In this newsletter: World Literature Guide, TukTuk Radio, Partenope, Reading Maps, The Traveller & Art Music.

📘De Steinz: How To Map World Literature

One of my favorite books, De Steinz is an atlas of world literature featuring 416 authors, literary maps, reading lists, and book webs.

Since the book is little known outside the Netherlands, I wanted to share it with a wider audience.

Exactly 10 years after Pieter’s passing, I had the honor of interviewing his daughter Jet about the book, their shared love of literature, and her father’s work. She also shares 15 of her favorite book recommendations.

Read the interview here!

🛺 TukTuk Radio (Thailand)

If you like Tiny Desk or My Analog Journal, check out TukTuk Radio. It’s exactly what the name suggests: DJs playing sets from moving TukTuks.

But my favorite session is actually a Molam rooftop set. If you like the sound, check out more about Thai Molam music here.

👣 Reading Maps (Global)

Ever wondered where your favorite protagonists traveled?

Reading Maps lets you follow their journeys, from Odysseus’ route in The Odyssey to the shepherd boy’s travels in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, and many more.

🍿Partenope (Italy)

One of my global movie directors is Paolo Sorrentino. I’ve featured him in the newsletter before, and finally got around to watching one of his latest films, Partenope.

The story follows Partenope, a young woman of extraordinary beauty, as she navigates life, love, and growing older. It’s classic Sorrentino, with stunning cinematography, but once you realize that Partenope (the ancient Greek name for Naples) also represents the city, the film takes on a whole other layer.

📕 The Traveller (Cook Islands)

I’ve written about Andrea Wulf before (#9 in travel books), but I’m currently obsessed with her new book, The Traveller.

It follows George Forster, an unconventional young naturalist who traveled through Russia with his father by age ten, and at 17 joined Captain Cook’s second voyage to the far reaches of the Pacific. From New Zealand to Tahiti and Easter Island, much of what he encountered was still unknown to Europeans.

It’s a wonderful combination of travel writing and history. If they taught history like this in schools, we’d all be hooked.

🎙️ Earthsignchels & Aja Monet (US/UK)

I don’t feature much music from the US or UK, since the whole point is to discover music from different parts of the world. But when something is this good, I give myself permission.

Two artists I want to highlight for their artistic value are Earthsignchels (clip above) and Aja Monet, who turns poetry into music with why my love? and elsewhere.

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A newsletter I never skip. Recomendo’s 6 weekly recommendations make it one of my top 3 newsletters of all time.

Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

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Today marks the newsletter’s 5-year anniversary! 🥳 A special shout-out to those who’ve been here for years!

In this newsletter: Maasai Fundraiser, Global Movie Directors, Congo Journey, Quechua Movie, ZigZag FM & Nigerian Art.

🎓Maasai Education Fundraiser (Kenya)

A few weeks ago, I asked if you’d be willing to help fund the education of Moses, a young Maasai from Kenya.

The campaign is now live, and we’ve already raised the first €1,000!

I met Moses a few years ago when I hired him to write about Maasai culture. He used the money to pay for his nursing studies, and after working together, we stayed in touch and became friends.

Since graduating, he’s opened a health clinic in his community and started a youth forum to encourage young Maasai to pursue further education.

He’s now hoping to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and has many more plans for his community.

Raising the €3,300 needed isn’t easy, so I offered to help. I’ll pay the university directly and keep everyone posted on his progress.

Any support is much appreciated! You can contribute to the campaign here:
→ www.gofundme.com/f/fund-moses-education ←

🍿 Best Global Movie Directors

Some movie directors make such great films that whenever they release a new one, I’ll make sure to watch it.

Curious which ones?

Check out my 10 favorite movie directors from around the world.

📙 Congo by Redmond O’Hanlon

If you love a great adventure story, I highly recommend Congo by famous travel writer Redmond O’Hanlon.

He travels deep into the Congo in search of a mythical monster, while exploring local beliefs, fetishes, and culture. Despite bringing a foreign perspective, he makes a real effort to understand what he encounters, while being refreshingly self-critical and humorous.

For more on the country, its history, and local authors, check out my list of the best books about Congo DRC.

🎬 The Condor Daughter (Bolivia)

The Condor Daughter is a beautiful Quechua movie from Bolivia about a young woman growing up in an Indigenous Andean community of traditional midwives.

Clara has inherited the songs and traditions of the women around her, but dreams of leaving the mountains to become a singer in the city.

The film is beautifully shot and shows the difficult dilemma of choosing between the community and its traditions versus the novelty of the city.

For those in the US, the movie opens in NYC on September 11 and LA on September 18.

🎧 Zig Zag FM

Looking for new ways to discover music?

Zig Zag FM now offers early access to its world map, which lets you travel through countries and genres.

It reminds me a bit of Radiooooo, but it focuses more on genres (including electronic music) than countries.

🎨 Sanjo Lawal (Nigeria)

Keen to discover upcoming global artists? Check out Sanjo Lawal.

This Nigerian photographer is known for his unique and colorful prints, some of which are still fairly affordable for art collectors.

Check out his Instagram or browse his work.

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A newsletter I never skip. Recomendo’s 6 weekly recommendations make it one of my top 3 newsletters of all time.

Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

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This newsletter covers: Travel Books, 5 Personal Recommendations, Colombian Movie, Haitian Music, Korean Insights & Le Guess Who.

📘Top 10 Best Travel Books

Looking for your next summer holiday read?

I love armchair traveling through the stories of others abd made a compilation of some of my absolute favorite travel books.

🛠️ What’s in my NOW?

I’m really excited to have been featured in one of Kevin Kelly & crew’s newsletters. They asked me to share five recommendations and a quote.

Check it out below, and if you found me through What’s in My NOW, welcome to the newsletter!

What's in my NOW?

What's in my NOW? — Thomas Plaatsman

I’m a globally minded Dutchie who developed a passion for culture after having lived in Spain, Kenya, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Brazil. I now run a blog and newsletter to help curious individuals discover books, movies, and music from around the world and broaden their perspectives…

Read more

a month ago · 9 likes

🍿A Poet (Colombia)

I’d had this movie on my to-watch list for a while, and it didn’t disappoint.

A Poet tells the story of a once promising poet who’s now considered a failure, unable to make something of his life, jobless and struggling with alcoholism.

When he’s forced to take a job as a teacher, he discovers a talented young student and puts everything into turning her into a famous poet.

The film gradually shifts its focus from her talent to her socioeconomic background, turning it into part of the marketing. It made me wonder how often our desire to help is really about ourselves, rather than the person we're trying to help.

Check out more Colombian movies here.

🎵 Claudette et Ti Pierre (Haiti)

If it weren’t for Derrick Gee’s explanation, I would’ve guessed this was an Asian band. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Claudette et Ti Pierre, made up of singer Claudette Pierre-Louis and blind pianist Ti Pierre, were one of Haiti’s most popular musical duos throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Although their music lives on, the duo's journey came to an abrupt end during the political violence of 1991, when Ti Pierre was killed in a house fire and Claudette fled the country.

✉️ An Insider's Guide to Korea

I’ve written before about my favorite Korean books and movies, but if you really want to understand Korea, you should check out Stunning Korea.

After spending more than 10 years running tours for international visitors in Korea, Younsik realized that, beyond K-pop and a handful of popular books, there wasn’t much content explaining the country in a deeper way.

As he’s preparing for a PhD in Korean history, he launched his Substack where he shares everything he’s learning to help foreigners better understand Korea.

Youngsik Youn

I am a Korea-based writer, guide, and researcher with over a decade of experience introducing Korean history, culture, and daily life to international visitors and readers. Through Stunning Korea, I share thoughtful essays beyond guidebooks.

