The hottest Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Top Quickies of the year: Poly people, Kendrick/Drake, therapy, & more

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 213 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Entertainment Lifestyle Relationships
  1. There's a new standup special coming soon on YouTube, and you can join a live Q&A during its premiere.
  2. The post highlights some interesting topics from the past year, including polyamory and popular music.
  3. You can stream the full standup special now for a small fee if you're eager to watch it right away.

These dreams

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
📚 Literature Memoir Personal narrative Creative Writing Psychology Arts
  1. Some people's dreams can be really intense and dark, often reflecting unfinished business or unresolved fears from the past. They stick with you long after you wake up.
  2. Facing difficult or scary memories in dreams can be a way to process them and find some closure. It's like your mind is trying to help you deal with what happened.
  3. Even after changes in life, like therapy or distancing from harmful people, old dreams can resurface, but understanding them better can bring clarity and healing.

Maybe Your Opinion Is Just a Feeling About a Story

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts History Philosophy Opinion Literature
  1. Opinions can often be influenced by emotions rather than facts. It's important to recognize when your feelings about a story shape your views.
  2. The debate around the Elgin Marbles shows that we can change our minds when we learn more and see different perspectives about a historical issue.
  3. Identifying and understanding the narratives around controversial topics can help us make more informed decisions and avoid biases based on tribal feelings.

Late autumn is lit!

Austin Kleon • 3636 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Food Music Film
  1. Late autumn is a wonderful time for bike rides and enjoying the changing leaves. It's a nice reminder to take advantage of the season's beauty.
  2. Shopping for the holidays can be stressful, but planning ahead and seeking out specific gift guides can make it easier. Consider gifts that reflect the recipient's interests, like books or food-related items.
  3. Year-end lists can be a great resource for discovering new movies and music. Checking out critics' favorites can help you find something cool to enjoy during the holiday season.

Retrograde rocket

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Personal Growth Nature
  1. Owls are fascinating creatures, and it's nice to enjoy their presence, especially during the season. There's a book that shares beautiful stories about an orphaned owl that might be worth checking out.
  2. Getting better at drawing can be a fun challenge, and there are helpful books for beginners. It's great to engage with art and connect with others who share the same interest.
  3. It's important to carve out time for your creative hobbies, especially during busy holidays. Taking a moment to reflect on your art practice can really help keep your passion alive.
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Mr. Autumn Man, activated

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Travel Comics
  1. Traveling to places can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to catch up with friends and explore local shops and events. It's great to discover new books and enjoy the surroundings.
  2. Listening to music while driving can really enhance the experience. Whether it's a rainy night drive or a flight, the right tunes make everything feel more exciting.
  3. It's nice to find joy in simple things, like favorite teas, walks, and creative projects. Sharing and learning about good experiences can make everyday life better.

Focus!

Austin Kleon • 4316 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Comedy Parenting Interviews
  1. Music memoirs can be a great way to relax and unwind, especially if you've read something heavy. They're often fun and refreshing.
  2. It's really important to focus on the learner in the education process, as they're the ones truly driving their learning journey.
  3. Getting creative and organizing your space can help spark new ideas and inspiration, like the concept of 'knolling'.

Hungry Theater

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Performing Social Media
  1. The author expresses a feeling of helplessness and chaos at the start of a new project, indicating mixed emotions about change.
  2. There are moments of deep conversation and creativity shared with friends, illustrating the importance of connection and brainstorming.
  3. The central goal of the project is to encourage a poet to join a specific platform, showing a desire to inspire others.

Waiting to be thrilled

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Media Music Film
  1. It's interesting to define yourself by what you won't do. This can help clarify your values and beliefs.
  2. While technology can be helpful, it's okay to be cautious about it. Asking questions and being skeptical can lead to better understanding.
  3. Taking time to enjoy great books can be fun, and sometimes you just need a little trick to get started.

Harvard, Dog and Cat People, Casual Sex

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Psychology Education Arts Relationships
  1. Women tend to feel more loneliness and regret after casual sex, while men generally feel happier and more satisfied.
  2. In the Soviet Union, educated people were more supportive of communism compared to those with less education, showing that privilege can influence political beliefs.
  3. Trust levels vary by nationality; only a small percentage of Chinese citizens trust those from different countries, while much higher percentages in Germany, the US, and Australia do.

