In this deeply personal episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, host John Rinaldo welcomes back writer, journalist, and storyteller Sarah Oehler for an honest conversation about cancer, creativity, fear, community, and finding the courage to begin again.
When Sarah first joined the show nearly a year ago, she was still discovering her voice and place on Substack. Since then, life has changed dramatically. After discovering a stage-one tumor, Sarah faced surgery, radiation, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of navigating cancer while raising her children and continuing her everyday life.
Through it all, Substack became more than a writing platform. It became a place to process her journey, connect with others, and discover a community willing to offer encouragement, understanding, and support.
John and Sarah discuss what it means to keep living when life suddenly changes, the importance of authentic storytelling, overcoming perfectionism, and finding the courage to pursue creative dreams even when fear tells us to wait.
Sarah also shares her journey toward finally launching the podcast she had dreamed about for years, learning that sometimes “good enough” is exactly where we need to begin.
This conversation is about more than cancer or writing. It is about recognizing that life’s next chapter may look different than the one we planned—and finding the strength to embrace it anyway.
Sometimes courage isn’t about being fearless.
It’s about doing it afraid, continuing to create, and refusing to lose sight of what brings us joy.
Stories. Soul Work. Creative Life. ✍️
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About the Author
The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice.
He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST.
John is currently working on Ciao Bella: Forgotten in the Shadows, a documentary project telling the story of Italian families who, during World War II, risked everything to help Jewish families escape to safety across the Alps.
© 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.
