Life With a Difference
A space to celebrate and empower individuals with visible differences.
Through my work as a patient advocate I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people with stories that I believe we could all benefit from hearing.
This podcast aims to share those stories, experiences, and journeys of those living with unique appearances. Through candid conversations and inspiring interviews, we aim to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, increase empathy and kindness and build a community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from self-acceptance and advocacy to the everyday triumphs and challenges faced by our guests. Whether you have a visible difference or simply want to learn more, you’re invited to be part of our conversation and discover the beauty in diversity.
Subscribe now to help create a kinder and more inclusive world.
Episodes
20 episodes
"I felt like a burns victim" | Life with TSW: Amy Wilson
In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with Amy (@Journey_of_Amy), who lives with severe eczema and is currently going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).Amy shares openly about the physical pain, the mental health str...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
1:01:52
Marriage, Caregiving & Chronic Illness | Donna Collinson
In this very special episode of Life With a Difference, I sit down with my wife, Donna Collinson, to talk openly about what it means to love and care for someone living with a chronic skin condition and visible difference.Donna shares h...
•
1:05:34
Sun Safety, Skin Research & Stigma | Lisa Bickerstaffe, British Skin Foundation
n this episode of Life With a Difference, I sit down with Lisa Bickerstaffe, Head of Communications at the British Skin Foundation (BSF). Lisa has been with BSF for over a decade, leading campaigns that raise awareness of skin health, skin dise...
•
46:56
"I feel completely ignored" | Life with a Hemangioma: Jade Arthur
In this episode of Life With a Difference, I sit down with Jade Arthur to talk about her life growing up with a facial hemangioma which shaped her childhood, confidence, and the way the world saw her.Jade shares what it was like navigat...
•
53:55
TSW, advocacy, research and more | a conversation with Professor Sara Brown
In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with Professor Sara Brown, Grant Chair of Dermatology at the University of Edinburgh and Honorary Consultant Dermatologist with NHS Lothian. Professor Brown is one of the UK’s leading voices in...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
51:33
End of season one
🎙️ That’s a wrap on Season 1!Huge thank you to all my incredible guests and everyone who’s supported the podcast so far.Following great advice from Suzi at The Scars, I’ll now be working in shorter, intentional seasons allowing spac...
•
2:59
"You won't have a bad hair life" | Life with Alopecia: Molly Patch
Molly Patch discusses her journey with Alopecia Universalis. Molly shares her candid experiences of losing her hair at 18, navigating societal perceptions, and building confidence. From personal struggles to finding humour and support, this con...
•
1:19:31
"I thought I could never be an actor" | Life with Osteosarcoma: Crystal Marshall
I speak with Crystal Marshall , an actor, advocate and cancer survivor who lives with a facial difference. Crystal shares her journey of being diagnosed with cancer just days after her 18th birthday, navigating the trauma of facial surgery, and...
•
1:05:33
Life with a Facial Scar: Dan Elston
"I will slash your face", "You look like a thug", "you're the ugliest person I've ever seen".I challenge you to listen to this podcast to understand the reality of blatant discrimination that people with visible differences face in "pol...
•
1:30:53
Life with Vitiligo: Joti Gata-Aura
Joti Gata-Aura: Vitiligo, Identity, and Advocacy | Life With a Difference PodcastIn this deeply personal and powerful episode, Joti Gata-Aura shares her journey of living with vitiligo a visible skin difference that changed not only how...
•
57:42
Life with Complex-PTSD: Ellie Wildbore
Ellie Wildbore: Living with CPTSD, Visible Difference and Breaking Stigma | Life With a Difference PodcastIn this powerful and deeply honest episode, Ellie Wildbore shares her lived experience of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (...
•
1:23:14
Life with MDP Syndrome: Dylan Lombard
Dylan Lombard on Living with MDP Syndrome, Advocacy and Photography In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with Dylan Lombard, one of only a handful of people in the world diagnosed with MDP syndrome. Dylan opens up abo...
•
48:20
Life with acne: Lexi Jenkinson
Lexi Jenkinson: Living with Adult Acne, Going Viral, and the Power of Being RealIn this episode, I’m joined by someone who's been a huge inspiration to me in the advocate world, Lexi Jenkinson. An influencer, hairdresser and acne advoca...
•
1:06:45
Life with a facial tumour: Abigail Marin
In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with the brilliant Abigail Marin; a passionate advocate, photographer, and member of the visible difference community whose insights and self awareness are wise beyond her years.Abigail...
•
49:09
Life with a Cleft lip and palate: Stacey Bone
In this conversation, Stacey Bone shares her personal journey living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, discussing the complexities of surgeries, the challenges faced during childhood, and the importance of mental health. She emphasises th...
•
39:07
Life with Neurofibromatosis: Oliver Bromley
In this conversation, Oliver shares his journey living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, detailing his experiences with surgeries, mental health, and the importance of acceptance. He recounts a distressing incident at a restaurant that led to wide...
•
46:07
Eczema Outreach Support CEO: Suzi Holland
In this conversation, Suzi Holland discusses the challenges faced by individuals with eczema, the importance of community support, and the role of Eczema Outreach Support in providing resources and advocacy for families. They explore the emotio...
•
51:27
Life with Atopic Dermatitis: James Hardwick
In this conversation, James Hardwick discusses the challenges of living with eczema, particularly focusing on James's personal journey with the condition and the transformative impact of Dupilumab. They explore the emotional and financial toll ...
•
52:58