What do you get when you blend a beloved Dublin drag queen, a tireless social activist, and broadcasting legend Anne Doyle?
You get Poz Vibe, a podcast that aims to smash the stigma of living with HIV.
Hosted by HIV activist Robbie Lawlor and Dublin drag star Veda Lady, Poz Vibe is now in its second season.
The pair recorded their first episode in April 2021 with special guest Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters.
Since then, they have built a family within the HIV positive community in Dublin and beyond, and even broadcasting legend Anne Doyle jumped on board the fun for a fishing trip.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Veda and Robbie reflected on their own diagnoses and the subsequent stigma they had to face.
Robbie said: "When I was diagnosed at 21, I didn't know of anyone living with HIV or open about their status.
"I had no one to look up to. I was so fearful of what the future would be. I didn't know you could live life normally with HIV.
"With the podcast, we get to bring together all these amazing people to share stories about how they're thriving now or on their journey there."
Veda added: "After I came out about my status, my mental health got drastically better. I felt the weight of this secret had been weighing me down for years.
"That's how we want to help other people. The podcast has created these amazing friendships."
Ahead of the podcast's second season, it was announced that RTE broadcasting legend Anne Doyle would take on the role of their continuity announcer.
Veda revealed that Anne is very involved and even went on a fishing trip with them called "I Hope you Catch Something".
Robbie said: "When we were on the fishing trip, there was about 10 of us and Anne Doyle.
"On the way back we kept hitting off waves and all screamed like queens, and Anne Doyle was at the end of the boat dignified."
Meanwhile, Veda explained that the most shocking thing to come of the trip was learning that Anne actually has curly hair!
The hosting duo passionately spoke about removing the stigma of living with HIV and helping people with a new diagnosis deal with what they're going through.
Veda said: "It's not a pamphlet or website. It's a family of people."
Robbie revealed that one of the moments that made him emotional was when The George dedicated a night to HIV, describing how he thought of "21-year-old Robbie and how he felt like an outsider".
"I feel part of the community again," he said.
Poz Vibe is available to listen to on Spotify and all streaming platforms.
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