The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Monday Media Diet with Joe Weisenthal

Why is this interesting? • 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 Monday Media Diet with Crispin Burke

Why is this interesting? • 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.

On my bullshit tonight at 8 pm!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Entertainment Discussion Politics
  1. A live conversation is happening tonight at 8 pm Eastern time. You can join in to hear some interesting discussions.
  2. It's on Rumble, so you'll need an account to participate in the live chat. Make sure to sign up beforehand!
  3. The event will focus on American politics and themes of authoritarianism. It could be a good chance to gain new insights on these topics.

Defying death in Ladakh

The Global Jigsaw • 198 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Culture Exploration Road trips
  1. Traveling through the Zoji La Pass is really risky because the roads are narrow and steep, with no guard rails. It can feel like a life-or-death situation.
  2. The region has a strong military presence due to its historical conflicts, making the journey feel even more intense and aware of the surrounding dangers.
  3. Funny and creative road signs by the Border Roads Organization highlight safety reminders in a modern, relatable way, which adds some humor to the scary drive.

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.
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Reflections on a brief visit to Florida

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destination Culture Lifestyle Nature Transportation
  1. Florida is known for its nice weather and pretty coastlines, but the culture can sometimes feel strange and self-centered. People generally move there because they like the Florida vibe, which adds to its unique reputation.
  2. Getting around in Florida can be tough because there isn't much public transportation. Most people rely on cars, and walking or biking isn't easy or safe due to the layout of the roads.
  3. Gated communities are common in Florida and often feel very secure, with lots of safety features. These communities can have great nature spots, but outside of them, the pace and accessibility of life can feel very different.

Top Links 620 Sanewashing & Starmaggedon. Congress really is at an impasse & would Lenin really have approved of the IMF?

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Congress Economics History Culture
  1. Congress is currently stuck and unable to make decisions effectively. This shows how divided and complicated politics can be.
  2. There's talk about Britain's bond yields reaching concerning levels, but it's important to consider the larger global context. U.S. bond yields are also very high right now.
  3. The discussion around whether Lenin would approve of the IMF brings up interesting questions about economics and political ideology. It encourages us to think about how different philosophies view financial institutions.

Cooper Flagg Should Sue The Guardian For Premeditated Offense Archaeology

Singal-Minded • 761 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Media Criticism Culture Athletes
  1. Cooper Flagg is a talented basketball player heading to the NBA draft, which is notable since American-born white players are rare at that level. This makes him a subject of unique interest.
  2. The article about him tries to link his potential impact on basketball to another player, Caitlin Clark, but fails to explain why he is considered 'discourse-breaking'.
  3. The writer seems to be digging for offense in the article where there may not be much, raising questions about the need to politicize college basketball through Flagg's story.

sunday memepool: here we go

bad cattitude • 116 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
😂 Humor Memes Satire Culture Comedy Social Commentary
  1. Change is happening all around us, and it's important to embrace it. Instead of resisting, we should adapt to new circumstances.
  2. Humor and memes can help us process and discuss changes in society. They make tough topics more relatable and easier to talk about.
  3. Community support is vital during times of change. It's helpful to share ideas and experiences with others who are going through similar things.

Derealization for a whole hour

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Mental health Society Culture Media Education
  1. Many people are feeling derealization, which makes them question if the world around them is real. This can happen even to those who are usually stable.
  2. A therapist is discussing what she's seeing in clients regarding derealization and offers advice for those worried about their mental state.
  3. There's a concerning situation in Vermont where the state's Supreme Court allowed schools to give vaccines to children without parents' consent, showing a troubling trend.

Working titles

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity Culture
  1. Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
  2. There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
  3. Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

Blood and Soil

KERFUFFLE • 57 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Identity Culture History Right-wing
  1. Many people today feel a loss of connection and trust in their communities. This feeling of dislocation has led some to seek meaning and identity in traditional or nationalistic roots.
  2. The idea of America as just an abstract idea is fading. More people are starting to see it as a nation with a shared culture and history.
  3. The current political movements often focus on identities that divide rather than unite. There is a need for a renewed sense of national identity that brings people together instead.

Let's make 2024 the year of saying no to productivity culture

Changing The Channel • 8730 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Rest Productivity Culture Mental health Self-care
  1. Taking time to rest and relax is essential for our well-being, even if it goes against the pervasive productivity culture.
  2. Rest should not be tied to productivity but should be seen as a natural cycle to be honored.
  3. During challenging times, like January, it's okay to embrace the idea of taking a break and not succumb to the pressure of always being productive.