🎧 Le Guess Who (Global)

Although I haven’t been able to attend Le Guess Who yet, it’s one of the most interesting festivals when it comes to world music.

What’s especially impressive is how often they spot artists who go on to become much bigger in the years that follow.

Whether you’re able to attend or not, enjoy the playlist ;)

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A newsletter I never skip. Recomendo’s 6 weekly recommendations make it one of my top 3 newsletters of all time.

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6 brief personal recommendations of cool stuff.

By Cool Tools Lab

Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

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I had a lot going on the last few weeks, so for those who’re keeping track, apologies for the one-week delay.

In this newsletter: Peruvian Movies, Shoegaze Bands, Maasai Education Fundraiser, Marty Supreme, Books That Move To Action & German TikTok Song.

🍿Peruvian Movies

When I started my career, I spent 1.5 months in Peru, working with the Peruvian Red Cross.

That’s why, after featuring the best Peruvian books, I also wanted to share the country’s best films.

With the help of some Peruvian friends, here are the top 10 best Peruvian movies.

🎸 Shoegaze Bands (Global)

Last year, one of my friends took me to a DIIV concert.

It was my first time listening to Shoegaze - a type of rock known for its dreamy, heavily distorted sound, built around layered guitars, hazy vocals, and an immersive wall of sound.

I later found some Chinese Shoegaze bands in the Chinese Music Substack Concrete Avalanche and decided it was time for a global list.

So here we go with 10 of the Best Global Shoegaze Bands.

🎓Maasai Education Fundraise (Kenya)

In 2018, I was in Nigeria for a wedding and saw firsthand the impact that access to education can have.

I met a Nigerian whose studies had been funded by a German couple. He was now giving back by providing free housing and healthcare to several employees and part of his local community.

A few years later, I met Moses, a young Maasai who paid his way through a bachelor’s degree in nursing by offering Maasai writing services on Fiverr.

After graduating, he opened a small health clinic in his hometown so people could receive care in their own language. He also started a farm and gives motivational talks to inspire young Maasai who look up to him.

He now hopes to pursue a master’s in public health, which would allow him to improve healthcare access for Maasai communities even further. But raising the $2,000 to $4,000 required isn’t easy.

I’ve rarely met someone who’s created so much impact with so few resources, especially in his early twenties.

That’s why I’d like to help him.

And I’d love for this to be one of the ways Cultural Reads gives back, because building a global platform that creates positive impact has always been part of the vision.

So my question is: would you be willing to help crowdfund his master’s alongside me?

Any money raised will be paid directly to the university, and I’ll keep everyone updated throughout the process so you know exactly where it goes.

Before launching a full campaign, I first wanted to see if there’s enough interest.

🍿Marty Supreme

This week’s movie might not be the most international one, but it’s definitely one of the most entertaining.

Marty Supreme is a fast-paced drama following the rise of an ambitious table tennis player, loosely inspired by the life of Marty Reisman. The story sometimes stretches believability, but it’s so entertaining that you won’t really mind.

📙 26 Books That Moved To Action

I’ve had a lot going on over the past couple of weeks, so I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like.

I did come across this gem from one of my favorite newsletters though, sharing 26 books that inspired people to take action and change their lives.

🎧 Blumengarten (Germany)

If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard Gut Genug. What many people don’t know is the young German rap group behind the song.

Check them out and listen to some of their other songs, like Rosa Rugosa.

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Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

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In this newsletter: French Global Bands, Maya Healer, Algerian Movie, Nostalgic Camera, Indonesian Pop & The Man Who Lives Alone in the Amazon.

🎧 French Global Music

World music was once a marketing label for music from outside the Western mainstream.

Today, it's just music.

With Nigerian Afrobeats and Latin reggaeton dominating international charts, music has become truly global.

And it has gone even further. Many artists now blend cultures, from Dutch-Thai psychedelic rock to German highlife.

France, and especially Paris, with its long history as an international, multicultural city and global center for the arts, is a perfect example of this.

So today I present 12 French Global Sounds Artists.

📙 Sastun (Belize)

One of the reasons I started Cultural Reads is to showcase different perspectives and draw wisdom from other cultures.

After reading One River and Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice about plant medicine and indigenous wisdom from the Amazon, I stumbled upon Sastun, which features the true story of a lady from Chicago who ends up living in Belize and becoming the student of a legendary Maya healer.

It’s an incredibly exciting read and full of practical wisdom. Two takeaways that stood out for me were:

“Get patients to laugh and half their trouble disappear.”

“They don’t understand, it’s their own faith that heals them.”

🎥 Chronicle of the Years of Fire (Algeria)

Last week, I watched the Algerian cinematic classic (and Palme d’Or prize winner) Chronicle of the Years of Fire.

The film follows a poor farmer whose personal journey mirrors Algeria's path from colonial oppression to the outbreak of the War of Independence, showing how ordinary people gradually become revolutionaries.

Besides being a great film, it's also a fascinating introduction to a chapter of Algerian history I didn't know much about. The full movie is available on YouTube with English subtitles.

Kodak Camera

I don’t usually feature a lot of products, but after reading about this retro Kodak camera in Recomendo, I got excited and bought one for my sister.

It’s strongly marketed as nostalgia, which is exactly what you get. For ~$45, you get a keyhanger camera that takes 2MP photos, which can be stored on a small microSD card.

What I like about it, though, is that it’s really easy to capture pictures, and it brings it back to the essence of capturing moments rather than over-polishing things. An added benefit is that it doesn’t need a lot of storage, and you won’t get distracted because you keep taking out your phone.

🎵 Thee Marloes (Indonesia)

I recently discovered Di Dalam by Indonesian soul band Thee Marloes, which sent me down a rabbit hole into Indonesian pop, soul, and R&B.

If you’re interested, I’d highly recommend checking out the artists in this Reddit thread.

🎥 YesTheory (Amazon)

Yes Theory is exactly what you want YouTube and social media to be. A group of friends building their project around stepping out of their comfort zone and connecting with people around the world.

I really enjoyed this short doc about a man living alone in the Amazon. It’s just fun to watch them on adventures and bonding with people.

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Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

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In this newsletter: Unlock Your Creativity, Dua Lipa’s Culture Platform, Argentinian Music, IQ Literature, Summer Horror & High-Fi Spotify

🧙🏼‍♂️ Unlock Your Creativity

Books like The Creative Act and The Artist’s Way completely reshaped how I view creativity.

I used to see it as something you either had or didn’t, reserved for “creative people.” Now I see it as a natural part of being human, and one of the most important (and playful) things there is.

If you want to unlock more creativity or build a better relationship with it, start with these 10 books on creativity.

🪩 Service 95 (Global)

I bet you’ve never heard of Service95, but I’m sure you know its founder: Dua Lipa.

Having a mixed cultural background between Albania/Kosovo and the UK, she’s a great example of someone using her platform to share what she genuinely cares about.

Service95 features art, music, literature, interviews, and even a book club. It would be great to interview her for Cultural Reads someday.

🎙️ Milo J (Argentina)

I hope you guys aren’t tired yet of me featuring so many Tiny Desks lately, but they’ve been showcasing some fantastic artists from around the world.

A great example is this concert by Milo J, a young Argentinian talent who blends rap with Argentine folk influences. My favorite song from the set is Niño.

📙 Flowers for Algernon

Published in 1959, Flowers for Algernon is an absolute classic.

The novel follows Charlie Gordon, a man with a low IQ who undergoes an experimental treatment that transforms him into one of the smartest people on the planet.

But at what cost?

A beautiful and heartbreaking novel about intelligence, loneliness, and what it means to be human.

🍿Midsommar (US/Sweden)

I love weird movies and thought experiments, but I usually avoid horror. Which is exactly why it took me six years to finally watch Midsommar.

