The HIV Podcast

Why is HIV still so often linked to the gay community? In this episode Sarah and Jess explore sexual networks, the connections between people through sexual relationships and how they can help us understand patterns of HIV transmission. Ask our Sex Expert Anything! The HIV Podcast - Ask Us Anything: Sex, Dating & HIV Donate: The HIV Podcast: Together, We're Changing the Conversation Sources Sexual network - Wikipedia Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups | The Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell T Davies, this one’s for you. From Queer as Folk and It’s a Sin, all the way back to Children’s Ward in 1993, Russell T Davies has been telling stories about HIV, queer lives, stigma, sex, shame and joy for decades. So obviously, Sarah and Jess decided it was about time we dedicated an episode to him! Plus, with his new memoir The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television on the way, the timing couldn’t be better. Expect nostalgia, iconic telly, HIV history, lots of Russell T Davies love and, because it’s us, probably an unnecessary tangent or two. Ask our sex expert! The HIV Podcast - Ask Us Anything: Sex, Dating & HIV Donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/the-hiv-podcast-together-were-changing-the-conversation Sources Russell T Davies - Wikipedia Audio Credits Audio extracts featured in this episode are taken from: Queer as Folk — Episode 1 Written by Russell T Davies. Red Production Company for Channel 4. Tip Toe — Episode 1 Written by Russell T Davies. Channel 4. It’s a Sin — Episodes 1 & 4 Created and written by Russell T Davies. Red Production Company for Channel 4. Children’s Ward (1993) Written by Russell T Davies. Produced by Granada Television for ITV. Extract sourced from the YouTube upload Children’s Ward 1993 (2) Part 2 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of African Voices, Sarah and Jess head to Zambia! We explore the impact of US funding cuts on Zambia’s HIV response and the controversy around health aid being used as political leverage. But we also discover UkaniManje, an incredible Zambian organisation using music to educate, challenge HIV stigma and reach young people with accurate information. From global politics to grassroots creativity, this is a story about the challenges facing Zambia’s HIV response, and the brilliant people finding new ways to make sure the conversation continues. Reading Pride Charity Single: We Can Do Anything - song and lyrics by Lolly, Reading Pride, Wilma, Bodacia | Spotify UkaniManje: Wake Up Now | HIV Awareness in Zambia — UkaniManje Audio Credits “We Can Do Anything” – Lolly, Reading Pride, Wilma & Bodacia Music featured in this episode. UkaniManje Audio extracts taken from videos published on the UkaniManje YouTube channel. All audio clips are credited to their original creators and are featured for the purposes of discussion, education and commentary. Sources How We Work | HIV Education and Engagement — UkaniManje No H.I.V. Aid Without More Access to Minerals: U.S. Ponders ‘Sticks’ Against Zambia - The New York Times US accused of ‘shameless exploitation’ over proposed Zambian health aid deal | Global health | The Guardian Zambia - Wikipedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of the wonderful Ita O’Brien returning to The HIV Podcast and we’re talking all things intimacy. Ita chats with Sarah and Jess about her brilliant book Intimacy, and what her years spent choreographing some of the most memorable intimate moments on screen have taught her about sex, desire, consent, connection and our relationships with our own bodies and we also get into what all of this means when HIV enters the chat. Expect sex, stigma, awkward bits, fascinating insights and probably far too much oversharing from us. You know the drill! Content note: This episode contains discussions of sex and intimacy; listener discretion is advised. You can purchase a copy of intimacy here: UK: Intimacy: A field guide to finding connection and feeling your deep desires – with foreword from Gillian Anderson: Amazon.co.uk: O'Brien, Ita: 9781529954036: Books USA: Intimacy by Ita O'Brien: 9780593596623 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Audio & Source Credits Let’s Talk the Joy of Later Life Sex © Relate. Campaign by Relate, Ogilvy UK and Rankin. Let's talk the joy of later life sex | Relate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She’s baaaaaack! The wonderful Ita O’Brien returns to The HIV Podcast and this time we’re talking all things intimacy. Ita chats with Sarah and Jess about her brilliant book Intimacy, and what her years spent choreographing some of the most memorable intimate moments on screen have taught her about sex, desire, consent, connection and our relationships with our own bodies and we also get into what all of this means when HIV enters the chat. Expect sex, stigma, awkward bits, fascinating insights and probably far too much oversharing from us. You know the drill! Content note: This episode contains discussions of sex and intimacy; listener discretion is advised. You purchase a copy of intimacy here: UK: Intimacy: A field guide to finding connection and feeling your deep desires – with foreword from Gillian Anderson: Amazon.co.uk: O'Brien, Ita: 9781529954036: Books USA: Intimacy by Ita O'Brien: 9780593596623 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Audio & Source Credits This episode includes short excerpts from the following sources: Intimacy: A Field Guide to Finding Connection and Sexual Empowerment — Ita O’Brien. Audiobook excerpt, read by Ita O’Brien. “Channing Tatum Is Struggling To Get In Shape For ‘Magic Mike 3’” — The Kelly Clarkson Show . Interview with Channing Tatum. Clip accessed via the official Kelly Clarkson