The HIV Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thehivpodcast/" rel="noop
Episodes
- HIV Scientific Advances
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…
- African Voices - Kenya
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 lik…
- Lorna McArdle
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+…
- Oliver Brown Part 2
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 refl…
- Elizabeth Glaser
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 chil…
- African Voices - South Africa
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…
- John Curry
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…
- Michael Sundin
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…
- African Voices - Tanzania
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…
- The Silence of the Lambs
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 storytel…
- Gao Yaojie
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 doct…
- HIV & China
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 i…
- HIV & The Wizard of Oz
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 connectio…
- African Voices - Nigeria
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 conver…
- Elton John AIDS Foundation
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, fundi…
- Cher-ing is Caring
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 Che…
- HIV Peer Support with Garry Brough
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 remi…
- History of STIs
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…
- World AIDS Day Special!
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 —…
- Origins of Contact Tracing
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…
- Cabotegravir
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…
- Contact Tracing
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 c…
- History of STI Clinics
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 prescri…
- PEP, PrEP & DoxyPEP Part 2
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…
- PEP, PrEP & DoxyPEP Part 1
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,…
- Ageing with HIV
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 e…
- Jonathan Carl & HIV Reckless Transmission
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…
- Ian Charleson
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 s…
- HIV & AI
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 heal…
- Virtual Reality
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 goa…
- TVPS Newsletters
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…
- James Kirkland
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 wh…
- Les K Wright
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 s…
- Jim Hoggart
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…
- HIV & Shame
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 th…
- News roundup
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…
- HIV & Allan Part 2
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…
- Eugene Lynch
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 wi…
- HIV Services at the Crossroads Report Launch
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 o…
- James Cole - National AIDS Trust
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 volu…
- Navigating ART Interruptions
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 shortag…
- HIV Activism with Lisa Power
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 shap…
- Joan Baker
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 tol…
- The Lesbian Avengers
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…
- The San Diego Blood Sisters
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. W…
- HIV & Pregnancy Part 3 - Victoria’s Story
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…
- HIV & Pregnancy Part 2
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 HI…
- HIV & Pregnancy Part 1
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…
- Dr Meg Doherty The World Health Organization
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 Do…
- Broken Agreements, Global Consequences
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 reshap…