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.
Bonus Episode 003: 2beatHIV.org - Crowd Sourcing for an HIV Cure
In Bonus Episode 03 of the SPFPP Podcast, Dr. Allison Mathews from 2BeatHIV, a research project at UNC’s Institute for Global Health and Infectious Disease, discusses the importance of community engagement in HIV cure research. 2BeatHIV hosts contests to gather community-based ideas on spreading awareness about HIV cure research. Learn how you can get involved by submitting your ideas and participating in clinical trials to help find a cure for HIV. Follow 2BeatHIV on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @2BeatHIV for more information. Follow us on Instagram @CourtneyBrame for podcast updates.
SPFPP Episode 195: It Does Get Better - A Little Support Goes a Long Way
In Episode 195 of the SPFPP Podcast, our guest discusses her first social herpes support group event in Kentucky and how it transformed her healing journey. She opens up about navigating narcissism in her family and partners, and overcoming sexual trauma. This episode highlights the importance of support and therapy in entering healthy relationships. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience and healing.
SPFPP Episode 194: Therapy Exit Interviews 4 - Self Forgiveness
In Episode 194 of the SPFPP Podcast, Jennifer discusses her experience in the first cohort of SPFPP therapy sessions. She opens up about self-forgiveness, rekindling a relationship with an ex, and the challenges of navigating toxicity in relationships. Jennifer's story emphasizes the non-linear journey of healing and the importance of boundaries for healthier interactions. Tune in to hear her insights on how a herpes diagnosis grounded her and led to deeper self-love and acceptance.
SPFPP Episode 193: Dispelling Disabilities
In Episode 193 of the SPFPP Podcast, Rollon Rebel, a Black, LGBTQIA, disadvantaged, wheelchair user, and therapist, shares his journey and experiences. We discuss how his personal traumas, including childhood sexual assault, inspired him to help others. This episode provides an inside look at our therapy sessions and emphasizes the importance of therapists having their own support systems. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt conversation.
SPFPP Episode 192: Therapy Exit Interviews 3 - Alone But Together
In Episode 192 of the SPFPP Podcast, a group therapy participant shares her journey of overcoming guilt and enduring a difficult relationship after contracting herpes from an affair. With a trigger warning for references to a negative relationship, we discuss how group therapy offered a healing space distinct from social media support groups. Tune in to learn how therapy's focus on healing helped her feel "alone but together" with others.
SPFPP Episode 191: Equivocal Hypochondriac
In Episode 191 of the SPFPP Podcast, Rita discusses the challenges of navigating uncertain HSV test results. How do you disclose a condition when your test results are inconclusive? Tune in to hear Rita's experience and explore the impact of having consistent and definitive HSV testing. Discover how clear results could change the way HSV positive diagnoses are received and managed.
SPFPP Episode 190: Identity Validation is Suicide Prevention - Stigma in Blackness
In Episode 190 of the SPFPP Podcast, we delve into the intersection of overlapping identities and their impact on trauma and stigma, with a focus on the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. Leigh, an intersex black trans woman and primary health care provider, shares her experiences since 2019, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those with multiple marginalized identities. Learn how identity validation is vital for suicide prevention and mental health support.
SPFPP Episode 189: Therapy Exit Interviews 2 - Self Sex Education
In Episode 189 of the SPFPP Podcast, Mya reflects on her journey through the first cohort of SPFPP Group Therapy. She discusses the unexpected challenges and healing processes related to an STI diagnosis and other sexual traumas. This episode includes a trigger warning for sexual assault, as Mya openly shares her path to recovery and the support she found in group therapy.
SPFPP Episode 188: Navigating Negatives with Jordan D'Nelle
In Episode 188, Jordan D'Nelle challenges and broadens our understanding of the relationship between healthcare providers and herpes patients. This discussion aims to bridge the experiential gap, fostering a collaborative approach to managing and understanding herpes.
SPFPP Episode 187: Maybe it Really is Just the Herpes - The 300 of Stigma
In Episode 187 of the SPFPP Podcast, we discuss the experience gap between healthcare providers and patients diagnosed with herpes. Featuring perspectives from both sides, we challenge our understanding of what's needed to support effective collaboration. Tune in for expansive insights from Jordan D'Nelle, and check out her podcast linked in the show notes.
SPFPP Episode 186: Go F Yourself to Connect to Yourself
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.
SPFPP Episode 185: Resistance to Receiving - A Journey of Acceptance
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.
SPFPP Episode 184: Avoidance in Action
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.
SPFPP 183: Therapy Exit Interviews 1 - Daddy Lessons
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.
SPFPP Episode 182: The Life Cycle of Herpes Education Advocacy
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.
SPFPP Episode 181: Disconnect the Dots of Disclosures
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.
SPFPP Episode 180: The Imminent Infiniteness of Disclosure
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.
SPFPP Episode 179: Realigning with Intention
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.
SPFPP Episode 178: Disclosure Diss-Closure
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.
SPFPP Episode 177: Reality Does Not Anchor Assumptions
In this episode, J from New Zealand shares her struggle with the medical community's resistance to herpes testing and misinformation. Through her personal journey, we explore themes of boundary-setting in relationships, the parallels between COVID-19 and STI conversations, and the impact of stigma and misinformation on sexual health. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating medical and personal challenges with herpes.