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Unleashing Words: A Night of Wit and Wisdom at the Substack Spelling Bee

The Genesis of a Literary Showdown: From Page to Podium

It's widely acknowledged that those who craft stories and share their insights through writing possess an exceptional command of vocabulary. But can these wordsmiths perform under pressure, correctly articulating complex terms on the spot? This question was put to the test on a recent Tuesday evening, as a diverse group of authors, humorists, and thought leaders convened for the very first Substack Spelling Bee in Los Angeles. The event was expertly guided by the multifaceted writer, actress, and director, Cazzie David, who expressed her delight in creating an environment where individuals could connect over a common, engaging activity.

Cazzie David's Dual Triumphs: Celebrating Language and Literature

For David, language has been a central focus, marked by the recent debut of her Substack newsletter and the release of her latest collection of essays, titled Delusions: Of Grandeur, of Romance, of Progress. The spelling bee's initial rounds featured relatively straightforward words such as "bidet," "clavicle," and "moisturizer"—the latter being a particularly fitting selection for comedian Jacqueline Novak, known for her skincare-focused podcast, POOG.

An All-Star Lineup: Prominent Personalities Take the Stage

Donning a chic polka dot mini-dress by Rebecca Vallance, David emphatically declared to the audience that the evening's primary objective was indeed "to emerge victorious." Joining her and Novak on stage, each adorned with prominent name badges, were a host of other distinguished participants. This stellar roster included television personality Nicole Richie, renowned stylist Jamie Mizrahi, acclaimed authors Jedidiah Jenkins and Brontez Purnell, former Vogue editor Karley Sciortino, popular podcaster Jason Stewart, and celebrated comedians Alex Edelman and Drew Tarver.

A Nod to Nostalgia: The Vision Behind the Bee

Matt Starr, who leads creative strategy and events at Substack, confessed to having spent countless hours watching the Scripps National Spelling Bees during his childhood. This early fascination positioned him perfectly to conceptualize and orchestrate this modern iteration, successfully evoking a sense of childhood wonder and nostalgia. The selection of the historic Bob Baker Marionette Theater as the venue further enhanced this nostalgic ambiance. This iconic scarlet-hued auditorium, nestled in Highland Park, has recently garnered attention not for its contemporary developments, but for its rich institutional heritage. Notably, Kristen Stewart played a pivotal role in preserving the century-old Highland Theatre, and Bad Bunny brought national spotlight to Villa's Tacos during his Super Bowl Halftime performance, further cementing the neighborhood's cultural significance.

Engaging the Audience: A Community United by Words

The intimate and welcoming setting of the theater provided an ideal backdrop for David's inherent charm, playful demeanor, and remarkable ability to connect with her audience, making every attendee feel valued and engaged. Throughout the spirited competition, audience participation was actively encouraged, with guests enthusiastically stepping forward to assist spellers when needed. A moment of collective excitement erupted when Nicole Richie confidently and correctly spelled "neurodivergent," prompting attendees to wave their lollipops in enthusiastic approval. Earlier in the evening, Richie had humorously expressed her hope for "cat" to be a word—a wish not granted, yet she navigated several themed rounds with remarkable ease. In a distinctly Hollywood flourish, David even playfully challenged Richie with the name "Steve Buscemi."

The Battle of Wits: Final Rounds and a Victorious Spelling

However, as the competition advanced into more challenging "Celebrity" and "City" themed rounds, many contestants found themselves stumped. By the time the "Brands" category arrived, only three contenders remained: Edelman, Jenkins, and Stewart. Despite David's continued encouragement, Jenkins and Stewart were eventually tripped up by the intricate spellings of "Bulgari" and "Louboutin," respectively. Ultimately, it was Edelman, with his meticulous and precise spelling of "L-A-M-B-O-R-G-H-I-N-I," who clinched the first-place trophy, a gleaming gold medal, and a complete collection of Shakespeare's works.

Reflections on Growth: A Writer's Journey of Continuous Learning

As the contestants exchanged embraces and congratulations, a earlier statement by David resonated deeply. Pondering the lasting impact of her published thoughts, David had shared her aspiration that her book, Delusions, would represent a more refined and evolved perspective. Her words, "I hope that this book [Delusions] is slightly more evolved," perfectly encapsulate the essence of a true writer—one who embraces the perpetual journey of learning and self-improvemen