Podcast
In 2019, former Welsh rugby captain Gareth Thomas publicly disclosed his HIV status. Join Gareth and host Craig Doyle as they talk about how Gareth lives with the virus, how others have treated him, and the stigma around HIV. Gareth and Craig will be joined by others from the world of sport to delve into how they have tackled stigma, racism, homophobia and misunderstanding in their own lives.
Episode #1
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Homophobia in sport remains a taboo subject for many at the highest levels, with many athletes and coaches still having to deal with secrecy and stigma. Kate Richardson-Walsh is an Olympic gold medal winning hockey player, who was capped a record 375 times for her country and was England and Great Britain captain for 13 years. A trailblazer for LGBTQ sportspeople, Kate played alongside and then married international teammate Helen Richardson and in the process made history by becoming the first same-sex married couple to win an Olympic gold medal together. In this episode, Kate chats to Gareth and host Craig Doyle about their experiences of dealing with the stigma around HIV and homophobia and being a gay sports person both in the public eye and on the international stage.
Episode #2
Dion Dublin
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations have shone a light on racial divides and inspired hope that there is an opportunity for meaningful change. Former England football player and TV star Dion Dublin is our guest for this episode, during which he talks about the racism he experienced on the pitch, how he dealt with discrimination then and more recent examples of abuse from strangers. Dion had a hugely successful record on the field for clubs including Manchester United, Aston Villa and Celtic before embarking on a high profile second career as presenter of BBC One’s Homes Under the Hammer. Gareth and Craig talk to Dion about his approach to racism and stigma, his feelings on tokenism and positive discrimination, and how education can help in reducing racism.
Episode #1
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Homophobia in sport remains a taboo subject for many at the highest levels, with many athletes and coaches still having to deal with secrecy and stigma. Kate Richardson-Walsh is an Olympic gold medal winning hockey player, who was capped a record 375 times for her country and was England and Great Britain captain for 13 years. A trailblazer for LGBTQ sportspeople, Kate played alongside and then married international teammate Helen Richardson and in the process made history by becoming the first same-sex married couple to win an Olympic gold medal together. In this episode, Kate chats to Gareth and host Craig Doyle about their experiences of dealing with the stigma around HIV and homophobia and being a gay sports person both in the public eye and on the international stage.
Episode #2
Dion Dublin
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations have shone a light on racial divides and inspired hope that there is an opportunity for meaningful change. Former England football player and TV star Dion Dublin is our guest for this episode, during which he talks about the racism he experienced on the pitch, how he dealt with discrimination then and more recent examples of abuse from strangers. Dion had a hugely successful record on the field for clubs including Manchester United, Aston Villa and Celtic before embarking on a high profile second career as presenter of BBC One’s Homes Under the Hammer. Gareth and Craig talk to Dion about his approach to racism and stigma, his feelings on tokenism and positive discrimination, and how education can help in reducing racism.
Special Episode
Ian Green, Allen Jones (AJ) & Will Ross
In a special edition of the Talking Stigma podcast, Gareth Thomas sat down with Ian Green, CEO of the Terrence Higgins Trust (the UK’s leading HIV charity) alongside Allen Jones (AJ) and his partner Will Ross. AJ is living with HIV and talks to Gareth and Ian about how he felt when he was diagnosed, the stigma that he has faced and how he feels now, a few years on. Will is HIV negative and gives his perspective on supporting his partner and how finding out AJ was living with HIV didn’t affect the way he felt. Gareth, Ian, AJ and Will share their very honest thoughts and feelings about living with HIV and the impact of stigma on themselves and their loved ones. We hope you enjoy this episode, the third in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. If you do, we’d really appreciate a review and five stars on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to the show). Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #3
Nathaniel Hall
t’s a Sin is one of Channel 4’s most successful shows of all-time. It’s shattered streaming records on the All 4 platform, but most importantly it’s brought HIV/AIDS into mainstream conversation in a very powerful way. The worry among many in the HIV community was that the stigma depicted in the show from the early ’80s would resurface. But it’s been quite the opposite. The show has had an incredible response and impact; It has inspired people to go public with their positive HIV status, 2021 saw a record-breaking HIV testing week, and there have been huge increases in people searching for HIV education.
