The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The way we live in the United States is not normal

Changing The Channel • 33626 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Healthcare Economics Culture Society
  1. In the United States, there is a sense of normalcy around high costs for education and healthcare, which contrasts with other countries where these are considered basic human rights.
  2. The social dynamics in the US make casual, spontaneous interactions with friends difficult to maintain, unlike in some other parts of the world where daily connections are more common.
  3. The increasing expenses, especially in housing, in the US are leading to a situation where even successful professionals find it challenging to afford a balanced life, pushing many towards burnout and dissatisfaction.

The Daily Mail proves my point

Men Yell at Me • 235 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Equality Trans rights Sports Media Culture
  1. Trans girls do not threaten cis girls; they are actually the ones facing threats. Everyone, including all children, deserves to compete in sports and be treated with love and protection.
  2. There's research that shows trans girls do not have an unfair advantage in sports. It’s important to focus on facts rather than fear.
  3. The response from major publications can reflect broader societal attitudes. The fact that a national paper spent time on a niche topic shows the ongoing normalization of transphobia in culture.

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.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dangers of Multiculturalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7391 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Society Culture Rights
  1. There are crimes that society ignores because they go against popular beliefs. This makes it hard for people to talk about these issues openly.
  2. Many people are starting to recognize the serious problem of gang crimes that have targeted vulnerable young girls in specific communities.
  3. It's important for the public to be aware of these issues and to discuss them, even if it goes against the dominant narratives.

Can You Really Learn the Humanities in 52 Weeks?

The Honest Broker • 7480 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🚌 Education Humanities Literature Arts Culture Learning
  1. You can learn the humanities in a year by following a structured plan with about 250 pages of reading each week. This makes it manageable and not overwhelming.
  2. The course covers a wide range of topics, including literature, art, and music, allowing you to explore human culture broadly.
  3. It's flexible; you can do it at your own pace and even join a reading group if you want to learn with others.
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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.

TGIF: Be (My Limestone) Mine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4920 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Policy Culture Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's team is trying to modernize government processes, like digitizing how federal employee retirements are handled. This could save time and money compared to current methods that involve a lot of manual labor.
  2. There's a focus on cutting unnecessary expenses, like the cost of minting pennies, which is more than their value. Efforts are being made to remove these inefficiencies.
  3. A young adviser at the State Department, known as 'Big Balls,' has gained attention for his unusual online name. This sparked discussions in the media, showcasing how things can get blown out of proportion in public conversations.

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.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘A Game Most Like Life’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4136 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Culture Events Leadership
  1. Vince Lombardi believed that football, like life, teaches important lessons about hard work, sacrifice, and respect. These values are essential in achieving our goals.
  2. The Free Press is evolving and will bring in new voices for its column 'Things Worth Remembering' as Douglas Murray steps back. This change reflects the ongoing journey of the publication.
  3. Super Bowl Sunday is a reminder of Lombardi's legacy, emphasizing the lessons learned through sports. His famous quote on winning reminds us of the competitive drive we all have.

'We realised our business model is now obsolete'

Make Work Better • 81 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Workplace AI Technology Employment Culture
  1. AI technology is quickly changing the way businesses operate, and traditional business models may not work as effectively anymore. Companies need to train their employees on these new technologies to stay relevant.
  2. Surveys show that many people find AI more compassionate than humans in roles like therapy. This highlights that while we value human empathy, AI can sometimes provide a better experience.
  3. Work culture is affected by social connections among employees. Having better relationships at work can lead to safer and more successful workplaces, as seen in aviation studies.

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.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 86 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
😂 Humor Memes Satire Comics Culture Social Commentary
  1. Times are tough right now, and many people are feeling the pressure. It's important to recognize the challenges we all face.
  2. Memes can provide a light-hearted way to cope with difficult situations. They help us find humor even when things are hard.
  3. Sharing experiences and laughter with others can make tough times more bearable. Community support is really valuable during hard days.

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.

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.

Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3482 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity History Philosophy Culture Society
  1. Christianity has had a huge influence on the Western world, shaping many ideas and values we hold today.
  2. Despite differing beliefs about specific miracles, the message of Jesus is recognized as incredibly powerful and enduring.
  3. Within just a few centuries, Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire, showing its rapid spread and acceptance.

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.

Made in Manhattan, Remade in London

Vittles • 102 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Restaurants Dining Reviews Culture
  1. London's restaurant scene is seeing a rise in New York-inspired dining, with spots like One Club Row offering a taste of NYC culture.
  2. New York cuisine focuses on big flavors and a mix of influences, featuring classic dishes like burgers, oysters, and flambé desserts.
  3. Chefs in London are creatively adapting New York-style brasseries instead of opening traditional Parisian ones, bringing a fresh twist to the dining experience.

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.

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.

What DEI Isn’t

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Culture Social Issues Identity
  1. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn't just about hiring minorities for the sake of it. It's more about creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
  2. The discussion around DEI often misses the point of what true inclusion means in practice. It's not only about having diverse faces in a workplace.
  3. Real inclusion involves actively engaging with and understanding different backgrounds, rather than superficially checking off boxes. It's about making everyone feel genuinely welcome.

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.

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.

Inside Oakmont Country Club: America's Most Difficult (And Unique) Golf Course

Huddle Up • 44 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Golf History Culture Events Training
  1. Oakmont Country Club is one of the toughest golf courses, with narrow fairways and many challenging bunkers. Players need to be very precise to succeed here.
  2. The club has a rich history, filled with artifacts and stories from famous players. It's a place where tradition meets the game of golf.
  3. Despite changes in golf over the years, Oakmont's layout has mostly remained the same since it was built over 100 years ago. This makes it unique among modern courses.

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.

What we are losing; what we have lost

Brain Pizza • 1191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Culture History Philosophy
  1. We are losing touch with important aspects of our lives that used to matter a lot. It's like taking for granted things that shaped our experiences.
  2. The world feels like it's moving really fast nowadays, and it can be hard to keep up. This speed makes us miss even more of what we used to value.
  3. Reflecting on changes in our lives can help us understand what we've lost and might find ways to reconnect with those things. Taking a moment to think about it can be helpful.

Kemi Badenoch: ‘I Don’t Think DOGE Is Radical Enough’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1126 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International Culture
  1. Kemi Badenoch believes that the weakness in values is a bigger threat than external dangers, like Russia or China. She thinks it's important to stand firm on core beliefs rather than being overly tolerant of harmful ideas.
  2. She supports the idea that Europe needs to toughen up against things that could undermine its security, as highlighted by J.D. Vance's speech at a recent conference.
  3. Badenoch emphasizes that it's not liberal values themselves that are the issue but the extreme focus on tolerance that could lead to weakening societal foundations.

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.

Will China Invade Taiwan? Will Trump Keep His Promises? And Is Polyamory Finally Out?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1850 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Predictions Policy Culture
  1. Trump's administration might push for stricter immigration policies, which could lead to more families self-deporting rather than mass deportations.
  2. Expect tariffs and trade actions from Trump, but major shifts in government spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare are unlikely.
  3. Prepare for changes in language and culture, with new trends in both areas as 2025 unfolds.

"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.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Events Reviews Culture Personal
  1. The author shares their recent trip to Washington D.C. for an event, talking about the excitement and experiences they had during the weekend.
  2. They mention personal interactions with famous people and include behind-the-scenes photos, making the content special for paid subscribers.
  3. Despite being known for spicy political commentary, this article has a more optimistic tone, suggesting the author is in a good mood and looking forward to engaging with their audience.