Podcast appearances and mentions of randi lee bowslaugh

One of the most crucial aspects of writing is understanding your audience so that the stories you tell truly resonate. In today's episode of Fully Booked, we explore this concept with author and speaker Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, who connects with her readers by sharing her personal experiences with mental health and autism. By blending storytelling with an engaging, accessible style, Randi ensures her books reach the people who need them most, offering a sense of companionship to those facing similar struggles. For Randi, authenticity is key—her conversational approach fosters a deeper connection with readers than a more formal, textbook-style format would. She also incorporates practical elements, such as worksheets, to blend emotional resonance with actionable support. Beyond writing, she shares insights into marketing strategies that emphasize personal connections, including the power of podcasts and word of mouth to reach the right audience. Whether you're crafting memoir, self-help, or even fiction, this episode explores how writing with purpose, honesty, and a clear understanding of your audience can leave a lasting impact.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh https://www.rbwriting.ca/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast  

Join us at the Story Works Round Table for an insightful conversation about Memoir with special guests Candace MacPhie author of Finding Color, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh author of Good-bye too Soon, Dr. Roger Leslie author of Light Come Out of the Closet, and Michael Hingson author of Live Like A Guide Dog.From taking a piece of your own life and crafting it into a story, to the challenges of examining your life in such a vulnerable way, discover how to craft a compelling story from your own experiences.Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft.www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!Sign up for this season's writing workshops and group coaching sessions at www.WordEssential.com.

If you have not yet done so, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And also like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. Also, we have the website, Adulting with Autism with Merchandise. 20% will go to a nonprofit sponsoring those that need housing and a transition program. Thanks. Hey guys, welcome to Adulting with Autism, the podcast where we dive into the rollercoaster of adulthood through a neurodiverse lens. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Join us as we share stories, tips, and laughs, offering a supportive space for anyone navigating life's twists and turns. Grab your drink of choice, no judgment, and let's embark on this journey together. This is Adulting with Autism. Hey guys, happy Wednesday! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism. Don't come for me, I know I didn't do anything that I said I was going to do last week. It's been a hectic week between Z, my kid, being in Nashville and working two places. Listen, I'm not organized some of the days, just bear with me, I'll get back to being my organized self. However, the nice lady that I'm going to introduce you to is named Randi Lee Bowslaugh, and she was amazing. Randi Lee is an author and a mental health advocate. Her book is called Embracing Me, and she has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, sharing her true story with honesty. She's spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionate stories and her experiences with her own mental health. Not only that, she has raised a son on the autism spectrum as well. She's also a grandmother, a wife, and a competitive kickboxer. Yeah, that's what I said. She is a certified personal trainer who has represented Team Canada internationally. Even after battling cancer, she returned to coaching and competing. She also has her own podcast as well, and I'll list everything in the show notes. She was amazing to talk to simply because the education systems are completely different in Canada and the United States. But there's a lot of similarities, even though we're in different countries. So it was nice to speak to somebody in another country to see how their system is set up and to get their perspective because her son is going off to college and to get her side of the story was awesome. So give a warm welcome to the podcast to Randi Lee. As we wrap up another awesome episode of Adulting with Autism, just remember, we're all in this together. Keep being your amazing self, celebrating wins big and small and facing whatever life throws your way with a smile. Thanks for tuning in. And until next time, stay awesome and keep shining bright. Oh, and if you want to help our podcast grow, don't forget to share it with your friends. Leave us a review and hit that subscribe button. This is April Ratchford signing off from Adulting with Autism. http://www.rbwriting.ca/ book-Embracing Me https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA

Happy Monday, Fabulous Listener! Welcome to Inside the Minds of Authors. Today is a monumental day for us. We are celebrating our 200th episode! Why I didn't mention it in the show is beyond me. I'm so proud of the work we have done over the last few years and all the amazing authors that have joined us. Today's episode is a very moving and emotional one. The talented and prolific Randi-Lee Bowslaugh joins us. In her latest book, Good-Bye Too Soon, Ms. Randi-Lee shares her journey of healing as she dealt with the death of her brother. This book is aimed for all the families who are dealing with love ones struggling with addiction. Ms. Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later, she is now a mom, grandma, and a thriving creative individual. To learn more about her books, and YouTube channel, check out her site at https://www.rbwriting.ca. We are glad you are joining us. If you are enjoying the podcast and would like to stay in touch, subscribe. You don't want to miss a single episode. Happy Listening, DC

In this episode, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh and I talk about her incredible story, that includes losing her brother to addiction, being diagnosed herself with cervical cancer, and at the same time not feeling she could be the mother her son needed her to be when he needed her the most... when he was suicidal. Listen in to see how she was able to breakthrough, not only for herself, for her son too!   Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later she is now a mom, grandma, and thriving creative individual.    I am your host, Marci Nettles. I have had a lifetime of opportunities where I had the choice to Breakdown or Breakthrough. It is my hope this Podcast may become your light in the darkness, as you listen to the stories of people I consider “heroes.” Each one had a point where they too had to choose to either Breakdown or Breakthrough! Working from home, with my husband/business partner, helping people around the world find new levels of success in their health and wellness, is part of what makes me tick! If you are open to opportunity, let's connect!    Thank you for listening! Please connect with Randi-Lee: Facebook- @RBwriting, Instagram- @RandiLeeBowslaugh, website- RBWriting.ca Pick up Randi-Lee's book at   Find Marci at marcinettles.com Don't forget to claim your FREEBIE from Randi by going to Marcinettles.com/freebies   Are YOU a READER? You can now read this episode on my BLOG at marcinettles.com/blog While you are there, make sure to subscribe to receive the YBWN Podcast Newsletter, ‘Making Mondays,' that will give insight to each episode and give you a heads up on what is coming next! Or do you prefer watching VIDEO?  You can watch this episode on YouTube here: Don't forget to subscribe while you are there!   If you loved this episode, try listening to these episodes: Episode #123: “You're Physically Disabled Before Your Wedding, What Now?” with Chris Mitchell marcinettles.com/podcast/episode/365e48f6/episode-123-youre-physically-disabled-before-your-wedding-what-now-with-chris-mitchell   Episode #117: “You're a Cancer Mutant, What Now?” with Eva Moon marcinettles.com/podcast/episode/1d7aed2a/episode-117-youre-a-cancer-mutant-what-now-with-eva-moon  

Tonight we serve T-E-A together to make a difference. Evening Teatime with Miss Liz April 11th, 7 pm EST joining Miss Liz is a returning guest from season three mental health advocate and author Randi-lee Bowslaugh brings her journey and books to the table for an open discussion. Bringing you a T-E-A of Tragedy Emotion Acceptance JOIN US FOR THE LIVE SHOW WHERE YOU CAN BRING YOUR QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SUPPORT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER. WITH A QUICK SUBSCRIPTION TO MISS LIZS YOUTUBE CHANNEL BELOW: https://youtube.com/@misslizsteatimes?si=5eu0--BgowGVVHKqTeatime with Miss Liz-Returning Guest S3 Randi Lee Bowslaugh Randi-lee BowslaughRandi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counsellor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14, she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life when she wasn't sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw in others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's Kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am Games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. Published Works: Non-Fiction: Thoughts of a Wanderer A Mother's Truth Embracing Me Fiction A Little Scare Children's Books: Operation Deck the Halls Diamond the Cat Contact Information:https://linktr.ee/randib#misslizsteatime#teatimewithmissliz#bestsellingauthor#LikeAndShare#mentalhealth#podcasting#livestreaming#AutismAwareness#returningguest#kickboxing#childrensbooks#nonfiction#drugaddiction#recovery#joinus

Guest: Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Episode Name: Memoirs, DIY Publishing, and Embracing Joyful Writing with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Episode Number: 235 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ About the guest Randi-Lee, hailing from Ontario, Canada, discovered her passion for aiding others early on. After graduating with honors from Niagara College's Community and Justice Services program, she excelled during her placement at a recovery house for addiction. After working in social services and pursuing psychology at university, Randi-Lee published her first book on mental health awareness in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing journey. Despite a cancer diagnosis during her second book's release (A Mother's Truth), she expanded her portfolio to include nonfiction, children's books, social stories, draw-your-own-story series, and more. An accomplished kickboxer, Randi-Lee became the Canadian National Champion in 2015, competing globally and coaching at the Ontario Winter Games in 2020. Now, while managing a chronic illness, she continues to share her candid experiences with mental health and parenthood, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In this episode, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh shares insights into her memoir writing process, emphasizing the balance between personal stories and thorough research. Discussing her memoir "Goodbye Too Soon," Randi-Lee explores the emotional journey of addressing addiction and legislation. The conversation covers her revision process, the importance of a supportive editor, and the joy of taking control over formatting and cover design. Randi-Lee offers valuable tips for aspiring authors, encouraging them to find joy in the creative process and not wait for perfection. She also shares her experiences with self-publishing and working with a publicist, highlighting the opportunities that have emerged. The episode wraps up with Randi-Lee's motivational advice to follow what brings happiness and to embrace continuous learning.  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Resources Website - www.blackheartedstudios.com  Patreon Link - https://bit.ly/h2bpatreon Freebie link - https://bit.ly/h2bebook Massiel Email - massiel@blackheartedstudios.com Massiel's Coach.Me site - https://www.coach.me/massielwrites Instagram - www.instagram.com/massielwrites LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-valenzuela-castaneda/ Facebook  - www.facebook.com/howtowriteabookpodcast ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? Check out Paula, the Ultimate VA! https://pearlzconsulting11.wixsite.com/pearlz-va-services Discover the ultimate solution for regaining control with Paula, your dedicated virtual assistant. She'll help you manage your calendar, handle email, conduct research, and even mix and stitch together your podcast episodes. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you any longer. Get started today! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow Randi-Lee Randi-Lee's website - https://www.rbwriting.ca/ Randi-Lee's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randileebowslaugh/ Randi-Lee's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randileebowslaugh/ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Like, share, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube channel (Blackhearted Studios)  

When it comes to storytelling, fiction novels are usually bursting with boundless creativity, while non-fiction books require more dedicated focus, delving into the heart of real experiences and genuine issues. Even the subject matter and wording are often tailored specifically to the intended audience of a non-fiction book, which is why understanding who you are writing for, and why, is so important in the genre. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is here to help unpack the nuances of non-fiction writing - from identifying your core readership to authentically representing true events without losing the narrative's emotional essence. So whether you're carefully plotting or leaving room for organic development, Randi-Lee has advice for all authors aiming to make their mark and be successful in their non-fiction writing.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh https://www.rbwriting.ca/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

Randi was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and from a young age, she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation, she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions. In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness (Thoughts of a Wanderer) and knew this was what she was meant to do. While publishing her second book (A Mother's Truth), she was diagnosed with cancer. Taking a break from writing and focusing on recovery. Since then, she has expanded her writing with other nonfiction books, children's books, social stories, draw-your-own-story series, scary stories, and more. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she did for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's Kickboxing tournament later that year, and 2016 competed at the Pan-Am Games, where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games, where she inspired and coached young athletes. Unfortunately, a chronic illness has put a pause on kickboxing. While she isn't working, she is spending time with her family. Randi speaks honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone. #randileebowslaugh #africanamericanpodcasters #murdermysteryandmayhemlacedwithmorality #authordrkatherine #biopicauthors #amwriting #afifthofthestory #mentalhealthawareness #kickboxing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/katherine-hutchinson-hayes/support

