The hottest Personal Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

'If you don’t like it, you know what you can do'

Vittles • 205 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Food culture Personal Stories Food history
  1. Cooking can be a way to show love, just like the author's mom did. Simple, nourishing meals can carry deeper meanings and memories.
  2. Life isn’t always fair, and cooking lessons can help us deal with challenges. It's important to enjoy food and savor moments with friends and family.
  3. As we grow, we might need to unlearn some of our childhood teachings. It's okay to take pleasure in cooking and sharing meals without guilt.

Cloud Tears

Seven Senses • 339 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Emotions Travel Meditation Personal Stories Human behavior
  1. Many people feel heightened emotions while flying, which often leads to crying. This can happen due to the circumstances of travel or the effects of being at high altitudes.
  2. The environment on a plane can create a space for reflection and emotional release, making it feel like a unique time for personal processing.
  3. Flying reminds us of our lack of control in life, as we depend on others and external factors. It can be a moment of realization about our place in the universe.

Disaffected: Episode 160, Feb 24, 2024

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Analysis Cultural critique Personal Stories
  1. The media is blaming Libs of TikTok for a tragic event involving a non-binary girl, showing how exploitation occurs in society. It's important to see how such narratives can harm communities.
  2. The episode includes a fun segment revisiting humorous stereotypes about liberal white women and features a look at Eric Adams' approach to kids and safety. This mix of humor and politics makes for an entertaining listen.
  3. There's a noticeable trend in TV shows where characters often depict women as strong figures while men are shown as foolish. The discussion seeks to explain why this character dynamic is so common in media today.
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Songsoo Kim’s Jjajangmyeon (Pork Belly and Fried Black Bean Noodles)

Vittles • 115 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cuisines Food culture Cooking techniques Personal Stories
  1. Jjajangmyeon is a comfort food in Korea that connects people to their memories and identity. It represents not just a meal but also a connection to family and past experiences.
  2. The dish has roots in both Chinese and Korean cuisine, evolving over time to become a symbol of indulgence for many. It's often enjoyed on special occasions, showing how food can carry cultural significance.
  3. Eating jjajangmyeon can serve as a way to cope with feelings of nostalgia and belonging. It allows people to hold onto parts of their past while adapting to new environments.

Houses and homes

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2795 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Home
  1. Home is a personal and evolving concept influenced by past experiences and individual needs.
  2. The author reflects on the significance of different houses lived in throughout life and the impact they had on her sense of identity and belonging.
  3. Finding a true sense of home involves creating a space that allows for personal growth and self-discovery, separate from past traumas and relationships.

Brave Companions of the Shower

So Here’s a Thing • 1160 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories
  1. Starting the day with a routine like showering can be a significant part of transitioning from sleep to wakefulness.
  2. The use of specific products like shampoo and body wash can hold personal significance and routine in our daily lives.
  3. The relationship we have with everyday items in our shower, like recognizing, using, and eventually replacing them, can reflect a subtle but consistent part of our daily routine.

Party Switch. Sorry Dad.

Matt’s Five Points • 299 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎾 Sports Hockey Playoffs Fan culture Personal Stories Sports History
  1. The Washington Capitals made an amazing comeback to reach the playoffs after a rough season. It shows that things can turn around quickly in sports.
  2. Watching sports changes as you get older. What used to be a huge emotional rollercoaster now feels more relaxed, except for hockey, which still brings out intense feelings.
  3. Switching favorite teams is a strange experience for fans. It happened unexpectedly, and it feels odd to cheer against a team you once loved, especially after sharing so many memories with family.

"And it was never enough"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Mental health Literature Personal Stories History
  1. Trauma from childhood can make people feel like nothing they do is ever good enough. This feeling can linger throughout life, no matter the achievements.
  2. People often experience a deep sense of loneliness and self-doubt even when they are successful. It's common to feel like there's always something missing.
  3. Talking openly about mental health struggles can help others who feel the same way. Many people share these feelings but might not know how to express them.

