Both Are True

Both Are True, by Alex Dobrenko, juxtaposes humor with vulnerability in essays addressing addiction, parenting, technology, societal pressures, and the quest for meaning. It explores personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of art, while debating modern concerns like the digital obsession and consumerism.

Addiction Parenting Technology and Society Personal Growth Consumerism Creative Work Mental Health Digital Platforms Personal Identity Social Media

The hottest Substack posts of Both Are True

And their main takeaways

Lost iPhone videos, actually random music, the secret history of crosswords

65 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Technology History
  1. Remembering lost iPhone videos can be a fun walk down memory lane, capturing moments from 2009 to 2012. It's like finding a treasure chest of forgotten memories.
  2. Discovering new music doesn't have to be hard; there are playlists that refresh daily to keep your tunes exciting. It's a great way to keep your listening experience fresh and interesting.
  3. Crosswords played a surprising role in American history, helping people during tough times. They aren't just games; they connect us and have meaning beyond just fun.

Being an idiot and writing your newsletter - an interview I did for Creator Spotlight

130 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
😂 Humor Stand-up Personal essays Writing Techniques Community Building
  1. Building a newsletter can be a journey of personal expression and growth. Being honest in your writing helps connect with your audience.
  2. Working with other creators and communities can really help you grow your audience and improve your content. Collaboration makes things more fun and effective.
  3. It's okay to not have everything figured out. Embrace mistakes and keep learning as you go. Just talk to people about your work and take it seriously, but also keep it light.

crying in the coworking space that is our lives

186 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Personal narrative Social Commentary Emotional Wellness Work Culture Friendship
  1. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and sweaty during busy days, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. Everyone has those moments of stress and anxiety.
  2. Talking to friends about your feelings can lead to emotional moments, and that's okay. Connecting over shared struggles can help lighten the load.
  3. It's important to embrace vulnerability and share personal stories, even if people sometimes criticize them. Those moments of honesty are what create real connections.

hello, i love you, won't you pick up your phone???

217 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
  1. It's common for parents to worry excessively when they can't reach their children, often leading to frantic calls and texts. This kind of behavior might feel annoying but it's really just their way of showing care.
  2. When you become a parent, you might find yourself repeating the same anxious habits you observed in your own parents, even if you promised yourself you wouldn't. It's a cycle that's hard to break.
  3. The fear of losing loved ones can create intense anxiety, especially if you imagine worst-case scenarios when they don’t respond right away. Communication can ease this fear, but it’s important to understand our feelings of worry come from a place of love.

Babe wake up we’re sharing our fears

232 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Identity politics
  1. Sharing our fears can create a sense of connection and community. It's important to talk about what we're scared of with others instead of keeping it all inside.
  2. Many people, regardless of their background or beliefs, have deep fears about the future. Recognizing that we all share fears can help us understand each other better.
  3. Feeling scared in a society can affect everyone, and it's crucial to remember that our votes are about creating a more stable and less fearful environment for everyone.
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tyranasoraus recs

111 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Humor Art Writing Society Philosophy
  1. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes we face losses that feel tough, like not winning an election. It's important to keep going and learn from the experience.
  2. Every day, we have the chance to be new and different from who we were yesterday. Our thoughts and feelings can change, even if our routines stay the same.
  3. When it comes to big events, like elections or competitions, what happens in the past can really shape the outcome. Success doesn’t just come from one moment; it’s built over time.

i interviewed a bunch of cool ppl and now it's a...print publication??!

217 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Conversations Creativity Humanity
  1. The author created a print and digital publication after interviewing inspiring people. It's called 'Whoa, Vol. 1' and includes deep conversations that aim to connect readers emotionally.
  2. Each interview tackles big questions about hope, authenticity, and making a living from art. These conversations helped the author find peace and understanding during tough times.
  3. Buying the publication comes with extra perks, like access to uncut interview content. The goal is to inspire readers and help them feel more human through shared stories.

A list of recs to get you through the anxious hell of the next 48 hours (or longer? longer??)

124 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Anxiety Media Technology Public Opinion
  1. Arc Browser lets you view two web pages side by side, which is really handy. It also has separate spaces for different logins, so you can switch between work and personal browsing easily.
  2. People are unhappy about the upcoming changes to Arc Browser, which has sparked a lot of online drama. This drama feels similar to the chaos surrounding political events, making it hard to focus.
  3. To cope with anxiety, it's helpful to find distractions like books, videos, games, and music. Engaging in these activities can help ease the stress of uncertain times, like elections.

parenting as improv

180 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
  1. Parenting is like improv where you react and adapt to your child's actions. You have to go with the flow and find humor in the moments.
  2. Just like in improv, both parents and kids learn from each other through their interactions. You realize that the roles can switch, with the adult sometimes acting a bit crazy too.
  3. The core of this improvisation is love and support. It's about being there for each other when things get tough and asking for help when needed.

more recs than an old school camera store

118 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Art Literature Inspiration Recommendations
  1. It's important to have a starting point when exploring an author's work, like Joan Didion's essays. They can really help you get to know her style and themes.
  2. Setting rates for your work can be tricky, especially when friends are involved. It's good to find a balance so you feel valued but also maintain your relationships.
  3. Sharing interesting cultural recommendations can help you connect with others and stand out in social situations. Plus, it makes gatherings way more fun!

and baby makes four???

