Why is this interesting?

Why is this interesting? is a daily email by Noah Brier & Colin Nagy exploring intriguing aspects of diverse topics ranging from geography and culture to business strategies and environmental issues. Each post delves into the unique characteristics, challenges, and insights related to various subjects and locations around the world.

Geography and Culture Business and Innovation Environmental Concerns Digital Culture and Social Media Literature and Art Personal Development Travel and Exploration

The hottest Substack posts of Why is this interesting?

And their main takeaways

The Monday Media Diet with Ayo Fagbemi

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.

The Monday Media Diet with Crispin Burke

904 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Media Culture
  1. Consuming a lot of media is essential for staying informed. Many people start their day by checking multiple news sites and apps.
  2. Reading physical books with highlighters can enhance memory and engagement compared to digital reading. People often find physical interaction with print books more satisfying.
  3. Exploring unique travel destinations can be rewarding. Places like Hood River, Oregon, offer great food, hiking, and easy access to different climates.

The Questioning Substack Edition

1387 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Media Publishing Creativity Trends
  1. Substack has become popular, but not all new writers bring valuable content. Some just add noise instead of fresh ideas.
  2. Substack is shifting from being a platform for written words to focusing on creators and video content, which may dilute its original purpose.
  3. There's a need for better writing and opinions in newsletters that are not just about making money or following trends; writing should matter more than affiliate links.

The Monday Media Diet with David McCloskey

723 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Authors Writing Reading
  1. David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst who became a spy novelist. His experiences give depth to his fiction writing.
  2. He prefers reading books over watching TV news and enjoys exploring various topics, especially through literature.
  3. McCloskey recommends reading older spy novels, particularly by Charles McCarry, for a better understanding of the genre.

The Heteronym Edition

904 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Authors
  1. Heteronyms are creative identities that authors use to express different voices, separate from their real selves. This can add depth and variety to literature, allowing for unique perspectives.
  2. Augusto Monterroso created a fictional translator named Eduardo Torres, who never existed, to showcase the art of heteronyms. He used this persona to publish works that read like they were from a real author.
  3. The concept of heteronyms reminds us that everyone has different sides to their personality. As we grow, we create versions of ourselves that reflect our changes over time.
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The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

The Monday Media Diet with Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez

1025 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Media Literature Podcasts Books
  1. Fashion reporters Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez enjoy a mix of mainstream news and fashion content. They both prefer reading print magazines and catching up on Substack newsletters when they have time.
  2. Both hosts recommend interesting readings. Lauren highlights the archives of James Surowiecki's business column, while Chantal loves Pandora Sykes’s book review newsletter.
  3. When traveling, Lauren chooses planes for efficiency while Chantal prefers the idea of high-speed trains. They both have unique places they love, like Reddit and Madrid, that offer rich cultural experiences.

The Forster Craft Sticks Edition

904 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Crafts History Marketing Art Family
  1. Craft activities for kids can be fun and engaging. Subscription boxes that include everything needed for crafting are a great way to keep children entertained.
  2. Popsicle stick lamps started as simple craft projects but can be worth a lot today. Vintage examples can sell for hundreds of dollars now.
  3. Forster Manufacturing Company grew from making toothpicks to craft sticks. Their clever marketing helped them sell millions of toothpicks in America.

The Loopwheeler Editon

723 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion & Design Sustainable Fashion Manufacturing
  1. Old looms can produce better quality denim than modern machines. The unique vibrations from these old looms give the fabric a special character.
  2. Loopwheeler is a brand known for making high-quality sweatshirts using a slow and careful process. This slow method leads to durable clothing that gets better with age.
  3. Luxury in fashion can come from production limits. The time-consuming methods used by brands like Loopwheeler make their products special and desirable.

The Texas Yemeni Coffee Bars Edition

482 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Food culture Cultural Exchange Community Entrepreneurship
  1. Yemeni coffeehouses in Texas are becoming popular spots for social gatherings without alcohol. People enjoy late-night hangs while sipping coffee and having meaningful conversations.
  2. The rise of these coffeehouses reflects changing demographics in Texas and a shift in cultural gathering places. Entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to create unique spaces for community.
  3. This trend shows how cultural patterns evolve, with communities finding ways to connect and socialize in diverse environments like coffee shops, similar to what has happened with juice bars.

The Row 7 Flavor Edition

1085 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer Trends Flavor SOURCING Cooking
  1. Row 7 is trying to make vegetables tastier and more enjoyable. They believe that grocery store veggies often lack flavor because companies prioritize size and saleability over taste.
  2. Potatoes, usually thought of as bland, can be packed with flavor when grown from the right seeds in good conditions. A flavorful potato doesn't need lots of toppings to be delicious.
  3. Row 7's produce might be priced high now, but many people are willing to pay for great flavor. If they can keep improving taste and manage costs, they might attract even more customers.

