Looking Back at 2025: a Year in Review

2025 has come to a close, and what a year it’s been! They say time flies when you’re having fun, and clearly I was having fun this year. The world is ever changing, and nothing says that more than 2025. Looking back, there are so many things that took place in the short time of the past twelve months. If I tried to catalogue them all, this post would never end. Instead, allow me to share with you twenty highlights of my 2025: a year in review.

Culture in 2025

1. Virtual Epic Patriot Camp 2025: Independence

Together, author friend Ella Quill and I led the final installment of the online US-history writing camp this year. May, June, and July saw previous camper alumni return for virtual Epic Patriot Camp one last time, and it did not disappoint! Twelve incredible writers across America (and yours truly in Australia) reunited to finish what they started in 2022, and successfully graduated independently as the “Class of 2025”. You can learn more about them at Epic Patriot Press on Substack.

2. The Epic Story of 1780-1783: Independence

The third and final book in the Epic Story of America trilogy launched across the world on 10 September and made it to the Best Sellers list within its first week of publication! Written by the next generation of historians and authors through Epic Patriot Camp 2025, The Epic Story of 1780–1783: Independence tells the stories of seventeen pivotal figures who helped bring the American Revolution to its epic conclusion. Huzzah!

3. How to Train Your Dragon

Soaring into theatres worldwide this June was the long-awaited How To Train Your Dragon live-action remake. Don’t get me wrong; I’m no supporter of this live action trend, but something about this new movie struck a chord with me. (Read my review here.) And after grossing $636 million at the global box office, it’s the most successful film in the franchise to date. Will they pull it off again with a How To Train Your Dragon 2 live action? We’ll find out in 2027.

4. Wicked: For Good

I’ll give credit where credit is due. I haven’t seen Wicked (and I probably never will), but its enormous sequel Wicked: For Good, which released in November, has hit the ground running. Considering the holiday momentum, it could very well exceed the first movie’s box office record of $758 million worldwide. In the meantime, though, I’m just enjoying How To Train Your Dragon in 8th place.

5. Hamilton Australia

January 2025 saw the final performances of Hamilton Australia at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney. I had the great honour of getting to see it before the Aussie cast said goodbye one last time. The biographical musical tells the incredible story of George Washington’s right-hand man, Alexander Hamilton, and how history had its eyes on him throughout his whole life. Seeing the story unfold through music live and on stage was the experience of a lifetime, and something I will never forget.

6. HamilTEN Anniversary

Speaking of Hamilton, the hit Broadway musical celebrated its ten-year anniversary this year. In an event known to producers and fans alike as HamilTEN, the campaign celebrated through limited-edition merchandise and special performances which included reunions from the original Broadway cast. This also included a new Hamilton theatrical release, differing from the 2020 Disney+ movie by including all-new cast interviews and coming to cinemas across the world. Hip, Hip, HUZZAH for ten years! (You can learn more about America’s ten-dollar founding father in The Epic Story of 1780–1783.)

Australia's Big Moments in 2025

1. The Nation Decides: Federal Election

Onto more political news, Australia had its once-every-three-years federal election this May. While the result was (of course) terribly disappointing, it was sadly not surprising. Dutton and the Liberal Party put up a half-hearted fight that was destined for failure. Voters didn’t have much of a choice: either vote for the current governing party, or for a party that can’t seem to make up its mind. People ultimately chose what was more familiar and less of a risk to them and their way of life, leaving the Liberals in a pickle. (Read more about keeping Albanese accountable in my election results post.)

2. Coalition Collapses After Conclave

After May’s election, the Liberals and Nationals experienced some heavy in-flight turbulence. Captain Dutton had been ejected out of his Queensland cockpit by a Labor MP, leaving Coalition Airways without a pilot. After a ten-day conclave, white smoke announced Sussan Ley as the new conservative Leader of the Opposition. However, just moments into the new appointment, co-pilot David Littleproud split his Nationals party from the Coalition over policy disagreements. Thankfully the unhappy couple was reunited within a week, but it shook the public’s confidence in the Opposition.

3. The Rise of One Nation

Meanwhile, right-wing populist party One Nation surged in the polls, giving left-wing loonies The Greens a run for their emissions-free money. In latest surveys One Nation has significantly outpolled The Greens, becoming the third most popular political party. Leader Pauline Hanson’s common-sense arguments resonate with the everyday Australian people and are a strong reason behind One Nation’s big leap. In recent weeks iconic Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has also switched parties to One Nation, signalling a greater parliamentary force for the rising party.

4. Social Media Platforms Banned

10 December 2025 was quite the historic day for Australian teenagers as the government introduced the “Social Media Ban”, essentially to keep Under-16s off social media. Problems with this are that some of the most harmful platforms were not included in the ban, and that there are countless ways to get around the ban (for example, using an adult’s face for Facial ID), rendering it useless and only an encouragement for desperate kids to find backdoor ways to the internet. What will come next? Government ID verification for all citizens? I wouldn’t be surprised. If the government truly wants safety for its people, let’s talk a bit about policy reform when it comes to radicalised mass-immigration. 

