The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday $5 / month

The Rubesletter, written by comedian/writer Matt Ruby, offers frank, humorous insights on various subjects including social issues, culture, technology, and personal behavior. Ruby critically examines modern societal norms, comedy, geopolitics, masculinity, and the impact of technology, often challenging mainstream perspectives and encouraging thoughtful discourse.

Social Issues Culture Technology Personal Behavior Geopolitics Masculinity Comedy Media Criticism

The hottest Substack posts of The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday

And their main takeaways

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Sports Writing Art Comedy Literature
  1. Criticism can be seen as positive feedback, showing that people care enough to offer their thoughts. It encourages growth and improvement.
  2. The importance of creativity is highlighted through various writing methods and the need for authentic expression in art. Hard work often makes writing look easy.
  3. The text discusses modern trends, like how people engage with social issues and popular culture, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and critique about today's lifestyles.

The plane crashed because of…DEI!

641 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Tech industry Cultural critique Media Landscape
  1. Some people blame their problems on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) instead of taking responsibility. It's become a catch-all excuse for various issues, making it a controversial topic.
  2. Many tech leaders seem silent or unwilling to comment on political issues, raising questions about their priorities. They might be more focused on their profits rather than ethical or social concerns.
  3. Wealth does not always equal intelligence. Just because someone is rich doesn't mean they are smart or deserving of their success, as shown by failures in both tech and sports leadership.

Why there's no "Joe Rogan of the left"

1140 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Politics Society Identity
  1. There's no 'Joe Rogan of the left' because Rogan appeals to a non-political crowd. To engage more people, the left needs to communicate in spaces outside traditional politics.
  2. Rogan has created a strong connection with his audience by producing a lot of content. This helps him fight loneliness for listeners who feel like he is their friend.
  3. People are drawn to fun and relatable content. If the left wants to attract more followers, they need to focus on building positive relationships instead of criticizing others.

There's no such thing as f– you money

1639 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Tech industry Corporate culture Leadership
  1. Wealth doesn't guarantee freedom. Even billionaires serve someone and often compromise their principles.
  2. Charisma and social influence can be more powerful than money. Being likable and persuasive can get people further in many situations.
  3. Cultural power matters more than financial power. Those with money often want to control how they're perceived and fear being ridiculed.

On Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and the curse of charisma

784 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Performing Arts Public Speaking Entertainment Media
  1. Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock create their comedy in different ways, which shows in their performances. Chappelle is known for his powerful speaking that draws people in.
  2. Chappelle has strong oratory skills that put him on par with great speakers like MLK and Obama. His ability to captivate an audience is exceptional.
  3. Despite his charisma, there can be downsides to being such a compelling speaker. It raises questions about how that might affect him as a performer.
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What Elon and H*tler really have in common

998 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Opinion Current Events Cultural critique Media Analysis
  1. Elon Musk and Hitler are both criticized for their controversial behaviors. Some people think their actions are alarming and must be taken seriously.
  2. The discussion around their actions often mixes humor and harsh reality. It's easier to joke about difficult subjects rather than directly confront them.
  3. Understanding people's behaviors, especially in the case of public figures, requires empathy and careful consideration. It's important to look beyond surface actions.

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

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.

Incessantly calling men toxic is a bad way to get their votes

2994 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Calling men toxic all the time isn’t a good strategy to win their votes. It’s better to understand and address their feelings instead.
  2. Instead of only focusing on culture wars, politicians should talk about real issues that affect people's lives, like economic struggles.
  3. Men have their own challenges and need to feel valued and heard. Engaging them positively is key to gaining their support.

An ayahuasca fan’s take on the Aaron Rodgers documentary

570 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Sports Wellness Psychology
  1. Aaron Rodgers talks about perfectionism in the documentary, saying it often makes us feel broken inside. He believes we can learn to be more emotional and vulnerable, especially as men.
  2. The idea of 'ego death' is discussed, but it seems Rodgers may misunderstand it as a fixed goal. True ego death is more like an ongoing journey rather than something you can achieve completely.
  3. The documentary feels more like a personal promotion for Rodgers than a deep exploration of his life. It misses key questions about his past decisions and relationships.

Social media is a machine that destroys empathy

1069 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Empathy Human behavior Healthcare Capitalism
  1. Social media can lead to a loss of empathy. People often say things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face.
  2. When anger about issues like healthcare rises, some people turn to violence and support it. This shows a breakdown of empathy and understanding.
  3. There's a need to focus on changing the systems causing these problems, rather than blaming individuals. We should hold companies accountable while also working to fix the root issues.

"Murder" is the new inflation word

855 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Civic engagement Political Influence Social justice
  1. The word 'murder' is being used more lightly these days. People want to express anger and make big statements, but it can dilute the real meaning of serious words.
  2. Using violence against individuals to protest bigger issues, like corporate greed, is not the right approach. It's better to change the system instead of targeting people.
  3. Political representatives often don't listen to what the public wants because they are swayed by big money from corporations. It's important to hold politicians accountable and push for real changes.

Meet the new boss

142 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Leadership Autocracy
  1. There's a new administration in charge, and some people are nervous about what that will look like. It's important to think about how it might change life as we know it.
  2. Concerns are raised about the possibility of a theocracy or autocracy emerging. These are serious issues that could impact everyone's freedoms.
  3. The author is making predictions about the future political climate. It's a way to get people thinking about the direction society is heading.

Born during Dead Week

356 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
😂 Humor Cultural Commentary Personal narrative Pop culture
  1. Being born during Dead Week means your birthday might get overlooked due to holiday distractions. It's a tough time for parties and gifts.
  2. Capricorns, like those born in Dead Week, can be stubborn and critical, often due to childhood experiences with neglected birthdays.
  3. If you know someone with a birthday this week, try to make an effort to celebrate them later, as they will really appreciate it.