Guest author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh joins Madilynn Dale in this episode to chat about books, writing, and more. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08QJTS9T9 Host Madilynn Dale: https://www.thechaptergoddess.com/ This episode is Sponsored by: Creative Edge Publicity https://www.creative-edge.services/Standard Adobe LicensingImage(s), fonts, graphics, audio, and/or video(s) used under license from The Chapter Goddes/Madilynn Dale - stock.adobe.com Upbeat Fun Ska Rock AdobeStock #537081716 Image(s) and/or video(s) used under license from Pixabay, The Chapter Goddess/Madilynn Dale- https://pixabay.com/ Featured Artist graphics and covers provided by guest. Recorded through Streamyard, Go Indie Now/The Chapter Goddess- streamyard.com YetiBlue microphone was used for recording. Season 2 Ep. 49

https://www.rbwriting.ca/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwAPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/minddogtvSponsors:KOA Coffee https://koacoffee.com/?sscid=21k6_79g17 FIVERR https://go.fiverr.com/visit/?bta=86037&brand=fiverrcpa&utm_campaign=minddogTVSOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS https://swa.eyjo.net/c/3290446/517226/4705SUPPORT THE HAPPY MINUTE https://ko-fi.com/minddogtvTRUE FIRE GUITAR MASTERY: http://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lkzyk/pubref:minddog

Randi's Nugget of Hope: The only way to end the stigma of mental health is to speak openly and honestly. There is no need to hide. Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and from a young age, she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of fourteen, she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she was not sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life, but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's Kickboxing tournament later that year, and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism, and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. Contact Information: https://linktr.ee/randib Published Works: Non-Fiction: Thoughts of a Wanderer A Mother's Truth Embracing Me Fiction A Little Scare Childrens Books Operation Deck the Halls Diamond the Cat Your Host: Kim Lengling www.kimlenglingauthor.com Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/kimlengling YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letfearbouncepodcast6385/videos Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-fear-bounce/id1541906455 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Letfearbouncet Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/letfearbouncepodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheWriteStuffTVShow LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenglingauthor/ Twitter:      https://twitter.com/KimLengling Nuggets of Hope https://www.youtube.com/@nuggetsofhope4757 LifePet.Care Estate addendum https://payhip.com/b/ht03b/af645a57e6be23f --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letfearbouncepodcast/message

*For the full episode and to subscribe, click here: https://youtu.be/-SBpM4uaFeU Welcome back, Randi-Lee! What a force of nature who is simultaneously cheerful and almost effervescently positive, yet who doesn't shy away from the most intense and almost grimy experience. For this second time on the podcast, Randi-Lee walked us through the power of vacations, togetherness, rescue dog training and companionship, and caring for a child with autism. Oh. And she just published her next book, "Good-Bye Too Soon," which details her experience of living with and losing her brother to addiction. Listen in, subscribe and share if you appreciate this episode and Randi-Lee's effort at making every second count. ***** Learn more about and connect with Randi-Lee Bowslough here: - Website: ⁠http://www.rbwriting.ca/ - "Good-Bye Too Soon":- https://www.amazon.com/Good-Bye-Too-Soon-Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh/dp/B0C5P5L9DN **** More from Shooting it RAW: * Websites: Site: https://www.shooting-it-raw.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shootingitraw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootingitraw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-elfassy/ - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/a92caaa1-6f09-473f-bd00-9f2e9000b3fa/SHOOTING-IT-RAW-WITH-RAN-ELFASSY - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shooting-it-raw/id1495187250?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6p3NoR69bLG4lZ52FKE2dR - Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RanElfassy - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6sqti7YyKrSNUdgw3ONSFg/videos

It's May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and I am having a conversation with Author, Blogger, and Podcaster Randi Lee Bowslaugh.  Struggling with her own mental illness and also dealing with the grief from the loss of a loved one. Randi shares her inspiration of being a passionate writer and storyteller.  https://www.rbwriting.caThank you to all my listeners, I appreciate you so much! If you ever need urgent mental help, please DIAL 988 for a crisis line,Support the show

With Miss Liz joining and coming in from Canada, the advocate and author Randi Lee Bowslaugh bring a strong T-E-A to her new book and mental health awareness. Randi-lee BowslaughMay 11th, 7 Pm ESTLIVE STREAMING ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS AND PODCASTS STATIONS AND APPS Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age, she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation, she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counsellor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health, sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14, she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times when she wasn't sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life, but she is glad she continues living. She has spoken at events promoting wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up, she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw in others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about ten years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's Kickboxing tournament later that year, and 2016 competed at the Pan-Am Games, where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games, where she inspired and coached young athletes. Randi is a mom to two; her youngest child has autism, and she is a grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can, she incorporates his art into her stories. Published Works:Non-Fiction: Thoughts of a WandererA Mother's TruthEmbracing MeFictionA Little ScareChildren's Books: Operation Deck the HallsDiamond the CatContact Information:https://linktr.ee/randib --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/misslizsteatimes/message

Welcome to LEAP where we sit down with people from all over the world to hear their transformational stories and perspectives on their grief and loss journeys.  In this episode, we dive into a deeply personal and poignant story of coping with loss and addiction. Our guest, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, shares her journey of growing up with her brother Brandon and the challenges they faced together. At the tender age of 14, Randi-Lee turned to writing as a way to deal with her depression, and she takes us on a reflective journey of their childhood, shedding light on why her brother was in and out of jail. As we explore the complexities of addiction and overdose, Randi-Lee opens up about her brother's periods of sobriety and the complicated dynamics of their relationship at the time of his death. She bravely shares the guilt associated with his passing and how family members enabled him and his addiction, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by loved ones in such situations. Randi-Lee recounts the heart-wrenching moment she found out about her brother's overdose and how she has been processing the grief and guilt associated with his death. She also discusses how writing her book has been a form of catharsis, allowing her to share her brother's story and process her own emotions. Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later she is now a mom, grandma, and thriving creative individual. Join us for this emotional and powerful episode as Randi-Lee Bowslaugh shares her personal journey of grief, healing, and self-discovery in coping with loss and addiction.   **TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources. Listen in as we talk about: [1:30] Writing at the age of 14 to deal with her depression [2:20] Growing up with her brother Brandon and what their childhood was like [3:35] Why her brother was in and out of jail [5:10] Did he have periods of sobriety? [8:20] Why addiction and overdose is so complex [9:30] What their relationship was like at the time of his death [11:30] The guilt associated with his death  [13:40] How family members enabled him and his addiction  [14:40] How she found out about her brother's overdose [20:55] How she has processed the grief and guilt associated with her brother's death [25:05] Writing her book to process her grief and share her brother's story [27:10] What happened to her family as a result of the death [29:50] Were there any surprises found after his death?  [34:30] The impact of loss on the entire family [36:20] What self love means for Randi-Lee [36:45] Hope is...   Resources mentioned in this episode: Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief by Susan E. Casey Books: https://www.rbwriting.ca/   Grief Hotline:  https://www.griefresourcenetwork.com/crisis-center/hotlines/    Connect with Randi-Lee here: www.instagram.com/randibowslaugh  www.facebook.com/rbwriting  www.rbwriting.ca    Connect with Susan http://instagram.com/susan.casey/  https://www.facebook.com/Susan-E-Casey-101187148084982  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcl58l8qUwO3dDYk83wOFA  http://susanecasey.com/  https://www.tiktok.com/@leapwithsusan?   

After overcoming cancer, Randy-Lee Bowslaugh, a passionate mental health advocate, grandmother, wife, and competitive kickboxer, strives to help her son cope with his schizoaffective disorder while facing the daunting challenge of navigating his treatment. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how open discussions can help destigmatize mental health issues and addiction. Learn from the stories of cancer survivors and their mental health battles. Understand the significance of using person-centered language when discussing mental illness. Delve into the insightful world of Randi-Lee Bowslaugh's books on mental health and addiction journeys. Master the art of setting boundaries and self-care while supporting your loved ones. My special guest is Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is an author, advocate, and speaker with a deep passion for mental health awareness. She brings her own personal experiences with depression and supporting her family members through their own battles with addiction to the forefront, providing valuable insights and understanding. As a mom, grandmother, and wife, she balances her personal life with her dedication to helping others through her writing and speaking engagements. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out Randi-Lee Bowslaugh's book, Thoughts of a Wanderer, a collection of poems she wrote as a teenager to cope with depression.Look for Randi-Lee's book, Embracing Me, which shares her journey with depression and offers insights for others going through similar experiences.Pre-order Randi-Lee's upcoming book, Good-bye Too Soon, which discusses her brother's death by drug overdose and aims to raise awareness about addiction and mental health. Rate, review, and subscribe to the Motherhood Unfiltered podcast on Spotify or iTunes to support the show and stay updated on future episodes. Sign up for Nicky's virtual workshop, which will take place May 15-18th , for free access to her insights and expertise on motherhood and mental health. Share this podcast episode with someone who may be struggling with their own mental health or addiction issues, as Randi-Lee's story and experiences can offer hope and encouragement.Follow Randi-Lee Bowslaugh on social media and her website to stay updated on her latest projects, events, and mental health advocacy efforts. Good-bye Too Soon In a world where addiction affects many families, setting boundaries and practicing self-care are essential to providing the right support for loved ones. As Nicky Asher-Bowling interviews Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, they unravel the intertwined complexities of addiction, mental health, and support systems that can make the journey through these challenges more manageable. The discussion weaves a tapestry of insights, touching on the emotional, practical, and even spiritual aspects of coping with addiction and mental health issues. With her book, Good-bye Too Soon, Bowslaugh shares her experience in dealing with her brother's addiction and how it affected her life.  Randi-Lee Bowslaugh delves deep into her personal experience with the loss of her brother due to addiction in the book Good-bye Too Soon. It is a candid exploration of her struggles with grief, guilt, and forgiveness. During the podcast, she shares her journey with setting boundaries and practicing self-care that allowed her to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions associated with supporting someone who suffers from addiction. Her transparency in telling her story serves as a beacon of hope to many people who are walking a similar path. Order Randi-Lee's book here on Amazon: bit.ly/3N6JP33 Sign up for Nicky's free workshop, "How to get out of da FuNk!": www.nickyasher-bowling.com/freeworkshop --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/itsgoingtobeokay/message

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health.  She is a mom to two teenagers, grandmother, wife and competitive kickboxer. Randi is a certified personal trainer who has represented team Canada internationally. Even after battling cancer she returned to coaching and competing.For more great information on and to follow Randi-Lee, please visit:https://www.rbwriting.ca/https://www.facebook.com/rbwritingFor more information and other valuable resources, make sure to subscribe, follow and visit our sites.  Website: https://www.thevoiceofmany.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevoiceofmany/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVoiceofMany3 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Voice-of-Many LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/the-voice-of-many-podcast-1417a81b7 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmouE4IqrsPG2gnaERlY-ASupport the show