The Monday Media Diet with Dan Sinker

1025 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art History Politics
  1. Consuming too much news can cause anxiety, especially with events like elections coming up. It's easy to fall into a cycle of constantly refreshing for updates, but it won't change the outcome.
  2. Enjoying different forms of media can provide a needed break from stress. Listening to entertaining podcasts or watching a funny show can help lighten the mood.
  3. Reading good books, especially by talented writers like Hanif Abdurraqib, can be very rewarding. Their well-crafted words offer a chance to reflect on important themes and enjoy powerful storytelling.

The Monday Media Diet with Dylan Neuhaus

663 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Film Art Music
  1. Balance is key when it comes to consuming media. It's good to mix serious content with lighter, entertaining pieces.
  2. Reading deep stories about creativity and production processes can be more interesting than just the finished product, like a popular TV show.
  3. Exploring local grocery stores is a great way to learn about new places, offering a glimpse into the culture and community.

The Topography of Thought Edition

965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

The Minivan Stigma Edition

904 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive Identity Consumer behavior Market Trends Family Dynamics
  1. Minivans used to be very popular for family travel, but now they're often seen as uncool. This change is more about their image than their usefulness because they are still very practical vehicles.
  2. Despite the stigma, there's a growing trend of people using different types of vans for adventure, like those converted for #vanlife. These vans are seen as cool and can still be practical for families.
  3. There's a big opportunity for automakers to redesign minivans to make them more appealing. If they can combine the useful features of a minivan with a cooler look, they could attract more buyers again.

The Russia in Syria Edition

603 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Regional conflicts Power Dynamics
  1. Syria is now in a very unstable state after Assad's regime is gone. This situation brings many challenges, like dealing with chemical weapons and returning refugees.
  2. Russia's naval port in Tartus and airfield in Hmeimim are key for their military power in the Middle East. Losing these would hurt Russia's strategy, especially with ongoing issues in Ukraine.
  3. Moscow is working hard to keep these bases by forming new alliances and adapting their approach. This shows how important Syria is for Russia's influence in the region.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music History Photography Theater
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

The Mono vs. Stereo Edition

784 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music Production Music history Audio engineering Music genres
  1. Mono and stereo mixes can sound very different from each other. Mono mixes might feel more powerful and live, while stereo mixes offer more depth and spatial detail in the music.
  2. Collecting both mono and stereo versions of records can lead to exciting new experiences. Some songs might sound better in mono, while others shine in stereo.
  3. When buying reissues of old records, it's important to check who remastered the album. Quality remastering can significantly enhance how the music sounds.

The Zakir Hussain Remembrance Edition

542 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎶 Music Classical Fusion Cultural Collaboration
  1. Zakir Hussain was a master of the tabla, a traditional Indian drum. He started learning at just three years old from his famous father, showing early talent.
  2. Hussain blended classical tabla music with modern influences and worked with big names like George Harrison and the Grateful Dead. He made the tabla more popular by bringing it to new audiences.
  3. His love for music started as a baby when his father sang tabla rhythms to him. This deep connection shaped his incredible career in music.

The Hemi Edition

422 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automotive Marketing Branding History Pop culture
  1. The Hemi engine has become a popular and recognized brand name, almost like its own celebrity in the car world. It's known for its strong performance and has fans calling for its return in various vehicles.
  2. Hemi's reputation stems from its long history and impressive performance, especially during the muscle car era of the 1960s. Its success in races helped cement its legendary status among car enthusiasts.
  3. Unlike many car brands, the Hemi name is well-known even outside of car culture, appearing in music and pop culture. This broader recognition is a rare achievement for an engine name.

The Tuesday Edition

422 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History Rituals Traditions
  1. The seven-day week we use has been unchanged since at least 311 C.E., despite many calendar changes over the years.
  2. More than 625,000 days have passed without interrupting the sequence of days, showing consistency in how we mark time.
  3. Even with holidays that confuse us about what day it is, the schedule of the week keeps moving forward as normal.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 35

422 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Media Entertainment Social Trends
  1. The article highlights interesting links shared in group chats, focusing on diverse topics for weekend reading.
  2. One featured piece discusses how two actors found a creative outlet in Grand Theft Auto during the pandemic.
  3. Another article looks at trends in substance use among U.S. teens, revealing interesting shifts in behavior.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Travel Technology
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

The Monday Media Diet with Meg Daly

482 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cookbooks Culinary Arts Food culture Dining Experiences Gardening
  1. A media diet doesn't just mean consuming less media; it means being picky about where you get your information. Look for sources that report facts without pushing an agenda.
  2. Reading can be more rewarding when you choose bestsellers, as they often have wide appeal. This way, you're more likely to enjoy what you read.
  3. Cooking can bring people together and create lasting memories. Sharing good meals and laughter around the dinner table is a cherished experience.

The Dazzle Camo Edition

482 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design History Photography Automotive
  1. Dazzle camo is a design technique that started in World War I to confuse enemy targeting, using bold geometric patterns. It helps to break up the shape of an object, making it harder to see and aim at.
  2. Car manufacturers adopted a modern version of dazzle camo to protect their prototype vehicles from spy photography. Even though these prototypes look attention-grabbing, the patterns are meant to confuse potential onlookers about the actual design.
  3. Today, prototypes often embrace their visibility with eye-catching patterns and even QR codes. This shift turns a potential exposure risk into a marketing opportunity, generating public interest instead of hiding away.

