Welcome to the SPFPP
Stigma Minimization Podcast
Storytelling, Stigma Healing, and Presence Practice
Since 2017, Something Positive for Positive People has used storytelling to help people feel less alone in the emotional weight of stigma. What began as a herpes support podcast is now a space where anyone navigating identity-based stigma—around mental health, sexuality, race, relationships, or simply being human—can come to feel seen.
If you’ve ever felt disqualified from connection because of how the world responds to who you are, this podcast is for you.
We don’t give quick fixes. We hold space. Every episode is a reminder that your existence is not a problem to solve—but a presence to be witnessed.
What You’ll Hear:
Real Stories: People share what it’s like to live, date, and love while navigating stigma.
Identity and Presence: We explore how presence helps people reclaim their identity beyond what the world expects.
Practical Tools: Guidance for disclosure, emotional regulation, and navigating relationships in ways that honor your truth.
Guest Conversations: We bring in experts and everyday people to talk about healing through herpes, heartbreak, queerness, shame, spirituality, sex, masculinity, and more.
Yoga-Informed Insights: Reflections on how the koshas (layers of being), nervous system regulation, and atomic alignment show up in the healing process.
Why This Podcast Still Supports People with Herpes
Herpes might’ve been what brought you here—but stigma probably isn’t new to you. Whether it’s been around your sexuality, mental health, masculinity, queerness, race, or just feeling like you don’t fit, stigma tends to stack.
This podcast still holds space for people navigating herpes. We’ve got hundreds of episodes about disclosure, dating, and identity. But over time, it became clear—herpes stigma is often the doorway to deeper healing.
If you’re here for herpes support, you’re in the right place. And if you’re starting to realize there’s more beneath the surface, you’re still in the right place.
We’re here to help you live with stigma—but not be defined by it.
Use the Search Bar
Looking for something specific? Use keywords like “herpes disclosure,” “dating,” “mental health,” or “nonmonogamy” to pull up relevant episodes.
Want More Support?
Explore our Herpes Support Call and Stigma Support Call offerings, or check out our Yoga Therapy offerings for more presence-based care.
Stay Connected
Join our newsletter below to hear about new podcast episodes, virtual events, support groups, and meetups.
SPFPP 325: Discordant dating with herpes
In "Discordant Dating with Herpes," Episode 325 of Something Positive for Positive People, delve into the nuances of relationships where one partner is HSV positive. The episode highlights a 2021 survey finding that 62% of HSV-positive individuals have non-positive partners willing to engage sexually post-disclosure. Explore essential questions and considerations for navigating such relationships, aiming to foster openness and informed decision-making in the realm of dating with herpes. Join us as we break down stigma and enhance dialogue around discordant dating.
SPFPP 230: The Illusion of Choice Part 1
In Episode 230 of the SPFPP Podcast, Bri opens up about her journey after a partner's herpes disclosure led to her first outbreak. We explore the emotional challenges of supporting a partner with herpes, the potential misuse of herpes in relationships, and the differences in how cis-het men and women handle herpes stigma. Trigger warning: abuse. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll delve deeper into Bri's story and discuss the impact of being a former athlete.
SPFPP 228: Favorable Odds
In Episode 228 of the SPFPP Podcast, firefighter Liam shares his unique perspective on dating someone with herpes. Despite initial audio quality issues, Liam's story unfolds beautifully as he speaks about the integrity and character of his partner, how he responded to her disclosure, and the importance of trust and risk management in relationships. Drawing parallels between his profession and personal life, Liam offers insightful thoughts on the importance of authenticity and mutual respect. He emphasizes that any uncertainties were addressed before intimacy, challenging the stigma that people with herpes are unsafe. Additionally, a shoutout goes to his sister, a healthcare provider, for introducing him to SPFPP, showcasing true allyship.
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.
SPFPP 223 Discordant Dating Series: Who's More Concerned About Transmission?
