Life With a Difference

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Life With a Difference

Andy Collinson

20 episodes

1 month ago

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 normal,” Amy’s honesty shines a light on what it’s really like to live with eczema on the extreme sid...

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Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness,

All content for Life With a Difference is the property of Andy Collinson and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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 normal,” Amy’s honesty shines a light on what it’s really like to live with eczema on the extreme sid...

Show more...

Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness,

Episodes (20/20)

Life With a Difference

"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 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 normal,” Amy’s honesty shines a light on what it’s really like to live with eczema on the extreme sid...

1 month ago

1 hour 1 minute

Life With a Difference

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 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 together when atopic dermatitis (AD) dominates so much of our daily reality. We cover: • How w...

1 month ago

1 hour 5 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 disease, and skin cancer while supporting vital dermatology research. We cover: • The mission of the British Skin Foundation and why skin research matters • How skin health campaigns have evolved with social media & TikTok trends • Th...

1 month ago

46 minutes

Life With a Difference

"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 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’s learned to own her difference as an adult. #LifeWithADifference #VisibleDifference #Hemangiom...

2 months ago

53 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 dermatology research, specialising in eczema, skin genetics, and visible difference. We discuss: • Why skin conditions like eczema are so complex • The challenges dermatologists face in treatment • New biologics and JAK inhibitors fo...

2 months ago

51 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 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 damaging comparative suffering can be. I’m proud to be part of a space where empathy and support...

4 months ago

2 minutes

Life With a Difference

"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 conversation offers an inspiring look at living with a visible difference. Learn how Molly transformed her challenges into strength and became an advocate for self-acceptance. Key topics: - Living with alopecia - Mental health and visible differences - Bu...

5 months ago

1 hour 19 minutes

Life With a Difference

"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 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 represented on a wall she never imagined she’d be on, Crystal’s story is one of strength, self-a...

5 months ago

1 hour 5 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 "polite society". Discrimination that involves regular threats of physical violence, denial of access to job roles and a dismissive/uncaring attitude by those in a position of power. Introducing my good friend Dan Elston from @amanandhisface, someone still comin...

5 months ago

1 hour 30 minutes

Life With a Difference

Life with Vitiligo: Joti Gata-Aura

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 of resilience, acceptance, and empowerment. Joti opens up about her early years of hiding her ...

5 months ago

57 minutes

Life With a Difference

Life with Complex-PTSD: Ellie Wildbore

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 struggles with mental health, the impact of internalised stigma, discrimination from healthcare profess...

5 months ago

1 hour 23 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 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 representation, visibility and advocacy, to living with autism, navigating school, and becoming...

6 months ago

48 minutes

Life With a Difference

Life with acne: Lexi Jenkinson

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-worth, and why she almost stopped looking in the mirror. We talk about the power of visibility, navig...

6 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 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 selective mutism and school challenges to bejeweling her surgical scars with confidence, Abigail’...

6 months ago

49 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 the need for advocacy and education to reduce bullying and promote understanding of visible differences. Stacey also highlights her work with charities and her personal photography project aimed at changing perceptions of individuals with clefts. Please ...

6 months ago

39 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 widespread media attention, emphasizing the need for kindness and understanding towards those with visible differences. Oliver discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the significance of having a strong support network, and the role of...

7 months ago

46 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 of managing eczema, the importance of support systems, and the need for greater understanding and advocacy within the healthcare system. The discussion also touches on practical tips for managing eczema and the significance of empathy in interactions wi...

7 months ago

52 minutes

Life With a Difference

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 emotional and mental health impacts of living with a chronic skin condition, the need for better understanding and treatment options in healthcare, and the significance of self-advocacy. Suzi shares insights into the charity's mission, the importance of peer ...

7 months ago

51 minutes

Life With a Difference

Life with Sturge-Weber: Chelsey Peat

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 awareness and acceptance of visible differences in society. Please consider following/subscribing to...

7 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Life With a Difference

Welcome to The Life With a Difference podcast

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

8 months ago

3 minutes