From Adversity to OptimismAlin Dragu grew up in a chaotic household, one of seven kids in a Romanian immigrant family trying to make it in America. The odds weren’t in his favor, but instead of letting that define him, he built a life anchored in optimism, storytelling, and helping others. In this episode of Just Keep Learning, we dive into the mindset shifts that changed Alin’s life, how he navigated difficult conversations, and why he believes daily writing is the most powerful tool for personal growth and career clarity. Teaching Life Design Through Soft SkillsIf Alin were to build a school for his younger self, the curriculum wouldn’t start with accounting or marketing. It would begin with soft skills, especially optimism. We talk about the power of surrounding yourself with positive people, how to attract more good into your life, and why emotional resilience matters more than any hard skill. Alin shares how gratitude and optimism helped him design a life filled with purpose, creativity, and love. The Jonah On Your BoatOne of the most memorable moments in this episode is Alin’s retelling of the Jonah story, a metaphor (and true story) he uses to explain the importance of removing negativity from your life. Whether it’s a toxic friend, a pessimistic coworker, or even your own mindset, sometimes you need to “throw Jonah off the boat” to restore peace and progress. This story is a powerful lens for reevaluating your relationships and creating boundaries with people who drain your energy. Building A Business Around WritingAlin didn’t start out knowing he’d become a copywriter. He tried photography, video, logos, and websites before realizing writing was his true “unfair advantage” (the thing that felt like play but created real results.) He now writes emails daily to his growing list, teaches others how to find their voice, and takes on client work that aligns with his values. His success came not from forcing a niche, but from following what lit him up and staying consistent. Storytelling, Copywriting, and Content StrategyAlin breaks down two of his favorite storytelling tricks. These approaches remove stiffness and help you write like a real human being, something Alin believes is essential whether you're writing emails, sales pages, or social posts. The Coffee Test: How would you tell this story to a friend over coffee?The Two-Wine Test: What would you say if you were two glasses of wine deep?Lessons For Aspiring CreatorsWith all this stuff, just be more humanFind your unfair advantage (talent + joy)You are the average of who you give your attention toWrite daily to your audience, build momentum, clarity and connectionDon’t be afraid to “throw Jonah off the boat” and curate your communityYou don’t need permission to be multi-passionate, be you, but build businessDifficult conversations are hard, but they’re never as bad as you think, and they’re worth itIt doesn’t have to be perfect—just personal, helpful, and honest. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you build a life.Stop waiting to be ready. Write the email. Tell the story. Share the thing. Every day.Memorable Quotes“Find the good, and the good will find you.” “You are the captain of your boat. And some people are bringing the storm with them.” “If you document your journey, you’ll never run out of content. And someone will always thank you for it.” “Your unfair advantage is the thing that feels like play but works like leverage.” Guest BioAlin Dragu is a copywriter (aka the “copygoat”), storyteller, and marketer who helps creators build real businesses through powerful writing. With a background in marketing and ministry, he blends personal stories with copy strategies that actually convert. He’s known for his optimistic energy, punchy storytelling, and a commitment to help people write in their truest voice, every single day. CHECK OUT THE JKL STORE FOR HELP MAKING YOUR BOOK, PODCAST AND BUSINESS DREAMS COME TRUE! FOLLOW Justin Instagram – @JustKeepLearning.Ca YouTube –@justkeeplearningpodcast Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca Pinterest – JustKeepLearningca Facebook – JustKeepLearning LinkedIn – Justin I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on building your publishing business. Write a book, create a podcast, share content, and build a business, design the life of your dreams.Let's make it happen. You got this! See how we can work together. https://stan.store/justkeeplearning
