Meet Taysia Lewis—a force of resilience, authenticity, and unshakable positivity. As Player 190 on Amazon Prime’s high-stakes reality show Beast Games, Taysia didn’t just compete for the $5 million prize; she brought heart, determination, and an inspiring mindset to every challenge. But her journey extends far beyond the competition. Taysia has faced her own battles with depression, OCD, and anxiety, turning her struggles into a source of strength and a platform to inspire others. In this candid and uplifting interview, she shares her mental health journey, the lessons she learned on Beast Games, and how she’s redefining what it means to live boldly and authentically. Whether she’s slacklining, building community, or sharing her story, Taysia reminds us all that happiness is a choice—and that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Get ready to be inspired, because Taysia Lewis isn’t just telling her story; she’s showing us how to embrace our own. 

Can you start by telling us a little about yourself—your background, passions, and what motivates you today to share your journey with others?

"My name is Taysia, and I’m passionate about making meaningful connections, building community, and sharing my story. I want to inspire others to embrace their own path and realize that happiness is a choice—it’s a mindset. I’m excited to share my hardships, struggles, and recent achievements because I believe my journey can help others see that they, too, can choose happiness." 

Mental health can often feel isolating, but you’ve chosen to speak up. What inspired you to open up about your experiences with depression, OCD, and anxiety?

"When I was young, I remember feeling anxiety and depression—these big emotions I would bury deep down. Not opening up made me struggle even more. That’s why I want to tell my story openly and throw away the stigma that mental health should be a quiet little secret or that it’s not real. I want people to know that if they embrace their struggles, others will feel less alone." 

Looking back on your journey so far, how have these challenges shaped your identity and the way you approach life today?

Can you walk us through some of the most difficult moments in your mental health journey and how you found the strength to move forward?

"The biggest step for me was realizing that admitting I was struggling, going to therapy, or starting medication wasn’t defeat—it was help. My brain had a chemical imbalance, and accepting that was crucial. Once I admitted it to myself and opened up to others, I felt less alone and more understood. That’s when things started to get better." 

Therapy and meditation can often feel like buzzwords—but for you, what role did they play in your healing process? Did they lead to any surprising insights or breakthroughs?

You’ve mentioned “choosing happiness” as a turning point in your journey. What did that decision look like for you, and how did you make it a reality in your daily life?

"A few years ago, my wife and I realized we weren’t prioritizing our happiness. We were so focused on responsibilities and achieving our goals that we forgot to enjoy the journey. We decided we could do both—handle life’s demands while doing things every day that make us feel special and purposeful.

We started incorporating small, joyful activities into our daily routines, and it shifted our perspective. It made it easier to adopt happiness as a mindset, even when life got tough."

You’ve talked about “making life your own” and stepping outside your comfort zone. What pushed you to take those risks, and how did they change your life for the better?

"When you struggle with mental health, you can become content once you feel like you’ve figured things out. But life can start to feel mundane—you’re not unhappy, but you’re not fully fulfilled either. That’s what pushed me to take risks and make life my own.

I wanted to challenge the boxes society had put me in. I started slacklining, joined a sorority, and even went on a reality TV show. These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me feel more fulfilled. I wasn’t just content anymore; I felt like I had a purpose."

Joining a sorority and applying to Amazon Prime’s latest reality game show, Beast Games were bold, brave choices. What inspired you to say “yes” to those opportunities, and what did those experience teach you about yourself?

"I played sports all my life and I've always had this sense of camaraderie, instilled in me. After I stopped playing sports, I missed that feeling. Joining Tri Delta, the first sorority at Temple, brought that back. It taught me so much about community and support.

Applying for Beast Games was another way I pushed myself. I learned that I’m more social than I thought. I consider myself introverted, but I found so much joy in meeting new people and learning about their perspectives. Both experiences helped me grow in so many different ways."

Beast Games

*spoilers ahead

Beast Games is such a unique opportunity! What inspired you to apply, and what was your reaction when you found out you were chosen to be part of this incredible experience?

Were there any moments during the show that tested your resilience or revealed something new about yourself that surprised you?

