This episode is an unfiltered look at what happens when you hit a wall. I’ve been grieving, burned out, and realizing just how much I’ve neglected my own needs. In this solo episode, I share my journey of recognizing burnout, learning to set boundaries, and making the decision to take a step back to refocus on what really matters.

I talk about canceling an event due to low turnout, how that decision made me reassess my priorities, and the importance of environment in healing. I also reflect on lessons from my Yoga Therapy training and personal experiences that are helping me navigate grief in a healthier way.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, drained, or like you’re constantly running on empty, this episode is for you. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause and allow yourself to recalibrate.

Courtney Brame returns to the SPFPP podcast with an exciting update—his first-ever in-person clinician training simulation focused on minimizing herpes stigma in medical settings. He shares behind-the-scenes insights on the simulation’s impact, lessons learned, and his vision for expanding this initiative nationwide. This episode also explores themes of self-expression, boundary-setting, and the importance of building stigma-free communities. Tune in for an honest reflection on personal and professional growth, upcoming events, and how you can support the movement for better herpes education.

Visit spfpp.org/training for more information!

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, I sit down with Holly Estrada, a sex worker and advocate for destigmatization, to explore her journey through relationships and personal growth. Holly shares how she transitioned from polyamory to emotional monogamy, tackled the stigma surrounding herpes in the sex work industry, and learned to embrace true vulnerability in her life.

We dive deep into what it means to create supportive relationships, navigate autonomy and boundaries, and grow from past experiences. Whether you're curious about non-monogamy, emotional availability, or the intersection of sex work and intimacy, this conversation offers powerful insights and relatable stories.

Quotes: QuotesOn Vulnerability and Emotional Availability

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame speaks with Melissa, a Yoga Therapy client, about her journey of emotional and spiritual healing after a herpes diagnosis. Melissa shares how the therapeutic practices of journaling, breathwork, and the Koshas helped her process shame and find peace. Tune in to learn how Yoga Therapy can transform your approach to healing.

In this episode of Something Positive for Positive People, also known as the herpes podcast, I cut through the noise surrounding herpes transmission rates, particularly female-to-male rates, and get real about what those numbers actually mean to us. Drawing from my experience hosting over 350 in-depth podcast interviews, I share why the stats often miss the bigger picture and why focusing on numbers alone doesn’t help when it comes to navigating relationships with herpes. Let’s talk about communication, setting realistic expectations, and finding support. If you’ve ever Googled transmission rates looking for clarity, this one’s for you.

Alright y’all, this episode marks a bit of a shift for SPFPP. For years, we’ve focused on dating with herpes—what it looks like, how to navigate it—but today, we’re stepping into something new: the other side of dating, being in a relationship.

As someone who’s been talking about dating with herpes since 2017, it feels only natural for the podcast to evolve with where I’m at in my own life. Truth is, herpes isn’t a big deal to me anymore, especially now that I’m in a relationship. So it’s time for me to start talking about what this next chapter looks like.

This episode is all about being vulnerable, and y’all, I’ve been feeling the pull to share more of myself—my experiences, my challenges, and my growth. If you listened to Episode 259 where I talked about my grandmother, you know what I mean. I’m finishing Yoga Therapy school, moving in with my girlfriend, planning for a family, and just really leaning into what matters to me now.

I want to know where you’re at, too. Have your values changed? Are you looking for something different from SPFPP? Let me know! Let’s build this next phase of SPFPP together.

Heads up I talk about abortion from the lens of being a Man. This was supposed to be a 15 minute update, but the way grief works having come up on the anniversary of my grandma's funeral which happens to be my birthday, aside from me apologizing for my inconsistency the last month or two, apparently all this needed to come out as well.

Full blog post: https://spfpp.org/podcast/spfpp-359-23-years-of-grief

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 stronger mental well-being and diminish the isolating effects of stigma. Tune in to explore pathways toward openness, healing, and community support.

The Nov. 17 event for Men: https://getselfed.org/events

See upcoming events by visiting www.spfpp.org/events

For Yoga Therapy - www.spfpp.org/yoga-therapy

For 1-1 Support - www.spfpp.org/herpes-support-call

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, there are valuable insights in this conversation that apply to everyone exploring sexuality.

Aubri Lancaster is an independent AASECT and ANTE UP! Certified Sexuality Educator, conducting virtual workshops since 2021 and in-home adult toy parties since 2003. Aubri has presented for numerous organizations including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the GLMA Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health, and Planned Parenthood of Southwest Oregon amongst others. As a Greyromantic Asexual person Aubri has lived experience and a connection to the Asexual and Aromantic communities that provides a unique perspective on the issues facing the changing landscape of sexuality and orientation today. You can find out more about Bri at www.AceSexEducation.com or on Instagram @AceSexEducation

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 you're navigating stigma and looking for another way to take care of your mental health, this episode will give you something new to consider.