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

Heather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the second part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Connor shares:His transition back home after being away for 7 monthsThe struggles and triumphs of his senior year of high schoolThe positive AND negative coping strategies he experimented with as he continued his coming out journeyHis preparation to leave for college**TRIGGER WARNING - Connor shares stories of substance use, so please do not listen if this is a trigger in any way for you**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's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the first part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Heather and Connor experimented with a new format in this episode which allowed Connor to share his thoughts and reflections with Heather responding toward the end of the episode.Connor shares:Who he was and how he felt in the years before he came outHow he came out to friends and family and what it felt likeWhat it felt like the first few months and the different struggles he encountered**TRIGGER WARNING - Connor shares his suicide attempt, so please do not listen if this is a trigger in any way for you**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

This episode is part two of Heather Hester's interview with Diane Becker. Diane is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years.The main topic of this two-part interview is the subject of boundaries - what are they? how do you set them? what do they look like in different environments? Diane emphasizes the importance of connectedness, health and safety, and family.Below is a list of the resources Diane mentions in the interview:National Crisis HotlinesInternational Association for Prevention of Suicide:   https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Domestic Violence:  https://www.thehotline.org/Find a health care provider:GLMA:  health professionals advancing equality:  www.glma.org   Connections:Parents:  PFLAG  www.pflag.orgYouth to 25y:   Trevor Project:  www.thetrevorproject.orgInformation:American Academy of Pediatrics:  www.heatlhychildren.org Strong Family Alliance: www.strongfamilyalliance.orgIt Gets Better Project:  www.itgetsbetter.orgNAMI: National Alliance For Mental Illness:  www.nami.orgHi, 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 Hester interviews Diane Becker. She is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years.The main topic of this two-part interview is the subject of boundaries - what are they? how do you set them? what do they look like in different environments? Diane emphasizes the importance of connectedness, health and safety, and family.Below is a list of the resources Diane mentions in the interview:National Crisis HotlinesInternational Association for Prevention of Suicide:   https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Domestic Violence:  https://www.thehotline.org/Find a health care provider:GLMA:  health professionals advancing equality:  www.glma.org   Connections:Parents:  PFLAG  www.pflag.orgYouth to 25y:   Trevor Project:  www.thetrevorproject.orgInformation:American Academy of Pediatrics:  www.heatlhychildren.org Strong Family Alliance: www.strongfamilyalliance.orgIt Gets Better Project:  www.itgetsbetter.orgNAMI: National Alliance For Mental Illness:  www.nami.orgHi, 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 Julie Ferwerda, researcher and author of Raising Hell - Christianity's most controversial doctrine put under fire. This is an absolute must-hear if you've ever questioned the existence, possibility, or reality of Hell. As parents, allies, and advocates of LGBTQ kids, teens, and young adults, if we've been raised in any kind of religion, one of the first fearful thoughts that pop into our heads when our kids come out is - are they going to hell?? And for all of the LGBTQ listeners, this fear is likely times a thousand! Julie spent well over a year researching the Greek and Hebrew texts and interviewing dozens of experts to offer "compelling evidence historically, philosophically, and scripturally as to why the doctrine of hell is the biggest and most damaging deception of the modern church."Here are the links for this episode:Book - Raising HellJulie's websiteSpiritual Terrorism by Boyd PurcellHi, 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 Debbie Reber, NYTimes bestselling author of Differently Wired, and the creator of the Tilt Parenting Community and Tilt Parenting podcast. She is a speaker, mentor, educator, and book coach.Debbie has created 18 shifts, or what she calls tilts, to help parents navigate parenting a child who is differently wired. Although her parent audience differs in some ways from Heather's, the tilts work brilliantly whether you are parenting a child who has ADHD, sensory issues, anxiety, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning."...we want to form, what I call, an uneasy alliance with that fear...so we can say, I see you, I know what you're trying to do, I appreciate you're trying to protect me - I've got this - and we want to come up with evidence for how that fear may not be true. We're trying to loosen up the grip of fear and open up to the possibility of what might be..."Debbie's website, Tilt Parenting Community, and podcast are FILLED with extraordinary resources, and her Tilt Together Facebook group is an excellent place to connect with parents. Here is the link for Todd Rose's End of Average, which Heather and Debbie discuss in detail.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

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In this short but powerful episode, Heather talks about two feelings that almost every parent of an LGBTQ child/teen/young adult experiences at some point or another - "when it feels scary" and "caring what others think." She shares personal experience and wisdom that has helped her family and her over the past three years.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 Hester interviews Jen Slumac, author of Soul Not Skin. She is a mentor, educator, performer, and producer, and is known as a hope dealer. "...care about ourselves, cherish ourselves, and learn how to honor other people's journey..."Jen is in long-term recovery from alcoholism, a coping mechanism she used to survive as a queer woman in a world that told her she didn't belong. Her captivating storytelling exudes, as well as inspires, courage.Jen's website is filled with incredible resources, and her new podcast, Just Say It, is raw, vulnerable, and real. Jen is truly engaging and refreshingly no BS!She will also be doing virtual healing circles with Susan Cottrell (episodes 11 and 12), so be sure to check those 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.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 Hester returns to basics and discusses ways to protect your energy no matter what may be going on around you - a pandemic, a crisis with your child, or just the usual day-to-day ups and downs of raising teenagers!Heather first looks at identifying the different ways your energy gets sapped, and then details tips and tools for strengthening your reserves and protecting them. This resource lists five tools to help you "fill your cup" and keep it full.This article explains the science behind visualization.Here are five of Heather's current favorite affirmations (adapted from a Gabby Bernstein meditation that she loves):1. All is well.2. I am open to creative solutions.3. I am guided. I am protected. I am loved. I am safe.4. I move through my day with grace, wisdom, and light.5. I choose to see joy.Meditations: Freedom from fear (Heather)Positive Energy (Gabby Bernstein)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 Hester interviews clinical psychologist Melanie McNally in this episode which is loaded with great tools and unique approaches to helping your teen or young adult manage their anxiety. In addition to working with adolescents face-to-face, Dr. McNally utilizes a unique online platform of her creation called Destination YOU. Check it out HERE!She is also the author of a coming of age novel, Counting Dragonflies, that beautifully weaves family and mental health struggles and triumphs throughout.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

