Our minds cannot tell the difference between what is real and what’s imagined. Often what we imagine is way worse.

In Episode 35 of SPFPP, Tyrunne Johnson, STI Program Manager of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, shares valuable insights on free sexual wellness resources. Discover how local health departments provide free STI testing, condom distribution, and sexual health education. This episode emphasizes the importance of knowing your sexual health status and utilizing available resources to promote safer sex practices.

Nanette returns in Episode 34 Part 2 of SPFPP to discuss how group support led to the creation of ProjectAccept and the importance of social media interest groups for people with herpes. She emphasizes the impact of accurate information and how social support enables individuals to connect and be themselves in a safe environment. This episode highlights the importance of emotional and psychological gains from social support.

In Episode 34 Part 1 of SPFPP, Nanette Woods, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ProjectAccept, shares her journey with HSV-1 and HSV-2. She discusses her personal experiences, the stigma associated with herpes, and the importance of accurate information. Nanette's story highlights the difference in attitudes towards cold sores and genital herpes, emphasizing the need for consistent, accurate, and real education on the subject.

In Bonus Episode 05 of SPFPP, Courtney Brame reflects on his experiences telling people about his herpes diagnosis and the metaphor of "having your cake and eating it too." He explores how societal limits shaped his mindset and how shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance changed his interactions and self-perception. Courtney encourages listeners to consider how they would act if they didn't have to hide their herpes status and to embrace an abundance mindset.

In Episode 29, Part 2 of SPFPP, Lauren, a sexual abuse survivor, discusses how kink helps her regain control taken by her abuser. She highlights the power of knowing one's sexual health status and the importance of sex education. This episode emphasizes the value of having open, healthy conversations about sex to foster a positive mindset and behavior.

In Episode 29, Part 1 of SPFPP, Lauren shares her experience of contracting HSV after her first penetrative sexual encounter. Despite the stigma, Lauren found support quickly and maintains a positive perspective on her diagnosis. This episode challenges the misconception that herpes is only contracted through promiscuity.

In Episode 28 of SPFPP, Fleur from Australia shares her journey of contracting HSV-2 and taking two years off from sex to find herself. Her story highlights the value of self-acceptance, open communication, and polyamory. Through "mirroring," Fleur conveys confidence and honesty, allowing her partners to accept her despite the risk of herpes. Her experience demonstrates that self-love and responsibility are crucial for healthy relationships.

In Episode 27 of SPFPP, Reese shares her profound story of survival and self-discovery after a near-fatal car accident redirected her from a plan to end her life. Her experience underscores the importance of trusting one's intuition and addressing red flags in relationships. Reese's journey emphasizes that an STD diagnosis doesn't define one's life; rather, it's a call to explore deeper self-acceptance and growth. Listen to her brave story and find encouragement in her resilience.

In Episode 26 of SPFPP, Alexandra Harbushka, host of the "Life With Herpes" podcast, shares her inspiring journey of living with HSV-1 and HSV-2. She discusses breaking the stigma, reshaping self-image, and the importance of education and communication. Alexandra's story encourages listeners to embrace their identity beyond herpes and highlights her role as an educator and active voice in the herpes community.

In Episode 25 Part 2 of SPFPP, Dale shares their personal experiences as a non-binary, non-monogamous individual exploring various anatomies and the importance of open-mindedness. Dale discusses the concept of "negotiations" in intimate encounters, emphasizing the value of clear communication to eliminate assumptions and ensure consent. Follow Dale on Instagram @I_have_herpes for more sex education and herpes destigmatization content.

In Episode 25 Part 1 of SPFPP, titled "Eliminating Assumptions - Better Support," Dale shares their experience with contracting HSV after being with a partner who had HSV-1. The conversation delves into whether non-H partners truly understand the risks, and the importance of self-care and education to better support oneself and others. Dale's insights emphasize the need to challenge preconceived notions about herpes and focus on experience-based understanding.

In Episode 23 of SPFPP, "This is NOT Your Stigma," we hear from a local semi-celebrity who shares her journey with herpes. She emphasizes that the stigma associated with herpes belongs to the uninformed and uneducated, not those who have it. The episode discusses the transition from believing societal myths to understanding one's own experience, and the importance of educating others to dismantle the stigma.

In Episode 22 of SPFPP, "Sex Positive Families: Preparation Over Prevention," Melissa, host of the Sex Positive Families podcast, discusses how to have sexual health conversations with youth. Emphasizing preparation over prevention, Melissa shares insights on educating children about consent and sexual health. An important takeaway is how childhood experiences like tickling relate to understanding consent in adulthood.

In Episode 21 of SPFPP, "No Limits," 61-year-old Theresa, a retired nurse, shares her journey after being diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 following her husband's infidelity. She chose to be open about her status, focusing on activities she enjoyed and dating both within and outside the herpes community. Theresa's story emphasizes the importance of not letting the stigma define you and maintaining a positive outlook to find happiness.