Welcome to Real Talk and Fiction! I’m Eddie, a single dad who shares real-life struggles (with the help of a friend, Christina), from parenting challenges to mental health, and offers tips on how to keep moving forward. Alongside the honest talk, I also dive into my love for fiction, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into my writing process. Whether you're here for relatable conversations or a peek into the world of storytelling, there's something for everyone. Subscribe and join the conversation!
This Ain't Therapy: Episode 2: The Truth About "Hustle Culture"
In this raw and unfiltered episode, Eddie Bowers takes a sledgehammer to the shiny façade of hustle culture. You've been told to “rise and grind,” to sacrifice sleep, relationships, and your sanity all in the name of success. But what if that whole mindset is a lie? What if it’s killing you slowly—and calling it ambition?
Eddie’s not holding back as he shares real stories from his own life: burnout, loss, and the dark side of nonstop hustle. He strips away the influencer garbage and social media propaganda to expose what hustle culture really is—a fear-driven trap disguised as motivation.
This episode won’t give you fluffy feel-good answers. It gives you truth. And the tools to step off the hamster wheel.
🔗 Support the show, get early access & behind-the-scenes on Patreon: patreon.com/BowersInk (https://patreon.com/BowersInk)
👉 Rate, share, and follow if this episode slapped you awake.
#NoFluff #ThisAintTherapy #EddieBowers #HustleCultureExposed
23 Apr 2025
This Ain't Therapy: Episode 1: The Lie of “The Self-Help Industry”
Episode 1 – The Lie of “The Self-Help Industry”
Welcome to This Ain’t Therapy, a raw, no-bullshit series from Real Talk and Fiction with your host, Eddie Bowers. In this opening episode, “The Lie of ‘The Self-Help Industry,’” we rip the mask off the billion-dollar industry selling feel-good fluff and empty motivation. Eddie breaks down how pain gets packaged and sold back to the people living it — and why lived experience matters more than degrees or popularity. No gurus. No fancy couches. Just a man who’s walked through hell, speaking truth. If you’re ready for the kind of honesty that cuts deep — this one’s for you.
17 Apr 2025
Dealing vs. Hiding: The Self-Help Illusion (aka: stop lying about your growth)
You’re not healing if you’re still hiding.
You’re not growing if it’s all just performance.
In this episode, I open up about the inspiration behind my new book Confusing Teleportation — a title born from something my son said at eight years old. It’s his birthday today, and the truth in his words still hits harder than most “self-help” advice out there.
Then, we go in deep.
This episode isn’t for people who want to look healed.
It’s for the ones who are done pretending.
We talk about the illusion of growth, the performance of healing, and how easy it is to slap spiritual language and therapy buzzwords over avoidance and call it “doing the work.”
Spoiler: most people aren’t doing the work.
They’re curating it. Monetizing it. Hiding behind it.
We break that down — honestly. No fluff. No Instagram quotes. Just truth.
And at the end, I close with my poem “This Is Not a Butterfly Story” — a reminder that real healing isn’t always beautiful, but it is real.
📘 My new book “Confusing Teleportation” is available now on Amazon.
🎙 Subscribe for more episodes that challenge the illusion and lean into the real.
📲 Follow me on socials for behind-the-scenes and new work: @edwardbowersofficial
#Healing #Growth #SelfHelpMyths #TheUmbraHour #Podcast #EmotionalIntelligence #EdwardBowers
7 Apr 2025
One Book, Many Truths: Daniel Camposano's Journey as a Writer
In this episode, I sit down with independent author Daniel Camposano to talk about his debut novel, The Ones Left Behind, and his personal journey behind it. We dive into his writing process, what inspired his story, and how themes of mental health are thoughtfully woven throughout his work. Daniel opens up about the emotional weight behind his characters and how storytelling has become both a creative outlet and a form of healing. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of the connection between art and the human experience.
