Welcome to our Podcast
SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR POSITIVE PEOPLE
Since 2017, the SPFPP podcast has been a free resource for people navigating the emotional, relational, and social impacts of a herpes diagnosis. Through candid conversations, guests share what life looks like after testing positive—how they date, disclose, manage shame, and build relationships. You’ll hear experiences from others that reflect your own or reveal new options for moving forward.
What we talk about
Dating with Herpes
From casual sex to long-term commitment, guests share how they communicate their status and build relationships that work for them.Stigma & Identity
How people reclaim their sense of self after diagnosis and rebuild confidence on their own terms.Sexual Health
Tools for navigating safer sex, honest communication, and deeper relational alignment.Alternative Relationship Styles
Non-monogamy, queerness, and connecting beyond traditional relationship norms.Emotional Healing
Stories of grief, growth, and self-acceptance. Often, herpes is the distraction—not the root. These episodes explore the deeper patterns that diagnosis reveals.
If you’re ready to share your experience (anonymously or publicly), please fill out the podcast guest intake form below, and we’ll reach out to interview you!
Looking for something in particular?
Search below for anything you’re curious about, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
I began consuming your podcast like it was water after walking through the desert for days. I was practically catatonic from the blow of my diagnosis, and I didn't know where to turn. I was in those initial stages of grief—somewhere between shock, denial, and anger. I won't say I was suicidal, but I did have the thought that if I died, it wouldn't really matter because my life was practically over anyway. Some months later, I learned about your SPFPP Herpes Stigma Conference in May 2024 and registered for it. I can now say I've survived one of the most difficult periods of my life—and now I'm thriving.
—J.
Episode 35: St. Louis Department of Public Health - Free Sexual Wellness Resources
In Episode 35 of SPFPP, Tyrunne Johnson, STI Program Manager of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, shares valuable insights on free sexual wellness resources. Discover how local health departments provide free STI testing, condom distribution, and sexual health education. This episode emphasizes the importance of knowing your sexual health status and utilizing available resources to promote safer sex practices.
Episode 34 Part 2: ProjectAccept.org Social Support
Nanette returns in Episode 34 Part 2 of SPFPP to discuss how group support led to the creation of ProjectAccept and the importance of social media interest groups for people with herpes. She emphasizes the impact of accurate information and how social support enables individuals to connect and be themselves in a safe environment. This episode highlights the importance of emotional and psychological gains from social support.
Episode 34 Part 1: ProjectAccept.org "It's Just a Cold Sore"
In Episode 34 Part 1 of SPFPP, Nanette Woods, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ProjectAccept, shares her journey with HSV-1 and HSV-2. She discusses her personal experiences, the stigma associated with herpes, and the importance of accurate information. Nanette's story highlights the difference in attitudes towards cold sores and genital herpes, emphasizing the need for consistent, accurate, and real education on the subject.
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.