The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Units

Dada Drummer Almanach • 115 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Criticism Media Entertainment Trends
  1. The traditional role of arts critics is changing, with some being reassigned to different duties at major publications. This shift raises questions about the future of arts coverage.
  2. There's a belief that reviews play an important role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art. However, some argue that personal experiences with art have less economic significance in today's digital world.
  3. The decline of daily arts reviews could lead to a more impersonal approach to covering culture, which might not resonate with audiences or support individual artists like it once did.

Why the largest creators are bypassing traditional book publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Publishing Digital Social media
  1. Many big creators are skipping traditional book publishers. They can earn much more money by self-publishing their books instead.
  2. Companies are starting to focus more on engaging their subscribers through mobile apps. This helps keep people interested and less likely to cancel subscriptions.
  3. Creators like Kai Cenat are making huge money through platforms like Twitch. This shows how individuals can now earn as much as, or more than, traditional celebrities.

this is not a love poem

Both Are True • 161 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting Relationships Games Philosophy Literature
  1. Having fun together can be a nice break from everyday stress, like parenting. Playing games allows couples to connect without heavy discussions.
  2. Good food and the right atmosphere enhance the experience of enjoying games together. Choosing a cozy spot can make even a simple dinner feel special.
  3. Life can be tough, but small moments like shared games and laughter can bring relief. These simple joys help us cope with the challenges we face.

2025 recap

Both Are True • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Philosophy Art Literature Personal Reflection
  1. Time feels like it moves really fast, especially when we're busy. We often miss the little joys around us because we're too focused on our phones.
  2. Even though life is busy, the special moments we share with others exist outside of time. Those moments, filled with love, can feel infinite.
  3. Life has its ups and downs, and we often joke about it, but it's important to find happiness in the little things. We should appreciate the good stuff that makes life meaningful.
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#148: Too much music

Maybe Baby • 1552 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature History Philosophy
  1. Using music to create a mood is common in modern culture, from public spaces to social media.
  2. The use of headphones and music may lead to isolating ourselves from shared sounds and communal experiences.
  3. Considering the value of naturally occurring sounds and silence in our lives is important, even amidst our fascination with music.

why isn't there an A24 for kids?

Both Are True • 316 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Parenting Entertainment Media Art
  1. Kids' shows often lack quality and depth, making parents feel frustrated. There's a desire for children's entertainment to be more meaningful and engaging.
  2. There's a call for a new type of kids' entertainment, similar to the indie film vibe, that tackles real emotions and experiences. The idea is to create stories that aren't just light and fluffy.
  3. Finding good, classic content for kids can be a challenge. Parents want options that are both entertaining and enriching for their children.

Why you can't bring a roast to a rally

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Politics Social Issues Performance Arts
  1. Comedy works best in the right context. A roast at a comedy club is different from jokes at a political rally. The audience needs to understand that it’s supposed to be funny.
  2. Intentions behind jokes matter, but so does the setting. If the environment is charged with negativity or hostility, jokes might not land well.
  3. Fame can be tricky in comedy. Just because someone is popular online doesn’t mean everyone knows them. This disconnect can change how people react to their humor.

Events like the Western States 100-Miler may now start kindly telling DEI extortionists to take a long hike

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Race Politics Sports Social Issues
  1. Events like the Western States 100-Miler are facing challenges with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) extortionists.
  2. There is a shift in the cultural landscape due to a pandemic of consumer backlash and overseas issues.
  3. DEI initiatives are evolving, but remain a point of contention in various sectors like running and academia.

Vol. 2, Issue 17 - Interview with Nick Roberts (Pokémon World Magazine)

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Entertainment Gaming Community
  1. Pokémon World Magazine, which later became Pocket World, ran from 2000 to 2015 and was the first dedicated magazine for Pokémon fans in the UK. It included news, fan-created content, and community involvement, making it a special part of many childhoods.
  2. The magazine changed its name due to pressure from The Pokémon Company after they learned about it, causing sales to drop significantly. Fans wanted the magazine to focus on Pokémon only, but it had to cover other games to stay afloat.
  3. Nick Roberts, the former editor, emphasized the importance of supporting magazines and fan content because they are created by people who need to pay their bills. It's a reminder that content isn't really free as someone is always behind it.

Emailing the Dead

Opaque Hourglass • 239 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Digital Grief
  1. Consider emailing a deceased person with a simple hello or a request, as a way to reach out and possibly connect with their surviving loved ones.
  2. The act of sending an email to the deceased could offer a small but meaningful connection between the sender, the departed, and those left behind.
  3. Although the recipient may not physically receive the message, it might provide a gateway for emotional connection and remembrance for those grieving.

