Tonight’s special edition brought Joe Nichols back to the conversation, and it quickly became clear that the road west isn’t really about geography. It’s about the journey a writer takes with himself.

Joe spoke openly about the tension many writers feel on Substack—the pressure to perform, to repeat what worked before, and to chase the posts that gained attention. At one point he described looking back at his most popular work and realizing he was drifting toward writing for the reaction instead of writing from truth. That moment forced him to stop and ask a difficult question: Am I still being myself, or am I performing?

The conversation moved into something deeper—the uncomfortable work of honesty. Joe reflected on how writing exposes parts of ourselves we sometimes wish we could hide. He spoke about publishing something he later realized wasn’t completely honest, choosing to leave it up as a reminder that growth is part of the journey. Writing, he said, is one of the few places where a person can lay their life out and simply say, this is who I am.

We also talked about change. Readers grow. Writers grow. Sometimes the paths stop lining up. Joe acknowledged that continuing to follow his own questions may cause him to lose some readers, but the alternative—writing something that isn’t true to who he is—is far worse.

One of the most powerful moments of the discussion centered around discomfort. Joe shared that the only real way forward in life—or writing—is to sit with discomfort long enough to find the next question that moves you forward. Not necessarily the answer, but the next step on the road.

And that became the heart of tonight’s conversation.

Writing is not about solving everything. It’s about continuing the journey. Each piece opens another road, another question, another turn in the story.

Joe Nichols is still on that road.

And like many writers on Substack, he’s discovering that sometimes the most honest thing a person can do is keep walking.

Thank you Martine 🦋, Giuliana, Jenny Lynn, Lis, Mary Ann McGee, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Joe discussed that Feral Masculinity is the best book he has written. In it, he examines how modern men were conditioned to suppress instinct and judgment in favor of compliance, and why returning to a more honest, grounded sense of masculinity matters. Available on Amazon

🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack?

Thank you for your support. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo.

Today’s conversation with Lis reminded us that the most powerful things on Substack are often the quietest ones.

Lis did not arrive on the platform chasing numbers, subscribers, or attention. Instead, she created a simple weekly ritual—lifting other writers through her Friday shout-outs. What began as a small act of generosity slowly became something much bigger: a community built on encouragement, presence, and genuine connection.

During the conversation, Lis shared how meaningful relationships can grow from simply showing up and engaging with others’ work. Commenting, restacking, and supporting fellow writers created friendships with people she had never met before but deeply cared about.

We also talked about intention. If someone approaches writing only to chase records or subscriber counts, the journey quickly loses meaning. But when the goal becomes contributing to others and sharing light, something different happens—growth becomes personal rather than performative.

Lis spoke about how joy must remain part of the process. Writing and sharing cannot become a grind. It has to come from a place of curiosity, generosity, and the simple desire to bring light into the world.

That spirit is exactly why Lis’s work resonates with so many people.

Today’s episode reminded us of something easy to forget in the online world: attention is a form of care. When we slow down enough to notice the work of others and lift their voices, we create something stronger than an audience—we create community.

Lis lifts others.

And in doing so, she reminds all of us that sometimes the most meaningful way forward is simply to help someone else along the way.

Thank you Ashley Schmitt ⚜️, Harriet C., Mary Ann McGee, Deanne Ames, Karen Ege Jensen, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack?

Thank you for your support. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo.

Today’s guest was supposed to join us.

Instead, he made the decision to step away from writing — and from the public space altogether. I respect that. There is dignity in knowing when to step back. But there is also something deeply human in that moment that deserves conversation.

So today, we talk about silence.

Not dramatic silence. Not scandal. Not collapse for attention.But the quiet kind. The kind that happens when something inside a person feels tired.

On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, Nag Sang joins us as we explore what happens when a writer — or any person — goes quiet. When the words stop. When the posts slow down. When the public voice fades.

Because writing is rarely just writing.

For many of us, it becomes identity. It becomes proof of existence. It becomes a mirror of self-worth. When the audience applauds, we feel seen. When the audience criticizes or misunderstands, we feel exposed. And when the audience goes silent, we sometimes feel invisible.

Men and women experience this pressure differently. Women often carry the burden of image, emotional accessibility, and constant relational labor. Men often carry the stigma around vulnerability — the quiet rule that strength must look stoic. But both feel the weight of being visible.

There is a particular exhaustion that comes from performing growth.

The pressure to appear healed.To appear insightful.To appear emotionally available.To appear strong.

At some point, the performance can blur into identity. And the question becomes: am I growing… or am I just managing perception?

We also explore the difference between burnout and hopelessness.

