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
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- 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.
