With World AIDS Day around the corner, Maddy and Josef sit down to chat about what it really looks like to support a loved one diagnosed with HIV. You’ll hear powerful stories from family members, partners, and allies about connection, compassion, and reducing stigma and discrimination through everyday actions. 

This episode reminds us that listening to people’s stories and educating ourselves is one of the most powerful ways to reduce fear, challenge biases, and better understand the diverse human experience. 

This episode was recorded in November 2025  

Read transcript here             

Recommendations  

ACON 

World AIDS Day 

References  

Co-Culture Communications, Leah Maneama  

Education & Advocacy of Women Living with HIV from Positive Speakers Bureau & Clinical Sexual Health Nurse Naomi Hoffman 

Ending HIV 

It’s Time to End HIV Stigma: Think Positive ACON Campaign  

NSW HIV Strategy 2021-2025 

Thorne Harbour Health 

Emen8 

Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance 

Wollongong and Regions AIDS Memorial Addition Event Registration Form 

Candlelight Memorial  

Professor David Cooper 

Let’s Talk about HIV webinar with ACON 

HIV 101 webinar with ACON 

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) 

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) 

Credits     

Host: Maddy Stratten 

Guest: Josef Garrington, featuring the Think Positive ACON Campaign & Kaitlyn Middleton 

Producers: Maddy Stratten & Winnie Adamson  

Editing: Winnie Adamson  

Music: Little Pastries Instrumental (descript)   

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