The hottest Community Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Real User Interface: Recovering Our Neighborhoods

After Babel • 1397 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Technology Education Religion Urban Youth
  1. Technology is pulling us apart, but we have the tools to bring our communities back together. Building strong, in-person connections helps kids thrive.
  2. Changes like urban planning for cars instead of people, and the decline of local institutions weaken our neighborhoods. We need to create spaces for people to gather and connect.
  3. Individualism and a focus on material success have shifted our dreams away from community ties. Investing time and effort into our neighborhoods can help restore those important social bonds.

SITREP (CONT.) 'WEEN/PORTLAND/FUNDRAISER/FRESH CONTENT

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 599 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Traditions Community
  1. The fundraiser is almost complete, with just $200 needed to reach the goal. Donations can be made through Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.
  2. The writer will be traveling to Portland on Halloween, so they won't be in Chicago to meet people. There will be a cemetery walk to honor the fallen on October 26.
  3. A friend is moving to Chicago and will collaborate on content, making the project more dynamic and exciting.

The Middle Kingdom

Men Yell at Me • 405 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Community Political divide Social justice
  1. The Midwest is a place rich in community and belonging, representing a complex mix of culture and history. People in both rural and urban areas once found a sense of hope and connection there.
  2. Dividing America into 'red' and 'blue' overlooks the rich stories and lives in each community, which are tied to the country's broader democracy. It's important to remember that personal experiences are part of the larger political picture.
  3. The upcoming book 'The Middle Kingdom' will explore what democracy should look like and how individuals and communities can come together in love and care, embracing all parts of society, including its flaws.

The carousel keeps turning

Austin Kleon • 5495 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Community
  1. The newsletter celebrates reaching 200,000 subscribers with a special offer of 20% off paid subscriptions. This helps support the free newsletter for everyone.
  2. There is a blend of personal reflections, like enjoying a vintage stamp carousel, and sharing creative projects and recommendations, such as books and music.
  3. Useful advice on research techniques includes maintaining a routine, taking notes, and exploring diverse perspectives to enrich creativity and learning.

How to Break Free from Dopamine Culture

The Honest Broker • 44184 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Technology Social media Lifestyle Mental health Community
  1. Minimize reliance on scrolling and swiping interfaces to avoid falling into addictive traps engineered by tech companies.
  2. Rediscover real-world applications like learning skills and connecting with the community, which provide personal empowerment and genuine experiences.
  3. Immerse yourself in longer, immersive experiences like listening to music or engaging in rituals to break free from the shallow stimuli of modern technology.
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Nectar Card

Vittles • 241 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Migration Identity Emotions Community Food
  1. Supermarkets can feel different depending on where you are. In Belfast, they felt warm and friendly, while in London, they sometimes feel cold and uninviting.
  2. Running into familiar accents can remind you of home and bring up emotions you didn’t expect. This can happen anywhere, even in a supermarket.
  3. Feeling disconnected from friends and home can lead to moments of vulnerability. Sometimes, small encounters can make you reflect on your experiences and relationships.

Your Interesting Friend

Culture Study • 1872 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Socialization Community Personal Stories
  1. It's valuable to look closely at our friendships, especially those with unexpected people. You might find deeper connections than you thought.
  2. Some of the best friendships can come from surprising places, like people we don’t usually connect with. These relationships can teach us a lot.
  3. Exploring what makes friends interesting can help us understand ourselves and others better. It's a fun exercise to share these stories.

Loneliness: The Epidemic (1/2)

box. • 259 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social connection Belonging Community Isolation
  1. Loneliness is not just being alone; it can happen even when you are around others. Many people feel a lack of connection, which is a serious issue for both personal health and community well-being.
  2. Young people are feeling especially lonely, and this trend started before the pandemic. Loneliness affects how we interact with others and can create a cycle that makes it even harder to connect.
  3. We can combat loneliness by actively creating environments that foster belonging. Simple acts, like inviting someone to a gathering or being kind to others, can help people feel more connected and break the cycle of loneliness.

“Why Am I So Stoked About Surprise Legumes??"

