Life With a Difference

In this episode, I go through some of the key takeaways from this season. I cover what I have learned from different conversations, practical advice that came up, and a few things I have been noticing through my advocacy work. This includes navigating care in a crisis, dealing with the realities of chronic conditions, and some thoughts for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. ⸻ 00:00 Wh...

In this episode of Life With a Difference, I’m joined by Professor Carsten Flohr, Professor of Dermatology at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, and Consultant Dermatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Through my work as a patient advocate, I regularly encounter myths and misconceptions about clinical trials, from fears about being a “guinea pig” to concer...

In this episode of Life With a Difference, I’m joined by Holly Lloyd, who has lived with eczema since infancy and, over the last year, experienced a level of severity that most people simply don’t understand. Holly’s story is hard, but it’s also incredibly practical, because she shares an emergency pathway that helped her access specialist dermatology care when things became unsafe. 00:00 Intro, w...

Gary Parsons (as seen on Channel 4’s Love My Face) talks candidly about Bell’s palsy, facial paralysis, mental health, and what it really takes to live uninhibited.  We dig into the show’s mission, representation in the media, the gaps in NHS support (especially psychological care), practical roadmaps for patients and carers, and how advocacy and community can lighten the mental load of a long-ter...

I am a huge believer in A Life in a Day's ability to create a world with more empathy, understanding and ultimately concession for patients. Our missions completely align and I very much look forward to supporting Mark and the team in any way I can. In this sponsored episode of Life With a Difference, I’m joined by Mark Doyle, founder of A Life in a Day, an immersive learning experience desig...

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 struggles, and the stigma of living with a visible difference. From being compared to a burns victim at her worst flare, to teaching children that “different is norma...

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 her perspective as both my partner and my carer, the moments of joy, the exhaustion, the unseen emotional weight, and the resilience it takes to navigate life toget...

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 disease, and skin cancer while supporting vital dermatology research. We cover:  • The mission of the British Skin Foundation and why skin research matters  • H...

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 navigating school, friendships, and those awkward stares from strangers. We talk about the moments that knocked her confidence, the people who lifted her up, and how she’...

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 dermatology research, specialising in eczema, skin genetics, and visible difference. We discuss:  • Why skin conditions like eczema are so complex  • The c...

🎙️ 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 space to reflect, improve, and balance other advocacy projects. This season opened my eyes even more to the discrimination people with visible differences face, and how d...

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 conversation offers an inspiring look at living with a visible difference. Learn how Molly transformed her challenges into strength and became an advocate for...

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 reclaiming her place in the arts industry despite the barriers society tried to place around her. From being told she’d never act again, to seeing herself...

"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 "polite society". Discrimination that involves regular threats of physical violence, denial of access to job roles an...

Joti Gata-Aura: Vitiligo, Identity, and Advocacy | Life With a Difference Podcast In 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 others saw her, but how she saw herself. From navigating shame, secrecy, and cultural stigma to finding her voice as an advocate and educator, Joti’s story is one...

Ellie Wildbore: Living with CPTSD, Visible Difference and Breaking Stigma | Life With a Difference Podcast In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Ellie Wildbore shares her lived experience of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), visible difference from self-inflicted burns, and the journey from shame and stigma to self-acceptance and advocacy. Ellie speaks openly about her struggle...

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 about life with a rare condition, his journey to diagnosis, and how photography and social media helped him find purpose and community. We talk about everything from repre...

Lexi Jenkinson: Living with Adult Acne, Going Viral, and the Power of Being Real In 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 advocate whose viral videos have helped thousands feel seen and supported. Lexi opens up about the mental toll of living with adult acne, how it impacted her self-w...

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 shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with a facial tumour at age six, undergoing over 100 surgeries, and navigating life with a visible difference. From s...

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 the need for advocacy and education to reduce bullying and promote understanding of visible differences. Stacey also highlights her work with charities and he...

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 widespread media attention, emphasizing the need for kindness and understanding towards those with visible differences. Oliver discusses the challenges of navig...

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 of managing eczema, the importance of support systems, and the need for greater understanding and advocacy within the healthcare system. The discussion...

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 emotional and mental health impacts of living with a chronic skin condition, the need for better understanding and treatment options in healthcare, and the signif...

In this conversation, Chelsey Peat discusses the challenges and experiences of living with a visible difference, including the impact on mental health, relationships, and advocacy. Chelsey shares her personal journey, from facing mortality at a young age to navigating school and workplace discrimination. They emphasise the importance of support systems, self-advocacy, and the need for greater awar...

A platform to amplify the voices of those living with a visible difference and provide relevant information from industry leaders and experts.