The hottest Personal Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Travel Topics

14 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 257 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Personal
  1. There are 14 pitch opportunities from various paying publications this week. Writers can find specific calls for stories in areas like lifestyle, food, and niche topics.
  2. When pitching personal stories, it's helpful to start with a specific moment that highlights larger themes. This gives editors a better sense of your writing style and story arc.
  3. Sharing your journey or unique experiences can lead to deeper connections in your writing. Make sure to convey how situations change over time in your pitches.

chemistry, compatibility, capacity

bookbear express • 352 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. Relationships move through stages: first a chemistry test, then a compatibility test, and later a question of capacity — the initial spark is different from long-term fit.
  2. You can recognize someone as special in a visceral way, but attraction alone doesn’t mean they’re right for you; how they handle conflict and life matters a lot for romance.
  3. Capacity means the ability to journey and change together over time; people and selves shift, and lasting connection depends on staying side by side through those changes.

you go first

Freddie deBoer • 7456 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
📚 Literature Personal
  1. Memory often survives as small sensory details and textures, which can stand in for fuller recollection as time blurs events.
  2. Grief can be messy and conflicted, mixing thin, hot anger with tenderness when someone makes the choice to end their life, leaving unanswered questions.
  3. Life goes on despite loss — aging, new responsibilities, and the steady passage of time keep people moving forward even while they carry sorrow.
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How Not To Get Away From It All

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Personal
  1. Finding wonder in ordinary, everyday things helps you feel more connected and less worn out, because small moments can be deeply meaningful.
  2. Enthusiasm and curiosity are powerful ways to reconnect with life and others, and being able to tolerate small, temporary discomforts lets you pursue things that matter.
  3. Short immersive experiences and sincere conversations can clarify what you want from life and inspire real change, and feeling grateful for those moments keeps perspective and momentum.

Momentum

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1363 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. The year was dominated by constant motion—travel, events, and nonstop conversations that created strong momentum.
  2. A meticulous daily log shows high output—49 trips, 55 podcasts, and 64 essays—highlighting a very productive but busy year.
  3. Despite the momentum, there was a lingering unease, as the activity felt like outrunning an important question that hadn't been faced yet.

Self-recommending

In My Tribe • 136 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Personal
  1. Two former high-school classmates recorded a podcast interview together.
  2. The interviewee was very tired, but the host kept a good pace and the conversation turned out better than expected.
  3. The episode is shared for listeners to check out and enjoy.

Hitting pause for a month!

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📰 News Personal
  1. The paid newsletter is being paused for exactly one month so the creator can finish another work project and avoid overcommitment.
  2. Existing paid subscribers won’t lose time — subscriptions will be automatically extended by one month and no action is needed.
  3. The podcast will continue (with a new name), occasional urgent or guest posts may appear, and full newsletter publishing will resume in February.

Who Else Is Feeling This In Their Body

Culture Study • 9438 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. It's important to take your own feelings seriously, as well as the feelings of others. We often avoid acknowledging our true emotions.
  2. Resilience can mean carrying a lot of emotional and physical weight without realizing it. We need to recognize how it affects our bodies.
  3. Sometimes we create excuses for our struggles instead of facing them. Understanding what we feel can help us cope better.

TGIF: Gratitude Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 959 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
😂 Humor Personal
  1. Be thankful for people who step up and act like the grown-ups in the room, such as the National Guard. They help keep ordinary life safe and steady.
  2. Value a workplace community that shows up with small kindnesses, like coworkers making cards for people in need. Those moments reveal how much people support each other.
  3. Appreciate a partner who makes you better and fights for what matters alongside you. They bring laughter, practical help, and steady companionship.

Open Thread 360

Astral Codex Ten • 4955 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. You can talk about anything and ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for sharing thoughts and connecting with others.
  2. There's a survey for people who consider themselves effective altruists to participate in. It's a way to share insights about giving and doing good.
  3. A new post will be shared for subscribers, celebrating the author's children turning one. It likely includes reflections on parenting and life.

New York City

Tao Lin • 499 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. The author is in New York City for a week, where he will host a reading and lecture. He has been to New York several times before and enjoys the experience.
  2. He plans to talk about his cat Nini during the reading, sharing personal stories and experiences, including Nini's health issues.
  3. The author hopes to sell art prints at the reading to help cover his travel expenses, as he is not being paid for the reading itself.

