More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens

Heather Hester and Katherine Burrows engage in a compelling discussion centered around the importance of storytelling in the LGBTQ community in their latest podcast episode. The conversation is sparked by their collaborative project, Rainbow Stories, which aims to gather narratives from parents, teens, and allies. Heather opens up about her personal journey as a mother when her son came out, detailing the challenges and emotional turmoil she experienced. This candid reflection sets the tone for a deeper exploration of the struggles families face and the critical need for resources and shared experiences to navigate these complex dynamics.As the discussion unfolds, Katherine brings her expertise in storytelling to the forefront, emphasizing how narratives can serve as powerful tools for empathy and connection. She explains that stories are not just entertainment; they are essential for human communication and understanding. The episode highlights how shared stories can alleviate feelings of isolation and fear, allowing individuals to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the lives of others. Heather and Katherine passionately advocate for the power of personal stories to inspire and educate, aiming to create a supportive environment where voices are heard and valued.The hosts conclude the episode by inviting listeners to contribute their stories to the Rainbow Stories compilation, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a unique narrative worth sharing. This call to action not only encourages participation but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. The episode is a heartfelt reminder of the transformative power of storytelling in healing and connecting across diverse experiences, urging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the impact they can have by sharing their voices.Takeaways: The importance of sharing personal stories to create understanding and connection in the LGBTQ community. Heather Hester emphasizes the need for resources and support for families with LGBTQ children. Katherine Burrows discusses how storytelling can help alleviate feelings of isolation and fear. The Rainbow Stories project aims to compile diverse narratives that inspire and educate others. Both hosts believe that stories are a powerful way to foster empathy and compassion in society. The podcast highlights the mission to empower individuals by sharing their unique experiences and journeys. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Exploring the intricate relationship between mental and physical health is at the heart of this engaging podcast episode featuring Heather Hester and her guest, Daniel Maigler. In an age where mental health discussions often take a backseat, Heather encourages listeners to treat mental health with the same importance as physical health. This conversation begins with a thought-provoking examination of our daily habits that prioritize physical well-being—like diet and exercise—while questioning what proactive steps we take to care for our mental health. This inquiry serves as a crucial reminder that mental health should not be an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of our lives, deserving of intentional attention and care.Daniel Maigler, with his extensive experience as a therapist and high school counselor, provides invaluable insights into the normalization of mental health topics, particularly among teenagers. He shares his involvement with Pause for Patrick, an organization that emerged from a tragic loss to suicide, aimed at fostering emotional well-being through the companionship of therapy dogs. This initiative highlights the transformative power of animal support in mental health treatment. Daniel emphasizes that therapy dogs not only provide comfort but also help bridge gaps in communication for those who may struggle to express their feelings. This powerful narrative sheds light on the healing potential of animals in therapeutic settings, urging listeners to consider how such companionship can enhance emotional resilience.As the discussion unfolds, Daniel addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA youth, advocating for inclusive support systems that recognize the importance of chosen families. The episode reinforces the idea that mental health struggles are often compounded by societal pressures and misunderstandings, making community support all the more vital. Daniel's insights encourage listeners to cultivate empathy and understanding within their circles, promoting an environment where individuals feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment. By the end of the episode, the message is clear: prioritizing mental health is not just a personal journey but a collective responsibility. Together, we can create a culture that values openness, supports those in need, and recognizes the profound impact of belonging and acceptance on mental health.Takeaways: Mental health should be a daily conversation, just like physical health. Taking care of mental health can include meditation, therapy, and emotional support animals. Pause for Patrick provides therapy dogs to support mental health in young people. Emotional support animals can help alleviate loneliness and provide comfort during tough times. It's crucial for parents to prioritize their child's feelings over external pressures during the holidays. Every individual has unique needs and experiences, which should be acknowledged and respected. Links referenced in this episode:pawsforpatrick.orgchrysalismama.com Ways to connect with Daniel J MaiglerDaniel is on the board for Paws for Patrick. To learn more:Website: https://www.pawsforpatrick.org/Instagram: PawsforPatrick  and notallowedtodiepodPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-allowed-to-die/id1574038556  Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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,

Navigating the complexities of parenting an LGBTQIA child during the holiday season can be challenging, especially when confronted with non-affirming relatives. Heather Hester opens the conversation with warmth and reassurance, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for both parents and their children. She encourages listeners to take a deep breath, reminding them that they are not alone in their experiences and struggles. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Hester delves into how to handle difficult conversations that may arise during family gatherings. The episode provides insights into maintaining boundaries while still fostering understanding and compassion. Hester also introduces resources, including her guide on the language of LGBTQIA, aimed at demystifying the terminology often encountered in these discussions. The episode’s heart lies in its call for love, patience, and education, underscoring that the true spirit of the holidays is about cherishing moments with loved ones, despite the challenges that arise. Hester also explores the emotional landscape that parents and children navigate when facing non-affirming attitudes. She highlights the need for parents to equip themselves with facts and strategies to respond effectively while safeguarding their children's well-being. The conversation touches on the significance of recognizing the personal journeys of both the LGBTQIA child and the non-affirming family members. Hester emphasizes that understanding takes time, and she encourages listeners to approach these dialogues with grace while being prepared to set clear boundaries. By focusing on education and compassion, she helps listeners find a balance between advocating for their children and maintaining family relationships. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for parents, offering both emotional support and actionable steps to navigate the holiday season with confidence and love.Takeaways: The importance of understanding and using the right language when discussing LGBTQIA topics cannot be overstated. During the holidays, it's crucial to maintain boundaries with non-affirming family members to protect your child's emotional well-being. Taking time to breathe and calm your nervous system can significantly improve how you handle stressful situations. It's vital to educate yourself on LGBTQIA issues to respond effectively to unsupportive comments from others. Encouraging your child to prioritize their emotional safety during holiday gatherings is essential for their mental health. Practicing gratitude, even amidst turmoil, helps shift focus away from negative experiences and promotes healing. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

