In this heartfelt episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, co-hosts KaZ and John return after the holidays with honesty, humor, and reflection. The show opens with a warm exchange about their new intro and quickly settles into real life—grief, recovery, creativity, and purpose.
KaZ shares a deeply personal loss following Christmas, honoring the life of a beloved brother whose impact spanned art, history, choreography, and community. She speaks openly about grief, the healing power of laughter, and the extraordinary support she received from the Substack community—reminding listeners how human connection carries us through hard moments.
John reflects on his own recovery after being sick for weeks, and how slowing down led to strategic shifts in his writing and projects. He shares updates on The Hard Truths, focused on giving voice to single fathers, and hints at future documentary-style storytelling rooted in truth and lived experience.
The episode’s featured guest, Diane Britt Smith, joins the conversation for a rich discussion about reinvention, creativity, and “pivoting to purpose.” Diane shares her journey from a long career in communications at Voice of America to becoming a commercial actor, street portrait photographer, and content creator centered on positive aging. Her stories—about names, identity, fear, and courage—are both funny and profound.
Together, they explore:
* The art of storytelling and street photography
* Redefining “influence” as authentic connection
* Positive aging, self-expression, and letting go of labels
* Decluttering as emotional and mental liberation
* Health, fasting, misinformation, and advocating for your own body
* Why it’s never too late to pivot—and why you can pivot again
The episode closes with reflections on impermanence, grief, generosity, and living fully in the present—balanced with having something meaningful to look forward to.
Key takeaway:You are not too old. It is not too late. Start where you are, with what you have, and move forward—honestly, intentionally, and with heart.
Find Diane on Instagram: @dianebrittsmithAnd join us next week for more stories, soul work, and meaningful conversation.
Thank you Giuliana, Nat Sang, Amy Thomas, and many others for tuning into my live video with KaZ In The World! Join me for my next live video in the app.
📍 Aired Monday, January 5th at 4 PM EST🎙 Stories, Soul Work & Substack
- 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 about The Hard Truths, inspired by Earned, Not Given, exploring identity, resilience, and the erasure of fathers—and The Hole: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary series on Italians who helped smuggle Jews to safety during World War II.
