The hottest Personal Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Part 2: Disaster strikes

PASSAGES • 2098 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Minimalism Grief Homeownership
  1. A leaking refrigerator hose under the house caused serious damage over time. The owners didn't realize it because it was a slow drip.
  2. After being away for years, the owners discovered all their treasured items in the garage were ruined by mold and water damage.
  3. Even though the owner had become a minimalist, losing their art collection and family memories was a painful experience that brought intense grief.

SITREP - 10/27/2024

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 619 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Events Personal Stories Travel Community Holidays
  1. The recent visit to the Confederate Mound was a big success with great weather and positive vibes.
  2. The writer is dealing with rheumatoid disease, which sometimes affects their ability to work, but they appreciate everyone's understanding.
  3. There are plans to share updates and content soon after returning from a trip to Portland, including a Halloween celebration.

My Lucky Scars

The American Peasant • 1956 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoirs Life lessons Craftsmanship Anecdotes
  1. Scars can remind us of important lessons and experiences. They serve as a reminder to be careful and think twice before acting.
  2. Old tools can hold special significance, especially if they have a story behind them. Restoring a beloved tool can bring back fond memories.
  3. Life has cycles, just like repairing and using old tools. It's a reminder to cherish what matters and stay focused on what's important.

The Free Press in Love

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1136 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Romance Relationships Personal Stories Narratives
  1. Love can be found in the most unexpected places, like rooftops and newsrooms. It's about recognizing those moments wherever they happen.
  2. Childhood crushes can leave a lasting impression. Even years later, we remember the special feelings we had for that one person.
  3. Jealousy can be a real emotion, especially for kids. It shows how much we care about those we like, even if we don't express it openly.

Friday Thread: Later Loves

Culture Study • 3244 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Personal Stories Aging Experiences
  1. Life is long, and there are many chances to find love at different stages. People can experience deep connections even after major life changes.
  2. It's refreshing to step away from society's relationship expectations. This freedom allows individuals to explore love on their own terms.
  3. Hearing stories about second and third loves can be inspiring for those in later life. It shows that love can come in many forms and at any age.
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"I'm actually quite alarmed/scared of how fast this is increasing from day to day."

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1567 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Gender identity Mental health Social Issues Lifestyle Personal Stories
  1. Some people feel overwhelmed by their thoughts about gender transition. It can take over their daily lives and make it hard to focus on other things.
  2. Others struggle with their transition not meeting their expectations. They may feel like they're not passing as they hoped, leading to sadness and frustration.
  3. There are various opinions about what being a woman means, and it can be confusing. Each person's understanding of womanhood can be different based on their experiences.

My friend, JT

Basta’s Notes • 245 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Pets Relationships Mental health Lifestyle Personal Stories
  1. Having a pet can be really meaningful. They can become important parts of our lives and provide comfort through tough times.
  2. Moving pets to new homes can be challenging. It takes preparation and sometimes a little help from professionals to make the experience smoother.
  3. Pets age and it can be hard to accept. While it's sad to think about losing them, it's important to cherish every moment and the joy they bring.

‘Everything Is Gone’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3542 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📰 News Disaster Economics Personal Stories
  1. The recent fires in Los Angeles have caused massive destruction, burning more than 36,000 acres and destroying nearly 10,000 structures. That's a huge area, larger than the city of Miami.
  2. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to these fires, which have resulted in around 11 confirmed deaths so far. However, many are still unaccounted for, raising concerns for their safety.
  3. Even after losing everything, the people affected by the fires are holding on to hope. They share their stories and experiences, showing resilience despite the devastating circumstances.

The Dumbest Injury Ever

Personality Disorder • 79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Injuries Baseball Fan culture Personal Stories
  1. A person's grip strength suddenly decreases, leading them to struggle with simple tasks like writing and eating. It turns out the issue stems from excessive squeezing of a paper towel while watching a game.
  2. Fan rituals can be quirky and are often believed to influence game outcomes, no matter how silly they may seem. The writer held onto a marinara-sauce-stained paper towel during games, believing it brought luck.
  3. Even minor, unusual injuries can be frustrating and impact daily life. The experience serves as a reminder that even fun rituals can lead to unexpected consequences.

Big Pharma Saved My Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Medical treatment Personal Stories Chronic Illness
  1. The American healthcare system has many problems but still plays a crucial role in saving lives.
  2. Personal experiences highlight the importance of pharmaceutical advancements in treating serious health conditions.
  3. Faith and medical technology together can have a profound impact on survival and recovery from critical illnesses.

For Christmas I Got Myself A Brand New Phobia

Everything Is Amazing • 2756 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
😂 Humor Personal Stories Anxiety Travel experiences Life lessons
  1. Panic attacks can happen to anyone, even those who usually stay calm. It's surprising when something so unexpected hits us.
  2. A fear of flying is common and can be irrational, affecting many people. Even knowing that flying is statistically safe doesn't always help.
  3. Dealing with unexpected situations, like travel mishaps, can be tough, but it can also present an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences.

