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 311: Zero Proof Identity Crisis
In Episode 311, Laura from Zero Proof Nation shares her poignant journey with Something Positive for Positive People, from grappling with a herpes diagnosis post-assault to embracing her bisexual identity and sobriety. This episode delves into the deep emotional challenges and the broader discourse beyond a herpes diagnosis, shedding light on personal growth and vulnerability.

SPFPP 310: Challenging Your Triggers AND Mine
In Episode 310 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney delves into the crucial lessons learned about personal boundaries and self-care. This episode not only explores the journey of self-improvement but also highlights upcoming events such as the five-year anniversary virtual conference of SPFPP. Discover how setting firm boundaries can lead to personal and community growth, and learn how you can participate in enriching discussions and support groups dedicated to navigating herpes stigma.

SPFPP 309: Feeding Your Inner Child
Episode 309 of Something Positive for Positive People introduces us to Bette Minou, who shares her journey with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and her experience living as a pansexual individual in a polyamorous relationship. This episode goes beyond herpes to tackle various forms of stigma and how they intersect with personal and cultural identities. Join us for a profound discussion on nurturing our inner child and overcoming societal stigmas.

SPFPP 308: The Value of Our Needs
Join us in Episode 308 as Mila shares her recent herpes diagnosis and the evolution of her dating philosophy. This episode delves into the cultural and identity aspects of being a pansexual Mexican woman, discussing the complex dynamics of masculinity, femininity, and personal growth. Discover the importance of valuing your needs correctly and how this understanding can contribute positively to the community.

SPFPP 307: Trauma Informed Care is a Team Effort
In Episode 307, Chasity shares insights from her decade in pharmacy, focusing on the profound impact of leadership and teamwork in healthcare settings. Discover how trauma-informed care practices and better communication can transform patient experiences and reduce STI-related stigma. Join us as we discuss the potential for systemic change in healthcare that supports patients comprehensively, aiming to alleviate the mental health burdens associated with STI diagnoses.

SPFPP 306: Bias Ain't a Bad Word
In Episode 306, Shaina French discusses the complexities of healthcare, including the constraints of time and insurance, and the vital role of unbiased communication in enhancing patient care. This episode delves into how biases and identity compatibility influence healthcare delivery and the benefits of a team-based approach. Discover the importance of having open conversations about sexual health in medical settings, supported by Shaina's extensive experience as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Sex Counselor.

SPFPP 305: Communication is the Core of STI Minimization
Join us as we delve into the dynamics of stigma and communication within healthcare. A Planned Parenthood Nurse Practitioner shares her experiences and strategies for enhancing patient conversations, aiming to reduce stigma and foster open discussions about sexual health. This episode is crucial for anyone involved in healthcare or interested in sexual health advocacy.

SPFPP 304: The Truth of Stigma
Excerpt: In this insightful episode, we delve into how truth combats stigma, suggesting a strategic shift towards empowering educators and parents. By equipping them with the necessary tools to discuss sexual health openly, we can prevent the entrenchment of stigma in the next generation, paving the way for more informed and compassionate healthcare interactions.

SPFPP 303: How Doctors Don't Talk About Sex
Episode 303 explores the critical gap in sexual health communication between doctors and patients. Kimberly Resnick Anderson sheds light on the reasons behind healthcare providers' reluctance to discuss sex, revealing that time constraints are just the surface of deeper underlying issues. Join us as we delve into the importance of creating safe spaces for these vital conversations, aiming to enhance patient care and understanding.

SPFPP 302: The Prejudice of Stigma
In Episode 302, join host Courtney Brame as he embarks on a new journey of understanding healthcare providers' struggles with stigma in treating STIs. Featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Lourdes Mantecón-Garza, this episode is not just about sharing information but also about learning and growing together. Discover the complexities of stigma from a healthcare perspective and how it affects patient care and provider experiences.

SPFPP 301: The Absence of Presence
In Episode 301, discover Fran's transformative journey from being identified as a party girl to exploring deeper meanings in life and relationships after her herpes diagnosis. This episode sheds light on the elusive nature of presence in relationships, the misconceptions about attention and validation, and the real connection we all seek. Join us for an enlightening discussion that goes beyond the typical narratives of identity and intimacy.

SPFPP 300: The Dream of a Choice - Celebrating 6 Years of SPFPP
In this landmark 300th episode, Courtney Brame celebrates six years of Something Positive for Positive People by sharing profound insights and personal revelations. From starting as a platform to prevent suicide among those diagnosed with herpes, SPFPP has evolved into a leading sexual health communications resource, tackling stigma and empowering countless individuals. Dive into Courtney's personal journey and the evolution of his dream, where fear of success and failure gives way to embracing the true self.

SPFPP 299: How Do I Disclose My Herpes Status
In this insightful episode of SPFPP, Dr. Evelin Dacker explores the S.T.A.R.S. framework, offering a strategic approach to herpes disclosure and dating. Learn how to navigate conversations about safety, desires, boundaries, and STI status with confidence. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their dating life while managing herpes, aiming to establish stigma-free, meaningful connections.

SPFPP 298: Don't Spend Your Adulthood Healing Your Childhood
Episode 298 of SPFPP delves into "Sexless Sex Education," aiming to integrate real-life experiences into youth education for more effective STD prevention. This episode highlights the importance of providing leadership and direction to our youth, beyond just what not to do, to prevent them from seeking guidance in potentially harmful places. Discover how comprehensive education on consent, boundaries, and healthy relationship management can transform our approach to STD minimization and support youth in making informed decisions.

SPFPP 297: Double Whammy
In Episode 297, SPFPP explores the experiences of a young man newly diagnosed with HIV and HSV. Recorded just days after his diagnosis, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into the initial emotions and reactions that accompany such news. Our guest's mature approach to his identity, separate from his sexuality, provides a powerful narrative for listeners, especially those newly diagnosed or struggling with their health status. Join us to gain understanding and support through his story.

SPFPP 296: Pleasure Identity
Episode 296 of SPFPP brings a profound discussion on pleasure identity with Kit, exploring how herpes and other health conditions shape our engagement with pleasure beyond the physical. This episode unpacks the dynamics between sexual health and mental well-being, highlighting non-traditional forms of intimacy and connection that challenge and enrich our understanding of pleasure.

SPFPP 295: Don't Nobody Care About Herpes
Those of us who do care just need to get involved

SPFPP 294: You Are Who You Think I Am
In this enlightening episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Mike offers a powerful male perspective on herpes disclosure, influenced by a personal conflict that went public. He discusses his estrangement with his sister and how it led to unexpected public exposure. This episode isn't just about herpes; it's about understanding the real-life intersections of health, stigma, and family dynamics. Join us as we delve into these complex relationships and explore broader societal issues through personal stories.

SPFPP 293: An Intro to Selfed - Prioritize the Needs of the Spirit
In a profoundly personal episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Erika discusses her herpes diagnosis during her first pregnancy and its unexpected role in shaping her life and parenting. With candid insights into the challenges of single motherhood and the complexities of male relationships, this episode offers a raw look into the interplay of health, abuse, and family support. Listen as Erika reflects on new beginnings and the transformative power of open dialogues about mental health and personal growth.

SPFPP 292: Rejection is the Risk for the Reward of Connection
In a compelling session of Something Positive for Positive People, our guest recounts a deeply personal tale of deception and growth following her herpes diagnosis. From receiving hush money to navigating the complexities of trust and intimacy, she shares how these experiences have shaped her views on relationships and personal development. The episode beautifully blends spiritual wisdom with practical life lessons, urging listeners to reflect on the quality of their connections and the profound impact of living authentically.