The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The three questions I ask every designer I interview

Better After a Nap • 0 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🪑 Design Storytelling
  1. When asked about your design story in an interview, share your journey and motivations, not just a list of jobs.
  2. Find inspiration from diverse sources beyond just design websites like Dribbble.
  3. During an interview, show curiosity and ask engaging questions to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the job and organization.

Playing Games

The Ideal Gas Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Games fulfill our self-actualization needs predictably, offering rewards without unknowns.
  2. Games model real-world complexity with instant feedback and decision-making.
  3. Games provide a unique medium for players to interact with narratives and experience consequences firsthand.

Book Review: “How to Tell a Story” by The Moth 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The Moth events gather people to share stories using only their voices, no visuals allowed.
  2. The book 'How to Tell a Story' by The Moth hosts shares insights on crafting compelling stories, supported by real story transcripts.
  3. Great storytelling involves sharing personal experiences and emotions, connecting listeners to the storyteller's world and even bringing past characters back to life.
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Book Review: "The Biggest Bluff" by Maria Konnikova 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The game of poker, particularly Texas Hold'em, is compared to the game of life, supported by insights from John Von Neumann and game theory.
  2. The book blends research on learning, decision making, and human behavior with the author's personal journey, emotions, doubts, and humor.
  3. The author's experience of learning poker from scratch, with a world-class player as her teacher, adds an engaging aspect to the book.

How Bandit is Building the Underground Running Brand Taking Over Road Racing Through Community, Storytelling and Event Marketing

the case for brand 💼 • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Storytelling
  1. Community immersion is vital for authentic growth of brands, focusing on generating understanding rather than forcing sales.
  2. Crafting stories for superusers who deeply resonate with the brand can create a strong emotional connection with a broader audience.
  3. Using events as marketing tools to engage with the target community, set revenue goals, and drive brand loyalty.

The genesis of a story

The Leftovers • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The author prefers stories that are not solely driven by plot, finding satisfaction with film for that aspect and turning to different distractions like kitten videos on YouTube.
  2. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribers to continue reading the author's content and access the full post archives.
  3. The author emphasizes their disinterest in stories focused on plot, suggesting that readers who enjoy plot-driven narratives may not find the post appealing.

jack and the beanstalk

the rohn report • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Our ancient stories reflect our history, showing us what mattered to us and how we evolved.
  2. Fairy tales, like 'Jack and the Beanstalk,' hold profound messages about courage, heroism, and human nature.
  3. Stories, from ancient myths to modern TV shows, remind us of our strengths, aspirations, and the importance of laughter.

the rohn report and chaos

the rohn report • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 20
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Online platforms like Medium, The Sun, and Elephant Journal offer different opportunities for writers with unique publishing styles and payment methods.
  2. Substack provides writers with independence, a way to build an audience, and a subscription payment option free from the influence of social media giants.
  3. Creation myths from different cultures share a common theme of renewal and rebirth emerging from chaos, suggesting that even in the current chaotic times, hope for a positive outcome remains.

Love and Dating in Death Note

Unstabler Ontology • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. In Death Note, love can influence strategic decisions, leading to obedience, sacrifice, and even betrayal.
  2. The show explores the intertwining of love and dating with strategic gameplay, showcasing dynamics like competition among lovers and secretive communication.
  3. Real love and dating concepts, such as trust, obedience, and shared fantasies, are depicted in a gamified way, providing insights into human relationships.

Norse Cosmology Part II: The Shape of the World

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The Norse mythological world is not neatly divided into nine realms as commonly believed, but rather revolves around Yggdrasill, a tree with roots connecting different locations.
  2. Descriptions of the Norse cosmos, including the locations of various beings, are influenced by Christian ideology, leading to unique interpretations of the layout of the world.
  3. Ancient Norse people likely viewed the world as an expansive, uncharted territory with limited geographical knowledge, shaping their mythological depictions of travel between realms.

Screening + Q&A: Jon Rafman: Punctured Sky (2021) w/ Filip Kostic

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. A key theme discussed is the exploration of lost truth and memory in the protagonist's search for meaning in Jon Rafman's film _Punctured Sky_.
  2. Rafman highlights the importance of constructed narratives in understanding self-identity and consciousness, especially in a world where reality and history are increasingly complex and fragmented.
  3. The conversation touches on the significance of using free apps and hacks to create art in a way that embraces playfulness and transparency in showcasing the process of image splicing and storytelling.

Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman: Oh My Darling

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The short film 'Oh My Darling' by Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman features a pregnant woman experiencing an unpleasant change while shopping for clementines.
  2. The film stars Amy Berkhoudt and Rachel Pacio, with music by David Rosman and Meredith Corley.
  3. Jack Lawrence Mayer is credited with shooting the film directed and written by Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman.

Noture Bosnuze: The Prelon in the Desert

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The House of Prelon in the cyber world was a unique and engaging community, a place for fluid and masterful conversations among distinguished individuals.
  2. The collapse of the House of Prelon highlights the transient nature of online cult communities, showing how easily they can form and disintegrate.
  3. The story hints at a mysterious encounter with a nuclear scientist and the quest to uncover the truth behind disruptive inventions, leaving room for further exploration.

Back to the Holodeck

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The future of storytelling is about creating immersive, rich, and accessible stories that involve collaboration among various individuals and technologies.
  2. Storytelling is evolving into a collaborative world-building experience, where stories no longer belong to single creators but to a group of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds.
  3. The future of storytelling involves embracing immersive, collaborative-driven universes where fans become co-creators and stakeholders, allowing for exploration and ownership within beloved fictional worlds.

Bringing Dramatic Agency to Storytelling

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Dramatic agency is a vital aspect of the future of cybernarratives and storytelling, as it enhances immersive experiences and allows for player participation.
  2. Literary experiments in storytelling have attempted to provide readers with agency, with unique works like Mark Z. Danielewski's novels using typographical tricks and visual stimuli.
  3. Video games offer a space where agency and storytelling can merge effectively, providing players with the opportunity to participate in the narrative and explore immersive worlds.

Some Thoughts on Writing Serialized Fiction

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 19
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Serialized fiction has a unique history that attracts many writers, but it does not always translate well to other formats like novels.
  2. Serialization is about hooking readers with each installment, different from traditional novels.
  3. Embracing the serialization culture can help writers engage with modern readers and build their author brand.

Designing Tomorrow’s Games

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 19
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Games are ubiquitous and a significant part of modern culture with record sales across the industry, indicating a bright future for gaming.
  2. Games have the potential to address social issues, provide mental stimulation, combat loneliness, and contribute positively to society.
  3. Effective storytelling, total immersion, and creating ceaseless worlds are crucial aspects of game design for engaging player-participants and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Future of Storytelling Is Coming — Maybe

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 19
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. The future of storytelling will likely still engage humans as it has in the past, providing answers, entertainment, and a way to explain the world and historical events.
  2. Future storytelling may blend traditional formats with interactive elements, resembling video games while utilizing advanced technology.
  3. Key elements of future storytelling include total immersion, dramatic agency for participants, and the creation of ceaseless worlds or universes within stories.

Bringing Dramatic Agency to Storytelling

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jul 19
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Traditional forms of storytelling often limit the agency of readers/participants.
  2. Literary experiments like unique typographical tricks and hypertext writing attempted to give agency to readers.
  3. Video games provide an immersive environment that allows players to have agency and participate within the story.

Immersive Storytelling’s Future

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 19
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The future of storytelling is all about immersion, building living, breathing worlds that engage the audience.
  2. Immersive storytelling has always been a fundamental aspect of human culture, from passing down knowledge to sparking the imagination.
  3. Future storytelling will surpass current levels of immersion, creating rich, interactive worlds that challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction.

A Global Mental Meltdown & Hope For The Future

The Digital Anthropologist • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The world may seem messy, but human history has shown that we always find a way through challenges and there are reasons to remain hopeful.
  2. Today's hyper-connected world allows us to be more aware of global issues, leading to increased stress and anxiety on a global scale.
  3. Technological advancements, like Artificial Intelligence and digital communications, play a significant role in shaping societies and cultures, but ultimately, it is human behavior and adaptation that determine the path forward.

Monday Muse #39 - 23 July, 2024

The Renaissance Man • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Opportunities are everywhere if you're open to seeing them. Sometimes, we just need to wake up and notice the little chances around us that can lead to something great.
  2. If you're feeling stuck or upset, it's okay to sit with those feelings. Accepting your emotions can help you move forward rather than pushing them away.
  3. Stories matter because they connect us and help us understand our own experiences. Reading or sharing stories can give us comfort and make us feel less alone in difficult times.