It’s often described as a horror film set in full daylight during Swedish midsummer, when the sun barely sets. It follows a group of American college friends visiting a remote Swedish commune for a festival that quickly turns unsettling.

It’s more of a psychological thriller, but I have to admit that it’s pretty weird and macabre. If you don’t mind that, I’d highly recommend it.

🎧 Qobuz

Looking for high-quality music or a way to support musicians? Check out Qobuz.

It has a similar look and feel to Spotify but with much higher quality and more money flowing towards the artists.

🤷🏻‍♀️ Where is everyone?

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Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyzes thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

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In this newsletter: Zimbabwean Music, Indonesian Ghost Stories, Italian Film, African Literature, Music from Trinidad & Blackout Poetry.

🎧 Zimbabwe Music

Ready for some upbeat music to carry you through the week?

Explore some of the best Zimbabwe music artists.

And if you already know the classics, go check out the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band.

👹 Learning to Read Ghosts (Indonesia)

Einstein said we can’t solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them. Murakami has a similar quote:

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” — Haruki Murakami

Culture, for me, has been one of the easiest ways to gain new and unique perspectives, and without spoiling anything, this Indonesian article about learning to read ghosts is the perfect example of why.

🍿La Grazia (Italy)

I’m usually quite picky with movies, but there are some directors with such a unique style that I’ll blindly watch whatever they make.

Paolo Sorrentino is one of those directors, and his newest work, La Grazia, about the Italian president facing a difficult decision on passing a euthanasia law, is exactly that.

It’s layered, offers a beautiful yet subtle glimpse into Italian culture, and has the stunning trademark scenery and atmosphere that make his films so distinctive.

📙 African Literature

Looking for great African literature?

Check out Brittle Paper for the best African reads per year.

🪇 Kes (Trinidad & Tobago)

For my birthday, my wife gifted me a coffee tasting workshop.

The barista leading it was from Trinidad and Tobago, so naturally, I asked her for a music recommendation.

As the carnival season had just wrapped up, she recommended Kes, the hottest artist there at the moment. A few weeks later, I saw his first Tiny Desk performance, and it’s fantastic.

🔲 Blackout Poetry

Creativity is a human need, but we’re often too self-conscious to give it a go.

This blackout poetry website is the perfect antidote.

It’s easy, it doesn’t have to be perfect, and you can do it when no one is watching.

🙋🏻‍♂️ A Quick Question

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Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyzes thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

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In this newsletter: Peruvian Books, Coffee Culture, Filipino Jazz, Italian Novel, Secret Agent & Desert Blues.

📕The Best Peruvian Books

Looking for your next read?

I recently asked some Peruvian friends, both those who work in tourism and avid readers, for their recommendations.

The result is a list of the best Peruvian books with classics like Vargas Llosa as well as some great contemporary writers, like Renato Cisneros.

☕ Coffee Culture (Global)

You may not have realized it, but we’re living in the 3rd wave of coffee.

Coffee used to be a commodity (1st wave), then became an experience with cafés like Starbucks (2nd wave), and has now shifted to high-quality specialty coffee. We’re treating coffee like wine.

I’m definitely guilty of riding this 3rd wave and wrote a post about the wonderful world of coffee with tons of resources. Recently, I also came across this clean but thorough 101 guide to specialty coffee.

🎧 Filipino Jazz & Soul (The Philippines)

I’m always looking for new music and it’s so tough sometimes to find a great resource. But last week, I found this Filipino jazz mix on a YouTube channel featuring many lesser-known Filipino jazz, soul, and funk sets, as well as Japanese pop.

Thanks to Languages Through Music for the tip. And if you’re looking for more recommendations, check out these best YouTube music channels.

📙 My Brilliant Friend (Italy)

I love discovering a book that’s so well written you can’t put it down. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is exactly that.

Set in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s, it follows the lifelong friendship between Lila and Elena, two girls growing up in a community marked by violence, ambition, and the pull between escaping and staying.

It’s also a portrait of post-war Italy and the first of four books (the Neapolitan Novels). I just started book 2.

🍿The Secret Agent (Brazil)

The Secret Agent is the perfect film for your next movie night!

As Brazil’s submission for the Oscars this year, it follows a university professor on the run during the country’s military dictatorship in 1977, after a conflict with a powerful industrialist (based on a true story).

I get why some of my former Brazilian colleagues weren’t big fans of the director’s work, given its focus on corruption and violence, but I do have to say it’s great cinema.

Consider also watching his earlier works Bacurau and Aquarius.

🎸 Imarhan (Algeria)

Many of you know I’m a big fan of Desert Blues. My favorite band (Imarhan) even made my Spotify Recap Top 5 two years in a row.

A few weeks ago, I had a chance to see them live, and man, what a concert. Their new album is just as good. Make sure to check it out.

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Email me if you're interested in a free unclassified ad for your book, song, newsletter, article, or company. Commissions may be earned from the links in this post.

Want to watch better movies? MUBI offers truly great cinema, wherever you are. A curated collection of standout films from across the globe.

Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyzes thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

Meco is a distraction-free space for reading and discovering newsletters outside your inbox. Try the app here and add your newsletters in seconds.

I lacked inspiration for the usual newsletter, but we’re doing something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time: a virtual tour through the Amazon jungle with the help of books, movies & music.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Amazon. Maybe because of the wonderful nature, so full of life, or maybe because of its indigenous peoples, their wisdom and ability to live in balance with nature.

I have overromanticized it, for sure.

People - even deep in the Amazon - are also just people, and although I loved spending a few days in the Ecuadorian rainforest, I know it’s one of the hardest habitats for human survival.

But after reading and learning so much about it, I wanted to share some of that knowledge.

And what better way than through a digital trip?

Sure, you won’t get the full upside of an actual visit, but you also won’t experience any downside (such as the infamous Delhi belly).

Let’s start the trip with some ambient music.

🎧 Amazônia (Brazil/France)

Last year, I visited Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado’s exhibition Amazônia in Brussels, accompanied by wonderful music from synthesizer pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre.

The exhibition left a lasting impression on me, and even more so when I found out Salgado had passed away only a week later.

As a tribute, I will feature some of his photos in this post, but for now, I recommend that you play the first track on the Amazônia album to start our journey.

Done?

Then let’s meet our first guide…..

🌿Richard Evans Schultes (USA)

Our first guide is Western. And there’s a reason for that.

Because the unknown usually starts with something familiar.

Maybe a friend or a family member. Your brother, for example, who had a great trip to Mexico and recommends that you visit too. It’s through his stories that you catch a glimpse of a new world, and without realizing it, you’ve taken your first step into the unknown.

And it’s an important step.

Because without it, without the safety of what’s familiar, you wouldn’t open up to what’s still foreign.

Today’s first step will be on familiar territory for many: Harvard University, and more specifically, Professor Richard Evans Schultes.

Schultes is not your typical Harvard professor. He has more in common with Indiana Jones than his average colleague and spent so much time in the Amazon jungle that his friends assumed he was dead. He was also the first Westerner to document the sacred uses of Ayahuasca.

But what really set him apart was that, at a time when rubber barons and the Catholic Church swept through the jungle with an assumed superiority, Schultes was humble, wanting to learn and connect with the native peoples.

🍿Embrace of the Serpent (Colombia)

So how do we get to know the Amazon through Schultes’s eyes?

The first way is through the film The Embrace of the Serpent, directed by Colombian filmmaker Ciro Guerra.

The movie is based on the real journeys of German ethnologist Theodor Koch-Grünberg and Richard Evans Schultes, and their searches for Ayahuasca deep in the Amazon.

It’s one of my all-time favorite films; it takes you deep into the Amazon while also sending you on a journey through time.

You’ll experience the violence of the rubber era and the damage done by missionaries, but also how both scientists start with a very Western mindset, and how their worldviews gradually transform through their contact with the same shaman.

