The hottest Humor Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
bad cattitude 96 implied HN points 20 Jul 25
  1. Sometimes, there are things we can't ignore once we see them. They stick with us, and we can't pretend they don't exist.
  2. It's important to recognize the lies and tricks that might be hidden around us. Understanding these can change how we view the world.
  3. Staying aware and questioning what we see is key. It helps us make better decisions and see things more clearly.
Opaque Hourglass 199 implied HN points 23 Jul 23
  1. Sculpting an ashtray from ground beef fulfilled a need for unsanctioned belief through a unique and drastic act.
  2. The ground beef ashtray, though initially disgusting, became a feature to be protected as a symbol of creative power and cultural uniqueness.
  3. The final act of giving the meat ashtray an elaborate pagan burial in the grease bin symbolized letting go but also respecting the unique creation.
Textual Variations 265 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Y2K was a big deal back in 1999, with many people fearing that computers would fail and cause chaos. Thankfully, it turned out to be mostly nothing, and it was a weird moment in history.
  2. 2024 was a tough year for many, especially for writers trying to grow their audience on platforms like Substack. It can be hard when things don't go as planned.
  3. Albert Pyun, a low-budget filmmaker, has a director's cut of his 1990 'Captain America' movie that many fans are excited to see. It's a chance to understand his vision better.
The Leftovers 139 implied HN points 05 Dec 23
  1. Phone booths in the UK were used for advertising sexual services with flyers, with interesting transformations over time, highlighting cultural shifts.
  2. Superheroes like Superman and British vigilante fantasies have unique associations with phone booths, showcasing creative interpretations of iconic imagery.
  3. The song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" captures themes of confusion, existential observation, and beauty, resonating with the complexities of life.
Both Are True 301 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. Acknowingging,voicing,orwritingdownforyogrownforyoggroforoforyogrodoforoforfoforyogroforofyogrofoffoyotfofffyoggygotfoforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowgrowingongrowing,ttttttor,orofoigroromoforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogrofooryogrofooryogroforyogrogrowoforyogroforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowingyogroforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofrfromgrowinggrow,oroofororyofofoforoforyogroforyogroforyoyoyogroforygonogroforyogrofoffyogroforophyogroforyogroforofyogrocroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  2. Tryingtoinovoforcityforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogrogrowytorogrofooftforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  3. Obthmoth,modogroforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofnnomnfyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofororygorfrndforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyooforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyogroforyogroforofyogro
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Atlas of Wonders and Monsters 661 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  1. Different types of argument representations exist, like straw man, steel man, and gold man, each serving unique purposes in discussions.
  2. Beyond the classic argument representations, there are variations such as glass man, diamond man, and pyrite man, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.
  3. Some argument representations, like lead man, uranium man, and wax man, may have negative effects on discussions by either polluting the debate or ascribing malicious intent to the opponent.
bad cattitude 90 implied HN points 13 Jul 25
  1. Chasing dreams can be tough, but it's important to keep fighting for what you want. Persistence is key to achieving your goals.
  2. Life often teaches us hard truths about ourselves and the people around us. These realizations can lead to personal growth.
  3. Sharing experiences, like memes or stories, can help connect with others and lighten the mood. Humor can be a great way to cope with challenges.
Shades of Greaves 157 implied HN points 07 Nov 23
  1. Help your audience find your work by making it clear what you're offering them - clickbait works.
  2. Demonstrate why your audience should listen to you brag whenever possible.
  3. Selling a book isn't just about explaining what the book is about, it's also about explaining who you are and why that makes your book worth reading.
bad cattitude 83 implied HN points 20 Jul 25
  1. Solutions for today's problems are out there. It's all about finding the right ones.
  2. Being clear and direct can resolve many issues. Speak softly but be firm when necessary.
  3. Humor and memes can lighten heavy topics. They help people connect and think differently.
Counter Craft 940 implied HN points 31 Aug 23
  1. Surrealism in art resists simple meanings and concrete interpretations, seeking to evoke the subconscious and inspire individual interpretations.
  2. Surrealism challenges traditional symbols and meanings in art by using new imagery that avoids fixed cultural interpretations or subverts established meanings.
  3. There is a prevalent tendency for art consumers to seek simple interpretations and allegories, but celebrating art that resists easy understanding can lead to unique and profound experiences.
