The HIV Podcast

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234

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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 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.

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September 11, 202634 min

Russell T Davies

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.

September 4, 202618 min

African Voices - Zambia

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.

August 28, 202628 min

Ita O'Brien: Intimacy Part 2

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.

August 21, 202629 min

Ita O'Brien Intimacy Part 1

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.

August 14, 202633 min

Ita O'Brien: It's a Sin Part 2

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.

August 7, 202636 min

The International Aids Conference 2026

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.

July 31, 202624 min

Ita O'Brien: It's a Sin Part 1

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.

July 24, 202620 min

African Voices: Malawi

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.

July 17, 202616 min

Russia & HIV: Part 3

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.

July 10, 202627 min

Russia & HIV: Part 2

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.