Discover our Five Things I've Learned Friends on Substack
We love Substack! And Substack writers have delivered some some of our favorite Five Things I’ve Learned classes.
Meet our Five Things I’ve Learned friends on Substack!
We love Substack! And Substack writers have delivered some of our favorite Five Things I’ve Learned classes.
This quick index provides a direct link to the Substack newsletter of each of our friends currently writing on Substack – and to the Five Things I’ve Learned classes they’ve hosted.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cara Black’s Substack, Cara’s Substack, is a lively blend of literary insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses into her Paris-based crime novels, personal reflections on writing, and curated recommendations for readers who love mystery, history, and all things French.
Subscribe to Cara’s Substack here:
And: Discover Cara’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Crafting a Sense of Place, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this two-hour session, Cara shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that a strong sense of place anchors readers and draws them into the story
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Cara’s class right here on Substack.)
Bestselling author, editor, and teacher Sari Botton’s Substack, Oldster Magazine, “explores what it means to travel through time in a human body—of any gender, at every phase of life. It focuses on the good, the bad, and the ugly we experience with each milestone, starting early in life. It’s about the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures.”
Subscribe to Sari’s Substack here:
And: Discover Sari’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about What Aging Means to Oldsters, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Sari shares the Five Things She’s Learned about getting older by inviting others to share their own personal experiences of aging.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Sari’s class right here on Substack.)
Author and editor Mason Currey’s substack, Subtle Maneuvers explores the creative process, drawing lessons from artists of all kinds while reflecting on his own challenges with writing, productivity, and self-doubt. Over time it has evolved into both an ongoing meditation on how to make art and a community space where creative people share resources, connect, and support one another.
Subscribe to Mason’s Substack here:
And: Discover Mason’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Subtly Maneuvering the Creative Process, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Mason shares the Five Things He’s Learned from some of history’s greatest artists and thinkers about how they get their work done – and about the small changes we all can make to forge a more productive relationship with our own creative forces.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Mason’s class right here on Substack.)
Multi-award winning journalist and author Janine di Giovanni’s substack, Janine di Giovanni, focuses on her firsthand insights and commentary on war, human rights, and global conflict—drawing on her decades of experience as a journalist and war correspondent to document atrocities, justice, and the breakdown of international norms.
Subscribe to Janine’s Substack here:
And: Discover Janine’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about Moral Injury and its Personal Consequence and Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing Narrative Non Fiction, anytime at myfivethings.com.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to these on-demand classes – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Janine’s classes Five Things I’ve Learned about Moral Injury and its Personal Consequence and Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing Narrative Non Fiction, right here on Substack.)
Award-winning cartoonist Liza Donnelly’s Substack, Seeing Things is, as Liza puts it, a “community of people who love cartoons but are sort of serious too, and like to not only see and read observations about life, make them as well. And for people who have concerns about the world, but know how to be funny.”
Subscribe to Liza’s substack here:
And: Discover Liza’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Creativity, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Liza shares the Five Things She’s Learned from a lifetime of drawing and writing, and from the fulfillment that comes with looking inward and observing the world around you.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Liza’s class right here on Substack.)
Former Random House copy chief and author of Dreyer’s English Benjamin Dreyer’s substack, A Word About... is a free dive into Benjamin’s process, his observations of the world and specifically, the world of copyediting.
Subscribe to Benjamin’s substack right here:
And: Discover Benjamin’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Being Your Own Best Editor, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Benjamin shares the Five Things He’s Learned about how you can make your writing more effective, clearer, and sharper.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(View a Replay of the first five minutes of Benjamin’s class right here on Substack.)
Poet, novelist, songwriter, and teacher Joseph Fasano’s substack Joseph Fasano shares exclusive lectures, excerpts, new words, and reflections on language and meaning.
Subscribe to Joseph’s substack right here:
And: Discover Joseph’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about The Craft and Magic of Poetry, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Joseph shares the Five Things He’s Learned about how poetry works – and how poetry helps us all become better listeners to the world around us, to the voices of others, and to the voice within.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Joseph’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer and Executive Director of National Writing Month Grant Faulkner’s Substack, Intimations: A Writer’s Discourse, is, as he puts it, “a dose of creative writing for the soul.” As Grant writes, “I like to think about writing. I like to think about creativity. I like to think about how the creative process informs every aspect of our lives, whether it’s parenting or leading, loving or learning. And I like to write it all down and share my thoughts and enter into a conversation with others. Because life is just one wonderful series of conversations.”