Safety Propaganda 157 implied HN points 06 Jul 23
  1. Based Safety highlights interesting events in underground art and music scenes.
  2. Cringe Propaganda criticizes mainstream figures and media, questioning their authenticity.
  3. Both newsletters bring a mix of art, culture, and controversial opinions to their audience.
Shades of Greaves 157 implied HN points 20 Apr 23
  1. The author finished writing a book and is now preparing for proofreading and printing, with an option for pre-ordering.
  2. The author highlights the importance of supporting Black women athletes and shares recent writing on the topic of criticisms in sports.
  3. The newsletter includes a fun and humorous quiz comparing Thomas Pynchon novels to 90's R&B groups, showcasing light-hearted content.
Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet 570 implied HN points 25 Feb 24
  1. Anticipation of writing can occupy the mind, affecting productivity even outside actual writing times.
  2. Struggles with bureaucratic demands online highlight a sense of overwhelm and resistance towards digital tasks.
  3. Finding a balance in communication by being warm yet clear to avoid unnecessary follow-ups or overwhelm.
bad cattitude 222 implied HN points 25 Dec 24
  1. Christmas can be seen differently by different people, with some feeling it conflicts with science. It's important to recognize varying views.
  2. Many people often focus on the negatives during the holiday season, which can dampen the festive spirit. Staying positive and spreading joy is crucial.
  3. Despite challenges, the essence of Christmas remains strong. It’s about genuine connections and caring for one another, keeping the festive spirit alive.
INDIGNITY 78 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. The post talks about celebrating 'Wordchuck Day' on February 2nd.
  2. The author reflects on the significance of Groundhog Day and its impact on their life.
  3. There are interesting sandwich recipes shared in the post.
bad cattitude 94 implied HN points 08 Jun 25
  1. Animals can teach us a lot about wisdom and life. They have unique qualities that we can learn from.
  2. It's important to share funny and interesting content, like memes, especially about animals. They can brighten up our day.
  3. Engaging with a community, like in a paid subscription group, can enhance our experience and bring us together over shared interests.
L'Atelier Galita 279 implied HN points 30 May 23
  1. Racist jokes can have negative effects, increasing the likelihood of racism being expressed in a group.
  2. Humor should consider proximity, intimacy of the subject, timing, and context to be appropriate.
  3. Meta-racist humor can target racists instead of victims, potentially reducing racism.
Men Yell at Me 226 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. Happiness and well-being should not depend on traditional roles like marriage. It's important to recognize everyone's value as individuals, not just through their relationships.
  2. Freedom is essential, especially in the face of challenges to women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Building strong communities is crucial for creating real change.
  3. Telling our stories is important as it preserves truth and keeps history alive. Sharing narratives helps hold those in power accountable and counters misinformation.
Weekly Wisdom 139 implied HN points 19 Apr 23
  1. Understanding the various theories of humor like superiority theory, relief theory, incongruity theory, and benign violation theory illuminates why we laugh and its significance in human experiences.
  2. Humor serves as a tool for expressing joy, bringing levity to life's heaviness, and addressing serious topics while promoting social bonding and self-reflection.
  3. Exploring the concept of the cosmic joke reveals profound insights about human limitations, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the paradoxical nature of existence.
Disaffected Newsletter 499 implied HN points 09 Sep 22
  1. The writer describes quirky characters in their neighborhood, giving them playful names and personalities. Each character has unique likes and dislikes that reflect their traits.
  2. One character, 'Toine', seems confident and focused on their appearance, while another character, Velma, has a tough, rebellious vibe with a strong stance against meat-eaters.
  3. The descriptions include humor and exaggeration, making the neighborhood feel vibrant and full of life, even in mundane settings like a grocery store.
Shades of Greaves 117 implied HN points 25 Oct 23
  1. Being '33-people-in-a-theater-famous' can be incredibly fulfilling, showcasing the impact a small, dedicated audience can have.
  2. The concept of '1,000 True Fans' highlights the value of building a dedicated community to support and sustain creative work.
  3. Unexpected encounters like experiencing a flight delay due to a 'VIP' can lead to humorous yet reflective moments, appreciating the unique experiences in life.
Both Are True 568 implied HN points 23 Nov 23
  1. The post suggests a new holiday called Fearsharing where instead of being thankful, people share their fears.
  2. Fearsharing is described as a time to openly discuss fears, such as fear of failure, death, and even being cancelled.
  3. The author expresses gratitude towards readers and acknowledges the importance of the audience in their writing journey.
