Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh and have shared our conversation below.

Randi-Lee, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I started horseback riding about 2 years ago. The owner asked if I wanted to also volunteer before my lesson, and I jumped at the opportunity to spend more time at the barn. I love being around all the horses (and other animals); it is easy to lose yourself in the joy that nature brings.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an author, YouTube host of the Write or Die Show and outspoken advocate for mental health. Growing up, I never felt that I fit in and struggled with depressive thoughts. In 2021, I finally had answers and was diagnosed with Autism. This helped me view my life from a different perspective.

I love speaking at events that promote wellness and compassionately share my experiences, in the hope that others will know they aren’t alone. In 2021, I started the Write or Die Show, with nearly 250 episodes, with guests from around the world sharing their journeys with mental health.

In 2017, I published my first book about mental health awareness (Thoughts of a Wanderer) and have since expanded to include kids’ books. While publishing my second book (A Mother’s Truth), I was diagnosed with cancer, but I have been cancer-free for over 5 years.

Currently, I am working on turning Good-Bye too Soon into a script. The book is about my brother’s death by drug overdose.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
This might sound cliché, but my relationship with my husband is. We have been together for 18 years and I am still boggled that it has been this long. Growing up, I did not have great role models for healthy relationships, so I had to learn what that meant. At the beginning of our relationship, I was masking my autism (not that I knew that was what it was at the time) so that he wouldn’t view me as weird. However, over the years, he has helped me see that even at my silliest, worst, or hyper-ist, I am still me and someone who is valued.

Depression always told me that wasn’t the case. That I was not someone who deserved to be loved. It is remarkable how cruel our own minds can be.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
It started around 10 years ago when my daughter was struggling with being bullied. I realized that I had not been open enough for her to understand that others (like myself) have dealt with similar situations. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but in 2017, I released my first book that really pivoted into a more active mental health advocacy role.

From there, I started sharing more about my past trauma and issues around depression, body image and late autism diagnosis. It is a very powerful moment when you realize that bad things happen, but it doesn’t make you a bad person.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief that sharing our stories will help others. In saying that, the project I am working on now will take me longer than any other project, and I have moments of disbelief that I will accomplish it. I know those moments are just my brain trying to pull me back to the depressed side.

I am turning Good-Bye too Soon into an indie movie. The book came out a few years ago and chronicles my brother’s death by drug overdose. There is an epidemic happening with fentanyl, and the only way I can help is by sharing. Currently, I have the first few scenes written. It was not easy writing the book, and the script is no different. I am reliving the experience of losing him, but it will be worth it in the end.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a resilient person who loved to talk. I hope that my books and the Write or Die Show continue to be read/watched and that people continue to learn something from those.

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