Subscribe to Grant’s substack right here:
And: Discover Grant’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Be an Authorprenuer, hosted alongside Brooke Warner, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Grant shares the Five Things He’s Learned about selling your book and maintaining a living as writer today.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Grant’s classes, Five Thngs I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Be an Authorprenuer, Five Things I’ve Learned about The Art of Brevity, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing with Vulnerability and Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Finish a Book, right here on Substack.)
Sarah Fay’s substack Substack Writers at Work is designed to help writers grow their Substack platforms by offering expert guidance, proven strategies, and community support. Through workshops, personalized advice, and networking opportunities, Sarah empowers writers to increase subscribers, revenue, and reader engagement based on her experience helping over 600 clients and her personal success on Substack.
Subscribe to Sarah’s substack right here:
And: Discover Sarah’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing Illness, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Sarah shares the Five Things She’s Learned about what it means to write our stories of illness, injury, and recovery.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Sarah’s class right here on Substack.)
Best-selling author, essayist, public speaker, lyricist and libretto writer Adam Gopnik is on Substack. You can follow along his posts here.
And: Discover Adam’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about… Five Things I’ve Learned, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Adam shares the Five Things He’s Learned about the mystery of mastery – and about the ways that our humanity is immeasurably enriched in even the simplest things we set out to master.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Adam’s class right here on Substack.)
Eddie S. Glaude Jr’s substack A Native Son seeks to explore America's present struggles with race, democracy, and identity, drawing on history, literature, and personal reflection. Through various media formats — writing, video, and audio — he aims to create a community focused on reimagining a more just America, where diversity becomes the foundation of national unity.
Subscribe to Eddie’s substack right here:
And: Discover Eddie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about America’s Past, and it’s Urgent Lessons for Today, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Eddie shares the Five Things He’s Learned about keeping connected to the voices and visions of our country’s past – and about James Baldwin’s America and its urgent lessons for our own.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Eddie’s class right here on Substack.)
Culture journalist, author and teacher Will Hermes’s Substack Will Hermes: New Music + Old Music dives into both new and old music across a wide range of genres, offering thoughtful reviews, curated playlists, and deep dives to help you discover and enjoy great music.
Subscribe to Will’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Will’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing a Life Story, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Will shares the Five Things He’s Learned about telling someone else’s story – in ways that both pay tribute and preserve their personal history.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Will’s class right here on Substack.)
Award-winning poet, essayist, and translator Jane Hirshfield is on Substack. You can follow along her posts here.
And: Discover Jane’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Poems as Fields of Discovery, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Jane shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that poems’ original seeing can be invited, recognized, and worked with to open new depth, openness, and possibility – in words and in lives.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Jane’s class right here on Substack.)
Award-winning author and teacher Ann Hood’s substack, Ann’s Substack shares insights into her writing process, current projects, knitting adventures, and personal reflections on travel and life. Readers get a blend of literary updates, knitting tips, and musings on her nomadic experiences.
Subscribe to Ann’s substack right here:
And: Discover Ann’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Finding the Story Growing in Your Heart, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Ann shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how to bring the characters, conflicts, and plot points that keep you up at night from your heart to the page.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Ann’s class right here on Substack.)
Internationally-acclaimed writer Pico Iyer is on Substack. You can follow along his posts here.
And: Discover Pico’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Art of Stillness, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Pico shares the Five Things He’s Learned about opening up space in our heads, and in our days.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Pico’s class right here on Substack.)
Non-fiction writer, podcaster, and occasional TV host Steven Johnson’s Substack newsletter, Adjacent Possible, is, as Steven explains, “about innovation—past, present, and future. It explores the two questions that have really been at the center of his work for more than two decades: where do good ideas come from, and how can we keep those ideas from turning against us?” It’s also the best place to continue Steven’s ongoing exploration of the history of ideas, where good ideas come from, and the things that sometimes happen next when a good idea arrives.