The discourse presented in this podcast episode centers on the intricate relationship between disordered eating and the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth during the holiday season. A significant focus is placed on the psychological implications of these struggles, particularly as they pertain to identity formation and societal pressures. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Theresa Bussert, offers invaluable insights into navigating disordered eating behaviors with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying thoughts and feelings that accompany such challenges. We explore the complexities of familial support and the necessity of creating a safe space for dialogue, particularly in the context of the upcoming holidays, which can exacerbate stress for many individuals. Ultimately, this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the need for empathy and awareness as we endeavor to support our loved ones grappling with these significant issues.What are disordered eating and eating disorders? Dr. Bussert shares with us the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, and the best ways to support a person who is struggling with either one. Dr. Bussert is a therapist, coach, educator, and advocate for people looking to live beyond their eating disorders. She shares with us just how the spectrum of disordered eating and eating disorders can start and how the most important tool to healing is separating the person from the disorder. Join us as we discuss how to spot signs of eating disorders, how to best support a loved one suffering from eating disorders, and that there is life beyond your disorder.Takeaways: The upcoming holiday season introduces various stressors, particularly for those managing disordered eating. Dr. Teresa Bussert offers invaluable insights into the complexities of eating disorders and their impact on individuals. It is essential to differentiate between disordered eating and eating disorders, as they exist on a continuum. Supporting a loved one with disordered eating requires a focus on their emotional well-being rather than solely on their eating behaviors. Acknowledging the importance of community and support is crucial for individuals navigating their identity and eating challenges. Parents and caregivers must create a safe space for their children to express their feelings about food and identity. Companies mentioned in this episode: National Eating Disorder Association Trevor Foundation Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.  NEDA https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ANAD https://anad.org/Ways to connect with Dr. Theresa Bussert:Website: Theresabussert.comEmail: [email protected]: @TheresaBussertPsyDInstagram: @theresabussertMore 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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the critical importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within corporate and academic environments, emphasizing that awareness and education are foundational to creating inclusive spaces. We delve into the multifaceted nature of DEI and explore strategies for increasing awareness and knowledge, which in turn fosters an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Our esteemed guest, Victoria Peltier, an accomplished business leader and inspirational speaker, shares her profound insights on the impact of DEI on both corporate culture and personal resilience. Through her compelling personal narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding identity and the necessity for inclusive practices. Our discussion serves not only to enlighten but also to encourage actionable steps toward fostering inclusive communities, underscoring that we all have a role to play in this pivotal endeavor.Today I am joined by Victoria Pelletier and we have an enlightening conversation about bisexuality and DEI engagement. Victoria lives out loud and is a pivotal advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in workplaces and the LGBTQIA + community. Victoria doesn’t like the use of labels as she believes sexual identity is ever-evolving and there are many layers to figure out. As a woman who identifies as queer, Victoria discusses the many misunderstandings of what it means to be bisexual and how it looks within the queer community. Also discussed in this episode is the importance of creating DEI workplaces using strategic intentionality. Strategic intentionality is hiring and inviting diversity into the workforce, which allows people to show up as their whole selves in the workplace. Join Heather and Victoria as they discuss the ways to be accepting, inclusive, and an ally.  Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.  About our guest:Victoria is a 20+ year Corporate Executive and Board Director – she is currently a Managing Director at Accenture. Nicknamed the “Turn Around Queen” by former colleagues and employers, Victoria inspires and empowers her team and clients to change mindsets and drive growth in business, leadership, and culture.As someone who does not subscribe to the status quo, she is always ready for new challenges becoming one of the youngest Chief Operating Officers at the age of 24, a president by 35, and a CEO by age 41. Victoria was recognized as a Top 50 Business Leader in Technology by Insight Magazine in 2021 and a Mentor of the Year by Women in Communications & Technology in 2020. HSBC bank awarded her the Diversity & Inclusion in Innovation award in 2019 and she was IBM’s #1 Global Social Seller ranked by LinkedIn in 2019 and 2020 (and soon you will see her named to top Business Leaders in Technology by CIOLook Magazine)As a prolific motivational and inspirational speaker, Victoria has delivered keynotes discussing the importance of personal branding and its impact on professional growth; being an empathetic leader in empowering employees; the power of DEI on corporate cultures, and building a life of resilience.Social Platforms Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PelletierV29Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pelletier_unstoppable/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Pelletier.SpeakerMedium: https://medium.com/@victoriapelletierYouTubeChannel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VictoriaPelletierNoExcusesYouTube Speaker Reel: https://youtu.be/na8LwVeWsmETakeaways: The conversation surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is paramount for contemporary organizations, influencing corporate and academic cultures significantly. Awareness and education are essential components i

The exploration of unconditional love serves as the central theme of our discussion today, delving into the profound complexities that surround this elusive concept. Love, as we unravel it, transcends mere sentiment; it embodies a continuum of actions and intentions that reflect our deepest human connections. Throughout this episode, I recount the transformative journey undertaken by our guest, Kim Sorrell, who dedicated a year of her life to understanding love in its myriad forms following personal tragedies that compelled her to question its true essence. Through her experiences, including profound realizations during her time in Haiti, Kim illustrates how love is not merely a feeling but a deliberate practice that encompasses patience, kindness, and understanding. As we engage in this dialogue, we invite our listeners to reflect on their own perceptions of love and the ways in which they can cultivate a more profound, unconditioned love in their lives.What is unconditional love? The meaning of love has been debated throughout time. Today I am joined by Kim Sorrelle, and she helps us take a deep dive into all things love. After the loss of her husband, Kim sought to find the meaning behind the common phrases we hear and learn about love. What she found is that love is an action; it is a choice, and you can choose to see all humans and life situations with the golden rays of love. Kim believes that if we all lived with a real understanding of love the world would be a much different place. Join Heather and Kim as they share ways to view the world and people with love.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.  About our guest:Kim Sorrelle is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, director of a humanitarian organization, activist, mother, grandmother, lover of all people, and black licorice.​​Kim is the director of Rays of Hope International, a partnering organization working with people in their own country who have a passion, a vision, and a mission to help people in their own country and just need someone to walk alongside. Through business plans, fundraising, sustainability planning, supplies, building, and Working in countries like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Burkina Faso, Rays of Hope has enjoyed relationships with hundreds of organizations that are working hard to help the underserved and vulnerable populations.​​In 2009, while battling breast cancer, Kim's love, Steve, received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. After six great weeks together, Kim held Steve as he took his last breath. Her first book, Cry Until You Laugh, chronicles that journey through laughter and tears and laughter again.​The back-to-back cancer diagnosis led her youngest son, Noah, to change his trajectory and earn a Ph.D. as a cancer researcher. With a focus on breast cancer, Noah has made significant discoveries that have already helped with other research and continue to move the needle on the survivor rate.​Kim's second book, Love Is, came from a desire to know the true meaning of love. Love Is, chronicles her year-long quest to discover the true meaning of love, a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, always enlightening journey that led to life-changing discoveries found mostly on the streets of Haiti.Today, Kim lives in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, a regular radio, television, and podcast guest, Kim speaks to audiences all over the world. Inspirational and educational, Kim entertains CEOs, industry leaders, company staff members, educators, parents, women's groups, and more.With first-hand experience, Kim also speaks for The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Koman. ​A coach is always a coach and Kim is no different. Working with individuals and teams, Kim helps people succeed not only in business and family life but in every aspect of life, leading to greater fulfillment and happiness

The principal theme of this podcast episode centers upon the concept of positive masculinity and its transformative potential in dismantling the pervasive cycle of toxic masculinity. Our esteemed guest, Mac McGregor, elucidates on the intricacies of gender expectations and socialization, advocating for a paradigm shift that embraces vulnerability and authenticity in all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity. We delve into the historical context of masculinity and explore how traditional constructs can often hinder personal growth and interpersonal relationships. Through heartfelt anecdotes and insightful dialogue, Mac articulates the necessity of fostering a supportive environment that encourages men and masculine individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about their feelings and experiences. As we navigate this profound journey together, it becomes increasingly clear that the path towards healthier models of masculinity is not only beneficial for men but for society as a whole.What is Positive Masculinity? Today I am joined by the gender sensei, Mac McGregor, and he opens the conversation about what toxic and positive masculinity is. Growing up in the bible belt of America, Mac knew that he just didn’t fit the magic gender letter he was assigned at birth. After a successful career as a martial artist, Mac now spreads the word about Positive Masculinity and how gender is a spectrum with many ways to express your gender. Join Heather and Mac as they pull apart positive masculinity, how it impacts all of us and how unpacking the social conditioning of what gender means is where the real work happens, even within the LGBTQIA+ community. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.  About our guest:Mac McGregor – the “Gender Sensei” – is a speaker who works to educate and train various corporations, colleges, and groups on topics concerning diversity, gender, healthy masculinity, and being true to themselves. He is a dedicated, heartfelt activist and educator who focuses every part of his existence on creating a world where people can feel free to be their authentic selves.He has been a keynote speaker at many events including Mayo Clinic, and many colleges, organizations, and conferences. This includes the University of Washington where he is a guest instructor each semester who discusses the complexities of gender, transgender, and gender non-conforming. Mac has also made appearances on Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Learning Channel, The Discovery Channel, the 700 Club, Univision, People Magazine, and many more. He also writes for the Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, Seattle Gay News, Unite Magazine, and other publications.Mac’s experience prior to transition was that of a successful female athlete, champion competitor, and business owner. This experience shaped him to become a guiding figure for women’s rights, specifically closing the pay gap and providing equal opportunity for those that are gender variant. He was a former US karate team member, inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a competitor and as a Master Teacher. He has extensive training in conflict resolution and arbitration through being a certified coach and referee through the AAU and U.S. Olympic committees.The mayor appointed Mac as a Seattle City Commissioner in 2011 and he served until 2016. Mac is on the Washington state council for PFLAG and on the Seattle Police Department LGBT advisory board. Here, he developed policy and training around dealing with the transgender community, which has been used by the US Border Patrol. He continuously speaks on panels and solo at numerous colleges, non-profit groups, and state and city governments on gender & sexuality. Mac teaches community SelfDefense to empower all people on a donation basis so that all have access. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Sea

