How does one sum up a year like 2025?
Perhaps with words like “tumultuous,” and “overwhelming,” and – a go-to in my internal monologue – “what the hell?” Indeed, the past year has seen us collectively mired in a level of chaos that feels unprecedented, even in a modern era involving everything from the growing scourge of mass shootings, to global pandemics.
Throughout, The Story Exchange has kept eyes and ears on the ups and downs. We dove deep into matters like abortion and education access. We voiced our views of current events through op-eds. And, most importantly, we centered the work of women who show us better ways forward, better ways of being – as well as historic women who came before, paving pathways for us to continue journeying down.
Join us in reflecting on 2025, and preparing for 2026, by considering their work this year and beyond, as told through our staff-favorite articles and podcasts.
Clockwise, from top left: Edna Lewis, MFK Fisher, Cecilia Chiang, Elena Zalayeta, Lena Richard, and "Three Sisters" of Indigenous cuisine. (Credits: Collage by Noel Flego. Images from Smithsonian Institution, Getty Images, Newcomb Institute at Tulane University, “Elena’s Secrets of Mexican Cooking" and Chris Feser, Flickr.)
Seasoned: The Women Who Defined American Food
In this special 6-part podcast series, which coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary, we share the stories of women food pioneers like MFK Fisher, Cecilia Chiang and Lena Richard, and explore the complex question: What is American food?
Staffers Candice Helfand Rogers and Victoria Flexner (pictured) visit The Ragery – and learn about rage. (Credit: Candice Helfand-Rogers)
What 2 Women Learned Breaking Stuff in a Rage Room, As a New Conflict Begins
Two staffers from The Story Exchange went to The Ragery before President Donald Trump bombed Iran. It made us think: Men approach destruction differently than us – and women should break much of what they built.
Pete Hegseth speaking with attendees at the 2022 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. (Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr)
Here’s How Military Women Reacted to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Speech
Several decorated members of the U.S. military — who also happen to be women — said there is no “male” or “female” standard when it comes to serving their country. We rounded up their insights following inflammatory remarks by Hegseth.
Grace L. Williams, author of "Give Her Credit." (Credit: Dan D'Errico)
Back When Women Couldn’t Get Loans Without Male Co-Signers, This Bank Made History
Former Wall Street Journal staffer Grace L. Williams tells the story of the Denver women who launched the Women’s Bank in 1978 – and changed the banking game forever.
Julie Burkhart is the founder of Wellspring Health Access and a longtime advocate for women's reproductive freedom. (Credit: Courtesy of Burkhart)
The State of Abortion, 3 Years Since Dobbs
When Roe fell, no one expected abortion rates to rise. Or pills to get easier to access. In this 30-minute podcast, we talk to women like provider Julie Burkhart about leading the resistance, what the future holds, and how to manage fear.
The author Lucy Sherriff, wearing borrowed clothes from a friend. (Courtesy of Lucy Sheriff)
On the Road Back to Los Angeles…And Feeling Grateful
Our writer Lucy Sherriff, who lost her condo in the Palisades fires and left the city – while six months pregnant – shared her emotional journey toward recovery, both financially and emotionally. This was one installment of her series.
Women educators, administrators, startup founders and more are doing all the can to protect and uplift students amid the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and revoke funding from public schools. (Credit: U.S. DOE, Flickr)
U.S. Education Is Under Attack, a New Battle in a Long War. But Women Are Resisting
The Trump administration was given clearance this summer to essentially dismantle the Department of Education. Since re-assuming the presidency, Trump had been on the offensive against them. Women educators, founders and more are fighting back.
Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill is a problem for America's women, especially. (Credit: Flickr)
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Will Cause Big Health Woes. Women Are Here to Help
The passage of Trump’s prized legislation heralded a host of healthcare issues for all – especially women – with the cutting of Medicaid and SNAP benefits, among other safety nets. Yet for every problem, there are women-run solutions.
Remembering the late, great and very prolific Connie Francis. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
On Connie Francis, Whose Powerful Voice Reached Far and Wide
Connie Francis was an internationally loved musician who made Billboard Hot 100 history. She was also a survivor, advocate and author. And, she touched generations of people – including Story Exchange writer Candice Helfand-Rogers.
Fine, call us women who push back “pigs” – we’ll still continue to ask tough questions, and speak about what’s right, this op-ed says. (Credit: PickPik)
These Little Piggies Won’t Be Quiet, Mr. Trump
The president referred to a female reporter as swine for asking Epstein-related questions. But insults aren’t stopping women from speaking up anymore, this op-ed asserts.
At one with goats. (Image: Original Goat Yoga)
Yes, We Need Goat Yoga Now More Than Ever
In 2016, Lainey Morse introduced goat yoga for stress relief as the world became increasingly divisive. Needless to say … not much has changed.