Culture Study • 2449 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food culture Gastronomy Community
  1. The Rancho Gordo Bean Club sends members surprise shipments of unique legumes along with recipes, creating excitement and community around cooking beans.
  2. Freshness is key for Rancho Gordo beans, as they only sell beans that are two years old or less, which makes them easier and quicker to cook.
  3. The Bean Club has grown massively, but the founder prioritizes quality and community, with a focus on maintaining a special experience for members.

How Do You Balance Responsibilities To Yourself/Your Kin & Your Wider Community?

Culture Study • 3834 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Community Responsibility Ethics Decision-making
  1. It's important to figure out how to balance your own needs with the needs of your family and community. This can include deciding between things like private and public schools for your kids.
  2. People face tricky choices when it comes to their careers, like choosing a job that pays well versus one that helps the world. Each choice comes with its own set of feelings and challenges.
  3. Many folks want to hear about how others manage these tough decisions and what emotions come up. Sharing experiences can help everyone understand and support each other better.

The meaning of, and in, McDonald's

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2678 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Sociology Cultural Studies Media Public Opinion
  1. McDonald's serves as a community hub for many Americans. It provides a comfortable place for people from all walks of life to gather and connect.
  2. Political figures like Trump tap into McDonald's popularity to resonate with average voters. His love for the franchise makes him seem relatable and down-to-earth.
  3. Many people facing challenges, like mental illness, find safety and social interaction in McDonald's. The staff and regulars often look out for each other, creating a supportive environment.

Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up

Afridigest • 63 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Media Health Innovation Community
  1. Slowing down can actually help you make better decisions in the long run. Taking a pause gives you time to reflect and avoid mistakes.
  2. Health challenges can lead to new perspectives and changes in plans. Overcoming such experiences can open doors to new opportunities.
  3. Creating a community and collaborating with others can enhance your projects. Listening to feedback helps improve your work and connect with your audience.

Northampton MP labels plan to move statues ‘cultural vandalism’

NN Journal • 298 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Community Heritage
  1. Moving the statues is seen as cultural vandalism by MP Lucy Rigby. She believes they should stay in the town center where people can learn about the important figures they represent.
  2. The West Northamptonshire Council is exploring options for using the Guildhall, which has made the statue relocation a topic of discussion. They plan to consult the public before making any decisions.
  3. Local residents feel strongly that the statues belong in their current location. Many consider the historic Guildhall an important part of the town's identity and heritage.

It's Time for the 2024 HOLIDAY GIFT CONCIERGE!!!

Culture Study • 2500 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Holidays Gift Giving Social Impact Small businesses
  1. The community has raised over $5,000 to help refugee families settle into their new homes, aiming for at least $10,000 to cover more essential items.
  2. There’s a fun gift concierge thread where community members can get personalized gift suggestions for their loved ones based on their unique tastes.
  3. The joy of giving and supporting small businesses through thoughtful gift giving can really make a positive impact, especially during the holiday season.

What's up Python: MOAR uv, flask-like Django, debugging live processes...

Bite code! • 1590 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Web Development Community Debugging
  1. Astral is expanding its projects and has taken control of python-build-standalone, making it easier to install Python on different systems without complicated setups.
  2. PEP 768 is a new proposal that will allow easier and safer debugging for live Python processes, improving how we can fix issues in running applications.
  3. The Django community is updating their framework to be more user-friendly by replacing old commands with simpler ones, while keeping the framework modern and relevant.

13 Observations on Ritual

The Honest Broker • 30254 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Rituals Technology Community Human behavior
  1. Smartphones are not suitable for genuine ritual as they embody restlessness, which is opposite to the stability needed for rituals.
  2. True rituals are deeply rooted in physical time and space, unlike online experiences that can feel hollow and lack genuine connection.
  3. Memes mimic elements of ritual like repetition and shared meaning but lack the depth and transcendence that true rituals provide.

Join Our New Community Chat

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 219 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing Community Networking Insights Support
  1. A new community chat has been launched for subscribers to connect and share insights. It's a place for investors to learn from each other and discuss strategies.
  2. The chat does not change the existing newsletter; it simply adds more ways for subscribers to engage. Subscribers can participate in real-time discussions and network with others.
  3. To join the chat, users need to download the Substack app and access the chat feature. It's easy to start, and everyone is welcome to jump in.

