Welcome to
Something positive for positive people

the best herpes Podcast

The SPFPP Podcast: Real Stories. Real Support.

Since 2017, the Something Positive for Positive People podcast has been a free resource for anyone navigating the emotional, relational, and social impacts of a herpes diagnosis.

Through honest conversations, guests share what life really looks like after testing positive—how they date, disclose, manage shame, and build meaningful relationships. You’ll hear experiences that reflect your own or reveal new possibilities for moving forward.

What You’ll Hear:

  • 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 Conversations
    Tools for navigating safer sex, honest communication, and deeper relational alignment.

  • Alternative Relationship Styles
    Insights on 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 brings to light.

If you’re ready to share your experience (anonymously if you’d like), please fill out the podcast guest intake form below and we’ll reach out to interview you!

Looking for something in particular?
Type a question or keywords you’re curious about below.

Episode 88: Perspective From My Ex's
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 88: Perspective From My Ex's

In this episode, we delve into the valuable lessons learned from past relationships. By examining experiences with anxiety and emotional expression, we explore how these insights can fuel personal growth and expansion of perspective. Tune in to discover what your exes might teach you about yourself and your journey.

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Episode 87: Positive Bisexuality & an Ever-Evolving Exqueerience
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 87: Positive Bisexuality & an Ever-Evolving Exqueerience

In this episode, Soraia Papaya (she/they) joins SPFPP to discuss bisexuality, stereotypes, and the push toward pansexuality. We delve into topics like hyper promiscuity, inherent nonmonogamy, and transphobia, offering insights into how these misconceptions affect bisexual individuals. Tune in to challenge your assumptions and foster deeper, more evolved connections.

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Episode 86: Dear Activists, Take Care of Yourselves
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 86: Dear Activists, Take Care of Yourselves

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Ella Dawson discusses her powerful herpes activism, including her TEDx Talk, "STIs aren’t a consequence. They’re inevitable." We dive into the challenges and emotional labor of activism, and explore the stereotypes and erasure faced by bisexual individuals. Listen in for a candid conversation on self-care for activists.

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Episode 85: Have Your Kink and Eat it Too
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 85: Have Your Kink and Eat it Too

In Episode 85 of Something Positive for Positive People, Veronica Yanhs, a multi-passionate Kink & BDSM Educator, explores the complexities of kink, from disclosure of herpes status in kink scenes to differentiating between dominance and abuse. Veronica's insights challenge personal beliefs about kink, helping listeners begin their own journey of self-discovery.

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Episode 84: Something Positive for Negative People - Release and Live
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 84: Something Positive for Negative People - Release and Live

In Episode 84 of Something Positive for Positive People, Billy shares his experience of supporting a partner with a positive HIV status. This episode offers valuable insights for those considering dating someone with a positive STI status and addresses the challenges of discordant relationships. Billy's story emphasizes the importance of understanding and support in such situations.

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Episode 83: Become Your Own Advocate
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 83: Become Your Own Advocate

In Episode 83 of Something Positive for Positive People, Lindsey discusses her experience with cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. Despite repeatedly alerting her doctor that something was wrong, she was dismissed until she later found out she had been exposed to CMV. Lindsey's story highlights the importance of being your own health advocate, especially in a political climate where reproductive rights are restricted.

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Episode 82: Defining Unscripted Relationships - Use Your Words
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 82: Defining Unscripted Relationships - Use Your Words

In Episode 82 of Something Positive for Positive People, Dr. Stephanie K. Webb explores the intricacies of non-monogamous relationships. She defines cheating in non-monogamy, discusses the difference between love and commitment, and explains the concepts of compulsory monogamy and ethical monogamy. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone curious about or interested in opening their relationship.

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Episode 81: Casual Disclosure
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 81: Casual Disclosure

In Episode 81 of Something Positive for Positive People, Adrienne Rommel discusses the complexities of casual dating with herpes. She shares her experiences of disclosing and not disclosing her status to partners in Bali, the varied responses she received, and how this impacts her mindset and dating approach. This episode is essential for understanding the nuances of dating with a positive herpes status and making empowered decisions.

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Episode 80: It Could Always Be Better
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 80: It Could Always Be Better

In Episode 80 of Something Positive for Positive People, Johana Dominguez shares insights from her 8-year journey living with genital HSV. Key takeaways include the power of positive self-talk, the importance of supportive relationships, and the value of sharing your status. Johana emphasizes that while things can always be worse, they can also always be better, and encourages listeners to adopt a proactive and positive mindset.

