Episode 23: Boundaries That Build You: A Conversation with Briana Bowley
Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Briana Bowley, an Australia-based former competitive bodybuilder who openly shares her personal journey through burnout, boundaries, body image, and holistic self-healing. Briana describes herself as innovative, driven, and inspired, and this conversation proves exactly why.
Briana reflects on her years in competitive bodybuilding and how pushing herself beyond her limits led to emotional exhaustion and disconnection from her inner voice. When she finally listened to her intuition and allowed curiosity to guide her, she discovered a more compassionate, sustainable way of living. Her story reinforces the importance of embracing our layers, leaning into curiosity, and rewriting the narratives that no longer support us.
One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Briana’s approach to building boundaries like building muscle. She shares how setting healthy boundaries isn’t something you master overnight—it’s something you strengthen gradually, just like lifting weights. Starting small, practicing consistently, and giving yourself grace can transform your relationships, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing.
Briana also offers an insightful perspective on internal vs. external conflict, illustrated through a simple real-life moment that many of us can relate to. Her story highlights how speaking up respectfully (rather than suppressing your discomfort) can create clarity, connection, and growth for everyone involved.
This episode is full of empowering insights, relatable moments, and compassionate reminders that healing doesn’t require perfection; it requires curiosity, patience, and courage. If the blog resonated with you, the episode will give you even more to reflect on and integrate into your own journey.
Ways to Engage: Next time you’re faced with a decision for an internal/external conflict, challenge yourself to have the conversation. Just like with building muscle, start small and work your way up to the more difficult conversations.
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Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:31)
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:00 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:29 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 25:00 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:20 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 31:41 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:26 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:39 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 43:07 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:41 )
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis
✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨
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Resources:
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
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