Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi-lee Bowslaugh

Hi Randi-Lee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My story can be a little on the long side, but the short version is that I struggled with depression starting at the age of 14. My brother was in and out of jail, my stepdad was an alcoholic, and I did not know how to fit in. Since then, I have been to therapy and realized I had depression, PTSD and autism. Many of the things I struggled with were linked back to the trauma that I had experienced or my executive functioning struggles.

As a teenager, when I was first depressed, I coped (not that I knew what that word was back then) by writing poetry. That poetry became my first book, Thoughts of a Wanderer, which was published in 2017. At the time I didn’t think I would continue writing or that I would be inspiring others. However, through therapy and learning more about myself, it was evident that I could use my story to help others. It is important to know that you are not alone – even when we think we are.

I have now published nearly 20 books (non-fiction, children’s, etc.) and on year 3 of my podcast, Write or Die Show.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Not at all!

Not only because I was struggling with my mental health, constantly telling me that I wasn’t good enough, my story was not useful to share, and no one would care. My youngest was going through a really hard time, and as a parent, it was killing me on the inside. I didn’t know how to help him and had to spend most of my time focused on him. Writing was on the back burner, but it was still there.

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Again, writing was put on the back burner as I went for two surgeries and almost died from an infection. Through it all I came out stronger knowing how short life really is!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am an author and YouTube host focused on mental health. I have written nearly 20 books, many of them about mental health. I think it is important for people to know that they are not alone when they can’t see any hope. My show is also called the Write or Die Show, which focuses on mental health journeys around the world. I have different guests who share their stories, and we still have a good laugh through the hard conversation.

I am most proud of my show. Many people give up before they even hit 20 episodes. I am about to hit 200 episodes this year, and I can’t imagine stopping. Of course, I would love to get more subscribers and share the message more, but it will come with consistency.

What sets me apart is a question I wouldn’t normally have an answer to, but since being a guest on nearly 100 other podcasts, the theme seems to be my attitude. I am normally talking about mental health (including my own plan to end my life), and I still manage to keep a smile on my face.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

Life is a risk.

We never know what is going to happen, the best we can do – is the best we can do. I take a risk every time I go on someone else’s show or I write a new book. I am opening my soul to others and showing my pain. It was scary at first, not knowing how it would be received. But it was worth the risk, and I love what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rbwriting.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randileebowslaugh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA?sub_confirmation=1
• Other: https://randileebowslaugh.substack.com/