Welcome to the SPFPP
Stigma Minimization Podcast
Storytelling, Stigma Healing, and Presence Practice
Since 2017, Something Positive for Positive People has used storytelling to help people feel less alone in the emotional weight of stigma. What began as a herpes support podcast is now a space where anyone navigating identity-based stigma—around mental health, sexuality, race, relationships, or simply being human—can come to feel seen.
If you’ve ever felt disqualified from connection because of how the world responds to who you are, this podcast is for you.
We don’t give quick fixes. We hold space. Every episode is a reminder that your existence is not a problem to solve—but a presence to be witnessed.
What You’ll Hear:
Real Stories: People share what it’s like to live, date, and love while navigating stigma.
Identity and Presence: We explore how presence helps people reclaim their identity beyond what the world expects.
Practical Tools: Guidance for disclosure, emotional regulation, and navigating relationships in ways that honor your truth.
Guest Conversations: We bring in experts and everyday people to talk about healing through herpes, heartbreak, queerness, shame, spirituality, sex, masculinity, and more.
Yoga-Informed Insights: Reflections on how the koshas (layers of being), nervous system regulation, and atomic alignment show up in the healing process.
Why This Podcast Still Supports People with Herpes
Herpes might’ve been what brought you here—but stigma probably isn’t new to you. Whether it’s been around your sexuality, mental health, masculinity, queerness, race, or just feeling like you don’t fit, stigma tends to stack.
This podcast still holds space for people navigating herpes. We’ve got hundreds of episodes about disclosure, dating, and identity. But over time, it became clear—herpes stigma is often the doorway to deeper healing.
If you’re here for herpes support, you’re in the right place. And if you’re starting to realize there’s more beneath the surface, you’re still in the right place.
We’re here to help you live with stigma—but not be defined by it.
Use the Search Bar
Looking for something specific? Use keywords like “herpes disclosure,” “dating,” “mental health,” or “nonmonogamy” to pull up relevant episodes.
Want More Support?
Explore our Herpes Support Call and Stigma Support Call offerings, or check out our Yoga Therapy offerings for more presence-based care.
Stay Connected
Join our newsletter below to hear about new podcast episodes, virtual events, support groups, and meetups.
Episode 63: Great Vibes Sync Alike
In Episode 63 of SPFPP, KellyAnne and I share our experiences of deep healing from traumatic events. This episode highlights the importance of processing grief and taking responsibility for our emotions. KellyAnne, a herpes activist and spiritual worker, discusses her journey and the work she does to dismantle stigma. Follow her on Instagram @v_for_vibrant.
Episode 62: Hang Out With Your Darkness
In Episode 62 of SPFPP, Self Love Coach Danielle Bryan shares insights from navigating the darkest time of her life, learning from those experiences, and guiding women to discover their own magic. Danielle's commitment to self-discovery and helping others shines through as she discusses the ongoing lessons she's applied to her coaching.
Bonus Episode 007: Community Cure
In this bonus episode 07 of SPFPP, the focus is on the role of community in the healing process for those diagnosed with herpes. Inspired by the book "Sex At Dawn" by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha, the episode delves into how a sense of community can serve as a powerful tool for healing and support. The conversation, unedited for authenticity, highlights the importance of community in personal healing journeys.
Episode 61: Sometimes You Just Get Tired
In Episode 61 of SPFPP, Devin shares her transformative journey from feeling drained by negative emotions to discovering her own power through public disclosure of her HSV+ status. This episode explores the profound changes that occur when we tap into our courage and embrace our vulnerabilities. Devin's story is a testament to the strength found in facing fears and breaking free from the shame of an STI diagnosis.
Episode 60: Identity Validation in Seeking Support
In Episode 60 of SPFPP, we delve into the challenge of seeking support and the importance of identity validation in support spaces. Why is it so difficult to find the support we need? I believe that those who knew us before our diagnosis are key to providing the validation we seek. Join us as we explore the dynamics of identity, support, and finding the right people to help us on our journey.
Episode 59: When I Get That Feeling, I Need Functional Healing
In Episode 59 of SPFPP, Dr. Lacey Chittle, a Functional Medicine Consultant, shares how to utilize our bodies' natural healing abilities to ease illness symptoms, including HSV outbreaks. She discusses supplements like Lomatrium, Monolaurin, and lysine for herpes, as well as vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc for general immune support. Discover practical ways to boost your immune system and manage herpes symptoms effectively.
Episode 58: Successful Disclosure and Navigating Depression
Episode 58 of SPFPP addresses two critical topics: successful disclosure to a non-positive partner and navigating depression post-diagnosis. Our interviewed couple shares their journey, providing insights on handling these challenging situations. This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance on disclosure and managing emotional health after an HSV diagnosis.
Episode 57: Tunnel Vision
Episode 57 of SPFPP focuses on the concept of tunnel vision in relationships, emphasizing the importance of recognizing red flags and appreciating the unique qualities of individuals. This episode is ideal for anyone recently dealing with rejection, highlighting that it’s more about the other person's focus than your worth.
Episode 56: Intimacy is an Energy Exchange
Episode 56 of SPFPP, featuring Brittany, focuses on the spirituality and emotional aspects of intimacy as an energy exchange. Recorded in the unique setting of my closet, this episode emphasizes the importance of listening to your intuition to connect with like energies.
Bonus Episode 006: Beauty in Openness
In this bonus episode of SPFPP, we recognize World AIDS Awareness Day by featuring Lexi Gibson, who shares her lifelong experience with HIV. We discuss HIV education, self-esteem building, and open relationships, providing valuable insights into living openly with HIV.
Episode 55: Non-disclosure
This episode of Something Positive for Positive People delves into the controversial topic of non-disclosure. Reactions range from anger to understanding as we explore perspectives rarely covered in sex education or modern dating. The discussion aims to foster respectful dialogue and understanding, despite differing opinions.
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.