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Episode 79: Planned Parenthood - Rising Rates of Syphillis
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 79: Planned Parenthood - Rising Rates of Syphillis

In Episode 79 of Something Positive for Positive People, we address the rising rates of syphilis in St. Louis, MO, exploring contributing factors such as stigma and political influence on medical treatment availability. Planned Parenthood's extensive services, including cancer screenings, are highlighted. We also discuss the internal condom and share an exclusive announcement about a new service from Planned Parenthood.

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Episode 78: Texas Wears Condoms
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 78: Texas Wears Condoms

In Episode 78 of Something Positive for Positive People, we feature Texas Wears Condoms, a San Antonio-based organization offering 25 free condoms per month to Texas residents. Ambie, the Community Outreach Specialist, shares insights about the organization's mission to destigmatize STIs and promote sexual health. Learn how to access these resources and support their efforts through volunteering.

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Episode 77: Breaking HIV Stigma - an Inside Job
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 77: Breaking HIV Stigma - an Inside Job

In Episode 77 of Something Positive for Positive People, Rashard and I discuss breaking HIV stigma within the black community. We highlight the importance of normalizing conversations around HIV/AIDS and the detrimental effects of stigma on health. Listen to our in-depth conversation on race, pride, and prioritizing physical health.

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Episode 76: Reflecting on Rejection
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 76: Reflecting on Rejection

Experiencing rejection is always emotionally challenging. It helps to reframe "being rejected" as the other person acknowledging they can't sustain being the kind of person needed for a relationship with us. In Episode 76 of Something Positive for Positive People, we reflect on why rejecting others can seem easier and explore the deeper meanings behind rejection.

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Episode 75: Safe Spaces to Get Involved - (Formerly St. Louis Effort for AIDS) Now Vivent Health
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 75: Safe Spaces to Get Involved - (Formerly St. Louis Effort for AIDS) Now Vivent Health

The ideation of Something Positive for Positive People had multiple catalysts, including uplifting nonprofits like St. Louis Effort for AIDS, now Vivent Health. This organization offers vital services, including sex education, free condoms, STD testing, and affordable treatment. By creating shame-free environments, we can normalize regular STI testing and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

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Episode 74: Sexuallectually Informed Decision Making
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 74: Sexuallectually Informed Decision Making

A woman who believes in the power of knowing and loving yourself, Erica sees beauty in ordinary things & has an artsy, creative side. In this episode, she shares her chlamydia horror story and the challenge of disclosing an STD to two partners. Learn how Erica's experiences teach us to move forward with informed decision-making and better communication in sexual relationships.

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Episode 73: If You Build it They Will Come, or They Won't and That's Okay
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 73: If You Build it They Will Come, or They Won't and That's Okay

In this episode, Heather, founder of the support group HSV in the City, shares her journey of creating a support network in the absence of local resources. Inspired by Positive.Results.ATX, Heather discusses her accidental diagnosis and how it became a positive turning point in her life. Connect with Heather on Instagram @hsvinthecity if you're in the Washington D.C. area seeking support.

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Episode 72: Choosing the Better Option
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 72: Choosing the Better Option

In this episode, we finally interview Rae, who manages support groups for women living with HSV in Austin, Texas, under the Instagram handle @positive_results_community. We discuss the intricacies of managing support groups, the healing power of giving, and the importance of "Choosing the Better Option." Rae's inspiring story and her radiant presence offer hope and guidance for those seeking support.

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Episode 71: Vibrantly Mindful Self-Compassion
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 71: Vibrantly Mindful Self-Compassion

Our guest shares her journey from self-criticism and internal chaos to finding mindfulness through yoga. By increasing mindfulness and self-awareness, she demonstrates how we can approach life with more self-compassion, lightening our world and improving our self-perception. We discuss the application of self-compassion to a positive diagnosis and life's challenges.

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Episode 70: Mental Masturbation and Celibacy
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 70: Mental Masturbation and Celibacy

Fellow HANDS member Ana Pelaez shares her journey of continuing a relationship after her partner's HSV disclosure. We delve into mental masturbation as a way we often overthink post-diagnosis and discuss how to use our sexual energy in beneficial ways. This conversation also uncovers some personal issues, providing a deep and insightful discussion on navigating relationships with an HSV diagnosis.

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Episode 69: Nice
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Episode 69: Nice

In this solo episode of SPFPP, I answer listener questions and address my recent unhealthy attachment to rejection. We also highlight Laureen HD's project, "The Art of Loving Your Selfie: Under My Skin," which showcases art from people with STIs reclaiming their body image. The project aims to push the conversation on body positivity to include those with STIs, featuring stories and art pieces from participants willing to share their journey.

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