The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around the often insidious nature of covert bullying and the essential role that parents play in creating a safe and supportive environment for their LGBTQ teens. I emphasize the importance of fostering a home atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, even amidst the complexities and challenges they may face in their social interactions. Throughout our discussion, we dissect the differences between overt and covert bullying, highlighting the subtle ways in which the latter can manifest, often hidden from adult observation. Furthermore, I share strategies for parents to establish open lines of communication, ensuring that their children feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment. By promoting understanding and compassion, we aim to equip parents with the tools necessary to effectively support their children during these critical formative years.We often separate our political, socioeconomic, gender, and racial identities from our mental health. Today I am joined by Silvia M. Dutchevici, and she introduces us to the concept of Critical Therapy. Critical Therapy takes a deep analysis of the power and invites the political into the therapy room. Silvia shows us how our mental health is affected by so many of these outside factors that aren’t often considered in the therapeutic process. We don’t live in a bubble and must be open to these tough areas of conversation. Join Silvia and me as we break down the walls and open up safe places to have hard conversations. Do not miss these highlights:01:36 – Introduction to Silvia and Critical Therapy05:01 – Mental Health struggles after covid07:05 – How mental health issues are impacted by our place in society08:28 – Just trying to get back to “normal”, and why that isn’t helpful for mental health12:16 – The impact of the pandemic on working mothers13:23 – Should we have it all? Work-life balance in the feminist movement  14:47 – Parenting that shares the power with our children17:10 – How we can learn from our kids19:29 – Understanding gender identity as a parent23:30 – How we defer to the winners25:43 – Be open to listening and have questions when your children approach you about coming out27:07-Difference between critical theory and other therapy29:20- How do we talk about the issues when there isn’t the struggle30:51- What is toxic masculinity33:12- Learning to have more nuanced conversations35:01- Our society will change, starting with us38:00- Having difficult conversations with your therapist42:10- Being aware of how we talk to our children and the messages we are sending them48:24- How to bring in critical therapy to your therapy sessions.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.   About our guest:Silvia M. Dutchevici, MA, LCSW, is the president and founder of the Critical Therapy Institute. A trained psychotherapist, Dutchevici (pronounced “doot-KAY-vitch”), created critical therapy on perceiving a need for the theory and practice of psychology to reflect how race, class, gender, and religion intersect with psychological conflicts. She is a founding board member of Black Women’s Blueprint and a member of the Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network, where she conducts psychological evaluations documenting evidence of torture and persecution for survivors fleeing danger in their home countries. She trained at the Bellevue/NYU Survivors of Torture Program, the Parent-Child Center of the New York Psychoanalytic Society, and the New York Freudian Society. Dutchevici has a master’s degree in social work from New York University and a master’s degree in psychology from the New School, and a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and political science from Fordham University. She has lectured and presented throughout the country on critical therapy, including

This podcast episode features an enlightening dialogue with Kevin Wong, the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, which stands as the preeminent organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support for LGBTQ youth. Central to our discussion is the alarming statistic that LGBTQ young individuals are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, underscoring the critical need for accessible and effective support systems. We delve into the multifaceted programs offered by the Trevor Project, including crisis intervention services, educational initiatives, and the empowering peer support platform known as Trevor Space. Moreover, we explore the imperative role that acceptance from even a single adult can play in significantly reducing the risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth. This episode not only emphasizes the vital resources available but also provides actionable insights for parents and allies on how to approach conversations surrounding identity and mental health with empathy and understanding.With September being suicide prevention month, it was imperative to have Kevin Wong on the podcast today. Kevin is the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, and he shares with us all the amazing resources the Trevor Project has for LGBTQ youth and their parents. There are many stigmas when it comes to talking about suicide and Kevin and the team at the Trevor Project are bringing awareness, advocacy, and safe places for LGBTQ youth to have these conversations. Join Heather and Kevin as they discuss the importance of the Trevor Project and supporting children in the LGBTQ community. Do not miss these highlights:01:50 – A little about Kevin03:58 – Who the Trevor Project is08:46 – How to get this information to our children11:23 – Moderators on the site12:45 – Resources for questions and support children can get on the Trevor project site14:55 – The Trevor Project & advocacy work  18:33 – How to be an advocate21:47 – What signs parents can look for in their kids, that may show they want to come out or are struggling23:33 – The acronym C.A.R.E for helping a kid in a moment of crisis27:32 – The stigma of these topics30:40 – How to receive your child when they come out Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.About our guest:Kevin Wong (he/him) is the Vice President of Communications for The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people. He oversees the organization’s communications strategy, including media relations, celebrity engagement, internal and executive communications, speaking engagements and awards, crisis communications, and more.  Kevin works closely with The Trevor Project’s marketing and creative teams to develop 360-degree campaigns that promote the organization’s crisis services, resources, partnerships and innovations, as well as its research, education, and advocacy initiatives. He leads a team of 12 that PR Daily recently awarded as Communications Team of the Year. How to learn more:www.trevorspace.orgwww.trevorproject.org Takeaways: The Trevor Project serves as the world's largest organization dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Statistical evidence reveals that LGBTQ young people are significantly more prone to suicidal thoughts compared to their peers. Peer support is a critical aspect of mental health, providing safe spaces for LGBTQ youth to connect. Parental acceptance can drastically reduce the risk of suicide among LGBTQ children and adolescents. The importance of active listening and non-judgmental responses cannot be overstated when engaging with LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project offers a range of resources and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ young people. Links referenced in this ep

