In episode 358, The Power of Disclosing to a Friend, we dive into the evolving mission of Something Positive for Positive People—supporting people with herpes to a place of openness where they can share their status with someone close to them. Courtney unpacks common fears around judgment and stigma and highlights the validation and relief that come from trusted connections. Through personal stories and actionable insights, we discuss how vulnerability in sharing our diagnosis can lead to...

In this episode, I connect with Aubri Lancaster of Ace Sex Education to discuss the lessons that the herpes community can take from the asexual community. We dive into how expanding our view of pleasure beyond intercourse can open up new ways to experience connection and satisfaction. Aubri helps us understand key concepts like graysexuality, the spectrum of attraction, and how de-centering sex can lead to a more present and fulfilling experience in relationships. Whether or not you're ace,...

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, I get personal about my experience with Yoga Therapy after being diagnosed with herpes. We go into what Yoga Therapy is, how it’s different from traditional therapy, and why it’s such a game-changer for managing the emotional and physical toll that comes with living with herpes. I also talk about the role of emotional wellness, and how yoga practices can help with stress, identifying triggers, and improving overall well-being. If...

In this episode of SPFPP, I sit down with Jason LeBeck, a 22-year-old who's been through the wringer after contracting herpes while living in Taiwan. Jason opens up about getting kicked out of his home and church because of his diagnosis, and how he faced some serious stigma, especially in Asia. We dive into his experiences with casual dating, the struggle for real connection, and how his diagnosis pushed him to rethink what intimacy really means. Jason also talks about how his faith has...

In episode 354 of SPFPP, I’m sitting down with Drew Rabidoux, a licensed clinical social worker who’s made it her mission to support women living with herpes. We’re diving deep into the heavy stuff today—the intersection of herpes diagnoses and mental health, particularly how it can lead to suicidal thoughts. Drew brings her experience working with clients who feel blindsided by a herpes diagnosis, even after taking all the right precautions, and we discuss how crucial the power of choice and...

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), we dive deep into redefining sex positivity with Sol, a Black woman navigating herpes stigma, casual dating, and sexual exploration. Sol shares her journey of breaking away from vanilla sex expectations, growing up in a religious household, and finally finding her voice in the sex-positive community. She talks about how past partners pushed her toward one-sided sex, where she never felt truly heard. From unfulfilling...

In episode 352 of SPFPP, I sit down with Aaron Thomas, a 26-year-old Black man from Pittsburgh, PA, who shares his powerful journey of navigating life with herpes. Diagnosed five years ago with both HSV1 and HSV2, Aaron dives deep into the complex intersection of race, masculinity, and sexual health in the Black community. From the hypermasculine messages he received growing up to the challenges of reclaiming his identity as a Black man living with herpes, Aaron’s story is a raw and honest...

In episode 351 of SPFPP, I’m joined by Mel Moseley, a powerhouse in the world of sex positivity with a mission to reshape how we talk about sexuality. Diagnosed with HSV2 at 18 and navigating the trauma of an assault, Mel’s journey led her to a deeper understanding of what sex positivity really means. We dive into the overlooked aspects of sex positivity—how it’s often mistaken for just intercourse positivity—and explore the critical communication tools that go beyond the bedroom. Mel shares...

In this episode of SPFPP, we continue our discussion on what nonmonogamy can teach those practicing monogamy. Our guest reflects on how nonmonogamous relationships gave her permission to explore being single and reshaped her approach to emotional availability and intentionality in her relationships. We also discuss how having clear communication and aligned values became key takeaways that improved her monogamous connections. This conversation is part of an ongoing series exploring how...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of relationships, focusing on conversations monogamous people need to be having—conversations often expected in non-monogamous relationships. Joined by a fellow herpes advocate, we explore topics such as ghosting, age differences, manipulation, and the impact of stigma on our self-esteem. We discuss the fear of disclosure, the importance of accountability, and how unhealthy relationships can sometimes divert our attention from what truly...

The big question is “Can you sue someone for giving you herpes?”. Well, some considerations are first can you prove it? Then was it reckless and knowingly done? Our guest, Puerto Rican New Yorker, Destiny Maria, Author of the memoir, It Started with a Green Dress joins us to share the motivation for taking legal action against someone who knowingly gave her herpes. She shares the story of her herpes diagnosis, legal battle and the healing process from the heartbreak and betrayal of a friends...

In SPFPP Episode 347: Who's Rejecting You?, we dive into the journey of a 37-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., who shares the emotional parallels between the grief of her marriage's end, the excitement of newfound sexual freedom, and the life-changing moment she was diagnosed with herpes. Together, we explore the complexities of dating with herpes, highlighting how dating itself can be challenging, with or without an STI. Our discussion also unpacks the concept of rejection, emphasizing...