We talked to Randi-Lee Bowslaugh about her son's autism, transgender identity, her own journey through depression and her books! 00:00 - 01:25 Intro 01:26 - 10:01 Randi-Lee and her son Lev's journey 10:02 - 10:54 Being Trans & Autistic 11:01- 11:25 Levin's Presentation with crime stoppers 11:26 - 14:40 Transgender Reveal Boxes 14:41 - 17:45 Support is everything 17:46 - 19:45 Randi-Lee's 2nd book 19:58 - 23:29 Her other books (poetry, mental health, self care, coping and children's books) 23:30 - 24:24 Social Stories 24:25 - 24:50 Where to find Randi-Lee's stuff 24:51 - 26:45 Her new book - "Goodbye Too Soon" 27:02 - 32:50 Levin's goals and hopes 32:51 - ?Recap RANDI-LEE'S LINKS: Website - https://www.rbwriting.ca/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA Facebook - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA Randi-Lee's Books - https://amzn.to/3lWEOi5 Levin's Website - https://acceptingyou.ca/ ___ WAYS YOU CAN HELP Buy us a coffee or tea to help us continue to be able to share this content - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/m4gkrysandmark Pick up some merchandise on our online store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/m4g-advocacy-media/ Want to be a guest on the podcast? Sign up for PodMatch at https://podmatch.com/signup/m4gadvocacymedia or email us at podcast@marked4glory.com ___ Check out our website: https://www.m4gadvocacymedia.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m4gadvocacymedia Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/m4gcommunity Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m4gadvocacymedia Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/m4gadvocacy Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8ndaB-tTTUpS42TIXec6g #disability #m4gadvocacymedia #author #autism #trans #RBwriting --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/m4gadvocacymedia/support

In this episode, we interview fellow Canadian Randi-Lee. She is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Release date 12/30/2022 In this episode I talk with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing, a personal trainer, a mother, an author and that is just the beginning! We get into all of that and so much more in this incredible conversation. Listen on Apple podcasts https://apple.co/3lblMRb or anywhere podcasts are found. GET MORE RANDI-LEE: www.rbwriting.ca   JOIN THE VIRTUAL GROUP EVERY THURSDAY! www.meetup.com/coffee-over-suicide Support my show for 3 months and get an exclusive MUG as a thank you!  www.patreon.com/coffeeoversuicide *** Crisis Text Line: 741-741 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255   #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #dramedy #Comedy #depression #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcast #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthadvocate #coffeeoversuicide

