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 337: Inside the SPFPP Herpes Stigma Conference - Recap & Insights
Join us for the SPFPP Virtual Conference recording, where experts discuss healthcare stigma, the psychological impact of herpes, and strategies for stigma minimization in education. Get exclusive access to data from the 2023-2024 herpes stigma survey and learn how to better support those affected. Purchase the recording today and bring SPFPP workshops to your organization.

SPFPP 336: Disclosing for a lover
Navigating disclosure in non-monogamous relationships can be particularly challenging when it involves sensitive health information like a herpes diagnosis. Episode 336 of Something Positive for Positive People, "Disclosing for a Lover," offers a deep dive into how individuals can approach these conversations ethically. Learn from the shared experiences and practical tips on how to maintain confidentiality and integrity while fostering honest and open relationships.

SPFPP 335: Who Gave me herpes?
In Episode 335, Courtney Warren Brame tackles the often asked but challenging question, "Who gave me herpes?" This episode provides a deep dive into the psychological journey of finding answers, the inherent risks in relationships, and the pursuit of emotional well-being. Courtney offers a compassionate look at the stigma, encouraging listeners to focus on self-awareness and emotional processing rather than blame.

SPFPP 334: Common Unity is the goal
In Episode 334, Courtney Brame delves into the essence of creating community through shared experiences with herpes. He candidly shares his vision for Something Positive for Positive People, emphasizing the importance of real-world connections and community-driven events that go beyond just social media interaction and podcast discussions. Tune in to understand how unity and support can transform the herpes living experience.

SPFPP 333: Help Me Help us
Episode 333 of Something Positive for Positive People features Courtney Brame making a compelling call to action: help us help you by facilitating connections between health educators and SPFPP's extensive resources. This episode emphasizes the transformative potential of informed, stigma-minimizing communication and education provided by those who know the reality of living with herpes. Listen as Courtney discusses how equipping professionals with real experiences and proven strategies can drastically improve how they engage with and support their patients.

SPFPP 332: Letting Go of Fear of Success
In Episode 332, Courtney Brame confronts his fear of success, sharing the emotional barriers that hinder progress. As he seeks funding for SPFPP, he relates his fears to the herpes stigma, emphasizing the importance of emotional release for personal growth. Join Courtney as he reveals how maintaining his connection to the community shapes his leadership and advocacy, providing insights that encourage listeners to embrace their fears and transform them into stepping stones for success.

SPFPP 331: Moving on up to the east side
In Episode 331, Courtney Brame discusses his temporary departure from regular podcasting to explore funding avenues for SPFPP, and his subsequent realization of what truly matters to the community and himself. As he prepares to move to the East Coast, Courtney reaffirms his dedication to the podcast as a crucial spiritual and truth-seeking practice. Join him as he shares insights from this period of reflection and his renewed commitment to moving forward with intention.

SPFPP 330: Support Calls, Yoga, Conferences, Workshops, Podcasts, Newsletter, Research, & More OH MY
In this special edition of the SPFPP podcast, we explore the extensive range of services provided by Something Positive for Positive People. Delve into our tailored support calls, therapeutic yoga sessions, educational conferences, engaging workshops, and insightful podcasts. This episode invites you to understand the depth of resources available for individuals affected by herpes and STIs, highlighting how SPFPP fosters healing, education, and community empowerment. Join us to learn how each aspect of SPFPP supports a journey toward greater understanding and stigma reduction in sexual health.

SPFPP 329: Welcome to Something Positive for positive people
In this transformative episode of Something Positive for Positive People, we explore the core of our nonprofit organization, showcasing the evolution from focusing on suicide prevention within the herpes community to a broader scope of mental and sexual wellness. Episode 329, "Welcome to Something Positive for Positive People," offers a detailed look at the diverse initiatives and programs that have shaped our mission. We invite listeners and potential sponsors to understand our influence in the herpes and broader sexual health community, highlighting our commitment to enhancing mental health, promoting sexual wellness, and fostering meaningful community engagement. Join us as we discuss the opportunities for collaboration with sponsors and partners in sectors like yoga, mental health, and sexual wellness, aiming to further our reach and impact.

SPFPP 328: Nonmonogamy made me monogamous
In Episode 328, "Nonmonogamy Made Me Monogamous," join Casey's enlightening journey from non-monogamous explorations to embracing a committed monogamous relationship. Diagnosed with herpes, Casey's narrative unfolds how this diagnosis influenced their relationship dynamics, challenging traditional views on partnership and possessiveness. Through candid discussions, learn how Casey's move from the East Coast to Portland not only aligned with their environmental values but also led to profound realizations about love and self-discovery in the face of stigma.