Show YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmYFHuaxYdw I May Destroy You , Episode 3, “Don’t Forget the Sea” — created and written by Michaela Coel. Originally broadcast by BBC One. Audio excerpt from the programme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, is part 2 of our conversation with the incredible Ita O'Brien, founder of the Intimacy On Set company and author of the groundbreaking Intimacy On Set Guidelines. In the second of this special two-part conversation, we continue our dive into It's A Sin and explore how some of the series' most intimate and emotionally powerful scenes were carefully choreographed and how this intimacy coordination helped bring one of television's most celebrated dramas to life. Content note: This episode contains discussions of sex and intimacy; listener discretion is advised. Ita O’Brien - Dedication for the HIV podcast - 28th July 2026 "I'd like to thank the wonderful Mike Dawson for connecting me with this podcast and for his inspiring support of the HIV and LGBTQ+ communities. I'd also like to dedicate this conversation to the memory of my dear singing teacher, Chris Edwards, who nurtured me as a musical theatre performer in the 1980's. Chris was the first person I knew who contracted HIV and sadly died just 18 months later. His kindness and encouragement have stayed with me ever since." https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/the-hiv-podcast-together-were-changing-the-conversation Audio credits It's A Sin – © Channel 4 Television Corporation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We may not have been sipping caipirinhas on Copacabana Beach, but that didn't stop us from virtually heading to Rio de Janeiro for the International AIDS Conference 2026! In this episode, Sarah and Jess have picked out the biggest news, the most exciting research and the stories that really caught our attention. From potential new HIV prevention options and treatment updates to ageing with HIV and a few moments that made us stop and think. So, grab a cuppa, stick your headphones on, and join us as we unpack the biggest stories from one of the most important events in the HIV calendar, without the 12-hour flight. Big thanks to Dan Hall, Dan Glass and HIV: The Morning After for bringing us insights from Rio. Song: Rethink, Rebuild, Rise (Rio Calling) https://open.spotify.com/album/37bmKKm1NWUy6NdFAZ3DR2?si=GGhrbI-kS7CCgSuxobtrPw Sources The US government’s mislabelled map of Africa at a global Aids conference shows again a failure to understand the continent | Kenneth Ngure | The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess are thrilled to welcome the incredible Ita O'Brien, founder of the Intimacy On Set company and author of the groundbreaking Intimacy On Set Guidelines. In the first of this special two-part conversation, we dive into It's A Sin and explore how some of the series' most intimate and emotionally powerful scenes were carefully choreographed. Ita shares the thinking behind intimacy coordination, why consent and communication are at the heart of every scene, and how this groundbreaking approach helped bring one of television's most celebrated dramas to life. Content note: This episode contains discussions of sex, intimacy and intimacy coordination in the context of television production. Ita O’Brien - Dedication for the HIV podcast - 28th July 2026 "I'd like to thank the wonderful Mike Dawson for connecting me with this podcast and for his inspiring support of the HIV and LGBTQ+ communities. I'd also like to dedicate this conversation to the memory of my dear singing teacher, Chris Edwards, who nurtured me as a musical theatre performer in the 1980's. Chris was the first person I knew who contracted HIV and sadly died just 18 months later. His kindness and encouragement have stayed with me ever since." https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/the-hiv-podcast-together-were-changing-the-conversation Audio credits It's A Sin – © Channel 4 Television Corporation. "It's a Sin" – written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, performed by Pet Shop Boys. Excerpt accessed via YouTube. Boris Johnson COVID-19 address – excerpt from The Guardian YouTube channel. "Tombstone" HIV/AIDS public information campaign advertisement – excerpt from YouTube (original UK Government public information campaign). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess travel to Malawi for the latest episode of African Voices, exploring the country's response to HIV and the vital work of the National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi (NAPHAM). As always with African Voices, this episode looks beyond the headlines to celebrate resilience and the people creating real change in their communities. Sources Home - napham HIV/AIDS in Malawi - Wikipedia Malawi - Wikipedia HIV and TB Overview: Malawi | Global HIV and TB | CDC African Voices is a year-long series from The HIV Podcast, sharing perspectives from across the African continent. How to get involved: We’re inviting people living with or affected by HIV to share short voice notes about what’s happening in their country, what the world needs to understand, and what education they want to share. These voice notes may be played on the podcast as part of the series. Episodes will be released monthly, on the last Friday of each month Voice notes may be played on the podcast Send a voice note (max 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 Each country has a submission deadline, see image for details If you’re from one of the 12 countries featured, we’d love to hear from you. How to take part Please send us a voice note (maximum 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 In your recording, please include: • Your name (or