In Episode 244 of Something Positive for Positive People, I dive deep into the creation of my online persona, Honmychest, drawing parallels with Tony Stark's Iron Man journey. This episode explores how Honmychest served as my suit of armor against herpes stigma, helping me cope and navigate life. Listen to understand the significance of the "H" in Honmychest, representing hero, and how I'm now focusing on being my true self. Join me in this reflective and inspiring episode as I transition from relying on my persona to embracing my real identity.

In Episode 242 of Something Positive for Positive People, I reflect on a 10-day visit home and the challenge of balancing my current self with old perceptions. This trip brought empowering experiences that allowed me to revisit family, friendships, and my relationship with myself. Listen to hear about the growth and insights gained during this journey, and how it inspired me to develop new routines and incorporate journaling into my life back in Portland.

In Episode 241 of Something Positive for Positive People, Jessica Werner, an Ohio public health worker, shares her story of being terminated for advocating sex positivity. We discuss the challenges of censorship on social media, the political agendas shaping STD prevention, and the vital role of sex education in empowering individuals. Jessica's experience highlights the urgent need to support and uplift sex educators. Listen to learn more about her journey and the broader implications for sex education and public health.

In Episode 240 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame introduces the concept of 'Selfed,' building on ideas from the 'Manifesto' episode. This episode explores the uncoupling of identity from societal labels and associations, offering a transformative approach to the healing process. Tune in to gain insights into achieving a sense of wholeness and self-fulfillment beyond societal expectations. Courtney's words will guide you through understanding this profound concept.

In Episode 239 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame pauses regular herpes discussions to focus on the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a pivotal moment affecting human rights. This episode, originally intended as a journal entry, transforms into a manifesto exploring the silence of men and the necessity for masculine vulnerability to rebuild trust. Courtney shares his reflections on the shift within himself and the importance of reconnecting to the feminine for societal healing. Tune in to understand his profound insights during this critical time.

In Episode 238 of Something Positive for Positive People, Julian opens up about his struggles with addiction and the healing process he experienced within a supportive community. This episode uniquely emphasizes masculine vulnerability, showcasing how men can express their emotions and healing in diverse ways. Tune in to hear Julian's powerful story and gain insights into the significance of community in the recovery journey. Check out the podcast on love addiction mentioned in the episode: Love Addiction with Vic Mensa.

Alright ya’ll, it’s here. The podcast episode I’ve been hyping up that’s about to change the trajectory for people navigating a new herpes diagnosis! Jamie and I dive into what Sex Positive World offers and how it helps you reconnect with your sexuality in a supportive, inclusive community. This is the BEST thing I can do for our community right now, especially as I work on integrating sex positivity into healthcare. Check out the event, RSVP, and see if it’s for you.

Follow Jamie Cawelti at GivenConsent on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Patreon. Learn more about Sex Positive World at sexpositiveworld.org

This episode is about perspective. I draw a six on the ground in front of you and you see a nine. This process of perspective led to a healing experience with my parents, which you'll hear about here. I've run Something Positive for Positive People for over five years, and it's been a non-profit for over three of those years. Recently, I faced mixed emotions about paying myself from funds allocated by the Oregon Health Authority.

The struggle stemmed from my identity of being someone who doesn’t need anything from others but who others need. I realized that I infinitely give with ease but face significant discomfort with receiving. This episode explores my journey of breaking through this resistance, seeking validation from my parents, and discovering my worth.

No longer guessing how my parents see me allowed me to see myself clearly for the first time. Join me as I share this transformative experience and learn the importance of asking for what you need and knowing you are worthy of receiving.

There’s a difference between having needs and being needy. Asking for what you need is often synonymous with begging, and no one wants to be a beggar. This episode offers an opportunity to reframe how we view having needs and people’s reactions to us asking for what we need. Neediness is often trying to get our needs met from others without directly asking, while having needs is just an observation.

How people respond to our needs request is not a rejection or reflection of us, but a reflection of their boundaries. We might feel uncomfortable asking for what we need because we’re so used to meeting the needs of others. Let's practice asking for what we need where it feels safe, or we can take a higher-stakes approach by directly requesting from someone who has historically let us down without being attached to their response.

I share moments where I expected rejection but felt relief after asking for my needs to be met. Join me in being intentional about identifying and requesting our needs.

The shorter the podcast episode title, the bigger the message. This is another solo episode with a real emphasis on our narratives. The unfinished business we have with our primary caregivers who nurtured us gave us experiences that allowed us to form a narrative around. This narrative becomes our beliefs.

Challenging our beliefs, we begin to grieve that version of ourselves that held those narratives as true to our identities. I had an interesting experience with grief in last night's Yen Yoga class where I hyped myself up and received my own validation, however, there was a major resistance to it because in order to receive, I'd have to accept a truth that I was conditioned to reject about myself. This is an episode that absolutely reflects healing if you're up for it, or at the very least, it'll plant the seed for you because you won't be able to just unsee whatever this reflects to you. Enjoy!

In Episode 233, we delve into the importance of prioritizing our relationship with ourselves. Over five years with SPFPP, I've learned that non-sexual relationships allow us to be our true selves, unlike relationships where we "take" and "give" from a place of scarcity. Through therapy, I realized that healthy, secure relationships thrive on mutual self-care and boundaries, allowing for an abundant exchange of energy. Listen as I share my journey of self-discovery and how it has shaped my understanding of authentic connections.

In Episode 232, we explore how identifying emotional triggers in dating can reveal deeper patterns tied to past experiences. Using personal lows as examples, I discuss the avoidance of rejection, the impact of my identity as the Founder of Something Positive for Positive People, and what dating looks like if herpes wasn't a factor. Listen in for insights on overcoming dating challenges and fostering genuine connections.

In Episode 231, we explore the importance of meeting ambivalence with intentionality, building on our previous discussion on athletics and coaching. This self-help focused episode emphasizes self-awareness and personal growth. If you resonate with the insights shared, feel free to reach out for coaching support from Clarice.

In Episode 230, we wrap up our deep dive into the illusion of choice, focusing on how our experiences as former athletes shape our decisions and the navigation of herpes. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone making decisions, emphasizing how we unconsciously seek the familiar. Enjoy this unexpected yet necessary journey with us.

Join us in Episode 229 of the SPFPP Podcast as Chuck Copenspire delves into the complexities of identity, consent, and herpes disclosure. From their experience as a former queer life coach to creating inclusive corporate environments, Chuck shares insights on combining skill sets of sex work, trauma-informed care, accessibility, and neurodivergence. Discover the importance of shadow work, the power dynamics in BDSM, and the challenges of navigating herpes disclosure. Chuck also opens up about solo parenting, the impact of rejection, and their mission to help others find belonging and acceptance. Tune in for an empowering conversation that encourages curiosity and self-discovery.

In Episode 225 of the SPFPP Podcast, we are joined by Lena and Olivia from Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette in Portland, Oregon, for a conversation about destigmatizing sexual health communication. This enlightening discussion taught me that appointments at healthcare facilities can be used not just for treatment, but also for education. Lena and Olivia provide valuable insights into how patients can utilize Planned Parenthood services effectively.

The more we engage in dialogue about stigmatized topics, the less stigmatized they become. By promoting education and communication, we can inspire allyship within our communities—among sexual partners, peers, friends, families, healthcare providers, and media personalities. This sense of allyship supports the dissolution of internalized stigma, encouraging open conversations about sexual health and fostering a supportive environment.