Your Interesting Friend

Culture Study • 1872 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Socialization Community Personal Stories
  1. It's valuable to look closely at our friendships, especially those with unexpected people. You might find deeper connections than you thought.
  2. Some of the best friendships can come from surprising places, like people we don’t usually connect with. These relationships can teach us a lot.
  3. Exploring what makes friends interesting can help us understand ourselves and others better. It's a fun exercise to share these stories.

Happy xmas from Chartbook - and Edie's xmas playlist.

Chartbook • 1072 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎶 Music Playlists Music genres Cultural Influences Personal Stories
  1. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a joyful holiday season. It's a time for peace, happiness, and togetherness with loved ones.
  2. Edie has created a unique Christmas playlist that mixes different styles of music. There might be some new songs for you to discover while enjoying the holiday festivities.
  3. Take some time to enjoy the music while the Christmas decorations are still up. It adds to the holiday spirit and makes for a fun listening experience.

Hey, thanks friends!

Disaffected Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Content creation Freelancing Subscriptions Personal Stories
  1. The creator is thankful for their subscribers and the support they provide. It's great to have people interested in the work.
  2. Having subscribers helps with finances, especially after transitioning to freelancing. It means a lot to get paid for their content.
  3. New essays will be coming soon, despite a busy week with work and shows. The creator wants to keep engaging with their audience.

The Essential Free Press Gift Guide

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1474 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Products Gifts Personal Stories Consumer Trends
  1. Finding simple items that make daily tasks easier can be a game-changer. A product that solves a small problem often ends up being your favorite.
  2. Sharing life-changing products with others feels rewarding. When you discover something great, you want others to benefit from it too.
  3. Gift ideas can be practical and still bring joy. A useful gift, like a luggage scale, can make travel stress-free and improve the overall experience.

What kids wrote in my eighth grade yearbook

Tao Lin • 1278 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Nostalgia Education Friendship
  1. Yearbooks capture memories and feelings from classmates. They show how friends viewed each other during middle school.
  2. Interactions can shape friendships, even if they start with jokes or silly moments. They highlight the fun and awkwardness of growing up together.
  3. People often remember the little things about each other, even if they didn't talk much. These small details can create lasting impressions.

The VW

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Cars Nostalgia Personal Stories Memories Hobbies
  1. Classic cars, like the VW Beetle, hold a special place in people’s hearts because of their nostalgic memories and unique charm.
  2. Even though buying a classic car might not make financial sense, the desire for one can be very strong, often driven by personal history and fond memories.
  3. Connecting with local car enthusiasts and repair experts can enhance the experience of owning a classic car, making it a fun and engaging hobby.

The Monday Media Diet with Dave Fielding

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Travel Personal Stories History
  1. Challenges help us grow and learn. Seeking out tough experiences can bring personal development.
  2. Being aware of bias in media helps us understand the true message behind the news. It’s important to analyze what we read critically.
  3. Nepal is a beautiful place worth visiting. The connection to nature and culture there leaves a lasting impression.

Thoughts on Being a California Fire Refugee

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1682 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Urban life Personal Stories Environmental Impact
  1. Unexpected fires can lead to urgent evacuations, often with little notice. It's important to stay alert and ready to move when living in fire-prone areas.
  2. During emergencies, normal routines can quickly change and navigating in the dark can be challenging. Using visible landmarks helps in such situations.
  3. Staying productive during stressful times can provide comfort and a sense of purpose. Finding ways to engage in work can help manage anxiety and offer distractions.

The man whose life was £1

The Waiting Room • 536 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoir History
  1. Frank's Memories is a personal booklet that captures his life story, from his parents meeting to significant moments in his own life. It's a unique glimpse into one person's experiences and feelings.
  2. The author reflects on the ethics of sharing someone's life story, feeling a bit guilty about taking Frank's memories and reshaping them. It's a reminder that every story is complex and may not have a clear ending.
  3. Frank's journey highlights that life's moments can be both ordinary and special, like picking potatoes or sharing laughs. It encourages us to appreciate personal histories and the small details that make up our lives.

mRNA Injury Series - Couples who take mRNA boosters together - Pharmacy Manager Jennifer Ormiston Novak's husband Robert had a stroke. Within 24 hours she died twice and was paddled 20 times.

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2633 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Vaccines Personal Stories
  1. Pharmacy Manager Jennifer Ormiston Novak's husband had a stroke after taking mRNA boosters together.
  2. Jennifer Ormiston Novak was resuscitated 20 times within 24 hours.
  3. Consider the risks and potential side effects of mRNA boosters.

2024

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1382 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Memoir Social Issues Personal Stories
  1. The newsletter has grown significantly, from 7,000 subscribers in the first year to over 67,000 now. This shows that consistent effort in writing can really pay off.
  2. The book 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' performed well, receiving recognition and even being turned into a potential movie. This highlights how personal stories can resonate with readers.
  3. The author now lives in New York City, which symbolizes a new chapter in their life. It reminds us that change is often part of personal growth.