On top of her accomplishments, as mentioned in this episode's title, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is also a cancer survivor. Randi began experiencing depression as a teenager due to family challenges. While she did have thoughts that could have sent her spiraling down into greater depression and worse, she began writing poetry. She credits putting down her thoughts to helping her advance. Randi-Lee went to college and has forged a quite successful life with a husband, two children, and now a grandchild.   Randi's gay personality shines through this entire episode. You will hear from someone whose life story has presented challenges, but she crashes through everything that has been thrown at her. On top of everything else, by the way, Randi-Lee is an advanced kickboxer so don't mess with her.  Now Randi has published a number of books including that first book of poetry. She has written several nonfiction books as well as several children's fiction books. One of her books has even been published on Audible, and Randi even tells us all how to get that done.   About the Guest: Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age, she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14, she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life when she wasn't sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die, Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's kickboxing tournament later that year, and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism, and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. Published Works: Non-Fiction: Thoughts of a Wanderer A Mother's Truth Embracing Me Fiction A Little Scare     Children's Books: Operation Deck the Halls Diamond the Cat Contact Information: https://linktr.ee/randib Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/randib Link Tree Write or Die Show - YouTube Tik Tok @writeordieshow     About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is an Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.     Transcription Notes Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.     Michael Hingson  01:21 Hi there, I'm Mike Hingson. And welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is our guest today and she is going to talk about her life and her stories. She has a lot to discuss regarding mental health and other similar things. And we in talking about mental health won't even begin to talk about Washington because Washington DC we're not sure how healthy any of them are down there. They're fun to pick on. Anyway, Mark Twain did it. Will Rogers did it. So why can't we write anyway, Randi, welcome to unstoppable mindset.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  01:56 Thanks. I'm glad to be here.   Michael Hingson  01:58 Well, if you would, why don't you start by telling us a little about your life kind of your your younger years and all that and we'll go from there.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  02:08 Alright, well, way back in 1987.   Michael Hingson  02:12 Long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  02:15 Exactly. Well, it feels like that. Right? So I'm in Canada. So it is a galaxy far, far away. Much. So I mean, as a child, as a small child, it was pretty good. Like, was it? But when I was about 14, that is when that's when it happened. That's when I had my first bout with depression. At the time, I didn't know what to call it. Because I mean, I just thought that everybody felt the same way at that age, because why not? It's normal to me. And it wasn't until I became an adult and then looked back and went, Oh, yeah, I was depressed. Okay. So, yeah, that was my first my first time with it. High school was horrible. I skipped most days, which actually now there's a term for that it's not skipping. I mean, it is skipping, but it was school refusal, which I say that because school refusal isn't just the I don't want to go to school, because I just don't want to go to school. School refusal is more to do with, I don't want to go to school because there is an underlying reason. So mine was that I was depressed and knew that going to school made me more depressed. And I didn't have really any friends there. And I just felt very out of place. And it was an awful time. So it wasn't that I wanted to skip just to go hang out with my friends. In fact, most days, it just stayed home. So yeah, I don't know how much more you want me to go into that early childhood time?   Michael Hingson  03:51 Well, whatever you think is necessary? Well, let me ask you this. Sort of an overarching question. Do you have? Or is there any real way to know what caused the whole issue of depression for you?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  04:07 That is a great question, actually. So I can't say for certain, but there was a lot of various factors going on at the time. So my mum and dad had never been together from what I can remember, I used to go to my dad's every other weekend. And he wasn't necessarily a bad dad, but he also wasn't a good dad. So I didn't really feel any real connection with him. And so around that time, I also stopped going to see him. At that point. I was only going there because my sisters lived there as well. But because we have the same dad different moms, me and my sisters, but then when my dad and their mom broke up, I had no reason to see him. So I stopped going. So that was one factor. And then the other couple bigger factors were I mean Well, puberty But my mom's ex husband. So my mom got married after grade eight. So I would have been 13, which is just before I realized I had depression. And he turned out to be a alcoholic. And he was very verbally abusive. And you never knew when you walked in the door, you never knew if you were going to get the good version of him the sober, nice version of him. Or if you were going to get the yelling, screaming, I need to go hide in my room version. And then you layer on top of that. My brother was in and out of jail at the time he my brother was getting into more and more drugs at the time. And so my mom had to focus a lot of her attention on him on what he needed, which as a parent, I'm like, Oh, I get that. Now, as a kid. I was like, What am I am I chopped liver. Now? What's going on here? I didn't understand why all of a sudden, my mom who when I grew up, right, when I was a smaller child, I was very close to my mom. And I'm very close to my mom again, now as an adult. But as a teenager, I thought that I was kind of the Forgotten child, which you know, doesn't help your mental state. And then I just didn't feel like I fit into high school, I felt always a little bit different than everybody else. And I didn't know why. And so all of those different layers, one on top of the other just kind of compiled into, into hating myself.   Michael Hingson  06:43 It was a spiral. It was. So what did you do about all of that? Or how do you deal with that?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  06:50 As a teenager, I definitely had some very bad thoughts very ill conceived notions of what I should do. But I didn't do them. What I did as a teenager, actually, is I wrote poetry. So that was my first coping strategy, it was my thing that kind of got me through being being a teenager. Without that I don't think I would have survived. So there was that I also went to my youth group at church. And that's the only place that I really felt worthy that I felt like I fit in that people didn't look at me like I was a weirdo. And then animals, my pets, pets are such good therapy, things I used to when my stepdad would be yelling and screaming, and I would be hiding my room I would have, I had two cats at the time, diamond and Tigger. And so I take them and I would just go hide in my room with them. That was that was the coping at the time it worked out well. And actually, that's what got me into writing. That's what I turned my first book into is those poems that I wrote,   Michael Hingson  07:56 well, with diamond and tinker, what what did they do? Or how did they help you? I agree with you that pets and animals really do help us a lot in so many different ways. But for you what was what was kind of the personal connection? How did they help,   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  08:12 and they were just, they would cuddle, there were very cuddly kitties. And a purring I loved the purring and they would lay on me and I would pet thumb and just tell them all my secrets because they couldn't tell anybody else. Nobody was listening to their mouth.   Michael Hingson  08:28 And they probably wouldn't tell anybody else anyway.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  08:32 Now, they probably went and so they were my little babies.   Michael Hingson  08:36 So kind of the connection is that they were there. They accepted you for who you were no matter what, which is something that we just don't find with a lot of people. They don't deal with difference very well.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  08:51 It's so true. Yes. So you,   Michael Hingson  08:55 you cuddled with them? And you got you got through it. So when did you eventually graduate from high school? How did that all work out?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  09:02 I graduated when I was 17. Because my mom's rule, and I was skipping classes was I needed to know where you were. So I just stayed home and you couldn't fail anything. So I didn't I passed very poor marks. But I passed. So I graduated then I had applied to colleges and universities. I'd gotten into them, but I just I wasn't emotionally ready to go. At the time. I was still very much depressed, didn't know how I would be able to go far away from home to do that. So I took a year off. I got pregnant, and I met my now husband, and he was like I'm going to college in September. If you go then I'll drive you because we didn't live far from each other. He was like, I'll pick you up. I'll drive you so Okay, cool. So I ended up going to Niagara College after taking a year off and then by the time I started at the college, my baby was Oh Just a year old because he was born at the end of October. College was awesome. College was amazing. I am definitely not in the field anymore that I went to school for. But I loved the experience of college, I was on Student Council, I got the top marks in my classes because I got to pick the classes that interested me, which was all psychology. And it was I met real people like it high school, it felt like people were all like, you tried to find yourself right? In high school, you don't know who you are in a lot of people, I fake it. I feel like at least in my high school. But at college people were more real people were adulting, because they had two adults, I met a lot of the other people that also had kids there, because I connected with the people that had the same sort of life, as I did, right being a parent going into college. So that was amazing. My depression kind of took a backseat during that time, which was awesome. But then I did graduate twice, from two different programs actually went, I did most of my university, I was paying for that out of pocket though. So I ended up not not getting my bachelor's degree, because by the time I came to, I only have like a semester left to whatever, um, I was like, I don't want to work in this field anymore. So I'm gonna not pay for school anymore. It doesn't make sense to waste all my money, stuff I stopped. But I did work as an employment counselor for almost six years between the two places that I worked. But during that time, that's when that's when depression decided to come back. So again, it for me, it was an accumulation of many stressors. So at that time, I mean, social services, at least in Ontario, where I live, we have a very high turnover rate for social services, because it's a really hard job to do. You got people coming in, and you have to listen to all of their, their life troubles and things. And it wasn't that I had an issue doing that. But compiling down onto going home and not knowing how to help my kids. So at that time, my kid was having a lot of issues at school. He was bullied a lot kindergarten through grade one. He was having a lot of meltdowns. So this is, by the time he was in grade three, I was just so drained. I didn't know what to do. We didn't know why he was the way he was at the time. We're trying to find answers. And it was just, it was a lot. And so something had to give. And at that time, I took time off of work, I got a doctor's note, I took time off of work, I went to a therapist, because I had planned I had made a plan of how I was going to drive myself off of a bridge and just not be here anymore. So that was that was good times. We did end up finding out that my child does have autism. So when once he was finally diagnosed, we were able to get him the right help. He is now doing fabulously he is now 15 He's doing fabulously. And therapy worked well for me. Medication worked well for me and I am doing mostly fabulously. To   Michael Hingson  13:16 show you, you yourself if I recall, were diagnosed as having some autism. Is that correct?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  13:23 Yes. So last year, I finally figured out remember how I was saying in high school, I always felt different. But like, you know, people looked at me like I was the weirdo. Turns out I have autism. And once I found that out last year, I'm like, oh my goodness, my whole life makes sense now. And I I only did it because that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to know why I always felt different. Why? When other people got a joke, I had no idea what it was, what the joke was about why other people could be in a situation and show certain emotions. And I'm like, I don't get it. What Why are we all upset right now is doesn't make sense. I just wanted to know why. And so when I got finally got my diagnosis last year, I'm like, everything makes sense.   Michael Hingson  14:08 How did that come about? You weren't looking to be diagnosed as having autism. So how did that oh,   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  14:16 so I was bothering my kid in the one day and you know, parents be like father a kid. So I was doing a weird random dance to bother him. And he looked at me and he goes, Mom, if I have autism, I got it from you. And I go, maybe you did. And I started thinking about all the times when I was when people would say whatever about love, and I go oh, he's just like his mom. It's fine. He's just like his mom. And I'm like, wait a minute, if he is just like his mom, maybe I do have it. And so that's kind of when I was like, oh, you know, let's let's go find out.   Michael Hingson  14:54 There we are. So you you have autism you have a child with autism is that your only child   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  15:00 The only one I birthed I do have a stepdaughter and a grant BB   Michael Hingson  15:04 dare you go? Yes, so Does Grandma spoil granddaughter?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  15:10 It's a grandson grandson. And I spoil him so much. It's part of it is it is so part of the roles and grandmas his favorite, so it's fun.   Michael Hingson  15:22 Well, you gotta if you're gonna be a grandma, you got to spoil grandkids. It's a rule.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  15:27 Oh, yeah. I spoil him so much. We whenever he's over, we are non stop playing toys, always Paw Patrols, you know, God do paparazzi has only two. He loves. He loves ice cream and popsicles. Like he also likes bananas and apples too. So he has a nice combination with the junk food and the good food.   Michael Hingson  15:49 Well, cool. So when did you really start writing professionally or seriously, you You talked earlier about writing your poems into a book. And when did that get published?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  16:01 I published that in 2017. Okay, and that kind of gave me the author itch, and I'm like, this is fine, I want to do it again. So I published my next book in 2018, I did have to take a little bit of time off, because that was around the time that my son was, for lack of a better term going crazy. And I also had been diagnosed with cancer. So that was, you know, I had some stuff to deal with at the time. But since then, since 2020, I have released a whole bunch more books, I got into kids books into some scary stuff. Because before that, it was all about the nonfiction, which I still write, I love my nonfiction. Love mental health, I have to talk about it. But sometimes it's fun to write kids books and scary stuff.   Michael Hingson  16:51 Well, tell me a little bit about some of the discussions of mental health you've, you've put into books. Tell me about some of your fiction, if you would.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  16:59 Sure. So, um, the biggest topic that I talk about is depression, because that is my personal experience. So in like the first book, thoughts of a wanderer that's poetry, and I'm actually going to be revamping that and re releasing it now that I, you know, when you do something, the first time you do, it's never as good as the 20th time you do it. So I'm gonna revamp that book. So it's a good book, but it could be better. I'm gonna be releasing.   Michael Hingson  17:27 But now you also have a lot more understanding of why you wrote what you wrote when you were doing those   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  17:34 poems. Exactly. So I would just, I want to rerelease it, there's kind of some new poems added to it when I get when I do release it. And it's just going to be a nice, fresh, fresh kind of book, fresh eyes on it. And then the other one that I wrote about depression, it's an actual book, it's not poetry. I put poems in Excel of poems. But it's, it's a book and it goes through more the coping strategies that I've learned over the course of of my life, so that other people might be able to pick and choose some of the things that might work for them. And then at the end of that book, there's worksheets people can use. So that correspond which with every chapter of the book, so each chapter talks about something specific. So it might be therapy, it might be writing a letter to yourself, whatever it is, here's a corresponding worksheet that people can use so that you can actually implement things right away. And that was actually my first is my only book right now. But that was my first one I put on Audible, so people can get an audio version of that one, and I'm the one reading it. So it's fun. What's the title of it? embracing me. Okay. And then the other nonfiction that's published right now, it's called a mother's truth. And that's about raising my kid with autism and what it was from conception, like, it starts right when I was pregnant, up until grade six, I think it was. And we're currently living what will become part two, because eventually I'll release the teenage years version. And that one was co authored with my best friend, who her son is very similar. He wasn't diagnosed with autism, but he has very similar issues. And he does have extreme anxiety. So it's both of our stories in that book. And again, worksheets, we love worksheets. There's some in there the things that we learned as we went to a million doctor's appointments, what doctors are asking from us, so those worksheets are in there, so parents can already be prepared for them before the appointment. And then what I'm working on right now is another nonfiction. So this will be my fourth nonfiction coming out. And this one, this one's very emotional. I'm not an emotional person, but this one's about me very emotional. So last year, my brother died from a drug overdose. And so he always as much as he did have an addiction. He always still wanted to help people. And so I'm taking Get some of his story. I don't know all of his story because I'm the little sister. But I'm taking what I do know about historian about addictions, and about coping strategies, and I'm putting it into a book right now I'm on the second draft of it. So it's coming. And hoping that will help other families who are going through kind of something similar. And hopefully, hopefully, maybe they don't have to go through the funeral part of it, but at least they'll have some information ahead of time.   Michael Hingson  20:30 So I'm a little curious, how did you get one of your books? And is it the only one but how did you get your book into audible? How did all that work out? Or did you make that happen?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  20:41 It's actually a pretty easy process, if you're technically savvy, so I had to get some help on that end of things. But you go through ACX is like the audible platform that you upload it all to. And so you can either find your own narrator and there are people on like, Fiverr, or like, on the ACX website, or me, I will do it too, because I love narrating. Anyways, I thought my story I'm going to I'm going to narrate my own book. And I love talking clearly. So I've recorded everything I went through, and I edited out all of the mistakes. And then I sent it to somebody who adjusted the sound volume on it, because it has certain standards that it has to actually meet in order to be able to be uploaded to ACX. And all of that requirements is on the ACX website. So I sent him all of those, he sent them all back to me. With the right qualities, I just put them all in and they all have to be by chapters, you can't just put in one big long thing, if you have chapters that has to be done by chapters. And then it gets uploaded, they approve it. Or they'll come back and say hey, whatever, whatever with my book, because there are those worksheets, you actually get a PDF copy of the worksheets, which was pretty cool as well, I didn't even know that that was something you could get. But they emailed me back and said, Hey, after reviewing your submission, it looks like there's worksheets in your book. Can we have them and they can actually put PDFs as an attachment when somebody buys your, your books? So that's pretty cool.   Michael Hingson  22:18 Cool. Does it cost you to do that?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  22:21 No, as the author, it does not cost you anything to put it up there. Now if you are getting people to narrate it for you, or do the sound quality, that's that's separate, right? Like you would have to pay them.   Michael Hingson  22:32 Charge. That's not an audible charge.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  22:34 No, from an audible standpoint, you are not charged. It's very much like if you publish on Amazon, if you're on the KDP publishing, if you're if you do itself. It doesn't cost you anything up front, they just take a percentage and then they give you your royalty as well.   Michael Hingson  22:51 Cool, because I've talked to a number of people who have thought about doing audiobooks. And I have suggested that they explore audible, but never knew exactly what the process was. So I appreciate you telling us that. And yeah, it took a lot of research. Well, maybe other authors who are listening will find it now more relevant to go ahead and put their books into audible.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  23:12 Yeah, feel free to reach out to me guys. I'm here to tell you what I did.   Michael Hingson  23:17 And your contact information is going to be in the notes. And we'll get to you give me some of that a little bit later on. But tell me about your children's books, if you will.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  23:25 Yeah, so I have a couple of them. My first one was called Diamond, the cat. If you recall, Diamond was my cat. And so she I had her for 19 years before she passed away and I cried and cried and cried uncontrollably. So I wanted to make a kid's book about her and it's for like the younger group because it's the first pages I am a cat. I lay on a mat. So it's all rhyming and cute little pictures. It's all cartoon pictures of diamond. And at the very last page where it says the end, there's a collage of all the real life pictures of diamond. You can see the real life kitty. I love her. And I always used to say a diamond is a girl's best friend. That's my cat was a diamond. And then I also have Wolfie. So what he is, he's going to have multiple books. If my kid will ever finish drawing the pictures. My kid is the illustrator for the workbooks. And so the workbook that's out right now it's called wapis trip to the hospital. And so he is a little stuffed dog that lives in a classroom with kids and he goes home with the kid different kids every week so we can have lots of adventures. And in this adventure, he goes with one of the boys to the hospital to get his tonsils removed. And so when he helps him be very brave during it. And so it's it's not rhyming it's a little bit for a little bit older than the diamond, the cat book and there wouldn't be more of a few books. I have another movie book written, but my kid has not drawn the pictures yet. And then I also have a kid's Christmas book, which was actually the first kid's book that I did. I know it's not Christmas time, but it's called Operation Christmas. And it's about a little girl who can't fall asleep. And so magic has to happen. I don't want to give the whole book away, but magic has to happen. And so Christmas can Santa can still come even though she won't fall asleep. And that was actually based on a real life experience where Santa had to come into my basement. Because my kid will not sleep. And then I have a few I've started a learn to read series for early readers where they draw their own pictures for the book. So they're very simple stories. So it's like this is a cat. And then they would draw a cat. This is a bat and then they would draw the bat. So they get to draw along their own picture with that. The final zero Yep. Yeah, no, go ahead. I was just to see the final series that I have. I've gotten three social stories. And so social stories are for usually used for kids with autism, things that I wish as a parent I had, but my kid was younger. And it's cleaning up your toys, going to the bathroom and conversations. It just teaches a very specific skill in a very in very simplistic terms and step by step.   Michael Hingson  26:28 So you have a diamond book, but you don't have a ticker book.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  26:32 Not yet. But I will. Sure already said that.   Michael Hingson  26:39 We don't want to leave Tigger out.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  26:41 No, no, no, I cannot leave my ticker out. He was he was my first kitty and I he was he was around 18 or 19. Two, but at the time he passed away, I think two   Michael Hingson  26:52 how do you how do you come up with your ideas?