Subscribe to Steven’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Steven’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Where Creativity Comes From, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Steven shares the Five Things He’s Learned about the critical tools innovative thinkers use to nurture their creative practice – and the five key questions consistently innovative people ask themselves most often.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Steven’s class right here on Substack.)
New York Times bestselling author Laurie R King is on Substack. You can follow along her posts here.
And: Discover Laurie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Characters Come to Life, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Laurie shares the Five Things She’s Learned about creating memorable characters who come to life for her readers.
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Laurie’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Characters Come to Life and Five Things I’ve Learned about What Makes Mysteries Great right here on Substack.)
Acclaimed journalist and historian Carol Kino is on substack. You can follow along her posts here.
And: Discover Carol’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Forgotten Heroines of American Feminism, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Carol shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the rewards and challenges that shaped life for American women after World War II – and the lessons their struggles offer us today.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Carol’s class right here on Substack.)
Former Wisconsin congressman and current podcast host scott klug's substack, Lost in the Middle: America’s Political Orphans delves into the experiences of America's politically disenchanted centrists, uncovering how the country reached its current state and spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals working to reshape the political landscape.
Subscribe to Scott’s substack right here:
And: Discover Scott’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about America – By Talking to Americans Lost in the Middle, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Scott shares the Five Things He’s Learned about America’s political orphans – the great majority of our fellow citizens who want leaders who approach their jobs with civility and are more interested in getting things done than political gamesmanship.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Scott’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer and speaker Stephanie Land’s substack, The Privilege to Feel is a reflection on her five-year journey as a published author and public speaker. It focuses on her desire to return to the roots of her writing, moving away from external pressures and deadlines to embrace self-reflection, personal storytelling, and the joy of writing for fun, while also addressing themes of resilience and navigating success after a period of financial hardship.
Subscribe to Stephanie’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Stephanie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing, From the Margins of America, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Stephanie shares the Five Things She’s Learned about writing that breaks down walls and encourages empathy toward others – and about how you can claim and share your personal expertise in your own writing.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Stephanie’s class right here on Substack.)
Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haims' substack, Julie’s Pod, offers personal reflections on life, human interactions, and the lessons she learns from everyday experiences. A New York Times bestselling author, she writes to connect with readers, sharing her honest thoughts and stories to help others feel understood and less alone. Her focus is on fostering connection, truth, and growth through candid storytelling.
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Julie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Making Love Work, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Julie shares the Five Things She’s Learned about deepening her ability to love others, and the practical steps that help her build, maintain, and celebrate her most important relationships.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Julie’s class right here on Substack.)
Best-selling writer Rebecca Makkai’s Substack, SubMakk, is, as Rebecca declares, “mostly writing and books! but also Zillow, true crime, etymology, food, general inanity.” It’s also a great way to get writing prompts and advice, direct from Rebecca, as well as her thoughts on books – her own and others. Rebecca also offers special posts for subscribers, and a writing advice column for subscribers only. She also posts things like deleted scenes from past books or sneak peaks of upcoming ones.
Subscribe to Rebecca’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Rebecca’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing While Parenting, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Rebecca shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how to navigate the joys and demands that come with creating art while at the same time keeping the people you love both safe and happy.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Rebecca’s classes Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing While Parenting, Five Things I’ve Learned about Getting Unstuck and Five Things I’ve Learned about Grasping Point of View – on the Page and in the World, right here on Substack.)
Singer/songwriter, producer, and author Allison Moorer’s Substack, Allison Moorer: The Autotelic is where as Allison puts it all – “writing, singing, anything I dream up – to chronice and share about this wild, beautiful, and imperfect journey.”
Subscribe to Allison’s substack right here:
And: Discover Allison’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about What Memoir Demands. And All it Makes Possible, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Allison shares the Five Things She’s Learned about sharing her family’s stories in prose and in song – and about all that taking ownership of our most personal stories makes possible.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Allison’s class right here on Substack.)
Celebrated novelist, essayist, short-story writer, and professor Peter Orner is on Substack. You can follow along his posts here.
And: Discover Peter’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about Prose Momentum – in Five Great Paragraphs, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Art of Re-Reading (and Re-Re-Reading), and Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing (by Not Writing) anytime at myfivethings.com.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitations to these on-demand classes – by following the link below:
Powered by People founder and former Texas State Congressman Beto O'Rourke’s substack, Beto’s Substack, explores politics, democracy, and social issues through personal reflections and storytelling. He connects historical and cultural experiences to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the need for hope, activism, and collective action.
