The hottest Humor Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Open Thread 365

Astral Codex Ten • 2890 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. You can participate in discussions on various topics in the open thread. Feel free to ask questions or share ideas.
  2. There is a remote job opportunity for contractors in AI-related fields with flexible hours. You can earn $100 per hour while helping measure performance between AI and humans.
  3. Additional comments and discussions are available on a range of topics including national IQ, political party systems, and cultural insights. It's a chance to learn from different perspectives.

The Chuck-It List

DruGroup • 179 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Instead of a bucket list, consider creating a 'Chuck-It List' to identify things you no longer want to do. This helps you focus on what really matters as you get older.
  2. Aging brings a realization that some dreams may not come true, but that's okay. It's normal to let go of things that no longer fit your life or interests.
  3. It's important to prioritize your time and energy wisely. Don’t waste them on activities or responsibilities that don't bring you joy or fulfillment.

Waking-Up Times, In Order

The Chatner • 2063 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Waking up early at 5am for special occasions can be a unique experience.
  2. Waking up at 5:30am might be necessary for those with demanding responsibilities, like being the only doctor in town.
  3. A 6am wake-up call may lead to feeling conceited in the morning and unproductive in the afternoon.

Aww yeah. . .Disaffected Episode 165

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Humor
  1. The term 'conspiracy theory' is often used today to silence dissenting opinions and fears about safety in the world. It's a way for people to dismiss uncomfortable ideas.
  2. The tragic story of Dagny 'Nex' Benedict highlights the impact of family trauma and abuse on mental health, rather than solely blaming external factors like societal policies.
  3. Current events include controversies over gender policies in places like gyms, a teacher being fired for a rap video, and student concerns about health issues, showcasing various societal tensions.
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The Grinch has knee surgery tomorrow

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2896 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. The blue Grinch knee surgery meme has become super popular online, especially among younger people on TikTok and Instagram. It's a funny way to bond over absurd humor and connect with others.
  2. This meme is part of a trend where simple, ironic jokes can create communities and even go viral. People enjoy the low-pressure environment of sharing memes like this.
  3. Interestingly, some people are trying to turn this meme into a cryptocurrency called 'knee coin' to make money off of its popularity. This shows how memes can sometimes become more than just jokes.

Our Titanic Juneteenth Pride

donaldjeffries • 1729 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Humor
  1. The submersible used in the recent deep sea exploration resembled ramshackle Apollo spacecrafts, raising questions about safety and testing procedures.
  2. The failure of a military rescue mission near the Titanic wreckage highlighted the limitations and shortcomings of government agencies.
  3. The author expresses skepticism towards the significance and celebrations of Juneteenth and Pride Month, questioning the motives behind these commemorations.

Chicken cordon bleu or pink

Food is Stupid • 884 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Humor
  1. The author explores the concept of gender reveal parties using food as a vehicle for information sharing.
  2. The process of making a gender reveal chicken cordon bleu is detailed, including the challenges and rewards.
  3. The author humorously describes the outcomes of creating a pink and a blue version of the dish.

A strange, singular, funny American tale; an extremely cool gangster flick; and more

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. There's a funny and touching story that mixes passion and conflict, like something from famous authors Charles Portis and John Kennedy Toole.
  2. A new book explores language and L.L.M.s, alongside essays about A.I., labor, and changes in the literary world.
  3. There's a really cool Hong Kong gangster movie to check out, plus four great music tracks that I’ve been enjoying.

Medieval Muslims loved their cats so much

weird medieval guys • 1257 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Medieval Muslims had a deep love for cats, treating them with kindness and care.
  2. Prophet Muhammad and his companions showed great affection towards cats, condemning any harm towards them.
  3. In the medieval Islamic world, cats were beloved pets across all levels of society, receiving special treatment and care.

Senior Jeopardy!