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  26:55 Well, the nonfiction is really easy because it's just my life. But the other ones, the nonfiction ones come up with just like random random things in life. So even though the kids books are not they're not necessarily real life, they can't stemmed from real life, right. Like I was saying, the chill the Christmas book was something that happened. Diamond was a cat actually had the first what the book was actually an idea for my aunt, because her son had tonsil surgery before. But the the scary story is, don't have any kind of part of real life, let's say because everything is monsters with me and scary stories. So it's called a little scary. It's a collection of 10 short, scary stories. And we'll be coming out with another one. Eventually, I already have a list of a whole bunch of other scary stories. And those ones just come from like, completely random ideas. Like the one story I was walking down the street was walking my dogs, I have two dogs. And well, now I have three dogs, actually, at the time I had two but now I have three. And so I was walking my three dogs, and I saw this tree. And this tree look like it had like a face in it. And then one of the stories just popped into my head and I wrote a whole short scary story about the about nature and how nature can sometimes do some payback if we don't take care of it.   Michael Hingson  28:27 So when you get ideas, do you just immediately write them down? Or how do you make sure you don't forget them?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  28:34 I usually if I'm at home, I will write them down on my whiteboard if I text them to myself.   Michael Hingson  28:40 So you, you get them down and they'll come out at some point.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  28:45 Exactly, yeah. If I don't write them down, you're right, I will totally forget them. But so in some way, they have to get written down well, whether it's a text and myself are actually written down, you have to get written down.   Michael Hingson  28:58 It is nice that today we have a lot of different technological ways to get information written down. So we don't forget it. I, for example, use my Amazon echo a lot to remind me of things even though I might have something on a calendar. If I'm not right in front of the computer, I want to see the calendar. So I use technology to remind me all over the house, as well as writing down ideas and doing other sorts of things. So yeah, we do live in a wonderful era where it's a lot easier to get ideas down where we can go back and then address them later.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  29:30 Yeah, exactly. It's very nice.   Michael Hingson  29:33 So for you, writing about your life and so on. Well, because you happen to be able to write it does turn out to be fairly easy for you. But this whole concept of mental health and being a person with mental health issues, has a lot of stigmas about it and it's something that we don't understand. How do we start to do Without and how do we change people's perceptions of that?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  30:04 We talk, we talk a lot. That's a really simple answer. But really, it comes down to being able to be open with other people. Because since there is so much stigma around, it often shuts us up. We don't want to talk about it. Because we don't want people to look at us. Like, we're weird. Like, we're crazy, like, we're whatever. But the bottom line is, is where people like anybody else, no matter what your mental health is, whether it's depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, it doesn't matter, you're just, you're just a person who maybe our brain chemistry is a little bit off. Like for me, I take my antidepressants every day, I went off for them, it didn't go so well. So I'm back on them. But that's because my brain chemistry is a little bit off, and I just, I need that extra little help, which is totally fine. But people don't want to talk about it. And my husband put it best to me. So when he found out that I had went off of my antidepressants, because I didn't tell him or the doctor, anything, I just did it. I do not recommend please don't do this. But when he found that out, and my husband is type one diabetic, which means he has an insulin pump. So he says to me, Well, do you want me to stop taking my insulin? No, I don't want you to die. Because exactly, I don't want you to die either. Why would you do that? I was like, oh, sorry, Honey, I love you. So it's, we have to start looking at mental health the same way we look at physical health. And that is that sometimes we need help. And that's okay. Recently, I've been dealing with a lot of chronic pain. And I realized that that has a lot of stigma around it as well. And actually, on Monday, I was just at the pain clinic and I had a complete breakdown with the doctor. And I am not an emotional person. I am not a crier, but I was crying so much in his office, not just because I was in immense pain, but because I was so frustrated about the lack of help around it and the lack of not knowing what's happening. And that all ages kept being told this, Oh, you're too young for this. That's great that I'm too young for this, I'm in my 30s. But I'm still in such pain that I have had to change my life, I can no longer do kickboxing right now I can no longer take my dogs for a 45 minute walk, they're lucky if I can get around two blocks before I have to lay down. And so I was just totally crying in his office and so emotionally spent, that our mental health and our physical health are very much interrelated. And so we need to talk about both of them in the same way and give both of them the same kind of respect as like one in the other.   Michael Hingson  32:57 So I think that you raised some some valid and very good points. The reality is, maybe this is an oversimplification. But talking and dealing with the so called stigma of mental health issues, is, in a lot of ways, not really much different than talking about having or being a person who happens to have a disability. Because it's all about being different. And people not wanting to deal with difference, no matter what we say.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  33:32 That is 100%. What it is, is differences are scary. If you're different. You're scary.   Michael Hingson  33:39 Well, why is that?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  33:41 That's a great question that I don't have a scientific answer for but I'll tell you what, I think on it. So I think it's just because the unknown is very scary. And I actually I just wrote an article for a magazine, I don't think it's published out but about, and this goes back to writing scary stories, but it's very relevant. So about how in a horror movie or in a scary story book, The unknown is what scares you the most when you see the masked killer coming towards you. It's not nearly as scary as when you hear something downstairs and you're like, Oh, what is that? Is that a burglar? Is that just my cat? It's more scary because we don't know. So I think that's the same kind of concept, to a difference to somebody with a disability, whether it be physical, mental, whatever it is, when you don't understand it, and it's different. It's scary because you don't know how to maybe talk to that person. You don't know how to address them. You don't know what it is that you shouldn't be doing. It ultimately my answer to that is ask the person they will tell you. Yeah, I get that a lot with with my kid I'm especially because he's 15 Now, and he can, he can talk, which is great. He's verbal. Sometimes he never shuts up. But sometimes I'll have people and teachers in the school system are kind of the worst for this is that they'll ask me all of these questions, I go great. Let me ask him, they're like, well, can't you just tell us? This is his life? These are his school courses, I'm not just going to give you an answer, I'm going to ask him, he is more than capable of telling you why he hasn't finished homework or why he wants to take one class over a different class, whatever it is, we are capable of speaking for itself. Same with somebody say in a wheelchair, if you don't know, maybe what they need help with. Ask them. So I, I used to have a part time job working in a market and I would just help the farmer sell the fruits and vegetables. And then there was this one guy in a wheelchair, and he would come around every Saturday, he was a very loyal customer. And so the very first time He came, though, I didn't treat him any different as any other customer, because he's not any different. And so I said, Okay, what can I get you? And he told me, I said, Great. Would you like another bag? I said, Yeah, so great. And then he asked, Can you put it on the back of my wheelchair? Yep, I could totally do that for you. Because I'm gonna say we because I'm part of the community of mental health and disability. So whatever, we are very capable of telling you what it is that we need. Now, some disabilities might be more severe. If it's a developmental disability, maybe where they don't have that capacity. And then you might need to talk to the support person that's with them. But I would always talk to the person first, I don't care what their disability is, what age they are, I would talk to that person first. If then you realize that they are not capable of explaining it to you, then the support for they would have a support person with them. And you can ask them, but they're capable.   Michael Hingson  37:10 The extrapolation of what you just said, though, is that we're afraid of the unknown, because it is unknown. And we don't try to make it known. So when we're dealing with mental health, whether we're dealing with disabilities, or whatever, we, as we're growing up, don't get taught to deal with it, to understand it to communicate about it. Yeah. And as adults, we don't talk about it, we don't get it, we don't understand it. And as a result, we just continue to promote the same unknowns that have always been there. I think there are definitely issues with the whole concept of mental health, it is something that we need to address. There are reasons that that people are as they are, we should learn to understand them, we should learn to help with them. Yeah. But we also should be spending a lot more time talking to people, we being all of us should be spending more time talking to people and learning to understand it, which is of course, maybe in part what unstoppable mindset as a podcast is all about. Exactly.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  38:25 And that's the nice thing about technology right now is there are so many different podcasts out there. And a lot of them talk about disabilities or mental health or different things like that. I have a podcast guys, you can listen to it. It's called writer die show mental health. But no, you're totally right. If we're not taught at a young age, and I think I was I was very spoiled at a young age, because of the school that I went to. We had a class for kids with disabilities when they used to be. They don't have as many separate classes anymore in our school district. They try to integrate more now, which hopefully that's working the way that they want it to. I don't know, that's a different story. Anyways, but I was lucky because we had that class there. We also had a class of deaf students. And so when I was younger, I was exposed to all of that from a very early age. And I think like you were saying, if you aren't taught about it at a young age, then you're not going to know about it as an adult. So I was spoiled that way that I got to experience that. And I used to help out in the different classes and play with the kids. They're like they were they were kids, right. So we all played together. So I was spoiled. But maybe that's something that as parents, we can start thinking about more to help our kids with that. And to not single other kids out.   Michael Hingson  39:53 Yeah, that's, of course, part of it is that although a kid might be the A friend or an adult may be different. There's no need to single them out, there is a need or ought to be a need to make sure that they are empowered to be able to contribute and be a part, which may very well mean, as you pointed out with the person who came to your market in the wheelchair, they're going to come in a wheelchair, big deal. You do what's necessary to make it possible for that person to be involved at the store, go around the store, shop like anyone else. And when you say you don't treat them differently, you know, the reality is, in a technical sense, yeah, you did, because you hung the bag on the back of the wheelchair. But the reality is big deal. That's all part of making it an inclusive environment. It's not really treating someone differently. It's being inclusive.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  40:56 Yes, I like the way you put that.   Michael Hingson  41:00 And that's something that we really need to do a lot more of is learn about inclusion. Well, a couple of other things that come to mind. I'm going to Save one for last, even though you mentioned even though you just mentioned it, but tell me about you and kickboxing and all that you you have been very much in the past involved with that.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  41:20 Yes. So I was kickboxing for about 10 years, once I became an adult and my mom couldn't tell me I couldn't anymore. And in 2015, I was the Canadian national champion my division, I was, I've been to the worlds tournament in Ireland. I've also been to the Pan American Games that was in Mexico, where I got to silver. And I just before COVID, I was one of our Ontario coaches at our Ontario winter games with the kids. So I was I've been very involved in it. And I was thinking about taking the roughing course. But right now my body is saying no, it's, it's kind of breaking my heart a little bit. It's been a very difficult road. But no, Kickboxing was amazing. It's such a good outlet. It's such good exercise, everybody should do it if you're capable of doing it.   Michael Hingson  42:21 Tell me a little bit more about what it is exactly and how it works.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  42:25 Um, so kickboxing, it's while you get to hit people with your hands and your feet. So there's there's different styles of kickboxing. So I've been training in Muay Thai, but I competed in kickboxing it. So my Thai is, it's slightly different. The rules are slightly different. There's knees, there's elbows, so I've trained I can do those, but I've never competed with those. So I've competed in both low kick and full contact. There's also another one called leg contact and k one. So the ones that I have fought in with low kick, you can kick anybody from the knees up. So the head is okay, you You never kick anybody in the back. That's not okay. But you can kick anybody from the knees up, there's no No elbows and no knees in that style, but you can kick them or punch them as hard as you want. Where as full contact, which is a little bit of a deceiving name, I feel like so full contact, you have to kick and punch them from the waist up. And you have to kick at least seven times around, which doesn't sound like a lot, but can be a lot depending on your style of fighting. I love kicking, kicking is my favorite part of it. So it wasn't hard for me to hit to kick seven times around. But yeah, you can hit you can kick or push them as hard as you want from the waist up in full contact. When you do k one, that's when you can also do clench, you can do knees, it's more violent, I guess of the styles.   Michael Hingson  43:57 So in in doing that, do you think any of that contributed to the pain you have today?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  44:04 It could be um, we don't know what the pain is being caused by yet. There is rumors of fibromyalgia potentially there is a some osteo arthritis in my spine. So there's no definitive answer yet. I'm still doing tests. But it there's a good chance that you know wear and tear on the body is not doesn't always do good things but I'm just really tired of hearing you're too young for it.   Michael Hingson  44:34 Yeah. My, my wife in well, we got married in 1982. And she pushed her own wheelchair bound. She's been in the chair her whole life. But as we got into the later 1990s It started to be more painful for her. But she kept doing it. She said I need the exercise. I have to push myself and that was the only answer that she would give, she didn't want to go into a power chair or anything. But in 2002, going into 2003, we had moved to California. And up, she went to a doctor saying, Look, this is hurting more and more. And he had what I think is maybe even a better answer for you. In her case, it was her shoulders that were hurting. And he said, Look, your shoulders don't come with a lifetime warranty, and they do wear out. And you know, it does. And it's different for different people. I've told that to other people in chairs since and I've met people in their 20s and 30s, who are experiencing a lot of shoulder pain. And they said, you know, you're absolutely right. That's exactly what's probably happening. And they go off and they look at it. But the reality is, you're too young. Is such a blanket statement that may or may not be relevant at all.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  45:55 Yeah, I like what you say better.   Michael Hingson  45:58 You've also been very active. You've also been very active.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  46:02 Yeah, exactly. So I like I don't have a lifetime warranty.   Michael Hingson  46:08 Yeah, well, that's what her doctor said. And it makes perfect sense. So she actually did translate, transfer over into in graduate to using a power chair. And in the last five years, she's been diagnosed with having some arthritis in her shoulders, and also some rheumatoid arthritis, which is a whole different animal. But the arthritis is there. And it's all because shoulders don't come with a lifetime warranty from God. That's all there is to it.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  46:37 What about great if a body's actually dead, though?   Michael Hingson  46:40 Well, yeah. Always a lot to do.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  46:44 Yeah, I know. But I can still go swimming. So that's good. Summertime, you might,   Michael Hingson  46:51 you might find that there are ways to get it improved, as long as you keep pushing for them to figure out what's really going on.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  46:57 Yes, that's what I'm doing. I have an MRI scheduled for August. And Ontario. We have to wait a bajillion months before we can get one   Michael Hingson  47:06 coming. Well, I think I know what really is going on. And you may not want to hear it. But Tigger is extremely unhappy that diamond got written up and Tigger did not. So Tigger is dealing with you just just keep that in mind.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  47:21 The funniest part of you saying that is that Tigger was the kind of cat that did always give you payback. So when I was because we had him since I was like little, little little, I would chase him around the house because I was, you know, three, four years old. So I chased them around the house and grab them and just love him so much. And give him all the kisses and then at nighttime, I'd go to sleep. And he pounce on me and try to get me because haha, now you're sleeping. So that is actually the kind of personality that he would have to do that   Michael Hingson  47:55 cats can be very strategic, and they can be very patient.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  47:59 Yes. So you know, it made? Maybe you're right. Yep.   Michael Hingson  48:05 Tear is definitely sending you a message. Yeah,   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  48:10 if you want to tell us about   Michael Hingson  48:13 your podcasts. You mentioned that earlier. And I said I was gonna save it. And I wanted to get to it. But tell us about your podcast.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  48:19 So my podcast, it's also on YouTube, if you prefer watching. It is called the right or die show. So right, like you're writing something, not author. And I interview other authors and we talk about mental health.   Michael Hingson  48:35 Tell us about maybe some of your episodes. I'm curious to learn more about it.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  48:38 Sure. Yeah. So I have tons of different episodes. So what I do, at least on the YouTube channel, is I'm on YouTube, you're able to make playlists of them. So I've played listed all of the different mental health discussions into their category. So I've had people on that talk about depression, that's probably the biggest one. So depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar. I've had eating disorders on the show. I've also talked to people about autism, not that it's a mental health disorder, but because it's close to my heart, so people can still come on and talk about that one. But yeah, so just a wide variety of different topics and a wide variety of amazing authors. I love talking to the other self published authors, not that you have to be self published. I've also had other authors that weren't that were with, like actual publishers, or and I say author, but it's really anybody who writes I've even had somebody who's written screenplays come on the show. So he's never written a book, but he wrote screenplays. So anybody who's written anything song writers, I've had some songwriters Come on. So just a lot of fun to talk about it and It's all about personal experience. So everybody on the show is talking from their own personal experience. Because I think in this was my answer about how we ended the stigma, right? We talk about it. So by, I have over 100 episodes now. So by over 100 people talking about their different experiences, and there are different coping strategies, we can open up that line of communication with others that don't understand it, like we're talking about, and try to get them to understand these different things. Get them to understand that you know, somebody with schizophrenia is just a person, that somebody with Bipolar is just a person and kind of shed light on that. And also, I like when they share their coping strategy, because I take little bits from other people and try them out. And hopefully, the audience is taking little bits from everybody and trying it out. Because not every coping strategy works for every person. There's tons of them out there.   Michael Hingson  50:57 How do you find your guests?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  50:59 Um, so when I first started the show, I put out a call to what's that thing or radio guestlist.com? And I put it out there, I got 80 responses, like almost immediately, which was insane to me, because I was like, how am I gonna find gas, and then I didn't really need to look hard. And once you kind of that got going, I've met some really good people that helped. So actually, the publicist that I just signed on with creative edge here, I have a deal with him, I always tell him, Hey, these slots are open, what authors do you have, because he always has very good high quality guests. Come on the show. So it's been really easy now to actually find people, which I was surprised because I thought I was going to have trouble with it.   Michael Hingson  51:47 Everyone has a story to tell. And sometimes it's hard to get people to tell stories. But everyone does have a story to tell them. It's great to be able to have the opportunity to get people to come on and tell their stories. And I'm sure that's what you're encountering as well.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  52:04 Yes, exactly. And most people who have written things, well, most of us authors struggle with self publicity and marketing. Like it's one of the hardest things, and to go on lots of different podcasts to tell different audiences about you. So by interviewing authors, I think that has really helped because first off, they're storytellers, even like I said, Some writers, whatever writers are storytellers, and then they need to market out their product to people. So kind of worked out well.   Michael Hingson  52:36 Right. Well, this has been fun. And I want to thank you very much for being a guest on our podcast. I appreciate it. And I know we we met each other through the same publicists, which is really cool. But tell me how can people get in touch with you if they'd like to reach out if they'd like to learn more about what you're doing? Or ask you questions and connect? How do they do that?   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  53:00 Sure. So my website is rbwriting.ca. I'm also on Facebook at RB writing and then of course my YouTube   Michael Hingson  53:10 the letter R and the letter B.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  53:11 Yes for my name Randi Bowslaugh.   Michael Hingson  53:14 So RBwriting? Yep.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  53:17 and.ca Because I'm in Canada, and then Facebook, I'm on Instagram I'm on Instagram though it's Randy be writing because somebody already had RB so Randi be writing let's Randi with an I and tick tock I am on tick tock at the right or die show.   Michael Hingson  53:35 Cool. So to say your website once more   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  53:40 RBwriting.ca.   Michael Hingson  53:43 Great. Well, I've enjoyed it and learned a lot and I really appreciate you coming on today and talking with us. And I hope that everyone listening appreciates and maybe he has a little bit more understanding about some of the topics that you've discussed.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  54:00 I hope so too and I had so much fun   Michael Hingson  54:02 well and we definitely would love to have you come back as you're getting more books and tell us about the books and let me know when you publish about ticker because I'm sure the pain is gonna go away then.   Randi-Lee Bowslaugh  54:15 I will definitely do that. And you know what, maybe I'll call it even I'll call it about ticker.   Michael Hingson  54:21 Go. Well, thanks very, Randi. And I want to thank all of you wherever you are for listening today. I'd love to hear from you and get your comments so please feel free to email me at Michaelhi at accessibe.com or visit Michael Hingson .com slash podcast where you can visit more episodes although you can get them wherever podcast episodes are available. And as always, I sure would appreciate a five star rating from you to help us we appreciate when you make comments and rate the program and rate podcasts. So please do that. And again, Randi one last time, thank you very much for being here. We really appreciate it very much. You take care   Michael Hingson  55:13 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com. accessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

