The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Best of The Ruffian 2024

The Ruffian • 159 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Politics
  1. The Ruffian gained more subscribers this year, growing from 20,000 to 33,000. This shows that more people are interested in the content.
  2. There were 74 posts and 3 podcast episodes published, with several popular topics, including lists and questions about happiness and culture.
  3. The podcast is set to continue into 2025, featuring conversations with notable guests, and exclusive content for paid subscribers will also be available.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 131 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Media Trends Social Internet
  1. Mean tweets are coming back, which feels nostalgic, like a blast from the past. It's like we've gone back to the 90s in some ways.
  2. Everyone seems to be talking about how those who don't like it will keep complaining. Some people just can’t resist hating on trends.
  3. There's a playful vibe in the air, as if everyone is ready to embrace the fun and chaos of old-school internet culture.

The Chair Company (2025)

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Television Film Comedy Media Criticism Streaming Creators
  1. Tim Robinson essentially plays a familiar, narrow-range persona and the show drops that character into a 1970s-style conspiracy thriller, making the premise feel original and intentionally strange.
  2. The series mixes anti-comedy and thriller elements in a Lynchian way, so moments can be either hilariously brilliant or gratingly awkward, with occasional real vulnerability that lands powerfully.
  3. The show is polarizing: devoted fans defend it fiercely while many critics find it baffling or unfunny, which highlights the gap between personal taste and professional review.

Scrapbook #1: Venom 3, Podcasting, and the 'demise' of the Sony-Verse

Textual Variations • 165 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Television Podcasting Pop culture Entertainment
  1. The new movie Venom: The Last Dance is better than the last one but still has its flaws. Some parts felt rushed, yet the action scenes at the end are impressive.
  2. The Sony Spider-Man Universe isn't ending, but it's shifting focus. They are pausing some projects while still working on Spider-Man titles and exploring what's successful.
  3. Alan Wake 2 is a unique horror game that's worth playing if you enjoy narrative-driven stories. It's beautifully made but hasn’t sold as well as expected, which is disappointing because we need more creative games like it.
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French 1790s Disco, and Other Excesses

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 627 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion History Art Society Aesthetics
  1. Cultural excesses, like the French 1790s Disco and Directoire fashion, represent brief bursts of extravagant creativity.
  2. These periods of excess, though short-lived, have a lasting impact on culture and fashion.
  3. While moderation is important, occasional indulgence in extravagance and eccentricity can bring vitality and richness to life and civilization.

WTF, Conservative Men?

Ladyparts • 419 implied HN points • 03 May 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Society Politics Race Social Interactions
  1. Dismantling of Roe v. Wade was fueled by misogyny and racism, disproportionately affecting poor Black women.
  2. Small interactions can highlight broader societal issues, like the presence of racism and sexism in unexpected places.
  3. Instances of bullying and belittling behavior are used to establish hierarchy and power dynamics within social groups.

This could be our future

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Philosophy Futurism Art
  1. The Elysian is a media collective that aims to create a better future through journalism and creative projects. They focus on positive solutions and new ideas.
  2. They produce things like magazines, podcasts, and books that explore innovative concepts, such as autonomous governments and capitalism.
  3. The collective is built on collaboration, allowing creators to share profits and resources for their projects, which can lead to bigger and better outcomes.

Looksmaxxing: chronicles of harmful beauty standards

The Digital Native • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Beauty Fashion History Trends Social media
  1. Looksmaxxing is about maximizing physical appearance through basic self-care techniques.
  2. Looksmaxxing should be balanced with mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, not just focused on physical appearance.
  3. Historically, beauty standards have often been unrealistic and harmful, emphasizing the importance of balanced self-care.

Tokyo Story

Dada Drummer Almanach • 182 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Travel Society Food
  1. In Tokyo, the focus was on enjoying life and community rather than the stressful politics at home. It felt nice to step back from the chaos and think about what really matters.
  2. Building a supportive community and enjoying music with friends are key goals. These connections help to create a peaceful and happy environment.
  3. It's important not to get overwhelmed by negative news. Instead, we should focus on what we value and support one another through tough times.

Rituals & Technology in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Rituals Technology Cultural norms
  1. Rituals, whether religious, personal, or societal, have been crucial to human survival and continue to play a role in our integration of technology like Artificial Intelligence.
  2. In both secular and sacred settings, rituals help bind groups together and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, and shared values.
  3. Forming rituals around technology is a way to understand its importance in our lives and societal structures, and paying attention to cultural differences in rituals can enhance the appeal and effectiveness of technology products.

Two Shticks

Working Theorys • 160 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Branding Social media Influencers Identity Authenticity
  1. Everyone should have two main traits or skills that define them. The first one makes you stand out, while the second adds depth and keeps things interesting.
  2. Having two distinct sides makes you more relatable and allows you to connect with various people. It’s better than being seen as just one thing.
  3. While having multiple traits can sound appealing, it's usually best to stick with two to avoid confusion. The key is to let them complement each other for a fuller identity.

