“Community is the cure.”
For Craig Thompson, CEO of APLA Health, those words are more than a theme — they’re a truth.
On today’s #PlusTalk, Karl and Craig talk about hope, healing, and why AIDS Walks remain a lifeline for so many. Continue reading AIDS WALK LA | Why they still matter
She’s back! One of our very first +Talk guests, the incredible actress, advocate, producer and entrepreneur, Hailie Sahar, returns to chat with Karl. From smashing stigma to reminding us that true inner peace starts with self, Hailie shows us the power of uplifting one another and giving back to the community Continue reading HAILIE SAHAR | Inner peace & doing good
New #PlusTalk! Professional Trainer Kevin Stockford joins Karl Schmid to talk about joint health for people living with HIV — why it matters, how movement can boost your immune system, and why taking care of your body means taking care of your future. Continue reading KEVIN STOCKFORD | The importance of joint health & fitness
What does it mean to grow older living with HIV? Founder, President & CEO of the Aging and HIV Institute, David “Jax” Kelly, joins Karl Schmid to share his journey and talk about the realities of aging with HIV – from navigating stigma that still exists, to embracing resilience, purpose, and community. Continue reading DAVID “JAX” KELLY | Aging with HIV, Resilience, & stigma
From Pakistan to Canada, Asif Ali’s journey took an unexpected turn when he learned about his HIV diagnosis after immigrating to Ottawa. 🇨🇦✨ Now, as TLR Program Coordinator at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Asif is on a mission to reshape how the media portrays people living with HIV – fighting stigma with visibility, strength, and truth. Continue reading ASIF ALI | From Pakistan to Canada, my HIV story.
Marcus Tellez D.O., M.P.H. joins #PlusTalk to discuss how stigma fuels loneliness—and what steps you can take to feel more connected, supported, and empowered. Because no one should have to go through this journey alone. Continue reading DR. MARCUZ TELLEZ | HIV, STIGMA & LONELINESS
Karl sits down with Dr. Andrea Gramatica, Vice President & Director of Research at @amfAR, to discuss where #HIV is today, how AMFAR is stepping up in this critical moment, and why the future is still bright. Continue reading DR. ANDREA GRAMATICA | The future of HIV research
What happens when you don’t have access to HIV medication even when you have insurance? 🤯 In this week’s episode of #PlusTalk, Health Journalist, HIV Advocate, Culture Critic, and Educator Juan Michael Porter II shares a shocking personal experience: a sudden “insurance issue” and endless paperwork left him without treatment for 10 weeks. Continue reading JUAN MICHAEL PORTER II | He was off HIV meds?!
Wrapping up an unforgettable #IAS2025 in Rwanda — where the brightest minds in HIV science came together to share breakthroughs, tackle challenges, and reimagine the future of prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction. Continue reading IAS 2025 | What went down – Highlights & recap
Timothy Guion Smith joins Karl Schmid to talk about his powerful debut short film, Next of Kin — a moving story about love, legacy, and the HIV experience. Continue reading TIMOTHY GUION SMITH | Next of Kin
