The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

I'm Leaving on a Lit Mag Plane!

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Magazines Writers Job Listings Book Publishing
  1. C & R Press, Catapult, Bear Creek Gazette, and Ambit faced unexpected closures, raising questions about funding sources and job losses in the literary magazine industry.
  2. Literary magazines like Catapult closing underscores the importance of supporting such platforms to cultivate young writers and promote diverse works.
  3. Despite closures, opportunities exist in the literary magazine world with job openings and submission opportunities for writers.

fuck me / marry me / kill me

Thicket Forte • 1418 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Relationships Emotion Society
  1. The writer reflects on the uncertainty of the future and how technology may affect our lives. They emphasize the importance of truth and honesty in relationships.
  2. There is a deep appreciation for the strength and creativity of a partner, and a desire to inspire each other through art and life together.
  3. The writer acknowledges the inevitability of death but finds beauty in love and the memories created, showing a hope for a meaningful connection regardless of what the future holds.

Vulnerable Narcissism, Conformity, High Heels

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Behavior Fashion Gender Studies Media
  1. Men with more success tend to have more children. This shows a pattern in how parenting and status are linked.
  2. Younger people are divided about canceling J.K. Rowling for her views on transgender issues, while older people generally oppose canceling her. This trend may change society's views in the future.
  3. Women are more likely to wear high heels when they expect to meet attractive men. Their choice of footwear seems to be influenced by their interest.
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Happy Third Birthday to This Newsletter...

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 786 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink Social media Community Authenticity Self-Expression
  1. Author reflects on the growth of their newsletter over the past three years and sets a goal of reaching 10,000 subscribers by the end of 2023.
  2. Author discusses the challenges of comparing oneself to others in the industry and the need for self-acceptance and authenticity.
  3. Author addresses feedback regarding cursing in their content, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining a supportive community.

Hippopotamus

Myth Pilot • 786 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎭️ Culture Society Relationships Behavior
  1. A wealthy man named Carlos humiliated his girlfriend by calling her a hippopotamus.
  2. Despite not being overweight, Carlos's insult of 'hippopotamus' was deemed as an outrage.
  3. Carlos's behavior led to a rift between two wealthy families in Spain.

Memory Lane

Glenn’s Substack • 786 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Internet Law Electronic Music
  1. The author reflects on being part of the early blogosphere in the development of the internet.
  2. They engaged in various online activities like creating music and defending electronic music promoters.
  3. Teaching Internet Law led the author to continuously seek new online ventures and stay engaged in the digital world.

Algorithms and the Homogenization of Taste

The Analog Family • 379 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Consumer behavior Travel Personal Identity Art
  1. Social media algorithms influence our tastes by showing us similar things repeatedly, which can make our preferences less personal and more generic. Instead of discovering unique experiences, we often end up picking places that are popular online.
  2. The rise of these algorithms leads to a homogenization of culture, where everyone likes the same music, wears similar clothes, and follows the same trends. This makes our experiences and choices feel less special and diverse.
  3. To combat this, it's important to seek out personal experiences and make choices based on curiosity and spontaneity, rather than popularity. Trying new things and exploring without reliance on online reviews can lead to more memorable and meaningful moments.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art History Technique
  1. Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
  2. He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
  3. Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

A terrific noir series perfect for summer reading; a warm, funny, wise, and lately overlooked family drama; and more

Read Max • 421 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Drama Family
  1. Check out a cool noir series that could be a great read for summer. It's smart and thrilling, perfect for fans of mystery.
  2. There's a French drama that people haven't talked about much but is really good and gives off summer vibes. It deserves more attention.
  3. The author is open to recommendations and loves hearing from readers about books or movies they enjoy.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 63

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media Art Literature Television Entertainment
  1. People are rating sticks on Instagram now, creating a fun community called #StickNation. It's a quirky trend that's taken off online.
  2. TV shows today focus more on work and less on friends just hanging out. The style of storytelling has really changed over time.
  3. Odysseus is becoming popular again, with new interest sparked by Hollywood. It's cool to see old stories getting new attention.

