PODCAST · society
It is just a Neighbor!
by Melissa IKIREZI
Being HIV+ positive is definitely NOT a life sentence actually, HIV is a good Neighbor. At least that is what I believe, walk with me and I promise you will understand. This podcast aim is to raise awareness and talk about the unspoken topics surrounding HIV/AIDS and Mental Health.
Episodes
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The ones who stayed
"Hey everyone! I’m excited to share the latest episode of my podcast 'It’s Just a Neighbor.' It’s a heartfelt journey, reflecting on resilience, gratitude, and the power of chosen family. Check it out on Spotify and YouTube — I’d love to hear your thoughts! [Spotify link] [YouTube link]"
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When the world shook, God held me
This episode came from a moment when I felt completely undone; when life broke me down quietly, deeply. I talk about how I fell into self-blame, depression, and doubt… but also how I was reminded that God’s love doesn’t shift based on my circumstances. I shifted my focus from pain to purpose…
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The Pride We Carry: A Legacy Beyond Ourselves
So today, I honor every ancestor whose blood runs in my veins. I honor every prayer said for me before I was even born. I honor every sacrifice made so I could exist here, now. If you’re listening to this, and you’ve ever struggled to explain why your pride runs deeper than your skin — know you…
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Not Everyone Deserves Your Retaliation
This episode is personal. I was hurt by someone I trusted—and for a moment, I almost chose retaliation. But I learned something powerful: not everyone deserves your energy. Not everyone deserves your reaction. Sometimes, peace is the strongest answer. If you've ever been there, this one is for you.
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Beyond the Odds: Resilience That Comes From Within
In this episode, I share a moment where I chose to push through against all odds; not for anyone else, but for me. A quiet reminder that resilience isn’t always loud, but it’s always powerful.
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The One Time It Was Hard to Say It: When Disclosure Isn’t So Easy
In this episode, I share a moment that caught me completely off guard; when, for the first time ever, I couldn’t bring myself to disclose my HIV status face-to-face. It’s a story about connection, hesitation, honesty, and a reminder that even those of us who’ve walked this road for years still…
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Let’s Talk Treatment: How HIV Medication Works, and Why It’s Bigger Than a Pill
In this episode, I take you through my real-life journey with HIV treatment, right from the early days, through tough medication switches, and eventually to reaching U=U. I share what first-, second-, and third-line treatment actually mean, how the medicine works in the body, why taking it on…
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The Fire Didn’t Build Me: But I Chose How to Walk Through It
In this episode, I share the truth behind what people often mistake as strength; how resilience is built, not gifted, and what it really means to walk through the fire with grace. With honesty, psychological insight, and hard-earned wisdom, I draw the line between self-acceptance and...
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Undetectable = Untransmittable: More Than a Status, It’s a Shift
In this episode, I explore the real meaning of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), not just as a scientific breakthrough, but as a shift in how we live, care, and support. From fear, fatigue, and pressure to a moment of quiet fulfillment, this episode reminds us that U=U is not the destination;...
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The silence handed to me
In this episode, I share the moment silence was handed to me, and how breaking it became a path to reclaiming my story. Through truth, pain, and power, I challenge you to ask: whose silence are you still carrying, and why?
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Am I Really Free? The Mental Prison of HIV Stigma.
Are you truly free, or have you been living inside a prison built by fear? In this episode of It’s Just a Neighbor, we dive deep into the invisible limits we place on ourselves—the dreams we abandon, the choices we avoid, and the fears we accept without question.
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When Faith Feels Like a Test - HIV, Healing & The Pressure To Prove Your Belief
I’m a Christian... I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I want you to listen with that in your heart.
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HIV isn't what you think - But do you even know what you think?!!!
You know, it’s 2025. You’d think we know everything about HIV by now, right? So, we’re good, right? We know everything... Except… we don’t.
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The Stigma that comes from Within
Sometimes, it’s easier to build walls. To separate yourself from what hurts. To push away the very thing that has shaped your life, even when you don’t mean to...
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You shouldn't live it; If you don't have to live it at all.
I know very well how unconventional this kind of logic is but sometimes it becomes necessary to take a specific stand and speak only the truth even if it is uncomfortable but the necessity outweight the guilty. keep an open mind and heart but importantly keep an open ear. thanks.
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This is me: Unapologetically Myself
The real standard is never perfection but PROGRESS ...and understanding that the most important person in your story is actually you and you are the defining factor of your story is the foundation for self-acceptance and start living truly as yourself unapologetically...you set the pace the rest...
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Living Positively: The Power of Self-Love and Care
One of humanity lifetime dilemma is whether to live in fear of living as our authentic self and face the unknown consequences that comes with it or live a life of avoidance and never have to deal with the unknown consequences. I chose to face my fears and face the storm, how about you?
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Facing Fear: Owning your Truth with Courage and Pride
The fear is really and the scars are really too but you have the power to call the shots...it is your life; so other than God you are the second in command, don't let nobody else take that position. You are the boss, time to act so. Together we are stronger!
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August Freestyle
Understanding is the key to progress and pause...boundaries is the defining factor and education and learning is the building blocks. Silence is precious and when there is nothing more to give or to receive, then separation is the action to take! Remember, we walk together so that none of us walk...
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Boundaries and Compassion
HIV doesn't define us. It's a part of our lives, yes, but it doesn't dictate our worth, our joy, or our capacity for love. We get sick, we fall in love, we dream, we stumble, just like everyone else. We don't need to be treated like we’re dying or like we’re some special project for your...
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Not as it Seems
Adherence remains a significant challenge. Factors such as mental health issues, stigma, lack of social support, and economic barriers can impact one's ability to stick to the treatment plan. For instance, a 2022 study in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes found that individuals...
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Heartbeats of Hope!
Today’s episode is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions. We’re diving into a story that’s as real as it gets – love, fear, and everything in between when HIV is part of the picture.
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"Self-Stigma" of course, it starts with me!
If we normalized talking about HIV, something would change. But did we? Better yet, did you? Why is it still so shocking when someone says they are HIV positive, even in 2024? If you want to know the answer, look in the mirror. Yes, today I am talking to you, and I am talking to myself. I am...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Being HIV+ positive is definitely NOT a life sentence actually, HIV is a good Neighbor. At least that is what I believe, walk with me and I promise you will understand. This podcast aim is to raise awareness and talk about the unspoken topics surrounding HIV/AIDS and Mental Health.
HOSTED BY
Melissa IKIREZI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does It is just a Neighbor! have?
It is just a Neighbor! currently has 23 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is It is just a Neighbor! about?
Being HIV+ positive is definitely NOT a life sentence actually, HIV is a good Neighbor. At least that is what I believe, walk with me and I promise you will understand. This podcast aim is to raise awareness and talk about the unspoken topics surrounding HIV/AIDS and Mental Health.
How often does It is just a Neighbor! release new episodes?
It is just a Neighbor! has 23 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to It is just a Neighbor!?
You can listen to It is just a Neighbor! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts It is just a Neighbor!?
It is just a Neighbor! is created and hosted by Melissa IKIREZI.
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