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 advocacy in raising awareness. He concludes with a powerful message about the importance of being kind and the impact it can have on individuals facing unseen battles.

Episode links:
https://news.sky.com/video/facial-difference-man-turned-away-from-a-restaurant-due-to-his-facial-difference-speaks-to-sky-news-13226824
https://www.changingfaces.org.uk

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:57 Personal Experiences with Neurofibromatosis
05:54 Surgical Journey and Management of Symptoms
08:48 Mental Health and Acceptance
11:56 The Restaurant Incident and Public Response
17:40 Choosing Reconciliation Over Revenge
22:30 Microaggressions and Employment Challenges
25:28 The Importance of Support Networks
27:53 Mental Health and Visible Differences
29:24 Navigating Healthcare Challenges
32:43 Rules of Engagement in Conversations
36:17 Advocacy and Media Experience
43:01 Practical Advice for NF1 Sufferers
44:55 A Message of Kindness

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

Blog: 
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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 support, and the ongoing challenges of funding and awareness in the eczema community.

Episode links:
https://eos.org.uk
https://eczema.org

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Blood Tests and Personal Experiences
03:30 Introduction to Eczema Outreach Support
06:29 The Challenges of Living with Eczema
09:40 The Impact of Eczema on Mental Health
12:23 The Journey into Charity Work
15:31 The Role of Social Media in Body Image
18:33 Empowering Young People with Eczema
21:27 Services Offered by Eczema Outreach Support
25:20 Creating Safe Spaces for Families
31:15 The Importance of Community Support
36:19 Advocating for Yourself and Your Child
41:43 Understanding Treatment Options
48:00 Getting involved with EOS

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

Blog: 
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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 with those who have visible differences.

Episode links:
https://eczema.org
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDJ9ofmtdO6/?igsh=MWowaGQ2dTJsNXg0bw==

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Eczema
10:41 Treatment Journeys and Medication Insights
23:32 The Emotional and Social Impact of Eczema
24:26 Expanding the Conversation on Chronic Conditions
25:42 The Balancing Act of Advocacy and Professionalism
27:13 Building Community and Empathy
28:59 Navigating Healthcare for Eczema
32:42 The Journey of Advocacy for Future Generations
34:34 Using Personal Experience to Shape Customer Experience
37:33 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
48:29 Practical Advice for Managing Eczema
51:39 A Message to the World

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

Blog: 
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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 help me build a platform to better advocate for people with visible differences.

Episode Links:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chelseypeat/?hl=en
https://faceequalityinternational.org
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-Sides-Face-Journey-Syndrome/dp/0228831679
https://chelseypeat.wordpress.com/blog/

Chapters:
00:00 Facing Mortality and Early Challenges
02:48 The Journey of Self-Acceptance
06:13 The Importance of Support Systems
08:59 Navigating Childhood and School Life
11:50 Health Struggles and Medical Interventions
15:10 The Impact of Bullying and Social Isolation
18:03 Reflections on Healthcare Experiences
20:53 Teenage Years and the Cruelty of Peers
36:24 Navigating Adolescence with a Visible Difference
39:47 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Image
44:47 Challenges in the Workplace
48:37 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Love
53:54 Motherhood and Advocacy
01:00:07 Workplace Bullying and Discrimination
01:02:58 The Need for Inclusion in DEI Conversations
01:09:03 Empathy and Understanding in Society

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

Blog: 
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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