Podcast Summary: Something Positive for Positive People – SPFPP 378: Declaration of Remembrance
Episode Information
- Title: SPFPP 378: Declaration of Remembrance
- Host: Courtney Brame
- Release Date: July 23, 2025
Overview
In episode 378, titled "Declaration of Remembrance," Courtney Brame delves deeply into her personal journey of overcoming significant life challenges while reaffirming her commitment to combating herpes stigma. This heartfelt and introspective episode blends announcements of upcoming events with profound reflections on identity, purpose, and mental health. Throughout the conversation, Courtney employs rich metaphors and shares poignant moments that emphasize resilience and the power of presence in healing.
Introduction and Upcoming Events
Courtney begins the episode by highlighting various upcoming events organized by Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), offering listeners multiple opportunities to engage with the community both virtually and in person.
-
Virtual Panel Discussion (August 19):
- Participants: Dr. Ina Park, Dr. Terry Warren, Dr. Evelyn Molina Dacker, and Hannah (a patient)
- Focus: Discussions on herpes, followed by audience Q&A.
- Quote: “[00:03] ...feeling free to talk about herpes and its impact on our lives.”
-
Montreal's STI World Congress (July 30 – August 2):
- Role: Courtney will co-facilitate a panel alongside Dr. Ina Park and Jolene Hernandez.
- Note: Aimed at professionals, with limited accessibility due to high registration fees.
-
Sex Down South (September 4-7) and Midwest Love Fest in Indianapolis (November 7-9):
- Activity: Hosting "herpes hangouts" focusing on open discussions about living with herpes and navigating stigma.
- Anticipation: High demand and positive feedback from previous events leading to adjusted formats to accommodate more participants.
-
Support Groups:
- Atomic Purpose: Men's group meeting the second Monday of every month at 7:30 PM ET.
- All-Inclusive Group: Meeting the first Monday of every month at 7:30 PM ET.
- Future Plans: Personalization and membership-based access for additional groups.
Quote: “[00:03] ... I'm excited to have something to do and be in a place that I haven't been in years.”
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Courtney transitions into a candid account of her personal hardships over the past year, illustrating the profound impact these experiences had on her life and work.
-
Breakup and Relocation:
- Prolonged relationship ending led to emotional turmoil and a series of relocations.
-
Natural Disaster:
- Event: Tornado destroyed her home shortly after she moved back to her hometown.
- Impact: Loss of sentimental items, including a cherished keepsake from her grandmother.
- Gratitude: Reflects on narrowly escaping the tornado’s devastation.
Quote: “[00:03] ... the tornado came through and devastated the property. It was...I was out of my lease.”
- Financial Struggles:
- Lack of income due to the tornado and other life events.
- Forced to deplete savings to cover operational costs of the nonprofit.
Quote: “[00:03] ... I spent way too much money to get that taken care of. And that's what something positive for positive people is.”
Refocusing on Purpose and Identity
Amidst her struggles, Courtney shares an enlightening moment that reinforced her dedication to her mission, steering her back to her true purpose.
- Encounter with a Stranger (October 2022):
- Setting: Halloween event while dressed as Garnet from Steven Universe.
- Exchange: A mysterious older woman challenged Courtney’s commitment to her path.
- Outcome: Deep reflection led to a reaffirmed focus on her mission to support those navigating herpes stigma.
Quote: “[00:03] ...your path is not an easy one. In fact, I don't even think you can call it a path at all...”
- Metaphorical Insights:
- Stars and the Sun: Compares herself to a star or the sun, emphasizing the importance of maintaining her core purpose without getting sidetracked by external distractions.
- Nervous System: Describes the nervous system as a conduit for emotions and presence, vital for maintaining identity and purpose.
Quote: “[00:03] ...if everyone were to model themselves as a star, as the sun... What it is that you're supposed to be.”
Mental Health and Balance
Courtney delves into her mental health journey, highlighting the significance of rest, play, and maintaining a balanced life to combat depression and stagnation.
- Recognition of Depression:
- Initially resisted labeling her struggles as depression but ultimately acknowledged it.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health openly.
Quote: “[00:03] ...I think this morning was when I was able to just name it and say that was depression.”
