In Episode 250 of Something Positive for Positive People, Kevin shares his journey of connection and vulnerability, emphasizing the power of living authentically without labels. Before his herpes diagnosis, Kevin was sexually active with men, but his diagnosis brought about a significant shift in his interactions. What stands out in this episode is Kevin's approach to identity—he lets his existence speak for itself, avoiding the need for labels or explanations. Join us as we explore how embracing one's true self can minimize the need for explanations and foster deeper connections.

In Episode 249 of Something Positive for Positive People, we emphasize the critical importance of donations in sustaining our mission to support individuals navigating herpes stigma. This episode highlights how contributions enable us to offer support groups, restorative yoga sessions, and educational resources, all aimed at challenging misconceptions and promoting stigma-free sex education and STD prevention. Tune in to learn how your support makes a significant impact in creating a more informed and compassionate community.

In Episode 248 of Something Positive for Positive People, I reflect on the need to put my ego aside and start running SPFPP like a business. Recognizing the impact we've had and comparing it to other organizations, I realize the importance of making transformative changes for the betterment of myself and our community. This episode delves into how these changes will challenge us all to remove obstacles and live the lives we choose. Tune in to learn more about the new direction of SPFPP and its positive impact on the community.

In Episode 247 of Something Positive for Positive People, Tricia, the founder of Safe Slut, joins us to share how her herpes diagnosis became a catalyst for empowerment. We explore how leaning into insecurities around sex, sexuality, and sluttiness helped her inspire tens of thousands of women. Our in-person recording session delves into the importance of platonic friendships, the prevalence of herpes in the porn industry, and Tricia's recent experiences with OnlyFans. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with positive energy and transformative insights. Find more details and support Safe Slut through the links in our show notes. Stay Slutty!

In Episode 248 of Something Positive for Positive People, we explore the transformative power of the sex-positive community with Jamie Cawelti, Executive Director of SexPositive World. Jamie shares how this space helps individuals living with herpes navigate their lives by identifying their needs, practicing consent, and building healthy relationships. We delve into the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and seeking support within a supportive community. This episode is a warm introduction to the benefits of sex positivity, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their overall quality of life. Connect with Jamie and explore the resources mentioned at www.sexpositiveworld.org and www.givenconsent.com.

In Episode 245 of Something Positive for Positive People, I share my experience with sex-positive STI testing at Pivot Health in Portland, Oregon. Join me as I get tested for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C (I recently tested for syphilis). This episode provides insights into the testing process and emphasizes the importance of regular STI testing. Tune in to learn more about maintaining sexual health and the supportive, non-judgmental approach of Pivot Health.

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 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.