#99 | Listening Is the First Act of Allyship: Finding Courage in LGBTQ Parenting
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens · Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
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Show Notes
What if the key to transforming our relationships was as simple as truly listening?
Candy Motzek, a celebrated coach known for her thought-provoking insights, unravels this very idea in our enlightening conversation. Together, we delve into the three levels of listening, from the surface level to a holistic approach that encompasses words, body language, pace, and the gaps in between. Truly listening is not just about hearing the words; it's about completely immersing ourselves in the conversation and giving it our complete focus.
Listening emerges as a transformative force in relationships in the latest episode of Just Breathe, where Heather Hester converses with the insightful Candy Motzek. The discussion begins with a powerful inquiry into the nature of our interactions: How might our lives shift if we prioritized listening over speaking? Candy's expertise shines as she elaborates on the three levels of listening, drawing a vivid picture of how many of us engage at a superficial level, often distracted by our inner thoughts rather than fully being present for others. This episode serves as both a tutorial and an invitation to challenge ourselves to become more attuned to what is being expressed—not just through words, but also through tone, body language, and the emotional nuances that accompany conversations.
Candy shares heartfelt anecdotes and practical strategies that listeners can implement in their daily lives, particularly in the context of parenting. She addresses the common scenario of parents feeling overwhelmed yet striving to engage meaningfully with their children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being physically and emotionally present, suggesting techniques such as eye contact and mindful body language to enhance connection. As they navigate through these themes, the episode highlights that listening is a vital act of love and respect, fostering deeper bonds within families and communities. It becomes clear that improving our listening skills can lead to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of belonging.
The episode also touches on Candy's work with new coaches, emphasizing that effective listening is essential in the coaching process. As she guides aspiring coaches on their journeys, she reinforces the idea that the ability to listen deeply not only enriches personal relationships but also enhances professional development. This multifaceted discussion ultimately advocates for a shift in mindset towards valuing listening as an essential skill that can transform not only individual lives but also the broader societal landscape. By embracing this practice, listeners are inspired to cultivate a more empathetic approach to their interactions, enriching their experiences and the lives of those around them.
Takeaways:
- Listening more and talking less can significantly transform your relationships and connections.
- Active listening is an essential skill that can enhance communication with your children.
- The three levels of listening can help you become a more present communicator.
- Creating a judgment-free zone encourages open dialogue and connection with your kids.
- Recognizing non-verbal cues is just as important as the words being spoken.
- The act of listening is a powerful way to show love and respect to others.
Links referenced in this episode:
About Our Guest:
Candy Motzek is an author, podcast host , and business coach for life coaches.
Candy helps smart people start successful coaching businesses. She believes that coaching transforms lives and that being a coach is a calling. She helps her clients get unstuck & feel more confidence and clarity so they can play bigger, sign clients & create more meaningful success. She is a 'recovering' corporate executive & engineer who combines practical strategy & mindset in her calming unique approach.
https://stepintosuccessnow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CoachCandyM
https://www.instagram.com/candymotzek/
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/she-coaches-coaches/id1527473940
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.
For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.
Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals—through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.
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