When your family becomes inverse strangers

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 2910 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Family Relationships Memories
  1. As people grow older, they tend to spend less time with their parents and siblings, shifting towards spending more time with friends, kids, and spouse.
  2. Due to limited time spent with family, individuals may feel like inverse strangers, knowing intimate details yet unable to rely on each other for everyday support.
  3. Memories and interactions within a family become fragmented snapshots over time, creating a sense of distance and unfamiliarity among family members.

⤴ The welcome tech-optimism of 'The Fantastic Four'

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film Architecture Design Technology Futurism
  1. The new 'Fantastic Four' movie brings back a hopeful vision of the future, filled with cool retro designs and tech innovations that reflect a better world. It combines aspects of classic architecture and sci-fi aesthetics, making the film feel nostalgic yet fresh.
  2. The film emphasizes a positive, problem-solving attitude towards big challenges, showing superheroes working together to find tech-based solutions instead of resorting to conflict. This approach highlights a belief in progress and innovation as ways to overcome obstacles.
  3. However, the movie might gloss over some darker themes, such as the risks of too much power being held by superheroes and their organizations. It raises questions about freedom and control in a seemingly perfect society, suggesting that there could be unintended consequences to such advancement.

The Week In Recommendations 10.18.23

Rich Text • 746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fashion Podcasts Parenting
  1. Claire and Emma share their book recommendations, including favorites like 'Love Your Life' and 'The Custom Of The Country.'
  2. Emma finds solace in newsletters and essays that address social issues, advocating for involvement in keeping others safe.
  3. Claire and Emma discuss their recent TV and podcast interests, from 'Love Is Blind' to 'Heavyweight' and 'Bachelor In Retrospect.'

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature History Community Arts
  1. Supporting the newsletter helps keep it going and allows the writer to share interesting topics about nature and history.
  2. Sharing previous newsletters with friends can spark fun conversations and encourage outdoor adventures together.
  3. There are different subscription options available for those who want to support the newsletter further and receive regular updates.

People Play Games Without Knowing It

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Dynamics Human behavior Game Theory Psychology Cultural Commentary
  1. People often engage in social dynamics and strategies without realizing it. This can affect how they interact with others.
  2. Competition can lead to people playing games for rewards, but sometimes they keep playing long after it's beneficial to them.
  3. Understanding these hidden games can help people navigate social situations more effectively.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 494 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Television Art
  1. Reading can help you navigate life stages and relationships, especially when considering family dynamics. It's great to explore different perspectives through essays and stories.
  2. Classic TV shows, like 'Seinfeld', still provide entertainment and humor. Revisiting familiar episodes can be a fun way to relax and reminisce.
  3. Exploring new music albums can be exciting, and sharing experiences with friends can enhance the enjoyment. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or thoughts on what you haven't heard yet.

Unmarked Graveyard: Hart Island Stories

well, actually • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Stories Community
  1. Hart Island in New York City is America's largest public cemetery with over a million buried there, including various individuals with unique stories.
  2. The island lacks headstones or plaques, and many individuals buried there remain anonymous with explanations for their burial hard to find.
  3. Hart Island is now open to the public with tours available, and efforts are underway to document the island's history and identify those buried there.

I keep overrating intelligence

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Work Labor Personal Essay Society Class Career
  1. People working in service jobs often show more intelligence and skill than people assume.
  2. Switching from a corporate career into the service industry can reveal and correct false assumptions about who is smart or capable.
  3. Feeling surprised or embarrassed by those assumptions is a useful prompt to notice and adjust your own biases about coworkers.