This episode is the conclusion of Heather Hester's interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org. More incredible information is waiting for you! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people.Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the links mentioned in the show:www.freedhearts.orgTedx TalkHi, 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 Hester shares an insightful interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org, mother of 5 (2 of whom are queer), advocate, and beautiful human being. Susan shares stories with authenticity and depth of knowledge that makes you want to learn more!Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people.Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the links mentioned in the show:www.freedhearts.orgTedx TalkHi, 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 of Just Breathe, Heather Hester discusses mental health specific to our LGBTQ kids starting with some tough questions:1. Why are depression and anxiety increasing in our kids when overall awareness is also increasing?2. What are the underlying potential causes that ALL youth have in common?3. What shifts are needed across the board ie. family/school/professionals?Heather takes a look at the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as statistics specific to our LGBTQ kids. She talks about the importance of awareness, and being available and then takes apart the "why" as well as the "what we can do."This episode will not only help you understand LGBTQ-specific adolescent mental health better, but it will also give you tips and information that will help you support your child.My resources page is a great place to start! I have my favorite websites, articles, and books listed here. I refer to it often, so take a look around. I also add to it monthly, so keep an eye out for new information!The Trevor Project is a go-to resource for saving young LGBTQ lives.A personal favorite, Psychology Today allows you to search for all types of therapists using different filters. Love this one!The Administration for Children and Families will allow you to search for youth and family service agencies in your region. (When in doubt, Google "youth and family services near me.")An all-around good resource, The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a plethora of 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

In this episode, Heather Hester shares a powerful interview with Jay Reid, a successful businessman, author, and devoted husband and father who lost his youngest child to suicide in March of 2018. His authenticity, his story, and his mission will move you to talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide.While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please know there is very valuable information here. My next episode will focus specifically on the different mental health issues our LGBTQ kids struggle with and how we can best support them.Here are the links mentioned in the show:www.chooselife.orgTedx TalkThe Trevor Project is an incredible resource for ending LBGTQ suicide. Check them out here: Trevor Project 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 Hester discusses the importance of self-care. While massages, mani/pedis, time with friends, and exercise are all beautiful self-care strategies, Heather uses this episode to dive deep into the "whys" and "hows" of a well-rounded self-care plan. She talks about aligning the following areas:* Physical Health* Fitness* Relationships* Career* Finances* Mental Health* SpiritualitySelf-care is important for everyone but can be especially valuable during difficult or uncertain times. Heather discusses how self-care became vitally important as she and her husband supported Connor as he struggled with anxiety and depression as well as impulse control and dangerous behavior. She learned that she had to separate herself enough so that every minute wasn't a crisis, and sometimes remove herself altogether to refill her cup so to speak.Essentially, self-care is putting on your own oxygen mask before you assist those around you - you can only help others when you are the best version of yourself!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 episode 7 Connor Hester joins his mom, Heather, for a lively and informative discussion about the different topics parents should and should discuss with their LGBTQ teen.  Filled with personal stories, tips, humor, and very direct thoughts from Connor, this episode is both delightful and one you don't want to miss! 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 episode 6 Heather Hester discusses the different types of support available and how to find what is right for you, the parent. Loving and raising an LGBTQ teen is hard; allow yourself to be supported.Filled with personal stories, educational information and tools, and mental shifts, Heather encourages listeners to be vulnerable, explore their options, and allow themselves to be supported.  She looks specifically at Faith/Spirituality, Family, Friends, and Professional Support options (ie. therapy, counseling, etc.)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

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

In this episode of Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen, Heather talks about the six stages that parents go through when their child comes out to them as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation or gender identity. The stages are shock, denial, guilt, expression of feelings, making decisions, and true acceptance. She explains each clearly and without judgment, weaving her own stories throughout. This episode provides insight and tools to help you through your process and on your journey! We hope you enjoy this episode as you work through your own stages! Hit subscribe to get new episodes right away!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 Hester shares the story of her family's journey and outlines specific reasons why the coming out process can be messy. She encourages the listener to embrace it and gives tips and tools to help along the way.We hope you enjoy this episode as you breathe into the messiness! Hit subscribe to get new episodes right away!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 Hester discusses the six stages of the Cass Model of Coming Out (coming out of the closet or coming out as gay) and shares personal experiences along the way. This episode is loaded with great information and links in the show notes to help you understand and support your teen through this process.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 inaugural episode, Heather Hester lays the framework for this exciting podcast. Who is the podcast for? What is she going to talk about? WHY is she talking about this? Filled with raw personal stories, educational information and tools, and mental shifts, Heather uses this episode as a springboard to transforming the LGBTQ conversation.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