Podcast Summary: Something Positive for Positive People
Episode: SPFPP 365: Step Back for a Comeback
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Courtney Brame

1. Introduction

In Episode 365 of the "Something Positive for Positive People" podcast, host Courtney Brame opens up about her personal journey with grief and its profound impact on her professional and personal life. Known primarily as the herpes podcast, SPFPP serves as a supportive space for individuals navigating the challenges of dating with herpes and combating related stigma. This episode marks a significant departure from the usual content, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into Courtney's inner struggles and her path toward healing.

2. Personal Struggles and Grieving

Courtney begins by candidly addressing her current state of grief, which has led to a hiatus in podcast episodes. She shares, “[00:02] Courtney Brain: I think I just said that I am in a state of grief. Probably have been for a while.” This admission sets the tone for the episode, highlighting the emotional weight she carries.

She elaborates on the necessity of "powering through" despite her grief, emphasizing the importance of continuing responsibilities even when personal well-being is compromised. Courtney acknowledges the vulnerability required to navigate such emotions, stating, “[00:02]...I just had to do some very vulnerable things.”

3. Impact on Professional Commitments

The episode details how Courtney's grief has affected her professional engagements. A significant example is the cancellation of the upcoming expo in Newark, New Jersey. She recounts, “[00:02]...I went on ahead and just canceled the event.” Despite extensive preparations—including securing a venue and a guest presenter—the event saw minimal sign-ups, leading Courtney to prioritize her mental health over professional obligations.

Courtney also touches upon the challenges of maintaining her role within SPFPP, noting, “[00:02] I’ve been running on reserves for a while, probably a few months and doing just enough, I’ve been doing just enough to get by and do the bare minimum.”

4. Shifting Focus to Personal Healing

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Courtney’s journey toward self-healing. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and identifying personal needs, reflecting, “[00:02]...if you don’t know what your needs are, how can you prioritize them?” This introspection leads her to acknowledge patterns of self-abandonment and the necessity of filling her own "energetic cup."

Courtney mentions her engagement with therapy and yoga therapy, highlighting their roles in her healing process. She states, “[00:02]...having access to Antonio... he does yoga for grief relief... I am working with him on boundaries for myself.”

5. Reflecting on Business and Purpose

Courtney reflects on her dedication to SPFPP over the past eight years, recognizing that constant focus on the organization may have come at the expense of her personal well-being. She admits, “[00:02]...I've shifted what I've given to something positive for positive people over the last eight years.”

This section delves into the theme of boundaries and self-care, with Courtney emphasizing the need to balance professional commitments with personal health. She notes, “[00:02]...I am in a very unique position to be able to recreate and distribute those kinds of things... I need to step away and fill my own cup and then enjoy sharing what I fill my cup up with with people.”

6. Insights on Sexual Energy and Creativity

Expanding beyond her immediate struggles, Courtney explores the concept of sexual energy as a vital life force interconnected with creativity. She explains, “[00:02]...sexual energy as a whole... not just sex, like intercourse, but as creativity, as vital life force.”

This reflection ties into her broader understanding of personal energy and how it is channeled into relationships and professional endeavors. Courtney contemplates the balance between external validation and internal fulfillment, stating, “[00:02]...I need to fill my own cup and then enjoy sharing what I fill my cup up with with people.”

7. Future Plans and Events

Despite the current challenges, Courtney remains committed to SPFPP's mission. She announces an upcoming social event, “[00:02] Tomorrow, Thursday at 7pm, we're at the house in Brooklyn, New York. Me and Trisha, aka Safe Slut, we're going to be hosting an in-person social event.”

This event aims to bring together individuals with herpes in a supportive environment, fostering community and conversation. Additionally, Courtney encourages listeners to participate in the ongoing herpes survey to contribute valuable experiences, reinforcing SPFPP's commitment to advocacy and support.

8. Conclusion

Closing the episode, Courtney expresses gratitude for her listeners' understanding and support during this difficult time. She underscores the importance of self-care and the ongoing journey toward healing, promising that future episodes will reflect her regained balance and renewed purpose.

She concludes with a heartfelt message, “[00:02] So until next time, the next podcast episode, I'll be in a different environment and I'll probably be in a different mood. So just bear with me as I get my back together, y'all, because it's not together.”

Notable Quotes:

• “[00:02]... if you don't know what your needs are, how can you prioritize them?”

• “[00:02]... sexual energy as a whole... not just sex, like intercourse, but as creativity, as vital life force.”

• “[00:02] So until next time, the next podcast episode, I'll be in a different environment and I'll probably be in a different mood.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 365 serves as a powerful testament to Courtney Brame's resilience and commitment to personal growth. By sharing her vulnerabilities, she not only humanizes her role as a host but also provides a relatable narrative for listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles. This episode reinforces the podcast's foundational mission by demonstrating that support and positivity begin within oneself.