It's okay if you need to ask for help.Today's featured fellow bookcaster is a mom, wife, kickboxing champion, cancer survivor, and outspoken advocate for mental health, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh. Randi and I talk about her book,””, how writing helped her to deal with her mental health issues, and more! Key Things You'll Learn:What led Randi to write about mental healthThe coping strategies that have helped Randi deal with depressionThree Things She Gained from Running a Podcast Randi's Site: https://www.rbwriting.ca/Randi's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh/e/B08QJTS9T9/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dskRandi's Podcast, “Write or Die”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA The opening track of this episode is titled “Violet” by MadXRuler. Click the following link to hear the full track and support the artist. https://madxruler.bandcamp.com/track/violet You May Also Like… Ep. 453 – “The Psychic Yellow Brick Road” with Corbie Mitleid (@CorbieMitleid): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-453-the-psychic-yellow-brick-road-with-corbie-mitleid-corbiemitleid/ 279 – “Peak Performance Ghostwriting” with Kathrin Hutson (@ExquisitelyDark): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/279-peak-performance-ghostwriting-with-kathrin-hutson-exquisitelydark/ Ep. 448 – “Keepin' It Real” with Caramel Lucas (@Ms__Caramel): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-448-keepin-it-real-with-caramel-lucas-ms__caramel/ Ep. 344.5 – “Poohlicious” with Mary Elizabeth Jackson (@Mary_E_Jackson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3445-poohlicious-with-mary-elizabeth-jackson-mary_e_jackson/ Ep. 455.5 – “From Triggered to Tranquil” with Dr. Susan Campbell (@drsusan99): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-4555-from-triggered-to-tranquil-with-dr-susan-campbell-drsusan99/ Ep. 570 – “Disabled But Creatively Able” with Tracee Garner (@teegarner): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-570-disabled-but-creatively-able-with-tracee-garner-teegarner/ 62 - Defying the Verdict with Charita Cole Brown: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/62-defying-the-verdict-with-charita-cole-brown/ Ep. 524 – “Pediatric Anxiety” with Alicia Kollmar: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-524-pediatric-anxiety-with-alicia-kollmar/ Ep. 488 – “Raising Good Humans” with Hunter Clarke-Fields (@HClarkeFields): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-488-raising-good-humans-with-hunter-clarke-fields-hclarkefields/ Ep. 484 – “What's Wrong with My Child” with Elizabeth Harris (@elizabethwwwmc): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-484-whats-wrong-with-my-child-with-elizabeth-harris-elizabethwwwmc/ Ep. 534 – “Tom's Revenge” with James Edward Webb: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-534-toms-revenge-with-james-edward-webb/ Ep. 427 – “The Uluru Legacy Series” with Anna J. Walner (@AnnaJWalner): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-427-the-uluru-legacy-series-with-anna-j-walner-annajwalner/ Ep. 393 – “Unlocking the Cage” with Mark Tullius (@MarkTullius): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-393-unlocking-the-cage-with/ Ep. 330 – “A Long Way from Ordinary” with Ann Charles (@AnnWCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/ Ep. 318 – “Beautiful, Frightening and Silent” with Jennifer Anne Gordon (@JenniferAnneGo5): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-318-beautiful-frightening-and-silent-with-jennifer-anne-gordon-jenniferannego5/

