Welcome to the SPFPP Herpes Podcast
Something Positive for Positive People Podcast: Now Live Monthly!
The Something Positive for Positive People podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the stigma associated with STDs/STIs, including herpes, HIV, and HPV. We believe in the power of open conversations, real stories, and expert insights to build a supportive community for everyone affected by these conditions.
Starting in November, the podcast is going live! Join us on the last Tuesday of every month at 8pm Eastern Time for an interactive experience where you can engage with the stories, topics, and experts that matter most to you.
What You'll Find Here
Real Stories: Hear personal experiences from individuals who’ve navigated life with an STD. Their raw, authentic journeys offer valuable lessons and inspiration.
Expert Insights: Learn from healthcare professionals, therapists, and relationship experts who share actionable advice on managing your health, relationships, and mental well-being.
Supportive Community: Connect with others who understand your experiences. Whether listening live or catching the replay, you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported.
Key Topics Covered
Dating with Herpes: Practical tips for disclosing your status and building healthy, honest relationships.
Mental Health: Strategies to cope with the emotional challenges of an STD diagnosis.
Self-Care: Insights on nurturing your physical and emotional health.
Breaking the Stigma: Empowering conversations that challenge societal norms and encourage acceptance.us for the live show on the last Tuesday of every month at
Be part of the conversation that’s changing how we talk about STDs. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow with the SPFPP community. Join our monthly newsletter and check the events page to learn how to attend live!
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.

Bonus Episode 05: What Happens When You Tell Someone You Have Herpes
In Bonus Episode 05 of SPFPP, Courtney Brame reflects on his experiences telling people about his herpes diagnosis and the metaphor of "having your cake and eating it too." He explores how societal limits shaped his mindset and how shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance changed his interactions and self-perception. Courtney encourages listeners to consider how they would act if they didn't have to hide their herpes status and to embrace an abundance mindset.

Episode 33: Ask a Doctor About Herpes - The difference between hsv1 and hsv2
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bruckel helps us better understand herpes by explaining that HSV-1 and HSV-2 are more alike than different. The stigma of herpes is less about the type and more about the location—let's change the conversation around sexual health.

Episode 32: Support is Closer Than You Think: Disclosing to a Friend
In honor of STI Awareness Month, this episode features Brynn, one of the first friends I disclosed my herpes status to. We discuss the dynamics of our friendship, the misconceptions around my disclosure, and how vulnerability strengthened our bond. Brynn also shares her experience with Type-1 diabetes, highlighting the importance of support and understanding in challenging times.

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 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.

Episode 29 Part 2: Taking Back Control - Expressive Kink
In Episode 29, Part 2 of SPFPP, Lauren, a sexual abuse survivor, discusses how kink helps her regain control taken by her abuser. She highlights the power of knowing one's sexual health status and the importance of sex education. This episode emphasizes the value of having open, healthy conversations about sex to foster a positive mindset and behavior.

Episode 29 Part 1: Taking Back Control - First Time's a Charm
In Episode 29, Part 1 of SPFPP, Lauren shares her experience of contracting HSV after her first penetrative sexual encounter. Despite the stigma, Lauren found support quickly and maintains a positive perspective on her diagnosis. This episode challenges the misconception that herpes is only contracted through promiscuity.

Episode 28: Open Mirrors
In Episode 28 of SPFPP, Fleur from Australia shares her journey of contracting HSV-2 and taking two years off from sex to find herself. Her story highlights the value of self-acceptance, open communication, and polyamory. Through "mirroring," Fleur conveys confidence and honesty, allowing her partners to accept her despite the risk of herpes. Her experience demonstrates that self-love and responsibility are crucial for healthy relationships.

Episode 27: Divine Intuition - Explore it, Don't Ignore it
In Episode 27 of SPFPP, Reese shares her profound story of survival and self-discovery after a near-fatal car accident redirected her from a plan to end her life. Her experience underscores the importance of trusting one's intuition and addressing red flags in relationships. Reese's journey emphasizes that an STD diagnosis doesn't define one's life; rather, it's a call to explore deeper self-acceptance and growth. Listen to her brave story and find encouragement in her resilience.

