The best thing about journalism is that it never feels like work.

Whether it’s a phone call with a source, covering a government meeting or a deep-dive into an important social topic, the meaningful work, not the paycheck, is what matters most.

That’s why last year I wrote 381 stories for Noozhawk; that’s a story a day and sometimes more than that.

In the video below, you can watch my 20-minute explanation of the story behind the story, and why they were memorable for me.

You can find more content and videos on my YouTube channel, Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.

The Top 10 list includes several stories that stuck with me, from breaking news about student walkouts, rallies and protests and calls for a cease-fire in the Gaza, to climate change and Dr. Eliot Jacobson’s views on the end of the world for humans, and the final death blow to the former printed daily newspaper.

Also on the list is a column I wrote about my 18-year-old son, Jacob Molina, and his move from the house to go to UC Berkeley, and what that meant for me.

For more reviews of 2023 coverage, read the roundup of Noozhawk’s Most Read Stories of 2023 and Editor’s Picks.

Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.