Pick up your copy of his debut book here: Amazon.com: The Ones Left Behind: 9798344386614: Camposano, Daniel: Books (https://www.amazon.com/Ones-Left-Behind-Daniel-Camposano/dp/B0DNKRJCFJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MU84IUC9ZMCV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mXV9gXNbBAz1vNLUVzDUg-1TfBkXsr7JfQYO1APOMS4.5BTJJ_WFb0G--H_XDCrILgUYnGr6g-rh8Xs7Ir5C4M0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+ones+left+behind+by+daniel+camposano&qid=1743778427&sprefix=the+ones+left+behind+by+daniel+camposano%2Caps%2C678&sr=8-1)
31 Mar 2025
Exploring YA Fantasy & Mental Health with Author K.J. Pritchett
In this episode, I sit down with K.J. Pritchett, author of The Swansgrove Chronicles, to discuss her journey as an indie writer, her love for YA fantasy, and the deeper themes she weaves into her books—including political intrigue, mental health, and the power of community. We talk about her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and how she brings a unique Pennsylvania influence into her world-building.
Follow K.J. Pritchett on Instagram: @kjpritchettwrites (https://www.instagram.com/kjpritchettwrites/)
Check out her books: https://katiejpritchett.com/books/ (https://katiejpritchett.com/books/)
Find her latest release on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heir-of-swansgrove-katie-pritchett/1144851081?ean=9798989650422 (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heir-of-swansgrove-katie-pritchett/1144851081?ean=9798989650422)
Tune in for an insightful conversation about storytelling, representation, and the indie author experience! 🎙📚✨
23 Mar 2025
So, you Want to Be an Author?
Ever thought about writing a book but didn’t know where to start? In this episode of Real Talk and Fiction, host Edward Bowers breaks down exactly what it takes to become an author—no fluff, no gatekeeping, just real, practical advice. From battling self-doubt and finishing that first draft to navigating editing, publishing, and selling your book, this episode covers everything you need to know.
Whether you're dreaming of bestseller status or just want to write for the love of it, this episode will give you the insight (and reality check) you need. Plus, Edward answers some of the most common (and funniest, maybe just funny to me) questions people ask about becoming a writer.
🔥 Topics Covered:
✔ How to start writing (even if you don’t know what to write about)
✔ Why your first draft will suck—and why that’s okay
✔ The truth about editing (hint: it’s where the real work happens)
✔ Traditional vs. self-publishing—what’s right for you?
✔ Can you actually make money as an author?
🎙 Listen now and take your first step toward becoming an author!
17 Mar 2025
Stronger Together Fitness, Mental Health, and Life After Hardship
In this candid and insightful episode, Ryan Schlip, owner of Critical Gains, joins me for a conversation about fitness, mental health, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. We dive into how physical wellness can positively impact mental health, share personal stories about navigating life after divorce, and discuss the importance of boundaries, both in business and personal life. Ryan opens up about his journey in the fitness industry, the lessons he's learned, and offers advice for anyone looking to balance personal growth with physical and mental well-being. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenthood, starting a business, or simply trying to be healthier, this episode offers inspiration and real-life advice.
13 Mar 2025
When Creativity Feels Like a Curse
Ever felt like your passion is wearing you down instead of lifting you up? In this raw and unfiltered episode, I dive into the dark side of creativity—burnout, mental exhaustion, and the struggle of juggling artistic ambition with real-life challenges.
I open up about writing Nafal (a novel on the fall of Lucifer), co-authoring a self-help book, and navigating The Battle of 3030, all while facing a high-stakes custody battle and managing life with Multiple Sclerosis. Hustle culture glorifies pushing through, but at what cost?
If you're a writer, artist, or creator feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, stress, and personal battles, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about the reality of creative burnout, why "using art as an outlet" isn’t always the answer, and how to keep going when your mind and body are at their limits.
💡 Listen now and join the conversation. And if you want to support my work—including my upcoming books—check out my Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/BowersInk).