- Balancing Work, Play, and Rest:
- Strategy: Took a three-week break focusing on rest and play to alleviate feelings of stagnation.
- Outcome: Achieved a healthier balance, preventing the hyper-focus on the bare minimum and fostering creative productivity.
Quote: “[00:03] ...balance between work, play, rest. So I immersed myself into play, and I immersed myself into rest.”
Inspirational Insights and Metaphors
Throughout the episode, Courtney uses rich metaphors and philosophical reflections to inspire listeners to find their own paths to healing and purpose.
- Atomic Metaphors:
- Protons and Electrons: Symbolize presence and absence, respectively, illustrating the dynamic balance needed to sustain identity and purpose.
- Soul and Spirit: Encourages listeners to recognize their inner essence beyond external identifiers.
Quote: “[00:03] ...negative particles, electrons have a negative charge... seeking presence. Infinite potential and positive energy shape our reality.”
- Encouragement to Listeners:
- Urges individuals to reconnect with their pre-diagnosis identities, engage in fulfilling hobbies, and maintain their unique presence despite stigma.
- Highlights the transformative power of maintaining one’s rhythm and purpose.
Quote: “[00:03] ...remember who you were before your herpes diagnosis. Who are you becoming before your herpes diagnosis.”
- Purpose-Driven Existence:
- Analogy: Compares her mission to tending a garden, emphasizing the importance of consistent, purposeful actions in fostering growth and healing.
Quote: “[00:03] ...Adam’s job was to tend to the garden... becoming the being is just, for me, like, looking to expand my own consciousness.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Courtney reaffirms her unwavering dedication to SPFPP’s mission and extends a heartfelt call to action for listeners to support the organization.
- Commitment to Purpose:
- Declares her resolve to remain true to her mission, avoiding past mistakes of deviating from her path.
- Emphasizes the importance of being a consistent source of support and positivity for those affected by herpes stigma.
Quote: “[00:03] ...this is my declaration of remembrance and being able to remind myself and see the world around me beginning to fall into orbit.”
- Support and Engagement:
- Invites listeners to leave ratings, reviews, and consider donations to help grow the podcast and community resources.
- Shares aspirations for enhancing podcast quality with proper recording equipment and increased community engagement.
Quote: “[00:03] ...if you can leave a comment, if you can leave a rating and a review, that helps... I can always use money to pour more into this.”
- Final Encouragement:
- Urges listeners not to let stigma or external negativity overshadow their true selves.
- Reinforces the message of maintaining presence and aligning actions with one’s inner purpose for collective healing and progress.
Quote: “[00:03] ...don't let nobody deviate you from your truth unless you were presented with factual information that warrants the change.”
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On Upcoming Events:
- “[00:03] ...I'm excited to have something to do and be in a place that I haven't been in years.”
-
On Overcoming Adversity:
- “[00:03] ...the tornado came through and devastated the property. It was...I was out of my lease.”
-
On Rediscovering Purpose:
- “[00:03] ...your path is not an easy one. In fact, I don't even think you can call it a path at all...”
-
On Mental Health:
- “[00:03] ...I think this morning was when I was able to just name it and say that was depression.”
-
On Identity and Metaphors:
- “[00:03] ...negative particles, electrons have a negative charge... seeking presence. Infinite potential and positive energy shape our reality.”
-
On Commitment and Purpose:
- “[00:03] ...this is my declaration of remembrance and being able to remind myself and see the world around me beginning to fall into orbit.”
-
On Support and Growth:
- “[00:03] ...if you can leave a comment, if you can leave a rating and a review, that helps... I can always use money to pour more into this.”
-
Final Encouragement:
- “[00:03] ...don't let nobody deviate you from your truth unless you were presented with factual information that warrants the change.”
Closing Thoughts
"Declaration of Remembrance" serves as both a personal catharsis and a reaffirmation of Courtney Brame’s mission with Something Positive for Positive People. Through her vulnerability and insightful reflections, she not only shares her journey of overcoming adversity but also inspires her audience to embrace their true selves and seek healing beyond societal stigmas. This episode embodies the essence of SPFPP’s mission: offering presence, validation, and tools for individuals to reconnect with their truth and reclaim their wholeness.