The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Nowness of Things

The Abbey of Misrule • 247 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society Travel Philosophy Literature Art
  1. Sometimes the best things in life happen on the edges, in the quiet places where we can truly appreciate them.
  2. New inventions like cars can have big impacts, but we often only see the downsides after time passes, like pollution and traffic accidents.
  3. Taking slower routes can show us a different world, where people are more connected to their surroundings and live at a different pace.

How I write...

Development Hell • 612 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Feedback Substack Blogging
  1. The author received feedback from readers about their content and what topics they want to see covered.
  2. There are many resources available on Substack for growing subscriber numbers and improving content quality.
  3. Readers can access the full content and post archives with a 7-day free trial and subscription.

Hélène Finds Her Voice

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Technology Art Society
  1. The writer, Hélène, identifies as both human and supernatural, sharing a little about her life and mentioning the tension with her husband regarding her powers. It's a blend of reality and the mystical that makes her unique.
  2. There's a new book by JSR called _On Drugs_ that is getting positive reviews, and it seems to be creating a buzz as they start promoting it more widely. People are encouraged to pay attention to it and invite engagement.
  3. Hélène discusses the serious issue of how technology, like AI, can create barriers for certain groups, especially the elderly, highlighting it as a potential social problem that should be taken seriously rather than treated lightly.
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The Strange Grief of Losing a Dog

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Grief Family Pets Memory
  1. Losing a pet, especially a dog, can lead to deep feelings of grief and loneliness. Coming home to the absence of a beloved dog can be especially hard.
  2. Grief can feel different depending on who we lose. Each relationship shapes our feelings of loss in unique ways, whether it’s a child, friend, parent, or pet.
  3. Holidays often bring back memories of lost loved ones, including pets. These times can stir up both sweet memories and painful feelings of absence.

Ranking Every "Mission: Impossible"

Obvious Bicycle • 263 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Pop culture Critique
  1. The 'Mission: Impossible' series is not just for action fans; it has thrilling moments that can surprise even those who usually don’t watch action movies.
  2. Tom Cruise's willingness to perform dangerous stunts himself adds a level of authenticity and excitement to the films, making them stand out in the action genre.
  3. Each 'Mission: Impossible' movie has a fun and engaging structure, allowing them to be enjoyed as standalone films while still offering an overarching storyline.

The Good Life: Buen Vivir, Hygge, Solarpunk & Degrowth.

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 609 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Ideas Sustainability Community Politics Aesthetics
  1. Imagining a postcapitalist, ecological, and equal future is vital for creating change.
  2. Buen Vivir, Hygge, Solarpunk, Social Ecology, and Degrowth are interconnected in promoting community well-being, sustainability, and decolonization.
  3. The concepts of Buen Vivir and Hygge can give insight into a degrowth future, emphasizing interconnectedness, community action, and well-being for all.

LiB is going away for a while

London in Bits • 609 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Newsletter Writing Community City Subscribers
  1. The London in Bits newsletter is taking a break, maybe forever, due to the editor's need to balance other life priorities.
  2. The editor is choosing to cancel all paid subscriptions for transparency and will refund recent subscribers.
  3. Readers are encouraged to explore other newsletters in the meantime and stay tuned for the possible return of London in Bits.

How to Support Myth Pilot

Myth Pilot • 609 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creation Mythology Fiction Analysis Social movements
  1. The writer is opening paid subscriptions for their newsletter to support their work.
  2. The content provided by the writer is currently free for everyone, but subscriptions are a way to support further creations.
  3. The writer's work includes fiction, cultural analysis, and proposals, aiming to delve into myths, theories, and actions for social understanding and change.

A Day to remember

A Lawyer Writes • 569 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Today would have been Sir Robin Day's 100th birthday.
  2. Sir Robin Day was a pioneer in using forensic skills for TV current affairs.
  3. Sir Robin Day's impact on broadcasting is lasting and significant.

#194: On grief and posting through it

Maybe Baby • 1097 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief Social media Communication Mental health Relationships
  1. Grief doesn't have a 'right' way to be expressed. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions and thoughts during this tough time.
  2. Sharing about loved ones on social media can feel awkward, but it also offers a chance for connection and support from friends.
  3. Wanting attention or recognition for your feelings is natural. Seeking out comfort from others can be a healthy part of your grieving process.