Independence

The Status Kuo • 13797 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture
  1. Independence Day celebrations can have a deeper meaning when reflecting on history and personal experiences
  2. Questioning and reevaluating historical narratives is important for a more nuanced understanding of America
  3. Maintaining hope and faith in the promise of America's ideals can drive positive change and progress

Après Sport

Snaxshot • 679 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Trends Health Culture Recreation
  1. Après sport drinks are a trendy new category that focuses on hydration without the heavy functionality of traditional sports drinks. They are designed to be enjoyed socially after light sports like pickleball or tennis.
  2. Millennials are reviving and upgrading leisure sports and related drinks, moving away from sugary beverages towards healthier options like sparkling waters. This reflects a broader shift in lifestyle and drinking habits.
  3. Market trends show a growing demand for low-calorie and functional drinks, with the sports drink sector expected to see significant growth. People are starting to prefer lighter, refreshing choices after sports activities.

One Hand On The Yoke

Software Design: Tidy First? • 950 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Culture Processes Engineering
  1. Flying an airplane usually works better with one hand on the yoke instead of two. This way, it's easier to keep a smooth flight and not overcorrect.
  2. When you let go a bit and trust a self-organizing team, you can achieve better results, just like flying with less tension.
  3. Sometimes trying to control things too tightly can make them worse, like struggling with a suitcase that wobbles. Often, a lighter touch or changing the tool helps.

Melek Erdal's İçli köfte two ways (one disrespectful)

Vittles • 182 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Culture Cooking Tradition Cuisine
  1. İçli köfte is a special dumpling that needs a lot of care and the right techniques to make it delicious. It's usually made in big batches for gatherings rather than just for one meal.
  2. There are different versions of içli köfte across various cultures, but the Kurdish style values having a thin and delicate casing while allowing the filling to shine through.
  3. It's okay to play around with traditional recipes, as culture evolves and can be expressed in new ways. You can make a simpler, 'disrespectful' version of içli köfte while still respecting the culture behind it.

Vittles Restaurants: Three’s a Crowd

Vittles • 223 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Culture Cooking
  1. Agrobeso is a popular Ghanaian restaurant in Peckham where families often go when they're too tired to cook at home. It offers delicious traditional dishes like jollof rice and peanut soup in a cozy setting.
  2. Blue Nile is a unique Jamaican restaurant known for its seafood, like pepper prawns. The atmosphere combines old Peckham charm with a lively kitchen vibe, making it a great place for comfort food.
  3. Felix Kebab Grill serves spicy suya late at night, attracting a crowd looking for a tasty snack. It's a small, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor and warmth, perfect after a night out.

Hearing the language of Christ on the road to Damascus

Wrong Side of History • 351 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Culture History Travel Philosophy
  1. Maaloula is a small town in Syria where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It's like a time capsule for ancient culture.
  2. The town has historical sites, including the Convent of St Thecla and a 2,000-year-old church. These places show the rich history and faith of the people.
  3. Maaloula is also a meeting point for different cultures, with locals and Iranian pilgrims mingling together. This creates a unique atmosphere of shared beliefs.

Making Tiny Classics for Public TV

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Television Education Culture History
  1. Tissa David and the Hubleys played a vital role in producing animated content for children's educational shows like Sesame Street. Their work helped make learning fun for kids using creative animation.
  2. Sesame Street and similar shows brought innovative teaching methods to children by using entertaining formats similar to TV commercials. This approach helped sell educational concepts to young audiences.
  3. Creating limited animation can still result in high-quality work. Tissa David highlighted that limited animation is a different style and can be done effectively to convey engaging stories.

Queensbury Rules: Episode 181

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Social Issues Entertainment Discussion
  1. The show discusses the topic of cancel culture and invites listener comments. It's important to share your thoughts on it.
  2. The host wants to know what people think about cancel culture, showing engagement with the audience’s opinions.
  3. The newsletter is reader-supported, encouraging subscriptions to help continue the discussion and content.

immigration, immigrants, and the american way of life

bad cattitude • 241 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Identity Policy Culture Society
  1. Human capital is really important for a country's success. We need to create an environment where people's talents can grow and be used effectively.
  2. Immigration and cultural assimilation matter for maintaining a society's values. Newcomers should embrace the American way of life to keep the social fabric strong.
  3. Many Americans feel frustrated with how immigration policies and systems are set up. A fair approach that focuses on merit and recognizes everyone's contributions is needed.

Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Culture History Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

Crushing on the singer or rock star

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Culture Interviews Emotions Performance
  1. It's normal to crush on musicians and rock stars. They create strong feelings in us through their art, and it feels like we connect with them on a deeper level.
  2. People often confuse their feelings for the artist with feelings for the person. We get swept up in the emotions their work brings out in us.
  3. Many of us don't pay enough attention to each other. When someone really listens, it makes us feel seen and loved, leading to these intense crushes.