My new standup special just went live on YouTube

213 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Media Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. A new standup special just came out on YouTube, and it's all about funny topics like dating, cancel culture, and more. It's meant to be a laugh and worth checking out.
  2. The special is his first release after a previous project involving performing on substances, and it's focused entirely on traditional standup humor.
  3. Sharing the special can help it gain more views, which is important for its success on YouTube. So if you enjoy it, consider sharing it with friends.

LED candles are everything that's wrong with society

499 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Art Philosophy Technology Lifestyle
  1. LED candles are convenient but lack the magic and unpredictability of real fire. Nothing beats the warmth and charm that comes from a real flame.
  2. Society tends to favor efficiency over quality, but that makes life feel dull and lifeless. Embracing challenges and imperfections brings more richness to our experiences.
  3. Screens dominate our daily lives, and we often forget to engage with the real world. It's important to seek out genuine connections and experiences instead of just tuning into pixels.

I went to a UFC fight and a Trump rally broke out

570 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Opinion Cultural Commentary Political Satire Media influence
  1. Attending UFC events can be a wild mix of sports and pop culture, as seen with celebrities and political figures mingling in the crowd. It shows how these events can attract diverse but passionate fans.
  2. The atmosphere at these events often feels like a rally, where many attendees resonate with the performers more than the actual fights. There's a sense of nostalgia among them for a different way of life they want to reclaim.
  3. People seem more interested in the spectacle and camaraderie than the technical aspects of the fights. Fans boo fighters who don’t engage just like they would at a political event, emphasizing their desire for excitement and connection.

What people are getting wrong about bro comedy podcasts

570 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Politics Media Culture Entertainment
  1. Not all comedians lean right. Many are just looking for attention and will say what they think audiences want to hear.
  2. Standup comedy is diverse, with many different styles and viewpoints. Watching it live shows a wider range than what you might see online.
  3. Comedians aren’t modern-day philosophers; they're entertainers. They crack jokes and often push boundaries, but it's all in good fun.

🎁 The only 2025 gift guide you'll need

356 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gift Guides Humor Media Society Lifestyle
  1. Gift-giving can be fun if you think outside the box. Consider unique items like books or funny merch rather than typical gifts.
  2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only times to save; look for deals at other times like Planned Obsolescence Thursday.
  3. Remember, things can be complex, and it’s okay to hold nuanced opinions rather than taking a hard stance on every issue.

Why Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana are overrated

356 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history Music Criticism Artist analysis Cultural Commentary Live performance
  1. Some popular musicians like Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana might not be as great as people think. It's okay to have different opinions about music.
  2. Drummers have a unique way of creating many sounds with just a few basic elements, similar to how Taco Bell mixes its ingredients.
  3. The experience of listening to music has changed over time, especially with DJs taking a more prominent role in performances. Now, people often watch the DJ instead of just dancing with each other.

Misinformation isn't actually the problem

499 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Political Discourse Media Critique Election Issues
  1. We often mix up different types of information, treating small issues as serious threats. This can confuse people about what really matters.
  2. Instead of just blaming misinformation, we should look at how we compare different topics. Some things shouldn't get the same level of attention.
  3. The real problem isn't just fake news; it's the way we discuss all these issues and the weight we give them in public conversations.

Why you can't bring a roast to a rally

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.

[Best of] Top 5 comedy Rubesletters of the year

71 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
😂 Humor
  1. The top five comedy newsletters cover popular comedians like Chappelle and Gervais. They dive deep into their work and controversies.
  2. Stand-up comedy can show social trends better than polls. It reflects what people are really thinking.
  3. There's a lot to learn from comedian podcasters. Their unique style can offer new insights and perspectives to the media.

Did Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais really sink to new depths?

1568 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Social media Activism Criticism
  1. Critics say Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais' new specials are punching down, not insightful or funny.
  2. The target of their jokes may not be the marginalized groups they seem to mock, but those who display moral superiority online.
  3. Social media outrage often simplifies complex issues, but there can be funny jokes about anyone as long as they're thoughtful and original.

Authentic. Confident. Provoked. We are all the things.

1069 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visuals Memes Newsletter
  1. The newsletter is about being authentic, confident, and provoked, and it includes visual memes in addition to written content.
  2. The author creates visuals for Instagram based on the content of the newsletter, covering topics like gratitude, branding, and more.
  3. Readers can continue enjoying the newsletter by subscribing for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

The uncomfortable yet productive kind of pain

926 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mental health Physical health Personal Growth Well-being
  1. Many of life's greatest experiences involve initially overcoming discomfort and pain, leading to growth and transcendence.
  2. Recognize and reframe feelings of discomfort to gauge if something productive might be happening on the other side.
  3. Differentiate between productive, growth-inducing discomfort and unnecessary fear that may hold you back from personal development.

8 essential words you've never heard before

641 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Language Comedy Art Relationships Mythology
  1. Enshittification refers to how digital platforms decline over time by abusing users and businesses to benefit themselves before eventually failing.
  2. Public solitude is the ability to feel alone even when in front of a large crowd, allowing one to focus in the present moment or during a performance.
  3. Specieist is a term for prejudice based on species, demonstrated by the debate between Elon Musk and Larry Page over the future of artificial intelligence.

The one thing everyone on social media agrees on

570 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Comedy Sports Tech Fashion
  1. Many people on social media seem to share a common dislike for the New York Times, perceiving it as biased.
  2. Despite differing opinions on which political direction the NY Times leans towards, the widespread criticism suggests it may actually be achieving balance in its reporting.
  3. Critics of the Times should consider the importance of rigorous journalism and ask if there are better alternative publications out there.