Why Story Matters

The Renaissance Man • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories help us feel connected and understood. They show us that we are not alone in our struggles.
  2. Reading fiction can teach us important lessons about life in a way that non-fiction often can't. It helps us process our emotions and thoughts.
  3. Telling or sharing stories can open up conversations and help us connect with others, making our experiences more meaningful together.

Things I love about Chernobyl, the HBO series

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The show Chernobyl uses restraint in its storytelling, focusing on the reality of the disaster without overly dramatizing events. This makes the series feel more authentic and trustworthy.
  2. Language plays a big role in the show, showcasing unique phrases and expressions that reflect the culture and complexity of the Soviet Union. This adds depth and richness to the dialogue.
  3. Attention to detail is a standout feature of Chernobyl, with accurate depictions of the era's hairstyles, clothing, and technology. It helps to transport viewers back to the 1980s Soviet Union and makes the story more believable.

We're not ready for the future

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. It's important to question established truths and narratives. When historical stories are wrong, we need to confront and change them.
  2. Crises can lead to new ideas and movements that challenge the status quo. These crises are opportunities for change, even if they feel chaotic.
  3. There are growing concerns about internal conflicts, like a potential civil war in the US. We need to be aware of how quickly things can shift and disrupt our society.

Stories with three characters

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories with three characters often have a dynamic structure. They allow for different interactions and conflicts.
  2. The concept of three can be found in various cultural references, like the Greek Fates or the division of regions in France.
  3. In mathematics, three basic components, like an origin and two signs, can represent crucial ideas. This highlights the simplicity and versatility of the number three.

Short-range dependance

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Bob wants to spoil Alice's book reading by starting a few pages ahead. He realizes there's a balance between starting too far ahead or too close to her current reading.
  2. Alice enjoys page-turners where the story keeps getting exciting, which makes it easier for Bob to guess the next part. The density of the story affects how spoilers work in their reading game.
  3. Eventually, Alice catches onto Bob's plan and decides to read something like dictionaries, which makes it impossible for Bob to spoil anything.

Stories with two characters

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories often use two characters to create interesting conflicts, like a hero and a villain. These relationships help drive the story forward and keep readers engaged.
  2. Dualities like good vs. evil or supply vs. demand help us understand complex ideas. They let us see different sides of a situation and how they relate to each other.
  3. Using duality in storytelling helps break down chaos and build clear relationships. This makes it easier to communicate deeper messages within the story.

Mountains of evidence

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Storytelling
  1. Changing long-held beliefs can be very difficult, similar to trying to change family traditions. People often resist changes to their narratives, even when there is strong new evidence.
  2. We are naturally inclined to seek agreement with others, which helps shape our stories and perspectives. Our social circles greatly influence our thoughts and actions.
  3. When new ideas challenge established beliefs, it can create disruption. Over time, fresh perspectives will challenge and change old narratives, leading to new understandings.

Coming Soon

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Challenge the way things are and ask tough questions. It's important to think differently and be open to new ideas.
  2. Use stories and comparisons to understand big ideas. They help us think about complicated things in a simpler way.
  3. The stories we tell ourselves matter. They shape how we see the world and can give us freedom to think and feel differently.

Narrative and Numbers: How a number cruncher learned to tell stories!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 17
💼 Business Storytelling
  1. Both storytelling and number crunching are important in business. It's good to balance both skills for better decision-making.
  2. A story can help make sense of numbers in valuation. Starting with a strong story can guide how you look at financial data.
  3. Valuation isn't a one-time thing; it's an ongoing process. Being open to feedback and willing to update your stories and valuations is key.

I Apologize for My Memoir

The Reclamation Era • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The author is excited to share a new satirical piece they've published, reflecting on the challenges of writing a memoir. It's important for writers to balance their own experiences with how their audience might feel.
  2. They recently enjoyed the Eras movie with friends and family, which stirred up fond memories of attending a Taylor Swift concert. The film resonated deeply with them.
  3. There's an upcoming storytelling event in Denver that promises a mix of laughter and connection. It's a chance for locals to come together and enjoy personal stories.