The Difference Podcast

We're delighted to bring you Episode 7, where Hannah is joined by the extraordinary artist ESKA!

This is a special episode because, for the first time, we're inviting a guest to explore a difference within themselves.

In The Ordinary Life of a Magic Woman, Hannah explores ESKA's latest album and the different — sometimes seemingly contradictory — facets of herself that inspired this remarkable body of work.

ESKA is a Mercury Prize-shortlisted singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, voice painter, choral director, educator, producer and actor. Her self-titled debut album, ESKA, was shortlisted for the 2015 Mercury Prize, and her most recent album, The Ordinary Life of a Magic Woman, has received critical acclaim and is the subject of our conversation today.

She has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Nitin Sawhney, Kae Tempest, Bobby McFerrin and Grace Jones, and is currently writing her debut opera.

Hannah first met ESKA when she made her professional acting debut in Kae Tempest's Paradise at the National Theatre. She also performed as the support act for Grace Jones at the Southbank Centre's Meltdown Festival, and in 2026 was announced as one of Tomorrow's Warriors' 12 inaugural patrons.

Below is ESKA's fantastic Linktree where you can sign up to her newsletter, listen to her incredible anthology of music and find out all the details of her upcoming gigs and events.

https://linktr.ee/eskaonline?utm_source=linktree_profile_share" target="_blank">ESKA's Linktree

Can you belong wholeheartedly to a faith community while still feeling free to be yourself?

In this episode of The Difference, Hannah is joined by actress and creative innovator Rachael Oriowo and author and chaplain Marcus Green.

This first meeting becomes a radically honest, respectful and deeply human conversation.

Together they explore difference within Christianity, reflecting on prayer, sin, sexuality, church, love and the courage to remain true to yourself.

Whether you're a person of faith, have left faith behind, are a staunch atheist, or have never considered these questions before, we hope this conversation encourages reflection on the beauty of being your true self.

About our guests

Rachael OriowoActress and creative innovator, creator of the GoWorship App and children's series Auntie Ayo. Credits include Writers Block, Capture, Quick Fix and Punchdrunk Enrichment.

Marcus GreenChaplain at Worcester College, Oxford, author of Salvation's Song and The Possibility of Difference, inclusion advocate, swing band leader and former The Weakest Link winner.

Glossary

Abrahamic – Judaism, Christianity and Islam trace their origins to Abraham.

St Paul – Missionary and New Testament writer, also known as Saul of Tarsus.

Romans – Paul's New Testament letter to the church in Rome.

Ten Commandments – Biblical commandments for faith and life.

Anglican – Christian tradition rooted in the Church of England.

Evangelical – Christians emphasising the Bible, personal conversion and sharing faith.

Pentecostal – Protestant movement emphasising the Holy Spirit and personal faith.

Links

• The">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Possibility-Difference-Marcus-Green/dp/1848679726">The Possibility of Difference
• Salvation's">https://www.waterstones.com/book/salvations-song/marcus-green/9781842911785">Salvation's Song
• Auntie">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Wy42QBFauTXGqs6smAklw">Auntie Ayo

How much does your teenage environment dictate who you become?

We are back with the second half of our deep dive into 90s youth culture in England, the education system, race, gender and identity with Hannah and her school friends, Dan, Leon, and Eleanor.

In this episode, the group shifts focus toward the broader societal frameworks they had to navigate as young people in South London. They candidly unpack how systemic attitudes toward race and gender influenced their formative relationships, self-expression, and individual paths to self-acceptance.

It’s a moving conclusion to a conversation that proves looking backward is sometimes the only way to truly understand how far we've come.

Please note: This episode touches on sensitive themes, including racism and discussions surrounding sexual consent, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering.

Resources & Community Support:

• Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation: Inspiring a fairer society for all. stephenlawrenceday.org
">https://stephenlawrenceday.org">stephenlawrenceday.org
• Rape Crisis England & Wales: Free, confidential support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or unconsented sexual trauma at any point in their lives. rapecrisis.org.uk
">https://rapecrisis.org.uk">rapecrisis.org.uk
• BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network): Home of the largest community of counsellors and psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage in the UK. baatn.org.uk
">https://baatn.org.uk">baatn.org.uk
• NABS: Support and advice on navigating racism, discrimination, and its impact on mental health. nabs.org.uk/advice/discrimination/racism-mental-health/
">https://nabs.org.uk/advice/discrimination/racism-mental-health/">nabs.org.uk/advice/discrimination/racism-mental-health/

Accessible Arts Organisations

Brit">https://www.britkids.org/croydon/">Brit Kids Croydon

The">https://www.thefreeassociation.co.uk/">The Free Association

Fairplay">https://www.fairplayarts.org/">Fairplay Arts

Belgrade">https://www.belgrade.co.uk/">Belgrade Theatre

This week, we are taking a trip back to the 90's.