18 Feb 2025
Shut Up and Man Up
Welcome to Real Talk and Fiction, a podcast where we dive deep into the struggles men face that too often go unheard and ignored. Hosted by a man who's been through his own battles—facing divorce, personal demons, and the crushing weight of societal expectations—this show is all about breaking down the walls surrounding men’s mental health, suicide rates, and the silent burdens they carry.
In each episode, we discuss the tough topics that many avoid: the pressure for men to "man up," the shame of seeking help, and how society seems to push men aside while prioritizing women's issues. Through candid conversations, hard truths, and raw vulnerability, Real Talk and Fiction aims to challenge these norms, create a space for men to speak openly, and encourage a broader conversation on how we can support and uplift men who are struggling.
Join us for thought-provoking episodes where we talk about real-life issues, share personal stories, and ask the hard questions—because it’s time to stop the silence, break the stigma, and show that men matter too.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help immediately. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741741.
16 Feb 2025
Is Happiness Even Possible?
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking podcast, join Eddie Bowers as they explore the complexities of happiness, mental health, and the human condition. Navigating life with depression, chronic illness, and the highs and lows of being 46 and single, each episode dives into the tough questions: Can happiness truly be achieved, or are we just searching for something that doesn’t exist? With humor, raw honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, this podcast provides an unfiltered look at life’s challenges, offering a space for listeners who are also searching for meaning and solace in their own journeys. Whether it’s tackling the impact of mental illness, dealing with societal expectations, or just finding ways to cope, Is Happiness Even Possible? is a podcast for anyone who has ever asked, “Is it worth it?”
Subscribe, listen, and join the conversation on what it really means to live well in a world full of complexities and contradictions.
12 Feb 2025
Here's the Brutal Truth About Making Money as an Indie Author
Think self-publishing is an easy path to success? Think again. In this raw and unfiltered episode ofReal Talk and Fiction, I pull back the curtain on what itreally takes to make money as an indie author. With over15 years of experience and14 published books on Amazon KDP, I break down thehard numbers, thereal profit margins ($1-$5 per book!), and thedaily grind of trying to turn writing into a career.
Frommarketing struggles to theillusion of overnight success, I expose the challenges that most self-publishing “gurus” won’t tell you. Whether you’re an aspiring author or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed withinsights, hard truths, and a dose of motivation for anyone chasing the dream of making a living through writing.
🚀Stay connected! Follow me on:
📖 Facebook:Edward Bowers – Author
📲 Instagram, TikTok, Wattpad, Royal Road:BowersInk
🔥 Support the journey on Patreon:BowersInk
HitFOLLOW so you never miss an episode! 🎧✨
10 Feb 2025
Diving Into The Story: The New Beginning (Pt. 1)
In this episode ofReal Talk and Fiction, we dive into the first half of Chapter 1:The New Beginning. Join me as I bring the story to life, setting the stage for what’s to come. Tension builds, characters take shape, and the journey begins. Whether you’re here for the storytelling or just love getting lost in a good book, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s step into the world together.
8 Feb 2025
Calm Down, It’s Just a Poem – Why Do People Always Misread Me?
Ever post something deep and get flooded with “You got this!” or “Stay strong” when you weren’t even asking for help? Meanwhile, when you actuallydo need someone to listen—crickets. In this episode ofCalm Down, It’s Just a Poem, I talk about the weird way people react to online posts, why they jump in when you don’t need them, and why they vanish when you do.
Let’s break down the disconnect betweenbeing seen andbeing heard.
💬Drop a comment if you get what I mean—no “keep your head up” responses needed.
🔔Subscribe for more brutally honest thoughts, misunderstood posts, and maybe even a poem or two.
5 Feb 2025
The Struggle Between Creating and Chasing Fame
In this episode of Real Talk and Fiction, I want to talk about something "me related"—something I’ve been struggling with. After 15 years of writing, putting my work out there, and grinding endlessly, I’m starting to ask myself: Why am I doing this? Is it truly about the love of storytelling, or have I been chasing fame and recognition all along?
