Keep on Loving: The Podcast

Your body is not a sin. In this episode of “Keep On Loving the Podcast”, host Mystkue Woods and co-host Harlan Shaw sit down with Rev. Alexandre Da Silva Souto for a powerful conversation on the intersections of faith, sexuality, shame, and HIV stigma

Rev. Souto shares their journey as a minister, reflecting on how religious traditions have often been used to control bodies and perpetuate purity culture — leaving many people struggling with toxic relationships to their sexuality. The discussion explores the roles of colonialism, patriarchy, and stigma in shaping these narratives, while also offering pathways toward self-compassion, joy, and liberation.

Together, they highlight the importance of health providers acknowledging spiritual beliefs in care, how faith leaders can model healthier conversations about sex and embodiment, and why community support is essential for those navigating HIV.

This episode calls for reclaiming spirituality as a source of healing — one that embraces the fullness of body, mind, and spirit.

In this episode of “Keep On Loving the Podcast”, host Mystkue Woods is joined by sex educator and relationship coach Dakota for a candid, stigma-busting conversation on anal sex.

From breaking down myths (“it always hurts” or “it’s only for certain people”) to highlighting pleasure, safety, and preparation, Mystkue and Dakota share insights on how to explore anal play with confidence and care. They cover everything from lube and toys to relaxation techniques, anatomy, and the emotional components that often get overlooked.

The conversation also digs into cultural attitudes, stigma, and how educators can help people reframe anal sex as a healthy, pleasurable, and valid part of sexual expression. Whether you’re curious, experienced, or simply want better sex ed resources, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest dialogue.

In this episode of “Keep On Loving the Podcast”, host Mystkue Woods sits down with Diamond, Rosko, and Naiymah to unpack the meaning of Zero HIV Stigma Day and what it looks like in practice.

The guests share their lived experiences navigating ignorance, stereotypes, and harmful language around HIV — and emphasize why education, empathy, and honesty are crucial to dismantling stigma. They speak openly about challenges within families, communities, politics, and media, while also highlighting the role of grassroots organizations doing essential work on the ground in Philadelphia.

From promoting safer sex practices in nightlife and kink spaces to breaking down misinformation on social media, this powerful conversation underscores how love, compassion, and community care can create safer, stigma-free spaces for everyone.

In this episode of Keep On Loving the Podcast, host Mystkue Woods is joined by Lyric Kleber, Toni McFadden, and Andrea Lamour-Harrington from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of HIV Health.

Together, they dive into the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project — a CDC-funded effort that collects data from communities most at risk of HIV. The guests share candid experiences from the field: capturing voices from trans women whose stories now live on, breaking down the stigma around participation, and emphasizing why confidentiality and representation matter.

This conversation highlights how HIV surveillance isn’t just about data — it’s about people, trust, and equity. From building provider partnerships to ensuring culturally competent outreach, the team explains how their work informs policy, strengthens prevention, and improves care across Philadelphia.

In this episode of “Keep On Loving the Podcast”, host Mystkue Woods welcomes Dr. Tracy Gilbert, sexuality educator and co-editor of a groundbreaking new academic reader on sex education. Together, they explore the fundamental concepts shaping modern sex ed—intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and community-based learning.

Dr. Gilbert highlights how sex education is woven into every aspect of life, the importance of removing stigma, and why intersectional, person-centered practice is critical for effective care. From addressing STI stigma to rethinking how providers engage with clients, this conversation challenges traditional norms and calls for more inclusive, compassionate approaches to sexual health.

Listeners will also hear insights on cultural humility, politics of sex education, and strategies to better equip educators and communities to support one another despite systemic barriers.

This inspiring dialogue reminds us that good sex ed is resilient, grounded in lived experiences, and essential to building healthier futures.

In this episode of "Keep On Loving the Podcast," host Mystkue Woods is joined by Sigfried Aragona, Prevention Clinical Associate for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Together, they discuss the importance of Zero HIV Stigma Day, a global campaign dedicated to reducing discrimination and uplifting those affected by HIV.

Sigfried also introduces Prevention Pioneers—a new initiative celebrating providers, teams, and organizations leading the way in HIV prevention across Philadelphia. From oral and injectable PrEP to syndromic screening and perinatal care, this inspiring conversation highlights how communities are breaking down stigma, expanding access, and recognizing those making a difference

In this episode of "Keep On Loving the Podcast," host Mystkue Woods is joined by guests Denelle Larkin, Rosko Scott, and Kevin Mines for a powerful and uplifting conversation about joy as a form of healing and resistance. Together, they reflect on what it means to live loudly with HIV or any terminal illness, sharing personal stories of resilience, acceptance, and the importance of community support.

From redefining what healing looks like, to challenging societal norms, to embracing rest and creativity as acts of joy, this candid discussion highlights how joy and grief can coexist—and how choosing joy can be a radical step toward wholeness and empowerment.