Four New Speakers Announced for #LIFI24

We are proud to announce the addition of four dynamic speakers to the already stellar line-up for #LIFI24. These new voices promise to bring fresh perspectives and invaluable insights to this year’s event, further enriching the array of topics and discussions.

Jazz Boatswain – How is TV Distorting Our Reality? (Panel)

Jazz Boatswain, a former contestant on the second series of the BBC hit show The Traitors, will delve into reality television. Known for her candid discussions about the negative effects of social media hate post-show, Jazz has become an influential voice in advocating for a positive online environment. Her vibrant personality and successful sports career have helped her cultivate a dedicated social media community, where she shares her experiences and works to dismantle the barrier of anonymity on the internet. Jazz’s session promises to provide a critical look at how TV reality is often distorted, affecting both participants and viewers.

Taylor Little – How Do We Talk About Addiction? (Panel)

Taylor Little, a plaintiff in the ongoing U.S. lawsuit In Re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, joins the panel on addiction. The lawsuit against major tech companies like Meta, Snap, Google, and TikTok highlights the platforms’ design to maximize screen time, potentially fostering addictive behaviours in adolescents. Taylor’s personal journey, which includes battling an eating disorder, depression, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts after becoming addicted to Instagram at a young age, brings a poignant and urgent perspective to the conversation. Currently an English literature and creative writing student at the University of Colorado, Taylor’s experiences underscore the need for a nuanced dialogue on addiction and social media.

Chris Sylvester – How Do We Talk About Addiction? (Panel)

Joining Taylor Little on the addiction panel is Chris Sylvester, Founder of Getting Clean CIC. This innovative project aims to change the perception of addiction while addressing environmental issues. Chris’s personal battle with heroin addiction, which began in childhood and spanned over 25 years, coupled with his experiences within the criminal justice system, drives his mission to support others on their recovery journey. Since achieving stable recovery in 2018, Chris has led Getting Clean in pioneering a social enterprise model that provides skills and a safety net for recovering addicts. His insights will be invaluable to understanding addiction from a lived-experience perspective.

Daniella Draper – Hosting the Grace Beverley chat

Daniella Draper is set to host an engaging afternoon session with Grace Beverley. Fifteen years ago, Daniella graduated from Central Saint Martins, where her passion for jewellery design took root. Faced with a choice between staying in London or returning home to start anew, she chose the latter, embarking on an adventure that began humbly at market stalls and the kitchen table leading to a Lincolnshire-based workshop and six stores across northern England.

LIFI24 continues to build its reputation as a premier platform for thought-provoking discussions and groundbreaking ideas. With these new speakers, attendees can look forward to engaging with critical issues that shape our world today. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the festival dates.