Nathaniel Hall is one of the stars of It’s a Sin, playing Donald Bassett, and is also HIV positive. He’s a writer, performer, and producer and his first play in 2018 ‘First Time’ was all about staying positive in a negative world. Nathaniel joins Gareth & Craig to talk about his initial diagnosis, the burden of keeping it a secret and the impact opening up has had on his life. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fourth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Special Episode
Ian Green, Allen Jones (AJ) & Will Ross
In a special edition of the Talking Stigma podcast, Gareth Thomas sat down with Ian Green, CEO of the Terrence Higgins Trust (the UK’s leading HIV charity) alongside Allen Jones (AJ) and his partner Will Ross. AJ is living with HIV and talks to Gareth and Ian about how he felt when he was diagnosed, the stigma that he has faced and how he feels now, a few years on. Will is HIV negative and gives his perspective on supporting his partner and how finding out AJ was living with HIV didn’t affect the way he felt. Gareth, Ian, AJ and Will share their very honest thoughts and feelings about living with HIV and the impact of stigma on themselves and their loved ones. We hope you enjoy this episode, the third in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. If you do, we’d really appreciate a review and five stars on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to the show). Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #3
Nathaniel Hall
t’s a Sin is one of Channel 4’s most successful shows of all-time. It’s shattered streaming records on the All 4 platform, but most importantly it’s brought HIV/AIDS into mainstream conversation in a very powerful way. The worry among many in the HIV community was that the stigma depicted in the show from the early ’80s would resurface. But it’s been quite the opposite. The show has had an incredible response and impact; It has inspired people to go public with their positive HIV status, 2021 saw a record-breaking HIV testing week, and there have been huge increases in people searching for HIV education.
Nathaniel Hall is one of the stars of It’s a Sin, playing Donald Bassett, and is also HIV positive. He’s a writer, performer, and producer and his first play in 2018 ‘First Time’ was all about staying positive in a negative world. Nathaniel joins Gareth & Craig to talk about his initial diagnosis, the burden of keeping it a secret and the impact opening up has had on his life. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fourth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #4
Hannah Cockcroft
The 2012 Paralympic Games in London were seen as a turning point for disability in the UK. The games broke multiple records and created a huge shift in attitudes and perceptions towards those with disabilities, yet some stigma and discrimination still remain. One of the athletes from those games, joins Gareth and Craig to talk about stigma. Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockcroft MBE won two Gold Medals at the games in London in T34 100m and 200m races. Since then she’s won three more Gold Medals in Rio alongside her 11 World Championship Golds. Since losing the ability to walk at an early age, Hannah has faced challenges at many points in her life, between the low funding and treatment of Para Athletes to the lack of accessibility to public places, it’s been a tough journey. Listen as she tells us more about those challenges, the stigma she’s battled and how passionate she is about ensuring anyone with a disability has access to sport. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fifth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #5
Katie Piper
Gareth and Craig are joined by best-selling author, inspirational speaker, activist, and television presenter Katie Piper. In 2008, Katie survived an acid attack. Since then Katie has produced multiple documentaries, created her own foundation, the “Katie Piper Foundation”, and become a role model and campaigner for acid attack survivors across the country. Whether it’s her husband being congratulated for marrying her, or the internalised judgment she placed on herself, Katie has faced stigma at every turn and tells us not only about her own experience but what people can do on a daily basis to put a stop to it. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fifth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #4
Hannah Cockcroft
The 2012 Paralympic Games in London were seen as a turning point for disability in the UK. The games broke multiple records and created a huge shift in attitudes and perceptions towards those with disabilities, yet some stigma and discrimination still remain. One of the athletes from those games, joins Gareth and Craig to talk about stigma. Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockcroft MBE won two Gold Medals at the games in London in T34 100m and 200m races. Since then she’s won three more Gold Medals in Rio alongside her 11 World Championship Golds. Since losing the ability to walk at an early age, Hannah has faced challenges at many points in her life, between the low funding and treatment of Para Athletes to the lack of accessibility to public places, it’s been a tough journey. Listen as she tells us more about those challenges, the stigma she’s battled and how passionate she is about ensuring anyone with a disability has access to sport. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fifth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #5