What if women were in charge?

The Novelleist • 586 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Feminism Utopia Media
  1. In Barbieland, the default culture is focused on "girlness" and unity rather than competition.
  2. The novel Herland envisions an ideal society without men, emphasizing cooperation over ego-driven competition.
  3. Positive masculinity in the form of characters like Allen in Barbieland shows a blueprint for a rational and cooperative approach towards happiness.

Maggie’s Farm

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Philosophy Society
  1. Bob Dylan's song 'Maggie's Farm' speaks about the struggle against unfair management. It really highlights how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in a job with bad management.
  2. The songwriter encourages people to view themselves as partners, not just workers. It's important to feel valued and not treated like a servant.
  3. The song warns against peer pressure at work. Just like in a group, it's essential to stay true to yourself, even when others try to pull you in the same direction.

RTS fever

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Hobbies Leisure Social
  1. Gaming interests can change over time. While it might have been a huge part of life as a kid, adult responsibilities can make it harder to find time to play.
  2. Real-time strategy games, or RTS games, offer a fun and intense gaming experience. They allow you to focus and engage fully, making them a great way to escape everyday distractions.
  3. Playing games with friends in the same room can be way more enjoyable than online gaming. It can create memorable moments and enhance the overall experience.

Suture Software's Bludgeons 'n' Braggarts

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Vintage Advertising
  1. The post shares a parody ad from the past, highlighting the humor in mistaking it for a real ad at first glance.
  2. It mentions the addition of a direct messaging feature on Substack, encouraging readers to engage by suggesting products for coverage.
  3. The content focuses on 'Suture Software's Bludgeons 'n' Braggarts,' offering a playful look at computer ads from the past.

We Are Vessels and History Flows Through Us

The Sunday Wisdom • 58 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Creativity Inventions Entertainment
  1. No single individual can take full credit for major achievements; success is often the result of collaboration and contributions from many.
  2. We are all influenced by our circumstances and the help we receive from others; no one truly achieves success alone.
  3. Recognize and appreciate the often unseen and unrecognized contributions of individuals in bringing about significant events or creations.

The New Subversives and the Fall of Colbert

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 50 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Media Politics Entertainment Satire
  1. Stephen Colbert's late-night show faced cancellation not just due to politics but also because of low ratings and high costs. It shows how taste in entertainment is changing.
  2. New comedians on platforms like YouTube and TikTok are shaking up the comedy scene with bold and irreverent humor that traditional networks may not support. They don't stick to party lines and tackle all sides of issues.
  3. Comedy is losing its edge in mainstream media as it becomes less daring and more controlled by political correctness. There’s hope for a resurgence of fresh, honest humor that can challenge power without fear.

NPCs in the Slop Mines

Kneeling Bus • 205 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Urban Studies Digital Culture
  1. Waiting in long lines has become common, and many people don't even know why they're waiting. This reflects a tendency to follow trends and social media hype without questioning it.
  2. People can develop habits that make them behave like non-player characters (NPCs) in their daily lives. We all have routines, but it's important to be aware of how societal pressures shape our behavior.
  3. AI and the internet produce a lot of low-quality content, similar to how people can act predictably or unimaginatively. Recognizing this can push us to engage more thoughtfully and creatively in both online and offline spaces.

Techno-Occult Sex Magic in Contemporary Culture

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Occult Pop culture Religion Gender Technology Music Sexuality
  1. Contemporary hyper-sexualized pop culture and platforms like OnlyFans function as a kind of "techno-occult" ritual, using sexualized, cyborg imagery to degrade the feminine and push people toward a lower, machine-like condition.
  2. Some esoteric readings of Revelation and Steiner frame history as a bifurcation: humanity is sorting into two streams. One stream moves toward spiritual integration and divine development, while the other devolves into material, unconscious, or regressive states.
  3. The feminine is viewed as the primary bridge between worlds and splits into two poles: the fallen "Whore" (debased, sexualized, and increasingly cyborg-like) and the purified Sophia who undergoes purification and births the new spiritual impulse.

New column: Headlines of Interest

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 121 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Politics Science Technology Entertainment
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

On The Real Woman in Trouble of Lynch’s 'Inland Empire’

Textual Variations • 132 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Narrative structure Character Study Visual storytelling
  1. The main character of 'Inland Empire' is actually the Lost Girl, who represents real struggles and emotions. Her story mirrors issues of escapism and trauma.
  2. The film blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating a sense of confusion that reflects the subjective experience of the Lost Girl watching television.
  3. The narrative structure resembles channel surfing, where various genres and stories mix together, showing how our lives can be impacted by the media we consume.

Why Are All the Frogs Dying?

Off-Topic • 593 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture DIY Art
  1. The author is starting a new zine called (Off) Off-Topic.
  2. Zines are self-published works of minority interest.
  3. The zine will feature stories that don't fit into the usual content format.