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), Lauren and I dive into the multifaceted world of herpes support and advocacy. As we share our experiences, we highlight the unique challenges we face, including the disparity in perceived value between paid and free resources. Many people, unfortunately, take out their frustrations on volunteers who provide free support, not realizing the immense dedication and effort involved. We also discuss the crucial steps needed to move...

Sex education vs intercourse education AKA abstinence based sexual education vs. Comprehensive sexual education:What is the real purpose and value of comprehensive sexual education?How does the lack of understanding and access to information aid in the spread of misinformation and stigmatization seen on social media in response to sex/ STI positive content?Sex educator Tara Ransleben (@TR_Sexuality) shares her experience of growing up with oral HSV 1 and learning about it in her adult years....

Allie runs an organization called Beyond Herpes dedicated to empowering women through the herpes stigma. Allie and Courtney connect and discuss what it’s like to run organizations dedicated to educating, advocating and empowering those diagnosed with herpes and the struggles small organization face trying to bridge large gaps.Allie shares her story of contracting genital HSV during the first month of being sexually active and how that affected her mental and spiritually.Allie and Courtney...

Ya’ll know how much we value consistency at Something Positive for Positive People. My previously recorded podcast for this week want able to be edited in time so Dakota and I, (@getrealwithdakota on Instagram) had a lil’ impromptu recording on the drive to my first beach trip on the East Coast! Something she and I have overlap on in our work is rejection. Her coaching clients deal with a lot of similar experiences the people I support through herpes stigma do, so with our experiences...

Perception is reality. Rich Mancuso, author of "Asking for a Friend", rejoins SPFPP for an overdue discussion about the various perceptions of herpes . . . among people with herpes. Rate, review and share this podcast in order for those who need these resources to be able to access them quickly. I'm on social media @CourtneyBrame Stay Positive!

Dr. Laurie Betito sticks around to demonstrate a mock therapy session with me. You can get a glimpse of what a therapy session would look like in this short episode for someone looking to address the trauma of a new STI diagnosis. About Dr. Laurie: Noted broadcaster, author, therapist, speaker and creator of two TEDx Talks, Dr. Laurie Betito has been serving listeners with relationship and life advice for over two decades. She is a syndicated broadcaster, covering all topics related to...

Without going into too much detail, I found out that one of the most viewed websites in the world has a sexual health resource available. Introduction to the Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center from Dr. Laurie Betito: https://youtu.be/WkHK9bddMEg Noted broadcaster, author, therapist, speaker and creator of two TEDx Talks, Dr. Laurie Betito has been serving listeners with relationship and life advice for over two decades. She is a syndicated broadcaster, covering all topics related to love, sex...

Georgia Bulldog Derek Canas was diagnosed with AIDS at age 15 years old. After a blood transfusion as an infant, years of untreated HIV led to his unique medical chart landing in a classroom for medical students. Coincidently, this led to the discovery that a series of unexplainable medical issues, one of the students pointed out that he was not once tested for HIV. One thing we can learn from Derek who's been living the next 17 years of his life after his diagnosis in overtime is to...

New York based Psychotherapist, Melissa King, LMHC talks to us about recognizing our own behavior patterns from an objective view. Melissa also shares her very interesting journey after going 8 years believing she was in HSV+ only to find out later that the results from her IGM test were inaccurate! Melissa shares some amazing insights from her experience including methods on how to deal with a new herpes diagnosis. Melissa can be found at www.myheartdances.com Melissa is also on Twitter...

Ignite Intimacy podcast host, Laura Aiisha joins us to talk about her personal coming out to her audience sharing her herpes experience with The 'H' Opportunity's Adrial featured as a guest.  Laura hosts the podcast, Ignite Intimacy, a podcast about sex, intimacy and romantic relationships. For more information about Laura, visit: http://lauraaiisha.com/ignite-intimacy-podcast/ be sure to check out episode 81 we did together. Laura can also be...

Many people diagnosed with an STI struggle to find an understanding partner in a world where your next relationship, hook-up, or divorce is just a finger swipe away, but you know who else does? EVERYBODY who's dating period. 21 year old Maggie who identifies as bisexual and polyamorous teaches us a thing or two from her dating experience both prior to and post-HSV1 diagnosis. While Maggie is open to experiencing the best of both I mean two worlds (we fully acknowledge there are more than two...

All signs pointed to a solo episode being released today. The Universe/God/Life will always challenge you to prove you are who you say you are and ultimately you surrender to that and live your truth or you suffer with resistance by living out an untruth. Today was a challenge for me and this podcast was a proactive response to the Universe that I am. Recognition of the sameness in us all makes for a much more peaceful life. You wouldn't consciously hate yourself, you love yourself and when...