You can do it

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Recovery Self-Improvement Personal Stories
  1. You have the power to choose to quit drinking and make positive changes in your life. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as it's a choice that helps you.
  2. Stopping drinking can reveal a lot of painful truths about your life and choices, but facing those realities is necessary for growth. It's hard at first, but it can lead to a healthier perspective.
  3. Believe in your strength and ability to change. Don't underestimate yourself; your willpower is stronger than you think.

From Zero to $1,300 Writing on Medium — Interview with Michelle Teheux

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 799 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Memoir Essays Personal Stories Online Publishing
  1. You can start writing on Medium without any experience and still earn money, like Michelle who made $1,300.
  2. Sharing personal stories and opinions can help connect with readers and increase your chances of success.
  3. Engaging with your audience through comments and emails can inspire new ideas and keep you motivated.

VFYW: Falling For It

The Weekly Dish • 43 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Cultural Insights Food experiences Personal Stories
  1. The Tim Hortons sign strongly suggests the location is likely in Canada, as it has many stores there. It’s interesting that even if you find a random Tim Hortons, there’s a good chance you’re in Canada.
  2. The clues about the view include things like the type of cars and buildings, which help narrow it down to smaller cities or neighborhoods rather than major urban areas.
  3. People have different strategies to guess the location based on quick observations, such as the orientation of the sun or the presence of specific cultural references like a bus color or the local café scene.

Mommie Issues

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Audio Shows Personal Stories Cultural Commentary Mental health Public Discourse
  1. Domestic abuse has become openly common in society. It's not just a personal issue, but affects our politics and culture too.
  2. The show 'Disaffected' started to explore these serious themes in a personal way. Talking about individual experiences helps highlight larger societal problems.
  3. Childhood experiences, especially under difficult or abusive circumstances, can shape one's understanding of public issues today. These personal stories can help illustrate what’s wrong in the world now.

Happiness, freedom, and joy

Men Yell at Me • 226 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Women's Rights Personal Stories Humor
  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.

"Unbundling" experiences

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 439 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Self-Improvement Society Psychology Ethics Personal Stories
  1. Our experiences and those of others may not always represent the whole picture, so it's important to avoid generalizations.
  2. Unbundling experiences can help us avoid negative assumptions about the world and others based on limited encounters.
  3. Choosing stories of exoneration over condemnation can empower us to see the dignity in others despite their mistakes.

What is this Substack even about?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1338 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Discourse Psychology Personal Stories Mental health
  1. The podcast, Disaffected, explores how extreme personalities, like narcissism, affect public conversations today. It's about understanding these big feelings and behaviors that often go unnoticed.
  2. The host has personal experience with these issues, having grown up in a tough home environment. This background helps shape the discussions in the podcast.
  3. The show aims to provide insights and support for listeners who relate to the topics of emotional instability and personal struggles. There's a mix of articles and videos to help people dive deeper into the discussions.

Shimbwe

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Travel Society Gender Issues Education
  1. Using tools like ChatGPT can help improve writing quality. It can transform drafts into fluent English without losing the original meaning.
  2. Interactions with local communities can reveal important social issues, like the struggles of orphans. It's vital to consider how to empower existing community leaders instead of playing the superhero.
  3. Forming connections with others, like learning a language for someone special, can deepen experiences. However, genuine connections can be challenging to find amidst cultural differences.

You Don't Have To Be Nice To Win

The Real Sarah Miller • 314 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Human behavior Social Interactions
  1. Being nice is not always necessary to succeed in certain situations. Sometimes, a more assertive approach might be more effective.
  2. Building connections with others can be a mix of being open and assertive, rather than just trying to please everyone.
  3. It's important to be genuine and authentic in interactions with others, even if it means expressing opinions that may not align with everyone.

Real

ASK MOLLY • 550 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Travel
  1. The post is about feeling nostalgia for a changing San Francisco.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only.
  3. The author Heather Havrilesky reflects on the changing bars in the Mission district.

Now, smol kitty

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Pets Narrative Companionship Personal Stories
  1. Mina is a small cat who was adopted and had a tough start in life, being the smallest of her litter. She really depends on her new owner for love and support.
  2. Mina is very affectionate and trusts her owner completely, unlike how she is with others who take time to warm up to her.
  3. Mina and her big brother Shredder have a playful relationship, often chasing each other and cuddling together after their fun times.