Of Piscivory and Political Capital

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Nature Art History Philosophy
  1. Cormorants have been unfairly hated throughout history, often seen as symbols of greed and gluttony by famous authors. Those views were likely from people's own faults rather than the birds' behavior.
  2. The cormorants are skilled fish-eaters and have even been trained for fishing in some cultures, showing their unique relationship with humans.
  3. People's negative opinions about cormorants appear to be changing, as awareness and sympathy for these birds grow, suggesting a shift in how we view wildlife.

There's nothing wrong with doing things because you want to look good

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2150 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Self-Improvement Creativity Appearance
  1. It's okay to strive to look good while pursuing your goals. Enjoying vanity-focused efforts alongside practical training can lead to better results and enjoyment in the process.
  2. Balancing aesthetics with functionality is important; looking good can have practical advantages, such as increased social opportunities.
  3. Engaging in the game of appearances doesn't make you vain; it can be a way to navigate social dynamics effectively and enhance your creative work with audience capture.

The Khanjar Dial Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Collecting Watches Geopolitics Fashion History
  1. Watches can be much more than just timepieces; they often have interesting histories and connections to culture. The Khanjar dial watches from Oman are a perfect example, blending royal recognition with unique design.
  2. Some watches, like the Khanjar models, are given as gifts and can become valuable over time. A watch gifted to a pilot once sold for £600,000 at auction, showcasing how special pieces can gain worth.
  3. Today, Khanjar dial watches are still given out with discreet engravings, making them rare collectibles. They appeal to watch lovers for their unique stories and connections to royal heritage.

FROM THE VAULT: A Master List of Dating Advice

Default Wisdom • 344 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Dating Relationships Advice Social Dynamics Self-Improvement
  1. Always pay attention to how someone treats you when you're feeling down. It's a good sign if they are supportive.
  2. People will show their true colors over time, so give them a few dates to see who they really are.
  3. Be careful of obsessing over someone; it often reflects your own feelings and needs more than it does about them.

Who Needs Love

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Philosophy Art Media
  1. Love is something we need, but asking for it all the time seems unrealistic. It's okay to want a little less love while we focus on our everyday lives.
  2. Even though it sounds nice to wish for constant love, the reality is that life is busy and complicated. We have work and responsibilities that often take priority.
  3. In the end, love would make life better, but we also need to manage our expectations and not let love overshadow our practical needs and goals.

Seeking: Dating advice

Maybe Baby • 750 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Dating Advice Social Lifestyle
  1. Sometimes, it helps to get different perspectives on personal questions. Asking friends or readers can lead to great advice.
  2. Everyone has unique experiences that can inform their advice. Sharing questions publicly can bring in valuable insights.
  3. It's okay to not have all the answers yourself. Leaning on a community for support and guidance can be really beneficial.

Evil Eyes, Status Games, Substack Meetings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1193 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Psychology Family Behavior
  1. Social status affects how we behave and interact with others. It influences everything from our emotions to our romantic pursuits.
  2. One-on-one meetings with readers are being offered, allowing for direct conversations and engagement.
  3. Recent findings show that marriage dynamics and education levels can significantly influence family structures and priorities.

Tell Better Stories

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling History Identity Narratives Society
  1. Stories shape how we see ourselves and our history, so it's important for them to be truthful. Misleading narratives can lead to harmful consequences.
  2. A powerful story can inspire movements and change over generations. Even flawed beginnings can spark ongoing revolutions for equality and rights.
  3. Good storytelling embraces complexity and the messy details of life. It's about understanding all sides rather than taking one side.

My Review of "Melania"

I Might Be Wrong • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film Documentary Celebrity Media Entertainment Satire
  1. The film feels like a blatant money-laundering/bribe project rather than a genuine documentary.
  2. It’s excruciatingly dull and obsessively focused on trivial moments—coat fittings, furniture choices, and long transit shots—so it reveals almost nothing interesting.
  3. Huge bids and heavy marketing with no real access expose political cronyism that revives careers and wastes money, which comes off as an insult to viewers' intelligence.

Roma Caput Mundi

Angela Nagle's Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Culture
  1. The populist zeitgeist is skeptical of luxury, art, and culture due to perceived corruption in sources of power and patronage.
  2. The Renaissance in Rome produced great art and culture, reflecting the city's historical status as Caput Mundi, the head of the world.
  3. The aesthetic spirit in art and culture may reemerge when the current skeptical attitude shifts.

Civil War (the movie) is absolutely right and completely wrong.

Think Future • 159 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Dystopian Political Commentary Social Commentary Thriller
  1. The movie 'Civil War' presents a dystopian-horror road movie with haunting vignettes and no clear good vs. bad sides.
  2. The film's message is a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of wishing or inciting a civil war.
  3. The movie serves as a stark reminder of the potential horrors and complexities of a civil war, urging viewers to be wary of the consequences.