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.

every anti-EA thinkpiece

Going Awol • 838 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Media Ethics Arts Society History
  1. Effective Altruism focuses on maximizing utility by prioritizing certain causes over others, even equating enjoyment of art with eating a sandwich.
  2. EAs have shifted towards 'longtermism', emphasizing the importance of future generations and sometimes at the cost of present concerns like supporting independent journalism.
  3. Effective Altruism has had a controversial history, including issues of racism, and it quantifies the value of various aspects of human life against the utility of saving shellfish.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Arts
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.

VFYW: Super Bowl Puppies & Poop Rocks

The Weekly Dish • 9 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Food Sports Media
  1. People often feel excited and lucky when they win contests, even if they think they didn't try their best. It's nice to feel connected to others through fun activities.
  2. Finding locations can be tricky, especially when many details in a photo can lead you to wrong conclusions. Pay attention to clues like street signs and architectural styles.
  3. Sharing experiences and stories about places can help create a sense of community. Everyone enjoys reminiscing about their travels and the memories they hold.

What if there was a bar where you could bring your laptop?

Skunk Ledger • 102 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Lifestyle Social Trends Entertainment Community
  1. Imagine a bar where you can work on your laptop but with quirky rules, like wearing a dunce cap. It would be a fun twist to regular bar outings.
  2. Think of a communal space with creative features, like a giant blackboard for tabs and a punch bowl for conversation. It encourages social interaction and creativity.
  3. Picture a nostalgic vibe from the early 2010s that inspires unique ideas and projects. It captures a time when people were exploring new trends and connections.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 26

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Entertainment Literature Society
  1. Russia has fined Google an insane amount of money, more than all the money in the world combined. This shows how serious they are about controlling tech companies.
  2. There’s a deep connection between the anime 'Perfect Blue' and the film 'Requiem for a Dream,' offering a unique history worth exploring. Both works have intriguing themes that many people appreciate.
  3. Crows have strong memories and can hold grudges, sometimes even mistaking others for their enemies. This behavior highlights how intelligent and complex these birds are.

Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Travel Arts Lifestyle
  1. Finding old objects in nature, like the donut insulator, can remind us of the people who built things in the wilderness. It's interesting to think about their challenges and dreams.
  2. Many trails in the mountains were created by miners and builders long ago, showing how humans have changed the landscape. These paths help modern hikers enjoy nature today.
  3. Nature has a way of recovering even after human impact. This is a hopeful reminder that the forest can bounce back despite our past actions.

Thanks to Lutherans I skipped ballet

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 2653 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Religion Society Arts
  1. Lutherans have a long history of being predominantly white due to their origins in countries that were not major colonial powers.
  2. Growing up in a Lutheran culture in Minnesota influenced the author's perspective on personal choices, culture, and lifestyle.
  3. The author avoided pursuing a career in ballet due to their upbringing among Lutherans, which shaped their values and lifestyle choices.

Hidden Open Thread 355.5

Astral Codex Ten • 894 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Philosophy Traditions Social Issues
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers to discuss various topics. It's a space for people to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content. This means only those who support the platform can participate.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the post, which helps increase visibility and engagement. Sharing can also foster a sense of community among subscribers.

Dear Subscribers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Media Writing
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

Hatchlings into fledglings

Austin Kleon • 3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Travel Design Media
  1. A writer creates the story, and the reader brings it to life in their imagination. They both play important roles in enjoying a book.
  2. Celebrating the life of cartoonist Al Jaffee, who entertained many with his creativity, shows the impact of humor and art across generations.
  3. Listening to audiobooks and travel stories can inspire new experiences and adventures, like dreaming of visiting far-off places with family.

'Oppenheimer' Composer Thanked Parents for Giving Him Guitars, Not Video Games

The Analog Family • 699 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Education Arts Media Psychology
  1. Parents can help kids develop creativity by choosing activities like music instead of video games. This can lead to lifelong passions and career opportunities.
  2. Kids benefit from the boredom that comes from not having constant screen entertainment. It helps them think, create games, and practice new skills.
  3. Creating a focused environment allows children to discover their interests and talents. This can prevent wasted potential in a world full of distractions.

Historical Fiction: The Problem Genre

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction Historical Writing Narrative Arts
  1. Historical fiction can be tricky because it's hard to write about the past without getting it wrong. Authors need to balance modern ideas with how people thought back then.
  2. There are different paths writers can take in historical fiction, like blending their creativity with real history or using the past to imagine new outcomes, which can make stories exciting.
  3. Despite its challenges, historical fiction is important because it helps us connect with the past and understand our world better. It should not just be seen as romance or costume drama.