SPFPP 327: Fulfillment in Faith
In episode 327, "Fulfillment in Faith," of the Something Positive for Positive People podcast, we are joined by Stefanie Woolsey, a nurse with 20 years of living with herpes and a beacon of hope and healing for women facing similar journeys. Stefanie shares her transformative experience of turning to God following her diagnosis, a journey that not only led her to align her actions with her faith but also to the love of her life. Beyond her personal story, Stefanie offers invaluable support through zoom calls for women grappling with herpes, touching on deeply personal topics such as coping with the initial despair and finding strength in faith. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of finding fulfillment and love, regardless of one's religious beliefs, by holding faith in a positive outcome and taking steps that resonate with that belief.

SPFPP 326: Herpes is a Life sentence
In "Herpes Is a Life Sentence," Episode 326 of Something Positive for Positive People, witness Karly’s incredible journey of resilience. Diagnosed with genital HSV-2 in June 2023, Karly transformed her life from despair to advocacy, finding strength in the support of her community. This episode dives deep into her personal story, exploring the emotional impact of her diagnosis and how it propelled her into activism. Listen as Karly challenges the stigma surrounding herpes, offering a fresh perspective on living and thriving with HSV.

SPFPP 325: Discordant dating with herpes
In "Discordant Dating with Herpes," Episode 325 of Something Positive for Positive People, delve into the nuances of relationships where one partner is HSV positive. The episode highlights a 2021 survey finding that 62% of HSV-positive individuals have non-positive partners willing to engage sexually post-disclosure. Explore essential questions and considerations for navigating such relationships, aiming to foster openness and informed decision-making in the realm of dating with herpes. Join us as we break down stigma and enhance dialogue around discordant dating.

SPFPP 324: Overcoming Herpes Stigma in the Black Community
In "Overcoming Herpes Stigma in the Black Community," Belize Spivey sheds light on the unique challenges faced within the community. This episode delves into the roots of stigma, its impact on relationships, and how education and communication can dismantle misconceptions, offering a powerful narrative of empowerment and change. Join us to gain a deeper understanding and to support the journey toward a stigma-free dialogue in the Black community.

SPFPP 323: When I Get That Feeling, I Need Relational Healing
In "When I Get That Feeling, I Need Relational Healing," we explore the transformative power of accountability in relationships, particularly when navigating the stigma of herpes. This episode revisits the core essence of SPFPP, emphasizing how embracing our fears and vulnerabilities can lead to profound healing and stronger connections. Join us as we unpack the dynamics of relationships and herpes, offering insights that go beyond the fear of rejection.

SPFPP 322: The SPFPP Conference
Episode 322 of Something Positive for Positive People presents an invaluable recap of our groundbreaking Virtual Herpes Stigma Conference. Gain insights from health professionals and educators on minimizing herpes stigma in healthcare and education, enhancing patient support, and implementing effective stigma-reduction strategies. Don’t miss the expert analysis and community-driven approaches detailed in this essential episode.

SPFPP 321: 3-2-1 Happy New Year
In this celebratory episode, Courtney reflects on the successes of 2023 and outlines what to expect from SPFPP in 2024. From exclusive membership benefits to expanding our educational and therapeutic offerings, find out how we're gearing up to provide even greater support for our community. Plus, learn how you can get involved and help propel our mission forward in the new year. Join our journey to make a significant impact on sexual health and stigma reduction.

SPFPP 320: The Other Side of Healing
In this revealing episode, Courtney delves into a personal health scare that prompted significant life reflections and a shift towards intentional living. He discusses how this experience reaffirmed his commitment to personal wellness and his dedication to leading SPFPP. Listen as Courtney shares insights on transitioning into full-time advocacy work, supporting others navigating herpes stigma, and planning future community events, including an inclusive panel on safe and stigma-free play parties.

SPFPP 319: Deal with it to Heal with it - with Jolene Hernandez
In this empowering episode, Courtney Brame teams up with Jolene Hernandez, producer of "No Shame in This Game," to discuss the transformative power of openly confronting herpes stigma. Jolene shares her experience wearing a sign inviting questions about her herpes status, challenging societal norms and sparking dialogues for change. Tune in to hear about their journey to acceptance and the impact of living boldly with herpes.

SPFPP 318: You Don't Need a License to Heal
In this informative episode of SPFPP, explore the direct impact of your donations on our fight against herpes stigma. Learn about our ongoing research efforts and how you can stay informed through our dedicated newsletter. Your support makes a real difference in breaking down barriers and promoting understanding. Join us at www.spfpp.org/data to see how we're using data to drive change.