Burnout is exhaustion from overextension.Hopelessness is exhaustion from believing nothing will change.

Both can silence a person.

Add to that the constant scrutiny of public life — even at a small scale. Social media. Substack. Metrics. Comments. Misinterpretations. The need to produce consistently in order to “stay relevant.” It becomes less about art and more about output.

Eventually, the soul says enough.

When dreams go quiet, it does not always mean the dream is dead. Sometimes it means the nervous system is overloaded. Sometimes it means shame has crept in. Sometimes it means the creative well needs rest instead of pressure.

We challenge the idea that constant production equals value.

Silence can be rest.Silence can be protection.Silence can be preparation.

Sometimes silence is collapse.Sometimes it’s healing.Sometimes it’s rebuilding beneath the surface where no one can see.

This episode is not about judgment. It’s about understanding. It’s about recognizing that stepping back does not automatically mean quitting. It may mean choosing survival over performance.

If you are in a silent season, this is not a condemnation.

You are not erased.You are not forgotten.You are not finished.

Silence does not always mean the end of a story.Sometimes it is simply the space where the next chapter gathers strength.

And sometimes, the most courageous thing a person can do…is go quiet long enough to remember who they are without an audience.

🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack?

Thank you for your support. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo.

In this raw and reflective episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, John sits down with Shadow Pursuit for a conversation that moves beyond surface-level storytelling and into the hidden parts of identity — the “shadow” we all carry but rarely confront.

This episode explores what happens when we stop running from the darker chapters of our lives and instead allow them to speak.

Shadow shares his personal journey — the battles, the internal conflicts, the moments of silence where doubt grows loud. Rather than portraying the shadow as something evil, the discussion reframes it as the unacknowledged parts of ourselves: unresolved pain, suppressed anger, fear of failure, and the scars left by betrayal, divorce, family fractures, and lost identity.

Together, they unpack several powerful themes:

* Why avoiding pain gives it more power

* The difference between reacting from hurt and responding from growth

* The cost of silence in broken relationships

* How masculinity, pride, and ego can prevent healing

* The courage required to examine your own role in past conflict

The conversation is not about blame. It’s about ownership.

John and Shadow discuss how writing — particularly on Substack — becomes a place where the shadow can finally be heard. Not for applause. Not for validation. But for truth. They reflect on how storytelling becomes soul work when it moves from performance to confession.

A key takeaway from the episode is this: growth begins the moment you stop defending your past and start understanding it.

There is strength in vulnerability. There is clarity in sitting with discomfort. And sometimes the shadow is not there to destroy you — it is there to guide you back to who you were meant to become.

This episode reminds listeners that healing is not loud. It is quiet. It is personal. And it begins when the shadow speaks — and you are finally willing to listen.

Your Fellow Writer,

Rinaldo

Shadow Pursit Art Gallery

🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack?

Thank you for your support. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, John sits down with trauma psychologist, author, and EMDR clinician Dr. Deborah Vinall to explore the layered realities of trauma, gaslighting, boundaries, and emotional healing.

Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience — including work with foster youth, trafficking survivors, and mass shooting victims — Deborah shares how trauma often hides beneath “normal” family narratives. She explains how gaslighting distorts reality, erodes self-trust, and keeps individuals trapped between loyalty to family and authenticity to themselves. As discussed in the episode, recognizing gaslighting is often the first courageous step toward recovery.

The conversation moves beyond theory into lived experience. John reflects on co-parenting challenges, setting boundaries with adult children, and learning to navigate difficult relationships without bitterness. Together, they unpack the difference between cutting people off impulsively and doing the deeper work of emotional maturity.

A major theme of the episode is writing as therapy. Deborah explains the psychological power of journaling, narrative reframing, and “writing from the scar, not the wound.” Creative expression — especially handwritten journaling — activates emotional processing in ways logic alone cannot. Healing writing, she emphasizes, should first be private and honest before becoming public.

They also discuss:

* The rise of “no contact” culture and its complexities

* Intergenerational trauma and how to break the cycle

* Self-limiting beliefs formed in childhood

* Rituals for closure and grief

* The role of compassion in releasing the past

Deborah’s books, including Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide and The Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens, provide structured paths toward healing, self-trust, and healthier relationships.

At its heart, this episode is about courage — the courage to face painful truths, to set boundaries without hatred, and to sit alone long enough to meet yourself honestly.

Healing doesn’t begin with perfection.It begins with truth.

Thank you Lynn J. Broderick, Mary Ann McGee, Sage and Hygge, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Missed last week’s episode?

Thank you for your support! This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo.

