20 Things I Learned In 2024

Reflections on my 4th (!) year running the newsletter

Welcome to Human Pursuits, the column that features need-to-know names and stories in media and other creative spaces. Today, we’re taking a quick look back at the year that was, as well as a hint of what’s to come.

I’m usually too preoccupied with the present to think about the past.

But the days are short and work is slowing down and I suddenly have a few spare moments to reflect on the year that was.

Simply put, 2024 was one of the best years of my life.

I met new and interesting people. I traveled. I got married. I even posted a Substack Note that got more than 1 like (if you use the platform, you get it).

But I also faced new challenges. I struggled with burnout trying to schedule the newsletter around my work and responsibilities. Sometimes I let internet metrics dictate how I felt about Human Pursuits.

If 2023 was defined by my desire to provide the newsletter with a sense of direction, then 2024 was about following that direction and truly dialing in. Developing systems to take myself and you, the audience, where we want to go.

These weren’t always successful. But, generally, I would say experimenting paid off. I increased my number of posts by 15% and grew my subscriber count by a whopping 79%.

On the surface, it sort of feels like my grandest ambitions have been scaled back. There was no zine this year, no t-shirts. But there was also less stress, less uncertainty.

Because of this, I think the “product” got a lot better. The interviews have become more focused, easier to read. Same with the Oh Messy Life columns, which I debuted on a whim, and feel very happy about (despite having not posted one in weeks).

In other words, I have a clearer picture of what the newsletter is, and what I’m trying to accomplish with every post.

I’m also confident enough to know that I can take a quick break to rest and recharge.

With this in mind, there will be no new ‘sletter next week, since I know nobody is really checking their inbox anyway. But don’t worry, I have plenty in store for you already.

Here’s a hint: it rhymes with Chopper Toons.

Me when I go to Alex and Kate’s (photo taken by Michelle).

🎁 HUMAN PURSUITS WRAPPED ‘24 🎁

Total posts: 51

Interviews booked: 26

Interviews requested: 54 (this number is probably closer to 60; I stopped tracking in the fall)

Words written: 106,813

Estimated reading time: 531 minutes

Proper Chunes recommended: 18

Charly Bliss album reviews: 1

References to Phialdelphia’s short kings: 2

📝 24 THINGS I LEARNED IN 2024 📝

1. Norman Brannon reinforced the idea that you are only as good as your systems when he told me that he was always looking for two quotes in every Anti-Matter interview – one to promote the piece on social media, the other to springboard the essay. Wouldn’t you know it? Pull quotes have appeared in every conversation I’ve published since.

2. Since we’re on the topic of newsletter formatting: Maxwell Tani inspired me to take a new approach when he mentioned Semafor’s media newsletter tries to chunk things out “so the mind is constantly being refreshed.” In other words, people like variety. Give it to them.

3. eliza mclamb taught me that it’s not your responsibility as a creator (or a human) to absorb what people project onto you. Whatever you think of me is, frankly, none of my business!

4. At the same time, Kate Black was right when she said that sharing your work with other people can offer a sense of “communion.” For instance, I felt a deep communion with her when she said “I don’t find writing pleasurable, so I need a carrot and a stick and a gun and a cheque waiting for me to actually do something.” Bars.

5. I also felt a sense of communion with PI.FYI founder Tyler Bainbridge. His site is a lot bigger than HuPu but they share a similar sensibility. Specifically, the idea that “they’re both character portraits.”

6. Essentially, character portraits are just a study in minutiae. Which is probably why Charly Bliss frontwoman Eva Hendricks gave me goosebumps when she said “You should mine your experiences to the point of ridiculousness — that is what people care about.”

7. Few people understand my Pisces dreams quite like Dirt CEO Daisy Alioto. So when she explained that newsletters and other media companies are really just small businesses I listened. And when she wrote about the Earth Room, I cried (but only a little).

8. Cloud Nothings frontman Dylan Baldi reminded me that, as horrible as the world can seem, “It’s better to try and see something positive.” Put another way: you’ll be alright, just give more than you take.

9. Meaghan Garvey was so right when she said “normal guys” are not normal. I think about this constantly. Also, fuck, she published some great writing this year. Banger after banger.

10. Caitlin Dewey clocked the newsletter eco-system when she suggested Substack is just the disaggregation of the conventional news package, which used fluff to support actual, hard-hitting journalism. We’re living in a marshmallow world, babes.

11. But it’s not all bad. A show like Subway Takes somehow manages to be both fluffy and thought-provoking. Probably because Kareem Rahma understands that audiences are much smarter than we give them credit for. Also, the DM he shared from Rami inspired me to simplify many of my emails. Shout out Rami!

12. Somewhat related: if you’re feeling bad, try embracing beauty. I started getting regular pedicures and I am so serious when I tell you it did wonders for my self-esteem. To quote Sable Yong, “When you look good, you feel good, it boosts your confidence, and people perceive you differently.” This self-confidence probably helped me secure interviews with need-to-know names in media and other creative spaces, but who knows.

13. On that note, no journalist understands the attention economy, and how to capitalize on it, like Taylor Lorenz. Trust her when she says “Prestige is complete bullshit”.

14. It wasn’t a major part of our interview, but I loved Alyssa Vingan on clickbait:

    “I think we all have to play the game to some extent. I wouldn’t shy away from interviewing a guest who’s been called out for their past behaviour, or who is known for stirring up controversy… The thing I’m being strict about, though, is, whether the person is willing to take a hardball question.

15. Speaking of clickbait – the funniest conversation I published this year was miranda reinert on how there are no tall men in Philly. Reader, I find this deeply amusing for reasons that are not entirely clear.

16. I’d also like to say that Rebecca Jennings killed me with her description of the Quebecois visiting Vermont. That story was extremely Wedge, as some might say.

17. I mentioned that 2024 was not without its challenges. But, honestly, most of those melted away chatting with Nicky Nine Doors. “Craft is what’s most important”.

18. My recent interview with Dagny Tepper took that idea of craft a step further. What if success wasn’t likes or subscriptions? What if it was self-actualization?

19. Looking back at these interviews now, each one offers a snapshot of my life in the moment. The clearest example is my chat with Eva ahead of my wedding, but it’s even there with Nick Pachelli. In other words, this place was built by someone going through some shit.

20. Similar to last year’s entry about Deanie Chen, I cannot help but be impressed by Ammir Shah’s commitment to the U.S. leg of The Eras Tour. That man was living under cover of darkness in order to livestream the shows. It reminded me of waking up at 5 A.M. to write most of this year’s newsletters. Whatever it takes, for as long it takes me.