Stories, Soul Work & Substack

John Rinaldo

The Positive Pen Podcast—"Stories, Soul Work & Substack"—is a live weekly conversation exploring honest stories, inner work, and the courage it takes to write and become. Each episode brings real voices together to reflect on meaning, healing, spirituality, and why writing has become a lifeline. rinaldoj.substack.com

  1. 5d ago

    The Love That Remains — A Conversation with Sandra-Lynne Mitchell & Deborah Lee Wortmann

    Thank you Bonnie Bluewater 🐦, Roland Millward, chris kalaboukis, Jacqueline Lopez, and many others for tuning into my live video with Sandra-Lynne! Some of the greatest loves in our lives arrive on four legs, with feathers, or in the quiet companionship of an animal who asks for nothing but our love. On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I welcomed Sandra-Lynne Mitchell from France and Deborah Lee Wortmann from South Africa for a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, grief, and the remarkable bond we share with our animals. Their book, Tales of Tribute, is a collection of pet-loss poetry born from a deeply personal experience. When Deborah lost Chloe, her beloved Jack Russell of sixteen years, the grief was overwhelming. Chloe had been her constant companion, helping her through some of life’s darkest moments. Searching for a way forward, Deborah turned to her sister Sandra, who encouraged her to express those feelings through writing. What began as an effort to cope with one heartbreaking loss eventually became something much greater: a collection of poetry offering companionship and comfort to others grieving their animals. During our conversation, Sandra shared memories of the animals who shaped her life, including Snoopy, her remarkable rat, and Ozzy, a horse whose tragic loss stayed with her for eighteen years. We also talked about how society sometimes struggles to understand the depth of grief people experience when losing an animal. But anyone who has loved a pet understands. They become part of our everyday lives, our routines, our memories, and ultimately our personal stories. One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation was learning how Sandra and Deborah structured their book to move from darkness toward light. Not to tell anyone how to grieve, but to offer words they can return to whenever they need them. We explored how poetry captures emotions that ordinary conversations sometimes cannot, and how writing can become a place to express feelings without judgment. Perhaps the greatest lesson was that grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days we smile at the memories. Other days, the emptiness returns. And both are part of loving deeply. Our animals may only walk beside us for part of our journey, but the love they leave behind becomes part of who we are. Five Lessons Learned * Grief has no timetable. Whether it takes months or years, everyone experiences loss differently. There is no correct way or deadline to grieve. * Writing gives our emotions a voice. Poetry can express the love, sadness, guilt, and memories that are sometimes too difficult to speak aloud. * The bond with an animal deserves recognition. They are more than pets. They are companions, family members, and sometimes the ones who help us through our darkest days. * Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Moving from darkness toward light means learning to carry the memories and love forward, not leaving them behind. * Our stories can comfort others. What began with Deborah’s grief for Chloe became a book that may help someone else feel understood and less alone. Thank you, Sandra and Deborah, for sharing your beautiful stories, your honesty, and the love behind Tales of Tribute. Stories. Soul Work. Truth. John Rinaldo | The Positive Pen Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Nov 3