It's Coming Around Again

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Family Grief Community Death Relationships
  1. Steve is in a peaceful place as he approaches the end of his life, and he feels comforted by the presence of his late wife, Lisa.
  2. Family and friends are coming together to support each other during this difficult time, showing a warm, loving environment.
  3. The narrator reflects on their experience with family gatherings, realizing that not all families have to be filled with conflict and drama.

Introducing The Generalist's Reading and Deal Clubs

The Generalist • 260 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Reading Community Information
  1. The Generalist has started two clubs: a Reading Club and a Deal Club to share interesting articles, books, and startups.
  2. Every Friday, members can participate in the Reading Club by sharing and discovering new information and insights together.
  3. On Mondays, the Deal Club will focus on interesting startups and funding news, allowing members to discuss and learn from each other.

#196: What else is there?

Maybe Baby • 2845 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Community Parenting Mental health Personal Growth Social connection
  1. Cleaning can be a way to cope with feelings of anger and frustration. Taking action, like organizing your space, can help you feel more in control.
  2. Being part of a community can help reduce feelings of isolation. Simple interactions, like greeting neighbors or attending local events, can bring joy and connection.
  3. Leaving your comfort zone is important for personal growth. Taking small steps to engage with the world outside can lead to better mental health and a sense of belonging.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 563 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Food Art Writing Community
  1. Sharing resources is important during tough times, especially for those affected by disasters. It's good to help each other find places that need support.
  2. Being aware of what's happening around us, like natural disasters, helps us stay connected as a community. Taking action, even small steps, can make a difference for those in need.
  3. Consuming different kinds of media can enrich our lives and keep us informed. It's fun and interesting to share what we've been reading, watching, or listening to.

Head, heart, hands

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Community Health Education Creativity
  1. Our work should connect with our mind, heart, and hands. This balance helps us find fulfillment in what we do.
  2. The original idea of head, heart, and hands is powerful and reminds us of simplicity in our commitments.
  3. Health is seen as a result of taking care of our head, heart, and hands, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

What Do You Wish People Were More Curious About?

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Curiosity Human behavior Anthropology History Community
  1. People are curious about a wide range of topics, like the history of places or specific laws that are too complex to understand at first glance. Exploring these subjects can lead to deeper insights.
  2. There are everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, like the physical toll of standing or bending all day. Recognizing and discussing these can create empathy and understanding.
  3. Curiosity can expand our knowledge and improve our connections with others. By asking questions and seeking answers, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

500!

Steady • 23978 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Community Newsletter Reflection Gratitude Hope
  1. The newsletter creators express gratitude for reaching their 500th post.
  2. They value direct communication and community engagement.
  3. Encouragement to keep moving forward and supporting each other during difficult times.

When Did You First Feel Like *Yourself*?

Culture Study • 1577 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Self-discovery Personal Growth Society Community
  1. People often reflect on the moment they first felt truly themselves. It's a big question about self-identity.
  2. This journey to feeling like yourself can involve being comfortable with who you are, your looks, and your goals.
  3. Some may have taken active steps to become their true selves, while for others it might have been a natural progression.

What Are You Reading (In November)??

Culture Study • 1897 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Society Media Community
  1. Consider supporting local families in need, like helping them afford a van for transportation. It can make a huge difference for their daily lives.
  2. Stay mindful of consumerism during the holiday season. Focus on meaningful gifts and contributions rather than just buying for the sake of it.
  3. Engage in discussions about what others are reading. Sharing book recommendations can lead to great conversations and new perspectives.

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Mental health Writing Social media Discussion
  1. You can share anything you'd like in the open thread. This is a space for questions and discussions about various topics.
  2. There's a survey available for feedback that closes soon, so make sure to participate if you want your voice heard.
  3. The blog recommendations have been updated for the New Year, focusing on new writers and changing recommendations yearly.

Mental Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Customer Service Mental health Wellbeing Community
  1. Good customer service should be recognized and praised, just like bad service is often complained about. It's important to share positive experiences.
  2. A personal connection with service staff can make a big difference, like when a pharmacist helps save money on medications and explains the options available.
  3. Observing changes in other countries can evoke a sense of concern and hope for their future. There's often a personal connection felt even from afar.