📚 One River & Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice

But Schultes’s legacy doesn’t end here.

Many great contributions came through his students, who carried his spirit and continued his work. Among them were Tim Plowman, Wade Davis, and Mark Plotkin.

Two of their books in particular are a great place to continue our journey.

1. One River by Wade Davis is part memoir, part biography. It’s a vivid account of his own adventures and those of his mentors. It offers an incredible window into that era, and teaches a lot about indigenous history, the rubber boom, and the surprising dietary benefits of coca: a plant too often dismissed as merely the source of cocaine. Not sure if he’s your kind of author? Check out this podcast episode first.

   

2. Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice by Mark Plotkin is another wonderful read, following his journey as he learns from indigenous healers. It’s incredibly adventurous, and fascinating to see how he navigates between the unexplainable and the scientific. Get a feel for him with this podcast episode first.

🌎 From Western to Indigenous

Now that we’ve seen the Amazon through Western eyes and have some context to better understand what once seemed so foreign, it’s time to hear from those who call it home.

Let’s start with a change of soundtrack too: from a French synthesizer pioneer to a voice born in the Amazon itself.

🎤 Djuena Tikuna (Brazil)

Born into the Tikuna people, Brazil's largest indigenous Amazonian group, Djuena Tikuna learned to sing from her mother, who learned from her grandmother.

She sang the Brazilian National Anthem in Tikuna at the 2016 Rio Olympics and, in 2017, became the first indigenous person to perform at the Amazon Theatre, a building built on the wealth of the rubber boom that devastated her people.

Her song Saudade de Aldeia (longing for the village) speaks to that loss. In a time when many indigenous communities are still fighting for their land and cultural survival, she considers singing in her mother tongue a political act.

📙 We Will Not Be Saved (Ecuador)

Ecuadorian indigenous rights activist Nemonte Nenquimo is another powerful guide to understanding the Amazon and its history.

In her book We Will Not Be Saved, she tells her story: that of a Waorani woman who grew up deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon. At 14, she left the forest for a different world: one divided between those who wanted to help her and those who hated and wanted to ‘civilize’ her.

What hit me most was hearing stories I knew from her perspective, giving them a completely different meaning.

🎥 The Lost Children (Colombia)

When it comes to where Western and indigenous worlds meet, few examples are as vivid as The Lost Children.

This Netflix documentary follows the search for four young siblings who survived a plane crash and went missing deep in the Colombian Amazon.

It shows the cooperation between the Colombian military, with its rational methods, and the indigenous people, with their intuitive knowledge. And how, throughout the film, a quiet appreciation for the indigenous ways slowly grows.

❔Don’t Want This Journey To End?

For me, Cultural Reads has always been about learning and connecting through culture.

Listening to other people’s stories, especially those outside the mainstream, gives us a more complete image of the world and new perspectives that can improve our lives and those of others.

The Amazon and its indigenous peoples teach us a lot about living in balance with nature and ourselves, a balance many in the West have lost.

I hope this journey opened up a new world to you, and if you want to learn more, consider starting with these indigenous authors and these spiritual books.

Thanks for reading, and if you liked it, please leave a comment.

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In this newsletter: Malawi Music, 1001 Albums, I Swear, Art of Resistance, Egyptian Novel & Buena Vista Movie.

🎧 Malawian Music

In 2017, I wrote my thesis on Floods in Malawi with the Netherlands Red Cross and had the chance to visit the country (that’s me in the picture).

Besides its incredible beauty and wonderful books like I Will Try and The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (also a Netflix movie), I struggled to find more resources to explore the culture.

So last week, I did some digging and found tons of great music.

So here’s the best Malawi music!

1001 Albums Before You Die

Looking for a way to discover music?

I shared some recommendations before, like these YouTube Music Channels, but recently came across 1001 album generator.

If you create a username and email, you’ll get a link that gives you a new album every single day.

🍿I Swear (Schotland)

I first learned about I Swear - a movie about a young boy growing up with Tourette’s - after it won the Audience Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

It’s based on a true story and shows the hardships of the disease, especially at a time when little was known about it.

It’s an incredibly wholesome film, a great balance of drama and comedy, and a huge source of inspiration for anyone facing mental health challenges, whether personally or in their surroundings.

🎧 The Art of Resistance

Do you love art, activism, human stories, and travel?

Then you should check out The Art of Resistance Podcast. In this wonderful show, the founder, Amy, tells the stories of specific artists worldwide who have used art to resist the status quo.

There are quite a few global ones, such as Arpilleras in Chile, Chicana artivistas and Zapatistas, as well as the Japanese internment here in the U.S.

📙 Yacobian Building (Egypt)

As I’m learning (Egyptian) Arabic, I thought I should follow my own advice and read more Egyptian Books.

After having read the fantastic Woman at Point Zero, I decided to go for the lighter Yacoubian Building, a novel about the inhabitants of Cairo’s Yacoubian Building.

It has many links to Egyptian history, is well-written and funny, but didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped.

🎞️ Buena Vista Film (Cuba)

Buena Vista Social Club is one of the most famous groups of all time.

But it wasn’t always that way.

The project started when movie director Wim Wenders and blues guitarist Ry Cooder traveled to Cuba to rediscover long-forgotten legends and ended up changing the music industry forever.

It completely reignited my enthusiasm for the music and these larger-than-life figures, and showed how magical it can be to follow up on a creative idea.

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In this newsletter: Best Argentinian Books, Cuban Highlife, Thai Lyrical Novel, Korean Blockbuster, Moroccan Art & Random Sharings.

📘Best Argentinian Books

Looking for your next great read?

After featuring the best books from Chile, today it’s time for its famous neighbour, Argentina. Check out the top 11 Best Argentinian books.

🎵 K Frimpong (Ghana)

Cuban parties by a Ghanaian?

Meet K. Frimpong and his band Cubano Fiestas, named after the Afro-Cuban rhythms behind highlife’s golden era.

Their Blue Album is one of the classics, and an absolute banger.

📗 The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth (Thailand)

The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth is one of the Thai books I picked up during my trip last year.

It follows three orphans, sisters Chareeya and Chalika, and a boy named Pran, growing up in a riverside town near Bangkok. Their lives are shaped by family heartbreak, unrequited love, and the paths they take over time.

Spanning decades, it moves between memory, desire, and everyday life, written in a calm, lyrical, and dreamlike style.

🍿No Other Choice (South Korea)

One of the most celebrated Korean directors of the past decade is Park Chan-wook, known for Korean movies like Oldboy and The Handmaiden.

His work blends visual elegance with complex plots, dark humor, and often a touch of the absurd, and his latest film is no exception.

No Other Choice follows a paper mill manager who gets fired. At first, embarrassed and passive, he soon arrives at a disturbing idea: what if he simply eliminates the competition?

🎨 Hassan Hajjaj (Morocco)

Looking for bold, colorful art? Check out Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj.

He’s known for his vibrant portraits, from global names like Achraf Hakimi to everyday characters, all styled with a mix of North African tradition, street culture, and pop aesthetics.

His work stands out for its rich colors, playful compositions, and frames made from everyday materials like cans and packaging.

🎲 Random Sharings

I found a couple of things worth checking out that don’t necessarily fit in any other category, so I decided to share them here:

• Food destinations for 2026

• Find your dream career

• The future of AI by an insider

• An emotional interview with Tony Robbins

• Why world happiness survey is a scam

• A hermit from Korea talks about life and death

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In this newsletter: Cambodian Music, 2026 Book Recs, Tiny Desk Brazil, Japanese Book of Color, Norwegian Movie & Kenyan Afropunk

🎙️ Cambodian Music

I’m going to be honest. Until my trip to Cambodia last year, I didn’t know any Cambodian music, despite the country once having a vibrant pop and rock scene, including the “Cambodian Elvis,” Sinn Sisamouth.

