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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.