The Human Frame

Lucja Hawking (Jastrzebska)

My work, as an actor and human rights campaigner, sits at the crossroads of human rights and the arts, exploring how creativity can reveal the deeper truths of what it means to be human. Through The Human Frame, I bring together artists, activists, and thinkers to explore how performance can become a form of resistance, empathy, and change. 

  1. Episode 2

    Documenting Ukraine's Frontline: Alisa Kovalenko on War, Sexual Violence and Survival

    Send us Fan Mail Content warning: This episode includes discussions of war, violence, sexual violence, rape, trauma, and the experiences of survivors of conflict. Ukrainian filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko is an award-winning documentary director whose work explores war, identity, memory and the resilience of the human spirit. Through intimate and deeply human storytelling, she has documented the lives of people facing extraordinary circumstances, capturing both the devastation of conflict and the strength of those who continue to survive and rebuild. Her acclaimed films include Home Games (2018), which follows a young Ukrainian woman balancing football, family responsibility and the challenges of life on the margins; No Obvious Signs (2018), exploring the experiences of Ukrainian women returning from the war in Donbas; We Will Not Fade Away (2023), a powerful portrait of teenagers growing up in Eastern Ukraine under the shadow of war; and My Dear Théo (2024), which continues her exploration of human connection, displacement and resilience. In this deeply personal conversation, Alisa reflects on her experience as a survivor of conflict-related sexual violence from Russian soldiers, the realities faced by women during war, and the responsibility of documenting stories that the world must not ignore. She shares how filmmaking can become an act of witnessing, resistance and survival, preserving memories, challenging silence, and reminding us of the humanity behind every headline. Through The Human Frame, Alisa explores what it means to tell stories during times of unimaginable suffering, and how art can help us process trauma, seek justice and hold onto hope. Follow: 🔗Alisa's Instagram                                                                                                             Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Documenting Ukraine's Frontline: Alisa Kovalenko on War, Sexual Violence and Survival
  2. Episode 4

    The Art of Listening: Yago Cardalda on Music, Production and Discipline

    Send us Fan Mail Music is more than sound: it is memory, emotion, identity and storytelling. In this episode of The Human Frame, Łucja sit down with Yago Cardalda, music producer, musical director and creative collaborator, to explore the world behind the songs we hear and the stories hidden within them. From producing music and developing artists’ creative visions to touring internationally and working as a musical director, Yago shares what happens behind the scenes when an idea becomes a finished piece of music. We explore the relationship between artist and producer, how trust and collaboration shape the creative process, and the role of a producer in helping musicians discover and express their authentic voice. Alongside his work in music, Yago reflects on the influence of Kendo and the discipline, focus and philosophy it has brought into his creative practice. Together, we discuss the connections between martial arts and music, patience, presence, repetition and the pursuit of mastery. This conversation explores creativity as a form of connection: how music can communicate emotions that words cannot, preserve personal stories, and bring people together across different experiences and cultures. Follow: 🔗Yago's Instagram                                                                                                            🌐 Yago's website.                                                                                                          Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    The Art of Listening: Yago Cardalda on Music, Production and Discipline
  3. Episode 7

    Chloe-Marie Gallagher: Living with FND and Turning Advocacy into Action

    Send us Fan Mail Content note: This episode includes discussions of trauma and lived experiences that some listeners may find sensitive. Chloe-Marie Gallagher is a content creator, influencer, advocate and Director of FND Together We Rise, where she uses her platform to raise awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), foster understanding and build a supportive community for those living with the condition. Through honest storytelling and digital advocacy, she is helping to challenge misconceptions, encourage open conversations and ensure more people feel seen, heard and supported. In this episode of The Human Frame, Chloe-Marie shares her journey of living with Functional Neurological Disorder and how social media became a powerful tool for connection, education and hope. Łucja and Chloe-Marie discuss the realities of navigating a misunderstood condition, the importance of finding community, and how sharing lived experiences can inspire others to feel less alone. Together, they explore resilience, identity and the responsibility that comes with using your voice online. Chloe-Marie reflects on turning personal challenges into meaningful advocacy, the impact of creating safe spaces on social media, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to create empathy and lasting change. Follow: 🔗Chloe-Marie's Instagram                                                                                                  ❤️FND Together We Rise                                                                                      Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Chloe-Marie Gallagher: Living with FND and Turning Advocacy into Action
  4. Episode 8

