Fighting stigma about schizophrenia - with Michelle Hammer

Fighting stigma about schizophrenia - with Michelle Hammer

Author: Carolyn Kiel November 18, 2024 Duration: 30:06

Content warning: This episode discusses suicidality, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, and mentions drug use and homelessness.

Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist who spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is a New York City native who is featured in the WebMD documentary "Voices," which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. In May 2015, she founded a mental health-focused clothing brand called Schizophrenic.NYC with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health. 

Michelle has also been featured in many publications such as Mashable, The Daily Mail, Stylist, and Buzzfeed, and has also been featured on TV networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.

During this episode, you will hear Michelle talk about:

  • Experiencing her first symptoms of schizophrenia in high school and college
  • What it's like for her to experience hallucinations and delusions
  • What inspired her to start her clothing brand, Schizophrenic.NYC
  • People's reactions to her designs and pop-up events in New York City
  • Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about schizophrenia

Find out more about Michelle on her clothing brand's website Schizophrenic.NYC and on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Connecting disabled leaders and advocates – with Max Barrows [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:38
Max Barrows is an award-winning disability rights leader and advocate based in Vermont. As the Outreach Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates, Max mentors people with developmental disabilities to speak up for thems…
Fashion model & artist with Down syndrome - Sania Khimji [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:41
Sania Khimji is an accomplished artist, model, influencer, and international beauty pageant winner based in India who continues to redefine boundaries and inspire inclusivity in every space she enters. Living with Down s…
Living with Dyscalculia – with Ivy Rizzo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
Psychotherapist Ivy Rizzo has a master's degree, speaks multiple languages, and owns her own business... but she struggles with doing basic math, remembering important dates, and recalling events in chronological order.…
Schizoaffective disorder – with Sonido Reyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
Sonido Reyes is an award-winning and bestselling author who is best known for tackling difficult topics through a hopeful lens. They write stories celebrating their own queer and Mexican identities, including The Lesbian…
Neurodivergent communication differences – with Patti Kasper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:36
This episode is a special collaboration between Beyond 6 Seconds and the Living with FASD podcast hosted by Patti Kasper. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are lifelong conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposur…
Disability Community for Democracy – with Nieta Greene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
Nieta Greene is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Disability Community for Democracy, Inc., an organization focused on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the disability community and providing a platf…
2025 year-end episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2025, highlight the variety of topics that my guests and I discussed on my podcast, and share what podcasting-related thing…