“Scratch” By Kate Cohen | Why Making Things Matters

Former Washington Post columnist Kate Cohen launched the Substack column "Scratch" in December, positioning it as a weekly exploration of the crafts and practices that make us human. After leaving the Post amid concerns about editorial pressure from billionaire owners, Cohen turned to independent publishing to write about hands‑on making, from baking to masonry. The column frames making as a counter‑cultural response to a media landscape dominated by algorithmic attention grabs, offering business leaders a fresh lens on creativity, autonomy, and brand authenticity. It also highlights sustainability benefits of repurposing materials.

Cohen argues that late‑stage capitalism and AI‑driven algorithms siphon our attention, leaving little room for genuine human interaction. She illustrates this with personal anecdotes: a grandson managing regenerative farms, a son baking artisanal bread, and a wife who sews custom garments. These tactile activities interrupt the digital flow, providing a mental reset and reinforcing community bonds. For executives, the lesson is clear: encouraging employee making—whether through workshops, maker spaces, or DIY projects—can boost focus, creativity, and resilience against the relentless pull of online platforms.

The "Scratch" column also tackles cultural norms, using sewing as a case study to question standardized sizing and promote body autonomy. By highlighting how making reshapes identity—from clothing to music—Cohen shows that creators can reclaim agency from corporate algorithms. Business audiences can apply these insights by integrating maker‑centric narratives into marketing, product development, and employee engagement strategies. Subscribing to Scratch offers a curated community of makers, providing fresh content that bridges practical DIY tips with deeper philosophical reflections on work, technology, and human fulfillment.