Subscribe to Beto’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Beto’s (free!) class, Five Things I’ve Learned about America – and Our Common Ground, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Beto shares the Five Things He’s Learned about the common concerns and ideals that connect individuals and communities everywhere across America.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Beto’s class right here on Substack.)
Award winning author Susan Orlean’s Substack, Wordy Bird is a diverse exploration of the Susan’s interests, including fashion, writing, and everyday serendipities, offering musings, inquiries, and instructive insights on these subjects.
Subscribe to Susan’s Substack here:
And: Discover Susan’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Finding the Perfect Story, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Susan shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that writers and readers can look at the world – and at stories – in new and inspiring ways.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Susan’s class right here on Substack.)
Novelist and podcast host Holly Lynn Payne’s substack, Power of Page One is a newsletter and community dedicated to helping writers craft irresistible first pages that hook readers, agents, and editors—offering weekly insights, expert advice, and practical strategies inspired by the Page One Podcast and master storytellers.
Subscribe to Holly Lynn’s substack here:
And: Discover Holly Lynn’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Power of Page One, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Holly Lynn shares the Five Things She’s Learned about a book’s critical first page – and about how you can ensure your opening paragraphs do all they can to hook readers and keep them reading.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Holly Lynn’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer, editor, and teacher Maya C. Popa’s Substack, Poetry Today began, as she puts it, so she could “talk about my great passions: poetry, wonder, and mindset, with a nice helping of apocryphal and weird literary stuff (see: Emily Dickinson’s gingerbread recipe) sprinkled in.” Maya also wanted to debunk the idea that academic writing must be inaccessible or riddled with jargon. Thus, Poetry Today was born.
Subscribe to Maya’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Maya’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Poetic Form, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Maya shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that poetic form both organizes and conveys our essential emotions and insights.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Maya’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer, trainer, life coach, and former cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist Donald J. Robertson’s substack, Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life features writings, podcasts, and resources on Stoicism and psychology that show how ancient philosophy can be applied to modern life.
Subscribe to Donald’s Substack right here:
And: Discover Donald’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Ancient Wisdom for Modern Anxiety, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Donald shares the Five Things He’s Learned from the wisdom of the ancient Stoics about coping with anxiety and developing emotional resilience.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Donald’s class right here on Substack.)
Bestselling author Ingrid Rojas Contreras is on Substack. You can follow along her posts here.
And: Discover Ingrid’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Creativity – by Writing Through Crisis, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Ingrid shares the Five Things She’s Learned about writing and creativity – and about the artistic necessity to write from the emotional landscape of crisis.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Ingrid’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer and teacher Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Substack, Sitting in Silence is a reflective space where he delves into the intricacies of writing, offering insights on craft, sharing personal experiences, and exploring the emotional landscape of the creative process—including its challenges and joys.
Subscribe to Maurice’s substack here:
And: Discover Maurice’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned Too Late about Publishing My First Book, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Maurice shares the Five Things He’s Learned about how to make the most of your one opportunity to announce yourself to the world – and to set the tone for the writing life you wish to have.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Maurice’s class right here on Substack.)
Best selling author, Michael Ruhlman’s Substack, Ruhlman's Newsletter, a biweekly mix of food writing, recipes, cocktails, travel stories, and cultural recommendations, offering a personal glimpse into Michael’s passion for cooking, dining, and exploration.
Subscribe to Michael’s substack right here:
And: Discover Michael’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing, By Writing about Food, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Michael shares the Five Things He’s Learned about writing and living well – while writing about food, cooking, and life in a kitchen.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Michael’s class right here on Substack.)
Acclaimed writer and interviewer Michael Shapiro’s Substack, Between the Lines, offers behind-the-scenes, deeply reported explorations of overlooked political issues, alongside reflections on music and travel, grounded in intellectual humility and open, community-driven dialogue.
Subscribe to Michael’s substack right here:
And: Discover Michael’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Art of the Interview, hosted alongside Pico Iyer, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Michael shares the Five Things He’s Learned from experience about the art of the interview.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Michael’s class right here on Substack.)