This podcast episode delves into the critical discourse surrounding the navigation of the digital landscape for LGBTQ children and their parents. We commence by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication, particularly regarding online engagements and the inherent challenges that accompany them. Our esteemed guest, Sarah May, founder and CEO of the Start Effect, provides invaluable insights into fostering a safe and healthy digital presence. We further explore the paramount importance of teaching children about the nuances of sharing personal information online and the significance of establishing boundaries regarding their digital interactions. Ultimately, our discussion underscores the imperative of equipping both parents and children with the tools necessary to navigate the digital world effectively while fostering a supportive and understanding relationship.Sarah Maynard is here with Heather today to talk about the digital world and your kids. She lays out some of the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of what your children are sharing online and highlights the important fact, that once it is out there, it is never going away. Sarah shares how to have the foundational conversations early on with your children so that when it comes to the harder stuff the digital world has to offer you can approach those together. Join Heather and Sarah as they talk all things digital. Do not miss these highlights:01:30 – Topic for today: The digital world and your kids03:30 – The number one thing for parents to know09:25 – What your kids should/should not be sharing online13:49 – Once it’s out there, it’s never going away14:11 – The effect of the digital world on college applications19:42 – Knowing each app's privacy settings20:18 – Conversations with kids about what they really want from this app21:39 – The internet and LGBTQ+25:13 – Empowering our children to say no or unfollow26:21 – Positives of taking a break from social media34:00 – Modelling social media use for our kids39:00 – Interpersonal relationships45:55 – New question and answer segmentHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.   About our guest:Sarah Maynard is the founder and CEO of THE START EFFECT, a digital presence educational consulting company that teaches how to navigate the digital world and manage an online presence in a safe, healthy, and beneficial way. Sarah is a passionate storyteller and a lifelong learner. She has worked with kids for almost 20 years and she is a children's book writer and illustrator and digital marketing communications strategist. https://www.thestarteffect.com/challenge.htmlSign up for a week-long digital mindfulness challenge to help you Rest, Recharge, and Restart! The challenge starts in august so get on the list now so you don't miss anything!Questions Sarah is Always ready to Answer:What should and shouldn't we be sharing online?How do I find a balance between being online and unplugged?Why do I need an exit strategy online and how to create one?What is a digital audit and why is it important?What is a digital detox and how do I do one?How do I get my kid to talk to me about what they are doing online?How do I get my teen to get off their phone?What are the positives of my kid being online?Why is a ban on digital devices, not the answer when my kid "messes up" online?How do I keep my kids safe online?Links in question and answer segment:www.hrc.orgwww.pflag.orgpewresearch.orgjustfacts.votesmart.comallsides.com Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and their LGBTQ children, fostering an environment where children feel safe to discuss their online experiences. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their children's interests in the digital world, such as playing video games together, to build rapport and trust. Parents are advise

The principal theme of this episode revolves around the profound concept of embracing curiosity rather than judgment, particularly in the realm of interpersonal communication. I express my gratitude for your presence in this safe space, where we explore the intricacies of parenting LGBTQ teens. Throughout our dialogue, I reflect on my recent engagement with the television series "Ted Lasso," which illuminates the significance of kindness and understanding. I delve deeper into the pivotal Walt Whitman quote, "Be curious, not judgmental," and its applicability in overcoming fear and fostering meaningful conversations. Ultimately, I invite you to contemplate how this approach can transform not only familial relationships but also our broader interactions within society.I have been thinking about curiosity and in today’s solo episode, I share with you some of the provoking thoughts I have been having. Curiosity is a wonderful tool to use in conversations with others that helps remove judgment of self and others. By bringing curiosity to the conversation, we can quiet the judgmental voice and really listen to and hear others.  Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ teens. Listeners are encouraged to engage in conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. The concept of fear is explored in conjunction with strategies to approach it with curiosity. The dialogue highlights the transformative power of kindness and understanding in relationships. The episode invites feedback from listeners to foster a sense of community and shared experiences. The hosts express their gratitude for the audience's presence and support throughout their 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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

This podcast episode centers on the transformative journey of Jennifer, who imparts wisdom on harnessing the power of intuition and personal purpose. We explore her evolution from a federal government employee to a soul care coach, adept at accessing Akashic Records and employing energy healing techniques. Jennifer's narrative is underscored by her profound experiences that illustrate the intricate connection between emotional healing and physical well-being. Throughout our discussion, we delve into practical strategies that individuals can implement to navigate personal challenges, particularly in the realms of stress, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to one's inner voice and recognizing the guidance that resides within, reinforcing the notion that we possess the tools necessary for our own healing and growth.Jennifer Takagi is here to help women discover the power of their purpose. Through tapping into your truths, listening to your intuition, and trusting yourself, Jennifer can help you unlock your fullest potential. Her big message is to start paying attention to those intuitive hits we get, as they are messages guiding you to your purpose. Join Heather and Jennifer as they cover how Jennifer got started on this path of helping heal others' energetic blocks, how to pay attention to your intuition, and how to heal your mind, body, and soul to reach your highest potential. About our Guest:Jennifer Takagi is the founder of Takagi Consulting. She is a 3X time Amazon.Com Best Selling-Author, Certified Jack Canfield Success Principle Trainer, Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and Facilitator of the DISC Behavioral Profiles, Certified Change Style Indicator Facilitator and Certified Coaching Specialist - leadership entrepreneur, speaker, and trainer.She is helping women discover the power of their purpose by tapping into their truths, honing their intuition, and trusting themselves so they can have the clarity and confidence to create the next level of success they desire. Jennifer believes that when a woman allows her soul to lead, she’ll stop struggling and find the fun, fulfillment, and financial growth she craves.Website: https://www.takagiconsulting.com/Takeaways: This podcast adeptly transforms the discourse surrounding the nurturing and acceptance of LGBTQ youth. The host, Heather Hester, employs a conversational style that fosters a sense of community and comfort. Listeners are assured that they are not alone in their current experiences with LGBTQ parenting. The episode highlights the importance of intuition and personal truth in achieving clarity in parenting. Guest Jennifer discusses her journey and the significance of spiritual guidance in personal development. The conversation emphasizes that emotional and spiritual healing can profoundly impact physical well-being. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Michelle Abraham joins Heather in the virtual studio in this week’s episode.  Michelle is an international speaker, podcast producer, and the category directory for kids and family in Podcast Magazine.  Listen in as they discuss Michelle's foray into the podcasting industry, the lessons she has learned, and still learning,  as a parent, and the importance of getting your message out into the world before it is too late to do so. About our Guest:Michelle Abraham - Podcast Producer, Host and International Speaker.Michelle was speaking on stages about podcasting before most people knew what they were, she started a Vancouver based Podcasting Group in 2012 and has learned the ins and outs of the industry. Michelle helped create and launched over 30 Podcasts in 2018 and has gone on to launch over 200 shows in the last few years, She wants to launch YOURS in 2022!14 years as an Entrepreneur and 8 years as a Mom has led her to a lifestyle shift, spending more time with family while running location independent online digital marketing business for the last 9 years. Michelle and her family have been living completely off the grid lakeside boat access for the last 4 years!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMPLIFYOU.ca/Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAmplifInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifyou.ca/To Join our FREE Podcasters Tool Kit: https://bit.ly/PodcastToolKitFor More Podcast Training - http://amplifyounetwork.com/AmplifYou Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/amplifyou/id1457094134Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Do you want to support your LGBTQ child, friend, or student, but aren’t sure what to say or how to show up as an ally?In this heartfelt and practical episode, Heather Hester shares 8 essential ways to practice true LGBTQ allyship — especially as a parent, family member, or community leader. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or already walking it with intention, this guide offers grounded, inclusive guidance rooted in action, empathy, and growth.Learn what to say (and what not to say) when someone comes out to youDiscover how to challenge stereotypes, hold space, and speak up with confidenceGet real tools to model inclusive language, protect privacy, and support LGBTQ rights in daily lifeIf you’re ready to become the safe, supportive ally your LGBTQ loved ones need, not just during Pride Month, but every day, press play and take the first step toward inclusive, heart-led action.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Crystal Whiteaker intrinsically understands the importance of inclusion. As a leadership development and DEIB consultant, she specializes in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).  Join Heather and Crystal as they talk about Crystal’s motivation to reaffirm a brand's core values, create a “Brave Space” within yourself, and create a positive, nourishing, nurturing, and healing connection with people. Free GuidesCore Values GuideInclusive Brand Statement GuideSpeaking GuidePersonal Philosophy Statement GuideIntroductory OffersCore Values ChallengeEmpowered Environments Workbook (Guided Workbook for Inclusive Leaders)Inclusive MasterclassesAbout our Guest:Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Leadership Development and DEIB* Consultant specializing in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.  Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries.  She is a self-described "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When she's not working, Crystal enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with people, and exploring new places.When you choose to work with Crystal Lily Creative, you’re helping to support organizations that provide resources for women and the LGBTQ+ community, as a portion of profits and services are donated annually.(*DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)Connect with CrystalCrystal Lily Creative InstagramLinkedIn profileLinkedIn business pageHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