Start the Week #106

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Holidays Tradition Museums Personal Essay Writing Music
  1. Debates about 'decolonising' Father Christmas are treated with humour and used tongue-in-cheek to argue for Santa's existence.
  2. The holidays are a mix of enjoyment and relief, with pleasure from lights and gatherings but a strong preference for returning to work; the season can also bring sadness because a family death occurred on December 26.
  3. There is a seasonal push to subscribe with a 70% discount, alongside plans for a paid nonfiction series and writing courses, and an emphasis on a long, consistent writing career and regular updates.

I don't wanna talk about it right now

Disaffected Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music Self-care Emotions Mental health Lifestyle
  1. When something bad happens, it's okay to take time for yourself and feel sad. Everyone needs a break to heal sometimes.
  2. Listening to music can be comforting when you're feeling down. A good song can really help lift your mood.
  3. Showing kindness to others can make a big difference, especially when they're struggling. A little support can go a long way.

The Banality of Doom: Prepare for Tuesday, Not Doomsday

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Human behavior Public response Crisis Community
  1. Sometimes, bad things happen unexpectedly in everyday places, like the DMV. It's a reminder that life can change in an instant.
  2. People may not always react the way you expect during emergencies. Some might be indifferent, while others may want to help.
  3. In moments of crisis, it's important to be aware and compassionate. Helping others can make a big difference, even if others choose not to.

The World's Oldest... Profession?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Ethics Media Social Issues Gender Studies
  1. Not everyone agrees on the role of sex work and pornography in society. Some people think they empower women, while others believe they exploit and harm them.
  2. There are different views on how to handle sex work legally. Some argue for full legalization with regulations, while others believe it should be completely criminalized.
  3. The impact of porn on society is complex. Some studies say it decreases sexual violence, but there are growing concerns about how it influences behavior and attitudes toward women.

Oh, However Will We "Survive" the Holidays?

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Family Tradition Mental health Consumerism
  1. Many people think the holidays are really stressful and they often talk about needing to 'survive' them. But this view is exaggerated and doesn’t reflect how many people actually feel.
  2. Shopping and preparing for the holidays is easier than ever with modern technology and conveniences. We should appreciate this instead of stressing about it.
  3. Instead of dreading time with family, we should adopt a better perspective. Our complaints about family gatherings are minor compared to real struggles others have faced throughout history.

"15 days" movie this Friday in Los Gatos at 7pm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film Documentary Screening Events Media Public Health
  1. The film "15 Days" is screening this Friday in Los Gatos at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and tickets available online.
  2. It's a one-hour documentary that claims the US stopped the spread in just 15 days.
  3. A trailer is online and the film can be bought or streamed from the film's website if you can't attend in person.

Humanities and Social Change: There is No Final Revolution

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Humanities Social Change Activism Literature Philosophy
  1. Society often focuses on the mechanics of achieving objectives, but sustaining social change requires creativity, empathy, perseverance, and purpose, which the humanities can provide.
  2. Feelings of frustration and despair are common in social justice activism, but acknowledging these emotions and turning to the humanities can offer spiritual and ethical sustenance.
  3. Victories in social-political movements are impermanent, emphasizing the need to replace the pursuit of 'victory' with a more human and sustainable approach, reflected in the idea that there is no final revolution. Revolutions are infinite and ongoing.

Kum & Go is dead. Long live, Kum & Go

Men Yell at Me • 144 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Trends Society Brands Identity
  1. Kum & Go gas stations are getting a new name after being sold to Maverik. This change is part of a rebranding effort.
  2. The new branding has been criticized for stripping away the fun and unique aspects of the Kum & Go name. Many feel it's becoming just another boring corporate brand.
  3. People are nostalgic about the old name and believe it added character to the gas station experience. There’s a sense of loss over the personality it had.

What I'm reading about the crisis in media; a great, overlooked '90s crime thriller; and a wonderful compilation of new-sound folk covers

Read Max • 395 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Movies Music Books Podcasts
  1. The author offers a roundup of articles and podcasts discussing recent layoffs and shutdowns in the news media business.
  2. A 1990s thriller from a lesser-known director is recommended as fantastic.
  3. There's praise for a compilation of reworked classic folk songs featured in the weekly roundup.

01/18/24 - What the fuck is Korea doing feeding alfalfa to students?

Moly’s Substack • 58 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society Family Travel Food Relationships
  1. Some families go to great lengths to invest in their children's interests and hobbies, even if it can lead to materialistic demands
  2. Older generations may have differing views on marriage and inheritance, causing conflicts and legal battles
  3. Cultural differences and financial backgrounds can influence perspectives on spending money and family dynamics

Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Preservation Digital Technologies Cultural Diversity
  1. Digital technologies can assist in preserving cultural heritage despite challenges, and it's crucial for exploring diverse cultures and finding common ground.
  2. Efforts are underway to preserve dying languages through online learning services and AI translation tools, showcasing potential to save languages and open new cultural exploration.
  3. Preservation of cultural heritage through digital means is vital due to various threats like climate change, technology advancements, and the importance of respecting local cultural property rights.