During the Khmer Rouge regime, however, many artists were killed, and much of the scene was destroyed. Today, Cambodian music has revived again, with a new generation making fantastic pop and rock.

So broaden your horizon with some of the best Cambodian Music.

📙 2026 Book Recommendations

I recently found a great list of books we love by NPR.

Although I’m always excited to discover new titles, I do feel that these famous lists tend to be very US or Western-focused.

So, to counterbalance that a bit, here’s a list of African books to look forward to in 2026.

🎹 Tiny Desk Brazil

Brazil is one of the greatest music countries in the world, and now also has its own Tiny Desk Brazil series, featuring legendary artists like Ney Matogrosso.

Want to know more? Check out their YouTube channel.

🎨 Japanese Book of Color

Need help matching colors for your outfits or your home?

Look no further than this famous Japanese dictionary of color combinations. The book presents beautiful palettes of 2, 3, or 4 colors, making it easier than ever to find combinations that work.

Think you already have a good eye for color? Find out with this fun game.

🍿Sentimental Value (Norway)

I loved the Scandinavian film The Worst Person in the World, so I was really excited for Sentimental Value, by the same director and starring the same actress. And it’s such a wonderful film.

The cinematography and shots are gorgeous, reminiscent of La Grande Bellezza, and it cleverly uses a film-within-a-film, like another favorite of mine, the French movie Dans la maison.

But most importantly, it’s a realistic drama that captures subtle, complex human emotions without ever making them overly explicit.

🎧 Crystal Axes (Kenya)

I’ve written about Kenyan Afropop, Genge, and Soulful Benga before, but it was a great article by Kim Chakanetsa that introduced me to Afropunk.

Curious to learn more? Check out the Kenyan band, Crystal Axis.

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I turned 34 last week and wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who’s been reading and supporting this newsletter, with a special shout-out to the five paid subscribers who help cover some of the website’s costs and the freelancers I work with.

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Now onto the newsletter with: Best Food Movies, Filipino Start-up Culture, African Concerts, Book Learnings, Immersive Burning Man Style Movie & Somewhere Soul.

🍿 Best Food Movies

In one of the recent newsletters, many of you voted for food movies.

So here’s a great compilation of the 10 best movies about food.

🏝️ Working in the Philippines

I started giving my first intercultural trainings last week, and one of the first focused on Filipino culture.

That same week, I published an interview with on how the Filipino startup scene can change through culture.

If you missed it, you can check out the interview here.

🎵 African Concerts

Before my birthday, I frequented two great concerts: Kin’Gongolo Kiniata and Ukandanz.

Kin’Gongolo Kiniata is an energetic young band from Congo, known for playing on recycled instruments (see video above). Ukandanz is a more established group, comprising French members and an Ethiopian singer who perform Ethiopian classics with a rock-infused edge.

📖 Book Learnings

Sometimes you read a book, and there’s this random sentence that keeps floating around your head for months, or even years. Here are some I wanted to share:

• Our focus on making things easier and more comfortable (soft chairs, elevators, shoes) actually makes our bodies weaker - The Story of the Human Body

• “Facts that go unreported do not exist” - A Fortune-Teller Told Me

• There’s nothing more inspiring than a better future (which may distract us from how good the present already is) - Meditations for Mortals

• Many people think Europe was once one vast forest, partly because forests have come to represent “nature” in contrast to our flattened cities and farmland. In reality, Europe has long been a mix of forests and open spaces, shaped in part by grazing animals. — Wilding

• The moment we fall into “us versus them,” we begin to mirror the very system we oppose. And, if we had lived another life, with another body, history, and set of stories, we would likely make the same choices — The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible

• “I won’t eat in a restaurant with filthy bathrooms. This isn’t a hard call. They let you see the bathrooms. If the restaurant can’t be bothered to replace the puck in the urinal or keep the toilets and floors clean, then just imagine what their refrigeration and work spaces look like.” — Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential

🎥 Sirat (Spain)

If you’re looking for a truly unique cinema experience, go see Sirat on the big screen. With a renowned Berghain DJ behind the soundtrack, the film takes you from a Burning Man–like festival to a Mad Max road trip, with a series of absurd and unexpected turns along the way.

I won’t say much more, but one thing is certain: you won’t be bored.

🎧 Somewhere Soul (World)

I’ve been following on Instagram for a while, so it’s great to see him on Substack now, too.

Beyond the fantastic music recommendations, like these eight world albums, it’s inspiring for me, running Cultural Reads, to see others turn similar projects into sustainable businesses.

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Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

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Some years later, I met , a Filipina who has been living in the Hague and working in a 99% Dutch-dominated organisation. She had to undergo her own ‘cultural reboot.’ Although she was warned about Dutch directness, she came to realise that the ‘shyness’ many Filipinos grow up with can sometimes become a barrier to personal growth.

As we compared our experiences, one question kept coming back: how do these cultural differences actually show up at work?

Enter StellarPH

That curiosity led us to StellarPH, a Dutch-Filipino company founded by three successful entrepreneurs, two Dutch and one Filipino. They describe themselves as a Filipino company with a Dutch way of working, and culture is at the core of their mission to reshape and grow the Philippine entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What happens when Filipino friendliness meets Dutch directness? And what role does culture play when you’re not just building a company, but an entire ecosystem?

So we started with a simple question.

How does startup culture differ between the Netherlands and the Philippines?

“In the Netherlands, we start small and build it out from there. In the US, you build something huge, but if you fail, it’s okay. And in the Philippines, it has to be big, but you cannot fail.” - Tino

That has a lot to do with social expectations and family pressure to study and finish university. But it’s also about survival. You need to take care of your family, and entrepreneurship comes with risk. Those risks often make it harder to secure a stable short-term income.

That’s why starting with mindset matters, which is exactly what StellarPH focuses on. Starting at the core, and starting early, with university students who don’t have that much to lose yet.

And one way is to use the power of Dutch directness. At least, when done well.

Laura told me: “In our culture, we often beat around the bush because we value Pakikisama (harmony). That’s also something Xavier mentioned, and although indirectness and ‘shyness’ help to maintain harmony and friendliness, they can also get in the way when you’re a startup owner who has to sell ‘No’ often and make tough decisions.

That’s why directness is key for entrepreneurs. But it has to be done right. Dutch directness is often considered rude, and being perceived as rude doesn’t get you anywhere.

But, being in the Netherlands, Laura realized that being direct isn’t about being rude… It’s about clarity. Tino and Pjotr’s mentioned tweaking directness, for example, by combining ‘directness with a joke’, which is the perfect hybrid. It allows for the truth to be told without losing the warmth that makes us Filipino. It’s about moving from ‘surviving’ the conversation to ‘solving’ the problem.

But culture goes beyond communication and one example that always comes up is Filipino time.

Filipino time, a personal example

When I was in Davao, I still remember our first island trip, organised by our Filipino colleagues. To beat the traffic, we agreed to leave early and meet at 8 am.

As punctual (Northern) Europeans, we were ready at 7:55 with our backpacks packed and shoes on. We expected to wait a few minutes, maybe fifteen at most, but fifteen turned into thirty, then into an hour, until we finally gave up and stopped checking the time.

It was our baptism into Filipino time.

As we became a little more integrated, we adjusted. We got ready later and later, until we woke up one morning to the sight of ten Filipinos looking at us, surprised to find the entire group still sleeping when they were there to pick us up.

But cultural stereotypes are averages. They don’t apply to everyone, nor to every situation. They depend on age and experience, and they shift over time.

Xavier, for example, prefers being punctual. For him, it’s about respecting other people’s time and working more efficiently. Keeping meetings short and being clear.

