The intersection of literary prowess and competitive spelling took center stage evening in Los Angeles, as Substack hosted its inaugural Spelling Bee. The event, conceived by writer, actress, and director Cazzie David, wasn’t just a test of vocabulary; it was, as David told Vogue, about “bringing people together with a shared activity.” The gathering coincided with the launch of David’s Substack newsletter and the release of her second essay collection, Delusions: Of Grandeur, of Romance, of Progress, adding a layer of personal significance to the evening.
The warm-up round immediately set a playful tone, challenging contestants with words like “bidet,” “clavicle,” and “moisturizer”—a particularly apt choice given the presence of Jacqueline Novak, co-host of the skincare-focused podcast POOG. The event underscored a familiar truth: writers, by the very nature of their craft, possess a deep understanding of language, but translating that knowledge into on-demand spelling accuracy is a different challenge altogether.
The competition unfolded at the historic Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Highland Park, a venue chosen for its charm and its recent resurgence as a cultural landmark. Matt Starr, Substack’s lead of creative strategy and events, revealed a personal connection to the event’s format, admitting he “watched hours of Scripps National Spelling Bees” as a child. The theater’s location also felt particularly relevant, situated in a neighborhood gaining attention not just for its trendy developments, but for the preservation of its institutions, like the nearby Highland Theatre, recently saved by Kristen Stewart, and Villa’s Tacos, which received a spotlight during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime performance.
The atmosphere at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater was described as both comforting and intimate, fostering a sense of community and encouraging audience participation. Contestants included a diverse group of creatives: Nicole Ritchie, stylist Jamie Mizrahi, authors Jedidiah Jenkins and Brontez Purnell, Vogue alum Karley Sciortino, podcaster Jason Stewart, and comedians Alex Edelman and Drew Tarver. Each participant wore a giant name ID, adding to the lighthearted spirit of the event.
The contest progressed through several themed rounds, testing contestants’ knowledge across a range of categories. A particularly memorable moment came when Nicole Richie confidently spelled “neurodivergent,” prompting a lively cheer from the audience, who waved lollipops in support. Earlier in the evening, Richie had expressed a hope that “cat” would be a featured word, though that particular wish went unfulfilled. David even playfully challenged Ritchie with “Steve Buscemi,” a nod to the Hollywood setting.
As the evening progressed, the competition narrowed, ultimately culminating in a final showdown between Alex Edelman, Jedidiah Jenkins, and Jason Stewart. The “Celebrity and City” rounds proved particularly challenging, and by the time the “Brands” category arrived, only these three remained. David continued to offer encouragement, but ultimately stumped Jenkins and Stewart with “Bulgari” and “Louboutin,” respectively.
It was Edelman who ultimately emerged victorious, correctly spelling “L-A-M-B-O-R-G-H-I-N-I” and securing the first-place trophy: a gold medal and the complete works of Shakespeare. The event concluded with a spirit of camaraderie, as contestants embraced and congratulated one another.
David’s reflections on publishing her work resonated throughout the evening. She expressed a hope that her book, Delusions, represented “slightly more evolved” thinking, a sentiment that encapsulates the ongoing process of learning and refinement inherent in the creative process. The Substack Spelling Bee, then, wasn’t just a playful competition; it was a celebration of language, community, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge.
The event also subtly highlighted Substack’s growing role as a platform for writers and creators. As noted in a post on Substack’s own publication, Office Hours, the platform has fostered a spirit of collaboration and generosity among its users. While Substack’s Office Hours program is evolving, with plans to wind down the weekly threads in favor of other connection spaces, events like the Spelling Bee demonstrate a continued commitment to building community and supporting writers.