a preferred name if you would like to remain anonymous) • Your connection to HIV (for example: person living with HIV, peer educator, counsellor, activist, doctor, community worker, volunteer) • The country you are in Then tell us: What do you want the world to know about HIV in your country? This could include access to care, stigma, funding cuts, community realities, or anything you feel the world should understand. What education would you like to share? A myth to bust, a message for others, or knowledge that could help support your community. For more information, please contact: office@tvps.org.uk Deadlines for submissions by country 2026 August 21st - Zambia September 18th - Zimbabwe October 23rd - Botswana November 20th - Lesotho & Eswatini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third and final episode of our Russia series, Sarah and Jess explore how war is affecting people living with HIV, with a particular focus on reports of the military recruitment of people living with HIV and hepatitis. Support The HIV Podcast Sources HIV/AIDS in Russia - Wikipedia Germ warfare. The spread of chronic diseases in the Russian army is rapidly becoming an epidemic threatening society as a whole — Novaya Gazeta Europe “A Hero Without Limits” Russia spiralling into an HIV crisis New soldiers are now being recruited directly from AIDS centres in northern Russia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess continue their three-part journey through Russia's HIV story. In episode two, they examine the scale of the epidemic, explore HIV prevalence across the country and the challenges faced by those living with HIV in Russia. Support The HIV Podcast Sources HIV/AIDS in Russia - Wikipedia Germ warfare. The spread of chronic diseases in the Russian army is rapidly becoming an epidemic threatening society as a whole — Novaya Gazeta Europe “A Hero Without Limits” Russia spiralling into an HIV crisis New soldiers are now being recruited directly from AIDS centres in northern Russia Lord Guy Black announced as new Chair of Terrence Higgins Trust for ‘final push’ to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030 Holly Johnson Becomes Patron of The Sussex Beacon - The Sussex Beacon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess begin a three-part journey through Russia's HIV story. We travel back to the community where the country's first major HIV outbreak unfolded, exploring the events that changed countless lives and the lasting impact still felt today. TW: This episode contains discussion of suicide and HIV-related stigma, which some listeners may find distressing Support The HIV Podcast Sources HIV/AIDS in Russia - Wikipedia Country Profile – Positive Destinations Three decades after ‘Western HIV plague’ hit USSR, this tiny community is still coming to terms with the devastation and lost children | The Independent | The Independent A11 The 1988 Elista outbreak and the epidemiology of HIV subtype G in Russia - PMC UNAIDS is deeply saddened by the death of Vadim Valentinovich Pokrovsky | UNAIDS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess head to Mozambique for the latest episode of African Voices, exploring the country's response to HIV stigma and the inspiring work of local LGBTQ+ activists using creativity and visibility to encourage HIV testing and challenge discrimination. As always with African Voices, this episode looks beyond the headlines to celebrate resilience and the people creating real change in their communities. Sources LAMBDA Association Lambda (Mozambican organization) - Wikipedia AIDSfree: Mozambique’s drag queen battling stigma to encourage HIV testing | The Independent | The Independent African Voices is a year-long series from The HIV Podcast, sharing perspectives from across the African continent. How to get involved: We’re inviting people living with or affected by HIV to share short voice notes about what’s happening in their country, what the world needs to understand, and what education they want to share. These voice notes may be played on the podcast as part of the series. Episodes will be released monthly, on the last Friday of each month Voice notes may be played on the podcast Send a voice note (max 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 Each country has a submission deadline, see image for details If you’re from one of the 12 countries featured, we’d love to hear from you. How to take part Please send us a voice note (maximum 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 In your recording, please include: • Your name (or a preferred name if you would like to remain anonymous) • Your connection to HIV (for example: person living with HIV, peer educator, counsellor, activist, doctor, community worker, volunteer) • The country you are in Then tell us: What do you want the world to know about HIV in your country? This could include access to care, stigma, funding cuts, community realities, or anything you feel the world should understand. What education would you like to share? A myth to bust, a message for others, or knowledge that could help support your community. For more information, please contact: office@tvps.org.uk Deadlines for submissions by country 2026 July 24th - Malawi August 21st - Zambia September 18th - Zimbabwe October 23rd - Botswana November 20th - Lesotho & Eswatini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Needle exchanges. A public health success story? A political battleground? Or a bit of both. This week Sarah and Jess are travelling back to the 1980s to explore how a radical idea born during the HIV crisis helped save thousands of lives and shaped the UK's approach to harm reduction. Sources history of needle sharing and the development of needle and syringe programmes Syringe-exchange-has-it-worked.