What's got my attention this week #14

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books Age Environment Health Music
  1. Edinburgh festival season is here, featuring an interview with author Maggie O'Farrell at Fringe By The Sea about 'The Marriage Portrait'.
  2. An article discusses how newsletters are now akin to women's magazines in providing engaging content.
  3. There is a trend in adults reading children's books, an interesting lawsuit by women against the Swiss government over climate change, and other intriguing topics shared on The Shift With Sam Baker.

What you might have missed in June

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts Media
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, and you can subscribe to support the work.
  2. The post highlights a monthly round-up to keep readers informed about the latest on The Shift and catch up on what they may have missed.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to consider becoming paid subscribers to access the full post.

Foreskin’s Comment

escape the algorithm • 239 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Rituals Online Interactions Community Creativity Meaning
  1. Rituals are significant online; a user on Youtube demonstrated a unique and meaningful daily commenting ritual that garnered community engagement.
  2. Repetition in rituals builds grounding in life, from daily habits to practices that span generations, connecting to nature's rhythms and the passage of time.
  3. Rituals in online spaces like daily commenting on a video can foster community, resist typical online norms, and access a sense of the sacred through unique, repeated actions.

Destination Tragedy

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Cities Society Literature Philosophy Memory
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic in New York City led to a unique experience for residents, revealing both the beauty and tragedy of the city amidst chaos and loss.
  2. Jeremiah Moss's book 'Feral City' explores the impact of new cultural norms and consumerism on NYC, reflecting on the city's transformation and values over time.
  3. Tragedy can evoke deep emotions and memories, leading to a rediscovery of oneself and the environment, but it can also highlight the differing perspectives and values people hold in society.

The map is not the territory

Austin Kleon • 1059 implied HN points • 20 May 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Travel Comics
  1. Maps are not the same as reality. They can only represent parts of a complex world we live in.
  2. You don't need to visualize things in your mind to create great art. Many artists, including those with aphantasia, can still draw well without mental images.
  3. The impact of creative works, like books and music, can influence and inspire us. Exploring new recommendations can enrich our lives.

Ageism Part III: Getting Hired

Ladyparts • 978 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Ageism Employment Women's issues
  1. Older women face challenges in getting hired that often go unnoticed and unaddressed.
  2. Ageism is a topic that is vast and underreported, with potential for further exploration, such as in the intersection of AI and ageism.
  3. Consider subscribing to Ladyparts for more insightful content on ageism and related issues.

How to ascend progressive organizations

Becoming Noble • 338 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Workplace dynamics Social relationships
  1. Be clear on why you're at work: earn money, build a career, provide for your family - not to convert others politically.
  2. Understand your woke colleagues: they can be extreme but can also be good-natured. Forge genuine relationships and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
  3. Focus on being virtuous, charming, and skilled at your job. Avoid confrontations, be irreplaceable, and be prepared to switch tactics if confronted about woke issues.

Confessions of a Serial Monogamist

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Divorce Dating Personal Growth Women
  1. Being in a long-term relationship can make it hard to understand dating after a breakup. It's okay to feel confused about starting over.
  2. Dating apps are often seen as intimidating, especially for those who haven't used them before. Many people prefer real connections instead of casual dating.
  3. Being a serial monogamist—someone who is often in relationships—can bring up feelings of uncertainty and self-reflection after a divorce. It's normal to question past patterns in relationships.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Internet Social media Cultural Commentary
  1. Memes can live on longer than expected, like Hawk Tuah, which has become a part of our culture even as social media changes. People may not forget them easily, showing how our online history keeps coming back.
  2. The blending of natural and manmade elements, like plastiglomerate, reflects how our digital content also mixes elements from the past and present. This process creates a new kind of cultural landscape shaped by everything that has come before.
  3. As we interact more with AI and technology, we might feel like we're stuck in a loop of consuming the same content repeatedly. This could impact how we express ourselves and might lead to a feeling of overload from the internet.

Who Is Reading Even for Anymore?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Books Social media Book Culture
  1. Books serve a dual role: for story and as performance props, influencing how we are perceived.
  2. Reading has shifted from a private activity to a public performance, especially influenced by social media and digital culture.
  3. There is a growing divide between readers who quietly enjoy books and public readers who read for an audience, shaping modern book culture.

"Could it 'BE' any more tragic?" - A Eulogy (of sorts) for Matthew Perry aka Chandler Bing

Sounds Good! • 216 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity TV Entertainment Memories Reflection
  1. Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing in 'Friends', has passed away at the age of 54.
  2. Despite personal struggles, Matthew Perry found success but was unable to shake off his character from 'Friends' in his career.
  3. The tragic life story of Matthew Perry serves as a reminder that fame and success do not always bring happiness.

