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.
Episode 51: Strange Bedfellows Discussion with Sex Worker Elle Stanger
Elle Stanger, aka @Stripperwriter, co-hosts the Strange Bedfellows Podcast, a space for understanding sex work and the intersection of sex and politics. In this episode, we discuss risk awareness, HPV, oral herpes, and the misconceptions around "being safe" in STI transmission.
Episode 50: How Do I Live in a Body Haunted by Men
Lachrista Greco, a curator, educator, and maker, shines as a lighthouse for those living with HSV. This episode of SPFPP empowers all humans as Lachrista demonstrates how to #bethere for others and what showing support looks like for various causes and influencers pushing for positive societal change.
Episode 49: Overcoming - Herpes Support Group for Women
This episode features a recording of an online Black women's Herpes support group led by Belize Spivey, who inspires women to overcome life's obstacles, including living with herpes. The group discusses topics from Belize's book, "Overcoming What Can't be Cured: Living Beyond Herpes."
Episode 48: Heads or Tails - Rich Mancuso on Bridging the Binary Gap of Perception About HSV
Rich Mancuso, author of "Asking for a Friend," rejoins SPFPP for an insightful discussion about the varied perceptions of herpes among those living with it. Perception is reality, and this episode delves into how different viewpoints shape the experience of living with HSV.
Episode 47 Part 2: Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center - Mock Therapy Session
Dr. Laurie Betito demonstrates a mock therapy session addressing the trauma of a new STI diagnosis. This episode gives a glimpse into what therapy can look like for someone processing their diagnosis.
Episode 47 Part 1: Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center - Change the Story
Dr. Laurie Betito introduces the Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center, a resource for sexual health. Discover how this popular site offers valuable sexual health information and support.
Episode 46: Living Life in Overtime With AIDS
Derek Canas, diagnosed with AIDS at 15 after a missed HIV diagnosis from a childhood blood transfusion, shares his inspiring journey of living 17 years in "overtime." His story teaches us to appreciate life's little things.
Episode 45: Objective Pattern Recognition
New York-based Psychotherapist Melissa King, LMHC, shares insights on recognizing behavior patterns objectively and discusses her journey of believing she was HSV+ for 8 years due to inaccurate test results. Melissa offers valuable methods for dealing with a new herpes diagnosis.
Episode 44: Reckless Love
Depression and suicide ideation after a herpes diagnosis are very common, unfortunately.
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.