In this heartfelt episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, KaZ and John sit down with Josie DiVincenzo for a grounded and inspiring conversation about growth, timing, and learning to flourish exactly where life has planted you.

Josie shares her journey of embracing creativity without waiting for perfect conditions. Together, they explore what it means to “bloom where you are”—not as passive acceptance, but as intentional presence. The conversation weaves through identity shifts, creative courage, and the quiet strength required to grow through uncertainty rather than run from it.

Topics include:

* Finding your voice without chasing validation

* Letting go of comparison in creative spaces

* How Substack becomes a garden for honest expression

* The difference between waiting for ideal circumstances and creating meaning in the present

With warmth, laughter, and thoughtful reflection, this episode reminds listeners that growth isn’t about geography—it’s about mindset. You don’t need new soil to bloom. You need roots, patience, and the willingness to open anyway.

A conversation about presence, purpose, and becoming.

- Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

Thank you Lynn J. Broderick, Nat Sang, The Sharps Shooter: Wired, Amy Thomas, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Missed last week’s show? Catch the replay!

Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.

This original work is protected under United States and international copyright law, including Title 17 U.S.C. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, transmission, display, impersonation, or commercial use of this material, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited and may result in civil liability, statutory damages, injunctive relief, and recovery of attorney’s fees.

Official publications, communications, and solicitations are released solely through verified platforms and accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo. Any other representation, request for funds, or use of this name or material should be considered unauthorized and potentially fraudulent.

In this candid and deeply resonant episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, John Rinaldo and KaZ Akers sit down with Nat Sang to talk about the part of layoffs that rarely gets discussed—the emotional fallout, identity loss, quiet relief, and unexpected clarity that follow once the job title is gone.

Nat shares her lived experience of being laid off not once, but twice, after decades in high-level corporate roles. What unfolds is not a story of professional failure, but one of awakening. She speaks openly about chronic stress disguised as success, Sunday-night dread, toxic leadership, and the invisible pressure of golden handcuffs that keep people trapped long after they know something is wrong.

The conversation explores:

* Why relief often comes before grief after a layoff

* How corporate environments use fear, competition, and performative “teamwork” to control behavior

* The quiet shame many feel when their identity has been built around productivity and titles

* How burnout shows up through self-soothing, overworking, overspending, and emotional numbness

* The difference between being grateful for a job and being fulfilled by your life

Nat also shares how discovering Substack became a turning point—offering space to process emotions, reconnect with creativity, and begin rebuilding a life rooted in purpose rather than survival. Through writing, she began shedding her corporate identity and designing what she now calls a midlife reset—a framework grounded in recognition, release, and intentional redesign.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder:A layoff doesn’t mean you’re weak, lazy, or broken. Sometimes it’s the moment the universe forces you to listen to what your body and spirit already knew.

This is an honest, grounding conversation for anyone navigating career loss, midlife transition, or the quiet question: Is this really how I want to live?

Thank you Matunda Nishobora, Gray, Mary Ann McGee, Ms.Yuse, Sam Holloway, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Missed last week’s show? Catch the replay!

- Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

In this deeply moving episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, John and KaZ have a powerful conversation with Deanne Ames—a retired psychotherapist, trauma survivor, and writer whose life story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to choose peace.

Deanne shares her journey from profound childhood trauma and decades of survival-mode living into a season of grounded calm, made possible through therapy, EMDR, self-reflection, and ultimately, writing. She speaks candidly about how putting words to pain doesn’t reopen wounds—it gives them boundaries. Writing, for Deanne, became a way to metabolize experience, reclaim agency, and gently re-author her inner world.

The conversation explores:

* How trauma reshapes identity—and how identity can be rebuilt

* The role of EMDR and therapeutic support in long-term healing

* Why writing isn’t about reliving the past, but releasing it

* The difference between surviving and finally feeling safe

* How peace is not a destination, but a practice

Rather than offering tidy answers, this episode honors the slow, nonlinear nature of healing. Deanne’s presence reminds listeners that peace doesn’t come from erasing the past—but from learning how to sit beside it without fear.

This is an episode for anyone who has lived through hardship, questioned their own healing timeline, or wondered whether it’s ever truly possible to rest inside your own life.

Quiet. Honest. Human.A conversation that stays with you long after the recording ends.

Thank you Gray, Mary Ann McGee, Cindy Stewart, Sue N, and many others for tuning into my live video with Deanne Ames! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

Missed last week’s show? Catch the replay!

Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

This week on Stories, Soulwork & Substack, co-host KaZ graciously takes the reins as John continues to recover from illness, offering listeners warmth, humor, and thoughtful conversation in his absence. KaZ opens the show with a personal reflection on her birthday week, celebrating friendship, family, and small joys—setting an intimate, conversational tone that defines the heart of the podcast.