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
⚔ Fiction Humor
  1. A lifelong Jeopardy fan finally gets onto a special Senior Jeopardy episode after years of trying, showing how quiet persistence can make a small dream come true.
  2. The episode mixes humor and tenderness — buzzer mishaps, rambling anecdotes, medical slips, and playful rivalries — to portray aging with warmth and comedy.
  3. A tiny wording quibble in Final Jeopardy ('the Google' vs. 'Google') costs the contestant the win, capturing the bittersweet blend of satisfaction in the experience and the sting of narrowly missing a goal.

Can the Policy Community Make Fun of Itself?

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Scientists use humor to critique and cope with the challenges in their fields, creating a shared experience.
  2. The scientific community embraces humor through platforms like the Annals of Improbable Research and the Ig Nobel Prize.
  3. While scientists engage in self-deprecating humor, the policy community lacks a culture of lighthearted critique due to the seriousness of their work.

A Funny Thing About Dave Barry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 547 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Dave Barry is a unique humorist who managed to make people laugh consistently, even in a stiff newspaper environment. His style stood out in a genre that often felt bland.
  2. His popularity soared during the late 1980s, making him a well-known figure with a wide readership and even his own TV show. This shows how effective his humor was.
  3. Barry received a Pulitzer Prize, which demonstrates that he could impress even those who typically don’t appreciate humor. Getting laughs from serious critics is no easy feat.

Match the Classic Work of Literature to the Pitch Proposal!

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
📚 Literature Humor
  1. Some literary proposals describe books with bizarre plots and characters. These unique stories can make it hard to match them with classic literature.
  2. Many proposals have strange themes, like a poem talking to a penis or characters stuck in a horse for years. They show how creative writers can be.
  3. Some pitches mix humor and serious topics, such as a story about a ruthless moneylender who also speaks beautifully. This blend often leads to unexpected twists.

MADEMOISELLE HELL

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1002 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Be careful with assumptions in professional situations
  2. Understand and adapt to the tone and style of the publication you're working with
  3. Sometimes it's better to gracefully exit a project than to force something that doesn't fit

A Thanksgiving Food Fight

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 133 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. It's okay to complain sometimes, as it can be a way to express feelings and concerns. Complaints can help highlight important issues that need attention.
  2. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we're thankful for, but it's also okay to acknowledge feelings of frustration and resentment. Balancing gratitude with other emotions can be important.
  3. Not everyone feels the need to write a Gratitude Journal, and that's fine. It's about finding your own way to express gratitude without forcing it.

A Man Walks Into A Bar

Everything Is Amazing • 488 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. People often think that Americans don't understand irony, but that's not true. Many Americans use humor in a clever way that might not be obvious at first.
  2. The 1980s show _Cheers_ has a lasting impact and is still loved by many. It captured a vibe that many people can relate to even today.
  3. Cultural misunderstandings can lead to funny moments when discussing humor between different countries. It's good to remember we all have our own styles!

An essay about a failed essay about failure

The Commonplace • 622 implied HN points • 26 May 25
📚 Literature Humor
  1. Writing about failure can be tough and might take away the joy of writing if not approached with the right mindset. It's important to not let the pressure to be clever ruin your passion.
  2. Failure is something everyone experiences, and it's okay to acknowledge it. It can teach us important lessons, especially when we learn to laugh at ourselves and the situation.
  3. Humility comes from recognizing our failures, but it should be approached carefully. It's not just about feeling small, but understanding our place in relation to others and the world.

My Best Premium Tweets

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 643 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. The author shares their best tweets that are exclusive to subscribers. These tweets include personal thoughts, observations, and opinions.
  2. Subscribers can find insights that are informal and quirky, providing a more personal touch.
  3. The collection highlights the author's unique perspective and offers a chance for readers to connect with their ideas directly.

Our lady of perpetual stew

LOL (lots of links) • 904 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Annie started cooking a perpetual stew which made her life more exciting.
  2. Her inspiration came from 'A Month Without a Fork' blog by Darius Kazemi.
  3. Annie is excited about upcoming Wikipedia-themed comedy shows and shares updates on her current activities.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature Humor
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

The Wit’s Guide to Shower Thoughts

Get Wit Quick • 491 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Shower thoughts are tiny revelations that highlight oddities in familiar things.
  2. To be a good shower thought, it must change how you see the world and follow specific guidelines.
  3. Shower thoughts can't be jokes, puns, or anything directly related to showers.