Captioned Photos (22)

Tao Lin • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Personal Stories Art Lifestyle Family
  1. The post features a collection of personal photos with captions. It showcases moments with family, pets, and nature.
  2. There is a focus on sharing memories and connections with loved ones. The writer emphasizes the importance of these simple, joyful experiences.
  3. The writer invites readers to subscribe for more content and offers a free trial, suggesting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Dear Sugar Letter #36

Cheryl Strayed • 3026 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Stories
  1. The post is about a person's confession of a past mistake involving an affair with a friend who was married.
  2. The letter discusses the aftermath of the affair, including the explosive reaction of the friend's wife upon discovery.
  3. There is an invitation to read more by subscribing to Cheryl Strayed's Dear Sugar newsletter.

the last time you fell in love

bookbear express • 324 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Identity Emotions Youth Personal Stories
  1. Falling in love can come from deep connections made over time, even in digital spaces, like sharing moments through gaming and conversations. It shows that love can build slowly, in unexpected ways.
  2. Love can also be influenced by past relationships; sometimes, a new connection can bring joy and healing after a toxic experience. It's important to recognize the good things someone gives you without expecting anything in return.
  3. Friendship can sometimes be a beautiful foundation for love, but it can also make things complicated if feelings aren't fully mutual. It's okay to cherish the memories while growing apart.

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.

Mrs. Inventosh

Disaffected Newsletter • 2817 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History Education Traditions Personal Stories Food
  1. Mrs. Inventosh taught her fifth-grade class about the Holocaust in a real and impactful way, sharing her own family's stories. These stories made history more relatable and memorable for the kids.
  2. She introduced her students to Jewish culture by cooking traditional foods like latkes in class. This gave kids a warm and welcoming experience that helped them understand different traditions.
  3. Mrs. Inventosh showed special care for her students, especially those who struggled. By encouraging a love for reading and taking time to connect individually, she made a lasting positive impact on their lives.

New York City part two

Tao Lin • 419 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Personal Stories Cultural Insights
  1. The author is currently in New York City and is sharing their experiences. They are eating turkey with one hand while typing with the other.
  2. They have been visiting Whole Foods frequently and enjoy the food available there. Whole Foods is a 16-minute walk from their location.
  3. The author mentions having trouble sleeping, leading them to get up and snack at an odd hour.

Personal update, and it's all happy

Disaffected Newsletter • 2957 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Personal Stories Societal Issues Community support Housing Market
  1. The author faced many challenges, including losing a long-term job and dealing with the aftermath of a flood without insurance. It was a tough time for them.
  2. Things are looking up now, as they sold their house for a good price and found a new living situation that will lower their expenses.
  3. The author is grateful for the support they've received and feels connected to readers who share similar perspectives, making their journey a bit easier.

Migrants

backstory • 533 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Migration Culture History Personal Stories
  1. Right-wing parties in Europe are gaining popularity by targeting immigrants. People are often divided on these issues, and it leads to a lot of tension.
  2. Traveling through Yemen can be an adventure filled with unexpected stories and characters. The locals have a rich history and love to share tales, but some things remain a mystery.
  3. Life in Yemen can be tough, with many people dealing with war-related injuries. Despite the struggles, there are moments of connection and humor among the people.

Anyone living in Sydney is warmly invited to my going away party

Philosophy bear • 42 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Events Community Celebrations Personal Stories Relationships
  1. There's a going away party happening in Sydney for anyone who wants to join. It's an opportunity to meet up, have fun, and say goodbye.
  2. The party will take place on the 1st of February at 3 pm at Tudor Hotel in Redfern and will go on late.
  3. The host hopes to reconnect with old friends and welcomes anyone to come, especially those they've lost touch with.

Goodbye Cairo Dispatch, Hello Caravanserai

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 1139 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Personal Stories Experiences Creativity
  1. The newsletter has a new name and focus: Caravanserai, centered on personal stories and world cultures
  2. Caravanserai is inspired by the historical roadside inns along the Silk Road where travelers exchanged stories and experiences
  3. Readers can continue to enjoy personal tales and insights in this transformed publication

your stories of friendship breakups

bookbear express • 220 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Emotions Social Issues Personal Stories Friendship
  1. Friendship breakups can be really tough and often involve deep emotions. Many people struggle to understand why they happened and how to cope with them.
  2. Everyone has unique experiences with friendship breakups, including how long the friendship lasted and what caused it to end. Sharing these stories can be helpful for healing and connection.
  3. It's normal to want to reconnect with former friends, but sometimes it takes time for things to change and improve. Not forcing a friendship can lead to better outcomes later on.

VFYW: Tackling What You See

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Community Environment Personal Stories Local news
  1. Many people are affected by recent wildfires, with heavy losses to homes and communities. It's important to support those who are displaced.
  2. One family's experience during the fires shows the fear and uncertainty that many felt. They evacuated but were relieved to find their home intact while mourning others' losses.
  3. People are encouraged to send help instead of giving opinions during such crises. Donations can make a real difference for those affected.