The hottest Comedy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

The Hard Road to Responsibility

Glenn Loury • 317 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Society Responsibility Comedy Podcasting
  1. It’s tough to ask people from struggling communities to take responsibility when they face so many challenges. We need to find a way for them to improve their situations without excusing harmful behavior.
  2. Having discussions about individual responsibility can be complicated, especially when many feel stuck in difficult circumstances. We should aim for a society that encourages better choices.
  3. While there are jokes about selling out for money, staying true to one's beliefs and values is important. It's better to hold onto integrity than to compromise for financial gain.

sunday memepool 2

bad cattitude • 109 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
😂 Humor Memes Comedy Satire Social media Culture
  1. Creating great memes takes skill and creativity. It's not just about funny pictures; it's about timing and context.
  2. Diligence is needed to achieve success in any creative field. You have to be persistent and put in the work.
  3. Engaging with your audience can enhance your content. Sharing your work and getting feedback helps you grow.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 101 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
😂 Humor Memes Satire Comedy Culture Social Commentary
  1. Finding fun solutions can help tackle modern challenges. It's important to look for enjoyable ways to solve problems.
  2. The modern age has many difficulties, and it’s important to recognize those challenges. Understanding what's tough can help us deal with it better.
  3. False framing can mislead our perspectives, so we should question what we hear. Being critical of information is key to forming our own views.

Rakes, Rage, & the Rationality Racket: Jane Austen, High-T, & the Long Arc of Bad Decisions

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📚 Literature Novels Analysis Classic Comedy Romance
  1. In literature, marriage isn't always about love. Sometimes it's about making practical choices for a better life, like choosing a stable partner over a passionate fling.
  2. Men often act irrationally due to their biology, especially when younger. As they age, they typically make better decisions and prioritize stability.
  3. Comedy can reveal truths about human behavior. Jokes about testosterone highlight how social expectations and biology can lead to poor choices, which have been recognized across history.

Friday Funnies: Chainsaw Massacre -

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Parody Entertainment Social Commentary
  1. Bureaucracy often works best in secrecy, meaning more rules come about when few people are watching. This can lead to unnecessary complications.
  2. The story of Norman, an AI created to show bias in data, demonstrates how input affects outcomes. It highlights the importance of having balanced information.
  3. Supporting independent publications can help spread different viewpoints and sustain free expression, so consider sharing or subscribing to them.
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Character Without Conviction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Character Study Comedy Media Critique Pop culture
  1. Characters need to fully believe in their world to be engaging. If they don't take their situations seriously, neither will the audience.
  2. Modern films often show characters who act like they know they're in a movie, which can take away the tension. This makes action scenes feel less thrilling and more like a joke.
  3. In comedies, humor works best when characters aren't aware they're in a comedy. When they act earnestly, even silly situations feel real and funny.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Comedy Social Trends Entertainment Celebrities
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

The New Magisterium

Wrong Side of History • 227 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Comedy Media Society History
  1. Censorship has changed over time; it used to be strict but now new taboos and speech codes have replaced the old ones. This means people still try to control what can be said, just in different ways.
  2. In the past, there was a time when it was okay for art and comedy to be very free and offensive. Shows like 'South Park' pushed boundaries that couldn't have been crossed before, showing a shift in cultural acceptance.
  3. Now, there seems to be a new movement to impose moral standards again, reminding us that the desire to censor has never really gone away, and it might be getting stronger.

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Comedy Social Issues
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

The Ancient Greek Play That Hilariously Mocked Collectivism and Democracy

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Comedy History Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes' play "The Assemblywomen" cleverly mocks democracy and the absurdities of life in Ancient Athens. It shows how sometimes people in power can be foolish and self-serving.
  2. The play presents a humorous twist where women take over the political scene, highlighting the chaos that can come from trying to enforce equality and collectivism.
  3. The humor exposes the flaws of democracy—where not everyone making decisions may have the best interests of society in mind, showing how majorities can be just as dangerous as tyrants.