Best-selling writer and poet Maggie Smith’s substack, For Dear Life with Maggie Smith offers a personal and community-driven space for writing insights, creative inspiration, and reflections on life’s beauty and challenges, free from social media algorithms.
Subscribe to Maggie’s substack right here:
And: Discover Maggie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Creativity – During Times of Upheavel, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Maggie shares the Five Things She’s Learned about what it means to prioritize your creative practice in ways that allow you to stay productive and feel most like yourself – no matter what the rest of your life looks like.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Maggie’s class right here on Substack.)
Novelist, memoirist, cultural critic, and screenwriter Matthew Specktor’s Substack, Slow Players explores overlooked or underappreciated art—books, films, music, and more—delving into personal reflections and rabbit holes to share the quiet joys of discovery with readers.
Subscribe to Matthew’s substack right here:
And: Discover Matthew’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing the Self in Memoir and Fiction, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Matthew shares the Five Things He’s Learned about the powerful ways that the imagination can operate in nonfiction writing – and how reality can add truth and ballast to fiction.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Matthew’s class right here on Substack.)
Best-selling author and former Republican strategist Stuart Stevens is on Substack. You can see his reposts here.
And: Discover Stuart’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about America – and the Forces Driving Democracy to Autocracy, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Stuart shares the Five Things He’s Learned about his old party and its role in the coordinated forces working to end American democracy as we know it – and what we must do today to fight back. As Lincoln Project Senior Advisor and media company Resolute Square partner, fighting back is what Stuart does every day.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Stuart’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer, poet, and minister Danté Stewart’s substack, The American Thread explores the hidden stories, defining moments, and ordinary lives that shaped the fabric of the nation. Through essays, narratives, interviews, and reflections he unravels the beauty and complexity of the American experience.
Subscribe to Danté’s substack right here:
And: Discover Danté’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about the Power of Narrative, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Danté shares the Five Things He’s Learned about storytelling’s power and magic, and all that happens when readers encounter stories that help them get safely through to the other side.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Danté’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer and teacher Laurie Stone’s substack, Everything is Personal, seamlessly blends fiction, memoir, criticism, and social commentary in a conversational tone, offering readers a distinctive literary experience. The platform fosters a vibrant community through interactive discussions and features monthly Zoom conversations and workshops focused on creative writing and literary craft.
Subscribe to Laurie’s substack right here:
And: Discover Laurie’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about How to Write a Seductive Sentence, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Laurie shares the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that great writing delivers genuine pleasure for the reader – and the writer.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Laurie’s class right here on Substack.)
Writer, feminist, mother, traveler, & extroverted hermit Cheryl Strayed’s Substack, Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar, delivers one letter from a month in both written and audio form, access to the full Dear Sugar archives, occasional bonus content, all her free newsletters (which I publish 4-6 times a year), the ability to comment on all posts, and – as she puts it – “my eternal gratitude.”
Subscribe to Cheryl’s substack right here:
And: Discover Cheryl’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Nurturing Your Artistic Life (While Keeping the Almighty List), anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Cheryl shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how to honor your desire to create and see your projects through – even when your demanding life makes it feel impossible.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Cheryl’s class right here on Substack.)
Poet, author, actress, and director Amber Tamblyn’s substack, Listening in the Dark with Amber Tamblyn is a newsletter and community focused on authenticity, connection, and reclaiming joy in a fractured world, featuring essays, cultural reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactive discussions on intuition, creativity, and social change.
Subscribe to Amber’s substack right here:
And: Discover Amber’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Creativity – and about Harnessing our Emotions in the Service of Art, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Amber shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how to harness our emotions into the full force of our creative work — and how to put all that we’re feeling about the state of the world to good use.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Amber’s class right here on Substack.)
Scholar, writer, translator, and teacher Robert Thurman’s Substack, Blue Sky Common Sense with T Bob Thurman offers a blend of Buddhist philosophy, personal reflections, and practical wisdom aimed at fostering compassion and insight in everyday life.
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And: Discover Bob’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Wisdom, Bliss and Openness, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Bob’s shares the Five Things He’s Learned about achieving reliable and lasting happiness during his lifetime learning and teaching the Buddha’s curriculum.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Bob’s class right here on Substack.)
Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel Alexander Vindman’s Substack, Why It Mattersfocuses on providing concise and insightful analyses of geopolitics and national security. Drawing on Alexander's decades of defense and national security experience, the newsletter offers accessible assessments of complex global events, translating them for an audience seeking informed perspectives without the need for extensive time or expertise.
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And: Discover Alexander’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Responding to Russian Aggression and the War in Ukraine, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Alexander shares the Five Things He’s Learned about this critical time in history from his years engaging with Russia’s military and political leadership.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Alexander’s class right here on Substack.
Editor and publisher Brooke Warner’s Substack, Brooke’s Substack, tracks some what she sees happening in the book publishing industry—all its wildness and ups and downs. As she explains, her Substack is written from the point of view of “an insider who’s been in publishing for the past 23 years, who’s seen a lot of changes and upheavals and who still knows there’s no place else she’d rater be.”
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And: Discover Brooke’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Be an Authorprenuer, hosted alongside Grant Faulkner, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Brooke shares the Five Things She’s Learned about selling your book and maintaining a living as writer today.
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Brooke’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Be an Authorprenuer, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Threshold Moments Shape Our Stories, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Women Writers Thrive, Five Things I’ve Learned about Giving Voice to What Matters in the New Year, Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Finish a Book, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Creative Women Thrive and Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Get Published right here on Substack.)
Author and critic Alissa Wilkinson’s substack, Commonplace Book is a space in which she writes “just a little bit — about a show I’ve seen, a pattern I’ve noticed, a movie I like, a recent adventure, something I’ve been cooking, some element of the writing life. It might be a reflection on a theme that keeps surfacing, notes on craft, recommendations, or some half-formed thoughts I’ve been messing around with.”
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And: Discover Alissa’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about The Power and Peril of Mythmaking, from Joan Didion, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this session, Alissa shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how we develop our personal mythologies by studying and writing about Joan Didion.
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Alissa’s class right here on Substack.)
Ex-Republican political strategist, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, and best-selling author Rick Wilson’s Substack is a fearless space for truth-seekers and democracy defenders, where Rick battles against authoritarianism, cruelty, and chaos while building an enlightened community.
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And: Discover Rick’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about How We Win the Messaging Wars and Save Democracy, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Rick shares the Five Things He’s Learned about what we can do right away to ensure that America survives – and about the perspective you need to make sure your time and your attention are focused on all we need to do together.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Rick’s class right here on Substack.)
Poet Matthew Zapruder’s substack, Matthew’s Substack blends personal reflections, literary news, upcoming events, and humor, while fostering connection with readers through musings on creativity, hope, and resilience in challenging times.
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And: Discover Matthew’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about Maintaining a Creative Practice in the Chaos, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Matthew shares the Five Things He’s Learned about the practical and spiritual techniques that have most helped him keep the faith and keep going as a creative artist – and how you can better how to adapt your creative practice to a busy life full of relationships and obligations.
Learn more – and view his personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Matthew’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about Honoring Family as a Source of Creativity and Five Things I’ve Learned about Maintaining a Creative Practice in the Chaos, right here on Substack.)
Investigative journalist Larissa Zimberoff‘s Substack, Technically Food, is her bi-weekly newsletter about food and technology. As she explains, her aim is “to give you the context behind what’s bubbling up in the food world.”
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And: Discover Larissa’s class, Five Things I’ve Learned about What Will Be On Our Plate in Ten Years, anytime at myfivethings.com. In this on-demand session, Larissa shares the Five Things She’s Learned about how technology is reshaping our food and reimagining our food system – and what these changes mean for people who love food.
Learn more – and view her personal video invitation to this on-demand class – by following the link below:
(You can view a Replay of the first five minutes of Larissa’s class right here on Substack.)
Subscribe for free to MyFiveThings on Substack and get $10 off any individual class at myfivethings.com. You’ll also receive timely Substack newsletters with details of great upcoming live classes.




















































































Thank you!
Really looking forward to be a part of this. ♥️