Something Positive for Positive People – Details, episodes & analysis

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 nonmonogamous practices can enhance monogamous relationships.

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 matters. Our guest shares insights from her journey through the kink community and how it shaped her communication skills, ultimately leading to a healthy marriage. We introduce the idea that the real challenge in relationships isn’t always finding someone else but learning to be vulnerable and open in communication. Stay tuned for part 2, where we’ll continue this important conversation!

Join us in this enlightening episode of "Something Positive for Positive People," where we sit down with Dr. Nazanin Moali, renowned clinical psychologist and host of the Sexology Podcast. Dr. Moali brings her deep insights into the mental health challenges and dating dynamics faced by individuals living with herpes. Through her expert lens, we explore the profound effects of STI stigma, offering both understanding and evidence-based strategies to navigate these complex emotional landscapes. Whether you're dealing with herpes personally or supporting someone who is, this episode promises valuable perspectives to help reduce stigma and enhance emotional well-being.

Our guest Kevin speaks to his personal experiences as someone who just wants to connect and has a genuine interest in vulnerability. We share some of his experiences with the men he was sexually active with before his herpes diagnosis and how that shifted for him AFTER his diagnosis. What I love most about his podcast episode is that he never speaks to identifying AS anything in terms of a label, but his existence describes it for him to where he didn't have to explain a damn thing. I want each of you to take a page out of Kevin's book, or a clip out of his podcast episode . . . That's more accurate lol. Labels are copouts for people doing the work of getting to know us. Let's start living out loud as ourselves and minimize the explanations of our existence.

This is a very important podcast episode for me. The reason is, that I am getting out of my own way and allowing myself to receive for once. It's been a very egoic thing for me to assume people will do for me just because I'm "good" or they "like" me, when the reality is that I'm running a business and enabling people to take advantage of me/my time/my business, while hindering the evolution and impact of it. This episode is the transition point between how things WERE and how they ARE. I really can't be replicating free information I've already put time into through this podcast/non profit/surveys/events/etc. in 1-1 conversations anymore with folks who haven't demonstrated investment to SPFPP. This means donations, sharing of content, showing up at the free events I put together, and any other offering of participation to engage that isn't necessarily exclusively aligned with your convenience. I realize I've enabled people to "take" from me and the organization, and now with that, I have to take responsibility for my role in that I haven't asked you all for what I and SPFPP need for you to even give. This episode does all the explaining about my intention, where to find free information and how we'll engage moving forward if we're in contact. I wanna thank you in advance for respecting my decision here as things move forward.

After some challenging reflections I have to put my ego to the side and begin to run this business like a business. Yes it's a non profit, but I see the impact in relation to where other . . . less impactful organizations are providing less and receiving more investment from us. The changes are going to be better for myself and the SPFPP community as it exists now and how it will later. I realize I've enabled people in various ways and I've also enabled myself to stay stuck. Effective immediately, we are all going to be doing better and challenging ourselves, removing the obstacles in our way from living the life we choose.

Launched in February 2020 3 months after encountering a fallen angel, the blessing of HSV bestowed upon our podcast guest today has become the catalyst fueling tens of thousands of women around the world. What Safe Slut stands for is self-empowerment through sexual expression. Safe Slut joins SPFPP to share her story being diagnosed with genital HSV-2 and how she was able to lean into this insecurity and make it literally one of the best things that's ever happened for her. Check out her Onlyfans and other social media accounts! Stay Slutty! :p Instagram: @Safe.Slut Instagram Backup: @safe.Slutt Tiktok: Safe.Slut Twitter: @Safe_Slut Patreon: www.patreon.com/safeslut Onlyfans: @herpes.witch YouTube: Safe Slut

Jamie Cawelti is the Executive Director of Sex Positive World, and runs Given Consent! I asked Jamie to join us for a workshop for folks living with herpes as a way of introducing them to the self-reflective tools and support resources people struggle to find their way to, but are always thankful they found them. So much of the non-sex components of sex are presented in this community. We often go straight into looking for a partner or avoiding disclosures. What I present here is a much safer space where practicing saying no, disclosing, and learning what you want so you can ask for it is really beneficial. This space offers something I haven't found in support groups, and it isn't exclusive to people with herpes, it's a mixed back of what you may need to support your healing through community. www.sexpositiveworld.org www.givenconsent.com @Givenconsent on socials STARS Workbook: www.maketimeforthetalk.com

I get tested for HIV, chlamydia, ghonnorea, syphillis (actually I didn't for this one because I was recently tested for that one), hepatitis c (which is on the rise) with Pivot Health here in Portland, Oregon! Listen to the process here on this episode of SPFPP!

When you spend so long in an identity that's safe for you, what happens is you attempt to become that person. I became Honmychest not realizing it was supposed to serve a purpose of just getting me through the villanry that is stigma. I downplayed and forgot how to be me. I'm figuring that out more for myself now as I navigate things I want to do for me using the Tony Stark and Iron Man comparison because we're so similar. I made my stigma suit, honmychest because that was the hero I needed when diagnosed. But really that's the suit, and I'm the pilot of it, meaning I have to practice being me, not the creator of the hero, but the hero myself as that's how strongly I identify with it. Enjoy this one! It's kinda deep!