The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

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Old notes to myself

Austin Kleon • 2358 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Creativity Literature Personal Growth
  1. Don't get too caught up in your own ideas. It's important to think about the bigger world outside of your thoughts and not just what you've read.
  2. Creating art is like sharing energy. The connection between the artist and the audience brings the work to life.
  3. Inspiration comes from what's around you, not just from within. Pay attention to the world and gather ideas from your surroundings.

The Hidden Financial Market Behind Gen Z Slang

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1224 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Youth culture Financial Markets Investing
  1. Gen Z is using social media to track and invest in trendy slang words like huzz and baddie. They're not just for fun; they see financial opportunities in these terms.
  2. There's a growing financial market connected to online trends and slang. People are trying to find ways to make money by being in the know about what's popular.
  3. This trend shows how language and culture can impact finances. Understanding popular slang might actually help people make smarter investment choices.

More for me!

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Podcasts Nostalgia
  1. Embracing the phrase 'More for me!' can help you focus on what you enjoy, even if others don’t share your tastes. It’s a great way to remind yourself to keep doing what makes you happy.
  2. Nostalgia can bring up deep feelings when revisiting childhood memories. Reflecting on these moments can help us appreciate our past and connect with loved ones.
  3. Listening to music, like Miles Davis's 'Milestones,' can set the mood for your experiences. Finding the right soundtrack can transform ordinary moments into something special.

Japan - Utopia or Illusion?

Win-Win • 359 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Mental health Cultural Identity Values Societal Issues
  1. Japan has a high level of social cooperation, leading to a clean and safe environment with minimal crime. This reflects a strong cultural aversion to social shame and a commitment to following rules.
  2. Despite the apparent orderliness, Japan faces serious issues like a high suicide rate and increasing isolation among its youth. This suggests that the pressure to conform may stifle individual expression and innovation.
  3. A balanced approach is needed that encourages both social cooperation and individual freedom. Learning from both Japanese and U.S. cultures can help create systems that promote harmony and growth.
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My Story Structure Lesson At San Quentin

Technohumanism • 99 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Incarceration Race Journalism Imagination Storytelling
  1. In discussing race, people often see others through the lens of their own freedom or lack thereof. This can lead to powerful and thought-provoking conversations.
  2. Powerful storytelling can evoke strong emotional reactions and provoke thoughts about the realities faced by different groups in society.
  3. Words have the ability to engage our imaginations and encourage us to think deeper about the experiences of others, especially those in difficult situations.

The Enclosure of the Human Psyche

The Convivial Society • 3751 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Media Studies Social theory Psychology
  1. We need to protect our minds from being controlled by technology. Just like how land was taken away from the public, our thoughts and feelings can also be captured and managed by companies.
  2. Our smartphones feel personal, but they constantly collect information about us. It creates a sense that our devices know our thoughts when they only analyze our data.
  3. Silence and quiet time are essential for our mental health. When technology distracts us, it steals our chance to think deeply and connect with others.

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

Freddie deBoer • 8446 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Critique Fandom Characterization
  1. In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
  2. The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
  3. Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

The Battle Between The Inner Life and The Outer Life

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Economics Society Philosophy History
  1. Modern American capitalism has constrained many lives, leading to angst and a pursuit of more slow-paced lives.
  2. E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' explores the conflict between inner and outer ways of life, highlighting the impact of capitalism on personal relations and daily duties.
  3. There is resistance to hyper-capitalism in modern America, with a growing push for a slower life, nature, and emphasis on inner values.

THE JC PENNEY DEBACLE

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1316 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Social Issues Media Art Writing
  1. The author faced backlash and public condemnation for an article she wrote about JC Penney that was perceived as snobbish and cruel.
  2. The incident led to the author being publicly renounced by The New York Times, causing significant personal and professional consequences.
  3. Despite the backlash, some individuals supported the author and appreciated her humor and writing style.

Of Relationships and 'Rona

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Personal essays Relationships Community Aging Pandemic Grief
  1. Lockdowns and rules upended normal life and left many people, especially older people, feeling isolated and lonely.
  2. Small, regular acts of connection — phone calls, messages and visits — can grow into a deep friendship that helps both people feel seen and less alone.
  3. Vaccine mandates and pandemic stigma caused real losses and divisions, including lost roles and jobs, but personal bonds still endured and brought comfort even after loss.

