The hottest Nostalgia Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Vol. 2, Issue 31 - The Legacy of Pokémon - Part 6 (Generation VI)

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Fan culture Media Community
  1. Generation VI of Pokémon introduced exciting features like Mega Evolutions and the mobile game Pokémon GO, which brought new life to the franchise.
  2. The remake Pokémon Omega Ruby received praise for its added story elements and nostalgia, while some felt that Pokémon Y lacked depth and polish.
  3. Playing Pokémon GO created fun and memorable experiences, improving social interactions and physical activity, as well as providing a positive impact on mental well-being.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Nostalgia Pop Rock Vinyl
  1. Growing up in the '80s felt magical and full of possibilities. It seemed like the world was just waiting for you and your friends to explore it.
  2. Nostalgia for music from your youth is common. For some, the songs from 1980 to 1991 bring back strong memories and emotions.
  3. Hearing songs from the past can trigger deep feelings. A familiar melody can suddenly bring tears after many years.

February Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 159 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Club Fiction Nostalgia
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering perks like joining the bookclub, winning free copies, and author Q&A by becoming a paid subscriber.
  2. This month's bookclub pick, 'The List of Suspicious Things' by Jennie Godfrey, is a unique coming-of-age tale set in 1979 with a child's view of society amidst a serial killer stalking West Yorkshire.
  3. The book provides a nostalgic look at 1979, featuring Margaret Thatcher as PM, drain pipe jeans, cherry lip gloss, and a more insightful exploration of society rather than just focusing on the crime aspect.
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Vol. 2, Issue 13 - Memories of Pokétour 1999

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media History Nostalgia
  1. The PokéTour 1999 was a big Pokémon event in Australia where fans could get their own Mew and try out the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the first time. It was super exciting for all the kids who attended.
  2. Attendees received special goodies, like exclusive Pokémon cards and cool merchandise, but many didn't realize how valuable those cards would become later.
  3. With the upcoming discontinuation of online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, fans should be aware that some Pokémon games might lose their online features soon.

Memory Trains

lettersonbeing • 294 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Childhood Nostalgia Music
  1. The author reminisces about childhood memories associated with the sounds of trains
  2. Solitude is embraced and valued by the author as a warm blanket of safety
  3. The sounds of passing trains were a comforting part of the author's childhood environment

Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Interview with Pokémon Zeo!

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Community Nostalgia Art Interviews
  1. Pokémon Zeo was a community where fans could create their own fake Pokémon cards. It had resources like templates and tutorials to help everyone get started.
  2. The website was not just about cards; it built a friendly community. Many people found a positive space there, making lasting friendships.
  3. Even though Pokémon Zeo closed down in 2014, the memories and connections still live on through social media and gatherings among former members.

Bullet Points: OpenAI looks for its FarmVille, 90s tech nostalgia, and more on the Substack drama

The Future, Now and Then • 275 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Nostalgia Media Content Moderation Platform
  1. OpenAI is aiming to become a platform similar to how Facebook invited developers for apps.
  2. Nostalgia for 90s tech optimism is prevalent but may not be constructive for the present tech landscape.
  3. The Substack management issues are conflicting with their core value of empowering writers to build their own audience.

Some men just want to watch Youtube while the world burns

Thicket Forte • 639 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Media Gaming Nostalgia Identity Digital Life
  1. Many people escape into video games and YouTube as a way to avoid real-life responsibilities and stress. It's a common way to find comfort.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in how we connect with games from our childhood. They can feel as important as real memories from our lives.
  3. There's a struggle between enjoying something like video games and feeling guilty for not being more productive. It's okay to admit you need to unwind sometimes.

It Was a Long Time Ago, and It Never Really Happened Anyway

Variations on a Theme • 99 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Nostalgia Totalitarianism Enlightenment Existentialism Humanity
  1. The article discusses nostalgia for past times and how events that seemed unbelievable then are now real memories.
  2. The author reflects on societal conformity during challenging times, drawing parallels to historical events.
  3. The piece highlights the dangers of delusion, rationalization, and the impact on individual freedoms within a society.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Nostalgia Capitalism Consumerism
  1. Vaporwave and mallsoft genres often reflect nostalgia for the past and critique the impact of digital culture on societal norms.
  2. The evolution of internet culture from anonymity to personal branding shifted social dynamics and expectations.
  3. The decline of physical malls symbolizes the shift towards online shopping and the changing nature of consumer experiences.

