Candice Helfand-Rogers
@candicehr.bsky.social
Writer ✍️ Singer 🎤
*All views expressed are my own.*
*Just be kind*
she / her / hers
candicehelfandrogers.com
*All views expressed are my own.*
*Just be kind*
she / her / hers
candicehelfandrogers.com
Pinned
I write for a progressive, pro-women nonprofit newsroom called The Story Exchange. To read my writing: thestoryexchange.org/author/candi...
Forgive me, for I have waxed philosophical: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/presence-i...
'Presence' in a Block Universe
An alternative view of what it means to ~ be in ~ a given moment.
stayoffmybeat.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Forgive me, for I have waxed philosophical: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/presence-i...
Performing on 12/6 with an AWESOME new choir, the New York Vocal Collective. Check us out - live or livestream! www.viewcy.com/event/nyvc2025
Viewcy | New York Vocal Collective: 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓈𝒾𝓈
**NOTE**: if you're on your phone and can't see the **get tickets** button, you may need to tap "open in external browser".
We at the **New York Vocal Collective** are beyond excited to bring you our...
www.viewcy.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Performing on 12/6 with an AWESOME new choir, the New York Vocal Collective. Check us out - live or livestream! www.viewcy.com/event/nyvc2025
Every year, I spearhead the creation of @thestoryexchange.bsky.social's holiday gift guide. Our 2025 iteration might be one of my all-time favorites, because it's really all about spreading the love: thestoryexchange.org/2025-holiday...
Our 'Ripple Effects' Gift Guide: 15 Gifts That Give Back
Our 2025 holiday gift guide is about more than “stuff.” We selected social enterprises that make impactful products and charities that need support this season.
thestoryexchange.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Every year, I spearhead the creation of @thestoryexchange.bsky.social's holiday gift guide. Our 2025 iteration might be one of my all-time favorites, because it's really all about spreading the love: thestoryexchange.org/2025-holiday...
A brief bit on Trump's increasingly failing, increasingly childish attempts to silence those who threaten his power with the truth, now live on The Story Exchange:
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.
These Little Piggies Won’t Be Quiet, Mr. Trump
The president referred to a female reporter as swine for asking Epstein questions. But insults aren’t stopping women from speaking up anymore, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:59 PM
A brief bit on Trump's increasingly failing, increasingly childish attempts to silence those who threaten his power with the truth, now live on The Story Exchange:
Loved learning and writing about this wonderful organization for @thesteinline.bsky.social - read all about 'em here! thestoryexchange.org/this-pan-afr...
This Pan-African Nonprofit Helps Girls Finish School – By the Millions
For decades, CAMFED has ensured that impoverished girls get to learn. The organization’s staying power comes in large part from the students it guided into womanhood.
thestoryexchange.org
November 19, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Loved learning and writing about this wonderful organization for @thesteinline.bsky.social - read all about 'em here! thestoryexchange.org/this-pan-afr...
New for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social, on #MegynKelly's willingness to compromise girls' safety and well-being - despite her own history of being harassed: thestoryexchange.org/megyn-kelly-...
Megyn Kelly Sold Out Girls to Downplay Epstein’s Crimes. It Helps the President
The conservative pundit chose complicity over courage when she minimized the abuses done by the deceased sex trafficker, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
New for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social, on #MegynKelly's willingness to compromise girls' safety and well-being - despite her own history of being harassed: thestoryexchange.org/megyn-kelly-...
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social:
A closed reproductive health clinic in one of America's more liberal, richer cities reminds us that voting can have ramifications for anyone, anywhere, this op-ed states.
The Only Planned Parenthood in Manhattan Closed. This is Why You Need to Vote
This now-empty building serves as a physical reminder of what can happen when we sit Election Day out, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:22 PM
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social:
While watching the second #NYCMayoralDebate last night, one moment really stuck with me - because it's so damn rare to see. I wrote about it for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/zohran-mamda...
Zohran Mamdani Did Something Men Don't Do - But They Should
Men are reluctant, at best, to call out their peers for bad behavior. But during the second NYC mayoral debate, Mamdani did precisely that – and made it about more than winning votes.
thestoryexchange.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
While watching the second #NYCMayoralDebate last night, one moment really stuck with me - because it's so damn rare to see. I wrote about it for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/zohran-mamda...
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social, on a more personal note about what breastfeeding can be like... in case others need to hear this, too. thestoryexchange.org/cardi-bs-new...
