The Life With Herpes Podcast

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, often shaking us to our core before we find the strength to rise again. For Lindsey Ellyn, that moment came with a herpes diagnosis—something she never saw coming but ultimately became the wake-up call she needed. In this episode of Life with Herpes, hosted by Alexandra Harbushka, Lindsey shares her deeply personal journey of battling stigma, facing despair, and ultimately discovering mercy in God.

Confronting the Stigma and the Darkest Mome…

Navigating life with herpes or any chronic condition that affects your health can feel overwhelming. The journey often begins with feelings of confusion and a flood of questions. But it doesn’t have to remain that way. In this post, we’ll explore the interconnectedness of your immune system, lifestyle, and vaginal health, empowering you to regain control and live confidently.

Coach Sarah Joy, a specialist in vaginal and viral health, sheds light on these issues in her work with individual…

Alexandra Hrabushka, the founder of Life with Herpes, sits down with Monique Darnell, a multi-state licensed professional counselor and author, to discuss her book, "The STD Mental Health Handbook." This conversation delves into the profound impact of herpes on mental health, addressing the complex emotions, trauma, and stigma that often accompany this diagnosis.

The Importance of Mental Health Expertise

Monique's extensive background in mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and tra…

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting a representative from Herpes Cure Advocacy, an organization dedicated to advancing the conversation around the cure, treatment, and prevention of herpes. The discussion shed light on various aspects of herpes, including its seriousness, ongoing research efforts, and the need for greater awareness and advocacy.

Can Herpes be Serious?

The conversation kicked off with an exploration of the seriousness of herpes and whether indi…

In a heartfelt episode of "Life with Herpes," guest Jason bravely shares his experiences and challenges after being diagnosed with herpes at the age of 21. Despite his initial hopes of testing negative for herpes, Jason candidly recounts the emotional and financial toll of seeking multiple tests to confirm his diagnosis. His disclosure to friends and roommates resulted in unexpected rejection and isolation, highlighting the pervasive stigma surrounding herpes.

Jason's narrative reveals the ha…

Shame is a complex emotion deeply ingrained in our psyche, often serving as a protective mechanism to shield us from perceived threats to our social connections. However, while it may offer short-term protection, prolonged feelings of shame can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. This blog explores the intricate relationship between shame, our nervous system, and immune function, particularly in the context of a herpes diagnosis. It delves into the ways shame manifests …

In a recent interview, Elisabeth Kristof shared her transformative journey through applied neurology, shedding light on the profound connection between our nervous system and overall well-being. Elisabeth's story begins in Austin, where she ran movement studios and recognized the pivotal role of the nervous system in movement science. This realization led her to dive deep into applied neurology, becoming certified and immersing herself in the field.

Initially, Elisabeth applied her newfound e…

Coach Sarah Joy helps women with thyroid conditions find their root causes.

She got oral herpes, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Epstein–Barr. After years of dealing with symptoms like exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, panic attacks, and so much more (she herself counted around 25 symptoms), she managed to get her health back, reverse her diagnosis - after years of dealing with the symptom and trying to get answers from doctors. The real blow to her was the death of …