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
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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.