"The challenge that sent me home was the biggest test of my resilience. I was absolutely devastated, but I had to push through the mundane feeling of returning to everyday life after such an exciting experience. I shifted my perspective and reminded myself that I had a beautiful life before the show and an even richer one after."

If you had to describe your Beast Games experience in just three words, what would they be?

"As you can imagine, filming a reality TV show, you never knew what was going to happen. So I’d say it was exhilarating—that feeling of knowing something was coming but not knowing what, and knowing it was going to be super awesome, was such a fun feeling. I would also say it was challenging, of course, because it was such a struggle being away from home, away from my wife, and not knowing what was coming next. You never knew if you were going home the next day or staying much longer, how you’d be perceived, or what would happen. And finally, I’d say it was unforgettable because everything we experienced, those memories, are ours—protected and ingrained in our brains. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life." 

What was life like during the show? What would a typical day look like on set?

What was life like after the show ended? Did you feel a shift in how you approach your goals or challenges? How did this experience shape your confidence and outlook on tackling challenges in everyday life?

"Leaving Beast Games was an indescribable pain that I never imagined I would feel. If you know me, my personality is all about seeing the glass half full at every possible chance—almost to the point of toxic positivity. But when I left Beast Games, I was completely the opposite. All I could see was what I missed out on—how I didn’t reach my goal of making the top 100, all those things. I was really hard on myself. But after I started taking care of myself, leaned on my support system, and stopped isolating myself, I was able to find a lot more happiness in the experience.

Now, I can see the glass half full again, and when I look back, I’m just so grateful for it. I’m so happy."

Competing in a show like Beast Games can be overwhelming. How did you stay grounded and focused while in such a high-pressure environment?

"I reminded myself of my wife at home, all the confident and amazing words she told me, my family, and every other part of my support system. I also kept the $5,000,000 prize in mind. That was enough to keep me focused, stay grounded, take deep breaths, surround myself with positive people, and make the most of the experience." 

Was there a moment during the show that felt like a personal victory for you, even if it didn’t necessarily involve winning a challenge?

What was the atmosphere like behind the scenes? Were there moments of camaraderie with your fellow contestants that you’ll always cherish?

"Behind the scenes, we were constantly conspiring. We spent our time guessing what the next challenge would be, sharing rumors we’d heard, or just talking about our lives outside of the games. We were getting to know each other, making each other laugh, and building connections. When we were in the city, we played basketball, soccer, and other fun games. We could eat whenever we wanted, and the food was great.

A lot of people stayed up super late—some didn’t sleep at all because we were filming for so long at night. I’d wake up, and the same people would still be wide awake, not having slept a wink. They were making the most of the experience, and I’m kind of jealous. I wish I could go back and not sleep at all so I could have even more of the experience and more stories to share."

What’s one thing you wish people understood about participating in a show like Beast Games?

"I wish people understood that competing on these games wasn’t just a game. It wasn’t just a reality TV show. It was a combination of so many different things. People sacrificed a lot to be there. And yes, that was their choice, but it still hurts—it’s still painful.

Losing out on a chance at $5,000,000 is painful. And knowing that the friends you made along the way are going to keep moving forward, living these experiences, while you’re going home to your regular life—that hurts. So I just ask for a little grace when you’re watching people like me bawl their eyes out on TV. You can make fun of us a little for being dramatic, but you have to understand it’s more than you may know. As corny as it sounds, you weren’t there. You didn’t live that."

Life is a journey of constant growth. What’s next for you—are there new dreams, goals, or challenges you’re excited to take on?

What motivated you to open up about your journey, and what do you hope others gain from hearing your story on CLOUDZILLA?

"I’m sharing my story because I want other people to know that their voice makes a difference. You never know who is listening when you share that you’re struggling. You never know who might resonate with your story. And when you let it out, it feels a little less heavy. So I’m encouraging people to open up so that others feel less alone and can stop telling themselves—like I did—that their problems aren’t real or that their feelings don’t matter. Because they do."

If there's one key message you want the audience to take away from your story, what would it be?

"I want you to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Success doesn’t have to be perfect, and there’s no one right path. There are so many ways to succeed, and this is me reminding myself of that as well." 

Find Taysia on Instagram & TikTok: @ohhey_itstay