Really, Really Big News

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1533 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🚌 Education Arts Public Schools
  1. DrawTogether is launching DrawTogether Classrooms for educators for free, combining art and social emotional learning.
  2. DrawTogether Classrooms is adaptable for various learning environments and designed for students aged 4-11.
  3. Educators signing up immediately get access to resources, curriculum, and support, with a focus on building a community.

O America

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Travel History Society Arts
  1. The author has a long-standing love for America, starting from childhood visits to family members there. It's clear that these experiences deeply influenced his view of the country.
  2. The author appreciates America's diverse culture, big food portions, and the lively atmosphere of places like all-night bookstores and sunny streets.
  3. Despite political disagreements and tensions in America, the author remains fascinated and admires the country's history and achievements, like the civil rights movement and space exploration.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Creative Education Arts
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

Interestingness not "Passion"

A blog. • 4 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Arts Education Motivation
  1. Instead of following your passion, focus on what you find interesting. Things become easier when you're engaged in something you enjoy.
  2. Being truly interesting comes from being genuinely interested in your pursuits, not trying to appear intriguing just for attention.
  3. Your interests can lead to valuable skills and knowledge, so it's important to choose and cultivate interests that are both enjoyable and enriching.

The book that changed my life

Austin Kleon • 6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Books Creativity Arts Literature Personal Growth
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
  2. The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  3. The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

ARC and afterwards: D'ARC

Reactionary Feminist • 3 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Events Social Community Arts Entertainment
  1. There's a party happening after the ARC conference in London, organized by Sovereign House. It's a fun way to meet people and enjoy music.
  2. The party will have multiple DJ rooms and a nice terrace for cigars. It's set for February 19th from 9pm to 3am.
  3. If you're interested in attending, you can request an invitation online. It's a great chance to socialize and maybe even see the speaker in attendance.

Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Arts Society Criticism
  1. The movie 'Poor Things' explores female sexuality in a bold and open way. It shows the journey of a woman named Bella as she navigates her desires and experiences self-discovery through various relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Past Lives' is seen as a less engaging film. It presents a story about characters who struggle to make meaningful connections, feeling lost in their choices and societal expectations.
  3. Both films address the complexities of relationships, but 'Poor Things' does so with more depth, highlighting the challenges women face in their journey, while 'Past Lives' feels flat and fails to invoke much emotion.

Everyone Has a Plan Until…

Seven Senses • 179 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Lifestyle Travel Food Personal Growth
  1. Life is full of surprises, and plans often change unexpectedly. It's important to be flexible and adapt when things don't go as you hoped.
  2. Sometimes, when you let go of strict plans, you can discover new and delightful experiences. Embracing the unexpected can lead to happy surprises.
  3. Remember that not everything beautiful in life is planned. Many wonderful moments happen when you least expect them.

Dispatches from Denver: Day 1 at Psychedelic Science 2023

The Microdose • 864 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Event coverage Psychedelics Community Arts Social Issues
  1. Psychedelic Science 2023 is a large conference featuring over 11,000 attendees and 300 speakers.
  2. The conference covers various topics in the psychedelics field, including therapy, legislation, and business.
  3. Speakers at the conference expressed concerns about rapid changes in the psychedelic space and the need for balanced growth.

Spooky season! 👻

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Film Design
  1. Spooky season is a time for fun and cozy activities like watching scary movies. It's a great way to enjoy the change in the air and get into the spirit of fall.
  2. Reading is highlighted as a wonderful pastime, with recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction books. This can inspire others to dive into new stories or learn something new.
  3. Sharing experiences like interesting events or personal reflections can connect people and spark conversations. It’s a reminder of the joy of community through shared interests.

Washington, January 18-23

Gray Mirror • 23 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Podcasts Media Travel
  1. The author is traveling to Washington and planning something significant while there. It's a bold move that they feel is crazy.
  2. There is a focus on rewarding subscribers, and the author encourages people to subscribe and check out their book.
  3. Recent podcasts featuring different guests are highlighted, inviting listeners to explore those discussions.

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature History Community Arts
  1. Supporting the newsletter helps keep it going and allows the writer to share interesting topics about nature and history.
  2. Sharing previous newsletters with friends can spark fun conversations and encourage outdoor adventures together.
  3. There are different subscription options available for those who want to support the newsletter further and receive regular updates.