    Taz: Songwriting, Storytelling and the Business of Being an Artist

    Send us Fan Mail Taz is an independent artist and songwriter whose work explores the intersection of creativity and artistic identity. Alongside writing and performing her own music, she is passionate about the realities of building a sustainable career in today's music industry, where creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. In this episode of The Human Frame, Taz joins Łucja to discuss the songwriting process, the artists and experiences that have shaped her music, and how personal stories become songs that resonate with others. They explore the balance between artistic expression and the practical realities of the music industry, from developing your sound and visual identity to understanding marketing, branding and what it means to build a lasting career as an independent artist. Together, they reflect on resilience, finding your niche and the importance of staying true to your creative vision in an industry that is constantly evolving. Whether writing lyrics, performing on stage or building a personal brand, Taz shares why every part of the creative process begins with knowing who you are and having the confidence to share that story with the world. Follow: 🔗Taz's Instagram        🎵Listen to Taz's music on Spotify.                                                                              Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Taz: Songwriting, Storytelling and the Business of Being an Artist
  5. Episode 9

    Conversations in Calais: Mathilda Della Torre on Refugee Activism from Calais to Ben & Jerry’s Activism

    Send us Fan Mail Mathilda Della Torre is a human rights advocate and campaigner whose work explores migration, displacement and the power of storytelling to challenge narratives. Through her work with Creating Conversations from Calais, she has helped create spaces for dialogue around the experiences of refugees, communities and the complex realities behind the headlines. In this episode of The Human Frame, Mathilda joins me to discuss the realities of the refugee crisis in Calais, the differences between the French and UK approaches to migration, and the ways refugees are often portrayed and used as scapegoats within political and media narratives. We explore the importance of moving beyond statistics and stereotypes to recognise the human stories behind displacement. Mathilda also reflects on the growing role of technology in migration systems, including the use of artificial intelligence in asylum processes, and the questions this raises around fairness, accountability and human dignity. We discuss her work with Ben & Jerry’s activism on refugee rights, exploring how campaigning, conversations and collective action can challenge injustice and create more compassionate approaches to migration. Together, we explore the importance of listening, questioning dominant narratives and creating spaces where more nuanced conversations about refugees and human rights can take place. Follow: 🔗Mathilda's Instagram        📖 Conversations from Calais book.                                                                              Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Conversations in Calais: Mathilda Della Torre on Refugee Activism from Calais to Ben & Jerry’s Activism
  6. Episode 10

    Tristan Alexander: Inside the Mind of Evil Characters

    Send us Fan Mail Tristan Alexander is an actor and podcaster passionate about exploring the psychology behind compelling performances. Alongside his work on screen and stage, he has developed a Notion platform designed to support actors in their craft, providing practical tools and resources for character development, preparation, and creative growth. In this episode of The Human Frame, Tristan joins Łucja in exploring the portrayal of morally complex and psychologically dark characters, and how actors can approach challenging roles with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. They discuss the relationship between psychology and performance, the process of building believable characters, and why understanding human behaviour is at the heart of great storytelling. Tristan also shares the inspiration behind his Notion platform and his mission to make high-quality acting resources more accessible to performers at every stage of their careers. This is a conversation about storytelling, psychology, and the craft of bringing complex characters to life. Follow: 🔗Tristan's Instagram  🎭 Inner Scene Toolkit                                                                                                                                                                                               Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Tristan Alexander: Inside the Mind of Evil Characters
  7. Episode 11

    Victoria Bellin: From Feminism to Sketchbook and London Fashion Week

    Send us Fan Mail Victoria Bellin is a fashion designer whose work celebrates craftsmanship, individuality and the transformative power of fashion. Through her collections, she explores how clothing can become a form of self-expression, empowering people to embrace their identity while challenging traditional ideas of beauty and representation. In this episode of The Human Frame, Victoria joins Łucja to discuss her journey into fashion, the inspiration behind her designs, and what it was like showcasing her collection at London Fashion Week. They explore the creative process behind building a collection, from the first sketch to dressing models for the runway, and the vision required to bring a designer's ideas to life. Together, they also discuss the importance of inclusivity in fashion, the realities of building a career as an emerging creative, and the resilience needed to succeed in an industry that is both exciting and highly competitive. Victoria reflects on the responsibility designers have to make people feel confident, seen and represented, and why fashion is about far more than clothing, it's about telling stories, expressing identity and creating spaces where everyone can belong. Follow: 🔗Victoria's Instagram                                                                                                                                                                                           Follow The Human Frame: Instagram Host: Łucja Hawking Music: Yago Cardalda  Support the show

    Victoria Bellin: From Feminism to Sketchbook and London Fashion Week

About

My work, as an actor and human rights campaigner, sits at the crossroads of human rights and the arts, exploring how creativity can reveal the deeper truths of what it means to be human. Through The Human Frame, I bring together artists, activists, and thinkers to explore how performance can become a form of resistance, empathy, and change.