Welcome to the SPFPP Herpes Podcast
Season 1: Herpes Stigma, Disclosure, and Emotional Support
Welcome to Season 1 of the Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP) podcast. This season began with one mission: to support people navigating life after a herpes diagnosis through real, stigma-free conversations.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this archive exists to remind you—you’re not alone, and your story matters.
What You’ll Hear in Season 1:
Personal Stories: Guests share their experiences navigating herpes, dating, disclosure, and identity.
Herpes Disclosure Tips: Learn how to talk about your status with confidence and compassion.
Mental Health & Self-Worth: Explore how a diagnosis impacts your emotional health—and how to rebuild it.
Stigma-Free Language: Hear conversations that model compassionate, affirming ways to talk about STIs.
Expert Insights: Professionals in sexual health and mental health join the conversation to provide context and support.
Topics Covered:
First outbreak and diagnosis stories
Navigating relationships and dating with herpes
Finding identity beyond the stigma
Supporting others with STIs
Yoga therapy, emotional wellness, and herpes
Building community and breaking isolation
This season reflects years of lived experience, listener conversations, and lessons gathered from hundreds of interviews and peer support calls. The goal: to reduce the emotional weight of stigma, one conversation at a time.
Why This Archive Still Matters
While SPFPP is now expanding into broader conversations about emotional wellness and minimizing all forms of stigma, Season 1 will always be the foundation. These stories continue to support thousands of people every year seeking reassurance, healing, and connection.
If you’re here for herpes-specific support, you’re in the right place.
Want more tools and support?
Explore our Herpes Support Call and Yoga Therapy pages for more resources to help you navigate stigma and emotional wellness.
How to Use Our Search Bar
Looking for specific topics? Use our search bar to find episodes that cover the subjects most relevant to you. Simply type in keywords like "disclosure," "self-care," "mental health," or "relationship advice" to access episodes that offer the insights and support you need.
Join Our Community
Our podcast isn't just about listening—it's about connecting. Join our community of listeners who are navigating similar experiences. Share your stories, ask questions, and find the support you need. Join our newsletter below in order to stay up to date for virtual events and in person hangouts to meet others in the SPFPP community.

SPFPP 308: The Value of Our Needs
Join us in Episode 308 as Mila shares her recent herpes diagnosis and the evolution of her dating philosophy. This episode delves into the cultural and identity aspects of being a pansexual Mexican woman, discussing the complex dynamics of masculinity, femininity, and personal growth. Discover the importance of valuing your needs correctly and how this understanding can contribute positively to the community.

SPFPP 307: Trauma Informed Care is a Team Effort
In Episode 307, Chasity shares insights from her decade in pharmacy, focusing on the profound impact of leadership and teamwork in healthcare settings. Discover how trauma-informed care practices and better communication can transform patient experiences and reduce STI-related stigma. Join us as we discuss the potential for systemic change in healthcare that supports patients comprehensively, aiming to alleviate the mental health burdens associated with STI diagnoses.

SPFPP 306: Bias Ain't a Bad Word
In Episode 306, Shaina French discusses the complexities of healthcare, including the constraints of time and insurance, and the vital role of unbiased communication in enhancing patient care. This episode delves into how biases and identity compatibility influence healthcare delivery and the benefits of a team-based approach. Discover the importance of having open conversations about sexual health in medical settings, supported by Shaina's extensive experience as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Sex Counselor.

SPFPP 305: Communication is the Core of STI Minimization
Join us as we delve into the dynamics of stigma and communication within healthcare. A Planned Parenthood Nurse Practitioner shares her experiences and strategies for enhancing patient conversations, aiming to reduce stigma and foster open discussions about sexual health. This episode is crucial for anyone involved in healthcare or interested in sexual health advocacy.

SPFPP 304: The Truth of Stigma
Excerpt: In this insightful episode, we delve into how truth combats stigma, suggesting a strategic shift towards empowering educators and parents. By equipping them with the necessary tools to discuss sexual health openly, we can prevent the entrenchment of stigma in the next generation, paving the way for more informed and compassionate healthcare interactions.

SPFPP 303: How Doctors Don't Talk About Sex
Episode 303 explores the critical gap in sexual health communication between doctors and patients. Kimberly Resnick Anderson sheds light on the reasons behind healthcare providers' reluctance to discuss sex, revealing that time constraints are just the surface of deeper underlying issues. Join us as we delve into the importance of creating safe spaces for these vital conversations, aiming to enhance patient care and understanding.

SPFPP 302: The Prejudice of Stigma
In Episode 302, join host Courtney Brame as he embarks on a new journey of understanding healthcare providers' struggles with stigma in treating STIs. Featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Lourdes Mantecón-Garza, this episode is not just about sharing information but also about learning and growing together. Discover the complexities of stigma from a healthcare perspective and how it affects patient care and provider experiences.