The Messy Thicket of Change

Culture Study • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Social justice Community Politics Race relations
  1. It's important to let everyday people create their own solutions for social change, instead of just following easy steps set by others. This helps them feel more connected and invested in the process.
  2. The journey towards racial justice is messy and often includes mistakes, but the willingness to work through those challenges together is crucial for real progress.
  3. Building a supportive community where everyone feels they belong encourages deeper conversations about tough topics like racism, making it easier for people to come together and act for change.

Intellectual Hospitality and Genuine Debate

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Democracy Community Education Journalism
  1. Intellectual hospitality means being open to ideas and suggestions from all sides. It's important to listen and consider different viewpoints to grow and make better decisions together.
  2. Genuine debate is essential for democracy to work well. When everyone can talk and challenge each other's ideas, we can sift through opinions to find the truth.
  3. Instead of trying to make everyone think the same, politics should help people with different views work together. This is how a diverse society can thrive and move forward.

Substack Anniversary

Castalia • 2018 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Community Digital Media Content creation
  1. Starting a Substack can be a great decision for writers. It offers a chance to connect with a community and share their work without the typical constraints of traditional publishing.
  2. The challenges of internet writing include keeping readers engaged and dealing with financial uncertainties. Writers should focus on expressing their true thoughts rather than just chasing popularity.
  3. Substack represents a shift in how content can be shared, allowing more freedom for writers. It's seen as a positive alternative to other social media platforms, encouraging meaningful and longer-form writing.

Warm Holiday Greetings from The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Community Creativity
  1. The author feels a strong connection to their work and has embraced writing authentically without worrying about others' opinions. This has helped them tap into deep creative ideas.
  2. In 2024, the publication grew significantly and became more like a magazine, bringing on staff and accepting guest pieces. This has created a sense of community among younger writers.
  3. The author hopes to increase paid subscriptions to support future projects and plans for 2025. They welcome all kinds of support, whether it's through subscriptions or simply sharing their work with others.

Open Thread 360

Astral Codex Ten • 4955 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Social Personal Events
  1. You can talk about anything and ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for sharing thoughts and connecting with others.
  2. There's a survey for people who consider themselves effective altruists to participate in. It's a way to share insights about giving and doing good.
  3. A new post will be shared for subscribers, celebrating the author's children turning one. It likely includes reflections on parenting and life.

The Point Of Posting | #286

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 246 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Community Creativity Personal Growth
  1. Posting online can be really rewarding, as it helps people sharpen their ideas and connect with others. It’s like brainstorming with a big group, which can boost creativity.
  2. However, it can also attract negativity as audiences grow, which can make sharing ideas feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay focused on personal goals and connections amidst the noise.
  3. The online space for sharing ideas has changed a lot, making it harder for new voices to be heard. Despite this, continuing to write and share is still a valuable endeavor, even if the environment is different.

How Should We Think About Race And "Lived Experience"?

Astral Codex Ten • 25672 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Race Identity Ethnicity Community Cancel Culture
  1. Race is often defined not just by genetics, but by a combination of formative experiences and cultural identity.
  2. The concept of race and identity can have significant implications, such as in cases of cultural appropriation and affirmative action.
  3. Judgments on race and identity can be complex and can have real-life consequences, highlighting the need for balanced considerations in such discussions.

Open Thread 359

Astral Codex Ten • 5024 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Charity Community Debate Rationalism
  1. You can participate in an open thread where you can share thoughts or ask questions. It's a great way to connect and engage in discussions.
  2. There are charities you can support that directly help people, like GiveDirectly which gives cash to poor families in Africa. Supporting effective charities can make a real difference.
  3. Lightcone supports the rationalist community and works on infrastructure for online platforms. Donating can help continue their valuable work and make improvements for events and resources.

Open Thread 361

Astral Codex Ten • 4336 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Social Holidays Surveys
  1. You can share or discuss anything you like in the open thread. It's a space to ask questions and engage with others.
  2. There’s a survey for the community that you can fill out. The deadline is January 5, and reminders will keep coming until then.
  3. Happy holidays! Expect fewer posts until January, as the posting schedule will be lighter during this time.