Goethe and Faust for a New Age

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3167 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Mythology Art History
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien might be compared to Goethe due to their deep knowledge and the large, influential works they created. Both men built complex worlds in their writings that resonate with deeply human themes.
  2. Tolkien's character Elendil is seen as a modern hero similar to Aeneas, embodying survival, duty, and the preservation of culture. Both characters face the challenge of keeping their people's traditions alive in the wake of disaster.
  3. Tolkien's influence goes beyond literature; it is shaping political movements today. His themes of resilience and tradition are resonating with various groups, especially in Italy and among certain political factions in the U.S.

'I Love Lilith'

Daily Dreher • 1297 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Streaming
  1. A new adult cartoon series called 'Hazbin Hotel' has debuted on Amazon.
  2. The show features Lilith, Queen of the Demons.
  3. Viewers are encouraged to watch the first few minutes to experience the unique visuals and sound.

The Bluestocking, vol 304: Cowardice and AI crime fiction

The Bluestocking • 1120 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theatre Publishing Politics Art Literature
  1. The cost of theater tickets in different countries can impact the accessibility of culture and art, affecting the sustainability of artistic communities.
  2. AI is being used to generate fiction at a rapid pace, showcasing the pressure some authors feel to produce content quickly.
  3. Concerns about age and capabilities arise in politics, like with President Biden's age being a cause for debate.

Messages from the compost heap

Austin Kleon • 3197 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Food Community
  1. Reading classics like Don Quixote can be surprisingly funny and relatable, showing that older books are often much more lively than we think.
  2. Riding a bicycle can bring joy and a fresh perspective to life, making the city feel like a new place to explore.
  3. Boredom is important for everyone, not just kids. It can help spark creativity and give us time to think.

Here are the Substacks You Should Read

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Humor Media Publishing Criticism
  1. Comedy Distant is a sharp, darkly funny satire newsletter that skewers improv and workplace culture with wicked wit, filling a rare comedy niche on Substack.
  2. big reader bad grades mixes memoir and literary reportage in a distinctive numbered format, offering poignant and often funny reflections from life as a grocery-store clerk and a singular novelist’s perspective.
  3. Cross Current delivers deep, wide-ranging cultural and political essays that weave history, media, and ideas together, pushing readers beyond simple left‑versus‑right debates and rewarding slow, thoughtful reading.

Apparently, A Lot Of Aspirational Elites Think Working At Chipotle or Panda Express Is Beneath Them Even Though It Absolutely Is Not

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3181 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Work ethic Social Class Employment Perceptions
  1. Many wealthy or aspiring people look down on jobs at fast food places like Chipotle and Panda Express. They think it's not a good job, but that's not true.
  2. Working in fast food can actually be a valuable experience, teaching important skills and work ethics.
  3. Everyone should respect all types of work, no matter the job's status or pay, because every job has its own importance.

Californias

The Map is Mostly Water • 1017 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Nature Literature Personal Identity
  1. Driving in California feels very different from New England. The long stretches of concrete can be surprising if you're used to forests and towns.
  2. California has a unique mix of landscapes, where lush greenery and dry, sunny areas coexist. It's a different kind of beauty than what you find in New England.
  3. Life decisions can be really influenced by where you live. The choice to stay in one place can shape your thoughts and experiences in unexpected ways.

Mixed feelings

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Media Family Emotions Childhood
  1. It's normal to feel two emotions at once, and that's okay. We all have mixed feelings about things in life.
  2. Kids can learn a lot from shows like Daniel Tiger, especially about understanding emotions and complex feelings.
  3. Adults often struggle more with these feelings, and it's important to practice dealing with emotions rather than ignoring them.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2296 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Book recommendations Poetry Community Engagement
  1. The author reflects on the joy of home nesting, finding comfort in familiar objects and creating enchantment through personal belongings.
  2. The newsletter introduces upcoming storytelling events exploring mythic stories to inspire and provide insight during difficult times.
  3. Book recommendations and poems are shared to encourage reflection and exploration of British folklore and the magic within everyday routines.

Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3348 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Tradition Religion Celebration History
  1. Many famous Christmas songs, like 'Let It Snow!' and 'The Christmas Song', are not about religious themes but focus on winter, romance, and festive activities.
  2. These beloved songs were often written by Jewish Americans, blending their cultural influences into the music that celebrates Christmas in America.
  3. Even if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas, the music can still be enjoyed as a part of the holiday spirit and tradition.