A Quick Warning

Story Club with George Saunders • 74 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
📰 News Personal
  1. A scam is impersonating a public figure by sending fake emails from a Gmail account; if you get one, don’t reply and delete it.
  2. Official messages will only come from the Story Club account, so treat emails from other accounts as illegitimate.
  3. The person is fine and plans to share more updates on Sunday.

❤️ I Got Married ❤️

Newcomer • 2378 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. Eric Newcomer got married and shared details about his wedding in Hudson Valley.
  2. Technology played a significant role in making the wedding special and memorable.
  3. The wedding was a reminder of the importance of people, love, and relationships over technology.

Californias

The Map is Mostly Water • 1017 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. Driving in California feels very different from New England. The long stretches of concrete can be surprising if you're used to forests and towns.
  2. California has a unique mix of landscapes, where lush greenery and dry, sunny areas coexist. It's a different kind of beauty than what you find in New England.
  3. Life decisions can be really influenced by where you live. The choice to stay in one place can shape your thoughts and experiences in unexpected ways.

once inside the shoebox I poem

Tumbleweed Words • 3 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
📚 Literature Personal
  1. They sit alone in the cold, nervously waiting for their father’s second operation while battling intense physical pain and the effects of sobriety.
  2. Poverty and paperwork trap them—no job, piling bills, and bleak living conditions—but they keep doing small daily tasks like hanging socks and washing dishes.
  3. Despite the hardship and fear, they show stubborn resilience and pride, singing in the shower and insisting they are getting better and bigger than life’s giants.

Summer Reading

The Bell Ringer • 99 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
📚 Literature Personal
  1. Summer is a time when many people take breaks from work and enjoy vacations, especially in education. It's a chance to relax and step away from the usual busy schedule.
  2. Reading books during the summer can be a great way to unwind and enjoy downtime. It’s a good opportunity to explore different genres and authors.
  3. Having a stack of unread books can sometimes feel overwhelming but also exciting. It shows that there are many stories and ideas waiting to be discovered.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 767 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. It's okay to let go of things like old notes to stay focused on the present. Sometimes less is more when it comes to managing our thoughts.
  2. Human memory can be tricky, and relying too much on external tools might not always be the best idea. Trusting your mind can help you stay connected with what matters now.
  3. Reflecting on time can reveal surprising insights, like realizing just how close certain months are. It makes you think about how quickly time flies.

A window well wonderland

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. The writer enjoys the view from their new apartment, especially the unique window well. It's a cozy spot with moss, leaves, and small creatures.
  2. Each morning, the writer checks on the wildlife in the window well, showing a sense of connection to nature.
  3. The writer has named a frog, Aloysius, which highlights their playful and imaginative perspective on everyday life.

Budget Little House

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎙 Podcasts Personal
  1. Generosity from others helped the author recover from a flood disaster. It’s important to reach out for support when facing tough times.
  2. Creating a budget for living expenses is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Managing money wisely can help prevent financial difficulties in the future.
  3. Personal stories and experiences can bring people together and foster a sense of community. Sharing challenges and achievements can inspire others.

last goodbye I poem

Tumbleweed Words • 35 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
📚 Literature Personal
  1. A quiet, muted relationship is built from small domestic moments like eating sushi on the sofa and playing poker together.
  2. They still write and Skype, but underneath those routines is a deep, simmering hurt that could turn into real conflict.
  3. The farewell feels unfinished and conflicted — sweet denial hides a warning that what you take first might end up being the last thing you need.

Car trouble

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1328 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
😂 Humor Personal
  1. Sometimes we spend too much time trying to figure out problems instead of actually looking at them closely. Instead of thinking too much, it might be better to observe what's happening directly.
  2. It's easy to get caught up in analyzing complex issues without taking action. Getting stuck in thought can prevent us from finding simple solutions.
  3. In life, not everything needs a deep understanding. Sometimes, just gathering more information and looking at the situation can lead to better outcomes.