https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Me-Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh-ebook/dp/B08XFJ5JXQ?crid=1GXXP1ARGY0QK&keywords=randi+lee+embracing+me&qid=1662569934&sprefix=randi+lee+embracing+me%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=discoveredwordsmiths-20&linkId=ac031d948fced1b3c84e2b2cd19e53a3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il

Overview Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn't sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. Book https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Me-Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh-ebook/dp/B08XFJ5JXQ?crid=3S2DCYZZMMNXR&keywords=embracing+me+randi&qid=1661692052&sprefix=embracing+m%2Caps%2C1242&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=discoveredwordsmiths-20&linkId=12cd0d4a3cf9c86176d7b472174e7cc2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il Website https://rbwriting.ca Favorites https://www.amazon.com/Elementals-Academy-3-Queen-Magic-ebook/dp/B0B5YJL6VS?crid=1V8YDF2BX14E0&keywords=queen+of+magic&qid=1661862007&sprefix=queen+of+magi%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=discoveredwordsmiths-20&linkId=ee6907737f1940b42337ae8f31643880&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il YouTube https://youtu.be/DDH9fZNausc Transcript So today, discover wordsmiths. I've got Randy Lee, Randy, how are, do you like Randy or Randy Lee? Randi-Lee: I don't have a preference. I just don't wanna miss dinner. Stephen: Got it. I understand that. So before we talk about your book tell us a little bit about you, where you live and some of the things you like to do outside of writing. Randi-Lee: There's things outside of writing. My name is Randy, like you said, I live in Canada, close to the Buffalo border. Winter is not forever here. Don't worry. I'm I like to say I'm the most Southern part of Canada , Stephen: which is fun. Yeah. I was actually in a meeting with some people and the weirdest part was I'm in Ohio, which is up by the great lakes in the states. And I was still the Southern most person on the whole meeting. And I thought that was pretty interesting. Randi-Lee: that's good. Yep. And outside of writing I like swimming. I like hanging out with my pets. I got three dogs, four cats. I got a kid, I got a step kid. I got a BA a grand baby. I got a husband too. Nice. And yeah, just doing random stuff is fun. Stephen: Busy. It sounds. That's

Overview Randi-Lee is back talking about mental health and authors. Too many authors suffer from getting burnt out, which can be a different problem that is manifested in burn out. In her book, Embracing Me, Randi-Lee discusses how we can lead a happier life, and these lessons are applied to authors to avoid times when they aren't writing. Book https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Me-Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh-ebook/dp/B08XFJ5JXQ?crid=3S2DCYZZMMNXR&keywords=embracing+me+randi&qid=1661692052&sprefix=embracing+m%2Caps%2C1242&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=discoveredwordsmiths-20&linkId=12cd0d4a3cf9c86176d7b472174e7cc2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il YouTube https://youtu.be/O0MFbob3BUM Transcript So let's move on to some author things. But before we limb we, what are some things that you're doing now that you've learned and you're doing different than when you first started? Randi-Lee: Great question. Let's think I definitely plot more. Than I used to. I'm really a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person. So I've been plotting a little more, I wouldn't say as tenuous as some people I know, but I, more than I did. And just, I think the more you do something, the better you get at it. So my first book was published in 2017. So five, five years have passed. I've definitely gotten better at writing in general. Effect, anything you do, you get better at it, the more you do it. Creating the covers for the books, just having a vision of what I want for them. And knowing how to market them. That's the hardest part about being an author. You can be an excellent author, but if you don't know how to sell your book, don't matter, Stephen: nobody's reading it. Besides podcast, what are you doing to market? Randi-Lee: So I do have my own newsletter that goes out. I'm on TikTok. I am on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. I have a publicist. So hopefully as these real life speaking events and actual book signings start to happen again I'll be able to get some of those. Before COVID hit, I did have one book signing at our local bookstore. And covered, shut it down. Hopefully as all those things start going back again, I'll be able to get into all of that stuff again and really push. Stephen: Okay. And when you're writing, what software and services do you like to use? Randi-Lee: I just use Microsoft word. Very okay. Simple. I know some people have all sorts of different things, but I have a paper and pen and I've got the computer. Yeah, pretty simple. If I'm doing a kid's book and I need like pictures and stuff, I do have some different drawing software, cuz I've done some of the pictures for. Kids' books. So I've got what's it called? Creta I think it's called it's pretty, Stephen: pretty good. Okay. All right. When we were talking about what topic authors would be interested in, you suggested talking about how to not get burnt out and that's probably. Important thing if you also suffer from depression because they can feed themselves and make both of them worse and faster and yep. All of that. What are some things you've experienced with burnout and what are you doing? What do you do to help get past it or not get burnout? Randi-Lee: Yeah. Burnout can happen randomly too. So you could think that, okay, this is going good. And then. It's really, it can be an accumulation of lots of things. So especially a lot of us rider, we work from home, what's at home, our kids, our spouses, our dirty house, our pets. So it can be an accumulation where it's oh my goodness, I can't do this because I can see this mess over there, which is why I'm now up here. Cuz I can't see any other maths. So that's one of the things is take. Out of the mess space and put yourself into a workspace. When you have a designated work area, you're less likely to let all of the regular household life things pile on top of what you already need to do for work. Cuz writing is fun, but it is still work, right?

Join 6AMRun.com Founder & CEO Hami Mahani, & co-host Ari F. as we introduce you to Randi-Lee Bowslaugh. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. She is a mom to two teenagers, grandmother, wife and competitive kickboxer. Randi is a certified personal trainer who has represented team Canada internationally. Even after battling cancer she returned to coaching and competing. Please visit https://www.rbwriting.ca/ To be a guest, or share your story with the 6AM Run Community apply at: https://forms.gle/hBHCKpYKT6R9tH6m7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1985, Joseph Campbell spoke with Bill Moyers to tackle the idea of how to live a meaningful, purposeful life. One memorable sentence from that was the idea of "finding your bliss". Calling in from Toronto, I got on the line with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, not knowing who she was or where she was speaking from. Turns out that she's based just a short highway drive away from me! Listen in as we cover the ground that has helped Randi-Lee navigate towards finding her bliss. Writing books, supporting her son, the power of her family, and sharing her insights on acceptance around mental health. Come be inspired by how she "follows her dopamine" to create the good life and find her bliss. * To view the full episode, click here: https://youtu.be/vD69O-Q04bo * Scroll down to visit Randi-Lee's links, the podcast links, and our sponsors! **** 1. To learn more about Randi-Lee, visit: https://linktr.ee/randib **** More from Shooting it RAW: - Website: https://www.shooting-it-raw.com/ - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/a92caaa1-6f09-473f-bd00-9f2e9000b3fa/SHOOTING-IT-RAW-WITH-RAN-ELFASSY - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shooting-it-raw/id1495187250?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/shootingitraw - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootingitraw/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-elfassy/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6p3NoR69bLG4lZ52FKE2dR - Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shooting-it-raw-with-ran-elfassy - Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RanElfassy - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6sqti7YyKrSNUdgw3ONSFg/videos **** VISIT OUR SPONSORS! Zencastr: Discount: 30% off! Click here to get the discounted rate: https://zen.ai/shootingitrawwithranelfassy1 Zencastr is an all-in-one podcast production suite that gives you studio-quality audio and video without needing all the technical know-how. It records each guest locally, then uploads the crystal clear audio and video right into the suite so you have high-quality raw materials to work with.

https://www.rbwriting.ca/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwAPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/minddogtvSponsors:KOA Coffee https://koacoffee.com/?sscid=21k6_79g17FIVERR https://go.fiverr.com/visit/?bta=86037&brand=fiverrcpa&utm_campaign=minddogTVSOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS https://swa.eyjo.net/c/3290446/517226/4705SUPPORT THE HAPPY MINUTE https://ko-fi.com/minddogtvTRUE FIRE GUITAR MASTERY: http://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lkzyk/pubref:minddog

Randi-Lee is an author, mental health advocate and host of the Write or Die Show. Her purpose in life is to lift others up by using her struggles to empower others.      Randi-Lee discusses how she has struggled with depression and the coping strategies that have led her to embrace herself. By being open and honest she wants others to know that they are not alone and that we are all in this together.  Facebook: @rbwriting @writeordieshow   Instagram @randibwriting   TikTok: @writeordieshow   YouTube: Write or Die Show www.rbwriting.ca www.writeordieshow.ca Amazon: Randi-Lee Bowslaugh 1. be honest with yourself 2. set boundaries 3. take breaks 4. say no, no is a complete sentence 5. be honest with those around you 6. Not everyone will be in your life forever 7. try something new 8. we grow, we change and that's okay 9. change is not always bad 10. be true to yourself

"Until you can embrace and find yourself, you can't find community". Randi Lee Bowslaugh is an Author, Mother, Wife, Mental Health Advocate, and Cancer survivor. Her story is nothing short of inspiring and it truly shows in this delightful conversation I had the honor of having with her. Here are all the links to connect and follow Randi: https://linktr.ee/randib Here also are the links to her sons incredible business, Accepting You: https://www.facebook.com/acceptingyoubusiness https://www.instagram.com/acceptingyou.business/ https://www.tiktok.com/@acceptingyou.business Here is where you can connect and follow me: https://linktr.ee/KintsugiTalksPod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kintsugi-talks/support

In this show, I am joined by my guest, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh as we talk about mental health in our society. We will also talk about the mental health people have suffered during the pandemic.

Interview with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, author of 'Embracing Me.'

Randi-Lee is an author, mental health advocate and host of the Write or Die Show. Her purpose in life is to lift others up by using her struggles to empower others.      Randi-Lee discusses how she has struggled with depression and the coping strategies that have led her to embrace herself. By being open and honest she wants others to know that they are not alone and that we are all in this together.  3 top tips for my audience: 1.  If you have mental health that is only one part of who you are. “I have depression, depression doesn't have me” 2. Be true to yourself, the hardest thing is pretending to be something you are not.  3. Set boundaries! Facebook: @rbwriting @writeordieshow   Instagram @randibwriting   TikTok: @writeordieshow   YouTube: Write or Die Show www.rbwriting.ca www.writeordieshow.ca Amazon: Randi-Lee Bowslaugh #mentalhealthmatters #endthestigma #writeordieshow

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh joins Alex Burket on the Rise to the Challenge Podcast. She shares her personal journey with suicide, depression, and family. We talk about what has helped her and how she brings awareness and impact as a Mental Health Advocate. We talk about her Youtube show and her being an author. Randi-Lee talks about so much more on the Rise to the Challenge Podcast. Check out the links below to learn more about Randi-Lee Bowslaugh: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA?sub_confirmation=1 - www.twitch.tv/randileebowslaugh - www.rbwriting.ca - www.tiktok.com/writeordieshow - Amazon.ca

Want to know more about Randi, to watch the live interview, or to find out how to donate, refer to this link: https://sheblurbs.wixsite.com/sheblurbs/post/let-s-talk-with-randi-lee-bowslaugh --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Christmas is only a few weeks away and kids' books about the season are a big part of the fun. Podcaster Randi-Lee Bowslaugh has published a book called Operation Deck the Halls. We talk about that one, and about her other book, which focuses on her challenges in parenting a child with disabilities; about her own recent diagnosis of autism, and about her views on mental health. The Netflix program about autism she recommends is "Atypical".Randi-Lee's website is www.rbwriting.caThe Brainwave Podcast is produced and presented by WindWord Group Publishing and Media. Please visit our website at https://www.windwordgroup.com to sign up for our newsletter and receive regular information about upcoming guests, new releases, and special gifts for regular listeners and readers. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/brainwavepodcast)