This is Not Another Terrible Travel Toilet Story

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 825 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Humor
  1. The author shared a not-so-glamorous travel experience of dealing with a bathroom emergency while waiting at a consulate.
  2. The story highlights the challenges of finding a bathroom and dealing with cultural differences while travelling in Asia.
  3. Always carry tissue when traveling to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations like the one described in the story.

Welcome to Oceania

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Humor
  1. Apple released a strange commercial featuring an angry Mother Nature character who confronts corporate leaders, which some people found awkward and uncomfortable.
  2. President Biden struggled during a speech in Vietnam and made funny but confusing remarks that raised concerns about his readiness to lead.
  3. In Canada, some classic books are being removed from schools for inclusivity reasons, leading to strong reactions, including a heated argument at a school board meeting.

cat-slop sunday

bad cattitude • 102 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. The phrase 'you never go full catslop' suggests there are limits to creativity or expression. It's okay to push those boundaries a bit.
  2. Emotions might get hurt when challenging norms, but it's important to express yourself anyway.
  3. This space is dedicated to exploring different ideas and thoughts, especially those that might be seen as unconventional.

The Wit’s Guide to Scoundrels

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. A scoundrel is a mix of charming and unethical, often acquitted by the right jury.
  2. Scoundrels are often witty individuals who take lines off windowsills.
  3. Scoundrels can have complexities and be both loved and criticized in history.

The Coming AI Assault

Lit Mag News Roundup • 687 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. AI chatbots in the literary world are causing a disruption with an influx of quickly-produced content that could change the industry.
  2. The tech industry, including AI, is reaching a peak with wealthy individuals and companies pushing for more innovation and profit.
  3. AI integration in creative fields like writing and art is facing resistance, with concerns about plagiarism, quality of content, and the future of human creativity.

Shoot! How To Swear Like a Motherf*cker When Writing Online

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 459 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Humor
  1. Use swearing sparingly in your writing for maximum impact. If you swear a lot in real life, it can add authenticity to your writing too.
  2. Write like you speak. If cursing feels natural for you, don’t hold back, but make sure it's in line with your personality.
  3. Humor in swearing can lighten the tone. It's more effective when used wisely, so don’t punch down on others.

The Wit’s Guide to Forgetting

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Forgetting can be a common experience, known as CRAFT syndrome.
  2. People can be remembered for their wit and creative contributions even after they have been forgotten.
  3. Forgetting oneself in a task can be a state of optimal experience and can lead to creativity.

Mina does 'the thing'

Disaffected Newsletter • 859 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Mina has a special trick where she taps a hand to ask for attention or treats. It's her way of communicating what she wants.
  2. Shredder, on the other hand, doesn't have tricks but is straightforward and takes what he wants without asking.
  3. These two pets show different personalities: one is playful and communicative, while the other is more assertive and direct.

Your weekly links and recs round-up #36

The Shift With Sam Baker • 299 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter features a variety of interesting topics like Tracy Chapman, menopause marketing, and personal stories.
  2. The newsletter includes links to thought-provoking pieces like getting married in Manhattan's City Hall and transforming relationships through travel.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to all the content shared in the newsletter.

Disaffected, Episode 150: December 16, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Humor
  1. The latest Christmas video from Dr. Jill Biden has a bizarre and quirky theme, featuring strange visuals and dance routines. It aims to be entertaining, but many find it perplexing.
  2. A story is shared about a problematic community theater diva whose actions caused chaos in her community. In the end, her behavior caught up with her, leading to negative consequences.
  3. The episode also humorously critiques various cultural topics, including stereotypes and products, showcasing a playful tone throughout the discussion.

Good morning, my liege

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Humor
  1. Some pets seem very smart and almost think like humans. This makes them feel special and like they understand us.
  2. Cats can have strong personalities and are often seen as independent 'kings' or 'queens' in their territory.
  3. Morning routines with pets can be comforting and enjoyable, like having a coffee cuddle with them while relaxing.