In Episode 186 of the SPFPP Podcast, 35-year-old Lauren, a bisexual polyamorous woman, discusses how she reconnected with her body and obtained self-validation through masturbation and self-exploration. We explore dating out of convenience, ethical transitions, and the implications of disclosing a partner's HSV status. Tune in for an insightful conversation and check out the 2021 data collection survey linked in the show notes or at spfpp.org/data.

In Episode 185 of the SPFPP Podcast, a fellow Yogi shares his journey from resisting to accepting his herpes diagnosis as a positive turning point. We delve into challenging the reasons behind only dating people with herpes and explore how offering the choice to others can help us embrace our full humanity. Tune in to this insightful conversation on healing and acceptance.

In Episode 184 of the SPFPP Podcast, Bek Antonucci shares insights on the interconnectedness of mental and sexual health, emphasizing how herpes stigma impacts both. We explore avoidance in action, examining its manifestations in relationships, substance use, and other behaviors. This episode focuses on breaking patterns of avoidance and embracing self-discovery and healing. Follow Bek on Instagram @bekantonucci for more.

In Episode 183 of the SPFPP Podcast, we present our first therapy exit interview featuring Ali, a 32-year-old bisexual, cis-gendered woman diagnosed with HSV-2. Ali shares her journey of exploring and addressing her anger toward her father through SPFPP therapy. Discover how therapy helped her improve her relationship with herself and others. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation.

In Episode 182 of the SPFPP Podcast, we delve into the life cycle of herpes education advocacy and its significance as a pathway to healing. Discover the importance of maintaining your intentions amidst external pressures and avoiding burnout. I share my personal journey and experiences in herpes education advocacy, offering insights and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for a reflective and informative episode.

In Episode 181 of the SPFPP Podcast, we delve into the concept of "disconnecting the dots" of disclosure. Just as connecting the dots in a drawing helps form a clear picture, each disclosure redirects us, clarifying our journey and progress. Discover how these moments can guide us towards a better understanding of our path and destination.

In Episode 180 of the SPFPP Podcast, Courtney Brame delves into the infinite nature of herpes disclosure and its impact on confidence. Reflect on the value you place on sexuality and STI status versus other important aspects of your humanness. Tune in for key considerations and insights on navigating the disclosure journey.

In this episode, I share my thoughts on creating a herpes-focused survey to collect data from 1,000 participants, aiming to represent our lived experiences. I also discuss the future of the SPFPP podcast and my reasons for considering its end. Tune in to join our mission and hear my vulnerable reflections.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of disclosing a herpes diagnosis with a mix of humor and honesty. Our guest shares candid stories about the reactions she faced and explores deeper themes like vulnerability, avoidance, and the complexities of human connection. Tune in for insights on navigating disclosure and the importance of community.

In this revealing episode, our guest shares her journey through the complexities of HSV support group dynamics and the pervasive discomfort surrounding sex discussions. From boundary violations in support groups to the trauma of diagnosis delivery, we delve into the unspoken challenges of living with herpes. Discover the intersection of sexual health and mental health and the importance of supportive, judgment-free spaces for survivors.

In this powerful episode, we explore the impact of confronting an abuser who knowingly exposed you to herpes without consent. Our guest sheds light on the pervasive shame felt by victims compared to the lack of accountability for perpetrators. By shifting this shame, can we disrupt cycles of abuse and stigma? Tune in for a candid discussion on reclaiming power and breaking free from victim-blaming narratives.

In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics centered around the experience of living with herpes. Our guest shares her journey, from being rushed into thinking about children after her diagnosis to finding solace in community support. We discuss the importance of consistent herpes testing, the value of platonic validation, and the unique mental health challenges faced by Black and Brown communities. Tune in for insights on breaking silence and finding empowerment through awareness and support.

Control over a person says “prove you love me”.

At age 24, Ebony was diagnosed with genital herpes after her third relationship. Growing up in a religious household, where authority went unchallenged, she gives us a perspective on challenging beliefs with behaviors in reality. This episode dives deep into mental health in the Black home, the value of religion versus mental health, and how shame and repressed sexuality can lead to abusive behavior. We also explore healing through the herpes support groups and the importance of community in overcoming stigma.

Trigger warning for suicide in this episode of Something Positive for Positive People. We care about our SPFPP listeners' mental well-being and appreciate your continued support. In this episode, we conclude the conversation Bliss and I were having about Black mental health. We discussed her challenges with depression and suicidal ideation, highlighting how mental wellness challenges look different for people with Blackness. Our sexual health and mental health are deeply interconnected, and the stigma brings about compounded challenges in the Black community.

Cold Sores are herpesZoe Ligon, AKA The Dildo Duchess and author of “Carnal Knowledge, Sex Education You Didn’t Get in School,” joins SPFPP to share her surprising diagnosis of herpes, which she contracted through oral sex. We discuss the importance of boundaries, asking for what you want, and navigating STIs contracted through non-sexual contact. Zoe can be found on Instagram @thongria and @shopspectrumboutique.

Disclosure, disclosure, disclosure! This episode tackles the most concerning aspect of having a herpes diagnosis. Our guest, Amanda, discusses how the parallels between COVID and HSV disclosures have re-triggered many during 2020. Amanda shares her intuitive method for deciding if someone is worth disclosing your status to before taking things further physically.

In this episode, we discuss how seeking comfort and convenience in relationships can sometimes lead us to compromise our self-worth. Our guest shares personal insights on dealing with rejection and how herpes can be a factor in relationship dynamics. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing quality connections over superficial or convenient ones, and the journey to maintain self-worth amidst the stigma of herpes.