Among younger people, that approach is often refreshing. It can still clash with more traditional companies, where time is treated more flexibly, and communication is more indirect. Instead of a clear yes or no, silence is often the answer.

However, this cultural exchange isn’t one-sided.

We’ve focused a lot on what Filipino entrepreneurs can learn from Dutch ways of working. But what can the Dutch learn in return?

What the Dutch can learn from Filipino culture

And who’s better to answer this question than Xavier?

After years abroad, he learned to appreciate the Western way of working: directness, timeliness, and structure. But over time, he started missing Filipino values like hospitality, family, and being very sociable.

It's those values that enrich company culture. They make people feel connected and engaged.

You just don’t want to be too accepting all the time as a startup founder. Building a company requires making tough decisions, and you can’t be too indirect or agreeable to do that successfully.

As Xavier put it, things are just more fun in the Philippines. At the same time, that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Which brings us to crab mentality.

Crab Mentality, Does It Still Exist?

Laura really wanted to ask about crab mentality, a concept many people outside the Philippines aren’t familiar with. It refers to the tendency to pull others down rather than lift them up, especially in competitive work environments.

It exists, but in the startup world, StellarPH is trying to flip this script. By focusing on university students, they catch talent before the ‘survival mode’ of working to support a family fully kicks in. They look for people who are open and positive and work to build a different kind of community.

Rounding Up

As a culture geek, I’m fascinated by how culture shapes people, companies, and entire sectors. I was genuinely impressed by the passion with which StellarPH mentors, supports, and inspires entrepreneurs who will go on to shape the small businesses that form the backbone of the Philippine economy.

For Laura, seeing Xavier return to Manila after years abroad made her proud. It’s a reminder that being a Global Filipino isn’t just about living overseas. It’s about taking what serves you globally and choosing to apply it locally.

But to really round things off, let’s return to StellarPH founder Tino, who reflects on what years of building and experimenting have taught him about entrepreneurship:

“Fuck around, find out, have fun, but never fail alone.”

Whether you’re building in the Philippines, the Netherlands, or anywhere else.

In this newsletter: Chilean Books, Scandinavian Movies, Egyptian Blockbuster, Brown Girl Therapy & Sami music.

📘Best Chilean Books

For those who have consistently upvoted Chilean books, today is your lucky day.

Here’s a top 10 Chilean books with plenty of surprises.

🎥 Scandinavian Movies

I read, watch, and listen to pretty much everything in this newsletter, but I can't always do that for every top 10 post.

This post is an exception, though, and I’m especially excited to share these Scandinavian movies because every single one is an absolute dime.

🎵 Jiwa Jiwa (Indonesia)

Jiwa Jiwa is one of those unique YouTube music channels I love stumbling upon.

Founded by Sekan, a Dutch DJ of Indonesian descent, it shares Indonesian hits with the diaspora and beyond. He features many great tracks I’d never heard before.

📙 What Will People Say? (US/India)

How do you grow up between two cultures without losing yourself?

But What Will People Say? by Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy, explores what it’s like to grow up as a South Asian in the U.S.

She dives into the tension between individualism and community, earning love through achievement, and feeling “too American” in one place and not American enough in another.

I found it full of sharp, practical insights, not just for South Asian households, but for anyone navigating identity, expectations, and belonging across cultures.

🍿 Blue Elephant (Egypt)

I've been wanting to see this movie for ages, and finally had a chance last week at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Blue Elephant is a psychological thriller with an IMDb rating of 8/10, despite being released 10 years ago. It's an emotional rollercoaster and not your standard watch, so you need to be a bit adventurous.

Two other great movies by the same director are Diamond Dust and El Sett (about the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum).

🎧 Gabba (Norway/ Sami)

Ok, let’s do one more song!

I’ve written about Indigenous Books before, but today it’s time for Indigenous music, namely the Sámi-Norwegian band Gabba.

The Sámi are Indigenous to northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of northwestern Russia, a region often referred to as Lapland. They’re known for joik, one of Europe’s oldest vocal traditions, and this band gives it a powerful contemporary twist.

Thanks to for the tip!

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In this newsletter: Thai Psychedelic Rock, North Macedonia, Jazz Music, French-Vietnamese Cuisine, Colombian Novel & Hidden Jazz Bar.

🎸 Thai Psychedelic Rock

Many people know the famous American band Khruangbin.

But not everyone knows their sound was inspired by a long Thai musical tradition.

Find out more in this post on the hidden world of Thai Psychedelic Rock.

🌍 North Macedonia

In 2019, I traveled through North Macedonia as part of a Balkans trip.

After meeting some Macedonians last year, I decided it was time for a North Macedonia page with all the essentials.

You’ll discover the best books, movies, and music, and you will learn why Greece made the country change its name.

🍿 Pot-Au-Feu (Vietnam/France)

If you’re looking for a wholesome and beautiful movie, the French movie Pot-Au-Feu is your next pick.

It tells the story of the cooks Eugénie and Dodin Bouffant and their tender relationship as chefs, friends, and lovers. And while their bond matters, it’s really more about how they communicate through what they cook, making food the true protagonist.

The film is surprisingly gripping and breathes and lives in France, which is ironic since it was directed by the great Vietnamese film director Trần Anh Hùng (known for The Scent of Green Papaya).

🎹 Alfa Mist (UK)

You can go ages without discovering great music, and then suddenly discover a new all-time favorite.

That’s what happened to me with Alfa Mist’s jazz album Antiphon. This one will definitely go on my list of best jazz albums.

📙 The Sound of Things Falling (Colombia)

Besides Gabriel García Márquez, few Colombian authors are globally known, but if you’re looking for one of the best current ones, Juan Gabriel Vásquez is your guy.

In his novel, The Sound of Things Falling, a Bogotá professor is wounded in an attack that kills a man he barely knows. Trying to make sense of it, he traces the man’s past and slowly uncovers how Colombia’s violent history shaped both their lives.

🎷 Hidden Jazz Club (Amsterdam)

My birthday isn’t until the end of February, but my sister gave me an early present last week: a night out in Amsterdam’s Hidden Jazz Club.

It’s not actually that hidden since it’s located inside a huge church, but it’s a great concept, dreamed up and run by musicians who select some of the best artists.

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Ishita Banik is a bestselling thriller-romance author loved for her mix of suspense and emotion. Find all her books, including her upcoming novel Into the Cold (March 2026), here.

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In this newsletter: Comic Books, Global Cultural Tips, Festen, The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know We Deserve, Zoblazo & Ayahuasca.

💥 Comic Books (Global)

I love discovering new global categories.

So after stumbling upon an amazing collection of unknown global comics in Barcelona, I knew it was time for a new post.

Here’s a top 10 global comic books you probably never heard of.

💸 The Culture Behind Your Money

Last year, Dutch impact investing platform Lendahand asked me to collaborate on a post about the culture behind their investments.

The result includes books from Tonga and Tajikistan, plus an updated Kenya guide with all the essentials.

🍿 Festen (Denmark)

If you like cult classics, you should watch Festen.

This black comedy-drama follows the 60th birthday of wealthy family patriarch Helge. As the night unfolds, dark secrets surface, and everything spirals out of control.

It’s hilarious, fast-paced, and slightly uncomfortable.

It’s also the first Dogme 95 film, a movement built on strict rules to strip cinema back to its honest core.

📗The More Beautiful World - Eisenstein

Do you ever feel like the world isn’t supposed to be this way?

Then The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know We Deserve by modern philosopher Charles Eisenstein is the right book for you.

Eisenstein says we’re living inside the Story of Separation: a worldview built on scarcity, competition, control, and the idea that we’re separate from each other and from nature. It’s the story behind many of today’s crises.

But there is another story. The Story of Interbeing. One of abundance, connection, shared purpose, and belonging.