The Family Hotel Edition

422 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Hospitality Luxury Experience Industry Trends
  1. Many big hotel chains have made luxury experiences feel like a factory production, losing the personal touch. This can make stays feel more like a standard process than a unique experience.
  2. There is a growing movement toward family-owned hotels that focus on personal service and unique experiences. These hotels offer a more thoughtful and warm atmosphere for guests.
  3. The contrast between corporate hospitality and family-run hotels highlights the importance of genuine care and attention in the hospitality industry. People are looking for more than just standard comforts; they want a human touch.

The Leonard Cohen Shoe Shine Edition

301 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Fashion Rituals Literature
  1. Leonard Cohen was known for his love of fine tailoring, often wearing stylish suits. His attention to personal appearance showed he cared about looking good.
  2. While searching for his dress shoes, many images emerged of Cohen sitting on hotel room floors polishing his own shoes. This highlights his down-to-earth nature.
  3. The contrast between his polished look on stage and his simple shoe-shining ritual reflects a unique blend of elegance and humility in his character.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 39

241 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Film Art Literature Society
  1. David Lynch is known for his strange movies, but he also had a love for his Scion xB car as he lived in Los Angeles.
  2. A man in Oregon shared that he created viral googly eye sculptures as a way to deal with heavy emotions.
  3. Many artists are covering the classic song 'A Long December' by Counting Crows, showcasing its lasting impact.

The Adult (Instrument) Learning Edition

482 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎶 Music
  1. Learning an instrument like the drums can help you face fears, like stage fright, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Playing live music with friends can be a rewarding experience and make you feel more confident.
  2. Drumming teaches the importance of patience and practice. Improvement takes time and effort, showing that there are no shortcuts to getting better at anything.
  3. Playing the drums makes you a better listener. You start to hear different parts of songs and appreciate music in a new way, which can lead to discovering new artists and genres you enjoy.

The World's Most Dangerous Toy Edition

482 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Toys Hobbies Childhood Nostalgia Play
  1. The Cox E-Z Flyer was a very exciting yet dangerous toy that required two people to operate safely. One person would start the plane while the other controlled it as it flew in circles.
  2. Many kids thought they could perform tricks with the plane, but this often led to crashes instead of successful flights. Ignoring safe practices usually resulted in broken planes and unhappy flyers.
  3. Although it was popular among hobbyists, the Cox E-Z Flyer was not made for kids and ended up causing more trouble than fun. It’s a reminder that some toys can be more dangerous than they seem.

The Medium Edition

2171 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Learning Technique Craft Digital Art
  1. Watercolors are unforgiving; mistakes with watercolors are hard to fix because once you put them down, you can't really change them.
  2. Mastering a craft takes practice; just like with watercolors, it's crucial to first understand and excel in the medium before focusing on the message or artistry.
  3. Using technology like drawing apps can help with the challenges of traditional mediums like watercolors; these tools offer the convenience of undo and redo functions that are not available in physical art.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 36

241 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Food Media Photography Labor
  1. McDonald's self-service kiosks led to customers ordering more food than before. This shows technology can improve sales instead of just replacing workers.
  2. A piece explored how skillets are important during evacuations, highlighting their cultural and practical significance. It's a reminder of how everyday items can carry deeper meanings.
  3. An article showcased industrial photographer Christopher Payne's work, celebrating American labor. It emphasizes the beauty and honor in various types of work.

The Specialist Sneaker Edition

1990 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletic performance NBA
  1. Players' evolving playing styles demand specialized sneakers beyond just ankle support and cushioning.
  2. Sneaker design has shifted focus to meet specific playstyles like cutting, running, and jumping.
  3. New era of playstyle specialization in basketball shoes emphasizes using the right tools for optimal performance.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 31

361 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Food Travel Entertainment Lifestyle Media
  1. Blank Street Coffee is gaining attention and has some insights on competing with giants like Starbucks in NYC.
  2. There's a video discussing a major traffic issue in New Jersey where a lot of car lanes have to merge quickly into fewer lanes.
  3. A piece about American diners in London highlights the cultural challenges faced by Americans trying to navigate dining experiences abroad.

The Bluey Edition

1870 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Modern TV often portrays fathers as incompetent or negative figures, but Bluey from the TV show Bluey presents a heartwarming and ambitious portrayal of the modern dad.
  2. Bandit Heeler from Bluey breaks away from the tired stereotype of the bumbling dad by being a primary caregiver who inspires us to be more present, playful, and patient.
  3. Bluey aims not only to entertain children but also to teach parents important lessons, such as experiencing childlike wonder and being present in the lives of their kids.

The Andaliman Edition

1990 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture Cuisine Discovery
  1. Batak cuisine is known for its spicy dishes using Andaliman peppers.
  2. Andaliman peppers are related to Szechuan peppers and provide a unique tingling sensation on the tongue.
  3. The numbing sensation of Andaliman peppers can be experienced in Batak highlands, creating a surprising culinary discovery.