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 54: U Equals U and I'm Still Josh
Josh Robbins, HIV Activist and spokesperson for DatingPositives, shares his journey dating as an HIV+ individual. We discuss "Undetectable Equals Untransmittable" (U=U), HIV criminalization, and ways allies can help revise unjust laws. Josh, a TedxNashville speaker and publisher of www.imstilljosh.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this conversation.
Episode 53: Permanent Limitation is Your Biggest Growth Point
After a positive HSV diagnosis from a long-term partner who didn't disclose, Kimberly Allyse Johnson began her journey of growth. As the host of Navigating The Modern World Podcast, Kimberly shares her insights as a certified Life and Sex Coach and Meditation Practitioner, emphasizing that peace in any relationship brings true freedom.
Episode 52: There's Just SomethingS About Her
The unapologetically imperfect LaToya Dawn shares her experience beyond being diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 while discovering her pregnancy. Despite never showing symptoms, her proactive health check revealed the HSV diagnosis. Hear how she handled it in this episode of #SPFPP.
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.