Welcome to the SPFPP Herpes Podcast

Something Positive for Positive People Podcast: Now Live Monthly!

The Something Positive for Positive People podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the stigma associated with STDs/STIs, including herpes, HIV, and HPV. We believe in the power of open conversations, real stories, and expert insights to build a supportive community for everyone affected by these conditions.

Starting in November, the podcast is going live! Join us on the last Tuesday of every month at 8pm Eastern Time for an interactive experience where you can engage with the stories, topics, and experts that matter most to you.

What You'll Find Here

  • Real Stories: Hear personal experiences from individuals who’ve navigated life with an STD. Their raw, authentic journeys offer valuable lessons and inspiration.

  • Expert Insights: Learn from healthcare professionals, therapists, and relationship experts who share actionable advice on managing your health, relationships, and mental well-being.

  • Supportive Community: Connect with others who understand your experiences. Whether listening live or catching the replay, you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported.

Key Topics Covered

  • Dating with Herpes: Practical tips for disclosing your status and building healthy, honest relationships.

  • Mental Health: Strategies to cope with the emotional challenges of an STD diagnosis.

  • Self-Care: Insights on nurturing your physical and emotional health.

  • Breaking the Stigma: Empowering conversations that challenge societal norms and encourage acceptance.us for the live show on the last Tuesday of every month at

Be part of the conversation that’s changing how we talk about STDs. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow with the SPFPP community. Join our monthly newsletter and check the events page to learn how to attend live!


How to Use Our Search Bar

Looking for specific topics? Use our search bar to find episodes that cover the subjects most relevant to you. Simply type in keywords like "disclosure," "self-care," "mental health," or "relationship advice" to access episodes that offer the insights and support you need.

Join Our Community

Our podcast isn't just about listening—it's about connecting. Join our community of listeners who are navigating similar experiences. Share your stories, ask questions, and find the support you need.


If you would like to be a guest on the podcast to share your dating, relationship, and experience navigating stigma, please fill out the intake form below.

SPFPP 323: When I Get That Feeling, I Need Relational Healing
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 322: The SPFPP Conference
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 321: 3-2-1 Happy New Year
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 320: The Other Side of Healing
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 319: Deal with it to Heal with it - with Jolene Hernandez
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 318: You Don't Need a License to Heal
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 317: What You Have is What You Want
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 317: What You Have is What You Want

In this revealing episode of SPFPP, Courtney shares a personal narrative about meeting a version of himself in someone else and the insecurities that surfaced. He discusses the pressures that can distort our presence and how taking inventory of our relationships and choices helps us understand what we truly want. Tune in to explore how being intentional with our desires and fears can transform our experiences and lead us towards genuine self-improvement.

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SPFPP 316: Life is About What Happens Through You Not to You
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 316: Life is About What Happens Through You Not to You

In this heartfelt episode of SPFPP, Courtney marks a milestone birthday with a powerful exploration of grief, love, and healing. He shares an intimate tribute to his grandmother, whose unconditional love helped shape his journey, and discusses the profound sense of change after releasing deep-seated grief. Join Courtney as he scatters these emotional ashes across the digital waves, celebrating the philosophy that life is shaped by what flows through us, not merely by what happens to us.

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SPFPP 315: Coming Out the Closet of Obliviousness
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 315: Coming Out the Closet of Obliviousness

In a deeply personal and transparent episode, Courtney delves into a week filled with challenges and personal revelations. From confronting harassment to reevaluating how he interacts with others, this episode of Something Positive for Positive People is a journey through the intricacies of personal boundaries and self-awareness. Listen as Courtney shares his story of letting go of past hurts and setting firmer boundaries, offering insights that resonate with anyone facing similar issues.

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SPFPP 314: Disclosing to Your Polycule
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 314: Disclosing to Your Polycule

In this enlightening episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney is joined by a guest named Tuesday, who shares her journey of disclosing her herpes diagnosis within her non-monogamous relationships. Together, they discuss the emotional and practical aspects of navigating disclosures to multiple partners, the importance of acceptance, and how to maintain one's sense of self-worth amidst such personal challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how to approach sensitive disclosures in relationships that defy traditional norms, providing a refreshing perspective on identity and acceptance in the context of sexual health.

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SPFPP 313: Luck of the Irish
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 313: Luck of the Irish

Join us in episode 313 of SPFPP as we explore the impactful story of a young Irish traveler navigating life with herpes. His candid discussion sheds light on the power of supportive relationships in facing health challenges and destigmatizing conditions like herpes. This episode serves as a bridge for connections and understanding, particularly among Irish listeners and beyond.

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SPFPP 312: Kink as a Treatment for Trauma with Marla Stewart
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

SPFPP 312: Kink as a Treatment for Trauma with Marla Stewart

In this insightful episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Marla Stewart, a seasoned sexologist, delves into the therapeutic aspects of kink, discussing its role in navigating trauma and enhancing intimacy. Tune in to hear how Marla integrates her extensive experience into powerful discussions on pleasure, safety, and personal healing through kink.

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SPFPP 311: Zero Proof Identity Crisis
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 310: Challenging Your Triggers AND Mine
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 309: Feeding Your Inner Child
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 308: The Value of Our Needs
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 307: Trauma Informed Care is a Team Effort
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 306: Bias Ain't a Bad Word
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 305: Communication is the Core of STI Minimization
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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SPFPP 304: The Truth of Stigma
Courtney Brame Courtney Brame

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.

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