In this episode of Safe and Sexy, host Shelby Hawkins, Disease Intervention Specialist with the Mississippi County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health, is joined again by Kelly Potthoff for an honest talk about sex education — the real kind.

From anatomy basics to the different types of sex, sexual health, and what every young adult should know before heading to college, Shelby and Kelly break down the taboos with humor, honesty, and heart. They share real-world insights from campus STD testing events, discuss why open conversations about sexual health matter, and reveal how lack of education can lead to risky choices.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or just someone who wants to understand more about your body and health — this episode will empower you to stay safe, smart, and sexy.

Shelby welcomes fellow Disease Intervention Specialist Kelly Potthoff to swap real-world stories from the front lines of sexual health—mixing laughs, tough moments, and straight talk about HIV facts vs. myths, and how today’s medications help people live long, healthy lives. They cover confidentiality, stigma, the role of DIS workers, and resources like the Ryan White Program, plus what to expect if you ever get “that call.”

In this first episode, Shelby Hawkins introduces herself and explains her role as a Disease Intervention Specialist. She breaks down what STDs are, how they spread, common symptoms, and where people in Southeast Missouri can access free or low-cost testing and treatment. Shelby also dives into the growing concerns around syphilis and HIV, explaining the stages of syphilis, why testing matters, and how HIV case management works in the region. Along the way, she reminds listeners that sex should be fun—and that taking care of your health through testing and open conversations is the best way to keep it safe and sexy.