Hannah is joined by old school friends Dan, Leon, and Eleanor to unpack the reality of coming of age and schooling in South London during a decade of massive cultural transition.

Together, they dive into the messy, nostalgic, and often complex intersections of race, gender, dating, and the drama class that shaped their formative years. It's an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about where they started, and how those early environments echo into who they are today.

Please note: This episode touches on sensitive themes, including racism and discussions surrounding sexual consent, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering.

• Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation: Inspiring a fairer society for all. https://stephenlawrenceday.org" target="_blank">stephenlawrenceday.org
• Rape Crisis England & Wales: Free, confidential support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or unconsented sexual trauma at any point in their lives. https://rapecrisis.org.uk" target="_blank">rapecrisis.org.uk
• BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network): Home of the largest community of counselors and psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage in the UK. https://www.baatn.org.uk" target="_blank">baatn.org.uk
• NABS: Support and advice on navigating racism, discrimination, and its impact on mental health. https://nabs.org.uk/advice/discrimination/racism-mental-health/" target="_blank">nabs.org.uk/advice/discrimination/racism-mental-health/
• Mind: Resources, helpline support, and reading materials regarding racism and mental health. https://www.mind.org.uk" target="_blank">mind.org.uk

In this episode, our host Hannah Gittos and her dear friend, actor, writer and producer Tom Cottle reflect on how they each navigated miscarriage, and how both hope and new beginnings can exist alongside deep grief and loss.

The episode concludes with Hannah sharing a personal reflection on the complex and often contradictory emotions she experienced throughout her fertility journey.

Please note: This episode includes a detailed description of miscarriage and discussion of stillbirth. If these themes feel triggering, please listen with care or come back another time.

Please also note: Please listen to Part 1 (Episode 1) before listening to this episode.

Content guidance:

• 2:30 – 6:35: Detailed discussion of miscarriage
• 11:20 – 12:50: Discussion of stillbirth

Supporting organisations mentioned in this episode:

• Cyprus">https://cyprusivfhospital.com/">Cyprus IVF Hospital
• Cradle">https://cradlecharity.org/">Cradle Charity
• Miscarriage">https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/">Miscarriage Association
• London">https://www.londonpregnancy.com">London Pregnancy
• Lewisham">https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/early-pregnancy-assessment-unit/">Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust – Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit

On this week’s episode, Hannah is joined by acclaimed actress Pippa Nixon.

Together, they discuss their 25-year friendship, motherhood, spirituality, love, and so much more.

In Sisterhood, Creativity & Faith, Hannah and Pippa explore how to stay connected to a sister from a different mister when your life trajectories take wildly different turns.

Please be advised: This conversation includes discussion of an incident of sexual harassment. If this feels triggering, you may wish to skip between the 11:30 and 15:25 mark.

If you are affected by any part of this discussion, please see the organisation below for support:

https://www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment/get-help-and-support

This episode also contains swearing and sexual references.

Pippa Nixon is an actress of formidable talent. She has performed at many of the UK’s leading theatres, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, and London’s West End.

She has played a wide range of Shakespearean roles, including Rosalind in As You Like It, Ophelia in Hamlet, Lady Anne in Richard III, and was the first woman to play The Bastard in King John.

She is currently filming season 7 of the hit TV series Unforgotten, and will be playing Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe from June to October 2026.

Book recommendations:

• The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love — Marianne Williamson
• Mary Magdalene Revealed — Meggan Watterson

When life takes you down an unconventional path and you meet a kindred soul — why not try to make a baby together?

In this episode, our host Hannah Gittos explores doing just that with her best friend, actor, writer and producer, Thomas Lyle Cottle.

This episode is a warm, humorous, raw and honest look at trying to have a baby in a platonic relationship — one built to last for life.

Please note: This episode explores IVF and fertility. There is also discussion of miscarriage, so if this theme feels triggering, you may want to pause at about the 1 hour and 5-minute mark.

It also contains references to masturbation and sexual health.

For any help or support on the topics raised in this week’s episode, please see the organisations below:

• Miscarriage">https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk Association
• Cradle">https://cradlecharity.org Charity
• Cyprus">https://cyprusivfhospital.com IVF Hospital

Tom Cottle is an actor, writer, comedian and producer. He is a founding member of the 5★ sketch group Comedy Bitch, along with our host Hannah.

He wrote, produced and starred in the award-winning short film David’s Fine, starring Julia Davis.

He also wrote and co-produced, alongside Gina Lyons of Gobby Girl Productions, Not Sophie’s Choice, starring Catherine Tate and Alex Macqueen.

He is currently producing his first feature film and an improvised comedy documentary.

How do we live, love and learn together when we don’t agree or come from a different lived experience? Rooted in the mess and beauty of human relationships, The Difference Podcast explores the conversations. From friendships and faith to justice and identity, our host Hannah brings people together: not to reach a consensus but to understand one another more deeply.

Launching 11-March-2026.