I made many notes, but one thing that really stayed with me is that if we try to “fix the world” from an us-versus-them mindset, we’re still playing by the old system’s rules, and risk becoming exactly what we’re fighting.

🎼 Meiway (Ivory Coast)

I bet you’ve never heard of Zoblazo. At least I hadn’t until recently.

This genre, a mix of traditional Bété rhythms from Ivory Coast blended with funk, pop, and dance music, took off in the early 1990s.

It was created by Meiway, who became hugely popular and inspired a whole generation of Zoblazo artists.

🎥 Ayahuasca (Peru)

After reading How to Change Your Mind and several spiritual books, I became fascinated by plant medicine, like Ayahuasca.

Although I’ve been too scared to try it myself, I love learning about it and watching this documentary.

It’s short, beautifully made, relaxing to watch, and gives a better understanding of indigenous healing traditions in the Amazon.

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Email me if you're interested in a free unclassified ad for your book, song, newsletter, article, or company. Commissions may be earned from the links in this post.

Want to learn a new language? Italki gives you real 1-on-1 teachers, flexible schedules, and fair prices. I’m using it now to learn Arabic.

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Before we dive in, for those of you who enjoy year reviews, two great tools worth revisiting: YearCompass and Tim Ferriss’ New Year Reflections.

In this newsletter: Best Books 2025, Cambodia Culture Guide, Zimbabwean Music, Lessons from a Banker, Cultural Year Review & Frankenstein.

📚 Best Books 2025

Thanks to everyone who voted for this week’s post.

There was a clear winner: My Best Books 2025, featuring 10 of my favorite fiction and non-fiction books from last year.

🧳 A Cultural Guide to Cambodia

After spending time in Cambodia past October, I’m very proud to announce that the Cambodia country page is now live.

If you’re interested in understanding Cambodia, this is your place to start, with context, books, movies, and music (past and current).

🎵 Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)

For the past week, I’ve had this video on repeat. Despite a discography of 10+ albums, I’d somehow never come across Jah Prayzah.

His music blends traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with reggae and modern pop, with collaborations across the African continent.

In an African Unbound issue, Kim Chakanetsa writes that whenever she tells people she’s from Zimbabwe, they often reply by naming one of the same three famous singers. This discovery might be a good reason to extend that list a little.

📙 Slowing Down to Accelerate (World)

Are you interested in working in emerging markets, especially in agriculture or banking? Then this book is worth reading.

When I worked at Rabobank, I considered applying to the partnerships department, which works with large banks around the world. That’s how I got in touch with the program lead, Corné de Louw.

As a third-generation banker with 25+ years of experience across 20+ countries and 34 years at Rabobank, he decided to put his experience into words.

The result is his book Slowing Down to Accelerate, which is full of insights that blend science, systems thinking, and personal experience, to inspire the next generation.

🌍 A Cultural Year Review (Africa)

I’ve featured The Continent before for their great independent news, but their Cultural Year Reviews deserve a special shout-out.

They’ve put together excellent round-ups of the Year in Music, Year in Movies, and Year in Books, a great way to revisit what moved, shaped, and defined the continent this year.

🍿 Frankenstein (Mexico/USA)

For those who love Guillermo del Toro and may have missed the buzz, his latest movie, Frankenstein, is out now.

I won’t rehash the whole story, but what surprised me is that the way Frankenstein was written is almost as compelling as the novel itself.

Mary Shelley was just 18 when she came up with it, during a night spent with Lord Byron, after a challenge to write a horror story sparked a nightmare that became the book. Given this background (an 18-year-old on a challenge), it’s crazy to me how influential the story has become in our society.

Unclassifieds

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Most ‘facts’ online are straight-up fibs. The Karnel exposes viral lies, myths, half-truths and misunderstood science in AI, health, career, money, self-improvement, relationship and beyond!

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyzes thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

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I assume that many of you, like me, are interested in other cultures. And while I enjoy sharing my personal favorites, the core idea has always been to learn through people who are part of a culture.

That’s why today I’m sharing 20 newsletters I love from around the world, in no particular order.

As a bonus for the Dutchies and those not afraid of Google Translate, check out Buiten Westen for Culture (& journalism) from the Middle East.

1. Barefoot Circle (Brazil)

What is it like to carry Brazil in your heart while living in the US?

That’s the core of ’s newsletter . She writes in “Portuglese,” a playful mix of English and Portuguese that perfectly captures that in-between space.

Two of my favorite pieces are Finding Hope in Fiction, which offers great Brazilian book recommendations, and Sinais de Fogo. This powerful essay exposes how femicide, harassment, and moral policing reveal deeper truths about Brazilian culture and politics.

Barefoot Circle

Personal stories, political futures—escrevo descalça em portuglês.

By Ana Clara Otoni

2. More Letters, Less News (India)

by is what Substack is made for: personal, thoughtful, and wonderfully written stories.

Although his focus isn’t culture, through his eyes and travels, like impressions of Japan, that’s precisely what you get. No stereotypes, no mainstream culture, just a simple look at daily life from someone living in India.

More Letters, Less News

Humour. Travel. Running. Books. And a bit of this. With a bit of that. New issue every fortnight.

By Rohan Banerjee

3. Discover Philippines

is a one-stop destination for all the great things the Philippines has to offer, from food and travel to cultural traditions.

They have a fantastic Filipino crew, including and , whom I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with on a post about shows like The Voice in the Philippines.

Discover Philippines

We aim to promote the vibrant culture, lively traditions, and stunning landscapes of the Philippines to the world. For travelers, tourists, Filipinos everywhere and anybody who is interested or curious.

4. Ample Road (Taiwan)

For me, one of the best examples of getting a true inside into another culture is by and .

Based in Taiwan, they blend critical journalism with culture, offering plenty to discover while also helping you understand the deeper social and political currents shaping life in Taiwan.

A Broad and Ample Road

Based in Taiwan, we write about culture, politics, religion, & daily life. We're locally rooted and draw on our expertise in history, law, and advocacy. We've been recognized as one of the leading English-language publications covering Taiwan.

5. Womaning in India

is one of my favorite newsletters ever.

On her about page, mentions that “half the world’s population - men - have virtually no idea what the everyday life of the other half is like. Even the most progressive of men out there would be shocked if they had to walk a mile in women’s shoes.”

Because she believes in the power of stories, she uses this platform to share her own experiences and, in doing so, be a voice for many women around the world.

Womaning in India

Womaning in India is an award-winning publication on gender roles and stereotypes. Mumma-in-Progress is a dispatch on motherhood and parenting.

By Mahima Vashisht

6. Newsletter Circle (Turkey)

Although doesn’t necessarily write about culture (like Turkish authors and Turkish movies), her newsletter is worth mentioning, especially if you’re not only a reader but also a Substack writer.

It’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to build a successful newsletter from scratch. She interviews many newsletter operators and shares tons of practical, free advice.

Newsletter Circle

Your go-to source for building a successful newsletter business. In-depth interviews with newsletter operators and insightful reports on newsletter strategies.

By Ciler from Newsletter Circle

7. Afro Reads (Africa)

started as a 2025 reading challenge to read one book from each African country (similar to the idea of ayearofreadingtheworld).

It’s growing fast and has quickly become one of my favorite newsletters to discover literature from the African continent.

If you’re also interested in movies, check out my post with the Best African Movies.

Afro • Reads

Book Reviews On 54 African Books — One To Represent Each Country Of The Motherland

By Afro•Reads

8. Recomendo (USA)

(Recomendo) is one of my all-time favorite newsletters and a must-read for curious individuals.

This fantastic team, consisting of (known from Wired and 1000 True Fans), , and , takes turns sharing six short personal recommendations of things they love.

While based in the US, it features many international discoveries.

