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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

The Substack Email Settings Edition

8385 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital marketing App Development User Experience Subscription services
  1. Check your email settings in Substack if you're not receiving newsletters. Sometimes the settings can change without you realizing it.
  2. Substack's 'smart notifications' can lead to confusion and missed emails. It can send app notifications but not the actual emails from writers.
  3. If you experience issues with Substack emails, switching the notification settings to 'Only in email' can help you start receiving them again.

The Monday Media Diet with Jasmine Sun

4222 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Technology Travel Lifestyle
  1. A varied media diet is important. It's good to consume information from different sources instead of just what algorithms choose for you.
  2. Books can offer deep insights. Reading across genres, like fiction and nonfiction, can help understand complex societal issues better.
  3. Curiosity about subcultures can spark creativity. Exploring unique groups and ideas can inspire new perspectives and work.

The Private Train Car Edition

2352 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Luxury History Infrastructure Society
  1. Private rail cars are a luxurious way to travel that depend on public train systems like Amtrak. Owners can hitch their private cars onto regular train services for their trips.
  2. These rail cars were a big deal in the early 20th century, designed with amazing features like observation decks and sleeping quarters. Many were made by the famous Pullman company, known for its luxury craftsmanship.
  3. Even wealthy travelers in the past had to rely on public infrastructure, showing a unique blend of private luxury and public services. This coexistence is still important today as societies think about wealth and accessibility.

The Monday Media Diet with Emilia Petrarca

2232 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Literature Travel Media Art
  1. The author has a deep love for fashion and culture writing, often consuming and creating content across many platforms. They follow a diverse range of publications and newsletters to stay informed.
  2. Reading is an important part of their routine, with a special interest in fiction, particularly romance. They also appreciate stories that showcase unique experiences, such as total eclipses.
  3. The author had a memorable experience with train travel and learned to be cautious with airplane food after a bad incident. They are passionate about sharing fun travel stories and quirky experiences.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Teddy Kim

1990 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Entertainment History
  1. Reading about history can teach us a lot about how things connect and evolve over time. It can even change the way we think about important world events.
  2. Predictive markets can help us gauge our understanding of the world. They can show whether our news sources are reliable and help us prepare for future events.
  3. Family history matters. Visiting the places where our ancestors came from can provide a deeper connection to our roots and help us see ourselves as part of a larger story.
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The Self Reflection Edition

1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Personal Growth Mindfulness Psychology Coaching
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

The Bootleg Edition

1870 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Fashion Merchandise Trends
  1. Bootlegging is now a normal part of the creative world, and it can even help brands grow. Artists and brands are beginning to embrace it as a form of new creativity rather than just a negative copy.
  2. Merchandise and bootleg items have become intertwined, with vintage pieces proving the value of new merchandise. This cycle helps brands to continue creating and offering new products to fans.
  3. Bootlegging often feels more genuine than mass-produced items. Unique, hand-made bootleg items can show a deeper connection and personal touch that many modern products lack.

The Whale Fall Edition

1870 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecosystems Environmental Science Biodiversity Ecology
  1. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a feast for many sea creatures. This event leads to a chaotic but vital ecosystem around the whale carcass.
  2. After larger scavengers eat their fill, bacteria step in to break down the whale's body, turning it into nutrients for other life forms. This process creates a thriving community in a place that usually has little life.
  3. The cycle of life and death in the ocean shows that nothing goes to waste. Even in death, a whale can support new life for decades, reminding us that everything in nature is interconnected.

The Monday Media Diet with Nadine Choe

1387 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Fashion Hospitality Podcasts Literature
  1. Podcasts are great for learning and understanding different perspectives. They let you hear from interesting people in a simple and engaging way.
  2. Reading various newsletters can keep you updated on current trends, especially in hospitality and fashion. Finding unique voices in journalism makes the stories more enjoyable.
  3. Exploring your inner self, like through psychedelics, can help you understand your thoughts and reactions better. This understanding can improve your life and relationships.

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 Death of the B-Side Edition

1327 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Album Vinyl Streaming Cultural impact
  1. B-sides were special songs that didn't fit on albums, offering hidden gems that fans could discover. In today's music scene, the magic of finding these tracks has almost disappeared.
  2. While people think albums are dying, many artists, like Taylor Swift, continue to create and sell vinyl records, showing that albums are still popular. They are more resilient than people might believe.
  3. Streaming services change how we discover music, focusing on what we already like. This can make us miss out on new, unexpected music, which is what B-sides used to provide.

The fabric Nightclub Book Edition

1266 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Nightlife Music Hospitality Design Arts
  1. The fabric nightclub in London is unique because it has maintained a strong focus on music and guest experience for many years. Many nightclubs chase nightlife trends and greed, but fabric stays true to its roots.
  2. The book about the nightclub captures its rich history and the passion of its community, including famous DJs and emerging artists. It highlights how important these connections are to the club's identity.
  3. Hospitality is essential for a great night out. At fabric, every detail, from security to coat checks, is handled carefully to create a welcoming experience where guests feel safe and taken care of.

The Inherited Ceramics Edition

1206 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Heritage Art Family Identity Storytelling
  1. Inherited objects, like ceramics, can carry deep family stories and connections to the past. They remind us of our roots and the experiences of our loved ones.
  2. Many younger people today don't see value in their parents' heirlooms and often sell or discard them. What's considered treasure can quickly become trash.
  3. Finding creative ways to repurpose or display these inherited items can breathe new life into them. It helps keep the memories alive without the pressure of keeping them pristine.

