Breaking Barriers — Ashley Schmitt

Thank you Michelle Renée, Giuliana, Anthony Giovacchini, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.💨Ashley Schmitt🫟™️ joins Stories, Soul Work & Substack to share the story behind The Tribal Dream-Stackers, a growing community dedicated to helping writers, creators, and independent voices find confidence, connection, and visibility. Drawing from her own journey as a writer, Ashley discusses the challenges of starting out, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to trust her voice after years of uncertainty. She explains how her mission evolved from simply publishing her own work to actively supporting other writers who often go unseen despite their talent and passion.Throughout the conversation, Ashley emphasizes that writing is not a competition but a community. She believes many gifted writers remain hidden in the shadows and deserve opportunities to be seen, heard, and encouraged. Through reading thousands of articles, featuring authors, and creating meaningful connections, she has built a platform focused on lifting others up rather than seeking the spotlight for herself. Her philosophy is simple: every writer’s voice matters, and authentic support can change the course of someone’s creative journey.Ashley also shares insights into her upcoming mentorship initiative, designed to provide personalized guidance for writers seeking direction, confidence, and growth. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, she plans to work closely with individuals to help them identify their strengths, discover their unique voice, and develop the courage to share their work with the world. She encourages writers to read widely, learn from others, and stop allowing fear or negative self-talk to hold them back.At its heart, this episode is about breaking down barriers and building bridges. Ashley reminds listeners that success is not achieved alone. Writers thrive when they encourage one another, share opportunities, and celebrate each other’s work. Her message is one of hope, persistence, and generosity: if you have a story to tell, your voice deserves a place in the conversation. Sometimes the most powerful thing a creator can do is help another creator be seen.Key Takeaways- Writing communities grow stronger when creators support one another.- Every writer has a unique voice worth developing and sharing.- Reading other writers helps you discover your own style and direction.- Self-doubt is common, but confidence grows through practice and consistency.- Mentorship and encouragement can help writers overcome barriers faster.- Success is not about competing; it’s about building meaningful connections.- The strongest creators often use their platforms to help others rise.— John Rinaldo, The Positive PenStories. Soul Work. Creative Life. ✍️Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack?About the AuthorThe 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.THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe