Award nominated podcast, listened to in an incredible 180 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 years, every Friday where they will take you on a journey that's surprising, shocking, educational and sometimes hilarious - this podcast will make you laugh as much as it will make you gasp!
Shortlisted for the Audio & Radio Industry Awards in the category of Impact Award, for making a difference to society.
Finalist in two categories of the 2023 Independent Podcast Award
Follow us on instagram & tiktok
Don't just take our word that it's great, here's what our listeners are saying...
“I think all of America would benefit from hearing you talk about sexual health in a fun and vibrant way, because here we are so rigid when it comes to sex and sexual education. You ladies make it fun and engaging and lighthearted and common- as common as talking about what are you doing this weekend or what you have for breakfast kind of common and that is precisely how people should be talking about their sexual health choices.”
“Since diagnosis in March 2020 some, not all, HIV service providers and PLWHIV have been quite ‘lecturey’ (that’s clearly a made up word) about HIV. You both educate us about HIV in a fun and informal way and that’s the hook. It appeals to those not living with HIV“
“I promise not to girl fan you all the time( even though I am ) I just wanted to let you know your education is spreading ! We have a big family holiday planned to Jamaica and my sister whose baby will be 5 months when we fly out was worried about HIV Being spread from a mosquito bite. I told her to listen to your episode sex and she would understand how HIV is transmitted. Safe to say she is now fully aware of how HIV can be transmitted. Just want to say again how much I love your podcast”
The HIV Podcast is produced by TVPS
Written & hosted by Sarah Macadam
Produced, edited & hosted by Jessica Harding
Research and sound support from Zoe Coates
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Award nominated podcast, listened to in an incredible 180 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 years, every Friday where they will take you on a journey that's surprising, shocking, educational and sometimes hilarious - this podcast will make you laugh as much as it will make you gasp!
Shortlisted for the Audio & Radio Industry Awards in the category of Impact Award, for making a difference to society.
Finalist in two categories of the 2023 Independent Podcast Award
Follow us on instagram & tiktok
Don't just take our word that it's great, here's what our listeners are saying...
“I think all of America would benefit from hearing you talk about sexual health in a fun and vibrant way, because here we are so rigid when it comes to sex and sexual education. You ladies make it fun and engaging and lighthearted and common- as common as talking about what are you doing this weekend or what you have for breakfast kind of common and that is precisely how people should be talking about their sexual health choices.”
“Since diagnosis in March 2020 some, not all, HIV service providers and PLWHIV have been quite ‘lecturey’ (that’s clearly a made up word) about HIV. You both educate us about HIV in a fun and informal way and that’s the hook. It appeals to those not living with HIV“
“I promise not to girl fan you all the time( even though I am ) I just wanted to let you know your education is spreading ! We have a big family holiday planned to Jamaica and my sister whose baby will be 5 months when we fly out was worried about HIV Being spread from a mosquito bite. I told her to listen to your episode sex and she would understand how HIV is transmitted. Safe to say she is now fully aware of how HIV can be transmitted. Just want to say again how much I love your podcast”
The HIV Podcast is produced by TVPS
Written & hosted by Sarah Macadam
Produced, edited & hosted by Jessica Harding
Research and sound support from Zoe Coates
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
Help us end AIDS - Donate now | UNAIDS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Sarah and Jess honour the fearless Joan Baker, the first out HIV positive lesbian in San Francisco. Diagnosed at just 20, Joan shattered silence with truth, activism, and unapologetic visibility. She challenged a system that told her she didn’t exist, and in doing so, changed the narrative for women, lesbians, and anyone pushed to the margins. It's a story of resilience, rebellion, and rewriting the rules.
Sources
Meet Joan Baker, San Francisco’s first “out” HIV+ lesbian — Lady Science
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Sarah and Jess turn up the heat with the radical brilliance of the Lesbian Avengers. Born out of frustration, in the early '90s, this activist group wasn’t here to fit in. From street protests to visibility campaigns, the Avengers brought unapologetic queer power to the frontlines, including bold action around HIV stigma. It’s a story of protest, pride, and pyrotechnics!
Sources
An Oral History of the Lesbian Avengers and the Dyke March
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Sarah and Jess dive into the incredible, and often forgotten, story of the San Diego Blood Sisters. A grassroots group of lesbian activists who quite literally rolled up their sleeves during the height of the HIV crisis. When blood was needed and stigma was rampant, these incredible women stepped up to donate again and again, breaking barriers and challenging the system with every drop. This is a story of solidarity, sisterhood, and serious guts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Part 3: HIV & Pregnancy – Victoria’s Story
You’ve heard the science, now hear the story. In this very special episode, Jess and Sarah are joined by the brilliant Victoria Roscow. Diagnosed with HIV at just 9 weeks pregnant, Victoria didn’t just navigate pregnancy with grace, she turned it into a platform to fight stigma and spread knowledge like wildfire.
Victoria shares her personal journey, from diagnosis to delivery, what it’s like raising a happy, healthy HIV-negative toddler, and how her husband continues to be HIV-negative. An open, honest and inspiring conversation, and yes, it’s full of those “did that really happen?!” moments only The HIV Podcast can deliver.
Spoiler: You’re going to love her!
Victoria's Tiktok - TikTok - Make Your Day
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can you have a baby if you're living with HIV? Spoiler alert: You already know the answer!
In Part 2 of our HIV & Pregnancy double bill, Sarah and Jess take you inside the delivery room. What happens during birth when you’re living with HIV? Are there special precautions? Does the birth plan go out the window? They’re breaking it all down, no filter, just real talk (and maybe a little oversharing, as usual).
Sources
Screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis - NHS
ISOSS HIV report 2023 - GOV.UK
News
RFK Jr. Expected To Lay Off Entire Office Of Infectious Disease And HIV/AIDS Policy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can you have a baby if you're living with HIV? Spoiler alert: Absolutely!
In this first part of our HIV & Pregnancy double bill, Sarah and Jess dive headfirst into what actually happens when you're pregnant and living with HIV. Do you get more tests? Is everything super medical? They're myth-busting, truth-telling, and probably oversharing as usual!
Sources
Screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis - NHS
ISOSS HIV report 2023 - GOV.UK
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How is the Trump administration’s policy legacy still shaping the global fight against HIV? This week, Sarah and Jess continue their deep dive into the lasting impact of these decisions on HIV response worldwide. Joining them is Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of the Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STIs Programmes at the World Health Organization (WHO). Tune in as we unpack the challenges, the progress, and what needs to happen next to drive global HIV efforts forward.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Sarah and Jess dive into the fallout from the fractured agreement between UNAIDS and the U.S. government. What happened, and what does this mean for the fight against HIV worldwide? We unpack the ripple effects that could reshape global health efforts.
Sources
New report flags severity of US funding cuts to global AIDS response | UN News
UNAIDS Contributors | RESULTS AND TRANSPARENCY PORTAL
To contact the podcast you can email office@tvps.org.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The global HIV landscape has undergone seismic shifts since the Trump administration took office, changes that will shape HIV history and its future. To understand what’s happening and what lies ahead, we turn to those at the heart of global HIV support: UNAIDS. This week, Sarah and Jess sit down with Regan Hofmann, Senior Advisor at the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and a powerful advocate openly living with HIV, for a conversation on the challenges, progress, and where we go from here.
*Please note this episode was recorded on Wednesday 26th Feb 2025, so there may well have been changes since recording.
Links mentioned in episode
Stories and updates on the AIDS response | UNAIDS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With so much rapid change in the last 7 days, this week Sarah and Jess take a look at the impact that President Trump's administration continues to have on people living with HIV in America, as well as globally.
Sources
UNAIDS welcomes US decision to keep funding life-saving HIV treatment | UN News
Trump White House Erases, Silences HIV, LGBTQ and Health Content - POZ
Concern and confusion as Trump freezes assistance programs | Positively Aware
Federal grant freeze: Trump White House rescinds order | AP News
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/health/trump-usaid-pepfar.html
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Sarah and Jess get topical and explore what is happening with the proposed halt of HIV funding, announced in the USA earlier this week, as well as looking at just how much good PEPFAR has previously done in the field of HIV.
Sources
How will Trump’s presidency impact HIV AIDS funding? | Context
4 key global health decisions expected from Trump : NPR
Bleak prospects for HIV response under new US administration - The Lancet HIV
Glassman: How Trump can meet his goal of ending AIDS
How will Trump’s presidency impact HIV AIDS funding? | Context
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Sarah and Jess chat with Nicola May about her brand new book 'How Do I Tell You?', described as 'An uplifting, heartwarming story'. Nicola is a bestselling author with eighteen books to her name and her new book tackles the subject of HIV!
Book link
amazon.co.uk/How-Tell-You-heartwarming-bestselling/dp/1805089501
News links
Brighton: Sussex Beacon inpatient unit to close in restructure - BBC News
Gilead Sciences, US government settle patent case over HIV prevention drugs | Reuters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is Nneka's second appearance on The HIV Podcast! We talk about HIV and condom use, why white women living with HIV are so marginalised and why we can say "always" and "never" when it comes to the science behind U=U! Grab a cuppa and get listening
Nneka Nwokolo is Head of Global Patient Affairs at ViiV Healthcare and an honorary consultant HIV physician at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
News links
https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/our-health-service/making-it-better/new-hse-campaign-to-address-hiv-stigma-in-ireland.html
Innovative HIV Testing Expanded in Liverpool | Invest Liverpool
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sarah and Jess are back! Kicking off 2025 in style with a whole episode about Lenacapvir, the long-acting HIV prevention medication that could be a huge game-changer for helping reach the target of no new HIV transmissions by 2030. Lenacapavir is listed as a "breakthrough technology" for 2025, so get listening and finding out what it's all about!
Sources
Twice-yearly HIV injection can effectively prevent infection
Anti-HIV drug lenacapavir called 'breakthrough of the year' : Goats and Soda : NPR
About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) | Terrence Higgins Trust
Frequently Asked Questions about UU.pdf
News
WHO announces the development of new guidelines for lenacapavir and updated HIV testing guidelines
Long-acting HIV prevention meds: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025 | MIT Technology Review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our quest to spread the U=U word continues with this special World AIDS Day episode, featuring the incredibly knowledgeable Dr Nneka Nwokolo, a passionate advocate of spreading the message of U=U, Head of Patient Engagement at ViiV Healthcare as well as an Honorary Consultant HIV Physician at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
Get the U=U digital download here - TVPS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We've hit our 150th episode and before we go on a little break, we're indulging Sarah and dedicating an episode to one of her favourite topics......Holly Johnson!
Sources
Holly Johnson 'cancelled' after HIV positive status revealed - BBC News
Print advertising—Frankie Goes To Hollywood | Advertising | Zang Tuum Tumb and all that (zttaat.com)
Quarter page advert for ‘Relax’ | Advertising | Zang Tuum Tumb and all that (zttaat.com)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
