Positively Speaking is hosted by Casey House, developed in partnership with Casey House clients. The second season is in production.
Listen for free below or wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest Episode
The last episode of season 1 ends on an encouraging note; you’ll hear from guests Robert, Kenneth, Eliot and Francois, who despite facing multiple challenges, have been able to find constructive new ways to understand their circumstances and find positive ways to engage with the world.
Season 1
There are few medical conditions as stigmatizing as HIV/AIDS. Tell friends or family that you have cancer or diabetes and they often rally around you; tell them you are HIV+ and their responses can be quite different. Guests Allan, Michael, Scott and Tim describe their experiences with isolation and loneliness, some self-imposed, and how they have come to find peace within themselves.
Toronto already has an affordable housing problem. Finding clean, safe, supportive and affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS experiencing physical, mental health and/or substance use issues adds another layer of complexity. Guests Xica, Ben, Kevin, Liz, Derek, and Matthew discuss challenges finding appropriate housing, stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status, and the urgent need for more supportive housing in our city. We also discuss the difference appropriate housing makes to their health and well being.
Guests share their experiences with mental health: the shock and impact of the HIV diagnosis; how substance use is sometimes a coping mechanism; the challenges of accessing appropriate mental health services, as well as the isolating effects of stigma and discrimination. Scott, Rod, Debbie, Steve and Sabani also describe what they learned from these challenges to create a positive path forward.
Guests Jean, Greg, Phil and Alberto describe how living with HIV has impacted their relationships. For some it has strengthened them, for others, it has forced them to examine their needs, values and what’s important to them.
The premier episode tells the stories of long-term survivors, people who have been living with HIV for over 25 years. Guests Allan, John, Rod, Murray and Muluba tell us about the early days of the epidemic, early and current medications, loss and hopes for the future.