In Episode 223 of the SPFPP Podcast, part of the Discordant Dating series, we explore the perspective of Charles, who has dated a partner with herpes while testing negative himself. Many people fear being single forever after a herpes diagnosis, believing their only options are to be with someone who already has it or to remain alone. Charles challenges this notion, highlighting that relationships with someone who has herpes are not fundamentally different from those without. He emphasizes the importance of compatibility, communication, and understanding non-negotiables in relationships. This episode sheds light on the choices and thought processes involved in navigating a relationship where herpes is a factor, and the significance of trusting yourself and your partner. Tune in to gain valuable insights and break down the stigma surrounding herpes and relationships.
SPFPP 222: Discordant Dating Series - Knowledge is Bliss
In Episode 222 of the SPFPP Podcast, part of the Discordant Dating series, we explore the perspective of Paul, who is symptom-free and in a relationship with someone who has herpes. At 51 years old, Paul brings wisdom from his lived experiences, emphasizing the value of knowledge and emotional intelligence in navigating relationships. He shares how his understanding of herpes and prioritizing vulnerability over transmission risk helped him move forward after his partner disclosed her HSV status.
Paul's story underscores the need to challenge the phrase "ignorance is bliss" and highlights how informed conversations about herpes can lead to healthier connections. We discuss the importance of aligning values in relationships, touching on compatibilities such as intelligence, emotional awareness, and mutual interests. Paul's experience of meeting his partner during the pandemic also brings a refreshing perspective on finding authentic connections beyond online dating.
SPFPP 221: Discordant Dating Series - If You Want Different, You Gotta Do Different
In Episode 221 of the SPFPP Podcast, part of the Discordant Dating series, Anthony, a black man with experience dating multiple women who disclosed their positive herpes status, shares his insights. Anthony's perspective emphasizes the importance of maturity, education, and clarity in values when navigating relationships with HSV. He discusses how his partner's disclosure was intended to scare him off, but his unwavering understanding of what he wants in a partner helped him stand firm.
We delve into the importance of self-care and trust in relationships, exploring how these factors influence safety and decision-making. Anthony's story highlights the significance of being clear about your values and remaining integral to them, regardless of a partner's herpes status. This episode challenges listeners to consider if they are willing to do something different to achieve something they've never had before. It’s not just about herpes; it’s about being decisive and aligning with people who share your values and goals.
Tune in to hear Anthony's empowering perspective on dating, relationships, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
SPFPP 220: Discordant Dating Series - Stigma Ends Where Allyship Begins
In Episode 220 of the SPFPP Podcast, part of the Discordant Dating series, Laura shares her unique perspective on dating someone with herpes while remaining symptom-free herself. For over a year, Laura has been in a non-monogamous relationship, and she opens up about how her partner’s confidence and communication skills positively influenced her decision to move forward. She emphasizes the importance of compatibility over the potential limitations herpes might pose.
Laura’s experience highlights the critical role of allyship in ending stigma. She discusses advocating for her health with her doctor, using resources from Dr. Evelin Dacker to successfully request a herpes test. This episode serves as a valuable resource for discordant couples and those learning about herpes stigma. Laura's story encourages confidence in those disclosing their positive status and promotes receptivity and allyship for those receiving such disclosures.
Tune in to learn how informed communication and a focus on compatibility can break down stigma and foster supportive relationships, regardless of STI status.
SPFPP Episode 156: Avoidance isn't Letting Go
Avoidance isn’t letting go. The action of keeping away from or not doing something is avoidance. Letting go is a willingness to accept what is. This episode explores the dynamics in discordant relationships where one partner has herpes and the other doesn't. We dive into expectation setting, boundaries, and the difference between being with someone versus truly being with them.
Episode 84: Something Positive for Negative People - Release and Live
In Episode 84 of Something Positive for Positive People, Billy shares his experience of supporting a partner with a positive HIV status. This episode offers valuable insights for those considering dating someone with a positive STI status and addresses the challenges of discordant relationships. Billy's story emphasizes the importance of understanding and support in such situations.