This week, weâre taking a break from Office Hours for the May edition of our monthly Shoutout Threads.
We host Shoutout Threads because we know writers want more ways to discover great writing on Substack, and weâre always looking to celebrate writers who are finding a home here. As a writer, itâs beneficial to know other writersâboth for collaboration and for inspiration. This thread is a chance for us to get to know one another, to share what weâve been reading, and been inspired by recently on Substack.
Today we are hosting a parallel shoutout thread dedicated exclusively to great Substack publications that cover business and finance.
How to join todayâs Shoutout Threads:
General thread đ˘
Leave a comment on this thread and give a shoutout to another writer or Substack youâre enjoying. Be sure to share the link to the publication of a writer you admire, and why.
Business and finance thread đ
Follow this link to our themed Shoutout Thread to share mentions of your favorite Substacks on business and finance. Donât forget to explain why youâre a fan of the publication youâre recommending.
Writers, make your shoutout last!Recommendations is a new feature that allows writers to directly endorse each otherâs publications on Substack. Writers can now select other Substacks to recommend when a new reader subscribes to their own publication. Writers have the choice fo recommendations to appear on their publication homepage as a âblogroll,â in the footer of their homepage, and as a standalone webpage at yourpublication.substack.com/recommendations.
Our team will be in the threads today from 10 a.m.â11 a.m. PST / 1 p.m.â2 p.m. EST in discovery and celebration mode with you all.
I know there was a lot of talk a couple of months ago about referral programs, and honestly, I think this is the tool the community was asking for in those conversations, even if nobody explicitly described Recommendations. Anyway, please pass along my thanks to the teams that built this tool! Itâs a legit game-changer for me.
Recommendations has worked very well for me, too. Itâs great for cross-promo. Though I think a separate referral program with optional rewards would be AMAZING to motivate subscribers to share a newsletter. Iâm thinking crowdfunding but for newsletter growth.
What I should do is recommend similar newsletters to my own, as the kinds of things my readers are most likely to enjoy. What I actually do is recommend a diverse mix of completely unrelated newsletters that make me happy. https://theturnstone.substack.com/recommendations
I struggle with it because there are so many and I'm constantly behind on my reading, even of the ones I really like. The ones I've recommended have mostly been ones with less reader engagement than me, which makes me suspect they have smaller subscriber bases than me and would therefore benefit from being recommended by me.
Definitely think this is a great new feature to expand on and always looking to expand on my recommendations, especially in the drinks, pop culture and philosophy spaces. https://drinktothat.substack.com/recommendations
I put too much almond extract in my dandelion brew yesterday and tried to boil it out, but I warned my kids, "If I get EVEN more loopy than I already am, sorry, I didn't mean to." I think I got it all boiled out. I'm into the philosophy; my drinks are usually more on the creative essential oil and mushroom powders than booze side though...I've been nerding out on the history of cacao and I think in the past they combined alcohol, psychodelics and chocolate quite often. All I've got is Lion's mane and Chaga.
Sounds like an epic combination Lily. Viewing specific subjects through different lenses always makes for a more fun conversation and for better learning!
So many fantastic Substacks out there, but I focused on ones that might appeal/overlap with the interests of my own subscribers, as a newsletter about children's books and creating a culture of reading in your home: https://canweread.substack.com/recommendations
I love your recommendations and your page, except my kiddos are older! However, this high school English teacher fully appreciates that you are doing this for parents of littles. Literacy matters!
Hey Bailey! Itâs great to be a part of this Substack community. I was so happy to see you mentioned my âMidweek Crisisâ this week in an issue about collabs đŤ
New writers, we're excited to meet you. Tell us what you are writing about. If you don't know of any other Substack that you'd like to shoutout today, let us know more about what you like to read.
Writers who love to read, if you have any Substacks recommendations for new writers, please jump in the comments. Our team will do the same!
Hey all! After years of blogging on Wordpress, I've moved my new content over here to Substack and I'm both writing and turning my travel blog posts into podcast episodes while adding new episodes for new travels and reflective blog posts about traveling and life in general. I'm loving the switch over to Substack, I'm working on adding to my recommendations, and I'm just trying to build my subscriber list. Any travelers, campers, national parks lovers out there who are in the same boat?
One fellow traveler you might enjoy is Kelton who writes Shangri-Logs.
In her words, it is about "bringing new life to old logs at 10,000 feet, whether those logs are the actual house or just what I call myself when I've spent the entire day watching HGTVâwhich is why Iâm throwing myself into downhill mountain biking, backcountry skiing, seemingly endless shoveling, DIY log cabin renovations, and the never-ending pursuit of becoming a local in a place where the locals don't necessarily welcome you."
Iâm from Nashville but my client is The Old Mill. Have you ever been there? Also have you ever spent the night at Mt. LaConte. I can be your resource for all things Tennessee.
What a small world! I live in Sevierville and for a few years I attended bible studies Tuesday mornings at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. One of my pals was named Derek and he said he was manager of The Old Mill. Was he fibbing?
I also want to shout out Fictionistas! It's a community Substack for writers who are sharing fiction on Substack. All are welcome, and there's a lot of good information there.
Just subscribed. As a fiction writer of some 14 books and some anthologies, I've always written blogposts, but was recently inspired to join Substack with a newsletter. Reading Fictionistas will inspire me.
You can find me writing speculative and all around mysterious short stories as well as essays over at Future Thief - https://brianreindel.substack.com/ - I like to put a familiar slice of life twist on my essays that's a bit more personal. I would also recommend Robert Potter over at A Story A Week - https://robertthewriter.substack.com/ - a recent find I'm enjoying :)
Hello everyone -- I just started writing a series of articles for people interested in physics/astronomy at firstexcitedstate.substack.com -- yep, there are a few equations (I figured the space serving people with some first-year University math background was pretty sparse) but most of the jist of things should be all right for everyone. I hope. :)
Still pretty new to the platform, but here are my current recommendations of things I read often:
âď¸âď¸âď¸ First Excited State is a really good one, fellow science-curious readers. Complicated ideas explained simply and beautifully. You really should.
đ Hello -- and thank you Katie for such a great platform! Last summer I watched a film called 'California Typewriter' about... well... typewriters. I was in -- hook, line and sinker. A few months later, I set up TypeTown, a fortnightly newsletter celebrating the typewriterâs place in modern (and not so modern) culture. Each issue is basically a dive around writers, artists, poets, and whatever other typewriter nonsense I can find. It's here:
Ramona, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm not sure I ever thought people would actually *read* TypeTown. It was just a daft experiment. I'm so glad you enjoy it! đ
Oh, Neil, I think you'd be surprised at how many of us are nostalgic for typewriters. Please keep it up. There's really nothing like it in the blogosphere that I've seen so it could be you OWN this niche!
Oh my gosh this is such a great idea. I didnât take typing in high school but ended up taking it in college. It was the BEST thing I ever did in my college career except that now I find myself typing on my iPhone with two thumbs. Not sure why kids donât take typing anymore.
Thanks Lisa! I took typing classes in a UK high school in the late 1990s and it was, hands down (pardon the pun), THE single most useful thing I ever learned. đ
Hey there! I am writing about mental health, therapy, psychology and provide tips for people who struggle. I am a psychologist myself and I am really passionate about raising mental health awareness. I believe it can help lots of people. If you are interested follow The Present Psychologist Paper đ
And for anyone interested in thoughts around self-awareness, personal development and growth that can be applied to your professional career, check out my publication :)
Let me know if you write about finance/economics! I just published my third post today and first one about finance and would like to recommend new small substacks in the same area so that we can grow together!
I try to make non finance book reviews as well, so if you have content on that as well let me know!
Guti, have you read Vance Ginn's "Let People Prosper"? https://vanceginn.substack.com/ He writes with experience and knowledge about today's economic challenges I think you might like!
Hey everyone! Iâve just started a letter here on Substack over a week ago. Itâs called tiny vulnerabilities. All about the human experience (mostly the not so pretty parts). Iâve also been loving discovering new letters on here, so much talent. Any writers leaning into mental health, wellness, and the not so pretty parts of the human experience? <3
I am definitely in a similar realm. I will be checking out your new page. I'm just starting to release a short letter every Friday with weekly musings about life. Hoping to be a soft spot to land for anyone that is wholly human.