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Edinburgh end up being dubbed the "HIV capital of Europe"? In this episode, Sarah and Jess head back to the 1980s to uncover the story behind one of the most surprising chapters in HIV history. We explore how one city found itself at the centre of the epidemic, and helped change the response to HIV forever. Sources 'Patients used to come here to die, now they come to live' - BBC News How Edinburgh became the Aids capital of Europe - BBC News Historical Context | HIV/AIDS "Take Care With Sex" [pink and black], 1990s | ArchivesSpace Public Interface Scottish AIDS Monitor - Wikipedia South Africa commits $72 million in bid to shed its status as the country with the world's largest HIV epidemic | Business Insider Africa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the tables have turned! Long-time listener and friend of the podcast Charlotte Leach has taken over hosting duties and put Sarah and Jess firmly in the hot seat, testing their podcast knowledge, revisiting some memorable moments, and chatting all things HIV. A huge thank you to Charlotte for all the thought, planning and preparation that went into the 'Charlotte Leach Takeover'. Sources HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day June 5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess head to Uganda for the latest episode of African Voices! We hear about the realities of HIV in Uganda, the progress being made, and the challenges that still remain, while spotlighting the incredible work of the Uganda Village Project, a grassroots organisation helping improve access to healthcare, HIV education, testing and support within rural communities. As always with African Voices, this episode looks beyond the headlines to focus on people, resilience, and the organisations creating real change on the ground. Sources Uganda Village Project - Uganda Village Project Facilitating Public Health in Uganda Uganda - Wikipedia https://globalfund.finance.go.ug/hiv/ https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4215/aids-related-deaths-drop-64-percent-uac https://www.unicef.org/uganda/what-we-do/hiv-aids African Voices is a year-long series from The HIV Podcast, sharing perspectives from across the African continent. How to get involved: We’re inviting people living with or affected by HIV to share short voice notes about what’s happening in their country, what the world needs to understand, and what education they want to share. These voice notes may be played on the podcast as part of the series. Episodes will be released monthly, on the last Friday of each month Voice notes may be played on the podcast Send a voice note (max 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 Each country has a submission deadline, see image for details If you’re from one of the 12 countries featured, we’d love to hear from you. How to take part Please send us a voice note (maximum 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791 In your recording, please include: • Your name (or a preferred name if you would like to remain anonymous) • Your connection to HIV (for example: person living with HIV, peer educator, counsellor, activist, doctor, community worker, volunteer) • The country you are in Then tell us: What do you want the world to know about HIV in your country? This could include access to care, stigma, funding cuts, community realities, or anything you feel the world should understand. What education would you like to share? A myth to bust, a message for others, or knowledge that could help support your community. For more information, please contact: office@tvps.org.uk Deadlines for submissions by country 2026 April 17th - Kenya May 22nd - Uganda June 19th - Mozambique July 24th - Malawi August 21st - Zambia September 18th - Zimbabwe October 23rd - Botswana November 20th - Lesotho & Eswatini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess look at how pop culture shapes the way we see HIV and the brilliant campaign from Casey House that recreated a “lost episode” of Friends to help tackle stigma....because sometimes the fastest way to expose stigma, is to place it right in the middle of shows people thought they knew by heart. Sources People living with HIV in Ireland write to their younger selves in heartwarming campaign • GCN The HIV+ Episodes - Casey House | Campaigns of the world Why a Nonprofit's Edit of Friends Shows Chandler Getting HIV The One Where a Specialist Hospital Portrayed Famous Sitcom Characters with HIV | LBBOnline About Us | Casey House The restaurant kitchen where everyone has HIV: 'We want to challenge stigma' | Canada | The Guardian Big Fucking Deal. A Short Film by Casey House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah Jess talk about a new scientific discovery in the HIV work and what discoveries like this could mean for the future of HIV treatment, cure research, and why every new breakthrough helps us understand the virus just a little bit better. Science is science-ing… and honestly, it’s pretty exciting! Sources - Queen Mary University of London U=U Quilt – Positive East Mark - PLHIV Documentary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

African Voices lands in Kenya this month, where the rollout of lenacapavir is turning heads and starting big conversations.The HIV prevention injection being dubbed a potential game-changer has arrived… but what does that actually look like on the ground? We’re talking hope, access, reality, and why Kenya is right at the centre of this next chapter in HIV prevention. Sources Kenya - Wikipedia HIV/AIDS in Kenya - Wikipedia Hardest hit being left behind as Kenya rolls out ‘breakthrough’ HIV prevention jab, charity says | The Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.