Bonus: A Personal Interview with Our Host Who Lives with Schizophrenia

About this episode

Rachel Star Withers shares her journey living with schizophrenia while pursuing her career as an entertainer and advocate.

How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and “Inside Schizophrenia” podcast host, all while managing a severe mental illness? In this bonus episode (that originally aired for the “Inside Mental Health” podcast series), Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey — from growing up believing her hallucinations were demons to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving an accurate medical diagnosis. She candidly discusses the stigma she faced 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 Marvel’s “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. Please Note: “Hey listeners, you’re about to hear an interview with Rachel Star Withers…

People in this episode

Host: Rachel Star Withers

Topics covered

• schizophrenia
• mental health advocacy
• personal journey
• resilience
• stigma
• entertainment

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• mental health
• advocacy
• stuntwoman
• resilience
• hallucinations
• exorcism
• Black Panther

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Inside Schizophrenia, Inside Mental Health, Black Panther

More episodes of Inside Schizophrenia

• How Peer Support Improves Schizophrenia Outcomes · May 20, 2026 · 46 min
• Headlines of Horror: Schizophrenia Portrayals in News Media · April 15, 2026 · 40 min
• What Do I Say? Communication Strategies for Schizophrenia · March 18, 2026 · 51 min
• Expressing Your Schizophrenia Journey · February 18, 2026 · 49 min
• Redefining Recovery in Schizophrenia · January 21, 2026 · 47 min
• Inside Your First Psych Evaluation for Schizophrenia · December 17, 2025 · 39 min