    Beyond the Book — A Conversation with Jen Simpson

    Thank you Nat Sang, rhonda doruiter, Mark Segal, and many others for tuning into my live video! What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? Sometimes the unexpected journey leads us exactly where we need to be. On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I welcomed Jen Simpson, children’s book author, co-founder of Author Gold, and founder of Devorah Press, for a conversation about storytelling, unexpected beginnings, and the importance of helping independent authors succeed. Jen shared the inspiration behind her children’s book, Eva and the Best Day Ever, a story inspired by her daughter and the excitement of planning a birthday celebration. But beneath the colorful illustrations is a lesson about expectations, disappointment, communication, and discovering that happiness doesn’t always come from getting everything we want. That message became especially meaningful when Jen shared her own unexpected journey. After years working in epidemiology and international development, organizational layoffs in 2025 changed her career plans. Suddenly, she found herself reconsidering what came next. Rather than allowing disappointment to define her future, Jen rediscovered her love of creative writing. What began as an unexpected career transition became an opportunity to build something meaningful. Our conversation then turned toward the challenges independent authors face. Jen explained how misleading publishing advice, expensive marketing promises, and questionable service providers can leave new authors overwhelmed and vulnerable. That concern inspired her work with Author Gold, where she shares research, practical guidance, and resources to help writers make informed decisions. One of the most important lessons from our conversation was that authors shouldn’t have to navigate publishing alone. We discussed why collaboration matters more than competition. Readers don’t purchase books from only one author. They build personal libraries filled with different voices, experiences, and stories. When writers recommend one another, share resources, and celebrate each other’s achievements, everyone has an opportunity to grow. We also explored the importance of professional editing, thoughtful book covers, understanding your publishing goals, and recognizing that success looks different for every author. Perhaps the most touching moment came when Jen explained what success truly means to her. Beyond book sales, rankings, or recognition, she hopes her daughters will someday read her stories to their own children. That reminded me why we write in the first place. Because behind every book is something greater than the words on its pages. There is a piece of someone’s life, a dream, and a story worth passing along. Five Lessons Learned * Disappointment can open unexpected doors. When life changes our plans, we may discover opportunities we never imagined. * Know why you’re writing and publishing. Success isn’t measured the same way for everyone. Understanding your purpose helps guide your decisions. * Don’t navigate publishing alone. Trusted relationships, professional guidance, and supportive author communities can help prevent costly mistakes. * Collaboration is stronger than competition. Writers grow when they share opportunities, recommend one another, and help readers discover new voices. * The greatest success goes beyond book sales. The lasting value of a story may be the memories it creates, the people it touches, and the generations who carry it forward. Stories. Soul Work. Truth. John Rinaldo | The Positive Pen Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Oct 27

    The Monsters We Recognize — A Conversation with Emma Steel

    Thank you Saira Anwar, rhonda doruiter, Lynn busby, Surabhi Dobhal, Storm Whisperer and many others for tuning into my live video! What if the monsters we fear are actually reflections of ourselves? On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I welcomed Emma Steel, author of Myths & Monsters, for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, imagination, fear, and the parts of human nature we don’t always recognize within ourselves. Emma shared how her fascination with mythology began with discovering that many familiar fairy tales were originally much darker than the versions we know today. From the Brothers Grimm to ancient Greek mythology, she explained how stories evolve across generations, reflecting the fears, beliefs, and struggles of the people telling them. What if the monsters we fear are actually reflections of ourselves? On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I welcomed Emma Steel, author of Myths & Monsters, for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, imagination, fear, and the parts of human nature we don’t always recognize within ourselves. Emma shared how her fascination with mythology began with discovering that many familiar fairy tales were originally much darker than the versions we know today. From the Brothers Grimm to ancient Greek mythology, she explained how stories evolve across generations, reflecting the fears, beliefs, and struggles of the people telling them. Her book Myths & Monsters takes familiar characters and gives them unexpected lives. Tooth fairies exist within their own social hierarchy. Medusa becomes more than a frightening figure; she becomes someone deserving of love and understanding. But our conversation went beyond fictional creatures. Emma explained that monsters often represent our own emotions: jealousy, anger, fear, ambition, love, and the desire to belong. Even the gods of Greek mythology possessed remarkably human weaknesses. We also explored the difference between ancient fears and modern ones. While our ancestors feared darkness and unknown dangers, today’s fears often involve rejection, isolation, judgment, and losing our place in the world. Perhaps the most revealing part of our discussion came when Emma described what writing has taught her about herself. Through creating both heroes and villains, she discovered personal flaws, unexpected perspectives, and opportunities for growth. Writing became more than entertainment. It became a form of reflection, sometimes even catharsis. Emma also shared her creative process, balancing a general direction with the freedom to let characters shape their journeys. Her approach reminded us that creativity doesn’t always follow a carefully constructed plan. As our conversation drew to a close, Emma offered a message that stayed with me: the person we perceive as a monster may not be one at all. Sometimes people cause harm without intending to. Sometimes they are struggling with circumstances we cannot see. And sometimes, with accountability, understanding, and grace, people can change. That doesn’t erase the harm, but it reminds us to look beyond appearances. Perhaps the greatest lesson of storytelling is that understanding others begins with recognizing something of ourselves in them. Five Lessons Learned * Appearances can deceive. What frightens us may simply be something we haven’t taken the time to understand. * Our fears reveal our humanity. Ancient monsters and modern anxieties often reflect the same fundamental emotions. * Writing encourages self-discovery. The characters we create can expose strengths, weaknesses, and hidden feelings. * Creativity requires freedom. A story can have direction while still allowing imagination to lead somewhere unexpected. * Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow. Compassion, accountability, and grace can create room for meaningful change. Stories. Soul Work. Truth. John Rinaldo | The Positive Pen Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Oct 19

    Hands at Work — A Conversation with Ahmad Shah Karimi

    Sometimes the smallest memories of childhood leave the greatest impressions on our lives. Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I had the pleasure of welcoming Ahmad Shah Karimi, author of Hands at Work: Stitches of a Childhood from Afghanistan. Ahmad joined me from Berlin, Germany, to share a remarkable journey that began in a small Afghan village and eventually led him far from the home and people he loved. What struck me most wasn’t simply the hardship he experienced. It was the beauty he remembered. Children shaping birds from clay. Friends climbing mountains to search for the Eid moon. The anticipation of new clothes. His mother’s cooking and the smell of halwa filling the house. These weren’t extraordinary events. They were ordinary moments that became extraordinary memories. We often hear about Afghanistan through war, politics, and conflict. Ahmad reminded us that behind those headlines are families, traditions, laughter, dreams, and people simply living their lives. But his story also carries difficult choices. Following the Taliban’s return to Kabul in August 2021, Ahmad was forced to flee Afghanistan because of his work with young people. He eventually reached Germany, leaving his family behind. He spoke openly about the guilt he experienced after reaching safety, particularly when he learned that his young son had stayed awake wondering where his father had gone. That moment stayed with me. We talked about how difficult it can be to make peace with decisions made under extraordinary circumstances. Sometimes there are no perfect choices, only the choices available to us. One of the most touching parts of our conversation was Ahmad’s description of his grandmother. He remembered her kindness, her advice, and the way she welcomed him home. Although she is no longer physically present, her influence continues through the values he carries. And that brought us to another important question: What is home when the people and places we remember are no longer the same? Perhaps home isn’t simply a building or a country. Sometimes it’s the love we received, the lessons we learned, and the memories we carry wherever life takes us. Ahmad also reminded us that writing can become a refuge—a way to reconnect with people, places, and moments that distance cannot erase. Thank you, Ahmad, for sharing your childhood, your courage, and your remarkable perspective on life. Five Lessons I Took Away From Our Conversation * The smallest moments often become our greatest memories. Childhood isn’t remembered only through major events, but through ordinary acts of love, laughter, and kindness. * Hardship and happiness can exist together. Even during difficult times, children find ways to play, dream, and experience joy. * Home is more than a place. It lives in the people who raised us, the traditions we remember, and the values we carry forward. * Making peace with the past doesn’t mean forgetting it. We can look back at difficult decisions with understanding and compassion rather than judgment. * Our stories preserve what time and distance cannot. Writing allows us to keep memories alive and share pieces of our lives with future generations. Perhaps the greatest lesson from today’s conversation is that we may leave the places where our stories began, but we never completely leave behind the people who helped write those first chapters. Our past may shape us, but it doesn’t have to define where our story goes next. Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Oct 13

    Remembering Who We Are — A Conversation with Pam Lob

    Thank you Mama's Homestead, Bonnie Bluewater 🐦, Lessons Along The Way, Jason Stephenson, and many others for tuning into my live video with Pam | Echoes of Ancient Wisdom! Join me for my next live video in the app. Sometimes the stories we write take us to places we’ve never been, only to help us understand something about ourselves that has been there all along. Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I had the pleasure of welcoming Pam Lob, author of Daughter of the Solstice, the first book in her Gia Remembered series. What began as a conversation about historical fiction became something much deeper: a discussion about grief, healing, belonging, the people we lose, and the memories we carry forward. Pam introduced us to Monia, a young woman whose life is shattered by violence and who finds herself transported across the sea into an unfamiliar world. Her journey takes readers into ancient Kemet, but the heart of her story is something we can all recognize. What happens when everything familiar is taken away, and how do we rediscover who we are? That question stayed with me throughout our conversation. We talked about how our experiences shape us, sometimes in ways we don’t fully understand until years later. Pam shared a personal story about losing contact with family members after a death and how grief can affect generations when people choose to push painful memories away. That brought me back to Remi’s Journey 2, particularly Remi’s experiences with Gus. I’ve been writing about grief, loss, and the emptiness someone leaves behind. And perhaps that’s why Monia’s journey resonated with me. Both stories remind us that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the people who helped shape our lives. We also explored the writing journey itself, the importance of sharing our stories, and the opportunities independent authors have to build meaningful connections. Pam reminded us that after years of writing, some of the greatest rewards aren’t necessarily book sales or recognition. They’re the people we meet along the way. And I couldn’t agree more. That’s one of the reasons I continue building The Positive Pen, our Pen Library, and our book club. It’s about creating opportunities for writers while developing a community where we can learn from one another. Thank you, Pam, for joining me and sharing your story, your experiences, and the wisdom behind your writing Five Lessons I Took Away From Our Conversation * Our past is part of who we are. We cannot change everything we’ve experienced, but we can discover meaning in what we’ve lived through. * Grief doesn’t have to erase connection. Remembering those we’ve lost can help us carry their love and influence forward. * Healing is a journey of rediscovery. Sometimes we must find our way through unfamiliar circumstances before recognizing our own strength. * Stories connect us across generations. Whether set in ancient civilizations or today’s world, human experiences of love, loss, courage, and belonging remain familiar. * The relationships we build matter. Success as a writer isn’t measured only by books sold, but also by the lives we touch and the friendships we develop. Perhaps the greatest lesson from today’s conversation is that remembering who we are also means remembering the people, experiences, and lessons that brought us here. Our stories may change, but the wisdom we discover along the way becomes part of who we are. Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approva © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Oct 6

    Helping Young People Find Their Way Back — A Conversation with Dr. Deborah Vinall

