Letter 57: Noteworthy Newsletters, Vol. 2
Letter 57: Noteworthy Newsletters, Vol. 2
When we share our new favorites
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Three cheers for making it to Wednesday!
Molly and I are hitting pause on our contributed letters today to share our favorite email newsletters. We did this last year, too, which you can read here. We would love to hear your favorites in the comments, as well! —Emily
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
Fran Lebowitz
Emily
“ParentData makes sense of the latest data about pregnancy and parenting, and, sometimes, COVID-19.”
I became aware of Emily Oster’s book Expecting Better when I was pregnant in late 2019. I love how she simply analyzes the data surrounding many aspects of parenthood, breaking down the why behind much of the advice. Shockingly, many times the data does not support the guidance. In ParentData, Oster continues her work in real-time, covering new studies and research reports on everything from the recently approved COVID vaccine for children under five, getting botox while breastfeeding, to the AAP’s new recommendation to breastfeed for two years. She’s fabulous, measured, and trustworthy.
“[The Conscious Connection] is about transforming your parenting experience.”
I found Bryana’s Conscious Mommy IG account earlier this year and immediately signed up for her newsletter when it dropped a few weeks ago. She is a licensed family therapist and has amazing insight into the most difficult parts of parenting little humans. I love her advice, especially in regard to the practice of parenting consciously, which means with the intention of treating our children the way we would like to be treated.
“Nedra Glover Tawwab writes weekly about mental health and maintaining healthy relationships with self and others.”
I’m sure if you’re on Instagram you’ve come across a Nedra Tawwab graphic. She is so incredibly wise and has the best advice for keeping emotional boundaries in place when you’re feeling a little lost. In Nedra Nuggets, she expands on topics she covers on her IG account and includes a list of fun media and resources she’s enjoying. I started watching Abbott Elementary based on her recommendation a few weeks ago!
Both
“An Anglican priest reflects on matters of faith in private life and public discourse.”
Both Molly and I included Tish Harrison Warren’s newsletter on our separate lists! I am a little bit obsessed with Tish—I’ve read both of her books (they are incredible) and frequently listen to podcast episodes on which she is a guest. My husband and I have recently started attending an Anglican church, and her voice has been a breath of fresh air for me. I love that her newsletter is reserved for reflecting on the point at which faith and real life intersect, forcing the reader to consider why we believe what we claim to.
Molly
“The New Happy is a science-backed philosophy helping you find true, lasting happiness. No spam, just joy.”
You may know The New Happy from their jaunty infographics on Instagram. This simple, visually appealing tone carries through to their newsletter as well—full of thoughtful ways to reframe difficulties, insightful links, and inspiration. The brief levity is a welcome respite these days.
“The Isolation Journals was founded on the idea that life’s interruptions are invitations to deepen our creative practice.”
You’ve heard me talk about my love of Suleika Jaouad before; she’s absolutely incredible. A leukemia survivor in her 20s, Suleika (who is bravely fighting leukemia once more) started a 100-day creative project during the early days of covid-19 as it was a project her family did together when she was first sick. Suleika’s newsletter shares her writing and that of other great thinkers, artists, and musicians, along with journal prompts because she believes that one can use “creativity as a tool for survival.”
“Think more about the culture that surrounds you.”
Anne Helen Peterson, another Idahoan like me, shares that “newsletters are an imperfect and temporary fix for the broken and continually breaking journalism model,” and with this has created a robust newsletter focused on studying culture and its effects on us. With both paid and non-paid options, Petersen has a tremendous following and an eager comments section about all the things: “culture, tourism and feminism and consumerism and work practices.” Her insights and angles are curious and keep me thinking long after I’ve finished digesting her words.
Substack Finds!
Emily and I have been really enjoying digging into the new Substack app and finding some great new people to follow. (Have you tried it yet? It’s amazing!) It’s very easy to find new people to follow and support independent writing. A few suggestions:
Personally, I’m trying: Our very own contributor, Betsy Floyd, started her own newsletter recently, digging into the deep web of the self-help culture. Betsy’s humor has always been beyond her years and it’s in top-notch form here, as well.
A Grain of Salt: Kate shares her sharp wit and intellect in her bi-weekly newsletter about life as a 20-something. Her musings on her relationships, work, and writing keep me inspired that our younger generations are endlessly more thoughtful than we give them credit for.
What to Read If: You won’t be surprised that Emily and I love this one. Elizabeth’s tagline says it all: “Where book lovers find their next great read.” Each newsletter is organized by topics for books, “You’re Ready to Win Summer Reading Bingo,” “You Want a Short, Powerful Book,” or “You’re Ready for Wedding Season.” Elizabeth reviews books and interviews authors—all with cleverness, humor, and sharp intellect. We hope you like it as much as we do!
P.S. What about your favorite newsletters? Share them with us below in the comments!
Thank you for the shout out, Emily & Molly 💜
I think I’m addicted to email newsletters. So much so that if my inbox were real life it would look like a hoarder lived there. 😳 Having said that, two of my favorites (both can be found on the Substack app):
Letter From An American by Heather Cox Richardson
“Historians are fond of saying that the past doesn’t repeat itself; it rhymes.
To understand the present, we have to understand how we got here.
That’s where this newsletter comes in.
I’m a professor of American history. This is a chronicle of today’s political landscape, but because you can’t get a grip on today’s politics without an outline of America’s Constitution, and laws, and the economy, and social customs, this newsletter explores what it means, and what it has meant, to be an American.”
Design Mom by Gabrielle Stanley Blair
“ Welcome to the Design Mom newsletter, written by me, Gabrielle Stanley Blair — currently living in France, being curious about pretty much everything, writing viral Twitter threads, hosting discussions about current events, and parenting 6 kids, while renovating a house from the 1600s.
What can you expect from this newsletter? My thoughts in response to current events, links to other writings or stories that I find interesting, and whatever else this community is feeling curious about. I’ve felt a call to amplify women’s voices since I can remember, so I’ll be doing that too.”