Welcome to the Something Positive for Positive People Podcast

The Something Positive for Positive People podcast is your go-to resource for minimizing the stigma associated with living with STDs/STIs, including herpes, HIV, and HPV. We believe in the power of open conversations, real stories, and expert insights to create a supportive community for everyone affected by these conditions.

What You'll Find Here:

Real Stories: Listen to personal experiences from individuals who have navigated life with an STD. Their journeys offer valuable lessons and inspiration.
Expert Insights: Gain knowledge from healthcare professionals, therapists, and relationship experts who provide advice on managing your health, relationships, and mental well-being.
Supportive Community: Connect with a community that understands your experiences. Share your story, ask questions, and find the support you need.

Key Topics Covered:

Dating with STDs: Tips and advice on how to disclose your status and build healthy relationships.
Mental Health: Strategies for coping with the emotional impact of an STD diagnosis.
Self-Care: Learn how to take care of your physical and emotional health.
Breaking the Stigma: Empowering discussions on how to challenge and overcome societal stigma.

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.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast to share your dating, relationship,

and experience navigating stigma, please fill out the intake form below.

Podcast Guest Intake Form

Real Name

Please enter your first and last name you'd like me to call you.

First Name

Last Name

Name Used in Podcast Episode

If you're going to just use your real name, then you can disregard

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Interview Topic(s)

What would you like to share and discuss on our podcast episode?

Additional Details and Backstory

Share whatever you'd like about your experience navigating herpes stigma that may be relevant for our podcast host to know prior to our interview

Soonest Availability for a Phone Call

List your soonest upcoming availability to have a 10 minute call to discuss and set up an interview. (Note this is only a phone call between us and NOT the date of the recording)

YYYY

Earliest Time Availability for a Call

What is the soonest you're available to speak on the above date you entered?

Hour

Minute

Second

Latest Time Availability for a Call

Please share when your availability ends for us to have a call on the date you listed.

Hour

Minute

Second

Interview Format Options

SPFPP is making podcast episode recordings open to our community members who subscribe directly. Only paid members will be able to access the video recordings. Please check your preferences below so that we can adjust accordingly. If only the host can see your face, then only audio will be recorded.

The entire internet can see my face

ONLY the SPFPP Members can see my face

Only the podcast host can see my face

Will you share promo pieces on social media/with your audience?

SPFPP relies heavily on guests willing to share their experiences being on this podcast with their communities/social media followings to continue operations. Please consider what is realistic for you in terms of being willing to share with your community before answering.

Will you share your podcast episode with your communities and or social media?

Please answer yes or no.

Courtney Brame 8/15/24 Courtney Brame 8/15/24

spfpp 348: can you sue someone for giving you herpes?

In this episode, we dive into the legal and emotional aspects of suing someone for knowingly transmitting herpes. Author Destiny Maria shares her personal journey from diagnosis to legal battle, discussing the impact of stigma, the importance of informed consent, and her growth as a new mother.

Courtney Brame 8/1/24 Courtney Brame 8/1/24

SPFPP 346: Herpes Support is the Foundation Toward a Cure

In Episode 346 of the SPFPP podcast, Lauren and I delve into the intricacies of herpes advocacy, highlighting both our challenges and triumphs. We discuss the societal tendency to value paid resources over free, volunteer-driven support, and how this affects our work. We also explore the necessary steps toward achieving a cure for herpes, emphasizing the importance of general acceptance and the reduction of stigma. Join us as we navigate these critical topics and learn more about the ongoing research for a herpes cure at www.spfpp.org/herpes-cure-research. Support our mission at www.spfpp.org/donate.

Courtney Brame 7/25/24 Courtney Brame 7/25/24

spfpp 345: I have herpes and you probably have it too

Sex educator Tara Ransleben (@TR_Sexuality) discusses the value of comprehensive sexual education versus abstinence-based education. She shares her personal experience with oral HSV 1, dealing with online trolls, and navigating stigma. Tara also explores the differences and benefits of in-person versus online advocacy, emphasizing the importance of accurate information to combat misinformation and stigma.

Courtney Brame 7/18/24 Courtney Brame 7/18/24

Episode 344: Beyond Herpes - On a Mission to tradition

Allie, founder of Beyond Herpes, joins Courtney to discuss their organizations' missions to empower those diagnosed with herpes. They explore the challenges of running small nonprofits, Allie's personal journey with genital HSV, and the differences in how men and women handle STI diagnoses. The conversation also delves into self-exploration, values, discipline, and alignment in both romantic and platonic relationships.

Courtney Brame 1/15/22 Courtney Brame 1/15/22

SPFPP 212: Raising the Standards

In this episode, Suzanne discusses how her herpes diagnosis led her to elevate her standards in relationships, embracing her self-worth while navigating the dating world. Learn how she combats stigma, advocates for sexual health, and highlights the importance of setting and maintaining high standards despite the challenges of living with herpes. This conversation underscores the critical connection between sexual health and mental health.

Courtney Brame 7/30/19 Courtney Brame 7/30/19

Episode 86: Dear Activists, Take Care of Yourselves

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Ella Dawson discusses her powerful herpes activism, including her TEDx Talk, "STIs aren’t a consequence. They’re inevitable." We dive into the challenges and emotional labor of activism, and explore the stereotypes and erasure faced by bisexual individuals. Listen in for a candid conversation on self-care for activists.

Courtney Brame 7/30/19 Courtney Brame 7/30/19

Episode 31: Who Will Love Me?

In Episode 31 of SPFPP, Emily Depasse, a 25-year-old MSW/MEd Human Sexuality graduate student living with genital HSV-2, shares her journey from diagnosis to self-acceptance. Emily discusses her initial struggles, including turning to alcohol and unhealthy friendships, and emphasizes the importance of support and challenging the stigma surrounding herpes. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and finding love and purpose despite a herpes diagnosis.

Courtney Brame 7/30/19 Courtney Brame 7/30/19

Episode 30: Rich Mancuso - Author of Asking for a Friend

In Episode 30 of SPFPP, 49-year-old Rich Mancuso, author of "Asking for a Friend," shares his journey with HSV-2, including participating in a clinical trial for a vaccine. Rich discusses his diagnosis, the impact of stress on outbreaks, and the importance of shedding light on herpes to reduce stigma. The episode also touches on the relationship between shame and testing new treatments in the US.

Welcome to the Something Positive for Positive People Podcast

SOMETHING POSITIVE + FOR POSITIVE PEOPLE