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 skin with long sleeves and makeup, including on her wedding day, and the emotional toll of not feeling seen even by her own community. She speaks candidly about losing her sense of identity as a South Asian woman and mother, the painful assumptions from strangers, and the challenges of teaching with a visible difference. But through it all, she discovered the power of being honest, visible, and vulnerable — not just for herself, but for her students and anyone feeling isolated by their difference.

We also explore treatments for vitiligo, the importance of setting boundaries in advocacy, and how Joti’s role as a teacher has become a platform for positive change.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone living with a visible difference, caring for someone who is, or wanting to understand the deeper impact of how skin and identity are intertwined.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and share — because stories like Joti’s help shape a more understanding world.

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Topics covered:
• Living with vitiligo and South Asian identity
• Hiding visible difference in the workplace and at her wedding
• Raising children when you no longer resemble them physically
• Experiences of stigma, stares, and assumptions
• Why Joti chose advocacy, and how it changed her life
• The role of teachers in creating inclusive classrooms
• Vitiligo treatments and the emotional impact of seeking a “cure”
• Setting boundaries in public storytelling

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🔗 Connect with Joti:
Instagram: @positivelydiverse
Website: positivelydiverse.co.uk
Vitiligo Society: https://vitiligosociety.org/

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#VitiligoAwareness #VisibleDifference #LifeWithADifference #JotiGataAura #SouthAsianVoices #SkinPositivity #BodyImage #TeacherAdvocate #DisabilityInclusion #FaceEquality #ChangingFaces #ChronicIllness #DiversityAndInclusion #VitiligoSupport #SkinConditions

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

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
03:28 Understanding Vitiligo and Its Impact
05:37 Cultural Perspectives on Skin Differences
08:34 Navigating Identity and Belonging
11:28 Challenges in the South Asian Community
14:36 Experiences of Stigma and Advocacy
17:17 Confronting Prejudice and Personal Growth
28:59 Navigating Social Perceptions and Sensitivities
30:57 Current Treatments for Vitiligo
33:11 The Journey of Seeking Treatment
36:54 The Emotional Toll of Treatment Failures
39:55 Anxiety and Self-Image on Special Occasions
45:21 Teaching with a Visible Difference
48:40 Advocacy and Representation in Media
52:55 Setting Boundaries in Advocacy
54:40 Support and Community for Visible Differences
55:51 A Vision for Equality and Acceptance

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 professionals, and the long road to getting the support she needed. She also highlights the life-changing moment of being accepted by the burn survivor community and the vital role that peer support and charities like Dan’s Fund for Burns have played in her recovery.

We also explore the realities of psychiatric wards, the barriers to trauma-informed care, the misdiagnosis of BPD, and how diagnosis can shape someone’s life for better or worse. Ellie also discusses the therapeutic role of physical activity and how roller skating, hooping, and lived experience work have helped her reconnect with herself and others.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, visible difference, trauma, and the power of peer-led advocacy.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share together we reduce stigma by amplifying stories like Ellie’s.

Episode links:
https://balancingontheborderline.home.blog/author/elliewildbore87/
https://dansfundforburns.org/
https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/
https://bigspd.org.uk/

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

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Stories and Visible Differences
14:32 Exploring Mental Health and Self-Harm
18:40 Understanding the Cycle of Self-Harm and Relief
19:10 Experiencing Visible Differences
24:51 Social Media and Self-Representation
30:08 Life in Hospital and Mental Health Challenges
32:08 Reality of Psychiatric Wards
36:34 Understanding Compulsions vs. Impulsions
40:33 Navigating Mental Health Diagnoses and Stigma
52:05 Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Support
55:11 Finding Community and Acceptance
57:55 The Power of Sharing Stories
01:00:54 The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
01:03:51 Navigating Mental Health Services
01:06:53 The Importance of Lived Experience in Research
01:09:56 Practical Advice for Living with CPTSD
01:13:06 Hope for the Future

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 a powerful voice online. Dylan also shares how a viral Lady Gaga TikTok changed everything and how his passion for photography helps him process isolation and tell his story in a powerful way.

