Award nominated podcast, listened to in an incredible 183 countries, The HIV Podcast is fast becoming a global gamechanger for tackling HIV stigma! The HIV Podcast separates fact from fiction and tackles HIV myths and misconceptions. We cover all things HIV related from people to historical events, law, health, taboo topics and pop-culture moments - basically everything you need to know about HIV! Join hosts Sarah Macadam and Jessica Harding, who have worked at an HIV charity for a combined 40…
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
This week on The HIV Podcast… we’re going local (and digging deeper). It’s still our 40th anniversary year, and we’re making the most of it. So, we’ve called in a local legend, Lorna McArdle to help fill in the gaps on how the wider LGBTQ+ community were affected during the HIV epidemic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Jess has a much-needed catch up with Oliver Brown, and a lot has happened since we last spoke. Oliver has since been medically discharged from the Royal Navy, and we’re talking about what that’s been like in reality. We also reflect on the huge changes he helped drive within the armed forces, what’s shifted since, and how he’s navigating what comes next! Hosted on Acast. See…
This week, Sarah and Jess manage to connect Huggy Bea r to HIV… stick with us. In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Glaser, an activist, mother, and pioneer who helped transform the global response to HIV in children. From personal heartbreak to driving real global change, this is the story of how one woman refused to stay silent. Sources Elizabeth Glaser - Wikipedia…
This week, Sarah and Jess head to South Africa for the next episode in our year-long African Voices series. While headlines often focus on funding cuts and system pressures, this episode centres the power of peer support through the Coach Mpilo model, a community-led approach helping men access testing, start treatment, and stay in care. It’s a story of trust, connection, and what happens when…
This week, Sarah and Jess glide into the story of John Curry, serving Olympic gold, high drama, and world-class artistry! But behind the perfect routines was a life shaped by being openly gay in a very different era, and later, living with HIV. So get your skates on and tune in! Sources John Curry - Wikipedia BBC ON THIS DAY | 11 | 1976: John Curry skates to Olympic gold Hosted on Acast. See…
This week Sarah and Jess remember Michael Sundin, dancer, performer, and familiar face from Blue Peter! Behind the bright TV appearances was a talented creative whose life was tragically cut short. We take a look at his career and we what happened post-Blue Peter. Sources Blue Peter - Wikipedia Michael Sundin - Wikipedia (3) https://instagram.com/p/B0QfpIMpN1Q/ 🇬🇧... - The AIDS Memorial |…
In this episode of our year-long African Voices series, we turn our attention to Tanzania. While global conversations about HIV often centre funding pressures and programme sustainability, this episode focuses on the realities experienced by people and communities living with HIV and a fantastic project breaking down barriers to HIV testing. Navigating ART Interruptions: Navigating ART…
Hello, Clarice. The link you never thought possible…This week Sarah and Jess look at how The Silence of the Lambs influenced director Jonathan Demme's next creative choice and how that creative shift connects, unexpectedly, to HIV storytelling. Sources The Silence Of The Lambs Controversy Explained Philadelphia: un-packaging the Hollywood Aids drama | Sight and Sound The Silence of the Lambs…
This week Sarah and Jess are celebrating The HIV Podcast’s 200th episode! Two hundred episodes of HIV chat, chaos, and the occasional overshare, and we’re marking this milestone with the story of the incredible Gao Yaojie. The Chinese doctor and activist who refused to stay quiet as an HIV crisis unfolded around her. We explore how one woman’s refusal to be silent helped bring global attention to…
This week Sarah and Jess head to China to explore the complex, often hidden story of HIV. Along the way, we unpack the devastating bloodhead scandal of the 1990s, when unsafe blood-selling schemes led to entire rural communities becoming infected. Sources HIV HIV/AIDS in China - Wikipedia UNAIDS and China sign two strategic agreements to advance the HIV response | UNAIDS Hosted on Acast. See…
HIV… The Wizard of Oz… The Sound of Music… Ghost.......Stick with us! This week Sarah and Jess continue their quest to show that HIV is connected to everything, even the places you’d least expect. If you’ve ever felt there are no connections to HIV in your life, this episode is an invitation to see some of the links hiding in plain sight, through films, culture, and a bit of classic HIV Podcast…
In this opening episode of our year long African Voices series, we look at Nigeria, beyond the funding cuts that so often dominate global headlines. While international reporting focuses on donor decisions and political shifts, this conversation centres what’s happening on the ground, the people, the initiatives, and the communities continuing to respond to HIV with creativity, care, and…
This week, Sarah and Jess take a look at one of the greats...and Elton John’s greatest legacy might not be musical. This episode explores the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and how it has shaped the HIV response for over 30 years, funding services, fighting stigma and supporting communities worldwide! Sources Elton John at Aids conference: 'I should be dead. I nearly died' | Sexual health | The…
The HIV Podcast is back for 2026! This week's episode takes a look at the amazing work Cher has done for the HIV community and then we look at the CHER clinical study, so this week really is all about Cher-ing. Sources Cher - Wikipedia Cher, Demi Moore entertain guests at glamorous Cannes fundraiser for AIDS | Reuters CHER | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…
This week Sarah sits down with the brilliant Garry Brough, HIV advocate and Programme Manager for Fast-Track Cities London. Together they unpack what peer support actually is and why it's such a game-changer: empowering, grounding...a reminder that sometimes what we really need is a conversation with someone who gets it. From Isolation to Empowerment: The Power of Peer Support in HIV Care -…
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…
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/…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