The Monday Media Diet with Joe Weisenthal

1206 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Interviews Reviews Music Culture
  1. Joe Weisenthal loves using Twitter in the morning to catch up on fast finance news, but he also checks his email and Bloomberg for important updates.
  2. He enjoys reading Substack newsletters, especially about country music and geopolitics, and he recommends some that he thinks others should follow too.
  3. Weisenthal has spent years exploring media theory and believes it helps understand today's changes in society and technology, particularly with social media.

The Wildfire Prep Edition

1146 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Quality Urban planning
  1. Being prepared for wildfires in LA is very important. Make sure to have a go-bag ready with essential items like masks, goggles, and fire-resistant clothing.
  2. Plan multiple escape routes from your home, as traffic can get very bad during evacuations. Knowing alternate paths can help you get out more easily.
  3. Keep your home and car ready for quick evacuations. This means keeping your gas tank full and clearing any flammable vegetation around your home.

The Sweatshirt V-Notch Edition

1146 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Clothing Design Trends Functionality History
  1. The V-notch on sweatshirts started out as a practical feature for absorbing sweat and allowing flexibility. It was created for football players to wear comfortably.
  2. Many sweatshirts today have the V-notch but it's mostly for style, not function. It's interesting how practical designs can become just a fashion statement over time.
  3. Learning about fabric manufacturing, like Loopwheeler's unique approach, helps us appreciate quality and the history behind our everyday clothing.

The Listening Bar Edition

1146 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🎭️ Culture Music Travel Art Lifestyle Experiences
  1. Tokyo has unique listening bars where you can enjoy music played from a bartender's record collection. It's a quiet space where you can truly appreciate the music without distractions.
  2. During a visit, the bartender played several songs featuring the same session drummer, showing the depth of his musical knowledge. Discovering this connection made the experience more meaningful.
  3. You can learn more about a place by returning to the same spot instead of rushing around. Spending time in one place allows you to notice details and understand the local culture better.

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 Naomi Zeichner

1085 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Art Travel Literature Food
  1. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed and entertained throughout the day, especially during morning routines or before sleep.
  2. Finding new music can be fun; using charts and social media to discover songs is a good strategy.
  3. Reading print books and engaging with well-designed articles in magazines offers a unique experience that digital formats can't fully replicate.

The Rocking Out Edition

1085 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Tradition History Nature Craftsmanship
  1. Suiseki is the Japanese art of displaying beautiful stones that resemble mountains or landscapes. These stones encourage people to admire nature's beauty in a unique way.
  2. Setting up a suiseki display involves careful selection of stones and bases that enhance their natural shapes and features. This process is similar to bonsai, where presentation plays a key role.
  3. Unlike living plants, suiseki stones can't die, making them a low-maintenance way to enjoy art and nature in your home. They allow for contemplation of nature's beauty without the worry of upkeep.

The Extreme Everest Shortcuts Edition

1085 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Climbing Adventure Technology Health Innovation
  1. Many inexperienced climbers are now trying to summit Everest because of commercial expeditions that let anyone pay their way up. This has led to unsafe conditions and even deaths on the mountain.
  2. A new method to climb Everest includes using xenon gas to help increase red blood cells and improve oxygen flow, letting climbers ascend quicker. This is a big change from the traditional, slower acclimatization process.
  3. The climbing community is split on this new approach, with some seeing it as progress while others worry it's too risky. History shows that shortcuts in tough environments can lead to serious consequences.

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 Michael Lorentz

1025 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Wildlife Culture Conservation Photography Adventure
  1. Guiding safaris isn't just about spotting animals. It's more about understanding the silence and the stories of the wilderness.
  2. It's important to read widely and explore different viewpoints to avoid being stuck in a bubble of comfort. This helps you learn and grow.
  3. Photography connects nature with creativity. It encourages you to slow down and pay better attention to the world around you.

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 Tachibana Edition

1025 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art History Fashion Travel
  1. Buying used records can make music purchases more special. It allows for a personal connection to the places visited.
  2. The Tohru Aizawa Quartet created a rare jazz album in the 1970s, originally made as a business card. The album stands out because of its unique backstory and quality.
  3. Despite their main careers being outside music, the band delivered impressive compositions that show their talent. Their music can be enjoyed by listening online, even if you can't find the physical record.

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 Romance Novel Edition

965 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Entertainment Society Gender Economics
  1. Romance novels offer escapism and predictable happy endings that many readers enjoy during tough times. They have become popular among diverse groups of women, from stay-at-home moms to college students.
  2. The romance genre focuses on female pleasure and sexuality while challenging societal views about women's desires. It mixes fun storytelling with important cultural discussions.
  3. Romance novels are a big business, outselling even the Bible. Many readers are not just fans—they are part of a community that engages with the genre through discussions, fan fiction, and events.

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 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 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 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 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.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Dominic Scalise

844 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Lifestyle Entertainment
  1. Being intentional about what media you consume can help you enjoy it more. Switching to an iPad Mini for reading apps made a big difference.
  2. Watching YouTube can be fun, especially for product, car reviews, and live music. It’s important to give feedback to the apps to avoid unwanted content.
  3. Reading books can offer new perspectives and laughs. It's nice to create a cozy reading environment, like a comfy chair and coffee in the mornings.

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 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 Khanjar Dial Edition

784 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Collecting 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.

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 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 Monday Media Diet with Jared Ray Johnson

723 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction writing Reading habits Media Consumption Writing process
  1. Reading novels can be more satisfying than consuming news, which often leads to frustration. It's good to focus on stories that inspire thought and creativity.
  2. Everyone should try to read more often and deeply, even if it's been a long time since they picked up a book. It's okay to start fresh, no matter when you last read.
  3. Apps like Doji use AI in creative ways, such as helping you visualize luxury clothing on yourself. They make shopping more engaging and can change how we approach fashion.