The HIV Podcast

This week Sarah and Jess are diving into the history of STIs! We take you on a whistle-stop tour of humanity’s long, complicated, and occasionally ridiculous relationship with sexually transmitted infections. Expect myths, medicine, and a few moments that will make you grateful for antibiotics. Sources ‘Groundbreaking’ HIV prevention programme aims to end transmissions by 2030 | The Independent ST...

This week, Sarah and Jess celebrate World AIDS Day by talking about the need, and break down why support still matters, bust a few myths, and remind everyone that HIV isn’t “sorted” just because the meds are brilliant. Donate now Donate — TVPS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess go back to where it all began, uncovering the story of Nora Wattie , the woman who pioneered the foundations of modern contact tracing. They explore how her work shaped public health and also take a diversion into 'period chat'.....enjoy! Sources Nora Wattie - Wikipedia First doses of HIV prevention drug lenacapavir delivered to Zambia, Eswatini | Reuters Hosted on Acast....

This week Chantelle joins Jess to talk about cabotegravir, the long-acting injectable PrEP that’s changing how people can protect themselves from HIV! And there is also come 'C' word chat, so avoid this episode if it's too soon for festive cheer! Sources https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/10/nhs-to-roll-out-first-long-acting-injection-to-prevent-hiv/ https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/first-hiv-pr...

This week, Sarah and Jess get into the fascinating world of contact tracing , how it works, why it matters, and what really happens. Oh, and since it’s Halloween, there’s also a quick detour into scary movies and a bit of hot air balloon chat! Sources What is partner notification or contact tracing? • SHL.UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess take a curious wander through the origins of sexual health clinics, from the hush-hush beginnings to the open, empowering spaces we know today. Expect all the usual side-chat like why Jess hates collecting prescriptions and what happens when Sarah takes her husband to weddings. Never a dull moment when you're learning about sexual health history with these two! Sources Th...

In part 2, Sarah and Jess slip into their metaphorical lab coats (don’t worry, no Bunsen burners involved) to find out exactly how PrEP works in the body. Spoiler: it’s less “magic pill” and more “tiny molecular bodyguard” that blocks HIV from setting up shop. Expect easy science, bad analogies, and at least one “ohhhh, that’s clever” moment. If you’ve ever wondered what PrEP actually does after y...

In the first of two episodes, Sarah and Jess are diving into the world of HIV prevention, and trust us, it’s not as confusing as it sounds once you know your PEP from your PrEP! We’ll be breaking down what each one does, when they’re used, and why DoxyPEP is the newest buzzword in sexual health circles. Sources Dick Donato - Wikipedia What’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention?...

This week Sarah and Jess are exploring what it means to grow older with HIV. From the insights of Sarah’s surprise client survey to discovering who holds the title of the oldest person living with HIV! We would also like to dedicate this episode to Dr Steve Dawson, a remarkable HIV consultant and an even more remarkable person. His work and kindness touched countless lives and he will be missed. H...

This week Sarah and Jess take a look at a news story that broke last week, the case of Jonathan Carl, sentenced to 17 years for rape and reckless HIV transmission. Police believe he may have had contact with hundreds of men and are urging potential victims to come forward. Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email,&...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are talking about the brilliant Ian Charleson, yes, the Chariots of Fire star with the unforgettable grin. Behind the Hollywood buzz, Ian quietly made history by being open about his HIV status at a time when hardly anyone dared. And if that wasn't enough, the segment nobody asked for is back! Condiment Corner makes a continental return... Sources...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah swap test tubes for tech talk as they explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. From chatbots that could answer your HIV questions to the ethical dilemmas of letting machines into healthcare, we’re asking: is AI the future of HIV support, or just another shiny distraction? Sources Can AI Spark New Progress Against HIV? Hosted on Acast. See aca...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are back from their summer break and diving straight into the future. Sarah shares her slightly wacky idea that virtual reality might just hold the key to helping us reach the 2030 HIV goal...yes, you heard that right! Could VR goggles really make a difference in the fight against HIV? We’ll let you be the judge. Strap in, this one’s a bit bonkers...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah take a stroll down memory lane as they dust off two of TVPS’s vintage newsletters, because what better way to mark our 40th anniversary than with a peek into our own archives? From animal adoption to Sarah's editorial input, we’re uncovering what was making headlines (and raising eyebrows) back then. Expect a few giggles, a touch of history, and a...