Katie Piper
Gareth and Craig are joined by best-selling author, inspirational speaker, activist, and television presenter Katie Piper. In 2008, Katie survived an acid attack. Since then Katie has produced multiple documentaries, created her own foundation, the “Katie Piper Foundation”, and become a role model and campaigner for acid attack survivors across the country. Whether it’s her husband being congratulated for marrying her, or the internalised judgment she placed on herself, Katie has faced stigma at every turn and tells us not only about her own experience but what people can do on a daily basis to put a stop to it. We hope you enjoy this episode, the fifth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Special Episode
Bryan Habana & Nolli Waterman, Craig Doyle and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell
The week before the Lions departure for the 2021 tour, we sat down for a special live edition of the Talking Stigma podcast with Gareth Thomas, World Cup winners Bryan Habana & Nolli Waterman, Craig Doyle and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell. As well as the ultimate rugby challenge, the Lions tour provides an ideal backdrop and opportunity for public education via the power of sport, with the Lions representing one of the ultimate team challenges. Sport and physical activity have the power to bring about positive social change for individuals and communities. The Tackle HIV campaign, founded by Gareth and ViiV Healthcare, with the Terrence Higgins Trust supporting as the charity partner is an example of where sport can help bring about public education, understanding, and social change. Gareth tells us a bit about the campaign and discusses more broadly with Nolli, Bryan and Craig how sport can help bring about this change. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #6
Frank Bruno
Gareth Thomas and Craig Doyle are joined by retired professional boxer and former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. Throughout his life and career, Frank has faced challenges and fought against stigma surrounding mental health, which led him to start the Frank Bruno Foundation. In this episode, Frank talks about the importance of being respectful, keeping calm and staying in control both inside and outside the ring. Gareth, Frank and Craig discuss the negative perceptions around issues such as mental health, and how Frank manages daily life outside of boxing while dealing with his bi-polar disorder. We hope you enjoy this next episode, the sixth in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding & discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Please get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Special Episode
Bryan Habana & Nolli Waterman, Craig Doyle and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell
The week before the Lions departure for the 2021 tour, we sat down for a special live edition of the Talking Stigma podcast with Gareth Thomas, World Cup winners Bryan Habana & Nolli Waterman, Craig Doyle and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell. As well as the ultimate rugby challenge, the Lions tour provides an ideal backdrop and opportunity for public education via the power of sport, with the Lions representing one of the ultimate team challenges. Sport and physical activity have the power to bring about positive social change for individuals and communities. The Tackle HIV campaign, founded by Gareth and ViiV Healthcare, with the Terrence Higgins Trust supporting as the charity partner is an example of where sport can help bring about public education, understanding, and social change. Gareth tells us a bit about the campaign and discusses more broadly with Nolli, Bryan and Craig how sport can help bring about this change. Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #6
Frank Bruno
Gareth Thomas and Craig Doyle are joined by retired professional boxer and former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. Throughout his life and career, Frank has faced challenges and fought against stigma surrounding mental health, which led him to start the Frank Bruno Foundation. In this episode, Frank talks about the importance of being respectful, keeping calm and staying in control both inside and outside the ring. Gareth, Frank and Craig discuss the negative perceptions around issues such as mental health, and how Frank manages daily life outside of boxing while dealing with his bi-polar disorder. We hope you enjoy this next episode, the sixth in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding & discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Please get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Episode #7
Lina Nielsen
Gareth Thomas is joined by professional athlete Lina Nielsen. Lina competes at the highest level for Great Britain in the 400m hurdles, being the European under 20s champion, and is currently ranked in the world’s top 20, whilst living and competing with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, Lina and Gareth discuss fighting public perceptions of both MS and HIV, the importance of talking openly and of being role models and their shared experiences of stigma.