Vol. 2, Issue 25 - Being a Pokémon Cheater

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Art Community Storytelling
  1. Using cheat devices in Pokémon can make the game more accessible and fun in the short term, but it can also lessen the overall enjoyment and sense of achievement. Many players find more fulfillment in playing the game legitimately.
  2. The rise of AI-generated artwork has affected competitions like the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest, leading to concerns about fairness and integrity among artists.
  3. Sharing your creations or stories, like in Pokémon mailbags, helps build community and keeps the spirit of the game alive, allowing fans to connect over shared experiences and creativity.

Albert, unforgotten

Sundman figures it out! • 157 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
📚 Literature Personal Story Friendship Nostalgia Books Novel writing
  1. The author reminisces about the life of his childhood best friend, Albert, who was tragically murdered in Atlantic City.
  2. Albert was a unique and focused individual, with a deep interest in topics like history, philosophy, and stamp collecting.
  3. Despite their close friendship throughout childhood, the author and Albert drifted apart during their college years, and the tragic news of Albert's death came as a shock years later.

Vol. 1, Issue 48 - Johto Times End of Year Feature 2023

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Media Community Interviews Gaming
  1. The Johto Times newsletter started in February 2023 and quickly grew to over 500 subscribers. It aims to share nostalgic content about Pokémon, especially from the late 90s and early 2000s.
  2. The author values preserving Pokémon history and has conducted many interviews with fans and creators from that era. They also formed a group called Project R.O.A.R to uncover and share lost media.
  3. Looking forward, the newsletter plans to use social media more for connection and is considering creating a dedicated website. They want to continue sharing memories and exploring the rich history of Pokémon.

⬜ Luxury in the Pokémon era

One Thing • 118 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Luxury Collaboration Jewelry Design Nostalgia
  1. Rimowa is expanding their luxury brand image with new products like backpacks and handbags, maintaining a cosmopolitan aesthetic.
  2. Tiffany's collaboration with The Pokémon Company is criticized for a lack of childlike fun and adding unnecessary luxury to the brand's cultural existence.
  3. Different luxury brands require unique strategies for success in the market, as seen with Rimowa and Tiffany's distinct approaches.

Godspeed, Olivia Newton-John

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Music Aging Memories Loss Nostalgia
  1. Losing famous figures can remind us of our own memories and experiences from the past. It's not just about their death but about the changes we've seen over time.
  2. Middle age can bring a mix of clarity and contentment, but it also comes with a feeling of loss as we realize how fleeting life can be.
  3. Seeing things from our childhood age and fade can lead to a deeper understanding of life's temporary nature and evoke feelings of mourning.

The Art of Regret

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
📚 Literature Regret Nostalgia Philosophy Art & Illustration
  1. Regret is a part of life that teaches us lessons and keeps us grounded in humanity.
  2. Nostalgia, while holding good memories, can also bring pain and a yearning for the past.
  3. Learning to navigate and express regret can lead to self-discovery and growth, showing that embracing one's past can be a path to wisdom.

Vol. 1, Issue 1 - Introductions

Johto Times • 279 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Community Personal Story Entertainment
  1. The author, Darren, has been a Pokémon fan since he first discovered it in 1999. His love for Pokémon started with the anime and trading card game, and he got his first Pokémon game, Blue, in 2001.
  2. Darren has a strong connection to Pokémon through his favorite game, Crystal, and his top Pokémon, Rowlet. He enjoys collecting Pokémon items, including games and toys, showcasing his passion.
  3. Darren has used his love for Pokémon to create meaningful experiences, like producing a story-driven album for charity and fostering community through an online Pokémon website. Pokémon has been a positive influence in his life for many years.