“I think the real joy in life comes when you just meet the people who mean the most to you exactly where they are, and you embrace them for where they are.” - Lisa SugarmanHeather is joined by Lisa Sugarman, a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host. Join them as they discuss Lisa’s journey of discovering her authentic self, her work with The Trevor Project, and her upcoming book to help encourage others to connect and share their own stories with others so that healing can begin. Resources Mentionedhttps://www.thetrevorproject.org/Lisa’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Sugarman/e/B00JY0DY28?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1655167126&sr=8-2 About our Guest:Lisa Sugarman is a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host, creating content that helps empower parents, especially moms, by giving them permission to embrace their perfectly imperfectness. She’s also a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father at age ten and a member and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lisa writes the syndicated opinion column It Is What It Is and is the author of How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It, Untying Parent Anxiety, and LIFE: It Is What It Is, available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and everywhere books are sold. Sugarman is also the co-host of the podcast LIFE Unfiltered on iTunes and iHeartRadio, and a regular contributor on Healthline Parenthood, GrownAndFlown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, Care.com, LittleThings, and More Content Now. Lisa lives with her husband and two daughters just north of Boston. Visit her online at www.lisasugarman.com. She digs company. Her life motto:Because we're all a work in progress...e: [email protected]: www.lisasugarman.comf: facebook.com/TheLisaSugarmant: twitter.com/thelisasugarmani: instagram.com/lisa_sugarmanl: linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman-16925b69Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Heather is joined by author, therapist, and TEDx speaker, Chris Tompkins to discuss the impact of heteronormativity in today’s culture.  Listen as they unpack the differences between queerphobia and homophobia, how the language and words we use create nuances that stop us from talking to our children about being gay, and the steps that we can use to build a “New Playground” around our subconscious beliefs. About our Guest:Chris Tompkins is a therapist, spiritual life coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Chris believes connecting with our spirituality, loving ourselves, and taking full responsibility for our lives is where our strength lies at the deepest level. He hosts workshops and presentations for universities, conferences, and organizations across the U.S. on anti-bullying, inner advocacy, how to prevent queerphobia, and the importance of changing the messages from the playground.https://www.aroadtriptolove.com/ Catch Chris’ TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2GGcuJl6wGet Chris’ book at https://amzn.to/3O16ISY Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Connor helps Heather kick off Pride Month with a fun conversation that ranges in topics from an update on how he’s doing to his thoughts on rainbow capitalism. For newer listeners who do not know who Connor is, first of all, welcome, and second of all - Connor is Heather’s oldest son whose bravery and life experience allows for this podcast as well as all of Heather’s other work. This is the fourth episode Connor and Heather have done together, so be sure to check out the others to get very real insight on the coming out process as a teen and young adult.About our Guest:Want to know more about Connor and his story? Check out his earlier episodes on Just Breathe. Connor Shares His Story - Part 1: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-one/Part 2: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-two/Part 3: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-three/ Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Creating a safe place for people to speak the truth, Katie Miller, the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society and host of Adulting Sucks podcast, is here to share her story of coming to live her life unapologetically herself and encouraging others to do the same. About our Guest:Katie MillerKatie is the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society.She knows that every message matters.  Katie knows what it was like to be afraid to speak up. After launching her podcast “Adulting Sucks, but it does not have to”, Katie became more aware of the need for people to feel safe when speaking.  So, Katie has created that safe place with her podcast. Katie’s calming presence will let you focus on what you do best, sharing your message with the world.Website and social: https://kt4tech.com/Get your free gift: Why Not Workbook https://kt4tech--successjourneyacademy.thrivecart.com/why-not-workbook-gift/Adulting Sucks Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tSUmZJotgs6DKSztd7s0z?si=8e65e2464d764553&nd=1 Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Overcoming adversity that led him to his life’s passion of being a life coach, Sam Castle is here to share his story about removing stigma, bias, and fear.  Sam shares about his gender transformation, how life coaching changed his world when traditional therapy could not, and his overall love and passion for helping others to live life courageously. About our Guest:Sam Castle - “I am Sam of BE YOU; DO YOU podcast and life coach. Be you; do you podcast was inspired by my gender transition from female to male and learning to love and accept who I am....a show that amplifies REAL and RAW stories of authenticity and courageous living! Be you; do you will create a transformation for listeners and participants as you begin to see that even in our differences, we are so much alike. Be you; do you is a safe space for the queer community to be seen, felt, and heard...be uplifted and encouraged. It's time to BE YOU; DO YOU and live courageously!”You can find Sam’s podcast on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/235Kp7SogjS42Q26ZKPYN2Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

To fully feel the human experience we have to be able to overcome the fears and feelings that we innately avoid.  In today’s conversation, our guest, Candy Motzek discusses how we are so influenced by our thoughts and the feelings behind them that it does not allow us to connect to others in a way that is mutually beneficial.  Self-awareness is key and Candy shares some strategies on how we can recognize our thoughts and feelings and create the actions that will create our outcomes. Resources MentionedCandy’s Podcast - She Coaches CoachesAbout our Guest:Candy is a podcast host, author, and life & business coach for coaches. She believes that coaching transforms lives. She helps coaches get unstuck and feel more confident so they can play bigger, sign clients and create more meaningful success. She is a 'recovering' corporate executive and engineer who combines practical strategy and mindset in her calming unique approach.Connect with Candy at https://stepintosuccessnow.comHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Rick Clemons is a men's coming-out coach and a bold move strategist inspiring gay men to live life with no excuses, no fears, and no apologies. In today’s episode, Heather and Rick dive into the journey that is coming out, coming into the power of living your full truth, and the process behind it all.  Rick also has some valuable advice for the parents of LGBTQ+ children on loving their child’s authentic self and what you can do to support them. About our Guest:Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), closet buster (men’s coming out coach), and bold move strategist – inspiring gay men to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years’ experience in personal development, Rick leverages his status as a late bloomer - coming out of the closet at 36 and stepping into entrepreneurship at 43 - to lovingly kick other gay men in the ass to thrive in their own lives without apologies – professionally and personally. He is a Professionally Certified Coach, has been a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, author of (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcaster (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk), and an international speaker who uses his signature 6-Step process to motivate and inspire audiences to break out of the closets of their lives – no excuses, no fears, no apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.Hire Me To Speak At Your Next EventListen to 40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay TalkListen To The Life UnclosetedGet My Book - Frankly My Dear I'm GayConnect with me on FacebookConnect with me on InstagramConnect with me on Twitter @rickclemonsHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

