Scholarly publishing may not (always) have a glittering red carpet, but its day-to-day reality is packed with high-stakes decisions, unexpected twists, and transformative moments to rival any scripted series. In “NOT The Housewives of Scholarly Publishing,” voices from our industry come together for a panel that throws out the standard playbook to embrace frank dialogue about the personal and professional journeys shaping our field today. This session brings a diverse lineup to shine a light on the human side of scholarly work: overcoming setbacks, forging lasting support systems, and responding to the seismic changes and challenges that led to new opportunities. Community and collaboration make a real difference, whether tackling a crisis or charting new territory. Join us for an hour of conversation that balances candor with optimism, relevance with a dose of humor and the reality that makes this industry compelling.