Podcast Summary: Decisions, Decisions – EP 447: Finding Love & Sharing Results (ft. Danielle Campbell & Raheem DeVaughn)

Release Date: November 17, 2025
Hosts: Mandii B & WeezyWTF
Guests: Dr. Danielle Campbell (HIV researcher & advocate), Raheem DeVaughn (R&B singer and HIV awareness advocate)

Overview

In this candid and educational episode, Mandii B and WeezyWTF dive deep into the stigmas, myths, and modern realities surrounding sexual health, HIV prevention, and testing—especially within Black communities and among women. The hosts, alongside Dr. Danielle Campbell and R&B singer/advocate Raheem DeVaughn, challenge outdated notions of sexual health, discuss personal journeys with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and provide practical tips for empowering sexual health conversations in relationships. Through humor, vulnerability, and crucial myth-busting, they create a safe space for listeners to get real about getting tested, advocating for themselves, and shedding stigma.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Challenging Stigma and Normalizing Sexual Health

• The hosts reflect on past confusion and myths around STDs and HIV, highlighting ongoing learning over more than a decade of podcasting.
• Dr. Danielle Campbell joins to clarify misconceptions and emphasize the importance of knowing one's status:
  • “You have to feel empowered to ask folks about their sexual health history. It's important. It's an important component of empowerment, and it's just something that we should normalize as we talk about sex.” (Mandy, 07:10)

2. PrEP Access and Experience

• Mandy shares her journey to starting PrEP, noting new injectable options and providing resources for NYC listeners (05:11).
• Discussion of PrEP's stigma, especially among Black women, and efforts to normalize conversations outside LGBTQ+ communities.
• “We have men who aren't able to live in their best selves, and Black women are a part of that because we don't provide a safe space for them to live.” (Mindy B, 16:20)
• “HIV prevention starts with you.” (Weezy, 18:37)

3. Making Sexual Health Conversations Less Awkward

• The hosts and Danielle role-play how to ask new partners for test results—normalizing direct requests for health information.
• Barriers highlighted: Many are unaware of platforms like MyChart, and even among sex-positive individuals, requesting results is stigmatized (08:00-09:23).
• The importance of regular and comprehensive testing, not just with symptoms or new partners.

4. Comprehensive Testing & Anatomy Education

• Advocacy for full swabbing/testing (throat, vaginal, anal) depending on sexual practice—providers often miss this (21:23-22:38).
• “Wherever something goes, a swab should.” (Mandy, 22:24)
• Clarification of what STIs can live in the throat—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—and why sex workers often use condoms for oral sex (24:03-25:03).

5. Navigating Stigma with Humor and Honesty

• Lighthearted “Would You Rather” reveals it’s easier for most to confess to being on weight loss drugs (Ozempic) than on PrEP, due to deep-rooted stigma about sexual health among women (16:05-18:04).
• “I really do believe telling someone you're on Ozempic versus telling them you're on prep would make them, quote, unquote, judge you less.” (Weezy, 26:24)

6. Dating, Regional Stats, and HIV Prevalence

• The hosts share the “Top 10 Cities for Black Singles to Find Love,” juxtaposing these with cities’ HIV rates (28:44-32:38).
• Seven of the top ten cities also rank highest for new HIV infections, highlighting the need for targeted conversations in high-risk areas.

Memorable Quotes

• On “Dirty” Language:
  “We are not using the word dirty...but, you could still have something because they didn’t do all the swabs.” (Mindy B & Mandy, 21:14)
• On Testing Rituals:
  “Once I put that little peacup through that window, I be like, how long gonna be? Don't let me do it on a Friday and these bitches don’t get back to me till Tuesday.” (Weezy, 20:43)
• On Normalizing Sexual Health Care:
  “Sexual health care should be standard across the board. Wherever something goes, a swab should.” (Mandy, 22:24)
• On Empowerment:
  “If my virus is suppressed, I have virtually no possibility of transmitting HIV to someone else.” (Mandy, 51:28)
• On Stigma:
  “This is a crazy stigma...that it's only for gay people or, you know, LGBTQ.” (Raheem DeVaughn, 68:53)
• On Relationship Realities:
  “There are folks out here that don't know what HIV is, which is crazy.” (Raheem DeVaughn, 63:24)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Content | Timestamp | |---------|---------|-----------| | Opening & Context | Hosts set the tone—pushing boundaries, sharing personal growth, intro Danielle | 01:52–03:41 | | PrEP: Myths, Stigma, & Access | PrEP journey, bisexual male partners, risk at sex clubs, NYC resources | 04:26–06:07 | | Normalizing Test Results Conversations | Role-play asking partners for results, importance of consistent testing | 06:09–10:46 | | How To Get Fully Tested | Debate on swabbing all orifices, what to ask providers | 21:23–23:12 | | Would You Rather: Ozempic vs. PrEP? | Exploring medical vs. sexual health stigma | 16:05-18:04 | | Dating Survey and HIV Risk | Top cities for Black singles, overlap with high HIV rates | 28:44–32:45 | | Myth Busting with Danielle | HIV transmission, “Girlfriends” TV episode, social determinants | 40:37–54:15 | | Raheem DeVaughn on Advocacy | Personal story, how his doctor raised PrEP, educating sons, discussion on Black men, relationships, and stigma | 57:44–76:57 | | At-Home Testing & Support | How Raheem navigates new relationships, using at-home tests | 76:29–78:36 | | Final Reflections | Empowering listeners, resources, healthysexuals.com | 83:13–84:45 |

Resources and Call-to-Action

• Where to Get Tested/Get PrEP:
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Local state health departments
  • Pharmaceutical resources (provided on episode's page)
  • HealthySexuals.com
• Comprehensive resources and NYC-specific PrEP shot locations are linked in the episode description.

Tone & Language

• A mix of frankness, humor, and deep honesty (“bitch, Trick be out here tricking you!”, “we demure. Y’ all go over to preach.”)
• Normalizes mistakes and learning—hosts and guests admit past confusion and incorrect language, always striving to get it right.
• Encourages empowerment and self-advocacy without shame; challenges assumptions through real stories and vulnerability.

Key Takeaways

• Stigma regarding PrEP and HIV remains high, especially within Black communities and among women, but open, honest conversations can break down barriers.
• Consistent, comprehensive testing—including all relevant body sites depending on sexual activity—is essential.
• PrEP is for everyone, not just LGBTQ+ individuals; heterosexual, monogamous, and married people could all benefit.
• Knowing your status is empowering, not shameful; treatment and prevention options are effective and increasingly accessible.
• Practical tips are provided for starting these conversations in friendships, families, and relationships—plus guidance for teens and adult men.
• Access to testing and prevention remains unequal, especially in areas with high HIV rates and reduced funding—advocacy and awareness can bridge gaps.

If you take away one thing: Sexual health is health. Owning your status, advocating for your safety, and pushing through stigma are radical acts of self-love and community care.

Episode Guest Plugs:

• Dr. Danielle Campbell: HIV research & community advocacy
• Raheem DeVaughn: Love Life Foundation (HIV & youth empowerment), HealthySexuals.com

Hosts: @fullcourtpumps, @weezywtf
Find more honest, boundary-pushing conversations each week on Decisions, Decisions.