The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

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.

What people are getting wrong about bro comedy podcasts

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Politics Media Culture Entertainment
  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.

A Winning Strategy

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Marketing Authenticity Culture
  1. Being authentic is key for leaders. When leaders show their true selves, it helps build trust and culture in their organizations.
  2. Not every leader is suited for every situation. Finding the right fit where authenticity shines can lead to greater success.
  3. People today appreciate genuine leadership. With so much fake behavior around, being authentic stands out and resonates with others.

Op-Ed: Is TikTok too big to fail in the US?

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Technology Culture Influence
  1. TikTok has a huge impact on the creator economy and many people rely on it for income. If it were banned, creators and small businesses would struggle to find new ways to make money.
  2. Banning TikTok would also hurt advertising for brands that target younger users. They would have to spend more on other platforms, which could increase costs for businesses.
  3. TikTok influences trends in music, fashion, and more. If it disappeared, there might be a gap in how trends are shared, and it would take time for other platforms to fill that role.
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The Russian Draft Dodgers Who Fled to Paradise

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 366 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌐 International Conflict Immigration Culture Travel Geopolitics
  1. Many Russians are escaping to places like Bali to avoid military drafts and the war. They enjoy a cheaper lifestyle and beautiful surroundings.
  2. Despite their new paradise, some locals in Bali are frustrated with Russian tourists due to bad behavior, which has them on edge.
  3. Not all Russians are focusing on leisure; some, like influencers, share their experiences and concerns about the changing community.

The Monthly Salon: December

The Abbey of Misrule • 196 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality Philosophy Culture
  1. The author is sharing their last post of the year, expressing gratitude for their readers' support. It's a time of reflection as the year ends.
  2. There are several exciting updates, including a new lecture and podcast that can be accessed through various platforms. This is a chance for readers to engage with fresh content.
  3. The author encourages readers to consider gifting subscriptions to their publication, making it an easy option for last-minute Christmas presents.

bath is so me-coded

sweater weather • 4697 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Experience Destination Culture Memories People
  1. Brandon Taylor expresses gratitude for people who supported his book tour and let his characters into their lives.
  2. While in London, Brandon faced challenges in finding a drip coffee machine and dealing with a medication issue.
  3. Bath left a strong impression on Brandon due to its beauty and the feeling of mutual connection he experienced there.

Choose boldly between Christianity & Vitalism

Becoming Noble • 2770 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy History Culture
  1. Don't try to blend Christianity and Vitalism as they are fundamentally irreconcilable beliefs. Doing so weakens true faith in both.
  2. Make a clear commitment to truth by engaging in deep study, meditation, and rejecting simplistic solutions. Challenge your own beliefs and societal expectations.
  3. Understanding the complexity of historical philosophy is crucial for making an informed choice between Christianity and Vitalism. Dive deep into the nuanced beliefs of the past to grasp the richness of these faith traditions.

At the Junction of F and U

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4333 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy History Culture Ethics Regional politics
  1. The junction of F and U is both a physical location in small-town America and a spiritual place in our hearts, symbolizing moments of deep grief and reflection.
  2. Political decisions, like U.S. aid to Israel, can have morally complicated consequences and raise questions of justice, with innocent civilians often caught in the middle of conflicts.
  3. History and personal experiences shape perceptions of war and loss, highlighting the interconnectedness of past events, current policies, and individual emotions.

Issue 14 – Salt

Unbox Inbox • 1982 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Ingredients Products History Culture
  1. People have different preferences when it comes to salt, from carrying salt in tin pockets to seeking out salts from specific countries.
  2. Salt can be a luxury experience, with high-end brands offering unique flavors and sustainable options.
  3. The history of salt is rich and fascinating, influencing trade, wars, and civilizations throughout time.

New Zealand's first summit of UNSILENCED gender critical speakers now on video.