Cardi B’s New Initiative Will Tackle Breastfeeding Stigmas. Yes, They Persist
The acclaimed rap artist and mom is partnering with formula maker Bobbie to “hype up every feeding journey, unapologetically.” It’s a necessary effort, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
October 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social, on a more personal note about what breastfeeding can be like... in case others need to hear this, too. thestoryexchange.org/cardi-bs-new...
I've been writing about Rep. Romman since her first run for office in 2022, and I've enjoyed following her career ever since. Now, she's running for governor of Georgia, so I caught up with her to discuss this latest campaign: thestoryexchange.org/she-doesnt-g...
She Doesn’t Go Looking For Fights – ‘But I Will Never Back Down From One’
Democratic Rep. Ruwa Romman of Georgia has set her sights on winning the governorship of the still-red state, because “if we want change, we have to engage.”
thestoryexchange.org
October 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM
I've been writing about Rep. Romman since her first run for office in 2022, and I've enjoyed following her career ever since. Now, she's running for governor of Georgia, so I caught up with her to discuss this latest campaign: thestoryexchange.org/she-doesnt-g...
New for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: Our existing systems and structures simply don't work for women. So perhaps it's time we do what we do with all outdated, broken things:
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wanted the presidency, and was qualified to take it on. Yet she was denied the opportunity - most women can relate.
What Do Women Want? Nothing We Aren’t Entitled To – And Yet
Women live in a world that isn’t designed to give us what we desire, or what we’ve earned – and so, we must take it for ourselves, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
October 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM
New for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: Our existing systems and structures simply don't work for women. So perhaps it's time we do what we do with all outdated, broken things:
New Op-Ed for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: Trump's crusade against the supposed scourge of taking Tylenol came with an assertion that is as dangerous and offensive as it is familiar. thestoryexchange.org/are-you-preg...
Are You Pregnant And In Pain? Trump Says ‘Tough It Out’
The president baselessly claimed Tylenol causes autism, and that pregnant people shouldn’t take it. It’s dangerous advice – and part of a legacy of women’s suffering being dismissed.
thestoryexchange.org
September 24, 2025 at 12:57 PM
New Op-Ed for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: Trump's crusade against the supposed scourge of taking Tylenol came with an assertion that is as dangerous and offensive as it is familiar. thestoryexchange.org/are-you-preg...
There are fights that remain worth fighting, regardless of the potential strategic "wins" that might come from giving them up. Wrote about two such causes on my personal blog: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/abortions-...
Abortions and Trans People Aren't the Problem
An increasing willingness to throw reproductive freedoms and trans rights under the campaign bus isn’t likely to win Dems any elections - but it will cost lives.
stayoffmybeat.substack.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
There are fights that remain worth fighting, regardless of the potential strategic "wins" that might come from giving them up. Wrote about two such causes on my personal blog: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/abortions-...
Love, love, love coordinating @thestoryexchange.bsky.social's annual holiday gift guide. This year, we're looking for women-run organizations and operations that are meeting the moment we presently find ourselves in: thestoryexchange.org/apply-today-...
Apply Today For Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: ‘Ripple Effects’
We're looking for women-led nonprofits, social enterprises and purpose-driven brands that need support now more than ever. Sound like your work? Tell us more!
thestoryexchange.org
September 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Love, love, love coordinating @thestoryexchange.bsky.social's annual holiday gift guide. This year, we're looking for women-run organizations and operations that are meeting the moment we presently find ourselves in: thestoryexchange.org/apply-today-...
Two things...
1. The problem has ALWAYS BEEN the guns. We need legislation that promotes gun safety. And, we should care to the extent I'm seeing in my feeds when it's children, not pundits, losing their lives. But since so much of the focus is on Charlie Kirk himself...
1. The problem has ALWAYS BEEN the guns. We need legislation that promotes gun safety. And, we should care to the extent I'm seeing in my feeds when it's children, not pundits, losing their lives. But since so much of the focus is on Charlie Kirk himself...
September 11, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Two things...
1. The problem has ALWAYS BEEN the guns. We need legislation that promotes gun safety. And, we should care to the extent I'm seeing in my feeds when it's children, not pundits, losing their lives. But since so much of the focus is on Charlie Kirk himself...
1. The problem has ALWAYS BEEN the guns. We need legislation that promotes gun safety. And, we should care to the extent I'm seeing in my feeds when it's children, not pundits, losing their lives. But since so much of the focus is on Charlie Kirk himself...
For those who'd like to read it, this is the sermon I delivered during a summer worship service I planned, on the greatness of bigness: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/for-the-lo...
