Outlook

Joe Michael Straczynski is an award-winning writer responsible for creating TV shows like Babylon 5, Sense8 and the movie ‘Changeling’, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angeline Jolie. But Joe had an abusive, loveless and deprived childhood and would find escape in the world of comics and science fiction. He credits one superhero in particular for forming his own moral character and steering him to a better life. He’s written a book about his life and love of fiction, it’s called ‘Becoming Superman’. All Superman material is copyright of DC Comics Inc. Presenter: Andrea Kennedy Producer: Tom Harding Assinder Photo: Superman float in the Mardi Gras Parade Credit: Getty Images

When British dancer Kevin Turner was in his early 30s, he began to suffer extreme delusions. At one point he believed he was a millionaire, but he also became paranoid and believed everyone, including his mum Avis, was out to get him. Kevin had bipolar disorder, but he got help thanks to his mum. Kevin has created a dance theatre piece called Witness about the impact his mental health crisis had on his family. Kevin and Avis tell us their story. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Katy Davis Image: Dancers Kevin Turner (R) and Theo Fapohunda (L) Credit: Joel Chester-Fildes

When he was a medical student in the US, David Fajgenbaum was nicknamed “The Beast” – he trained hard and dreamed of playing college football. But then he became critically ill after he developed a very rare disorder called Castleman disease. Very few people had survived the illness, so David decided to use himself as a test case and dedicate what life he had left to finding a cure. His book is called Chasing My Cure. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Maryam Maruf Image: David Fajgenbaum (L) in hospital with his dad (R) Credit: David Fajgenbaum

Howie Truong was fleeing Vietnam in the 1970s with his wife and baby son Kai, when pirates intercepted their boat and threw Howie into the sea. Not only did Howie have to swim for his life, but he had no idea if he would ever see his wife and son again. Presenter: Neal Razzell Producer: Harry Graham Image: Howie and Kai Truong Credit: Howie Truong

BJ Miller almost died when he was struck by 11,000 volts during a freak accident - as a result, he lost an arm and both legs below the knee. He went on to become a doctor and now devotes his life to helping people during their last days. BJ has co-written a book called ‘A Beginner's Guide to the End'. This interview contains some graphic medical material. Presenter: Neal Razzell Producer: Troy Holmes Image: Dr BJ Miller Credit: Owen Egan