Hi Megan, you've caught my attention! I will subscribe. I look for shared experiences this community has with hardships, illness, and creating art from it.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
Hi Megan, sounds interesting! Do you have the link to your newsletter? Would love to subscribe! I am a psychologist and I write about psychology, mental health and also provide some insights/self-help tips đ. If you are interested hereâs a link to my newsletter https://thepresentpsychologist.substack.com/
Hi Megan! This sounds like a newsletter I would enjoy. My newsletter is very new. I'm working on documenting my process of change. The change from the life I "should" have to the life I want as well as other things I learn through the journey. Currently Im taking princess stories and contrasting them with my experiences.
Mine is somewhat new. I write about anti-racism, anti-colonialism, and basically all the "isms". All of my content is well-researched and fact-checked as I am an analytical thinker and journalist.
Hi all! I'm a TV writer (The Morning Show), former BuzzFeed journalist, and certified Yoga teacher who hosts writing and yoga retreats, and I just started my Substack Little Things where I write about creativity, wellbeing, and the craft & career of TV writing. I give writing advice, creative inspiration, curated recommendations and more! I just moved over my retreat email list and hoping to grow a community of creatives & writers who also care about their mental health.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning whether it be travel, food, or music adventures. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
Hi friends! I write a weekly round up and analysis of food + supply chain news. Food intersects with many of the issues we're trying to navigate - the political landscape, climate change, health, the highs and lows of techâs ever-growing presence in our lives. I help make sense of all that, as it relates to you and the world.
Hello! Iâve been writing monthly round ups of media that Iâve been consuming. I give quick reviews on movies, books, and music and whether theyâre worth your time or not.
Thank you all for being here for the May shoutout thread! Our inbox is filling up with great reads. We hope you find a writer today your eager to read or even connect with today.
If you haven't already, turn on Recommendations to make your shoutout last. This new feature that allows writers to directly endorse each otherâs publications on Substack. Learn more: https://on.substack.com/p/recommendations
Hi all! Here is this week's encouragement from one tiny newsletter to all of you: have you experienced unsubscribes? Do you live in constant fear of it? Don't be afraid! When people unsubscribe, it's usually because they realize that you're not what they were expecting. And that's good. You want the people who follow you to hang on your every word. Keep going, writer!! Keep showing up! Don't stop, and don't worry about the numbers. Slow growth is still growth! Don't give up! đż
This is a really uplifting post and good to know from the perspective of still being relatively new to Substack. I've enjoyed seeing these kinds of threads for the sense of community they build and lifting everyone else up.
Reminds me of one of my favourite quotes from Marcus Aurelius. "Have I done something for the common good? Then I share in the benefits."
Absolutely, Jamie! I think it's easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity, especially in writing. We can look around and think, "There are so many voices. Who cares about mine?" But I want every writer to feel that their voice is valuable to *someone*, and that alone is reason enough to continue on. đż
I love this. Sometimes I feel its only top rate professional journalists who are writing now more along the lines of what they want to write with what their specialties are. I've had a rough start with technical issues getting my Journalisa substack up. I'm more of a personal voice, perceptive in lots of areas that most people overlook in their mad dash to success in the external world. I've noticed last night that my pictures are no longer beside my blogs in the dashboard. Also, that last night I saw a comment that supposedly came in on March 3rd, but I don't remember being notified about it even though I have that button lit that I do want to be notified. Not sure who on staff might help me with some of my little snafus. Very impressed with all the bright talented and fun minds on here. And hearts. Thank you. I don't even know how to delete a certain blog if I want to do so. Lisa Guest
Unsubscribes are so easy to fixate on. Negativity bias. It's like authors feeling crushed by a single one-star review on their book that *also* has thousands of four & five-star reviews. Statistically, you still rock! It is impossible to appeal to everyone (and if you're doing that, maybe you're not standing out hard enough?)
A crazy suggestion: some excellent advice I got from someone else, and it felt like a massive hard Nope until I actually tried it. Here it is:
>>>*Turn off your free list Unsubscribe notifications*<<<
I know. This feels like madness. But the difference between seeing a small drop in numbers once when you check your Stats, and seeing *each individual unsubscribe landing in your Inbox* (a kind of death from a thousand paper-cuts for the soul), is HUGE. I did it, it made my life better, it's helped me refocus on the folk choosing to stick around, and I am less fearful of publishing anything. Your mileage may vary - but....it might not?
I fully endorse this advice! It makes a difference. You still get the numbers and analytics you need, but you do not need that specific interruption to tell you about every single Unsubscribe in real time. You'd have to be made of Teflon for that not to break your stride. I'm now looking for ways to metaphorically turn off all Unsubscribe notifications in all areas of my life, lol.
Oh yes! When I turned off those notifications my life got much better. It can hurt when someone unsubscribes, especially when you know them. Not getting the notifications means you can focus your energy on the people who want to read your Substack rather than the ones who don't.
I've mentally chalked it up to a cost you pay to send out a post. It's not uncommon for one or two people to unsubscribe when you send out the email. And that's okay.
It just means your audience is getting more lean, and engaged!
Exactly. No one's Substack is going to appeal to everyone, and not everyone has the time to keep up with Substacks they enjoy. I try super hard not to take it personally and just reassure myself that my subscribers are the people who are interested in what I have to say.
And thank *you* for focusing in on such a huge source of misery in this whole process, and helping ease that burden for everyone. :) It's needed, and it's appreciated!
Thank you, Kevin! I care deeply about writers, and in a world that encourages us to be self-focused I want us to all to realize that we can ALL succeed!
Absolutely! Numbers aren't the most important thing. You want a COMMUNITY, or at the very least a true audience, not just "filler" to make your numbers look better!
This is great advice. One thing to add: the first thing I recommend new writers do is go into substack settings and make sure the unsubscribe, like, and subscribe notifications are turned off.
The only ones I keep on are comments, because I like to be able to hop on and quickly reply to my readers. A fellow writer of mine has probably the best mentality for Substack. The second he presses publish; he's already thinking about how he can bring his readers the next great piece of content -- not agonizing over who likes it.
No problem at all, Robert! Those first few really suck, I know. But you just aren't the "flavor" they're looking for, that's all. Keep doing "you", and the right ones will show up and stay!
Thanks for this reminder. Was planning to write and post something political about the leaked draft opinion and was worried about people unsubbing, but this is incredibly important to me, and I have to remind myself that if my readers aren't on the same page, they won't enjoy future content either!
Do it!! YOU are the brand on Substack. The people you want to follow you are the ones who follow YOU, for whatever YOU have to say. They will go the distance with you!
Yup. Easy and UNEMOTIONAL sampling is the best part of Substack. It's the modern equivalent of picking up an issue of a magazine on the newsstand and deciding it's not worth a subscription. You don't want readers who feel that they're forced to pay for disappointment.
Some writers, esp in finance, offer only a yearly subscription, which spoils the easy sampling effect. If I were running the place I wouldn't allow that!
that's super cool. I have been reading about all the sacred mounds that are hidden all over places you wouldn't expect in Midwestern parts of the states!
If youâre interested, theďżź mounds in St. Louis will be the subject of an upcoming article. Everybody knows about the ones in Cahokia over in Illinois, but St. Louis had a bunch of them, though most are gone now. There was, however, a mound in Fenton that was only recently built on (they put a Walmart there!)ďżź.
Super cool! It's heartbreaking when they build a wal-mart on a sacred site. Have you read Graham Hancock's stuff? Fascinating how much of history is false and how hard the establishment fought to keep their version of the story in place in spite of evidence. It keeps happening in other forms like the so-called "Infodemic" that the UN/WHO is fighting to keep evidence from coming into public light. Drop me a line when it's up and I'd love to come look and comment!
Iâm familiar with Graham Hancock. He has some interesting ideas, but he isnât someone I would rely on for âhistory â. But the idea of what history actually is is an interesting one.ďżź You might be interested in this article of mine: https://storycauldron.substack.com/p/what-is-history
As for the mounds piece, Iâm not sure yet when Iâll be publishing it but it wonât be too long from now. If youâre interested, Iâd encourage you to subscribe. :-)ďżź
I haven't read his work extensively, but the things he's said make sense and seem well documented. What evidence have you seen not to rely on him for history? I'll check out the storycauldon! I'm not super into St Louis in general, but I'll pop over one of these days to see if the article is up. Also, if you go for writing more stuff about esoteric history that is unearthed with sound evidence, that is really where my groove would be as far as subscribing.
Heâs just one of many writers who talks about historical stuff but tends to shape the narrative to suit his angle.ďżź It can be super fascinating but I wouldnât take everything he says as gospel, so to speak.ďżź
Also, different topic, but I have an absolute draw to Rama's Bridge. I'd love to learn more about it but information seems limited...love to see it expand!!
