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.
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 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 227: Hanging Herpes Over my Head
In Episode 227 of the SPFPP Podcast, titled "Hanging Herpes Over My Head," our guest Tammy bravely shares her experiences with herpes, abuse, and new insights she gained during our conversation. This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of abuse and sexual assault. Tammy's story highlights the various forms abuse can take and provides identifiers for potential abuse situations.
Additionally, we delve into the role of sexuality education in mitigating abuse by emphasizing non-sexual aspects such as consent, boundaries, the skills to say and hear "no," seeking support for any harm done, and understanding accountability. We encourage listeners to take care of themselves while listening and to skip this episode if the content may be too challenging.
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 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 219: When it Gets Real
In Episode 219 of the SPFPP Podcast, Jennifer and I delve into the intersections of identities as BIPOC individuals dating outside our race. We discuss our experiences with fetishization and the questions Jennifer, of Asian descent, frequently encounters about her dating history with different races. We explore the intention behind these questions, whether rooted in safety or fetishization.
Jennifer shares her approach to handling ignorance, deciding who is worth the emotional labor to educate. We also revisit the topic of herpes disclosure, particularly the challenges of communicating about outbreaks after an initial disclosure. Jennifer's story highlights the importance of creating allies by dissolving stigma within ourselves and expressing our beliefs and feelings about living with herpes.
This episode sheds light on the nuanced dynamics of interracial dating, the ongoing conversations required for herpes disclosures, and the power of allyship in our community. Tune in to gain insights into these important topics and learn how to navigate them with empathy and understanding.
SPFPP Episode 157: The Number 1 Dating Site for People with HSV
Do dating sites exclusively designed for people living with herpes do more harm than good? How we use these resources determines their value. Sites that don't encourage transparency still perpetuate stigma. After a poll, Instagram emerged as the top dating site for people with HSV, showcasing how any platform can be transformed into a supportive space for dating.
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.
Episode 24: Lose Yourself Inside Yourself to Find Yourself
In Episode 24 of SPFPP, titled "Lose Yourself Inside Yourself to Find Yourself," Lauren shares her journey of being diagnosed with genital herpes while living in Japan. Struggling to get a proper diagnosis and dealing with an abusive relationship, herpes ultimately became a blessing that helped her find her own identity. Lauren's openness, even soon after her diagnosis, highlights the importance of self-care and self-love.