The Little House Down the Street

Restoring Truth • 275 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Community Personal Stories History Books Home
  1. In a neighborhood of luxurious homes, one old 1950's ranch stood still in time, becoming a silent icon of simplicity.
  2. The elderly woman who lived in the old house spent her days tending to her garden, symbolizing patience and dedication amidst a changing landscape.
  3. Despite progress and modernization, the timeless wisdom found in old books and artifacts can outlive the trends of the day.

The Road to Anywhere

Crossplay • 452 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Personal Stories Family Destination
  1. The routine drive to Wisconsin can be transformed into a personal family game using technology.
  2. Even though there are limited route options, using directions can sometimes lead to discovering new and interesting paths.
  3. Taking a different route can lead to discovering new communities and experiences along the way.

The drowning will pull you beneath the waves too

Disaffected Newsletter • 939 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Dynamics Mental health Abuse Personal Stories Social Issues
  1. Abusive family situations can be very toxic and damaging. It's important to recognize that you don't have to accept this abuse or keep it a secret.
  2. Society often pressures individuals to maintain family privacy, which can help abuse go unreported. Speaking out about these issues is vital for breaking the cycle.
  3. If you find yourself in a similar situation, the best choice may be to distance yourself from those toxic family members. Your well-being should come first.

My mother's final gift

Disaffected Newsletter • 859 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Mental health Family Dynamics Emotional Healing
  1. Recognizing toxic behavior can be a hard but necessary step. It helps clear the fog and allows people to see the truth about their relationships.
  2. It's easy to feel guilty or doubt oneself when dealing with an abusive person. Understanding that you did not deserve that treatment is important for healing.
  3. Sometimes, painful experiences can lead to important realizations. Those moments can serve as a reminder that you are not crazy and deserve better.

Marblemount to Kirkland

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Road trips Photography Outdoor activities Personal Stories
  1. Adventure and entrepreneurship share a lot in common. Both involve uncertainty and require passion, where the journey matters more than just making money.
  2. Connecting with friends and community can be incredibly rewarding. This journey brought meaningful interactions and memories with those who supported along the way.
  3. Finding joy in the simple things, like nature and good food, can be a great way to appreciate life. Experience can become richer when shared with others or celebrated through small moments.

love letters to places i'll never meet

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Personal Stories Community History
  1. Neighborhoods hold memories beyond just businesses; they shape our potential futures and sense of self.
  2. Reflecting on the past and what could have been helps us appreciate the present and understand the concept of love.
  3. Creating digital projects like 'love letters to places i'll never meet' can bring back memories and evoke emotions tied to lost spaces.

Crowd

Venture Prose • 299 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Social Interactions Entrepreneurship
  1. The author finds large gatherings exhausting and prefers solitude, as they feel overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
  2. They describe themselves as direct, intense, and easily bored, with a strong passion for working with entrepreneurs and hearing their stories.
  3. Despite struggling with social situations, the author thrives when engaging with individuals who deeply share their passions and beliefs, especially entrepreneurs.

Day in Valemount

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Personal Stories Culture Education
  1. The author had a fun day at an elementary school in Valemount, engaging with students who were excited about skiing. They connected well since most kids loved to ski too, and their curiosity led to many questions.
  2. The author is pushing a baby jogger filled with camping gear during their run across Canada, which has been quite challenging. They expressed a desire to switch to biking to reduce the physical strain on their body.
  3. The hosts, Tom and Peggy, have unique backgrounds, with Tom previously being a monk and Peggy becoming an artist after retiring from teaching. Their stories show how life can change and lead to new passions.

The Only Five Things I Liked in 2024

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Pop culture Entertainment Personal Stories
  1. Applerankings.com offers honest reviews of apples without any fluff. It's refreshing to find a site that prioritizes truth over pleasing the apple industry.
  2. There are new drugs like Ozempic that might help people lose weight and improve health. This could lead to better overall health and savings in healthcare costs.
  3. Saturday Night Live is still producing enjoyable content with big-name guests and fun sketches. It feels like a nostalgic throwback to the show's earlier, funnier days.