The World's Big Moments in 2025

1. U.S. Finally Gets Long-Awaited Upgrade

America started off 2025 with a loud “HUZZAH” as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th U.S. President in January. He wasted no time, already signing 225 huge executive orders just this year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the president in February (they wanted to arrange a playdate, but Trump ghosted Albo numerous times until they finally caught up over some Stamp Act-free White House tea in October). Albo sought an exemption from the tariffs, citing Australia’s friendship with the United States. Trump responded with “consideration”... and then doubled the Steel & Aluminium Tariff.

2. Ultimate Chlorine Showdown

Singapore hosted the 2025 World Aquatics Championships where aquatic icons from around the world represented their respective countries in the ultimate showdown of swimming, diving, water polo, and more. Australia splashed through in second place with thirteen gold medals, followed closely by its greatest nemesis the United States, which earned ten. Aquatic legends such as Cameron McEvoy, Kyle Chalmers, Kaylee McKewon, and Mollie O’Callaghan made their nation proud.

3. World Loses Great Man

Just a few hours after Epic Patriot Camp celebrated Independence, the world lost a great man: Charlie Kirk—a loving husband and father, political advocate, leader, and inspiration of FREEDOM to many. Shot by an assassin while giving one of his iconic tours at a Utah University, his voice was not silenced but rather amplified by multitudes of his supporters across the globe. The “Charlie Kirk Awakening” took the world by storm as millions stood up to speak out and declare their support for Charlie’s mission of returning liberty and critical thinking to universities and people both young and old. Though tragic, his death was a turning point in our history.

4. The Beginning of the End

7 October 2025 is the two-year anniversary of the horrific attack when Hamas invaded southern Israel and initiated the ongoing war in Gaza against terrorism and other militant groups. This year, President Donald Trump managed to secure a historic ceasefire agreement between the militaries to return peace to the region. The war may not be completely over yet, but this moment in history will be remembered as the beginning of the end. 

5. High-Stakes Film Becomes a Reality

Hired French villains with stolen German equipment pulling off an audacious daylight robbery to steal priceless artefacts from a world-renowned museum with a getaway scooter parked nearby: it’s the stuff that heist blockbusters are made of—and it’s exactly what happened to the Louvre Museum, Paris, this October. Investigations continue in search for the missing French Crown Jewels and the whereabouts of some other key figures in the heist. It may not have been the Mona Lisa or Eiffel Tower, but the French Crown Jewels are nevertheless of great value. We can only hope the missing pieces will return home with reduced carbon emissions. Lest Oui Baguette.

People Making Headlines in 2025

1. The Pope

May 2025 was a historic month, not just for Australia, but the world. Pope Francis passed away in April, leaving the Cardinal Electors to figure things out at the Vatican. Eventually they came to a conclusion and raised the white smoke of “success!” out their chimney, and American-born Pope Leo XIV was announced. I’m no Catholic or Pope-follower, but as we say in German, “Der Papst ist nett”. (Okay, I made that up. We don’t say that.) Either way, the man in the white bathrobe caught a lot of media attention in 2025.

2. Chris Minns

Premier Chris Minns is a fantastic leader for the people of New South Wales. Despite his political party, I have often expressed that he would make an excellent Prime Minister if he went federal—he is the true Labor leader that Australia needs. In every situation faced by NSW, he has been there for the people. He’s acted on his promises, he provides strong leadership and policies, makes earnest apologies where necessary, and calls Albanese out when accountability is required. Following the tragedy of the Bondi attack earlier this month, it was Chris Minns who was on the frontline; immediately supporting victims and the community where they needed it most, Albo following behind like a kid trying to catch the ice cream truck before it leaves.

3. Pauline Hanson

Behind the surge of One Nation’s success is its leader: Pauline Hanson. The fiery, strong-willed, and determined red-haired politician has made local headlines throughout 2025. Whether it's calling out Albanese’s henchmen/(women/people) or getting banned from Australian Parliament for wearing the Australian flag (along with Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price), nothing’s stopped Hanson’s populist fight for freedom and the return of the “real” Australia. Earlier this year she even travelled to Florida to speak at CPAC 2025 and President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. 

4. Mason Thames

If I mention the success of the 2025 box office, I have to mention one of the actors who made it possible: Mason Thames. At just 18 years old, the young actor has exploded in popularity after starring in three of this year’s biggest movies: How to Train Your Dragon, Regretting You, and The Black Phone 2 (the former of these, of course, is by far the most superior, sitting in the box office Top 10!). Breaking the 30-year record this November, Thames is the first actor since Jim Carrey in 1994 to star in three different movies that hit #1 at the domestic box office in the same calendar year. And after his role as one of my favourite fictional characters ever, I have to applaud him for the great work. 

5. Donald Trump

Thanks to the U.S. President, 2025 has been just as big and beautiful as his July tax breaks. Though he missed the Nobel Peace Prize (it went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who, ironically, dedicated her honour to him), it doesn’t take away from his impact on the world. And that, despite what people believe and say about him, is why Donald Trump is the ‘Person of the Year’ for 2025.

2025: a Year in Review

This time a year ago, I predicted that 2025 was going to be bigger than 2024. Was I correct? Absolutely! The world changed this year, and for so many reasons. Personally and globally. I don’t think any of us will look back on 2025 with the same view as we did when it all began. 

2025 was different to 2024, and that’s a good thing. Now, we can look ahead to 2026, knowing that there is still so much more to discover. Dare I say it will be even bigger than the previous year? Let’s step into January and find out. When December rolls around again, we’ll have our answer.

How will you define your 2025? Let me know in the comments!