This is a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.

📸 Follow Dylan on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@be_yourself_dylan
https://www.instagram.com/be_yourself_dylan

This was recorded before I was aware of Tom Staniford's incredible fund raising project, please see the details below:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/goodbye-legs

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with people living with a visible difference

#MDPSyndrome #RareDiseaseAwareness #VisibleDifference #LifeWithADifference #DisabilityAdvocate #DylanLombard #PhotographyAsTherapy #AutismAwareness #ChangingFaces #RepresentationMatters

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

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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

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, navigating harsh comments from strangers (and clients), and how that one viral video changed everything.

💬 Topics we cover:
• The mental impact of adult acne
• How Lexi’s video hit 19 million views
• Harsh comments, trolls, and building resilience
• NHS delays, Aerolase laser, and alternative treatments
• What it’s really like working in beauty with a visible difference
• Creating safe spaces for people with skin conditions
• The myth of the “easy” influencer life

If you’ve ever felt dismissed because of your skin or struggled with confidence, this one is for you.

🧡 Follow Lexi on Instagram/TikTok: @lexiijenkinson

#VisibleDifference #AcneAdvocate #LexiJenkinson #LifeWithADifference

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

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

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

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’s journey is a moving reminder of the strength it takes to show up as your true self.

We talk about:
💬 Living with a visible difference
🎒 Navigating school with a facial condition
📷 Finding healing through photography and art
💎 Turning scars into art
💡 The ups and downs of healing — and why it’s never linear
🤝 The impact of charities like Changing Faces and Camp Simcha

Abigail’s honesty, creativity, and humour make this a must-listen for anyone affected by visible differences, chronic conditions, or anyone who just wants to better understand what resilience really looks like.

Episode links 🔗
https://www.instagram.com/braveartist2005/
https://www.campsimcha.org.uk/
https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/story/abis-story-bedazzle-your-scars/

Chapters

00:00 Inspiring Stories and Personal Struggles
02:54 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
05:57 Navigating Healthcare Experiences
08:58 School Life and Visible Differences
12:03 Friendship and Emotional Challenges
15:07 Creative Expression and Confidence Building
19:03 The Struggle for Control in Health
22:27 Support Systems in Education
26:23 The Non-Linear Journey of Healing
30:04 The Power of Advocacy and Community
33:04 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Personal Struggles
36:15 The Impact of Illness on Siblings
37:47 Support Systems for Families
39:00 Navigating Parental Responsibilities
40:08 The Importance of Community Support
41:36 Exploring the World of Analog Photography
43:03 Art as a Form of Escapism
44:49 Creative Talents and Family Influence
46:09 Practical Advice for Living with Visible Differences
48:21 Outro

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/

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Please get in touch if I can help in any way.

#LifeWithADifference #VisibleDifference #DisabilityAwareness #CraniofacialCondition #FacialDifference #AbigailMarin #PatientStories #ChronicIllness #DisabilityAdvocacy #ChangingFaces #ArtAsHealing #ScarsAndStories #PodcastEpisode

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 consider following/subscribing to help me build a platform to better advocate for people with visible differences.

Episode links:
https://www.staceybonephotography.co.uk
https://www.smiletrain.org.uk
http://www.changingfaces.org.uk

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:08 - Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
05:58 - Surgical Interventions and Their Complexities
08:43 - Personal Experiences with Bullying and School Life
11:59 - Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
17:19 - Advocacy and Raising Awareness
18:51 - Overcoming Humiliation and Building Confidence
19:29 - The Importance of Early Education on Differences
22:19 - Legal Protections and Social Acceptance
24:25 - Visible Differences in Media Representation
28:12 - The Dark Reality of Clefts Worldwide
33:07 - Changing Smiles: A Photography Project for Awareness
37:38 - Hope for the Future: Changing Perceptions

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, 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