People want to label everything. There is a perceived comfort in having something or someone identified with a label but it is not always healthy. Many today are moving past labels and want to be accepted for who they are not shoved into a box just to make you comfortable. Our guest Julie Anne and her partner, Vicente, are here to discuss this concept of labels, how we can move on from them and experience freedom. They also talk about starting the Misfit Movement, a gathering of people who are seen as being outside the “norm” for one reason or another, and the work they are doing by bringing everyone together. About our Guests: Julie Ann is the Founder of Influence Publishing Inc and a TEDx Speaker. In the last ten years, she has published over 200 books and made over 80% of those International Best Sellers. She claims to be the world’s only Dyslexic book publisher and her TEDx Talk on “The Gift of Dyslexia” has had almost 100,000 views. She has been featured on British and Canadian TV, The Daily Mail, International Radio and Podcasts, and conducted many inspirational speeches. She has won many awards including The Golden Gravel Speech contest, International Toastmasters, Woman of Worth Success and Soul, Unlimited Woman of Creativity and has been short-listed for The Canadian Excellence Awards 2021.She is the Best-Selling author of “Around the World in Seven Years – A Life-Changing Journey” which catalogues her journey around the world from 1998-2005 by sailboat, train, bus, and plane. She is a member of the New York Circumnavigators club as the slowest circumnavigator, traveling from the UK to South Africa, Tanzania, Dar es Salem, Zanzibar, Kenya, Seychelles, Maldives, Chagos (crossing the Indian Ocean by sailboat), Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Canada, The Baja of Mexico, and the Sea of Cortex, flying the final leg from Mexico City back to the UK. She presently lives in Puerto Vallarta with her Mexican Fiancé who is a Salsa and Latin dance instructor and loves dancing Salsa, Cumbia, and the Cha Cha every week along with the live Cuban band in Bodeguita Cuban Club in Puerta Vallarta. She is a dual citizen of the UK and Canada.https://www.influencepublishing.com/[email protected]://www.facebook.com/influencepubVicente AsaroHaving a chance to speak with Heather on her show was another step for my journey in growing. My expression of self-love to others is fostered by people who choose to spend their time like Heather, who give a space to share an ever-expansive core of our being into the world.That reality within ourselves is the true expression we can look forward to sharing with others regardless of our bodies physical stature.“The Realm of the Human Body is a place we can call home, a shelter from the outside to our inner world, a protector to the multitude of viruses that seek to implant itself in our inner environment, a healer to the ever-changing events around us. “We are beneficiaries of our body, which gives a vessel to our soul, a voice to our thoughts, a bank for our memories, and communicator in intimacy. Our bodies deserve an environment in kind that which we can let itself heal from the stresses of the external world, a place we can bring our being for a peaceful retreat.” - Vicente Asaro, Floatation Tank SpecialistVicente Asaro is a Float Tank operations specialist and founder of New World Floatation. He conducts research and development of R.E.S.T (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) Tank rooms and spaces.Studying under the teachings of scientific researcher John C. Lilly’s decertations on the effects of R.E.S.T with brain and body, and information and teachings of the nature of human interaction under John Worthington. Vicente has achieved a specialist skill in running a safe and productive environment for those who wish to experience an imperious of self-understanding.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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

As a parent, and especially if you're a mom, you know the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for your children. But do you do it for yourself as well?  Mia Moran of Plan Simple is joining Heather today to talk about not just making sure we are providing what we need for our children’s mental health but also what we need to do for ourselves to support them. About our Guest:Mia Moran is a mom of three and coach who also makes time for wellness—and shows overwhelmed women how they can too. She is the host of the PlanSimple podcast, bestselling author of PlanSimple Meals, and creator of the FLOW Planning Method and Planner.Mia’s wellness adventure became a full-blown ride about 12 years ago during a health crisis when she understood the power food could have on her health, her family connection, and her productivity. That experience led her to become a student of food, wellness, spirituality, motherhood, and productivity. She experienced two unforeseen gifts from this journey. First, the practice of finding ease, despite balancing what looks like a full plate of work, home, motherhood and food. Second, the gift of a good plan.Website: https://plansimple.comInstagram: instagram.com/plansimple.co/Podcast: Plan Simple PodcastBook: Plan Simple MealsHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Not many have the privilege of knowing who they are from the start.  For most of us, life is a journey of reflection and self-discovery.  Jessie Kanzer, actress and reporter turned author, joins us today to share her journey as a Russian Immigrant feeling lost in an alien world to her discovery of the Tao Te Ching that set her on the path to becoming the person she is meant to be. Listen to her grounding message that will not only benefit each of us personally but our loved ones as well. About our Guest:Jessie Kanzer was born in the Soviet Union. At the age of eight, she emigrated with her family to Brooklyn. She is a writer, former reporter and actress. For years, Jessie felt like a failure, unable to hustle hard enough to "make it" either as an actress or in the rat race. Her childhood as a Russian immigrant in post-Cold War America heightened her insecurity and threatened her identity, desperate as she was to fit into a culture that was alien at best and hostile at worst. This loss and eventual reclamation of her sense of self sent her on a spiritual journey during which she discovered the Tao Te Ching, which changes everything for her. The Tao taught her that there was power in stillness and that all struggles come bearing gifts if you know how to recognize them. Her message will connect with listeners desperate to find grounding as we move into a new year filled with trepidation and no guarantees of a return to normalcy.  https://www.facebook.com/JessieKanzerhttps://instagram.com/jessiekanzerhttps://twitter.com/jessiekanzerhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI0_lGiZPq31VJ5w7hg7NuAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiekanzer/Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Jackie Simmons, the Director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society, joins Heather in this week’s episode. Jackie shares her story that drives her passion to make teen suicide a thing of the past. She also discusses the impact we can have just by having simple conversations with our "Power 20" that can help teens and adults alike to start thinking differently about their lives. About Our Guest: TEDx speaker, Radio Show Host, International Best-selling Author, Resilience Master, and co-founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society, Jackie Simmons is best known for her mission to “Wake Up The World.” In 1995, blindsided by her 14-year-old daughter’s suicide attempt, Jackie entered a world of depression, addictions, medical mysteries, and deadly silences. The journey into the world of mental health services and cultural taboos left Jackie feeling lost and alone. “OK” on the outside, with “really, I’m fine,” her most frequent response to inquiries about how she was doing. Jackie hid her deep, psychic wounds from the world behind a façade of frantic entrepreneurial activity.Then on August 3, 2019, Jackie’s now 37-year-old daughter, broke the silence. Jackie wasn’t ready. She calls August 3, 2019 the day her “purpose tapped her on the shoulder.” Please join Jackie on her mission to make teen suicide a thing of the past. You may never know whose life you’ll save. www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com The Teen Suicide Prevention Society is a registered 501c3 – to make a donation visit: www.TeenSuicidePrevnetionSociety.org"Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Heather is joined by Greg Howard, an author that writes novels aimed at middle-grade students.  What is fantastic about Greg’s books is that he taps into stories about marginalized youth, specifically LGBTQ+.  Listen as they talk about Greg’s books, his motivation, the effects his books have had on readers, and the importance of having representation for the often forgotten middle-grade readers. Greg Howard’s BooksThe Visitors - https://amzn.to/3tTzxtzThe Whispers - https://amzn.to/3nSqiG4Middle School’s A Drag - https://amzn.to/3nTRS5ZAbout our Guest:Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion of writing stories. Greg writes about LGBTQ characters and issues as his focus is writing the kind of books he wishes he’d had access to as a gay kid growing up in the South. He currently resides in Nashville with his three rescued fur babies--Molly, Toby, and Riley. Greg’s latest middle-grade offering, The Visitors, will be published by Putnam/Penguin on February 1, 2022.www.greghowardbooks.comwww.fb.com/greghowardbookswww.instagram.com/greghowardbookshttps://twitter.com/greghowardbookshttps://www.goodreads.com/greghowardauthorHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