Falling Asleep with the TV On

Kneeling Bus • 264 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Streaming Comedy
  1. TV often has small moments that stick with us but might never be found again. These moments can shape our memories even if they seem unimportant.
  2. Norm Macdonald showed how viewers might not actually be watching shows, making their success numbers look inflated. This makes it hard to trust viewer ratings.
  3. Platforms like Netflix gain more from having lots of content rather than focusing on individual shows or movies. This means many films just get lost in the shuffle and are easy to forget.

Friday Funnies: You Make My Heart Stop

Who is Robert Malone • 42 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
😂 Humor Cartoons Comedy Satire
  1. Valentine's Day celebrates love, rooted in the story of St. Valentine who married couples against the emperor's orders. His secret acts of kindness made him a symbol of love.
  2. Most people find making and using pennies to be pointless nowadays as their value has greatly decreased over time. It's nice to think about how much a penny used to be worth!
  3. Humor can help lighten serious topics, and sharing funny stories or jokes can make conversations more enjoyable and relatable.

Komedy Klass: "Buy-In" Earns You 20 Valuable Seconds

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
😂 Humor Comedy Parenting Social Interaction
  1. Connecting with your audience is key to successful comedy. When you talk about things they care about, they will enjoy your performance more.
  2. Using relatable topics, like parenting, can help you gain audience interest more easily. Everyone has their own experiences that can be funny or touching.
  3. Once you have the audience's attention, keep your material fresh and original to maintain their interest. It's important to strike a balance between being relatable and unique.

A Series of "Parodies," If That's the Right Word, of Podcasts on the Ringer Podcast Network

Freddie deBoer • 2722 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Media Entertainment Culture Sports
  1. Podcasts can be both entertaining and repetitive. It’s easy to notice when hosts keep saying the same phrases or jokes.
  2. Hosts often joke about the pressure to create content and meet audience expectations, feeling like they're stuck in a loop.
  3. There's a lot of fun in playful banter among podcast hosts, showing that behind-the-scenes discussions can be just as amusing as the main content.

Is the artist crying?

Austin Kleon • 5775 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comedy Food
  1. Citrus plants do not grow true from seeds, which means planting an orange seed could result in a grapefruit tree instead. This shows how surprising and diverse nature can be.
  2. Some slugs and snails can sleep for a very long time, which is a reminder that patience and slowing down can be important, especially during tough times like winter.
  3. Finding inspiration in conversations and interviews, like those with artists or comedians, can help renew our creative energies and give us new perspectives on our own work.

Missing Dog

Situation Normal • 62 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
😂 Humor Satire Comedy Narrative Anecdotes Pop culture
  1. There's a funny mix-up when someone calls about a dog named Carlos, but the owner has a dog named Mortimer instead. It shows how easily communication can get confused.
  2. The story connects to a playful discussion about dog names and encourages readers to think creatively about naming their own pets.
  3. There's a lighthearted invitation for people to engage in quirky journalism, making it clear that exploring odd topics can be fun and interesting.

Empty Laughter

Where's Your Ed At • 16914 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Artificial Intelligence Plagiarism Entertainment Creativity
  1. Art should be unique and come from personal experiences, not generated by AI or copied from others.
  2. Creativity is limited by the individual, and the magic of art comes from the context and experiences of the artist.
  3. Plagiarism and reliance on generative AI for art creation show a lack of curiosity, entitlement, and a desire to imitate rather than create.

Escape velocity

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Comedy History
  1. Many people leave their hometowns but often return, struggling to find their own path away from familiar comforts.
  2. The word 'enshittification' was chosen as the word of the year for 2023, highlighting a trend in our society.
  3. Cool events are coming up in Austin, especially related to the solar eclipse, with art exhibitions worth checking out.

Friday Funnies: Snort Out Loud -

Who is Robert Malone • 44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Entertainment Jokes Culture
  1. Democrats used a Senate rule to delay a vote on Kash Patel's FBI Director nomination. This wasn't something the Republicans agreed to.
  2. The delay was a planned move by the Democrats to buy more time in the nomination process. It's strategic use of committee regulations.
  3. It shows how political maneuvering often happens behind the scenes in government.

