Behind the Mission

I’m Erin Devost, your host for the next half hour. I’m a happy person, but herpes isn’t a happy subject. I’ve got it; you’re not … alone. Stick around if you like this so far… we are ‘bout to get real.    Soooooo…. when herpes … stops being … a burden, it can be opportunity:  to change your own beliefs…I mean, to hold real connections for a deeper sense of self —Herpes does not define you.  Deep right?    Herp A Derp, is a biweekly podcast about breaking the stigma on herpes. It’s empowering for anyone affected by herpes to rebuild confidence, make healthy lifestyle choices and to revitalize their relationships and outlook on life.     In this podcast, I’ll tell you my personal experiences and how I find dating now.  This podcast means more than talking about herpes; it is about being real about the virus and being real with you.   I want you to feel comfortable sharing your stories, asking questions or maybe you know the answer that everyone might be thinking.   Maybe you are the supportive partner or friend seeking an outlet to better understand what someone with herpes might be going through.    I want to be that someone for you.    My guests on the show will talk about their challenges and triumphs over herpes, talk with experts with answers to the taboo questions, be positive.    Honestly, I want to see you be brave!   I’m single and have had herpes for a few years now. I know what is like to go through the herpy derpy emotional rollercoaster. The doctor’s visit and phone call that changed everything. The thought of someone will never touch me or ever love me.    I don’t want anyone to ever go through those negative thoughts. I want you to feel you have support by listening to Herp A Derp and know you are not alone.   Above all, you deserve love. Herpes does not define who you are.   Herp A Derp is tribe to value you and lighten the herpes stereotypes. Let’s talk about learning to love ourselves and not let our past experiences or relationships label what we have.    As a single woman, who is dating and having to have the herpes conversation over and over again, trust me I know it is not easy.   I want to listen and but also share when you are ready.    Its never easy telling someone you care about or to accept you have herpes.   Let this podcast be able to help you continue the conversation about herpes before we become silent and never talk about it again.  Let’s talk about it.    I really don’t want this to be a stopping by, I want this to be a starting point and to listen to this journey.   To be really excited.   I’m really excited to share my stories and I really hope you are able to share your stories too.      A Herp A Derp moment is an expression when someone has come across hiccups in life we may not understand but learn to rise above. Herpes is the Herp A Derp moment in my life. Each day I am learning to love myself more by treating my body as a temple … of the mind, body and soul.    Herp A Derp. A podcast about breaking the stigma on herpes and empowering the community. I'm your host, Erin Devost  *As always, you can review my episodes on YouTube or find link to the channel on the podcast Instagram page @herpaderppodcast