Welcome to the Johto Times

Johto Times • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Community Nostalgia Fandom Media
  1. A new Pokémon newsletter called Johto Times aims to connect fans around the world and share experiences and insights about Pokémon.
  2. The creator, Darren, has been a Pokémon fan since 1999 and wants to share nostalgic memories while also collaborating with other fans and contributors.
  3. Johto Times will publish posts every Thursday, providing fun and interesting Pokémon content that readers can enjoy during breaks.

Vol. 2, Issue 22 - Interview with The Pokémon Tower

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Digital Media Creative Writing Nostalgia Community
  1. The Pokémon Tower is one of the longest-running fan sites, starting in 1998 and hosting a ton of fan works like stories and art. It's a special place for fans to share their creativity.
  2. The site has a friendly approach to submissions, allowing almost all content as long as it doesn't contain inappropriate material. This openness helped create a big community of contributors.
  3. Even though the site isn't updated anymore, the owner still pays for hosting because he wants to keep the site's history alive for fans. He believes it's important to preserve the creativity that was shared there.

Pulp Memories

Sounds Good! • 117 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Cinema Nostalgia Art Music
  1. The author reflects on revisiting classic Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction after many years.
  2. Pulp Fiction holds a special place in the author's heart, being the film he watched the most number of times in cinemas.
  3. Nostalgia for iconic films like Pulp Fiction should be cherished, as they continue to have an enduring impact on popular culture and filmmakers.

Vol. 2, Issue 5 - The Time I Almost Lost My Charizard

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Collectibles Nostalgia Gaming Literature
  1. Owning a Charizard card was a big deal, and the author really valued it as a kid. It was popular among friends, making it even more special.
  2. A childhood friend stole the Charizard card, showing how trust can be broken by those we least expect.
  3. Even after getting the card back, it was bent, leaving a lasting reminder of that betrayal and changing how the author views trust and possessions.

Vol. 1, Issue 45 - Interview with The Pokémon Factory

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Art Internet History Nostalgia
  1. The Pokémon Factory is a fan website that started in 1998, focusing on creating fake Pokémon. It's been a creative place for people to share their ideas and art.
  2. The community has had ups and downs over the years, but it still holds a special place in Pokémon history. Many artists and fans continue to celebrate and contribute to it.
  3. As they approach their 25th anniversary, the site's legacy shows how online communities can inspire creativity and connection among fans.

#20: Finding a forgotten flavour of chips

Pea Bee • 113 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food history Nostalgia
  1. The search for a forgotten flavor of chips led to a journey through old blogs, archives, and random discoveries.
  2. Discovering the missing flavor brought a mix of nostalgia, satisfaction, and the joy of finally solving a mystery.
  3. Unintended discoveries like old marketing strategies and technologies enlivened the search experience, making it more than just finding a chip flavor.

We Were Swensen

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Identity Memory Community Personal Growth
  1. Nostalgia can hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of moments when we felt free and accepted. It's important to cherish these memories as they shape who we are today.
  2. Old writing and reflections on the past can be treasures, revealing parts of ourselves that we may have forgotten. They help us understand our journey and personal growth over the years.
  3. Communities shaped by shared experiences can leave a lasting impact on our lives. These connections remind us of our true selves and the joy of belonging.

[57] Pokemon: Fad That Never Fades

Life in Color • 98 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Community Nostalgia Entertainment Arts
  1. Pokemon is one of the most successful media franchises in history, with a value of over $90 billion.
  2. The success of Pokemon can be attributed to its creator Satoshi Tajiri's innovative monster-catching concept and strategic partnerships for global expansion.
  3. The Pokemon universe's focus on collecting, social engagement, and continuous innovation through new products has helped it create a lasting and iconic cultural impact.