How I Spent My Summer (essay)

The Lifeboat • 378 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
📚 Literature Personal
  1. Summer feels more like a series of holidays that quickly come and go. The writer argues that time passes too fast, like seasons changing.
  2. Real experiences often come from confusion and unexpected situations. The writer highlights how something surprising can lead to memorable moments, even if they are messy.
  3. Swearing can express deep emotions better than polite language. The writer feels overwhelmed by emotions during summer and finds swearing to be a comforting way to cope.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Church and State

As Ever • 7 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📚 Literature Personal
  1. The speaker feels torn: they crave someone or something to tell them what to do, but they also hate being ordered and value their freedom.
  2. People want different moral things—some want to be innocent, some want to be worse, and some even want punishment; the longing here is for cleansing and clarity, pictured as cold, clear water.
  3. Simple, peaceful hopes and small rituals—like praying in the sun and imagining a sea—help them endure and make each day bearable.

some days feel heavier than other days I poem

Tumbleweed Words • 24 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
📚 Literature Personal
  1. Some days feel heavy because focus slips and the mind fills with emptiness, even when surrounded by people and ordinary scenes.
  2. Presence or absence of love becomes the way time is measured, leaving a quiet torment and an inability to fully describe how love has been experienced.
  3. Senses and time seem to pause around the person, creating a feeling of dissociation, and literary influences shape how they think about being with or without love.

Amor fati

gen yeet • 668 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. Death can manifest as omens in different environments.
  2. Living in a city can make omens less significant.
  3. Grief is a complicated and personal process.

The penultimate push

Splattern • 139 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🏝 Travel Personal
  1. The author is nearing the end of their marathon journey and feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. They are looking forward to celebrating with their dad and connecting with family and friends.
  2. They stayed with some friendly hosts who reminded them of the good things about Seattle, like outdoor activities and homemade food. It made them appreciate the city's unique culture.
  3. The author is also dealing with feelings of being out of place as they enter more urban areas, but acknowledges that reintegrating into society can be challenging yet normal.

Mornings with his Majesty

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. Mornings are special times, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. They can be a great way to start the day peacefully.
  2. Cats can have unique personalities, and some seem to have a strong awareness of their surroundings. It's fun to watch how they behave and interact with their environment.
  3. Having a pet can bring joy and companionship, making mornings feel more lively and interesting. Spending time with them can create cherished moments.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

capital P, lowercase L

Martin’s Newsletter • 471 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
💰 Finance Personal
  1. Martin Shkreli shares stock picks like NTLA, which he predicts will double in value
  2. He is passionate about software, particularly state management and the future of front-end/UI development
  3. He discusses criminal justice, biases in the legal system, and his personal interests like watching The Three-Body Problem

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.

Be My Mirror

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal
  1. The author has been blogging for 20 years and wants feedback from long-time readers. Readers can share their thoughts on the best and worst posts they’ve read.
  2. The author is interested in how their writing has changed over time, both in content and quality. They hope readers will point out any highlights or low points.
  3. They encourage honesty and openness in the comments, asking readers to be candid about their experiences and opinions on the writing.

I'm Back Again Again!1

Inland Nobody • 160 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
📚 Literature Personal
  1. The writer has experienced a lot this year, including a significant weight loss journey and moving to a new city. They briefly struggled with writing amid these life changes but are back and feeling great about it.
  2. From now on, the writer wants to focus on a variety of content, including informal posts and personal thoughts, instead of just formal essays. They plan to label their work to show how serious each piece is.
  3. They aim to share more of their ideas, encouraging a less pressured approach to writing, while still hoping to provide value and engage with their readers.

Happy New Year

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎙 Podcasts Personal
  1. The author is starting a new chapter in life as they wrap up a 20-year career. It's a big change for them.
  2. There's a mix of excitement and sadness that comes with change. They acknowledge feeling a bit melancholic about what is being lost.
  3. The author looks forward to sharing new content in the upcoming year and appreciates the support from their subscribers.

This isn't what I wanted to write

Both Are True • 282 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Personal
  1. It's okay to feel unsure and doubt your writing. Everyone goes through that, and it's part of the creative process.
  2. There isn't a perfect way to express your thoughts. What matters is that you share your feelings and ideas, even if they aren't flawless.
  3. Taking action, like writing something, is better than doing nothing. Every piece of writing contributes to your growth.

Convalescence

As Ever • 7 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📚 Literature Personal
  1. What looks like constant motion can actually be a kind of stillness; standing still lets the world move around you and bring experiences to you.
  2. People crave a single fixed point or certainty to build life on, but that search can feel futile and make you waste what life offers.
  3. Travel and movement teach and satisfy, but real pleasure and understanding often come from learning to hold still and notice the paths that repeat.