How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and podcast host all while managing a severe mental illness? In this episode, Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey—from growing up in the Bible Belt believing her hallucinations were demons, to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia.

She candidly discusses the stigma she faced, including being told she was "choosing Satan," and how she overcame it to become a thought leader in schizophrenia advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, mental health advocacy, or learning more about Rachel’s badass life as a stunt performer in blockbuster movies like Black Panther.

Rachel’s story is a testament to resilience, and she opens up about what it truly means to live with schizophrenia while pursuing your passions and defying expectations. Hit play to learn more about this inspiring story of strength and survival and how you can help yourself – or your loved ones – do the same.

“You know, I always think every thought that I have is dipped in schizophrenia. It’s all I've ever known. I grew up seeing monsters. It's not something that I've ever lived without. There's monsters with me right now. I hallucinate a good 90% of the time. I'm always kind of not 100% sure if something I saw or experienced is all real. It's very much a part of me. For me, this is part of who I am.” ~Rachel Star Withers

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD and THC gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Our guest, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.

Rachel grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. She creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.

Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without.

To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices