The hottest Comedy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Shades of Greaves 294 implied HN points 29 Dec 23
  1. Wizardstack supports freedom of speech and expression, even controversial viewpoints.
  2. Wizardstack allows content that some might find offensive or disturbing, emphasizing the importance of free discourse.
  3. The platform's decision to host diverse perspectives, including extremist ones, sparks debate about censorship versus freedom of expression.
Expanding Dan 432 implied HN points 27 Feb 23
  1. In 1977, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen showcased their jazz influences on a radio program
  2. Becker and Fagen engaged in confrontational and humorous banter during the broadcast
  3. The interview highlighted the duo's wit and humor, even in the face of criticism
At the Mountains of Sadness 412 implied HN points 30 Jun 23
  1. Mike Drucker sold a book of comedy essays about video games called Good Game No Rematch.
  2. The book does not have a release date or pre-orders yet, but Mike is excited to create something funny.
  3. Mike expressed gratitude to his readers and subscribers for their support.
I Might Be Wrong 6 implied HN points 17 Feb 26
  1. It's a by‑the‑numbers rom‑com that delivers predictable pleasures and still found commercial success despite offering little originality.
  2. The movie leans on absurd plot beats and lazy character logic — from a life‑threatening rescue for designer shoes to an oddly unfazed fiancée and awkward race/heritage choices.
  3. It feels like commerce more than art, a churnable formula that makes it easy to imagine AI producing indistinguishable scripts.
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Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1456 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday 1568 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  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.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 222 implied HN points 15 Jun 25
  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.
Photo of the Day 216 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. Bob Hope was a beloved entertainer known for his quick, irreverent humor
  2. Bob Hope bridged the gap between soldiers and civilians through his comedy during World War II
  3. Despite criticism in later years, Bob Hope's comedy provided comfort to Americans during challenging times
Disaffected Newsletter 599 implied HN points 21 May 23
  1. Plane crash stories are exciting because they bring high drama and tension. The chaotic scenes captivate people more than other disasters like sinking ships.
  2. The narrator comically imagines being in a plane crash and feels overly confident due to watching so many crash shows. This leads to silly situations involving him and the flight crew.
  3. The story mixes humor with a fictional crash scenario while poking fun at flight attendants and the absurdity of emergency situations, making it entertaining.
Wrong Side of History 227 implied HN points 29 May 25
  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.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday 570 implied HN points 13 Nov 24
  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.
Austin Kleon 1458 implied HN points 27 May 22
  1. Reading can be a great way to escape tough times. Enjoying books like 'Three Men in a Boat' can really lift your spirits.
  2. Connecting with art and culture through activities like museum tours can be inspiring and help you appreciate history.
  3. Taking care of your creative self is important. Good advice includes protecting your time, reading good books, and spending time alone.
Daniel Golliher 176 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Comedy can help address and process cancer by making light of tragedy.
  2. Cancer is a relentless improvisation partner, always 'YES, ANDing' your struggles.
  3. Using humor can help cope with the difficulties and challenges of cancer treatment.
Opaque Hourglass 239 implied HN points 26 Nov 23
  1. Trying parkour in the Middle Ages led to disastrous consequences.
  2. The impact of one's actions may ripple through history, even in unexpected ways.
  3. Art and legacy can be reshaped and reinterpreted over time, losing connection to the original intentions.
Points And Figures 559 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  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.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday 356 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  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.
Both Are True 167 implied HN points 27 Jun 25
  1. Supporting your friend's paid newsletter can feel like a tricky decision. If they've made it clear they expect support, think carefully about your own financial situation first.
  2. If you're not rich, there are still ways to help your friend. You can share their work, give them positive feedback, or simply tell them you're unable to pay right now.
  3. It's important to remember that artists and writers often need encouragement. Your praise can really help them feel valued, even if you can't support them financially.
House of Strauss 44 implied HN points 17 Nov 25
  1. Online figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate attract young men partly because they're funny, even if their messages are harmful. Humor can make serious topics easier to engage with.
  2. People often struggle to admit that someone they dislike can be entertaining. It’s easy to overlook the funnier aspects of a person's personality when focused on their negative ideas.
  3. Shock value plays a big role in why these figures gain audiences. Many find the outrageous or unexpected things they say amusing, even if they don’t agree with their views.
Points And Figures 559 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  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.
Desk Notes by Charles Schifano 170 implied HN points 13 Jun 25
  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.
Men Yell at Me 472 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Tony Hinchcliffe made racist jokes at a Trump rally that many people found offensive. His comments included stereotypes about Puerto Ricans, Black people, and Latinos.
  2. While some support Hinchcliffe, many others, including celebrities, called out his jokes as racist and demanded better from comedians.
  3. There is a growing concern about free speech and the consequences of making offensive jokes. Some feel people should laugh at all jokes, even if they are hurtful, while others believe that jokes can reveal deeper prejudices.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 492 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  1. Emotional armor helps people cope with tough situations. It’s like a protective shield that keeps negative feelings at bay.
  2. Humor is a great way to deal with serious topics. Laughing can lighten heavy discussions and make them more enjoyable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared experiences can make hard times easier. Talking about feelings and experiences can help build strong bonds.
Who is Robert Malone 41 implied HN points 07 Nov 25
  1. Laughter can be hard to find during tough times, but it's important to try and find some humor. A good laugh can lighten the mood and help us cope with challenges.
  2. Sometimes, the most memorable jokes come from unexpected places or events, reminding us to keep an open mind. Embracing the unexpected can lead to funny moments.
  3. It's okay to feel mixed emotions about certain public figures or events. Finding a balance in our feelings about these situations can be a part of the healing process.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday 427 implied HN points 30 Oct 24
  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.
Counter Craft 265 implied HN points 18 Feb 25
  1. Osamu Dazai was a complex Japanese writer known for both his dark themes and comedic elements. His work resonates with many young readers today because it feels relatable and authentic.
  2. Translating comedy is challenging, but understanding the original's voice and humor is key. The translator's job is to recreate that humor in a way that makes sense in the new language.
  3. Dazai's characters openly express their emotions, which is different from many Western depictions of masculinity. This openness allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters' emotional experiences.
Men Yell at Me 363 implied HN points 29 Nov 24
  1. During family gatherings, some people like to insult kids or teens, thinking it makes them look better. It's just mean and unnecessary.
  2. It's not okay to show up empty-handed at Thanksgiving and then brag about not bringing anything. Everyone should contribute somehow.
  3. People shouldn't talk about calories or criticize food that others enjoy during a holiday meal. It's rude to ruin the fun for everyone else.
Shades of Greaves 157 implied HN points 01 Dec 23
  1. Challenges in life, even if seemingly small, can carry lessons of perseverance and competition.
  2. Improvement in skills often requires revisiting challenging tasks with new knowledge and experience.
  3. Developing intuition in a craft involves practice, learning from others, and examining the fundamental elements of the skill.
Who is Robert Malone 32 implied HN points 14 Nov 25
  1. The witch is retiring, signaling a change or end to something that was previously popular or influential. It's a funny way to express transitions that can feel significant or amusing.
  2. Memes and humor have a way of aging well, often becoming more relatable over time. They can capture feelings or situations that resonate long after they're created.
  3. There's a focus on well-being and homesteading articles, making it easier for readers to find helpful content. This shows a commitment to supporting the community with valuable information.
Disaffected Newsletter 539 implied HN points 12 Jan 23
  1. Being ridiculous can be part of someone's personality, making them unique.
  2. The term 'heffalump' can imply a cute or silly character, possibly making light of someone's traits.
  3. Everyone has their own stories that shape them, which can be entertaining or heartwarming.