Substacks recommended by Irena Smith

Recommended by Irena Smith

The Curmudgeon's Guide to College Admissions

Applying to college is not an emergency and other practical tips for parents of high schoolers from a college admissions veteran and author of The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays.

College Admissions Collective

By Lisa and Lynda

College admissions, without the overwhelm. The college admission process doesn’t have to be stressful. The College Admissions Collective helps you cut through the confusion from start to acceptance.

You're Right, I Do Look Tired

By Eileen Dougharty

I'm not here to sell you anything bought or processed, you know, as a career. I’ve found that writing honestly about my life has connected me with others in a most meaningful way. I would love to learn from you as well, let’s get real together ❤️

Eileen is irreverent and smart and funny and will get you right in the feels and just as you're about to well up, she will hit you right in the funny bone. Or vice versa. Also, she writes about everything that matters, *and* she's a prodigiously talented writer so she could write about paper towels and I would be here for it.

- Irena Smith

A Firefighter Deconstructed

By Christy Warren

A dive into the heart and brain of a firefighter. Tears, fuck ya's, and laughs layered in observation and insight. You are not alone.

This Won't End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy.

By Elizabeth Bobrick

Why do I love Greek tragedy? These mythical stories of war, familial trauma, and isolation illuminate the beauty and darkness of our shared humanity. They tell me something new every time I read them; retelling them here is my passion.

jen’s newsletter

By jen murphy parker

Exploring what exists in the middle - of parenting, of health, of life. Fourteen years into raising a child with severe epilepsy, I am always looking for the both-ness: the many ways we end up a sum of our best luck and worst experiences.

The Golden Bowl with Sabrina Moyle

Essays on parenting, creativity and personal growth, from bestselling children's book author and co-founder of Hello!Lucky.

Personal Statements

Recommended by Irena Smith