Sounds Good! 117 implied HN points 19 Feb 23
  1. The movie 'The Omen' can be interpreted as a commentary on bad parenting.
  2. Sometimes revisiting classic movies can change your perspective and reveal new insights.
  3. Sharing unique and humorous hot takes on films can spark interesting discussions.
I Might Be Wrong 10 implied HN points 18 Dec 25
  1. Nostalgia and reboots were everywhere in 2025 but mostly underwhelming, showing people often romanticize the past even when it wasn’t actually better.
  2. Small personal joys — like a child’s funny moments and annoying bedtime rituals — mattered more than big cultural events and often became the year’s real highlights.
  3. Online culture shifted toward sharper skepticism and new forms of entertainment: smart shows like Pluribus stood out, viral “how-to” hacks were frequently called out as misleading, and AI-generated animal content rose as a new comedic force.
Situation Normal 136 implied HN points 26 Jan 25
  1. Assembling furniture can be more complicated than it seems. What started as a simple bed upgrade turned into a hilarious battle with confusing instructions.
  2. Sometimes, the best-laid plans get derailed. After a tough experience with a new bed, sticking with a basic, sturdy option felt like the right move.
  3. Even silly situations can lead to deeper conversations. Scary stories can pop up at unexpected times, showing how our surroundings affect our moods.
bad cattitude 131 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. Mean tweets are coming back, which feels nostalgic, like a blast from the past. It's like we've gone back to the 90s in some ways.
  2. Everyone seems to be talking about how those who don't like it will keep complaining. Some people just can’t resist hating on trends.
  3. There's a playful vibe in the air, as if everyone is ready to embrace the fun and chaos of old-school internet culture.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life 6 implied HN points 28 Dec 25
  1. Rewriting the same story in a different style shows how changing tone and genre can reshape the reader’s experience.
  2. A Christmas-letter parody mixes boastful achievements and trivial domestic details to mock social pretension and upper‑class privilege.
  3. A minor midnight accident is turned into comic recurring material through exaggeration and repetition, turning a mild concussion and a small reading progress into running jokes.
Soaring Twenties 154 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind 199 implied HN points 12 Jan 23
  1. Seattle has a lot of tunnels that help move things like sewage and trains, with over 40 miles of tunnels under the city. These tunnels have been built since the 1880s and include some famous ones like the Lake City Trunk Sewer.
  2. Many pedestrian tunnels exist in Seattle, connecting different buildings and areas. Some of these tunnels are accessible and can help people navigate safely without going outside.
  3. There's a lot of talk about secret tunnels in Seattle, especially in Chinatown, but many of these stories are more myth than fact. However, there are still some interesting historical stories about tunnels used for transporting goods.
The Chris Hedges Report 128 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. This piece is a special holiday message focusing on themes relevant to Christmas. It reflects on emotions and connections, reminding us of the festive spirit.
  2. The author encourages readers to consider subscribing for more content. This shows the importance of supporting creators and their work.
  3. There are interactive elements, like sharing and commenting, emphasizing community engagement. Readers are invited to connect and share their thoughts.
Computer Ads from the Past 128 implied HN points 07 Dec 24
  1. The post shares funny comics from an old Australian magazine about personal computers. It's a throwback to the humor of the tech community in the 1980s.
  2. It encourages readers to think about what computer ads they would like to see in the future. This invites creativity and engagement from the audience.
  3. The content highlights how technology and advertising have evolved over the years. It's interesting to look at how things were marketed back then compared to now.
Pryor Questions 522 implied HN points 18 Apr 23
  1. Laughter is a physiological response to humor involving various body responses like facial muscle movements and disrupted respiratory systems.
  2. Humans laugh to create social bonds, show friendliness, and signal group cohesion.
  3. There are multiple theories explaining why we find things funny, such as relief theory, superiority theory, and incongruity theory, influenced by factors like age and cultural differences.
bad cattitude 101 implied HN points 05 Jan 25
  1. Trust is hard to find, especially in difficult times. It's important to seek and maintain trust in our relationships.
  2. Navigating through tough situations can be challenging, but understanding and support from others can help.
  3. Maintaining a positive attitude is key, even when faced with negativity or adversity.
Soaring Twenties 123 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. Dreams can provide insights about our lives, but sometimes they don't make any sense. It's fun to explore and think about what they might mean.
  2. You can learn a lot from your dreams by writing them down or talking about them. Being aware of our dreams helps us understand our thoughts and feelings better.
  3. Using dream interpretation as a business might attract negative energy, so it's better to share insights for free. Trusting your dreams can lead to valuable realizations about yourself.