Vol. 1, Issue 14 - My Pokémon Collection - Part 3

Johto Times • 159 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Collectibles Nostalgia Gaming Entertainment
  1. The author shares their personal Pokémon collection, focusing on classic VHS movies that are nostalgic for them. They have great memories connected to these movies and have kept them despite not having a VHS player.
  2. Pokémon GO's monthly revenue has dropped significantly, and the game's company, Niantic, faced backlash after increasing prices and limiting features. They claim that changes have improved gameplay, but many players feel ignored.
  3. The newsletter includes a mailbag segment where a reader asked about a pink Pikachu. While there's evidence of a temporary pink Pikachu in an anime episode, it’s not a permanent feature in the games.

Vol. 2, Issue 9 - Interview with The PokéMasters

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Community Gaming Media Internet Nostalgia
  1. The PokéMasters is a popular Pokémon fan website that started in 1998 and has a long history of bringing fans together. It offers a place for discussions about Pokémon and has a sense of community.
  2. New Pokémon games and features are being released, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket for mobile devices. These updates show that the Pokémon franchise is still growing.
  3. Maintaining online communities can be challenging, but The PokéMasters has thrived due to its strong bonds between members. Even as people grow older, they come back to share their love for Pokémon and connect with others.

Vol. 1, Issue 29 - Topikachu: When Pokémon came to America

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Events Nostalgia Entertainment
  1. The first Pokémon event in America happened in Topeka, Kansas, in 1998. It was called Topikachu for the day, celebrating the upcoming release of Pokémon games.
  2. At the event, there were fun activities like dance-alongs, crafts, and a special drop of Pikachu plush toys from skydivers. Many kids showed up and had a great time trying to catch the toys.
  3. Twenty-five years later, people shared their cherished memories from that day, showing how much the event impacted their love for Pokémon.

Vol. 1, Issue 3 - Memories of Mew

Johto Times • 199 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Events Nostalgia Gaming Community
  1. The Pokémon World Exhibition took place at the Millennium Dome in 2000, where fans could experience exciting events and get cool Pokémon memorabilia.
  2. Attendees had the chance to obtain the rare Pokémon Mew through an official distribution, making the event memorable for fans.
  3. Pokémon Day is celebrated on February 27th each year, and there are often announcements for new games and updates around this time.

Vol. 1, Issue 47 - Interview with The Cave of Dragonflies

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Online Communities Creative Writing Nostalgia Hobbies
  1. The Cave of Dragonflies is a long-standing Pokémon fan website created by Dragonfree in 2002. It offers a variety of content, including guides, reviews, and fanfiction, all inspired by her love for Pokémon.
  2. Dragonfree emphasizes the importance of community and personal enjoyment over popularity. She encourages others to create their own websites and pursue their passions, regardless of audience size.
  3. Over the years, Dragonfree has contributed significantly to understanding Pokémon game mechanics and inspired many to start their own fan sites and projects, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.

Vol. 1, Issue 2 - My Pokémon Collection - Part 1

Johto Times • 199 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Collectibles Entertainment Hobbies Nostalgia
  1. The author is excited to share personal items from their Pokémon collection, emphasizing their personal value rather than size.
  2. They have gained 50 subscribers since starting the Johto Times, feeling grateful and motivated by the support.
  3. Upcoming content will include interviews, fan memories, and a deep dive into their journey with the Pokémon franchise.

Vol. 1, Issue 39 - Crystal: My Favourite Pokémon Game

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Pop culture Nostalgia Entertainment Community
  1. Pokémon Crystal is loved for its unique features and colorful graphics that were a big step up from earlier games like Pokémon Blue.
  2. Playing Pokémon Crystal with friends made the experience even more enjoyable, with activities like trading, battling, and exchanging gifts.
  3. The game's music and memorable characters added to the joy of playing, creating lasting memories that continue to resonate over the years.

Your Dreams Should Stay There

Everything's Broken • 78 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Nostalgia Sci-fi Critique Fandom
  1. The latest episode of Star Trek Picard disappoints Star Trek fans by resorting to ham-fisted nostalgia and clumsy writing.
  2. The show takes a disappointing turn by disregarding its own canon and insulting the intelligence of the viewers.
  3. Star Trek Picard fails to maintain consistency with its past seasons and insults the core concepts of the Star Trek universe.