SPFPP 301: The Absence of Presence
In Episode 301, discover Fran's transformative journey from being identified as a party girl to exploring deeper meanings in life and relationships after her herpes diagnosis. This episode sheds light on the elusive nature of presence in relationships, the misconceptions about attention and validation, and the real connection we all seek. Join us for an enlightening discussion that goes beyond the typical narratives of identity and intimacy.

SPFPP 300: The Dream of a Choice - Celebrating 6 Years of SPFPP
In this landmark 300th episode, Courtney Brame celebrates six years of Something Positive for Positive People by sharing profound insights and personal revelations. From starting as a platform to prevent suicide among those diagnosed with herpes, SPFPP has evolved into a leading sexual health communications resource, tackling stigma and empowering countless individuals. Dive into Courtney's personal journey and the evolution of his dream, where fear of success and failure gives way to embracing the true self.

SPFPP 299: How Do I Disclose My Herpes Status
In this insightful episode of SPFPP, Dr. Evelin Dacker explores the S.T.A.R.S. framework, offering a strategic approach to herpes disclosure and dating. Learn how to navigate conversations about safety, desires, boundaries, and STI status with confidence. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their dating life while managing herpes, aiming to establish stigma-free, meaningful connections.

SPFPP 298: Don't Spend Your Adulthood Healing Your Childhood
Episode 298 of SPFPP delves into "Sexless Sex Education," aiming to integrate real-life experiences into youth education for more effective STD prevention. This episode highlights the importance of providing leadership and direction to our youth, beyond just what not to do, to prevent them from seeking guidance in potentially harmful places. Discover how comprehensive education on consent, boundaries, and healthy relationship management can transform our approach to STD minimization and support youth in making informed decisions.

SPFPP 297: Double Whammy
In Episode 297, SPFPP explores the experiences of a young man newly diagnosed with HIV and HSV. Recorded just days after his diagnosis, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into the initial emotions and reactions that accompany such news. Our guest's mature approach to his identity, separate from his sexuality, provides a powerful narrative for listeners, especially those newly diagnosed or struggling with their health status. Join us to gain understanding and support through his story.

SPFPP 296: Pleasure Identity
Episode 296 of SPFPP brings a profound discussion on pleasure identity with Kit, exploring how herpes and other health conditions shape our engagement with pleasure beyond the physical. This episode unpacks the dynamics between sexual health and mental well-being, highlighting non-traditional forms of intimacy and connection that challenge and enrich our understanding of pleasure.

SPFPP 295: Don't Nobody Care About Herpes
Those of us who do care just need to get involved

SPFPP 294: You Are Who You Think I Am
In this enlightening episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Mike offers a powerful male perspective on herpes disclosure, influenced by a personal conflict that went public. He discusses his estrangement with his sister and how it led to unexpected public exposure. This episode isn't just about herpes; it's about understanding the real-life intersections of health, stigma, and family dynamics. Join us as we delve into these complex relationships and explore broader societal issues through personal stories.

SPFPP 293: An Intro to Selfed - Prioritize the Needs of the Spirit
In a profoundly personal episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Erika discusses her herpes diagnosis during her first pregnancy and its unexpected role in shaping her life and parenting. With candid insights into the challenges of single motherhood and the complexities of male relationships, this episode offers a raw look into the interplay of health, abuse, and family support. Listen as Erika reflects on new beginnings and the transformative power of open dialogues about mental health and personal growth.

SPFPP 292: Rejection is the Risk for the Reward of Connection
In a compelling session of Something Positive for Positive People, our guest recounts a deeply personal tale of deception and growth following her herpes diagnosis. From receiving hush money to navigating the complexities of trust and intimacy, she shares how these experiences have shaped her views on relationships and personal development. The episode beautifully blends spiritual wisdom with practical life lessons, urging listeners to reflect on the quality of their connections and the profound impact of living authentically.

SPFPP 291: This New Generation is Something Special
In this eye-opening episode, Grace shares her journey of initiating a group chat on TikTok to foster open discussions on sexual health among her peers. We explore the critical role universities play in shaping or breaking the stigma around STDs and discuss the upcoming SPFPP college tours aimed at educating youth on effective communication about sexual health and relationships. Tune in to see how the new generation is taking bold steps to transform sexual health education.

SPFPP 290: Playful Disclosures
Join Savannah and Courtney in Episode 290 of Something Positive for Positive People as they engage in a playful mock disclosure using the STARS Talk method. Discover how embracing aspects of identity post-diagnosis can enhance communication and confidence in discussing herpes with potential partners.

SPFPP 289: Are You Triggered or Challenged?
In episode 289, "Are You Triggered or Challenged?" of Something Positive for Positive People, delve into the deep psychological exploration of self-image and the impacts of trauma on personal health. This episode invites listeners to confront their triggers and engage in meaningful self-evaluation to enhance their understanding and actions towards health and herpes stigma. Join us as we discuss how turning intense emotional responses into opportunities for healing can empower individuals and inform broader STD prevention strategies.