My Podcast With Jim Rutt

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Society Technology Politics Culture
  1. The timing of reactions to a key December paper about AI was off because people didn't realize its importance until much later.
  2. A new executive order on AI aims to reduce government red tape, which could change how tech companies work with the government.
  3. Since 9/11, there’s been a shift in counterterrorism tactics that creates suspicion among everyday people, leading to distrust in society.

A slightly tipsy investigation into my wife's superpower

Experimental History • 7657 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Psychology Education Culture Health
  1. Some people have unique sensory abilities that others may not understand or share, like detecting the lingering smell of eggs on plates even after washing.
  2. Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas is important to avoid rigidity in thinking and to continuously learn and grow.
  3. Academic professions, like journal publishing and university rankings, can sometimes involve questionable practices that prioritize profit over knowledge or ethics.

"This Is a Hell of a Statement I'm About to Make—But He Superseded Miles"

The Honest Broker • 7846 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Streaming Jazz Culture Media Investment
  1. Spotify is facing challenges with fake artists, playlists, and financial losses, raising concerns about the music streaming service's business model.
  2. The shift from macroculture to microculture is evident in the media industry, with traditional legacy outlets experiencing layoffs while alternative platforms like Substack thrive.
  3. There is a trend towards investment firms buying song catalogs, the decline of live music reviews in mainstream media, and interest in the transformative power of sound highlighted through the work of Hans Jenny in 'Cymatics'.

Who I’d pick for the Baseball Hall of Fame

Silver Bulletin • 186 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Hall of Fame Athletes Performance Culture
  1. Ichiro Suzuki is a top pick for the Baseball Hall of Fame and may get in unanimously. His hit record is impressive and he's respected for his contributions.
  2. Recent Hall of Fame ballots include many international players, which shows baseball's growing diversity. This means that performance from players around the world is important.
  3. When considering Hall of Fame candidates, both statistics and a player's character matter. Some great players, despite their achievements, face scrutiny over their behavior or past controversies.

"Last Night I Had a Dream" by Fanny (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Bands Producers
  1. Fanny was a pioneering all-female rock band formed in 1969, recognized for their talent and influential music. They had several hits and were supported by notable music figures.
  2. Todd Rundgren produced Fanny's fourth album, emphasizing their song structure and harmonies, which earned positive reviews despite no chart-topping hits.
  3. Although Fanny faced challenges in the tough music industry and eventually broke up, their legacy inspired future all-female bands and individual members continued to make their mark in music.

DeSantis' Drag Show Fiasco, Hate Crimes on Rise, Lauren Boebert Encourages Teen Sex, Idaho Doctors Flee State, James Paterson Banned, Stephen King vs Ted Cruz, Hungry People Don't Exist, More

kareem • 6918 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Culture
  1. We must back up opinions with factual evidence, not just claim superiority based on the right to express our views.
  2. In heated discussions, we can't just 'agree to disagree' and walk away; we need to use reason to address complex issues.
  3. GOP priorities seem misplaced when focusing on banning harmless activities like drag shows instead of addressing critical national concerns.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Delia

Vittles • 282 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Tradition Culture Celebration
  1. Delia Smith's recipes are a reliable choice for traditional Christmas dinners. Many people rely on her approach to make sure their meals turn out well.
  2. Celebrating Christmas can involve a mix of personal traditions and modern adjustments. It's important to adapt holiday meals to fit family and cultural backgrounds.
  3. Cooking for Christmas can bring back memories and connect us with our loved ones. It’s often about creating a warm atmosphere, regardless of the methods or ingredients used.

"But then I realized horses are just men-extenders"

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 394 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Civilization Technology Culture Evolution Military
  1. Horses played a key role in advancing human civilization by providing a new source of power for farming, transport, and warfare. They helped people accomplish tasks more efficiently and laid the groundwork for modern advancements.
  2. The relationship between humans and horses lasted for thousands of years and influenced societal structures, including the development of patriarchal societies. As horses were integrated into daily life, they changed the nature of work for men and women differently.
  3. Even though technology has replaced horses in many ways, their historical importance is profound. They were our first major means of boosting productivity and transforming the way humans lived and worked.

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.

"Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren (1972)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Genres Albums History Culture
  1. Todd Rundgren's song 'Hello It's Me' became a big hit in the early 1970s, reaching high positions on music charts. Many people connect the song to feelings of young love and heartbreak.
  2. The song has two versions: a popular solo version and one from his band The Nazz. It's interesting to see how his songwriting evolved from his teenage years to his later work.
  3. Rundgren is a self-taught musician who used his piano skills creatively. His unique style and fashion choices also reflected the glam rock trends of that time.