During a recent event, Podapalooza, I was fortunate to connect with two people that right away I knew I had to get them on the show.The first guest is Amy Zwaigenbaum, and she is a transformational stress coach. And we all know we can do with less stress in our lives. She discusses some of the stresses we as parents, especially moms are facing and a few coping strategies we can all use.My second guest is Joanne light and she really talks a lot about emotional intelligence and the importance of developing that as a skill. We are raising the future and Joanne works with parents to help their children develop resilience and empathy to become the leaders of tomorrow.About our Guests: Amy ZwaigenbaumNiche: Professional Supermoms over 30 suffering from stress-related illnessesI am a Reiki Master, Teacher, and Transformational Stress Coach who realized that society has taught women for longer than anyone can remember that they need to be a Supermom taking care of their homes, husbands, and children in addition to being professional career women to help support their families. This creates an impossible workload to accomplish that results in stress-related illnesses and a reduced enjoyment of life. I help people break free from stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. This is accomplished through individual and group coaching sessions, meditation classes, Cleaver Fever Cure classes, and workshops.Stress Relief tool: https://helpmestresscoach.comJoanne LightNiche: Parents of Tweens and TeensJoanne Light is a Parent Empowerment Coach, mother and grandmother, and retired College administrator and counselor. She earned her doctorate in education and counseling from Boston University and chose to further her expertise through a life coaching certification and a certification in training in Emotional Intelligence. Her coaching practice currently focuses on the challenges and strategies parents need to navigate their parenting journey. Through research and personal experience, Joanne continues to pursue her passion for heart-centered coaching and for contributing to raise the next generation. Her appearances on radio shows, podcasts, and summits have enabled her to share with a diverse audience.https://joannehlight.comHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

December 2021 - I thought it might be helpful to repost this episode (originally posted 12/2019). This time of year can bring out the best...and the worst...in all of us. What do you need to stay connected to yourself or have the energy and wisdom to create a peaceful, joyful home for the holidays? As we continue to shift and grow in this ever-changing world, I find that it can be comforting to hear a familiar voice or hear tried and true advice just so you can give yourself a tiny gold star. Lean it, listen up, and know that you are not alone!Appropriately timed, in this episode about surviving crises during the holidays Heather Hester shares another snippet of her personal story and gives seven strategies that worked for her. Her ultimate goal is for the listener to feel supported and like they have options and choices for working through tough times that happen to occur during this most wonderful - and most hectic - time of year! Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

To celebrate two years of podcasting, Heather shares a few brief thoughts on gratitude and the importance of a gratitude practice as well as a few of her personal examples.Heather also teases what is coming in the next few months for her listeners - workshops, more personal ways to connect, and so much more! If you are not connected, click HERE to get on her email list!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

To celebrate her 50th episode, Heather talks about the biggest "aha" moments she has had personally and that she and Steve have had as a couple over the past five years.This personal and lively recollection touches on family, faith, being "good," the idea of perfection, and more! Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

October is LGBTQ History Month. This interview not only honors history, but also teaches little-known facts and pieces of the time before Stonewall. In this episode, Heather interviews author, broadcaster, and gay rights activist Robert C. Steele about his book - Banned From California: Jim Foshee - Persecution, Redemption, Liberation...and the Gay Civil Rights Movement. Jim Foshee's story is as colorful as is it heartbreaking, and a powerful reminder of the importance of never forgetting the past. We see 70 years of LGBTQ history through the eyes of this gay activist. Instead of a dry, academic approach, Robert's reporting and telling of this story are captivating and allows us to experience LGBTQ history from a first-person perspective. Learn:* What the early gay liberation movement was like and how it paved the way for today's LGBTQ+ movement.* Interesting facts about the first gay publication in 1954 and the use of code words.* The levels of bigotry and homophobia gay Americans faced in the 1950s and 1960s and the typical consequences of coming out at that time.Read a recent Publisher's Weekly review of Banned from California on Heather's website.**We had some technical difficulties during this interview, so please be aware that the sound quality is not the usual.**Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews creator, producer, and director, Anthony Hand, who gives a sneak peek into his feature-length animated film (anticipated release Spring 2024) Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero. Anthony's background in product design in Silicon Valley along with his love and appreciation for drag and childhood affinity for comic books melded together to create this never-told-before story! Backed by both private investors and a fandom that meets at the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture, anime, and a comic book universe that other creators have yet to venture into, Maxxie LaWow first crowdsourced funding initiative just launched on September 15!See the amazing 2-minute adventure reel and learn more about Maxxie HEREWant to help fund this project? Learn more HERE!As queer creators, Anthony and his team are creating a unique film that will appeal to:*the queer community*fans of animation*fans of the superhero story*fans of dragAnthony is relatable and this unique and fun storyline is bound to leave you wanting to know more!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Aetna Behavioral Health, a CVS Health Company. As a population health scientist, Cara is particularly passionate about our adolescents, teens, and young adults, supporting and advocating for them, and educating people of all ages on the importance of mental health well-being. Mental well-being is at the core of our health; separating physical from mental health only increases stigma.Heather and Cara discuss:* Suicide prevention and dispelling the myth that talking about suicide with your kids increases the risk. The reality is talking about suicide REDUCES the risk - having open conversations helps our adolescents/teens/young adults feel heard.* Asking hard questions takes practice, but it doesn't need to be perfect. Remember to embrace the messiness!* The importance of educating ourselves on mental health wellbeing."Without mental health well-being, physical health is impaired."Resources from this episode:* The Youth Risk Behavior Survey* Mental Health Awareness Guide for Parents and Caregivers (Aetna/CVS Health)* Suicide Prevention (CVS Health)* Mental Health Awareness Guide for Young Adults (Aetna/CVS Health)SPECIAL SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: THERAPPYDownload and try it for free today! Using the Cognitive Behavioral approach, Therappy teaches healthy coping tools for anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and so much more. You learn to understand your behavioral patterns and change them in a healthier way!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Robbin McManne.  Robbin is the author of The Yelling Cure, How to Stress Less and Get Your Kids to Cooperate without Threats and Punishments as well as the host of the award-winning podcast, Parenting our Future. In 2020 Robbin was named one of the top 50 moms in podcasting by Podcast Magazine!Robbin understands the struggle of parenting. Like so many of us, she’s experienced the life of the overstressed and overwhelmed mom – until she found the world of Peaceful Parenting that she now lives and teaches. She loves to share how to get more cooperation and better listening all while building strong relationships and connection with our kids. Heather and Robbin talk about listening to understand vs. listening to respond, affirmation vs. acceptance, and so much more!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this solo episode, Heather starts a new tradition - a quarterly Q & A episode! She starts with two questions and some profound thoughts shared by a listener. What parenting skills will help us 1. navigate challenges and 2. Empower our children in their process?"...I would like more on integrating true Christian beliefs. I was taught that it is an abomination & my theological world has been rocked." Heather details six skills to answer the first question. She shares her thoughts and personal experiences to answer the second.Do you have questions?? Email me and I will answer in a future show!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this solo episode, Heather discusses depression and anxiety in great detail. She answers questions like:* What do we look for?* How do we know the difference between typical teenage development and more serious issues?* What coping tools will help my child manage depression or anxiety?* What kind of professional support is available?Here are a few of her favorite educational mental health websites:National Alliance on Mental IllnessNational Institute of Mental HealthThe Trevor ProjectHealthline - Mental Health ResourcesHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather and her 15-year-old daughter Grace have a thoughtful and enlightening discussion about pronouns. Grace has wisdom far beyond her 15 years, and yet is acutely in touch with the teenage experience. If you are curious about how to use pronouns properly and what they mean, this is the episode for you! Here are four tips from linguistics specialist, Dr. Kirby Conrad: 1.     Slow down! Plan your speech. Meeting another’s need sometimes means talking carefully and thoughtfully.2.     If you’re correct, LISTEN! Do not talk over someone if they are correcting you. Be humble and cultivate awareness.3.     Don’t make excuses. Period.4.     If you mess up, correct yourself briefly and don’t make a big deal out of it. You are human, it’s going to happen. You can listen to his podcast episode HEREHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Trystan Reese, author of the brand-new memoir, How We Do Family. Trystan is redefining the idea of family. His memoir covers so many important issues, from trans pregnancy to adoption to LGBTQ parenting. More, it does so in such an inspiring—yet relatable—tone. Trystan’s voice shines through in the best way as he shares his story and lessons applicable to every family. Trystan and Heather discuss the value of "doing the work." Using Brene Brown's wisdom, "If my healing is dependent on your response to my story, I'm not ready to tell my story," Trystan shares the difference between doing work from a scar or from a wound. Simple yet profound.He has beautiful thoughts on allyship: "What allyship encourages us to do is to broaden the lens, is to use the power of empathy to see the world through other peoples' eyes and to be open and to be curious and to be humble; to hopefully move into seeing that we are all so deeply and profoundly interconnected to each other.Trystan's book, How We Do Family, is truly a must-read! Written in such a relatable way, you will finish it with a deeper understanding of the trans experience specifically as well as a greater empathy for all who are in the LGBTQ community in general.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather shares an overview of Pride history, including the Stonewall Riots, why the pink triangle is a global symbol, and how the rainbow flag became the symbol for LGBTQ+ pride. She begins with the following anonymous quote:"LGBTQ pride was not born of a need to celebrate being LGBTQ, but our right to exist without persecution. So instead of wondering why there isn't a straight pride, be thankful you don't need one."If this episode piques your curiosity about the history of Pride, check out some of Heather's favorite resources:Websites* them.* The History Channel* BritannicaBooksGay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT RightsPride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality MovementWhat was Stonewall? (One of the "What was? Who was? books)Stonewall: The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Rights Uprising That Changed AmericaWe Are EverywhereHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