In this episode of FunkQuest, flirting, kickboxing and signs of the zodiacQuestion 1Jean chose the BicycleWhat difference do Zodiac Signs make to you?She felt that they made no difference to what she does in her life, occasionally looks at them on the internet. When younger she read them in womens magazines.Her birthday is coming up and she knows she is a Scorpio -overall great peopleRandi picked the Street CircusWhere do you get pampered?The Gym seems a funny place to get pampered but as a Kick Boxer Randi enjoys being there. With helmets and nose guards to keep safe the exercise is just a lot of fun.Question 2Jean settled on the childs feetWhat about the opposite sex confuses you the most?Communicating with each other seems to be the hardest thing. Deciding where to go for dinner is still difficult after 20 years of marriage. Where do you want to go? - I don't know where do you want to go?.Randi chose the Pool TableWhen was the last time you said never?Randi says she doesn't like to talk in absolutes 'Never' and 'Always' are words she avoids as there is always a chance that something will happen.Question 3Jean decided on the peaceful SunsetWhere do you keep all your tools?Having recently moved from an old 6 bedroomed house to a low mainteneace 2 bedroom apartment jean had got rid of all her tools except for a few screwdrivers which she keeps in her linen cupboard.Randi Picked the Lime drinkHow would you define yourself?Used to being on podcasts and talkshows Randi has answered this question quite often. She is; an author,a speaker and mental health advocate, but more than that a very crazy creative person.Question 4Randi - in fairness - got to choose first - the Pencil CrayonsWhat do you think the New York Times Headline will say on this day in ten years?'Remember the beginning of the Pandemic' was her final answer, although what 'wave' we might still be living with it in, would be questionable.Jean chose the Mountain SceneWhich is the best Rollercoaster ride?In the city of Charlotte in North carolina "Carrow Winds" holds a very scary rollercoaster. Jean however would not be riding it at all as it makes her stomach churn just looking at it. Going Up might be ok but the Down bit no thankyou.Question 5Randi chose the DancerWhere do you go to meet new people?Randi goes on different podcasts to meet people or invites them onto her own podcast the 'Write or Die Show'. In January at her Kick Boxing Gym there is an influx of new people to meet as they arrive to fulfil their New Years resolutions.Jean picked the Car WheelHow do you flirt?Fluttering her eyelashes, Jean explained that she flirts with her husband occasionally and sometimes her Southern friendliness can be mistaken for flirting when she smiles or winks at people.

Randi-Lee is so fun. She is very positive and very passionate about speaking with people about Mental Health. She has written books about mental health and she has a YouTube Channel. Randi-Lee wanted to reach a bigger platform and she is now on Tik Tok to spread her message and truth. Randi-Lee deals with depression and she talks about it with Keepin It Real, she even talks about her son dealing with autism. ALITTLE MORE ABOUT RANDI-LEE: Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. Recently, she has started a YouTube channel to spread awareness about various mental health and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. Currently, she has five published books. Three are non-fiction to raise awareness about mental health and autism. Two are children's stories. You can contact Randi-Lee on Instagram at Randi-Lee Bowslaugh or RB Writing - Author www.rbwriting.ca Link Tree Write or Die Show - YouTube Tik Tok @writeordieshow 905-341-8411

Welcome back to The Shift, a podcast that's here to help you adjust to the new! After dealing with the pandemic, layoffs, loss of loved ones, and everything in between in this season we will talk about "Shifting Out of Shock." We will include guests who are counselors, coaches, trauma and mental health experts, and so much more. You don't wanna miss it! In today's episode, "The Fight of My Life" hear from an individual who survived cancer, beat attempted suicide, depression, and mother of an autistic son who uses her story of healing and acceptance to transform the lives of others. This person is an author, podcaster, and most importantly, advocate of mental health. Join your host, J. Camille and first-time special guest, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, as she shares his journey on shifting in "The Fight of My Life." Follow our guests on social media: www.rbwriting.ca www.instagram.com/randibwriting and www.facebook.com/rbwriting Keep up with The Shift on social media: https://linktr.ee/jcamille Purchase an item from our sponsors at: https://ultimatefaith.store/?ref=onwym4b1pj Use code: JCAMILLE for 10% off --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Randi-Lee does have a story!  Although sharing her profession, what really was compelling was her admission of feeling that she was "alone" and her mother not realizing it.  Why?  Because like many, Randi-Lee didn't communicate her emotions.An interesting background of being afraid of going home to a drunk step-father, to her experience with her child with Autism, Randi-Lee's story is one that we are sure many would be able to relate to.With this, Randi-Lee is a 5 time author.  Her one book and link is listed on the right side here.  To learn more about her other books, you can find Randi-Lee at both www.rbwriting.ca and https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting.  More about Randi-Lee Bowslaugh:Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness (Thoughts of a Wanderer) and in 2018 published A Mother's Truth (inspired by raising her youngest who has special needs).Another of Randi-Lee's passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. In 2017 Randi became a personal trainer.While she isn't working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.#buzzsprout #podcast #podcasting #Spotify #GooglePodcast #TuneIn #stitcher #ApplePodcast #iHeartRadio #Pandora #PodcastAddict #Podchaser #Deezer #Listennotes #Overcast #Pocketcast #Castro #CastPost #iamthatgal #liftyourstory #liftyourstorypodcast #thatgalwiththatguy A Mother's Truth Buy Randi Lee Bowslaugh's book on AmazonFree Book with any $20+ Podcast Support Make Up Not Required - How to Brand the TRUE You by LaurieAnn & Contribution by Roy MillerBE A GUEST/FIND A GUEST Start for Free! PODMATCH is innovative, provides easy communication and dashboard scheduling! My pick of the month!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://paypal.me/iamthatgal)

Today I welcome Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, who joins me from her home in Welland, Ontario. Randi-Lee is an author, a cancer survivor, kickboxing champion, mental health advocate, a mom, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss being a mom to a transgender son, his autism diagnosis, and how she and her family deals with it. Then, Randi-Lee shares her cancer story, and finally, she gives us an open and honest account of her struggles with her mental health and how she learned to cope.She is a competitive kickboxer who has twice represented Team Canada internationally. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World's kickboxing tournament later that year, and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games, where she inspired and coached young athletes.  Randi-Lee has published non-fiction and fiction books.  Her most recent book Embracing Me explores Randi-Lee's true story of coming to terms with her depression. Sharing thoughts around suicide and the harsh reality of feeling the need to hide these thoughts. Each chapter outlines coping strategies that can help individuals explore their mental health and lovingly embrace themselves. Worksheets are provided at the end of the book to put the strategy into practice. Stopping the stigma of mental health starts with speaking honestly and openly. Topics discussed include therapy, medication, coping mechanisms, suicide, negative self-talk, positive self-talk, self-care.If you want to connect with Randi-Lee, you can check out her website and social pages:Website: http://www.rbwriting.caFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randibwritingYoutube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwAPodcast: https://anchor.fm/randi-lee-bowslaughBooks: https://www.amazon.ca/Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh/e/B08QJTS9T9TikTok: @writeordieshowRandi-Lee is inspiring, and her lively personality is vibrant and infectious. Having listened to her personal experiences, I know her story will resonate with you.Enjoy the episode, and a special thank you to my listeners for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned and keep listening. Connect with me by checking out mycenteredlife for daily inspiration here:Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mycenteredlifeInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/mycenteredlifePlease support the show at www.patreon.com/survivingtraumastoriesofhope Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/survivingtraumastoriesofhope)

“I have depression but depression doesn't have me,” Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Canadian National Champion in Kickboxing, personal trainer, author, and mental health advocate, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, shares her story to inspire others and ensure that no one feels alone. Growing up with uncertainty from an alcoholic step-father, Randi-Lee did not know what to do or how to process emotions or even get things “right.” Now as a mom, Randi-Lee shares “what to do” from “what not to do” in her family life as well as with coaching clients. To learn more about Randi-Lee, connect: Web: RBWriting.ca Facebook: RBWriting Books: Thoughts of a Wanderer, Deck the Halls, A Mother's Truth  

Speaking with author Randi Lee Bowslaugh about mental health, her books, and her experience with one of her children being autistic.In addition sharing my own perspective on health issues. Video Interview:Words of Heart Podcast Facebook Page: https://fb.watch/5Y0kUHOmT9/ Or YouTube Page:https://youtu.be/zSFUugUhrNU --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wordsofheart/message

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://alternative-read.com/write-or-die-show-host-randi-lee-bowslaugh-interviews-amy-romine-about-writers-with-anxiety-and-depression-getreal-mentalhealthawareness/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alternative-readcom/message

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story of her battle of depression with honestyRandi-Lee's struggled with depression most of her life and has started to share her coping mechanisms with others. I have published two non-fiction books and have another one launching in March as well as writing short horror stories and kids stories. As well as helping my youngest (who has autism) start their business as an artist. Randi-Lee's books, Thoughts of a Wanderer and Embracing Me share her story of coming to terms with her own mental health and shared coping mechanisms that worked for her. Randi-Lee's first book shared experiences of raising her youngest child who has autism. From meltdowns to homeschooling to hospital visits. She sheds a light on a situation that others struggle with and are unsure of how to persevere. She now supports her child's entrepreneur spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE·        https://www.rbwriting.ca/·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/randileebowslaugh/·        https://www.facebook.com/randibowslaugh·        https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting·        Levin's fb page: https://www.facebook.com/apieceofkarma·        Levin's web site https://rbowslaugh.wixsite.com/apieceofkarma?fbclid=IwAR1sw0HQMac_Tl3j13sMCJWut9EQYn8FCbafEa_IZxC7k03T7hYzfir89MQOTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe producer and host of the #DefineYourself Podcast is an inspirational and motivational author, writer, blogger, speaker and podcaster.Chris, through his business #DefineYourself, mission is to empower YOU to overcome your COALS: challenges, obstacles, adversities, limitations and/setbacks and achieve your GOALS for success in your professional and personal lives.If you are ready to start overcoming your COALS and start achieving your GOALS get Chris' FREE eBook, The 10 Steps to #DefineYourself at http://10stepstodefineyourself.comChris can be contacted at Chris@DefineYourselfpodcast.comFor more information about the #DefineYourself Podcast, visit http://defineyourselfpodcast.com/

Randi-Lee is an author of both non-fiction and fiction. She is a competitive kickboxer who has twice represented team Canada internationally. She is a mental health advocate speaking to others about her personal experiences with depression. Buy Randi's books @ https://amzn.to/39FyJ0l (Amazon affiliate link)  https://www.rbwriting.ca/ Would you like to help support the show? paypal.me/conqueringeverest https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovvq6iaCWUoo9HEQ6sjK-w https://www.facebook.com/conqueringeverestpodcast https://www.twitter.com/briantellor brian@conqueringeverest.com

RANDI-LEE BOWSLAUGH, an author, cancer survivor, kickboxing champion, and much more from Canada, joined us to discuss all, including her newest release, "Embracing Me". FROM HER BIO: "Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. Her first book (Thoughts of a Wanderer) and soon to be released third non-fiction book (Embracing Me) share her story of coming to terms with her own mental health and shared coping mechanisms that worked for her." https://www.rbwriting.ca Enjoy!