The only problem is that the posts that have videos embedded do not get indexed in the Google Search Console, and therefore can't be found by doing a search on Google.
>>Posts that contain movies return the error: Submitted URL marked ânoindexâ
>>indexing allowed? No: 'noindex' detected in 'robots' meta tag
Do you think you could let engineering know that the video posts do not allow indexing? I think all that needs to change is the "robots" meta tag needs to allow for indexing, rather than having it set as "noindex".
I'm working on my recommendations but in the meantime, shout out to Books on GIF, Can We Read, What To Read If, Conversations by the Sea, A-Mail, and The Single Supplement â some of my favourite newsletters on Substack!
Also while my newsletter isn't new (it'll hit it's first anniversary on May 14), I recently rebranded so allow me to reintroduce Not Controversial â a weekly newsletter where I'm talking about topics that shouldn't be controversial but are.
Money talks, pay transparency, toxic productivity, hustle culture, spicy pop culture and lit takes, and more. Every Tuesday, in your inbox.
If youâre a fiction writer and enjoy engaging with fellow wrestlers then thereâs only one place for you (apart from at your writing desk) and thatâs here: https://fictionistas.substack.com. Youâll have to pinch yourself: theyâre all really nice and not crabby and irascible as you might expect. đ
This thread is making me think I need to check out the recommendations feature when I have more free time! After subscribing for free to a bunch of newsletters over the past year, I finally made the choice to support https://ellegriffin.substack.com
And since he was so kind to shout out my Substack, Iâd like to return the favor: Dainius has a fantastic Substack called Rehacked full of interesting tech bits thatâs a lot of fun. Show him some love!ďżź https://rehacked.substack.com/
Me too! Lol...mine are about the real world, though. For real, I can't stomach that genre, but I'll keep it in mind if come across people who love that stuff! Keep up the creative flow!
That applies to us all, theoretically, lol. Do you know what I am interested in? I am interested in people who are brave about the truth, passionate about love, curious about fresh perspective and open to intuition as well as critical thinking. I am interested in kindness and nature and exposing corruption so we can choose anew the paths in life that have been hidden from us, the win-win-wins for the people, for example. I am interested in that which is funny and innocent and freeing and joying and loving.
I want to write something truthful and political, but I'm worried it will backfire on me. At the same time, I'm trying to tread carefully, but I get where you're coming from. You're like the 20th person who tells me to do something similar! I will consider it! :)
:) You listen to your inner compass. If you do that, you'll be guided well. what comes to mind is that a rocketship also backfires. That is how it launches. I seek to offend no one only to offend but if the truth that needs speaking offends, so be it. Love is gentle and fierce.
I like Cheryl Strayed and Lauren Houghâs. My Substack is 52 Prompts. I send out a themed writing prompt every Friday. Last monthâs theme was travel and adventure.
Ugh I love Cheryl Strayed so much but haven't checked out Lauren Hough's! I'll give it a look. And as a writer always looking for ideas, I'll check yours out too! Thanks for sharing :)
A really obvious shoutout maybe because the newsletter is very successful. But Ryan Broderick's Garbage Day makes me (43-year-old me) feel very smart about what young people are doing online. So I don't totally embarrass myself when talking to them!
I recommend Freddie DeBoerâs substack. Heâs threading a needle that desperately needs threading; heâs a serious leftist who is unapologetic about pointing out self-indulgent and ill-advised nonsense from social-media-era leftists. If youâre on the left, I hope you realize the importance of having the kinds of conversations Freddie starts.
Thereâs a tendency to slam the right, while avoiding self-awareness about our sideâs human frailties. This is dangerous, and voices like Freddieâs are a healthy antidote to this sort of left-wing navel-gazing.
There are many Substacks that I read and enjoy. One that I have been recently checking out is A Grain of Salt by Kate Raphael. Smart, incisive personal essays. Well worth a subscribe: https://kateraphael.substack.com/
Shoutout to Joe Mayall https://joewrote.substack.com/ who writes about socialist policy, something we need now more than ever when the current political parties and capitalist system are completely failing us. His newsletter is a must-read and so timely for this political moment.
I've been reading Amaya Lim's Record Store https://recordstore.substack.com/. She's a masterful playlist curator whose format I used as part of a final exam for my Writing About Music students at St. John's University. She goes deep into three of the songs on each post, so there is good analytical, critical writing in a very natural voice. I'm thinking I should add more playlists, possibly as a weekly or biweekly special for paid subscribers only. I call them "conscious playlists" because each selection requires a certain amount of thought to justify its presence in the list.
Thanks for the rec, Wayne! I just subscribed to yours. I write about music and am also a contributor to The Music Museum of New England, but my Substack is a little bit of everything!
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning whether it be travel, food, or music adventures. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
BTW, I am writing a Stevie Wonder post from a night of dining and clubbing and interview with him that should go up later today or early tomorrow. I'm also a New Orleans-o-phile, check my shout-out to WWOZ in the archives!
I definitely will check it out, Jessica B., it sounds like it's right up my alley. And thanks for the subscription, which I will reciprocate in a flash!
Lately Iâve really been enjoying snack stack by Doug Mack - theyâre generally pretty short/digestible entries and always covering some piece of food history that I never would have known otherwise! Definitely an inspiration for some of my own writing.
I love the shout-out thread! I never fail to find wonderful writers I can then subscribe to. But today I need to shout myself out!
I write two newsletters here on Substack: Writer Everlasting is my effort to build safe place and community of writers using over 40 years of ups and downs and insight into the creative aspects of our trade. It's the most rewarding writing I think I've ever done! But some of you don't know about it yet, so come on over and try it on for yourself: https://writereverlasting.substack.com/
My other newsletter, Constant Commoner, has morphed out of necessity into a place for activism and advocacy, and I'm slowly getting back into it after the death of my husband in March. Please visit me there, too, and join in if the spirit moves you. Good trouble! https://ramonagrigg.substack.com/
Hey hey writers, my nameâs Wesley and I just recently(ish) started a Substack where I write about everyday life and the pessimisms that follow. A lot of it is nonsensical, ramblesome, often a bit raunchy and definitely bite-sized -- would love for anyone to check it out and see what you think! Just under 20 dedicated subscribers but its been such a blast thus far.
Lately Iâm really enjoying Chuck Palahniukâs âPlot Spoilerâ and I just recently subscribed to âfirst datesâ by Scott Limbrick. Lots of great stuff out there. Happy to read othersâ work and see whats out there!
Hi Wesley, I just subscribed to yours, it resonated with me because it sounds similar to mine. I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. And from missing travel adventures to vegan food. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
I absolutely love Kyle Poyar's Growth Unhinged podcast (https://kylepoyar.substack.com/) and Ali Abouelatta's First 1000 (https://read.first1000.co/). Would definitely recommend to check them out if product, growth and marketing excites you!
Took heavy inspiration to start writing "To The Moon" about everything you need to know about growth as a startup operator đ!
I've been posting a thread on story structure since June, 2021 and Unschool for Writers is the thread I most consistently read. https://unschoolforwriters.substack.com
Check out Lynn Mann's fiction if you haven't! Horses, Dystopia, Utopia, How to get from one to the other. Enlightenment too, and overcoming fears with mindfulness all woven into the fiction series.
Ted is a music commentator, more specifically focused on jazz, but often has broader insights as well. He recently won two awards, specifically for this blog: the Jazz Journalists Association has chosen The Honest Broker as blog of the year, and also the Robert Palmer-Helen Oakley Dance Award for Excellence in Writing.
Hi all! I really admire and enjoy The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad. https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/. It's resonates with me because of the shared experiences the community has with hardships, illness, and creating art when it counts the most.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
I really love The Spread: https://www.thespread.media which is a round-up women's news, as well as Kathryn Jezer Morton's Mother's Under the Influence: https://mothersundertheinfluence.substack.com but she actually just announced she's leaving Substack for a position at The Cut. I'm only one-month into my Substack journey and enjoying it so far!
I just published my One-Year Substack Anniversary post last week, and it is full of fellow Substackers Iâve been honored to befriend and collaborate with:
One of the most unique voices Iâve encountered is Sage Hana (https://sagehana.substack.com/), who is writing a hilarious post-pomo meta sci-fi retro-futuristic techno-horror serial novella featuring many of the Substackers in our circle. I was honored to be introduced as a major character starting in Episode 6 (https://sagehana.substack.com/p/gas-tank-29-the-serial-novel-7ca).