I’ve preached for so long that it’s not about the money, not about the numbers. But what happens when the silence is deafening? When you put everything into your work, and it feels like no one cares? Am I a hypocrite for saying “don’t give up on your dreams” when part of me wants to throw in the towel?
This episode is raw. It’s honest. If you’ve ever felt like a failure, if you’ve ever questioned why you keep creating when it feels like no one is listening—this is for you. Let’s talk about it.
4 Feb 2025
When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Dreams
We’ve all been there—working hard, chasing a dream, and feeling like we’re getting nowhere. The frustration, the doubt, the exhaustion—it’s enough to make anyone want to quit. But here’s the truth: success isn’t just about talent; it’s about grit, consistency, and refusing to give up.
In this episode, I get real about my own struggles as a writer for the past 15 years—fighting to break through, dealing with self-doubt, and watching others succeed overnight while I kept grinding. If you’ve ever felt like quitting on your dreams, this episode is for you.
It’s never too late to start, and just because you haven’t made it yet doesn’t mean you won’t. Let’s talk about why you can’t give up—and how to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Listen now, and if this episode hits home for you, share your story, subscribe, and let’s build a community of dreamers who refuse to quit.
3 Feb 2025
Everyday AI: From Smartphones to Streaming
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s already shaping the way we live, work, and create. From Netflix recommendations and voice assistants to AI-generated art and music, we interact with AI every day—often without realizing it. But as AI continues to evolve, what does this mean for creative industries? Will AI enhance human creativity or replace it?
In this episode, we explore how AI is revolutionizing storytelling, music, and digital art, the ethical dilemmas surrounding its use, and why even AI skeptics are using it without knowing. Plus, we dive into the growing concerns about authenticity, job displacement, and whether AI-generated content can truly be considered “art.”
Tune in as we break down the real-world impact of AI, the tools you’re already using, and the future of creativity in a world where machines can create.
🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation!
3 Feb 2025
Why I'm Doing This: The Truth Behind This Podcast
I’m not here for fame. I don’t get paid for this. And honestly, starting a podcast solo comes with its own set of doubts and stigmas. But I’m doing this anyway—because sometimes, you just need a space to be real.
In this episode, I talk about why I started this podcast, the fear of putting myself out there, and the struggle of feeling like I have something to say, even if no one’s listening yet. It’s raw, unscripted, and personal.
If you've ever felt lost, uncertain, or like you’re still figuring things out, this podcast is for you. Let’s take this journey together.
👉 Subscribe for more
👍 Like if you relate
💬 Drop a comment—let's start a conversation
1 Feb 2025
Whispers in the Dark – The Prologue of The Forest Devours
"Some places never let you go. Some nightmares don’t fade—they wait."
In this special episode of Real Talk and Fiction, I’m bringing you a chilling prologue from my upcoming horror novel, The Forest Devours. A young boy, Caleb Voss, crosses the forbidden tree line one fateful night—only to discover that the forest has been waiting for him all along. The whispers call his name, the shadows move with intent, and something watches from the dark.
But this story is more than just horror. It’s about the past that haunts us, the things we try to escape, and the fears that refuse to stay buried. After the reading, I’ll break down the deeper meaning behind the story—how horror often reflects real struggles like trauma, mental health, and the battles we face in silence.
So turn down the lights, listen closely, and ask yourself: What’s been waiting for you?
🔗 Join the community on Patreon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights → patreon.com/BowersInk
📢 Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts on the episode!
28 Jan 2025
Starting the Conversation: Real Talk & Fiction
In this first episode of Real Talk and Fiction, host Edward (Eddie) Bowers introduces the podcast, setting the stage for a space where real conversations on mental health and life’s struggles are paired with the creativity of storytelling. Get to know the host, the inspiration behind the podcast, and what to expect in future episodes. Starting the conversation, one story at a time.
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YouTube views
6,223
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
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Quality
75
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YouTube
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