Episode 26: Alexandra Harbushka's Life With BOTH Herpes
In Episode 26 of SPFPP, Alexandra Harbushka, host of the "Life With Herpes" podcast, shares her inspiring journey of living with HSV-1 and HSV-2. She discusses breaking the stigma, reshaping self-image, and the importance of education and communication. Alexandra's story encourages listeners to embrace their identity beyond herpes and highlights her role as an educator and active voice in the herpes community.

Episode 25 Part 2: Eliminating Assumptions - A New Sex Life
In Episode 25 Part 2 of SPFPP, Dale shares their personal experiences as a non-binary, non-monogamous individual exploring various anatomies and the importance of open-mindedness. Dale discusses the concept of "negotiations" in intimate encounters, emphasizing the value of clear communication to eliminate assumptions and ensure consent. Follow Dale on Instagram @I_have_herpes for more sex education and herpes destigmatization content.

Episode 25 Part 1: Eliminating Assumptions - Better Support
In Episode 25 Part 1 of SPFPP, titled "Eliminating Assumptions - Better Support," Dale shares their experience with contracting HSV after being with a partner who had HSV-1. The conversation delves into whether non-H partners truly understand the risks, and the importance of self-care and education to better support oneself and others. Dale's insights emphasize the need to challenge preconceived notions about herpes and focus on experience-based understanding.

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.

Episode 23: This is NOT Your Stigma
In Episode 23 of SPFPP, "This is NOT Your Stigma," we hear from a local semi-celebrity who shares her journey with herpes. She emphasizes that the stigma associated with herpes belongs to the uninformed and uneducated, not those who have it. The episode discusses the transition from believing societal myths to understanding one's own experience, and the importance of educating others to dismantle the stigma.

Episode 22: Sex Positive Families - Preparation Versus Prevention
In Episode 22 of SPFPP, "Sex Positive Families: Preparation Over Prevention," Melissa, host of the Sex Positive Families podcast, discusses how to have sexual health conversations with youth. Emphasizing preparation over prevention, Melissa shares insights on educating children about consent and sexual health. An important takeaway is how childhood experiences like tickling relate to understanding consent in adulthood.

Episode 21: No Limits
In Episode 21 of SPFPP, "No Limits," 61-year-old Theresa, a retired nurse, shares her journey after being diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 following her husband's infidelity. She chose to be open about her status, focusing on activities she enjoyed and dating both within and outside the herpes community. Theresa's story emphasizes the importance of not letting the stigma define you and maintaining a positive outlook to find happiness.

Episode 20: Blessed By Herpes
In Episode 20 of SPFPP, "Blessed by Herpes," 26-year-old Katie shares her experience contracting HSV-2 from a sexual assault three years ago. Despite this traumatic event, Katie maintains a 100% successful disclosure rate, including with her current boyfriend. This episode includes a detailed account of her assault and her journey of overcoming the stigma associated with her diagnosis.

Bonus Episode 04 Part 1: Non-Sexually Transmitted Herpes
In Bonus Episode 04 Part 1 of SPFPP, Angela Johnson of ProjectAccept shares her lifelong experience with non-sexually transmitted herpes (cold sores), which she has had since age 10. Now 51, Angela educates others about cold sores whenever she has an outbreak, combating the stigma, especially for those who contracted it non-sexually. Her story inspires listeners to shift their perspective on herpes and become educators and supporters.

Episode 19: Taking Away the Power of Herpes Stigma
Cassie, a 29-year-old St. Louis resident, shares her journey of living with HSV-2 since her diagnosis at 17. Comparing herpes stigma to the fear in "IT," Cassie emphasizes the power of community in overcoming stigma. She discusses her experiences with disclosure, the misconceptions about condoms, and how she decided not to let herpes stop her from having children. Her story highlights the importance of finding a safe space to talk about herpes and reducing the stigma through support and education.

Episode 18: Successful Disclosure
Tim shares his journey of successful disclosure in this episode, highlighting the emotional process and positive outcome. Despite initial shyness, Tim opens up about meeting an amazing person and how their conversation about herpes went smoothly. His story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and honesty in building strong relationships. Tim's experience provides hope and practical insights for anyone facing the challenge of disclosing their STI status.