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Media Culture
  1. A summit called 'UNSILENCED' was held in New Zealand for gender critical speakers to express their views after being silenced for a long time. This event aimed to showcase concerns about gender ideology.
  2. Various speakers shared personal stories and insights, highlighting the impacts of gender ideology on people, especially women and children. Their testimonies called for greater understanding and caution regarding this issue.
  3. The event received mixed reactions, with some support and considerable criticism. Despite challenges, the speakers emphasized unity among people with differing viewpoints to confront the ideology they oppose.

"We're an American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer/engineer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Production Artists History Culture
  1. The song 'We're an American Band' by Grand Funk Railroad, produced by Todd Rundgren, became a major hit and solidified Rundgren's reputation in the music industry.
  2. The recording of the song was quick, done within a few days, and it topped music charts, marking a successful moment for the band.
  3. Personal memories connected to the song highlight family dynamics and how music can create lasting memories, even amidst sibling rivalry.

The Skinhead Macbeth

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Culture Criticism
  1. This version of Macbeth uses modern slang to make the story easier to understand. It mixes traditional and contemporary language.
  2. Lady Macbeth plays a strong role, pushing Macbeth to take drastic actions for power. Their relationship shows a mix of ambition and conflict.
  3. The humor in the dialogue adds a light-hearted twist to a dark story. It invites readers to see Shakespeare's work in a new, fun way.

kitten corner: memeing the news potato

bad cattitude • 148 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
😂 Humor Memes Satire Commentary Media Culture
  1. Understanding the 'Streisand Effect' is important for journalists. It shows how trying to hide information can actually draw more attention to it.
  2. Media should be smarter about how they handle sensitive topics to avoid creating memes. If they aren't careful, they make things worse for themselves.
  3. Using humor and memes can be an effective way to comment on the news. It's a fun way to engage with serious issues that gets people talking.

Playoff Baseball is the Best Baseball

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Playoffs Athletics Culture Strategy
  1. Playoff baseball is exciting because of the high stakes. The games feel different and more intense than regular season games.
  2. Anyone can play baseball, no matter their size or background. It’s a sport that allows for dreams and opportunities.
  3. Baseball is deeply rooted in American culture, offering strategy and unpredictability without time limits, making it unique.

2024: The year we bury the culture war

Striking 13 • 2136 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Culture Election Partisanship
  1. In politics, we need to move towards a quieter, less divisive approach that focuses on policies rather than group conflicts.
  2. The media dynamics have favored sensationalism and polarization, but a shift towards a more transactional government might change that.
  3. Journalists and commentators could face challenges as the political landscape shifts away from identity wars towards policy-driven governance.

Gamesmanship, Sportsmanship, and the Case of the Giant Boulder

The Leap • 559 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Gaming Culture Strategy
  1. Gamesmanship involves using clever tactics to gain an advantage in a game, sometimes bending the rules. It's important to know when it's okay to be strategic and when it might cross the line.
  2. Sportsmanship is about respect and fairness in competition, focusing on integrity and camaraderie. Good sportsmanship means playing by the rules and being gracious, win or lose.
  3. Understanding the balance between gamesmanship and sportsmanship can enhance how we engage in competitive activities. Finding the right mix helps maintain the spirit of the game and keeps it enjoyable for everyone.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia • 1631 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.

The West Requires Post-Christian Missional Thinking

DruGroup • 139 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Mission Theology Culture
  1. The Western church needs to adopt a missionary mindset because society has become more secular. This means thinking seriously about how to share faith in a changing culture.
  2. Returning missionaries, like Lesslie Newbigin, pointed out that the church in the West isn't fully embracing its mission. They saw a need for more active and confident evangelism.
  3. It's important to equip church members with tools to engage their communities. If everything is considered mission work, it can lose its meaning, so we need to be clear about what mission really is.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1726 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

The Battle Line at Louvain (1914)

Cantor's Paradise • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💾 History War Culture Intellectuals Propaganda Literature
  1. The destruction of Louvain during World War I symbolizes the tragic impact of war on culture and knowledge. The burning of its famous library shows how civilian life and intellectual heritage can be violated in conflict.
  2. The reaction to the 'Manifest der 93' highlights how science and politics can intertwine during times of crisis. Many scientists signed in support of their country, but later regretted their involvement as the war unfolded.
  3. The story serves as a reminder of the dangers of political passions overtaking reason. When knowledge and culture are attacked, it can lead to a loss of humanity and truth.

