Stories, Soul Work & Substack

Thank you Mark Willis, Simona 🦋, Giuliana, Gray, and many others for tuning into my live video with KaZ In The World! Join me for my next live video in the app.

In this powerful episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, co-host @KaZInTheWorld and John Rinaldo sit down with Mark Wills (@therewrittenpath) to explore his deeply personal journey from trauma to transformation.

Mark shares The Scar Map — From Wound to Words, his honest and raw process of healing through writing after surviving domestic violence. Together, we discuss silence, resilience, and the power of storytelling as a path toward recovery.

This conversation goes beyond survival — it’s about reclaiming voice, rediscovering hope, and helping others turn pain into purpose. 💜

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) — a time to educate, support survivors, and raise awareness. 💜

Domestic Violence Awareness Segment

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available right now.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)Text: “START” to 88788Chat Online: thehotline.org

This line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained advocates can connect you with local shelters, counseling, safety planning, and legal support. You don’t have to share your name or location if you’re not ready.

* Host: John Rinaldo on Substack John Rinaldo

* Co-Host: KaZ Akers on Substack KaZ In The World

* Guest: Mark Wills on Substack Mark Willis

#PositivePenPodcast #StoriesSoulworkSubstack #DVAM #HealingThroughWriting #TheScarMap #Podcast

🎙️ Podcast Production

Director: KaZ Akers

Producer: John Rinaldo

Production: Rinaldo & Partners

🎙️ Podcast is Stream Live/Media

Substack | YouTube | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook/Instagram | TikTok | Rumble | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed

🎙️ Podcast Disclaimer

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations, employers, or affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional guidance when applicable. All stories, discussions, and reflections shared are based on personal experiences and perspectives.

Some episodes may contain sensitive topics; listener discretion is advised.

© 2025 Rinaldo & Partners. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution without permission is prohibited.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

Thank you, Giuliana, Gray, Simona 🦋, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

On this heartwarming (and mouth-watering) episode of Stories, Soulwork & Substack, hosts John Rinaldo and KaZ In The World celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving — a holiday that’s all about gratitude, harvest, and a little maple syrup on everything. 🇨🇦

What started as a chat about turkey vs. salmon turns into a rich conversation about food traditions, dual citizenship, and the beauty of Canadian fall — from smoked salmon feasts in BC to moose crossings in Jasper. The pair explore gratitude not as a cliché, but as a daily practice — through stories of kindness, paying it forward, and the simple human moments that remind us how connected we really are.

Expect laughter, history lessons (yes, Canada had Thanksgiving first!), and heartfelt reflections that’ll make you pause before your next bite of pumpkin pie.

🍁 Highlights include:

* The true origins of Canadian Thanksgiving (and why it’s in October)

* West Coast salmon traditions and Indigenous cooking rituals

* Warm stories of family, giving, and gratitude

* The art of saying “thank you” — and meaning it

* A candid chat about writing, creativity, and community on Substack

Because gratitude really does sound better with a Canadian accent, eh?

#StoriesSoulworkSubstack #Podcast #CanadianThanksgiving #Gratitude #Community

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……………

What began as daily reflections on Substack has grown into full books. You can now find them on Amazon, Earned Not Given, The Quiet Miracle Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters.

🎙️ Podcast Disclaimer

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the positions of any organizations, employers, or affiliates.

The content shared is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek qualified guidance when necessary.

Some episodes may include discussions of sensitive or mature topics. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2025 The Positive. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution of this material without permission is strictly prohibited.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

Stories, Soulwork & Substack w/ @KaZInTheWorld + guest @brokentoysmemoir 💜

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—a time to educate, support survivors, and raise awareness. 💜

In today’s dinner table discussion, we’re talking about divorce, trauma, and how childhood experiences shape who we become as adults.

Broken Toys shares a powerful story—growing up through a divorce, now facing one as an adult—and the search for healing buried beneath the pain.

Thank you Susan Basham, Just Kayla, Giuliana, Simona 🦋, Zuzana Zejdova, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Listen to the conversation → #Podcast #StoriesSoulworkSubstack

📖 Earned, Not Given is Now on Amazon

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕…………….

📚 All of my stories began on Substack. Now, The Quiet Miracle and Earned, Not Given are here — new releases, available now on Amazon. ✨

Discover the other heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

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

🎙️ Stories, Soulwork & Substack — with KaZ & Guest: Margaret Williams

In this episode, it’s all about connection, communication, and the conversations that matter. We sit down with Margaret to talk about writing, community, and the evolving mission of being on Substack. From playful tangents (yes, even The Godfather) to thoughtful reflections on how we can help others through words, this episode captures the heart of what it means to share stories and build connections online.

Thank you Brandon Ellrich, Hundred Tomatoes, Giuliana, Simona 🦋, Soni Knapp, and many others for tuning into my live video with Margaret Williams, MS, ACC and KaZ In The World! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.