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

👉 Rate, share, and follow if this episode slapped you awake.
#NoFluff #ThisAintTherapy #EddieBowers #HustleCultureExposed

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.

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

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

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
Check out her 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

Tune in for an insightful conversation about storytelling, representation, and the indie author experience! 🎙📚✨

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.