I got a surprise for you! 🎁

Ali's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Lifestyle Photography
  1. The author is excited to move back to Indonesia after a long break in Canada. They have booked their flight and are looking forward to starting a new chapter.
  2. They plan to start vlogging their life in Indonesia, sharing travel experiences to lesser-known islands and focusing more on video content.
  3. The author will continue to maintain their newsletter while creating long-form weekly vlogs, which they see as a way to keep a journal for themselves and their kids.

Who Do You Trust?

backstory • 533 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Culture Destinations Politics History Personal Stories
  1. Trust can be complicated, especially when you feel uncertain about the people around you. It’s interesting to see how perceptions of trust can shift based on personal experiences.
  2. Cultural differences play a big role in how people express themselves and interact. The traditional clothing in Bolivia shows a strong connection to heritage and identity.
  3. Life experiences can shape our beliefs and trust in institutions. Felipe's journey from having a heroic figure in his grandfather to feeling let down by the police reflects how personal history can change one’s worldview.

Engineers and the New Technocracy

Breaking Smart • 110 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Innovation Society Philosophy Culture
  1. The writer is focusing on engineering ideas and themes in their writing. They believe this reflects their true interests and the world we live in.
  2. They argue that everyone has an engineer inside them. It's not about being an expert, but about engaging with the engineering aspects of human nature.
  3. The writer finds the general concept of technology uninspiring, while they feel strongly about embracing engineering behaviors and identities in everyone.

DMT Gummies & Delulu Pharmacy

Snaxshot • 279 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🍲 Food & Drink Trends Products Nutrition Culture Innovation
  1. DMT gummies are a new trend, blending the medicinal aspects of psychedelics with common candy forms.
  2. There’s a rising interest in food items like ramen for babies and unique snacks, showcasing innovative food culture.
  3. Plant-based items and performance drinks are gaining popularity, changing how people view nutrition and health.

Russians With Attitude

Default Wisdom • 55 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Reviews Culture Digital Entertainment
  1. We're living in a Digital Age where content consumption has shifted from traditional media to online platforms. It's important to adapt to these changes in how we review and share information.
  2. Podcasts are becoming a key way to connect and engage with audiences. They offer an accessible and convenient format for storytelling and sharing ideas.
  3. Personal experiences and unique perspectives add value to content creation. Sharing individual viewpoints can make discussions more relatable and interesting.

Why I Love My Cookbooks

The Analog Family • 519 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Nutrition Family Culture
  1. Cookbooks create a personal cooking experience that online recipes often lack. They help make meals that feel familiar and bring back memories.
  2. Using cookbooks can improve cooking skills because you become more confident with recipes you repeat. It's like practice makes perfect in the kitchen.
  3. Cooking from a cookbook feels more organized and comforting. It’s easier to find and remember recipes in a physical book than searching through countless online ones.

How to say "the great reset" without saying "the great reset"

Tessa Fights Robots • 117 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Economics Culture Policy
  1. The world is changing rapidly, and there are new ways to talk about big ideas without using specific phrases.
  2. It's important to be aware of how we communicate these ideas to make sure our message is clear.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue producing content, which is valuable for everyone.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Communication Culture Community
  1. The author is grateful for the support from readers and subscribers, which helps keep the show going. It's clear that your contributions make a big difference.
  2. There's a strong sense of community among the listeners and supporters, where many feel comfortable discussing the challenges of modern society. It’s nice to have a space to share and be understood.
  3. The author wants everyone to focus on love and connection during the holiday season, no matter the challenges we face. Those relationships are what truly matter in tough times.