770 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Having a baby can bring up fears about identity and self-worth.
  2. Social media can amplify feelings of pressure and anxiety around life events.
  3. Parenting experiences can vary widely, and it's okay not to feel joy all the time.

be my (tired, aging) valentine?

484 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Holiday Design Aging
  1. Consider creating unique, age-appropriate gifts for the over-30 crowd during holidays like Valentine's Day.
  2. Traditional candies and gestures may not be as fitting for individuals in long-term relationships or older demographics.
  3. Personalizing gifts and celebrations based on age and life stage can make occasions more special and meaningful.

The meet-cute (rom com, Act One)

344 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Industry Relationships Entertainment
  1. Rom-coms are not dead, they are alive and thriving, often reflecting real-life moments of love and connection.
  2. Relationships can have quirky and unique beginnings, like meeting on the set of a film and starting a flirtatious interaction through a phone prank.
  3. Love stories often have unexpected twists, like the moment of realization and confession that sets the stage for the next act in the romantic journey.

i was a murder mystery dinner theater actor

357 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Acting Entertainment Performing
  1. Participating in a murder mystery dinner theater can be a thrilling and unique experience, blending acting with interactive storytelling.
  2. Stepping into a different persona at work or in social situations can bring a sense of liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
  3. Embracing the opportunity to be whoever you want to be every day can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

forget thanksgiving its time for fearsharing

568 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Holiday Humor Comedy
  1. The post suggests a new holiday called Fearsharing where instead of being thankful, people share their fears.
  2. Fearsharing is described as a time to openly discuss fears, such as fear of failure, death, and even being cancelled.
  3. The author expresses gratitude towards readers and acknowledges the importance of the audience in their writing journey.

hello, i love you, won't you pick up your phone???

745 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. It's common to worry about loved ones and overreact when they don't respond.
  2. Parents can sometimes have behaviors that irritate us more than we expect.
  3. As a parent, you may find yourself experiencing new and unexpected anxieties about your children.

What's the one thing we all hate but can't stop doing?

543 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Technology Self-care Productivity Addiction
  1. Many of us hate being constantly on social media but find it hard to stop.
  2. Our constant need for achievement and validation online can lead to anxiety and a sense of never doing enough.
  3. Taking breaks from social media and setting boundaries with technology can help regain self-control and focus on other fulfilling activities.

i think my son hates me

295 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. Parenting can be tough and full of ups and downs. It's okay to experience feelings of rejection or failure as a parent.
  2. Modeling emotional vulnerability and resilience is important when raising children. Kids learn from how you handle difficult emotions.
  3. Building a strong relationship with your child takes time and effort. Moments of connection and love amidst challenges are what truly matter.

The masks we wear (rom com, act three)

236 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Self-reflection Love Personal Growth
  1. The story shares a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of relationships through the lens of weird situations and masks, highlighting the importance of active choice and acceptance in love.
  2. The use of the term 'wowies' symbolizes fear of the unknown and transition in relationships, becoming a way to navigate difficult conversations or express deep emotions.
  3. Despite the surreal experiences, the story emphasizes finding joy and gratitude in the journey of building a life and a family together, even amidst unexpected challenges.

I posted 300+ Threads in 3 days

531 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Content creation Digital Platforms Technology impact Online behavior
  1. The author posted over 300 threads in 3 days on Threads app, narrating the experience and reflecting on the impact.
  2. Threads can be a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, but the author also highlighted its distractions and questioned the significance.
  3. The text encourages reflecting on the meaning and impact of digital platforms like Threads, urging readers to consider their choices and values.

what do i do with my life?

2 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Career development Self-discovery Life Advice Mindfulness
  1. It's okay to feel unsure about your life path and make changes to find your true calling. Sometimes trying different things can help you narrow down your options.
  2. Life is not a straightforward journey and it's normal to face challenges and uncertainties along the way. Embrace the chaotic nature of life and be open to exploration.
  3. Seek advice and guidance from people in fields you are interested in to gain insights and clarity about your career path. It's okay to ask for help and learn from others' experiences.