If you are a food lover who appreciates nutrition and simplicity in preparation, please check out my monthly recipe newsletter!! All of the proceeds go towards my bone marrow stem cell treatments.
My recommendations page features a handful of Substacks that mainly zero in on spirituality with a hint of mysticism, since that's what I like to read and write. Any other nature-based/spiritual/Christian mysticism writers out there? Reply below!! Help me find you! đż
Thank YOU, very much! I mostly follow Celtic Christian faith myself but I have ecumenical tastes, so I definitely enjoy exploring Catholic mystic ideas as well. :)
I'd love to give a shoutout to Uprooted, a really thoughtful newsletter about sustainability, regeneration and decolonising our thoughts. I appreciate how she doesn't shy away from complexity and questioning herself. Every edition super valuable. https://kamea.substack.com/
A blend of character-driven short stories and a deep catalogue of weekly essays on everything from the Beach, Being Broke and his pièce de rÊsistance: The Soaring Twenties.
Maybe it's just because it's finally spring and I'm desperate for my garden to start producing fresh veggies. But also, it's so well written-- engaging, informative, and funny. That would be Department of Salad. What a joy! https://emilyrnunn.substack.com/
Recommendations have been such a great feature. I love showing my support for my fellow writers and itâs been encouraging to see how many people are recommending my work.
Today, Iâm shouting out my wifeâs brand new Substack called Put Your Food to Work. Sheâs a registered dietitian and she cooks amazing, healthy food for our family everyday. In her newsletter, youâll get her practical tips on eating better without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank. Check out her first piece here: https://putyourfoodtowork.substack.com/p/are-you-going-to-eat-that?s=r
Who has Recommendations turned on? đ
Drop a link to your Recommendations page in the replies.
Of course! I've seen a lot of new subscribers since recs launched, and it only seems right to return the favor to the writers I love reading most. https://michaelestrin.substack.com/recommendations
Great to hear this!
I know there was a lot of talk a couple of months ago about referral programs, and honestly, I think this is the tool the community was asking for in those conversations, even if nobody explicitly described Recommendations. Anyway, please pass along my thanks to the teams that built this tool! Itâs a legit game-changer for me.
Recommendations has worked very well for me, too. Itâs great for cross-promo. Though I think a separate referral program with optional rewards would be AMAZING to motivate subscribers to share a newsletter. Iâm thinking crowdfunding but for newsletter growth.
100 yes to this & thanks for articulating it much better than I couldâve.
Thanks!
What I should do is recommend similar newsletters to my own, as the kinds of things my readers are most likely to enjoy. What I actually do is recommend a diverse mix of completely unrelated newsletters that make me happy. https://theturnstone.substack.com/recommendations
I think both are perfectly legit đ
Thatâs what I do too - and there are so many!
I struggle with it because there are so many and I'm constantly behind on my reading, even of the ones I really like. The ones I've recommended have mostly been ones with less reader engagement than me, which makes me suspect they have smaller subscriber bases than me and would therefore benefit from being recommended by me.
I like that idea a lot.
Definitely think this is a great new feature to expand on and always looking to expand on my recommendations, especially in the drinks, pop culture and philosophy spaces. https://drinktothat.substack.com/recommendations
Really neat to see your blurbs with the recommendations!
This is a good idea I didnât know you can do this.
Thanks. It's good to provide more context and I want to share personal stories about why I specifically chose to recommend others.
I put too much almond extract in my dandelion brew yesterday and tried to boil it out, but I warned my kids, "If I get EVEN more loopy than I already am, sorry, I didn't mean to." I think I got it all boiled out. I'm into the philosophy; my drinks are usually more on the creative essential oil and mushroom powders than booze side though...I've been nerding out on the history of cacao and I think in the past they combined alcohol, psychodelics and chocolate quite often. All I've got is Lion's mane and Chaga.
Sounds like an epic combination Lily. Viewing specific subjects through different lenses always makes for a more fun conversation and for better learning!
Aw! You made my day with a smile :) I'll raise one to you! :) And I agree whole heartedly!
So many fantastic Substacks out there, but I focused on ones that might appeal/overlap with the interests of my own subscribers, as a newsletter about children's books and creating a culture of reading in your home: https://canweread.substack.com/recommendations
I love your recommendations and your page, except my kiddos are older! However, this high school English teacher fully appreciates that you are doing this for parents of littles. Literacy matters!
Ah, thank you!
As a writer for children, I'll second. I wish this had been around when my boys were younger... but love what you're doing now, too!
Thanks, Alison -- you've been so supportive, and I appreciate it!
Here are mine: https://burningambulance.substack.com/recommendations
Great idea to share themđĄ Here's mine: https://midweekcrisis.substack.com/recommendations
Hi Stygi! Lovely to have you here.
Hey Bailey! Itâs great to be a part of this Substack community. I was so happy to see you mentioned my âMidweek Crisisâ this week in an issue about collabs đŤ
Yes I do indeed! https://ingredientbyrachelphipps.substack.com/recommendations
Some fantastic writing on this list:
https://thekevinalexander.substack.com/recommendations
I've added recommendations to my sign-up page, and I have a blogroll at each of my newsletters, this one and at Constant Commoner.
I also do a Friday Boost at Writer Everlasting. I love to promote the writers who inform and inspire me! https://writereverlasting.substack.com/s/friday-boost
Here are mine! https://bradkyle.substack.com/recommendations
Me too! https://listeningsessions.substack.com/recommendations
Ayyy Iâm recommending over here!
https://adventuresnack.substack.com/recommendations
I do : )
Personal development, startups, web3
https://mindvoyage.substack.com/recommendations
I just decided to take an idea an form a startup of my own, I'll check this out!
Here are mine! đ
https://www.thehalfmarathoner.com/recommendations
If you don't want to click through to that page, they're Edith Zimmerman's Drawing Links and Katie Hawkins-Gaar's My Sweet Dumb Brain:
https://drawinglinks.substack.com/
https://mysweetdumbbrain.substack.com/
Lovely to have you here, Terrell!
I do! https://youtopianjourney.substack.com/recommendations
Mostly internet culture recs: https://snakeoildotbiz.substack.com/recommendations
đ Roll call đ
New writers, we're excited to meet you. Tell us what you are writing about. If you don't know of any other Substack that you'd like to shoutout today, let us know more about what you like to read.
Writers who love to read, if you have any Substacks recommendations for new writers, please jump in the comments. Our team will do the same!
Hey all! After years of blogging on Wordpress, I've moved my new content over here to Substack and I'm both writing and turning my travel blog posts into podcast episodes while adding new episodes for new travels and reflective blog posts about traveling and life in general. I'm loving the switch over to Substack, I'm working on adding to my recommendations, and I'm just trying to build my subscriber list. Any travelers, campers, national parks lovers out there who are in the same boat?
Welcome Sarah!
One fellow traveler you might enjoy is Kelton who writes Shangri-Logs.
In her words, it is about "bringing new life to old logs at 10,000 feet, whether those logs are the actual house or just what I call myself when I've spent the entire day watching HGTVâwhich is why Iâm throwing myself into downhill mountain biking, backcountry skiing, seemingly endless shoveling, DIY log cabin renovations, and the never-ending pursuit of becoming a local in a place where the locals don't necessarily welcome you."
https://on.substack.com/p/what-to-read-kelton-wright
Appreciate that, Katie!!
Thanks for the recommendation. Subscribed!
Welcome, Sarah! I think you'll be able to find some kindred spirits in here!
I already have. Thank you for the welcome!
Welcome, Sarah! Lots of travel writers here, and you'll be more than welcomed into their caravan!
Have you ever been to the Smoky Mountains?
Like five times đ For about ten years we just kept going back đ¤ˇđźââď¸đ¤Śđźââď¸
Iâm from Nashville but my client is The Old Mill. Have you ever been there? Also have you ever spent the night at Mt. LaConte. I can be your resource for all things Tennessee.
What a small world! I live in Sevierville and for a few years I attended bible studies Tuesday mornings at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. One of my pals was named Derek and he said he was manager of The Old Mill. Was he fibbing?
The Old Mill Restaurant? One of our favorite places in Gatlinburg. But it's been 10 years, now, since we've been there.
I also want to shout out Fictionistas! It's a community Substack for writers who are sharing fiction on Substack. All are welcome, and there's a lot of good information there.
https://fictionistas.substack.com/
YES!
I just joined and am finding it to be a great resource!
Whoohoo! That's great to hear!
Just subscribed. As a fiction writer of some 14 books and some anthologies, I've always written blogposts, but was recently inspired to join Substack with a newsletter. Reading Fictionistas will inspire me.
You can find me writing speculative and all around mysterious short stories as well as essays over at Future Thief - https://brianreindel.substack.com/ - I like to put a familiar slice of life twist on my essays that's a bit more personal. I would also recommend Robert Potter over at A Story A Week - https://robertthewriter.substack.com/ - a recent find I'm enjoying :)
Have you checked out richardprosch.substack.com? He writes mostly mystery and some westerns. Won a Spur Award a few years back.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I moved from Medium to Substack.
I write about personal development.
Articles like this one
https://mindvoyage.substack.com/p/a-dropouts-guide-to-self-education?
Welcome Lenny!
I've been on Medium since 2015 but I'm planning an exit. It's not fun anymore.
Hello everyone -- I just started writing a series of articles for people interested in physics/astronomy at firstexcitedstate.substack.com -- yep, there are a few equations (I figured the space serving people with some first-year University math background was pretty sparse) but most of the jist of things should be all right for everyone. I hope. :)
Still pretty new to the platform, but here are my current recommendations of things I read often:
https://firstexcitedstate.substack.com/recommendations
Special shout-out to everythingisamazing.substack.com and heathercoxrichardson.substack.com for teaching me something new every dang time!
Welcome! New and already some great reads :)
Very much appreciated! I'm finding that working on these articles is one of the things I look forward to the most... :)
âď¸âď¸âď¸ First Excited State is a really good one, fellow science-curious readers. Complicated ideas explained simply and beautifully. You really should.
đ§ đ§ đ§
3 brains! Imma interpret those like Michelin stars. :D
đ Hello -- and thank you Katie for such a great platform! Last summer I watched a film called 'California Typewriter' about... well... typewriters. I was in -- hook, line and sinker. A few months later, I set up TypeTown, a fortnightly newsletter celebrating the typewriterâs place in modern (and not so modern) culture. Each issue is basically a dive around writers, artists, poets, and whatever other typewriter nonsense I can find. It's here:
đ typetown.substack.com
I love your site! I've just added it to my blogroll. My bad for forgetting to do that!
Ramona, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm not sure I ever thought people would actually *read* TypeTown. It was just a daft experiment. I'm so glad you enjoy it! đ
Oh, Neil, I think you'd be surprised at how many of us are nostalgic for typewriters. Please keep it up. There's really nothing like it in the blogosphere that I've seen so it could be you OWN this niche!
[Cue evil cackling and rubbing of hands] Mwah ha ha ha! It's mine. All MINE! đ
Sounds like a lovely publication!
If you can cope with the clack-clack-clack-PING and the inky fingers, you're welcome to join us whenever you want! đ
Nice site! Just subscribed.
Thanks Paul!
Oh my gosh this is such a great idea. I didnât take typing in high school but ended up taking it in college. It was the BEST thing I ever did in my college career except that now I find myself typing on my iPhone with two thumbs. Not sure why kids donât take typing anymore.
Thanks Lisa! I took typing classes in a UK high school in the late 1990s and it was, hands down (pardon the pun), THE single most useful thing I ever learned. đ
Hey there! I am writing about mental health, therapy, psychology and provide tips for people who struggle. I am a psychologist myself and I am really passionate about raising mental health awareness. I believe it can help lots of people. If you are interested follow The Present Psychologist Paper đ
Thank you for the work you do!
With the link here https://thepresentpsychologist.substack.com/
Wanted to share the publication of Tomas Pueyo, as he is one of the main reasons I finally started writing, and chose Substack to do it!
https://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/
And for anyone interested in thoughts around self-awareness, personal development and growth that can be applied to your professional career, check out my publication :)
https://uniqueprofessional.substack.com/
Awesome! Subscribed here. Also focusing on mental health and self help here if you are interested: https://thepresentpsychologist.substack.com/
Thanks, I am interested in mental health/self help =). Subscribed!
Tomas is wonderful. Rad to see have you here!
Tomas Pueyo +1
It would be too arrogant to shout out myself but my mum insisted I told you all about my substack so here it goes: https://www.welltechnically.news
Hey, tell your mom you just got a new subscriber. (Insert smiley face)
Let me know if you write about finance/economics! I just published my third post today and first one about finance and would like to recommend new small substacks in the same area so that we can grow together!
I try to make non finance book reviews as well, so if you have content on that as well let me know!
Guti, have you read Vance Ginn's "Let People Prosper"? https://vanceginn.substack.com/ He writes with experience and knowledge about today's economic challenges I think you might like!
I have not! But will definetely take a look at it today! Thank you for sharing
Thank you!
Good morning! I write on macroeconomics and investing. You can find me here at provisionmacro.Substack.com. I would appreciate it!
I am currently at work but will for sure check your newsletter today! Thanks for sharing it and have a great day
Hey everyone! Iâve just started a letter here on Substack over a week ago. Itâs called tiny vulnerabilities. All about the human experience (mostly the not so pretty parts). Iâve also been loving discovering new letters on here, so much talent. Any writers leaning into mental health, wellness, and the not so pretty parts of the human experience? <3
All over this, Megan! I also write about the not so pretty stuff :) I'll subscribe now!
I am definitely in a similar realm. I will be checking out your new page. I'm just starting to release a short letter every Friday with weekly musings about life. Hoping to be a soft spot to land for anyone that is wholly human.
Hi Megan, you've caught my attention! I will subscribe. I look for shared experiences this community has with hardships, illness, and creating art from it.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
Hi Megan, sounds interesting! Do you have the link to your newsletter? Would love to subscribe! I am a psychologist and I write about psychology, mental health and also provide some insights/self-help tips đ. If you are interested hereâs a link to my newsletter https://thepresentpsychologist.substack.com/
Hi Alf! Hereâs the link to my letter: https://meganzolorycki.substack.com/?r=17u7pj&utm_medium=ios
Iâll check our your letter as-well! Thanks :)
Hi Megan! This sounds like a newsletter I would enjoy. My newsletter is very new. I'm working on documenting my process of change. The change from the life I "should" have to the life I want as well as other things I learn through the journey. Currently Im taking princess stories and contrasting them with my experiences.
Mine is somewhat new. I write about anti-racism, anti-colonialism, and basically all the "isms". All of my content is well-researched and fact-checked as I am an analytical thinker and journalist.
Welcome to Substack, Arturo! You might enjoy what Sharon Hurley Hall is up to: https://www.antiracismnewsletter.com/
Already follow her. Amazing work. Thanks!.
Hi all! I'm a TV writer (The Morning Show), former BuzzFeed journalist, and certified Yoga teacher who hosts writing and yoga retreats, and I just started my Substack Little Things where I write about creativity, wellbeing, and the craft & career of TV writing. I give writing advice, creative inspiration, curated recommendations and more! I just moved over my retreat email list and hoping to grow a community of creatives & writers who also care about their mental health.
Sounds very intriguing, Ali! I just subscribed.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning whether it be travel, food, or music adventures. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
subscribed!
Hi friends! I write a weekly round up and analysis of food + supply chain news. Food intersects with many of the issues we're trying to navigate - the political landscape, climate change, health, the highs and lows of techâs ever-growing presence in our lives. I help make sense of all that, as it relates to you and the world.
https://beforethecuttingboard.substack.com/
If you think you can humor with words, plug yourself below please đ¤
Here goes... https://danielabbey.substack.com/
Hello! Iâve been writing monthly round ups of media that Iâve been consuming. I give quick reviews on movies, books, and music and whether theyâre worth your time or not.
Check it out here: https://actuallycertainly.substack.com/
Rad, Anna! I see you're reading a lot of great publications. Any favorites?
Really enjoying Links I Would Gchat You! https://linksiwouldgchatyou.substack.com/
Thank you all for being here for the May shoutout thread! Our inbox is filling up with great reads. We hope you find a writer today your eager to read or even connect with today.
If you haven't already, turn on Recommendations to make your shoutout last. This new feature that allows writers to directly endorse each otherâs publications on Substack. Learn more: https://on.substack.com/p/recommendations
See you next week for Office Hours.