A Culture Study Mirror

Culture Study • 3295 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Media Trends Identity Critique
  1. You don't have to read everything an author puts out. Just engaging with some of their work is enough, and that's something to celebrate.
  2. There’s a lot of content available, including popular essays and personal favorites, so there’s always something new or interesting to discover.
  3. Being proud of what you create is important, and it’s okay to highlight the work that feels very personal or meaningful to you.

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Poetry
  1. Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
  2. Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
  3. Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

Preemies, Genes, Meritocracy, and the Left

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Academic challenges Meritocracy Parenting
  1. Premature birth and low birth weight can lead to significant academic challenges, affecting cognitive and academic outcomes.
  2. Acknowledging genetic influences on academic performance is controversial, but it's important to consider alongside environmental factors.
  3. Our focus on academic success and meritocracy may need to shift to value a broader range of human qualities and contributions.

Intimacy Constraints

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1212 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Psychology Sociology Human behavior Intimacy
  1. Romantic relationships often start with intense passion, which may fade over time. It's natural for feelings to change as people get more comfortable with each other.
  2. Understanding why attraction shifts can help couples stay connected and feel more fulfilled in long-term relationships.
  3. Recognizing the social and psychological factors at play can improve how partners navigate their intimacy and emotional bond.

From Anxiety to Animosity: How Social Media Damages Relationships

After Babel • 2854 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Human Relationships Communication Psychology Digital Life
  1. Social media can actually make our relationships weaker instead of stronger. When we communicate too much and too quickly, it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  2. Building real friendships takes time and careful communication. If we rush this process or share too much online, it can damage the trust that's needed for deeper connections.
  3. While social media can help us connect with people and find communities, it can also make us feel overwhelmed and stressed. Spending more time on face-to-face conversations might be a better way to strengthen our bonds.

Meditations On Bono Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Joe Biden

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3166 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Activism Politics Society
  1. Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, raising questions about the authenticity of such awards in a society perceived as fake.
  2. Despite his humanitarian claims, Bono has strong ties to powerful figures and institutions, leading to criticism of his commercialized activism.
  3. The current state of art and creativity is often corrupted, serving the interests of the elite instead of promoting genuine change for the betterment of society.

Suzy Weiss: Jussie Smollett Sticks to His Story

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media Identity Consumerism Politics Art
  1. Cracker Barrel changed its logo, and many people think the new design feels corporate and out of touch. They miss the old logo that represented a simpler, more nostalgic time.
  2. The reaction to the logo change highlights how some view such changes as part of a bigger cultural fight, associating it with being 'woke' or losing traditional values.
  3. Critics suggest that the redesign erases Southern culture, while supporters claim it keeps the brand relevant and connected to its roots.

Abusers In Plain Sight

Culture Study • 3937 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Feminism Trauma Identity
  1. Writing about trauma can bring up a lot of painful memories. It's important to realize that revisiting these experiences requires healing and self-reflection.
  2. Women often feel pressured to maintain relationships through hard work, which can lead to toxic situations. It's crucial to understand when it's time to leave a damaging relationship.
  3. There are many layers to women's experiences of desire and consent in relationships. It’s important to have open conversations about what that looks like and to support each other in understanding our needs.

What's got my attention this week #40

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Podcasts Literature Music
  1. The newsletter shares links, recommendations, and stories to enjoy over the weekend.
  2. One highlighted book discusses the challenges faced by women trying to advance in their careers, offering a relatable and eye-opening narrative.
  3. The podcast episode features a remarkable woman, Karyn McCluskey, who made significant impact in reducing gang violence in Glasgow and shares candid insights on various topics.

Working Hard or Hardly Working

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 24 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Labor Economy Technology Identity Gender Community
  1. Market-driven economic change uproots communities and erodes social bonds, which lowers trust and can produce crime, political backlash, and long-term despair.
  2. Work has become a central source of identity, driving grind culture and extreme hours that cause burnout and are often counterproductive, while also deepening inequality and gender gaps.
  3. Strong social networks and community matter for jobs and meaning, but AI, clique-driven hiring, and growing loneliness are making the labor market less meritocratic and leaving many people isolated.