The day had just taken a seat

Austin Kleon • 2777 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Politics
  1. Understanding today's politics can be easier if you look at professional wrestling. It's a surprising connection that many people are finding interesting.
  2. Finding a book that ends perfectly is a joy. Craig Brown's book about The Beatles really nailed its conclusion.
  3. It's important to be kind to yourself, especially when facing challenges. Sometimes, just taking small steps forward can make a difference.

An Investigation into Species HS01

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Psychology Evolution Norms Politics
  1. Drones are being spotted in major U.S. cities, but there's a lot of confusion about their purpose. Some people think they could be military drones from other countries, while the government insists they are just civilian drones.
  2. A strange theory suggests that aliens are invading Earth, and they'll reveal themselves in 2025. This idea comes from a researcher studying our species, who claims aliens are worried about our civilization.
  3. The reproductive patterns of humans show a big divide. While some populations are rapidly growing, others are declining due to cultural and social changes that discourage having children.

A Library of Books That Really Changed Minds

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature Politics Philosophy Religion History Science Gender Psychology
  1. Readers who change their minds draw on a wide range of books — fiction, philosophy, history, science, and religious works — not just contemporary bestsellers. These diverse genres offer different ways to challenge assumptions and reshape worldview.
  2. Many of the books that shifted people’s views are critiques of modern progressive ideas, managerial elites, or prevailing secular dogmas. They often question ‘woke’ orthodoxy, identity politics, and the cultural power of experts.
  3. The books that most often change minds are long, rigorous, and committed to truth rather than tribal comfort. Serious recommendations and sustained, argument-driven writing help bring readers to new perspectives.

Get Serious: About Purpose

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5383 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Development Psychology Society Human behavior Values
  1. Purpose is declining in society, with traditional values like faith, family, and community involvement losing importance.
  2. True purpose involves a deep belief in something greater than oneself, motivating action and giving a reason to build.
  3. Focusing solely on self-care and self-love may not bring fulfillment; finding a purpose outside oneself is key to combatting modern malaise.

The Trouble with ‘Murder at the End of the World’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3083 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Literature Social Commentary
  1. In the show _A Murder at the End of the World_, the protagonist Darby Hart stands out as an unexpected detective due to her age and gender.
  2. The series aims to deliver feminist messages and social commentary, but some viewers find it heavy-handed and lacking originality.
  3. The portrayal of Darby as a young, attractive amateur detective solving a mystery challenges traditional crime genre conventions, but some viewers question the believability and depth of her character.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 66

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Careers Food Sports Entertainment
  1. Many people dislike their jobs but often dream of doing something simpler or more fun, like running a coffee shop. It's worth thinking deeply about what would truly make you happy in your career.
  2. Working multiple jobs can lead to burnout and stress, especially in the tech industry where hustle culture is common. It's important to find a balance that works for you.
  3. Golf can be more enjoyable if beginners bend the rules a little. Cheating might actually help newcomers feel more relaxed and included in the game.

‘Looking Forward’: A Brief Film for Our Times.

Breaking the News • 1141 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Documentary Creativity
  1. The film 'Looking Forward' combines AI and real-world footage to highlight the contradictions of our time. It's a unique mix that encourages viewers to think deeply about today's world.
  2. It has a hopeful message about how we face challenges, showing that optimism and pessimism can exist together. This balance is important for understanding our current situation.
  3. The film is not just informative but also visually impressive, making it enjoyable to watch. It features interesting moments that capture the audience's attention.

Daniel Walker Howe, in memoriam; The Monroe Doctrine; Sontag reconsidered

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books History Criticism Ideas Politics Biography
  1. A reader-supported model is being pushed, with a modest subscription pitch and a recently released paperback promoted to help fund the work.
  2. Daniel Walker Howe’s death is noted, and his scholarship argues that the Age of Jackson—a mix of authoritarian populism, patronage, and racially charged politics—still casts a long shadow over American life.
  3. Recent media appearances and conversations are highlighted, including televised segments and interviews (like a discussion of Black Pill), with recordings and events available to watch online.