Suzy Weiss: Comedians Should Not Be Hot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Fashion Trends Media Entertainment
  1. Comedians are often expected to be funny and not overly fashionable. This idea suggests that dressing too well can take away from their comedic persona.
  2. There is a concern that some comedians are focusing more on their appearance rather than their humor. Being stylish might not mix well with the rawness expected in comedy.
  3. The conversation reflects broader societal expectations on how different professions, like comedy, are perceived in terms of looks versus talent. It hints at a belief that authenticity in comedy is key.

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'.

How to Become a Professional Writer

Shades of Greaves • 1946 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Humor Satire Creativity Comedy
  1. There are various paths to becoming a professional writer, such as pursuing a career in novel writing, freelancing, television writing, or teaching writing.
  2. Writing professionally requires patience and perseverance; it is a challenging, unpredictable, but rewarding journey.
  3. To excel as a writer, you need to master the craft, be willing to break and rewrite rules, and navigate the complexities of the modern publishing landscape.

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

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 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.

Not Funny

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
😂 Humor Stand-up Comedy Critique Entertainment Performance
  1. Tony Hinchcliffe's style of humor is seen as harsh and not funny. Unlike comedians like Don Rickles, he doesn't include self-deprecating jokes.
  2. Hinchcliffe's jokes can be cringeworthy and don't seem to resonate well with audiences, especially at events like the Trump rally.
  3. The comparison between Hinchcliffe and Rickles highlights a difference in comedic approach, where Rickles was more inclusive and warm-hearted.

How ‘The Babylon Bee’ Predicted the Vibe Shift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 913 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Satire Comedy Free speech Political Commentary Media
  1. The Babylon Bee is a conservative satire site that found success by filling a void in political humor, particularly when most comedy was coming from the left. They use humor to comment on current events and political absurdities.
  2. The site has faced scrutiny and censorship from big tech companies for its jokes, especially those that challenge progressive ideas. Their CEO believes defending satire is crucial for free speech.
  3. Many of the Babylon Bee's jokes have turned out to be surprisingly prophetic, capturing and predicting cultural trends and reactions. This shows how humor can reflect and influence the times.

Daily Show Creator Freaks Out Over Gutfeld Ratings, But Says Audience is 'Gross' Anyway.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3026 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Comedy Criticism Celebrity
  1. The Daily Show creator expressed strong negative feelings towards Greg Gutfeld's ratings and his audience.
  2. The creator's remarks were filled with profanity and elitism, criticizing Gutfeld's humor and his viewers.
  3. Despite criticizing others, the creator's own dietary habits were revealed to include indulgence in unhealthy foods.

Absurd Comedy Predicts the Future

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
😂 Humor Absurdism Comedy Satire Cultural critique Social Commentary
  1. Absurd comedy often reflects real-life situations in funny ways. It can highlight the bizarre aspects of society and how they develop over time.
  2. Some modern self-defense methods seem ridiculous, like using towels. This shows how far we've come in talking about safety in unusual ways.
  3. Comedians like Monty Python can predict trends and issues that become relevant much later. Their humor still resonates and offers insight into future problems.

Why We Can't Stand Up

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Feminism Performing Arts Women empowerment Storytelling
  1. Women in comedy often struggle to take up space and feel confident on stage. They sometimes feel they need to apologize or shrink themselves, which can hold them back.
  2. It's important for women to embrace their voices and power. By doing this, they can inspire others and feel more connected to their true selves.
  3. Creating safe spaces for female performers leads to more honest and relatable entertainment. It's crucial for women to support each other in the industry and share their stories without fear.

Party Animals

Mister Slang • 2378 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Music History
  1. The 'party record' genre, featuring raunchy adult content, was popular in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
  2. Prominent entertainers in this genre included African American and Jewish comedians, who pushed boundaries with their humor.
  3. These comediennes were highly successful and played at top venues, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for risqué humor.

My statement on the situation at Harvard: I simply do not care very much about Harvard

Read Max • 5269 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. The author doesn't care much about Harvard and is uninterested in news or events related to the institution.
  2. The author acknowledges their privilege in being able to live a fulfilling life without the need to think or form opinions about Harvard.
  3. The author is unapologetic about their lack of interest in Harvard or Yale, and emphasizes their focus on other topics.

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 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.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Comedy Music Politics
  1. Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
  2. Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
  3. Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

Mother Russia, Father Time

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.