Happy reading,
Katie, Bailey, Kelsa, Maggie, Lisa, and Taek
Hi all! Here is this week's encouragement from one tiny newsletter to all of you: have you experienced unsubscribes? Do you live in constant fear of it? Don't be afraid! When people unsubscribe, it's usually because they realize that you're not what they were expecting. And that's good. You want the people who follow you to hang on your every word. Keep going, writer!! Keep showing up! Don't stop, and don't worry about the numbers. Slow growth is still growth! Don't give up! đż
This is a really uplifting post and good to know from the perspective of still being relatively new to Substack. I've enjoyed seeing these kinds of threads for the sense of community they build and lifting everyone else up.
Reminds me of one of my favourite quotes from Marcus Aurelius. "Have I done something for the common good? Then I share in the benefits."
Absolutely, Jamie! I think it's easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity, especially in writing. We can look around and think, "There are so many voices. Who cares about mine?" But I want every writer to feel that their voice is valuable to *someone*, and that alone is reason enough to continue on. đż
I love this. Sometimes I feel its only top rate professional journalists who are writing now more along the lines of what they want to write with what their specialties are. I've had a rough start with technical issues getting my Journalisa substack up. I'm more of a personal voice, perceptive in lots of areas that most people overlook in their mad dash to success in the external world. I've noticed last night that my pictures are no longer beside my blogs in the dashboard. Also, that last night I saw a comment that supposedly came in on March 3rd, but I don't remember being notified about it even though I have that button lit that I do want to be notified. Not sure who on staff might help me with some of my little snafus. Very impressed with all the bright talented and fun minds on here. And hearts. Thank you. I don't even know how to delete a certain blog if I want to do so. Lisa Guest
WELL SAID. So well said.
Unsubscribes are so easy to fixate on. Negativity bias. It's like authors feeling crushed by a single one-star review on their book that *also* has thousands of four & five-star reviews. Statistically, you still rock! It is impossible to appeal to everyone (and if you're doing that, maybe you're not standing out hard enough?)
A crazy suggestion: some excellent advice I got from someone else, and it felt like a massive hard Nope until I actually tried it. Here it is:
>>>*Turn off your free list Unsubscribe notifications*<<<
I know. This feels like madness. But the difference between seeing a small drop in numbers once when you check your Stats, and seeing *each individual unsubscribe landing in your Inbox* (a kind of death from a thousand paper-cuts for the soul), is HUGE. I did it, it made my life better, it's helped me refocus on the folk choosing to stick around, and I am less fearful of publishing anything. Your mileage may vary - but....it might not?
I fully endorse this advice! It makes a difference. You still get the numbers and analytics you need, but you do not need that specific interruption to tell you about every single Unsubscribe in real time. You'd have to be made of Teflon for that not to break your stride. I'm now looking for ways to metaphorically turn off all Unsubscribe notifications in all areas of my life, lol.
Oh yes! When I turned off those notifications my life got much better. It can hurt when someone unsubscribes, especially when you know them. Not getting the notifications means you can focus your energy on the people who want to read your Substack rather than the ones who don't.
I've mentally chalked it up to a cost you pay to send out a post. It's not uncommon for one or two people to unsubscribe when you send out the email. And that's okay.
It just means your audience is getting more lean, and engaged!
Exactly. No one's Substack is going to appeal to everyone, and not everyone has the time to keep up with Substacks they enjoy. I try super hard not to take it personally and just reassure myself that my subscribers are the people who are interested in what I have to say.
I totally agree. When I first set up my substack, I unticked the box so I didn't get unsubscribe emails and I've never regretted it.
This is STELLAR advice! Thank you for sharing it!!
And thank *you* for focusing in on such a huge source of misery in this whole process, and helping ease that burden for everyone. :) It's needed, and it's appreciated!
Just here to mention that this is the 3rd or 4th time I've seen you cheering us all on, and it's not going unnoticed. I certainly appreciate it!!
Thank you, Kevin! I care deeply about writers, and in a world that encourages us to be self-focused I want us to all to realize that we can ALL succeed!
I had a couple of unsubscribes past month, so thank you for your words filled with good, supportive energy đŤâ¨ i needed this
You are SO welcome, Stygi! I know it hurts to get unsubscribes. But stay the course, stay true to your "writing mission", and don't give up. Okay? :)
Let them leave, they are holding back your open rates!
Absolutely! Numbers aren't the most important thing. You want a COMMUNITY, or at the very least a true audience, not just "filler" to make your numbers look better!
This is great advice. One thing to add: the first thing I recommend new writers do is go into substack settings and make sure the unsubscribe, like, and subscribe notifications are turned off.
The only ones I keep on are comments, because I like to be able to hop on and quickly reply to my readers. A fellow writer of mine has probably the best mentality for Substack. The second he presses publish; he's already thinking about how he can bring his readers the next great piece of content -- not agonizing over who likes it.
I've had a few unsubscribes recently and appreciate the encouragement!
No problem at all, Robert! Those first few really suck, I know. But you just aren't the "flavor" they're looking for, that's all. Keep doing "you", and the right ones will show up and stay!
Thanks for this reminder. Was planning to write and post something political about the leaked draft opinion and was worried about people unsubbing, but this is incredibly important to me, and I have to remind myself that if my readers aren't on the same page, they won't enjoy future content either!
Do it!! YOU are the brand on Substack. The people you want to follow you are the ones who follow YOU, for whatever YOU have to say. They will go the distance with you!
This is some of the most empowering advice I've gotten as a substack writing :) THANK YOU!
Absolutely! Anytime! (and I mean that) đż
Thank you. You are doing beautiful work.
Yup. Easy and UNEMOTIONAL sampling is the best part of Substack. It's the modern equivalent of picking up an issue of a magazine on the newsstand and deciding it's not worth a subscription. You don't want readers who feel that they're forced to pay for disappointment.
Some writers, esp in finance, offer only a yearly subscription, which spoils the easy sampling effect. If I were running the place I wouldn't allow that!
That's a really interesting point about the yearly subscriptions; I hadn't thought about that! Thank you for raising it!
Excellent advice!
Thank you, Lloyd! And thank you for showing up and sharing your wisdom in your newsletter!
Shout out for Jackie Dana and her Unseen St. Louis. recent isuue: https://unseenstlouis.substack.com/p/the-manhattan-project-in-st-louis?s=r - The Manhattan Project in St. Louis
Wow, thanks!ďżź It was a lot of fun to write. Stay tuned for the next couple of articles in the series because they might just blow your mind!ďżź
that's super cool. I have been reading about all the sacred mounds that are hidden all over places you wouldn't expect in Midwestern parts of the states!
If youâre interested, theďżź mounds in St. Louis will be the subject of an upcoming article. Everybody knows about the ones in Cahokia over in Illinois, but St. Louis had a bunch of them, though most are gone now. There was, however, a mound in Fenton that was only recently built on (they put a Walmart there!)ďżź.
Super cool! It's heartbreaking when they build a wal-mart on a sacred site. Have you read Graham Hancock's stuff? Fascinating how much of history is false and how hard the establishment fought to keep their version of the story in place in spite of evidence. It keeps happening in other forms like the so-called "Infodemic" that the UN/WHO is fighting to keep evidence from coming into public light. Drop me a line when it's up and I'd love to come look and comment!
Iâm familiar with Graham Hancock. He has some interesting ideas, but he isnât someone I would rely on for âhistory â. But the idea of what history actually is is an interesting one.ďżź You might be interested in this article of mine: https://storycauldron.substack.com/p/what-is-history
As for the mounds piece, Iâm not sure yet when Iâll be publishing it but it wonât be too long from now. If youâre interested, Iâd encourage you to subscribe. :-)ďżź
I haven't read his work extensively, but the things he's said make sense and seem well documented. What evidence have you seen not to rely on him for history? I'll check out the storycauldon! I'm not super into St Louis in general, but I'll pop over one of these days to see if the article is up. Also, if you go for writing more stuff about esoteric history that is unearthed with sound evidence, that is really where my groove would be as far as subscribing.
Heâs just one of many writers who talks about historical stuff but tends to shape the narrative to suit his angle.ďżź It can be super fascinating but I wouldnât take everything he says as gospel, so to speak.ďżź
Also, different topic, but I have an absolute draw to Rama's Bridge. I'd love to learn more about it but information seems limited...love to see it expand!!
I made a movie and put it on Substackâźď¸It's an 11 minute animated short!
I can't believe this is possible!! THANK YOU SUBSTACK đ¤
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/cold-turkey
Wow that is awesome!!
The only problem is that the posts that have videos embedded do not get indexed in the Google Search Console, and therefore can't be found by doing a search on Google.