We hope you enjoy this next episode, the seventh in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding & discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Episode #8
Mark Foster
Gareth Thomas is joined by World Champion swimmer Mark Foster. Mark competed at the highest level for Great Britain at five different Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games. He now has a very successful career as a commentator, TV personality, public speaker, and charity campaigner. In this episode, we discuss the stigma around homosexuality in sport and society, with Gareth and Mark discussing their experiences and the importance of changing public perceptions to make stigma a thing of the past. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Episode #7
Lina Nielsen
Gareth Thomas is joined by professional athlete Lina Nielsen. Lina competes at the highest level for Great Britain in the 400m hurdles, being the European under 20s champion, and is currently ranked in the world’s top 20, whilst living and competing with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, Lina and Gareth discuss fighting public perceptions of both MS and HIV, the importance of talking openly and of being role models and their shared experiences of stigma.
We hope you enjoy this next episode, the seventh in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding & discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Episode #8
Mark Foster
Gareth Thomas is joined by World Champion swimmer Mark Foster. Mark competed at the highest level for Great Britain at five different Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games. He now has a very successful career as a commentator, TV personality, public speaker, and charity campaigner. In this episode, we discuss the stigma around homosexuality in sport and society, with Gareth and Mark discussing their experiences and the importance of changing public perceptions to make stigma a thing of the past. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Special Episode
Sally Gunnell OBE, Natalie Pinkham CBE, Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, Becky Mitchell MBE, Prof Kevin Fenton CBE, Dr Nneka Nwokolo and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell
Gareth Thomas takes part in a Women’s Roundtable, a candid and powerful discussion aimed at confronting challenges faced by women in sports, healthcare, and wider society, as well as addressing the under-recognised impact of HIV on women. Globally, women make up more than half of those living with HIV, yet the prevailing myths suggest otherwise, contributing to delayed diagnoses and inadequate support. Gareth is joined by an influential group, including Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell OBE, F1 reporter Natalie Pinkham, England and GB hockey Olympic champion Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, HIV advocate Becky Mitchell MBE, public health expert Kevin Fenton CBE, and ViiV Healthcare’s Dr Nneka Nwokolo and Helen McDowell, to dive into the unique challenges women face and highlight the urgent need for a shift in public dialogue. The conversation celebrates the progress made for women’s opportunities and underscores the importance of continued advocacy for women’s rights and representation across all sectors.
Special Episode
Sally Gunnell OBE, Natalie Pinkham CBE, Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, Becky Mitchell MBE, Prof Kevin Fenton CBE, Dr Nneka Nwokolo and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell
Gareth Thomas takes part in a Women’s Roundtable, a candid and powerful discussion aimed at confronting challenges faced by women in sports, healthcare, and wider society, as well as addressing the under-recognised impact of HIV on women. Globally, women make up more than half of those living with HIV, yet the prevailing myths suggest otherwise, contributing to delayed diagnoses and inadequate support. Gareth is joined by an influential group, including Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell OBE, F1 reporter Natalie Pinkham, England and GB hockey Olympic champion Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, HIV advocate Becky Mitchell MBE, public health expert Kevin Fenton CBE, and ViiV Healthcare’s Dr Nneka Nwokolo and Helen McDowell, to dive into the unique challenges women face and highlight the urgent need for a shift in public dialogue. The conversation celebrates the progress made for women’s opportunities and underscores the importance of continued advocacy for women’s rights and representation across all sectors.