Today’s conversation with Lis reminded us that the most powerful things on Substack are often the quietest ones.
Lis did not arrive on the platform chasing numbers, subscribers, or attention. Instead, she created a simple weekly ritual—lifting other writers through her Friday shout-outs. What began as a small act of generosity slowly became something much bigger: a community built on encouragement, presence, and genuine connection.
During the conversation, Lis shared how meaningful relationships can grow from simply showing up and engaging with others’ work. Commenting, restacking, and supporting fellow writers created friendships with people she had never met before but deeply cared about.
We also talked about intention. If someone approaches writing only to chase records or subscriber counts, the journey quickly loses meaning. But when the goal becomes contributing to others and sharing light, something different happens—growth becomes personal rather than performative.
Lis spoke about how joy must remain part of the process. Writing and sharing cannot become a grind. It has to come from a place of curiosity, generosity, and the simple desire to bring light into the world.
That spirit is exactly why Lis’s work resonates with so many people.
Today’s episode reminded us of something easy to forget in the online world: attention is a form of care. When we slow down enough to notice the work of others and lift their voices, we create something stronger than an audience—we create community.
Lis lifts others.
And in doing so, she reminds all of us that sometimes the most meaningful way forward is simply to help someone else along the way.
Thank you Ashley Schmitt ⚜️, Harriet C., Mary Ann McGee, Deanne Ames, Karen Ege Jensen, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.
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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.
© 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.