 As part of our 40th anniversary series, Sarah and Jess are joined by James Kirkland, who’s shining a light on one of the many unsung heroes of the HIV response, a nurse named Josephine. James shares the moving stories he uncovered while writing his dissertation, which centres on Josephine’s work on the frontlines of HIV care during the 1980s and 90s. Her memories bring to life the compassion...

As we continue our month-long celebration of 40 years of TVPS, Sarah and Jess are joined by someone who’s made history and written it, Les K. Wright! A trailblazing queer historian, writer, photographer, and fierce AIDS activist, Les has spent decades capturing the stories, struggles, and spirit of our community. Since hanging up his chalk as a professor of English and German, Les has devoted hims...

In the first of a month of very special episodes, Sarah and Jess kick off the celebrations of 40 years of TVPS (the charity that produces The HIV Podcast that Sarah and Jess work for)! And who better to start with than Jim Hoggart, someone who was literally there at the very beginning. Jim takes us back to the 80s (shoulder pads and stigma galore) to share how TVPS sprang into action during the he...

This week, Sarah and Jess dive into the sticky subject of HIV and shame, where it comes from and most importantly, how we can start to shake it off. Sources How to cope with shame | Psyche Guides Almost half of people living with HIV in the UK feel ashamed | aidsmap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess take a look over some news stories from the last couple of weeks, as well as coming up with some inventive fundraising initiatives - strawberry laces as HIV awareness ribbons anyone?! Sources Famous Aids quilt put on display in London for first time in 30 years Clients of Wolverhampton aesthetics clinic who had vampire facials urged to get blood tests | City Of Wolverhampt...

A few months ago, Allan started being more open about his HIV status. A huge and courageous step. In this follow-up episode, we catch up to hear what’s happened since, how life has shifted, and what being visible means to him now. Oh, and no big deal… he also just painted a mural for our 40th anniversary (we’re not crying, you’re crying). Still wise, still hilarious, and still not running a cult (...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Sarah and Jess are joined by Eugene Lynch, Director of Delivery at Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV activist and TikTok truth-teller. Eugene gets real about their journey through addiction, stigma, and the wild world of HIV advocacy, all while fostering dogs and fighting misinformation one reel at a time. It’s heartfelt, it’s hilarious, and yes, there are dogs. Don’t...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess takes us behind the scenes at the launch of HIV Outcomes UK's latest report, "HIV Services at the Crossroads." With a mic in one hand and a croissant in the other, she chats with Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverley Care, and Angelina Namiba from the 4M Network. Expect candid conversations about funding, the power of peer support, and why community voices are more...

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, we’re joined by James Cole from National AIDS Trust to talk crossroads, community, and the future of HIV services. With the launch of HIV Outcomes UK latest report, we dig into the vital role of the voluntary sector and what communities really need right now. Policy, purpose, and a healthy dose of passion, it's all in here.   * HIV Outcomes UK is a coalitio...

In this episode Sarah and Jess are talking treatment interruptions, what happens when your ART hits an unexpected pause. In today's political climate, some countries are already suffering from a shortage of HIV medication. From med shortages to clinic closures, we unpack the risks, the realities, and how to ride it out safely. A dose of science, a splash of strategy, and zero panic. Sources Stoppi...

In this special hour long episode of The HIV Podcast, Sarah sits down with the unstoppable Lisa Power, co-founder of Stonewall, policy powerhouse, and a lifelong thorn in the side of complacency. From the early days of HIV activism to shaping national policy with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of righteous rage. Lisa brings receipts, resilience, and razor-sharp insight. Buckle up for...