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 43: Ignite Something Positive with Laura Aiisha
Laura Aiisha, host of the Ignite Intimacy podcast, joins SPFPP to discuss her journey of publicly sharing her herpes experience. She talks about her personal coming out and the impactful conversation with Adrial from The 'H' Opportunity. Tune in to explore themes of sex, intimacy, and romantic relationships.
Episode 42: Connecting the Best of Two Worlds
In Episode 42 of SPFPP, 21-year-old Maggie, a bisexual and polyamorous individual, shares her dating experiences before and after her HSV1 diagnosis. Maggie emphasizes the importance of self-perception in how others perceive us beyond our disclosures. Her insights remind us that dating struggles are universal, and understanding and self-acceptance are key.
Episode 41: Something Positive for Positive People is a Lighthouse
In Episode 41 of SPFPP, host Courtney Brame dives into a solo episode discussing the importance of being a lighthouse for others living with STIs. He emphasizes the value of self-recognition, the challenges of finding necessary resources, and the stigma faced within the LGBTQ community and sub-communities. Courtney calls for more supportive spaces and individuals who can offer understanding and empathy.
Episode 40: The Anti-stigma with GlamourPussMD
In Episode 40 of SPFPP, Olivia Richman, AKA GlamourPuss, M.D., shares her insights on reducing stigma around STIs through open discussion and education. She emphasizes that stigma cannot thrive where truth and understanding exist. Olivia highlights the need for comprehensive sex education and how viewing herpes as just another virus, similar to the common cold, can help dismantle the stigma. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about STIs, sexual health, and redefining masculinity.
Episode 39: It's a Small World - Let Go and Let Grow
In Episode 39 of SPFPP, Holly, founder of The Herpes Hub, shares her journey of self-love and forgiveness after her HSV diagnosis. Both Holly and Courtney, who grew up in the same part of St. Louis, discuss how they transformed their experiences into support resources for others. They emphasize the importance of letting go of resentment and embracing life's blessings to expand one's world. Tune in to hear their inspiring conversation about growth and connection.
Episode 38: Self Acceptance
In Episode 38 of SPFPP, Courtney Brame emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance when living with herpes. He discusses key questions about self-worth and relationships, urging listeners to disclose to themselves first and recognize their value beyond their diagnosis. The episode challenges listeners to separate their identity from their condition and embrace all aspects of themselves.
Episode 37: Healthy Is Hot - Consent Is
In Episode 37 of SPFPP, Sabrina and Micki from Healthy Is Hot discuss the importance of understanding consent and promoting safe sex on college campuses. They share sex health statistics from St. Louis University, the resources their organization offers, and the challenges they face in raising awareness. Join the conversation on how to make college campuses safer and more informed about consent and sexual health.
Episode 36: Breaking Barriers for Connection
Our minds cannot tell the difference between what is real and what’s imagined. Often what we imagine is way worse.
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.