>>Posts that contain movies return the error: Submitted URL marked ânoindexâ
>>indexing allowed? No: 'noindex' detected in 'robots' meta tag
Do you think you could let engineering know that the video posts do not allow indexing? I think all that needs to change is the "robots" meta tag needs to allow for indexing, rather than having it set as "noindex".
Thanks Bailey!!
I'm working on my recommendations but in the meantime, shout out to Books on GIF, Can We Read, What To Read If, Conversations by the Sea, A-Mail, and The Single Supplement â some of my favourite newsletters on Substack!
booksongif.substack.com
whattoreadif.substack.com
canweread.substack.com
ellenforster.substack.com
Also while my newsletter isn't new (it'll hit it's first anniversary on May 14), I recently rebranded so allow me to reintroduce Not Controversial â a weekly newsletter where I'm talking about topics that shouldn't be controversial but are.
Money talks, pay transparency, toxic productivity, hustle culture, spicy pop culture and lit takes, and more. Every Tuesday, in your inbox.
If youâre a fiction writer and enjoy engaging with fellow wrestlers then thereâs only one place for you (apart from at your writing desk) and thatâs here: https://fictionistas.substack.com. Youâll have to pinch yourself: theyâre all really nice and not crabby and irascible as you might expect. đ
Go Fictionistas! So happy that Jackie and Geoffrey continue to get the group together
They are a great group, and helpful to boot!
Wow, what a great shoutout! Thank you!
This thread is making me think I need to check out the recommendations feature when I have more free time! After subscribing for free to a bunch of newsletters over the past year, I finally made the choice to support https://ellegriffin.substack.com
A great choice! Elle is rad.
I have to tell everybody about this amazing Substack I stumbled across last week during office hours.
Kristalďżź Sheets has a hilarious series of stories about a crazy dude called Citizen Jim. https://citizenjim.substack.com/
And since he was so kind to shout out my Substack, Iâd like to return the favor: Dainius has a fantastic Substack called Rehacked full of interesting tech bits thatâs a lot of fun. Show him some love!ďżź https://rehacked.substack.com/
ďżźďżź
Can I give a shout-out to myselfffff. đ đ đ đ đ
As a relatively new-guy who started out with 40 subscribers and is now down to 39, I too would like that.
What does writing a beautiful spleen mean to YOU
I second this question đ¤Ł
I would love to hear your shout and esp the WHY...:)
Working on a collection of spooky/thrilling stories that will be dropping weekly. If youre interested!
As long as, Vinnie, your collection of spooky/thrilling stories only drop weekly, and not weakly! Aye, there's the rub!! Good luck & write on!
Me too! Lol...mine are about the real world, though. For real, I can't stomach that genre, but I'll keep it in mind if come across people who love that stuff! Keep up the creative flow!
Becauseeee I write things that you may be interested innnn!
That applies to us all, theoretically, lol. Do you know what I am interested in? I am interested in people who are brave about the truth, passionate about love, curious about fresh perspective and open to intuition as well as critical thinking. I am interested in kindness and nature and exposing corruption so we can choose anew the paths in life that have been hidden from us, the win-win-wins for the people, for example. I am interested in that which is funny and innocent and freeing and joying and loving.
I want to write something truthful and political, but I'm worried it will backfire on me. At the same time, I'm trying to tread carefully, but I get where you're coming from. You're like the 20th person who tells me to do something similar! I will consider it! :)
:) You listen to your inner compass. If you do that, you'll be guided well. what comes to mind is that a rocketship also backfires. That is how it launches. I seek to offend no one only to offend but if the truth that needs speaking offends, so be it. Love is gentle and fierce.
Hi, I enjoy emerging writer series on âThe Audacityâ - https://audacity.substack.com/
If you would like to check my work, I love to write about how I am learning to be a holistic mum. https://torontorafter.substack.com/
I want to give a shout out to Everything is Amazing!
https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/
Ahhh! Thank you, Florence! And also THANK YOU for yours, which is fantastic and which I am a very proud subscriber of.
Aw, it's a very mutual feeling!
I enjoy this too!
Thank you! :) That means a lot.
Ha, you beat me to it. Nice job, Mike!
Cheers! (And nice job on yours! I'm greatly enjoying.)
Very kind -- means a lot to a fledgling writer. :)
Hi Florence !
Hi Bailey, hope you're well!
I like Cheryl Strayed and Lauren Houghâs. My Substack is 52 Prompts. I send out a themed writing prompt every Friday. Last monthâs theme was travel and adventure.
Ugh I love Cheryl Strayed so much but haven't checked out Lauren Hough's! I'll give it a look. And as a writer always looking for ideas, I'll check yours out too! Thanks for sharing :)
Well that sounds fun and beneficial. I'm coming to the newsletter to check it out
Shoutout to Melinda who is being vulnerable and honest in her art journey: https://hopemail.substack.com/p/the-half-month-project-pop-up-newsletter-579?r=7vmpu&utm_medium=ios
Also a reader of Hopemail and have been enjoying Melinda's unfolding artistic journey :)
Agreed, I also love following Melinda's journey
A really obvious shoutout maybe because the newsletter is very successful. But Ryan Broderick's Garbage Day makes me (43-year-old me) feel very smart about what young people are doing online. So I don't totally embarrass myself when talking to them!
https://www.garbageday.email/
Oh I love garbage day!ďżź
It's a great place to laugh and feel really old all at once!
I recommend Freddie DeBoerâs substack. Heâs threading a needle that desperately needs threading; heâs a serious leftist who is unapologetic about pointing out self-indulgent and ill-advised nonsense from social-media-era leftists. If youâre on the left, I hope you realize the importance of having the kinds of conversations Freddie starts.
Thereâs a tendency to slam the right, while avoiding self-awareness about our sideâs human frailties. This is dangerous, and voices like Freddieâs are a healthy antidote to this sort of left-wing navel-gazing.
Shoutout to Stygi https://midweekcrisis.Substack.com Great music every week đś
There are many Substacks that I read and enjoy. One that I have been recently checking out is A Grain of Salt by Kate Raphael. Smart, incisive personal essays. Well worth a subscribe: https://kateraphael.substack.com/
Thank you so much, Robert!
Shoutout to Joe Mayall https://joewrote.substack.com/ who writes about socialist policy, something we need now more than ever when the current political parties and capitalist system are completely failing us. His newsletter is a must-read and so timely for this political moment.
I've been reading Amaya Lim's Record Store https://recordstore.substack.com/. She's a masterful playlist curator whose format I used as part of a final exam for my Writing About Music students at St. John's University. She goes deep into three of the songs on each post, so there is good analytical, critical writing in a very natural voice. I'm thinking I should add more playlists, possibly as a weekly or biweekly special for paid subscribers only. I call them "conscious playlists" because each selection requires a certain amount of thought to justify its presence in the list.
Great music finds & unique writing style - 'Record Store' has both. I purely enjoy every single issue đśâ¨đ
Thanks for the rec, Wayne! I just subscribed to yours. I write about music and am also a contributor to The Music Museum of New England, but my Substack is a little bit of everything!
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning whether it be travel, food, or music adventures. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
BTW, I am writing a Stevie Wonder post from a night of dining and clubbing and interview with him that should go up later today or early tomorrow. I'm also a New Orleans-o-phile, check my shout-out to WWOZ in the archives!
OMG that sounds amazing!! I am jamming out to WWOZ right now! One of my posts is about a life-changing Stevie concert I saw at JazzFest. https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/p/the-power-of-great-music-stevie-wonder?s=w
My latest JazzFest post will be up tomorrow! I will check your shout-out out! I also did a tribute to John Swenson here. https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/p/a-podcast-tribute-to-john-swenson?s=w
I definitely will check it out, Jessica B., it sounds like it's right up my alley. And thanks for the subscription, which I will reciprocate in a flash!
Thanks Wayne!
Record Store is fantastic!
Lately Iâve really been enjoying snack stack by Doug Mack - theyâre generally pretty short/digestible entries and always covering some piece of food history that I never would have known otherwise! Definitely an inspiration for some of my own writing.
https://www.snackstack.net/?r=iyyre&utm_medium=ios
Thanks for the recommendation Meghan. This sounds right up my street.
I love the Ask Polly newsletter, (https://askpolly.substack.com/) and Iâd love to collaborate since I write an advice column too.â¤ď¸
I love the shout-out thread! I never fail to find wonderful writers I can then subscribe to. But today I need to shout myself out!