The long and winding road

Thoughts on Writing • 159 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Marketing Podcasts Creativity
  1. Author Nick Asbury is releasing a book called 'The Road to Hell' in March/April 2024, critiquing the concept of corporate purpose and advocating for human creativity.
  2. The book argues that the pursuit of corporate purpose led to poor marketing strategies and negative social outcomes.
  3. Asbury's work emphasizes the importance of valuing human creativity and cognitive empathy over corporate interests when it comes to business practices.

Top Links 551 Peak beef. The demand for rocket motors. New Delhi smog & ethical crystals.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Environment Food Society
  1. There's a growing trend called 'peak beef', which suggests that the demand for beef is reaching its highest point.
  2. Rocket motors are becoming more sought after, indicating an increase in interest for space or military technology.
  3. New Delhi is dealing with serious smog issues, while there's also a conversation about ethical crystals that might be more environmentally friendly.

How many first-generation students were not the first?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Heritage Memoir Religion Literature
  1. Family history can be complex and full of mysteries, especially when it comes to understanding the generations before us.
  2. Sometimes, the silence in family stories, like what is not told or shared, can hold significant meaning and impact on our own lives and identities.
  3. The choices our ancestors made and the paths they walked can influence our own paths in unexpected ways, shaping our sense of belonging and the journey we take in life.

Zealots, extremists, ideologues, and fanatics (ZEIFs)

Brain Pizza • 860 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Belief systems Fantasy Institutions Conversations
  1. ZEIFs, including zealots, extremists, ideologues, and fanatics, may exhibit cognitive rigidity, black-and-white thinking, and resistance to considering alternative perspectives.
  2. ZEIFs may have underlying personality traits like low agreeableness, high conscientiousness, and high neuroticism, but personality dimensions alone may not fully explain extreme behavior.
  3. Social factors like group identity, echo chambers, and societal polarization play key roles in reinforcing and amplifying the extreme beliefs and actions of ZEIFs.

The Lesbian Tragedy of 'Gia'

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 235 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film Philosophy LGBTQ+ Art Tragedy
  1. Tragedy has different interpretations in art, with Aristotle seeing it as artistically and morally useful, Socrates finding it discouraging, and Nietzsche believing it relieves from the world's suffering.
  2. Lesbian and queer art intersects with the debate on tragedy, challenging perceptions of queerness as already tragic and exploring the importance of naming and portraying tragedy.
  3. The film 'Gia' portrays a tragic lesbian story, emphasizing the complexities of Gia as a character and highlighting the impact of her relationships and struggles, urging a deeper consideration of tragedy in queer narratives.

On Imagination

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Imagination Creativity Childhood Art Literature
  1. Imagination can be like a muscle that anyone can develop, regardless of when they start. It's not just for kids; even adults can tap into their creativity with practice.
  2. Many people carry the imaginative play from their childhood well into adulthood, often using it in unexpected ways. This can lead to a richer and more enjoyable life experience.
  3. Imagination is a tool for understanding the world and storytelling, but our culture often undervalues it. We can still push our minds towards creativity, which can help us see things differently.

Too good not to share

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Sports Government Art
  1. Helen Dale has a unique ability to explain complex ideas about government and culture in a clear way. She's great for anyone wanting to understand the Westminster system better.
  2. Dale combines her intellect with imagination in her writing, making her novels both insightful and creative. Her work on historical events like the Holodomor showcases her talent.
  3. The essay highlights the emotional and cultural impact of music, particularly through personal memories and experiences, making it relatable and engaging for readers.

We Are Now 31,000 Strong, Happy Holidays!

The DisInformation Chronicle • 335 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Community Lifestyle Travel
  1. The holiday season in Spain lasts a long time, starting from Christmas Eve and going until January 6. It's a festive time filled with celebrations.
  2. There's a growing community supporting The DisInformation Chronicle, with subscriptions surpassing 31,000. This shows that many people find value in the content.
  3. Taking time to enjoy food, friends, and family during the holidays is important, especially for those who often work hard. It's a reminder to relax and appreciate life.

[Captured] Caddy-wack, Chyron the spectrum, and tampons at Meta

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Politics Entertainment Social Issues
  1. America's perspectives seem to have shifted, as some now cheer for the wealthy and powerful instead of supporting the underdog.
  2. It would be handy if we labeled people's conversations with details like their medications for better understanding, just like political labels do.
  3. It's great to see women making progress, as it shows how far feminism has come over the years.