For the Love of 'Too Much'
A sermon delivered August 31, 2025 at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn.
stayoffmybeat.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 9:05 PM
For those who'd like to read it, this is the sermon I delivered during a summer worship service I planned, on the greatness of bigness: stayoffmybeat.substack.com/p/for-the-lo...
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: The problem behind our latest school shooting is the guns - and the conservative lawmakers who allow us to drown in them. The same lawmakers who are pressuring women to have more children they won't work to protect. thestoryexchange.org/conservative...
Conservatives Want More Kids – Yet Offer Only Prayers When Kids Are Gunned Down
In the wake of another school shooting, we’re reminded that Trump and others won't protect children from gun violence – but they still want women to have more, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
August 28, 2025 at 4:37 PM
My latest for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: The problem behind our latest school shooting is the guns - and the conservative lawmakers who allow us to drown in them. The same lawmakers who are pressuring women to have more children they won't work to protect. thestoryexchange.org/conservative...
This Sunday, I'll be leading a summer service at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn. Come join us (in air conditioning) as we contemplate the greatness of bigness through sermon, song and more - live and livestream!
For more info: fuub.org
For more info: fuub.org
August 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
This Sunday, I'll be leading a summer service at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn. Come join us (in air conditioning) as we contemplate the greatness of bigness through sermon, song and more - live and livestream!
For more info: fuub.org
For more info: fuub.org
A brief bit on grief, over on @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/aubrey-plaza...
Aubrey Plaza Discusses Grief’s Unwieldy, Shape-Shifting Nature
On Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, the actress spoke about the pain of losing her husband, describing it as a fictional canyon, a vast ocean – and a “daily struggle.”
thestoryexchange.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:10 PM
A brief bit on grief, over on @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/aubrey-plaza...
So, I haven't spoken about this with most, but I've been exploring a more personal form of writing throughout much of this year, in between articles and op-eds (and my various musical projects).
August 10, 2025 at 12:56 PM
So, I haven't spoken about this with most, but I've been exploring a more personal form of writing throughout much of this year, in between articles and op-eds (and my various musical projects).
A little sung prayer for acceptance - I needed it, sharing in case y'all do, too. ❤️
August 7, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A little sung prayer for acceptance - I needed it, sharing in case y'all do, too. ❤️
Got my thoughts on my son's current fave film, "K-Pop Demon Hunters," and its messages about the power of group singing - and the power of women's voices - down over at @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/k-pop-demon-...
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ – The Kids’ Movie Adults Need
Beneath the film’s pop-tastic exterior lies a timely message about the power of women’s voices – and what we lose when they’re silenced, ensemble singer Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
thestoryexchange.org
August 6, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Got my thoughts on my son's current fave film, "K-Pop Demon Hunters," and its messages about the power of group singing - and the power of women's voices - down over at @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/k-pop-demon-...
I know that there are far more pressing matters at hand - but I do think it matters how we process and discuss our art. So, in that vein, for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social:
thestoryexchange.org/barbie-was-a...
thestoryexchange.org/barbie-was-a...
‘Barbie’ Was Always Supposed To Be The Beginning, Not The End
Two years ago, “Barbie” debuted, exposing the world to feminist ideas (and lots of pink). Today, people are spouting off their retroactive displeasure at the once-celebrated film.
thestoryexchange.org
July 26, 2025 at 2:32 AM
I know that there are far more pressing matters at hand - but I do think it matters how we process and discuss our art. So, in that vein, for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social:
thestoryexchange.org/barbie-was-a...
thestoryexchange.org/barbie-was-a...
We at @thestoryexchange.bsky.social are asking women to tell us what they want and need in order to achieve their dreams - and about what's holding them back. Read more here: thestoryexchange.org/serena-willi...
Serena Williams and Shannon Watts Want Women to Speak Up – And So Do We
Both the tennis-star-turned-investment-pro and the founder of gun-safety group Moms Demand Action are asking women what they want and need in life. Now, we are, too.
thestoryexchange.org
July 23, 2025 at 8:31 PM
We at @thestoryexchange.bsky.social are asking women to tell us what they want and need in order to achieve their dreams - and about what's holding them back. Read more here: thestoryexchange.org/serena-willi...
There are those celebrity deaths that just ... hit you. Which is why I wrote about the passing of Connie Francis for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/on-connie-fr...
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 a survivor, advocate and author. And she touched generations of people – myself included.
thestoryexchange.org
July 18, 2025 at 2:49 PM
There are those celebrity deaths that just ... hit you. Which is why I wrote about the passing of Connie Francis for @thestoryexchange.bsky.social: thestoryexchange.org/on-connie-fr...