I write two newsletters here on Substack: Writer Everlasting is my effort to build safe place and community of writers using over 40 years of ups and downs and insight into the creative aspects of our trade. It's the most rewarding writing I think I've ever done! But some of you don't know about it yet, so come on over and try it on for yourself: https://writereverlasting.substack.com/
My other newsletter, Constant Commoner, has morphed out of necessity into a place for activism and advocacy, and I'm slowly getting back into it after the death of my husband in March. Please visit me there, too, and join in if the spirit moves you. Good trouble! https://ramonagrigg.substack.com/
I run Zappagram which I'm branding as the mother of all music newsletters, but these fine folks run some mothers of music newsletters too! https://chriszappa.substack.com/recommendations
Hey hey writers, my nameâs Wesley and I just recently(ish) started a Substack where I write about everyday life and the pessimisms that follow. A lot of it is nonsensical, ramblesome, often a bit raunchy and definitely bite-sized -- would love for anyone to check it out and see what you think! Just under 20 dedicated subscribers but its been such a blast thus far.
Lately Iâm really enjoying Chuck Palahniukâs âPlot Spoilerâ and I just recently subscribed to âfirst datesâ by Scott Limbrick. Lots of great stuff out there. Happy to read othersâ work and see whats out there!
Happy writing and reading! đ
Hi Wesley, I just subscribed to yours, it resonated with me because it sounds similar to mine. I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. And from missing travel adventures to vegan food. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
Thanks Jessica -- I really like your succinct pieces and honesty in your writing. Subscribed!
Thank you, Wesley! Iâm enjoying yours as well!
I absolutely love Kyle Poyar's Growth Unhinged podcast (https://kylepoyar.substack.com/) and Ali Abouelatta's First 1000 (https://read.first1000.co/). Would definitely recommend to check them out if product, growth and marketing excites you!
Took heavy inspiration to start writing "To The Moon" about everything you need to know about growth as a startup operator đ!
Great selections!
I've been posting a thread on story structure since June, 2021 and Unschool for Writers is the thread I most consistently read. https://unschoolforwriters.substack.com
Yes! Alison is great
Hey everyone! I write The Bookhouse Blog on books, new releases, and reading recommendations. https://bookhouseblog.substack.com/
Iâd love it if you would check me out, subscribe, and share with others you know who might like it!
For my shoutout - I love Sara from FictionMatters and her weekly newsletter!
https://fictionmatters.substack.com/
Check out Lynn Mann's fiction if you haven't! Horses, Dystopia, Utopia, How to get from one to the other. Enlightenment too, and overcoming fears with mindfulness all woven into the fiction series.
Recommendations are pretty dope. One of the newsletters I am recommending has gotten almost 400 subscribers, we all grow together.
Holy sh*t. That's awesome!
I recommend Ted Gioia "The Honest Broker" https://substack.com/profile/4937458-ted-gioia
Ted is a music commentator, more specifically focused on jazz, but often has broader insights as well. He recently won two awards, specifically for this blog: the Jazz Journalists Association has chosen The Honest Broker as blog of the year, and also the Robert Palmer-Helen Oakley Dance Award for Excellence in Writing.
some friends i like a lot on here:
https://chrisduffy.substack.com/
https://jasminsinger.substack.com/
https://newmusicforolds.substack.com/
and
i always love george saunders though i don't know him personally (YET?!?!):
https://georgesaunders.substack.com/
Hi all! I really admire and enjoy The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad. https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/. It's resonates with me because of the shared experiences the community has with hardships, illness, and creating art when it counts the most.
I write "Morning After Thoughts with Jessica B. Sokol." Every few days I reflect light and share three early morning introspections from sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers. I've started a community to share what's on your mind first thing in the morning. I hope you'll check it out! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/
Curiosity Chronicle by Sahil Bloom supplies a healthy dose of mental models for a productive life:
https://sahilbloom.substack.com/
I really love The Spread: https://www.thespread.media which is a round-up women's news, as well as Kathryn Jezer Morton's Mother's Under the Influence: https://mothersundertheinfluence.substack.com but she actually just announced she's leaving Substack for a position at The Cut. I'm only one-month into my Substack journey and enjoying it so far!
Wow! Thanks for sharing The Spread! I've just signed up, and I can't wait to read more. Good trouble!
Glad you like it! Their writing is top notch and every newsletter is information dense
I'm really enjoying the every day boost of happiness from This Day's Joy --
https://thisdaysjoy.substack.com
I just published my One-Year Substack Anniversary post last week, and it is full of fellow Substackers Iâve been honored to befriend and collaborate with:
https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/my-one-year-substack-anniversary
One of the most unique voices Iâve encountered is Sage Hana (https://sagehana.substack.com/), who is writing a hilarious post-pomo meta sci-fi retro-futuristic techno-horror serial novella featuring many of the Substackers in our circle. I was honored to be introduced as a major character starting in Episode 6 (https://sagehana.substack.com/p/gas-tank-29-the-serial-novel-7ca).
Happy one year, Margaret!
Thank you, Katie! As I describe in the post, Substack has completely transformed my life and enabled me to fulfill my deepest purpose! đ
Great stuff. Lots of inspiration. For something different I like https://pekingnology.substack.com/
If you are a food lover who appreciates nutrition and simplicity in preparation, please check out my monthly recipe newsletter!! All of the proceeds go towards my bone marrow stem cell treatments.
Looks great Rachel. Always good to see more food and drink writers.
Thank you, Jamie!
That is great!
Figured Iâd give another quick shoutout to Geary Johansen who writes the Omega Inflection and also to Justin Stapley who writes Self Evident.
https://selfevident.substack.com/
https://geary.substack.com/
I just want to share my stories this time if that's okay? Have a blessed day everyone. https://penniersn.substack.com/
My recommendations page features a handful of Substacks that mainly zero in on spirituality with a hint of mysticism, since that's what I like to read and write. Any other nature-based/spiritual/Christian mysticism writers out there? Reply below!! Help me find you! đż
https://sereid.substack.com/recommendations
Not really writing mysticism but I read a good article on Catholic mysticism here: https://bedethomas.substack.com/p/be-a-mystic
Hope you enjoy!
Thank you for the recommendation, and your newsletter looks wonderful, too! Subbed!
Subbed back and found a couple interesting looking 'stacks on your list of subscriptions! Thank you!
Thank YOU, very much! I mostly follow Celtic Christian faith myself but I have ecumenical tastes, so I definitely enjoy exploring Catholic mystic ideas as well. :)
Shouting out Katie Hawkins-Gaar and My Sweet Dumb Brain! Love her reflective, vulnerable style of writing about life and all of its intricacies.
mysweetdumbbrain.substack.com
Katie! Thank you!! Thatâs so kind. I feel the same way about Everyday Woo! đŽ
I unhinged from âmainstream mediaâ during the Trump years.
Was stoked to see Pulitzer Prize journalist Chris Hedges was now in the family here.
Highly recommended his Chris Hedges Report:
https://chrishedges.substack.com/
I'd love to give a shoutout to Uprooted, a really thoughtful newsletter about sustainability, regeneration and decolonising our thoughts. I appreciate how she doesn't shy away from complexity and questioning herself. Every edition super valuable. https://kamea.substack.com/
Shoutout for Thomas J Bevan's 'The Commonplace' (https://thomasjbevan.substack.com/)
A blend of character-driven short stories and a deep catalogue of weekly essays on everything from the Beach, Being Broke and his pièce de rÊsistance: The Soaring Twenties.
Maybe it's just because it's finally spring and I'm desperate for my garden to start producing fresh veggies. But also, it's so well written-- engaging, informative, and funny. That would be Department of Salad. What a joy! https://emilyrnunn.substack.com/
Thanks for stopping by Asha!
Recommendations have been such a great feature. I love showing my support for my fellow writers and itâs been encouraging to see how many people are recommending my work.
Today, Iâm shouting out my wifeâs brand new Substack called Put Your Food to Work. Sheâs a registered dietitian and she cooks amazing, healthy food for our family everyday. In her newsletter, youâll get her practical tips on eating better without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank. Check out her first piece here: https://putyourfoodtowork.substack.com/p/are-you-going-to-eat-that?s=r
Exciting! Congrats to your wife, Allison.
Glad you are enjoying recommendations, Lyle.
Iâm really enjoying Kate McDermottâs newsletter lately
https://katemcdermott.substack.com/
Yes! Kate leads a monthly meetup with food writers too :) https://lu.ma/dx3ytgf5
always makes me think: https://www.strangeloopcanon.com/
always makes me laugh: https://emilykirkpatrick.substack.com/
yes yes yes! Hello Shaiyan!
Hello