    Thank you Saira Anwar, Bonnie Bluewater 🐦, rhonda doruiter, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me on the next Stories, Soul Work & Substack for another conversation that matters. Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I sat down with Dr. Deborah Vinall for a conversation every parent, teacher, and anyone who cares about young people should hear. We talked about trauma—but more importantly, we talked about what happens after something difficult enters a young person’s life. Deborah understands this from both sides. Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I sat down with Dr. Deborah Vinall for a conversation every parent, teacher, and anyone who cares about young people should hear. We talked about trauma—but more importantly, we talked about what happens after something difficult enters a young person’s life. Deborah understands this from both sides. As a professional, she has worked with young people experiencing trauma. But her work also comes from lived experience. As a teenager, she experienced homelessness and trauma herself. She spoke about creating the kind of resource she wishes someone had placed in her hands when she was young. That stayed with me. Because sometimes we look at a teenager whose behavior has suddenly changed and ask, “What’s wrong with them?” Maybe we should be asking: “What happened to them?” We talked about the signs adults can miss and why a change in behavior can sometimes be a young person’s way of communicating something they don’t yet know how to put into words. And parents don’t always have to have the answer. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is create enough safety for a young person to tell us what’s happening without immediately judging, correcting, or trying to fix everything. Deborah offered young people one particularly important piece of advice: Find one safe person. A parent. A teacher. An aunt or uncle. A counselor. A therapist. Someone emotionally mature enough to listen and help carry something that may feel impossible to carry alone. We also talked about healing itself. Deborah explained that trauma doesn’t simply disappear because time passes. But when young people are given tools to understand what they’re experiencing, ground themselves, challenge negative beliefs, and process what happened, a different future can begin to open. Maybe that’s what “finding your way back” really means. It isn’t returning to exactly who you were before something happened. It’s discovering that what happened to you doesn’t get to decide who you become. Five Lessons I Took Away From Our Conversation * Behavior can be communication. Look beyond what a young person is doing and ask what may be happening underneath it. * One safe person can matter enormously. Young people shouldn’t have to carry trauma alone. * Listen before trying to fix. Sometimes being present is the first step toward helping. * Healing takes tools and support. Grounding, movement, sleep, therapy, trusted relationships, and understanding trauma can all be part of recovery. * Trauma doesn’t have to write the ending. Helping young people work through difficult experiences early can open the door to resilience and a different path forward. Sometimes helping a young person find their way back begins with something very simple: Making sure they know they don’t have to find the way alone. Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Oct 1

    Typing It Real: Finding Your Way, Gen X Musings & What Really Matters With John Rinaldo

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

    Typing It Real: Finding Your Way, Gen X Musings & What Really Matters With John Rinaldo

  8. Sep 29

    The Leadership Frame — A Conversation with Chellie Grossman

    Thank you, Kanyin Abebi, rhonda doruiter, Karl Tame, Emma Steel and many others, for tuning into my live video! Join me on the next Stories, Soul Work & Substack for another conversation that matters. Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chellie Grossman for a conversation about something that touches every part of our lives: leadership. But this wasn’t a conversation about titles, corner offices, or being the person in charge. It was about learning how to lead ourselves. Chellie reminded us that leadership begins long before anyone follows us. It begins with the choices we make when nobody is watching—with our values, our integrity, our willingness to listen, and our ability to take responsibility when we get something wrong. We talked about the difference between managing people and truly leading them. Good leadership isn’t built on control. It is built on trust. And trust isn’t something we can demand from another person. It is something we earn, slowly, through consistency, honesty, communication, and action. One of the themes that stayed with me was self-awareness. Before we can understand the people around us, we have to be willing to understand ourselves. That means recognizing our strengths, but also being willing to look at our weaknesses, our reactions, and the things we still need to work on. That takes courage. We also talked about communication and the importance of listening—not simply waiting for our turn to speak, but genuinely hearing what another person is trying to tell us. Sometimes leadership means having the answer. Other times, it means creating enough space for someone else to find theirs. And perhaps that is where leadership and soul work meet. We spend so much of our lives looking outward—at what other people should change, what organizations should do differently, or what the world needs to fix. Sometimes the harder question is: What do I need to change in myself? Thank you, Chellie, for joining me today and sharing your experience, perspective, and lessons with all of us. Five Lessons I Took Away From Our Conversation * Leadership starts with yourself. Before leading others, learn to understand and lead yourself. * Integrity is practiced. Our values mean little unless our daily actions reflect them. * Trust must be earned. Consistency, honesty, and accountability build trust over time. * Listening is part of leading. Great communication begins with genuinely hearing other people. * Leadership requires courage. Growth sometimes means admitting we were wrong, changing direction, and choosing what is right over what is comfortable. Leadership isn’t something we simply claim. It is something we practice every day. Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approval © 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. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

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The Positive Pen Podcast—"Stories, Soul Work & Substack"—is a live weekly conversation exploring honest stories, inner work, and the courage it takes to write and become. Each episode brings real voices together to reflect on meaning, healing, spirituality, and why writing has become a lifeline. rinaldoj.substack.com

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