Introducing Maria Theresa

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Art Writing Creative Expression
  1. The publication is looking to explore poetry more, feeling it is an area they haven't fully tapped into yet. They want to find a poet whose style fits their evolving themes.
  2. Maria Theresa, a pseudonymous poet, is introduced as someone who holds strong feelings of connection to her literary influences. Her poetry is deeply personal and tied to her admiration for another famous poet.
  3. Despite her reluctance to publish her work, Maria Theresa has agreed to share her poetry on this platform, noting her desire for her work to reflect a spiritual connection rather than a commercial one.

Radicalised Bureaucracies

Paroxysms • 898 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society Language History Ethics Identity
  1. There has been a resurgence of interest in the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and their impact on society, especially in relation to economic foundations and cultural dignity.
  2. The PMC is seen as converting economic issues into moral or cultural problems, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than material redistribution.
  3. The rise of radical bureaucracies within institutions has shifted towards a language of Critical Social Justice, emphasizing ethical values like equity and inclusion over technocratic principles.

The Monday Media Diet with Ayo Fagbemi

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Design Art Travel Technology
  1. Combining timely and timeless information is important for staying updated without being overwhelmed. It's good to pick what you consume thoughtfully rather than mindlessly scrolling.
  2. Listening to podcasts and reading books are great ways to learn. Choosing insightful content helps understand complex topics better, like AI and Crypto.
  3. Following your curiosity can lead to fun discoveries. Getting lost in interesting interviews and street-style content can open your mind to new perspectives.

Jordan Peele's Divided Aesthetic

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Film Aesthetics Race Social Critique Media
  1. Jordan Peele's film _Get Out!_ was groundbreaking because it mixed horror with comedy and highlighted the awkwardness and hidden racism in America. It showed that racism is deep-rooted and not just a product of overt actions.
  2. Peele's later films, _Us_ and _Nope_, struggle with the same themes but seem less clear in their messages. While they aim to critique social issues, the storytelling sometimes veers into confusion.
  3. The success of _Get Out!_ has led to a genre of films that exaggerate social issues and trauma, but this can make the realities of those issues seem cartoonish and oversimplified, leading to less effective critiques.

Shared trauma

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Trauma News Podcasts
  1. The internet can be a dark and dangerous place, where sharing traumatic content can have harmful effects.
  2. Seeing and sharing disturbing content online can impact mental health and well-being.
  3. It's important to consider the consequences of sharing violent or traumatic content on social media platforms.

Why adland snobs should relax and learn to love Status Quo

Thoughts on Writing • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Advertising Music Social media Brand Strategy Creativity
  1. In the advertising industry, it's important to question assumptions and prejudices to stay grounded and relevant.
  2. Brands like M&S are adapting to changing consumer priorities by emphasizing value without compromising quality.
  3. Social media, influencers, and ordinary people play a significant role in shaping modern advertising strategies.

The Culture War We All Lose

Symposium • 589 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Academic Freedom Culture war
  1. The culture war is revealing itself as a war _against_ culture from both sides.
  2. There is a trend towards banning art and erasing knowledge in our society.
  3. The destruction of university humanities programs could lead to a loss of historical understanding and academic freedom.

The Problem With a Life of "Yes"

At the Mountains of Sadness • 589 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Celebrity Criticism Fame Power Dynamics
  1. Rich and famous individuals can become detached from reality when surrounded by constant affirmation and lack of criticism.
  2. Being shielded from 'no' can lead to a warped sense of truth and morality for wealthy and powerful people.
  3. Continuous validation can drive some prominent figures towards extremism and an inability to handle dissenting opinions.

Fly-fishing in a business suit

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Fashion International
  1. This week features a mix of cool recommendations, including a thrilling international book and a stylish 1990s movie.
  2. There's interesting reading on sports conspiracy theories and financing in soccer, plus a new eurodance-pop album that's really enjoyable.
  3. The writer loves getting suggestions from readers for books or movies they might like, and they offer a free trial for new subscribers.

The Sugar Plum Sisters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Dance Theater Family
  1. Olivia and Mary Thomas MacKinnon share a deep love for dancing and perform together in 'The Nutcracker'. They have a close bond as sisters and roommates in New York City.
  2. When they were young, they had a friendly rivalry over the lead role in a special performance of 'The Nutcracker'. They decided to share the role, showcasing teamwork over competition.
  3. Their journey began in their living room, a reminder that even small spaces can become stages for dreams and creativity.