Recomendo

6 brief personal recommendations of cool stuff.

By Cool Tools Lab

9. Travels of Samwise (Global)

’s newsletter is a unique Substack focused on South Asian history with a weekly long-form travel or history post.

If you enjoy deep dives into history and architecture, this is a go-to read.

Travels of Samwise

Ramblings on Art History and Old Buildings from Delhi-raised Scottish historian.

By Sam Dalrymple

10. Martha’s Monthly (Global)

’s newsletter started as an outlet to talk about the books she loved.

She shares her monthly reads and runs a (paid) bi-monthly book club. I especially love her system of rating books as buy, borrow, or bust, which makes it easy to skim and quickly pick my next read.

Martha’s Monthly

Every month I review what I have read, so you know what to read next. Every other month, I host a book club.

11. Africa Unbound

Africa Unbound is one of my absolute favorite newsletters, offering a weekly mix of African arts, culture, interviews, and commentary.

, a Zimbabwean award-winning journalist, has a rare talent for finding fascinating people and giving them the space they deserve. The interviews are carefully crafted, beautifully written, and often paired with striking art.

It provides a lot of context and many insights. A great example is this piece on Zimbabwe’s unusual naming conventions.

Africa Unbound

A weekly mix of African arts, culture, interviews and commentary.

By Kim Chakanetsa

12. Sinocism (China)

Many people complain about how difficult it is to really understand what’s going on in China. And although Chinese Books are a great way, ’s may be even better.

It’s a newsletter for 400k+ investors, policymakers, executives, analysts, diplomats, journalists, and scholars seeking valuable insights into China.

Sinocism

Get smarter about China

By Bill Bishop

13. The Continent (Africa)

has been one of my favorite resources for years now. It’s an award-winning African newspaper, designed to be read and shared on WhatsApp.

I especially love their mission to provide free, well-researched news from Africa by Africans. Plus, it’s full of cultural gems. To learn more about their mission, check out my interview with the continent.

The Continent

The Continent is a weekly newspaper produced by African reporters, photographers, illustrators and editors. It's designed to be read and shared on WhatsApp (and other social messaging platforms).

14. Izvorista (Global)

’s Izvorista is a newsletter I recently came across that celebrates music from around the world, with curated playlists, interviews, and global sounds.

It’s a great place to discover musical stories across regions. What especially stood out to me is both the quality and the quantity of information; I can easily get lost on this Substack page for hours.

Izvorišta

A celebration of music from around the world.

By Emir Fulurija

15. Deep Culture (Europe/USA)

Given its name, it’s easy to see why I’m recommending . It launched around the same time I did, but it has done a much better job of growing quickly.

While its key focus is on recommendations from the Western world, there’s plenty of bite-sized, intriguing content that makes it perfect for the curious individual.

deepculture

your favorite weekly smart digest

16. Around The World Preview (Global)

is a broadcaster who produces radio programmes focused on world music. In his weekly Friday newsletter, he shares musicians he’ll feature on his show, along with notes and recommendations.

What I really like is that he features many recent and lesser-known (at least to me) artists, and each edition includes a generous number of musicians.

Around the World Preview

This is a weekly newsletter from the global music radio show Around the World.

By Davy Sims

17. Music of Africa (Africa)

I have to admit that I only came across this page recently, but it’s been one of my favorites since. features songs from across Africa, especially Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

They offer a weekly pick, YouTube playlists, and make lists of music from their favorite countries.

Music of Africa

Song recommendations, information, reviews, themed YouTube playlists, and more. We focus mainly (but not exclusively) on southern Africa (especially Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa) and eastern Africa (Uganda and Kenya).

18. 100 Ways to Filipino (Philippines/USA)

If you’re interested in Filipino culture, and especially American-Filipino culture by is a fabulous newsletter.

In her own words: “Our mission has always been to share Filipino culture with the world. We’re doing it through our gummies and now we’re doing it through the personal stories of Filipino Americans to explore just how we Filipino.”

100 Ways to Filipino

100 Ways to Filipino is a series from Dear Flor sharing real stories from the Filipino American diaspora. Hit subscribe and follow along, because there’s no one way to Filipino.

By Lisa Angulo Reid

19. London Listening Sessions (West-Africa/UK)

Here’s another recent favorite: by . The focus is often on West African music, songs that were “too unruly—or too tender—for the pitch desk.”

With the loose label of ‘music historian,’ a background in music journalism, and a great deal of knowledge, every review reads like a beautiful, poetic piece of prose.

London Listening Sessions

A newsletter about contemporary West African music, particularly Afrobeats.

By Dami Ajayi

20. With Love From Sweden (Sweden)

Unfortunately, from hasn’t posted anything new for almost 2 years. Nonetheless, the (paid) archive with 143 issues provides plenty of insights into Swedish culture.

In her words: “It’s a personal newsletter about all things Swedish, where I share photos, music, recipes, and the small things that make up Swedish culture and everyday life.”

With Love From Sweden

A warm and cozy newsletter from a cold country

By Viktoria Wågert

Unclassifieds

Email me if you're interested in a free unclassified ad for your book, song, newsletter, article, or company. Commissions may be earned from the links in this post.

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyzes thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

Meco is a distraction-free space for reading and discovering newsletters outside your inbox. Try the app here and add your newsletters in seconds.

In this newsletter: Favorite Movies 2025 , A Fortune Teller Told Me, Filipino Movie, Spotify Wrapped, World of Interiors & Dutch-Indonesian Band.

🍿 My Favorite 2025 Movies

Are you looking for something to watch during the holiday period?

Here are the best international movies 2025 and some of my favorite series.

📙 A Fortune-Teller Told Me (Italy/Asia)

I’m enthusiastic about everything I share in my newsletter, but this book immediately became one of my all-time favorites.

And I’m not alone, because after standing the test for 30 years, it still ranks a stunning 4.5/5 on Goodreads with some 9,000 reviews.

It’s the true story of an Italian journalist living in Asia who commits to a year without flying after a Hong Kong fortune-teller warned him 17 years earlier. It’s a decision that changes his life.

During that year, he visits many fortune tellers across Asia, which opened my eyes to how influential they were (and maybe still are). And as a journalist, he alternates between his personal stories and very insightful sections on Asia’s history.

🍿 Garden Earthly Delights (Philippines)

After from told me about this Dutch-Filipino movie, I finally had a chance to watch it last week.

It felt uncomfortable, and I realised that’s deliberate. The director clearly considered how to portray poverty and sex tourism without looking away.

When asked whether the film risks poverty-voyeurism, he replied (loosely translated from Dutch):

“You shouldn’t showcase poverty, but should we always avoid it?”

🎧 Spotify Wrapped 2025

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Time for our Spotify Wrapped 2025.

You can find my playlist above, but I’d love to discover new music and hear yours. Are you willing to share? Click the button below.

Share Your Favorites

📷 World of Interiors (Global)

If you’re into design and architecture, check out World of Interiors.

It features a beautiful range of interiors from around the world, including this this Appartment in Venice.

🎵 Nusantara Beat (Dutch-Indonesian)

Nusantara Beat is one of those interesting European bands with mixed influences. It’s made up of Dutch musicians from groups like Altin Gün and Jungle by Night who decided to explore their Indonesian roots.

The result is a mix of traditional music such as keroncong and dangdut with psychedelic rock and funk. Have a listen below ;)

🔜 What Post Shall I Publish Next?

Unclassifieds

Email me if you're interested in a free unclassified ad for your book, song, newsletter, article, or company. Commissions may be earned from the links in this post.

Brain food, delivered daily. Refind analyze thousands of articles daily and sends you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 536,152 curious minds.

Meco is a distraction-free space for reading and discovering newsletters outside your inbox. Try the app here and add your newsletters in seconds.