The episode features a rich and expansive conversation with Deb Eckerling, a goals strategist, speaker, and book proposal expert. Introduced through a mutual creative connection, Deb shares her journey as a multi-passionate professional whose work bridges goal setting, community building, and traditional publishing.

Together, KaZ and Deb explore:

* The power of goal setting as hope, especially during uncertain or difficult seasons

* The differences between traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing, with candid insights into costs, effort, and long-term impact

* What a book proposal actually is—and why nonfiction authors don’t need to write the full book before pitching

* How writers and entrepreneurs can clarify their ideas through journaling, free writing, and pattern recognition

* Why networking doesn’t have to feel performative, and how to approach it in ways that respect introverts and extroverts alike

* Deb’s unique monthly goal-setting and networking group, which creates accountability, community, and meaningful momentum without competition or hierarchy

Deb also shares her philosophy behind 52 Secrets for Goal Setting and Goal Getting, framing it as a “choose-your-own-adventure” approach—offering readers permission to find what works for them, rather than following rigid formulas or guru culture.

The episode closes with a powerful takeaway: goals aren’t just plans—they’re promises to yourself. Deb invites listeners to imagine what they’ll be celebrating one year from now and to write it down as an act of intention and self-belief.

As always, Stories, Soulwork & Substack delivers a thoughtful blend of lived experience, creative insight, and practical wisdom—reminding us that growth happens in conversation, community, and quiet commitment.

Thank you Jenny Lynn, Ruby, and many others for tuning into my live video with Debra Eckerling! Join me for my next live video in the app.- Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

Missed last week’s show? Catch the replay!

Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

In this episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, co-host KaZ takes the reins while John recovers from pneumonia and has temporarily lost his voice. KaZ opens with the show’s new music, shares a heartfelt update about grieving the loss of her brother Lenny Lenwood Sloan, and reflects on how an outpouring of texts, emails, and reconnections has helped their community heal.

KaZ then welcomes special guest Kristin Cofield, a longtime friend and wellness expert known for The Culinary Cure and her mission around active grandparenting and vibrant aging. Kristin shares her origin story as a chef who turned to food as medicine during her mother’s cancer journey, then explains how a viral “active grandparenting” video sparked a new focus—helping active agers train for the real-life demands of staying strong, mobile, and independent.

A major part of the conversation centers on hydration as the foundation of wellness. Kristin breaks down why water is an essential nutrient, how hydration supports energy, sleep, mood, joints, muscles, and the gut-brain connection, and why many people feel stuck in a “new normal” of fatigue. She offers practical guidance on when to drink water, why electrolytes matter, and how to build hydration as a daily practice—plus tips like starting the day with water and waiting 90 minutes before coffee for better focus and fewer crashes.

The episode also dives into simple, realistic healthy eating, including Kristin’s approach to “food assembly” over complicated cooking, how ultra-processed foods impact inflammation, and budget-friendly strategies like shopping seasonal, reducing waste, and planning meals. She shares approachable ideas and favorites from her work—like the banana mug muffin, roasting a chicken for multiple meals, sheet-pan vegetables, and easy staples like sweet potatoes.

Before wrapping up, Kristin highlights basic movements that matter for active aging—like sit-to-stand chair work, modified squats, planks, and even walking backward for brain-body connection. She closes with a powerful reminder: if we want strength, independence, and to stay fully present for family, we have to own our wellness—starting with habits today. KaZ thanks Kristin for her generosity and insight, and the episode ends with hope that John will be back next week—voice restored and ready to jump back in.

Thank you Giuliana, Sam Holloway, Karen C-Collector of Books 📖, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

📍 Aired Monday, January 5th at 4 PM EST🎙 Stories, Soul Work & Substack

Missed last week’s show? Catch the replay!

- Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.

About the Author

John Rinaldo writes Soul & Stories, a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. He also hosts the live podcast Stories, Soul Work & Substack every Monday at 4 PM EST, where written ideas open into honest conversation.

He is currently working on The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary written and hosted by John Rinaldo and Hassan, telling the story of Italians who resisted and secretly helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.

John also continues his work through The Hard Truths, inspired by his book Earned, Not Given, where he explores identity, resilience, and the often-unseen experience of fathers.

The Positive Pen © is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Other Ongoing Series

Learn more through Stories, Soul Work & Substack, along with The Hard Truths—inspired by Earned, Not Given—exploring identity, resilience, and the quiet erasure of fathers, and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series uncovering how Italians resisted fascism and helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.