Closing the Year with Gratitude
See you in 2026!
It’s hard to believe how quickly this year flew by. As we close it out, I’m also standing on the edge of something I never could have imagined—entering the 25th anniversary of my first baby, BOY MEETS GIRL®. I promise to bring you along for every moment of what’s to come, and yes, I’m still pinching myself. I shared a 24 Years in Business recap in a recent newsletter to reflect on the journey so far here, and we’re also working on another with my BOY MEETS GIRL® team (which, as you can imagine, is taking a longgg time). Looking back has been a powerful reminder of just how meaningful community truly is. I am beyond grateful for the BOY MEETS GIRL® community that has carried me here—allowing me to do what I love, with purpose, for nearly 25 years. THANK YOU!
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STACY IGEL UPDATES:
Check out these podcasts I have hosted or appeared on:
Zibby Owens interviewed me on her podcast, Totally Booked with Zibby, when Embracing the Calm in the Chaos first came out. You can listen to that conversation below. It marked our very first meeting—before we went on to share countless book tours, for my book, our books together, and for USA TODAY bestseller On Being Jewish Now ( which I am one of the contributors to). I am deeply grateful for the path we’ve walked side by side and for our friendship.
Mandana Dayani : ON BEING JEWISH NOW: Two Years After 10/7 interviewed by ME. Take a listen here. I was truly honored to be asked to step in and lead this podcast for you Zibby Owens . As you know, when life gets chaotic, I don’t freeze — I move, I show up, and I jump in where I’m needed. So when you asked Alix Strauss and me to be there for you, we didn’t hesitate for a second. We said yes — because that’s what community does. Zibby, thank you for trusting me. And Mandana Dayani — thank you for your insight, wisdom, and the powerful energy you brought to this conversation.
Tying It All Together, Elyse Ryan and her company were part of the event noted above and is also a collaborator of mine, along with Amri Kibbler, on Sea Waves of Seaport. It felt like pure kismet that Elyse was also showcasing her jewelry at the event. Before that, Elyse had invited me to join her podcast, which released today (listen → here).
Be sure to check out my collaboration with her, as well as the many beautiful collaborations she continues to create—including her collaboration with Zibby here. Women supporting women—that’s what we do.
If you missed me, Podding with the Purpose Pivot Podcast with Melissa Gonzalez check it out here. I’m also featured in Melissa’s book, where I open up about my mother’s recent diagnosis with dementia and parkinson’s. This is the first time I’m sharing it here as well. Melissa’s book shares Stories, experiences, and lessons from dynamic leaders to help you take the next step forward. “Standing at the nexus of health & wellness and leadership, The Purpose Pivot: How Dynamic Leaders Put Vulnerability and Intuition into Action takes a dive deep into exclusive shared stories, experiences, and learnings of successful women, helping readers navigate their own leadership journey, whether it be at work, at home, or within themselves personally. Inspired by author Melissa Gonzalez’s wake-up call of a life-threatening medical emergency that required emergency surgery in the middle of the night, this book opens a dialogue to demystify aspects of our health, both physically and mentally, from invisible illnesses like chronic fatigue to outdated beliefs one needs to shed in order to evolve into our best selves.”
Join me & Melissa at Fran Hauser Bedford Books Store on January 8th, 2026!
I’m so thrilled to kick off the New Year in conversation with Melissa, Joanne, and Fran—and I truly can’t wait to finally meet Frana and celebrate her beautiful bookstore, which is now one year old.
Details below:
📍 Bedford Books on January 8th, 2026 @ 6:30 PM EST
🔗 Sign-up link hereCan’t wait to see you there and start 2026 together!
Re-sharing this newsletter that hit so many of you…
I’ll leave you with a question as we close out 2025—one I ask my social media community often because I believe it’s an important one, and I’d truly love to hear my Substack family’s thoughts on it. I touch on this in my book as well.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery! Is it?
A look back: the BOY MEETS GIRL® 2015 Subway Campaign Shoot captured by Sophie Elgort ( all images here).
BTS video captured by Maddy Talias
The NYFW show that told the story…
&
Chanel 2025
I started my first Substack on July 14th, 2022. I love it here! If you missed any of my newsletters, you’ll find them all here.
P.S. My best friend Ike Barinholtz, is in town making his Broadway debut for the very first time. I was lucky enough to see the show on opening night with dear friends I grew up with—Meredith, Lauren, and Shani—along with my husband, Brian, my sister, Kathy, and my brother-in-law, Bill. The show is called All Out, and Ike is in it through December 19th. If you’re in NYC, I highly recommend running to see it while he’s still in the cast. I couldn’t be prouder of him. You can get tickets here. Also, one of my new favorite bands is the house band for the show called Lawrence, love them so much, check them out!
Wishing you a happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a joyful Kwanzaa—here’s to a safe, healthy New Year. See you in 2026!
XO,
STACY IGEL
You’re the best!!! 💙
Happy 25, Stacy! So excited to celebrate in January! 💛