This episode is a fascinating, eye-opening, and much-needed educational interview with Dr. David Huebner. Dr. Huebner is a clinical psychologist by training, and currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health at George Washington University (GWU), as well as the Co-Director of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Core at the Washington, DC Center for AIDS Research.  His research examines how discrimination from families, schools, and communities impacts HIV risk and other health outcomes among sexual minority adolescents and young adults. Recently he has been working to design and evaluate interventions to support parents of LGBT youth, with the goal of helping parents improve their children’s health and well-being. Dr. Huebner is also committed to supporting community organizations’ efforts to engage in evidence-based practices – he has served on several local and regional HIV prevention community planning groups and was the Chair of the National Board of Directors for the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN.)"They are learning about sex every day. Do you want to be one of the voices in that conversation?" This is just one of the powerful questions Heather and Dr. Huebner discuss. He also shares:* An in-depth education about HIV and how to prevent it.* The four "buckets" of sexual information parents should discuss with all of their kids regardless of sexual orientation.* What we need to share with our gay and bisexual boys specifically.* Why we need to strike "THE TALK" from our parenting repertoire.This interview is a very open discussion with LOTS of details! In fact, a portion was so detailed that Heather and Dr. Huebner decided to save it for bonus education. Stay tuned for how you can access it!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather discusses biphobia and the five most common LGBTQ+ myths. Like transphobia, biphobia is common in both the heterosexual community and the LGBTQ+ community, making it exponentially more isolating and difficult to combat. Heather shares facts and ways that we all can be good allies and advocates.She also shares the five most common LGBTQ+ myths and easy responses when you are faced with these myths.1. Being LGBTQ+ is a choice.2. Being LGBTQ+ can be "cured."3. The parents did something wrong.4. The Bible condemns being LGBTQ+.5. Being LGBTQ+ is contagious.Here are the links she talks about in this episode:Trevor ProjectDetailed definition of BiphobiaRobin Ochs websiteBisexual Index - BiphobiaBisexual Index - BisexualityStrong Family AllianceBisexuality 101Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Andrew Jordan Nance, founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco whose mission is to provide literary and arts-based mindfulness instruction to youth at underserved San Francisco schools. He has been an educator for over 25 years and is the author of four mindfulness books. Mindfulness is such a valuable practice for all human beings, and Heather has found it particularly helpful over the past four years. Andrew shares practical advice on cultivating a mindfulness practice, as well as engaging stories and examples throughout the interview. A few of the topics include:* Understanding mindfulness as connection with the mind, heart, and the body.* Responding wisely vs. reacting blindly* Incorporating mantras such as: Today may I be kind. Today may I be focused. Today may I be curious. Here are links to Greater Good Science Center and Mindful Schools.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Rae McDaniel, founder of the online coaching community, The Gender Fck Club (awesome resources here), as well as Practical Audacity, a gender and sex therapy practice in Chicago.  They have been featured in The New York Times, Refinery29, and Women's Health. Rae ultimately believes that gender transitions can be an exciting time filled with exploration and self-discovery. They are on a mission to build a world where gender transitions are celebrated just like having a baby, landing a new job, or getting married. Rae shares:* Their experience of coming out as queer to unsupportive parents in rural Louisiana, and their journey to finding a supportive community.* What it means to be transgender and non-binary, including a primer on trans-affirming language and the gender spectrum.* Their advice to parents who want to be supportive but are afraid of making a mistake.* How your teen can find joy in their transition amid the reality that they may face rejection.**HUGE apologies for the poor quality of the initial intro - hang on for the 20 seconds or so, it gets better!**Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews Richard Capriola, author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Richard has over two decades of experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. The book includes an explanation of how drugs work in the teen brain, warning signs every parent should know about, what assessments and tests are important for a diagnosis and much more. This interview is a great primer for substance use and abuse!Click HERE to visit Richard's website for more information.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Heather responds to a listener's question about how to handle someone who is non-affirming with a tip and an example-filled "101" episode. She discusses the importance of word choice, gives several general tips, and three detailed examples based on the listener's situation, how to respond to a Christian family member or friend, and how to handle those who are homophobic.Heather references three powerful resources:Queer TheologyNathanial Totten Green blogletter on PFLAGHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

This short episode packs a punch! Heather candidly shares some recent experiences and her thoughts on hard days, as well as the serendipitous discovery of an article by one of her favorite thought leaders, Brene Brown. HERE is a link to Ms. Brown's website and HERE is a link to one of her podcasts, Unlocking Us.Heather also shares a mini-lesson on self-compassion, using an incredible resource from Positive Psychology as a guide. HERE is a helpful daily checklist!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews author and speaker, Britt East. While Britt's book, "A Gay Man's Guide to Life," is written for gay men by a gay man - it is an engaging, informative read that really sheds light on understanding gay men for those of us who are raising one!Heather and Britt discuss societal homophobia, sustainable gay friendships, hook-up apps, and so much more! Britt offers meaningful advice for those of us who love and/or are raising LGBTQ kids: "When you ask 'What can I do?' ask instead, 'Who can I be?'"In one of the most powerful segments, Heather and Britt  discussed the importance of modeling our humanity, "...find a path to set down your trauma and heal so they can witness that healing in you, and thereby heal part of themselves..."To gain a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience, Britt recommends brushing up on your LGBTQ history. Here are a few books to get you started:The Gay AgendaThe Book of PrideThe Right Side of HistoryLearn more about Britt HEREHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather responds to a listener's request for more information on changes during the coming-out process. She approaches her answer from two angles: 1. reviewing the stages of the coming out process2. sharing specific instances from her family's experience Connor and Steve weigh in as well with thoughtful responses from two very different perspectives. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

In this episode, Heather interviews life coach Kevin Nahai. Faced with extraordinary mental health and physical health challenges as a teen and young adult, Kevin tried many paths before digging into and healing the roots of his struggles. Through his journey, he created his own approach and methodology for whole-body wellness.  He is now a coach for young adults working with them on:* self-esteem and confidence* body image* anxiety and depression* dating and relationshipsHis quest is bridging the gap between what we know in our heads and feel in our hearts.Kevin shares so many wonderful nuggets that can help all of us on our journeys!You can find Kevin through Instagram @KevinNahaiHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/monthInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventRead my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy