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.

SPFPP Episode 197: "It's Probably Herpes" - Healthcare Provider
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP Episode 197: "It's Probably Herpes" - Healthcare Provider

In Episode 197 of the SPFPP Podcast, Kelsey discusses her diagnosis of genital HSV1 in July 2020 and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Her experience with misdiagnosed outbreaks underscores the impact of how diagnoses are delivered and their influence on disclosure. Tune in to hear Kelsey's inspiring journey of fighting for her health.

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SPFPP Episode 196: Therapy Exit Interviews 5 - Giving it a Second Shot
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP Episode 196: Therapy Exit Interviews 5 - Giving it a Second Shot

In Episode 196 of the SPFPP Podcast, Hannah opens up about her experience with HSV and how therapy has helped her re-enter the dating scene. After four years with HSV and two years without dating, Hannah found the support she needed to put herself back out there. Tune in to hear how therapy provided the tools to overcome the emotional impact of her diagnosis and embrace new relationships.

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Bonus Episode 04 Part 2: Community Group Etiquette
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

Bonus Episode 04 Part 2: Community Group Etiquette

In Bonus Episode 04 Part 2 of the SPFPP Podcast, we dive into the etiquette of secret social media communities for individuals with HPV/HSV. We explore the pros and cons of these groups and their role in combating stigma. A key highlight is the strategy for disclosing your status by asserting your value: “I have herpes and I don’t know if you’re worth the risk…” Tune in to understand how to navigate these communities and set a positive tone for self-disclosure. Follow me on Instagram @CourtneyBrame.

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Bonus Episode 003: 2beatHIV.org - Crowd Sourcing for an HIV Cure
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 195: It Does Get Better - A Little Support Goes a Long Way
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 194: Therapy Exit Interviews 4 - Self Forgiveness
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 193: Dispelling Disabilities
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 192: Therapy Exit Interviews 3 - Alone But Together
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 191: Equivocal Hypochondriac
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 190: Identity Validation is Suicide Prevention - Stigma in Blackness
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 189: Therapy Exit Interviews 2 - Self Sex Education
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 188: Navigating Negatives with Jordan D'Nelle
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 187: Maybe it Really is Just the Herpes - The 300 of Stigma
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 186: Go F Yourself to Connect to Yourself
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 185:  Resistance to Receiving - A Journey of Acceptance
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 184: Avoidance in Action
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 183: Therapy Exit Interviews 1 - Daddy Lessons
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 182: The Life Cycle of Herpes Education Advocacy
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 181: Disconnect the Dots of Disclosures
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP Episode 180: The Imminent Infiniteness of Disclosure
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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