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 224: Discordant Dating Series - But Aren't Cold Sores Still Herpes?
In Episode 224 of the SPFPP Podcast, we close out the Discordant Dating series with Jesse, who shares his journey with oral herpes. Jesse's extensive dialogue with his doctor reveals the importance of education in destigmatizing herpes. We explore the challenges of disclosing oral herpes compared to genital herpes and discuss the broader discomfort people have around sexual health conversations. Jesse's story highlights how prevalent stigma remains, even among those who have experienced herpes outbreaks themselves. This episode underscores the need for ongoing education and allyship, emphasizing that cold sores are indeed herpes. Tune in to hear Jesse's insights and learn how we can create a more informed and supportive community.
Episode 40: The Anti-stigma with GlamourPussMD
In Episode 40 of SPFPP, Olivia Richman, AKA GlamourPuss, M.D., shares her insights on reducing stigma around STIs through open discussion and education. She emphasizes that stigma cannot thrive where truth and understanding exist. Olivia highlights the need for comprehensive sex education and how viewing herpes as just another virus, similar to the common cold, can help dismantle the stigma. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about STIs, sexual health, and redefining masculinity.