listen: RONA at Sunset Variations

   Was lucky to see this live at the start of 2025 and catch RONA at BTV in December. “Blending ambient textures, sounds from my Country in the desert, and a slow build into deep, progressive rhythms and beyond.”

   PS Sunset Variations are back across Feb if you’re in Syd ($10 at Sydney Observatory)

Until next week,

Lizzie