More Human More Kind: Practical Guidance for Allyship and Parenting LGBTQ Teens

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!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and...

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!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

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!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

DAY 10MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOSEver caught yourself enjoying a moment, only to immediately feel guilty for it? If you’re parenting or advocating for an LGBTQ+ child in a world that feels heavy, joy can feel almost… irresponsible.On Day 10 of our holiday capsule series, Heather Hester names the guilt many parents and allies feel around feeling good and gently reframes joy as a vital, courageous act. This isn’t toxic positivity. It’s emotional resilience rooted in real life.In this 5-minute reflection, you’ll learn:Why joy triggers guilt during busy or stressful seasonsHow to reframe joy as nourishment instead of indulgenceA 30-second soft smile ritual that reawakens warmth, ease, and presence right when you need it mostStrategy: Joy is not betrayal. It’s nourishment. Let yourself feel it.Ritual: The Soft Smile – Relax your jaw, soften your face, let a quiet smile rise. Hold it. Let it restore you.Bonus Journal Prompt: Where did joy find me today? Write it down. Let it count.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment...

DAY 9MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOSAre you finding it hard to celebrate the holidays when the world feels like it’s unraveling? If your heart is heavy with the weight of injustice, violence, and overwhelm, this episode is for you.In Day 9 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester invites you to stop trying to hold the whole world and instead embrace the power of one kind thing. For parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, this moment of reflection offers both emotional permission and grounded action.You’ll learn:Why world overwhelm hits especially hard during the holidaysHow to recognize that your nervous system isn’t broken, it’s over-capacitatedWhy micro kindness isn’t trivial, but transformativeOne simple breath and reflection practice to help you reconnect with hope, agency, and joyToday’s Strategy: Micro Kindness as ActivismYou don’t have to do everything. Choose one small, authentic act of care, something that matters to you, your child, or your community.Today’s Ritual: Ask yourself: “What is one kind thing I can do today?”Then do it. With intention. With love. Without guilt.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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

DAY 8MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOSEver found yourself watching your LGBTQ+ child shrink at a family tradition that no longer feels right? You're not imagining it, and you're not alone.In Day 8 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester explores why some holiday rituals, like gendered gift exchanges, no longer fit, and how that discomfort can be a powerful invitation to reimagine connection. Tradition should never come at the expense of belonging.You’ll walk away with:A framework for evaluating family traditions through the lens of inclusionPermission to retire or redesign rituals that no longer reflect your family’s realityCreative ideas for new traditions that center empathy, visibility, joy, and chosen familyA grounding reflection practice to help you reconnect with what truly mattersToday’s Strategy: Redesign traditions that don’t support your LGBTQ+ child’s safety, joy, or sense of belonging. Ask: Does this create connection or exclusion?Creative Ritual:Complete the sentence:This year, we will introduce a ritual that helps us feel ________.(Connected? Seen? Safe? Choose your value—and reflect it in one small new practice.)Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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...

DAY 7MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday ChaosScrolling social media this time of year and feeling like everyone else’s holiday is warmer, happier, or more “together” than yours? You’re not alone AND it’s not your fault.In Day 7 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester walks you through the emotional and neurological roots of comparison, especially for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, and gently guides you back to truth and authenticity.You’ll learn:Why social comparison spikes during the holidays (and what your nervous system has to do with it)How to shift from “we should be like them” to “we are enough as we are”A short and powerful hand-on-heart ritual to return to presence and peaceA reflection practice to help you reconnect with what makes your family uniquely beautifulYour Ritual: Place your hand on your heart and repeat: We are enough as we are.Optional journaling prompt: What is one thing I genuinely love about who our family is right now?Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human...

DAY 6MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday ChaosDo you ever lie awake replaying moments you wish you could rewrite - things you didn’t know, didn’t say, or didn’t protect your LGBTQ+ child from? That quiet ache of guilt sneaks in, especially during the holidays.In Day 6 of More Human, More Kind's holiday capsule series, host Heather Hester helps you gently confront those feelings, not to punish yourself, but to transform guilt into wisdom. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will guide you through releasing shame and honoring your growth.You’ll learn:Why guilt intensifies during the holidays for parents of LGBTQ+ kidsHow to shift your mindset from “I failed” to “I’ve grown”A powerful reframing mantra: “Guilt is a signal, not a sentence”A 2-minute journaling ritual that turns self-judgment into self-compassionYour Strategy: Reframe guilt as an invitation to grow, not a verdict on your past.Your Ritual: Journal on this loving prompt:“What is one thing I know now that I didn’t know then—and how can I integrate it with love?”Optional add-on: “How can I turn this guilt into one small act of growth and repair?”Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual,...

DAY 5MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday ChaosYou're at the holiday table. Your child walks in. A relative misgenders them on purpose. The room freezes, your heart races, and you feel that internal tug between protecting your child and keeping the peace.In this holiday capsule episode, Heather Hester shares a grounded, loving framework to handle this common but painful moment with grace. You’ll learn how to regulate your nervous system, speak up with clarity, and model fierce allyship without fueling the fire.You’ll walk away with:A 3-step response formula: Pause, Protect, PivotGrounded language to correct misgendering without escalatingA powerful Breath of Safety ritual to calm your nervous system and release shameJournaling prompts to support your courage and confidence in real timeYour Strategy: Prepare one neutral corrective sentence (e.g. “We use they/them for Riley”) + a pivot phrase (e.g. “Let’s move on”)Your Ritual: Try the 3-part Breath of SafetyInhale: My love protects → Exhale: Shame is not mineInhale: My clarity guides → Exhale: Their reaction is theirsInhale: We belong → Exhale: We are okayJournal Prompt: What does courage look like for me in moments like this?💌 For deeper allyship support, visit heatherhester.net or share this episode with a fellow parent, advocate, or LGBTQ+ ally navigating similar territory.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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...

DAY 4MORE HUMAN MONETS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosIs your stomach in knots before a holiday gathering, already dreading that one comment you know is coming? You’re not alone. Conflict is hard enough. But when you're an LGBTQ+ parent or ally, it comes with an emotional cost most people don’t see.In this holiday capsule episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester offers a calm, clear strategy to handle those moments when tension bubbles up without spiraling, freezing, or feeling like you have to fight. You’ll learn how to stay grounded, protect your nervous system, and exit hard conversations with dignity and intention.You’ll walk away with:The real reason anticipated conflict is so draining especially for LGBTQ+ parents and advocatesA set of shame-free, emotionally neutral exit lines you can use to shut down tension without escalatingA 30-second breathwork ritual to reset your system, wherever you areA powerful reframe: you don’t have to “win” the moment, you just need to protect your peace🎯 Your Strategy: Pre-script 1–2 clear exit lines to carry into every holiday space🧘‍♀️ Your Ritual: Try the Peace Over Proving breathwork practice: inhale for 4, exhale for 6, repeat the mantra: I choose peace📓 Bonus prompt: What am I choosing not to engage with to protect my peace?Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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

DAY 3MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosThe holiday lights are twinkling, the house is full, and yet, you feel... alone. If you're parenting or advocating for an LGBTQ+ child, this ache is more common than you think. You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather Hester speaks directly to the invisible load carried by parents, caregivers, and allies during the holidays. Through gentle insight and a grounding ritual, she helps you shift the narrative around loneliness from shame to sacred rest.You’ll learn:Why holiday loneliness can hit even when you're surrounded by others, especially for LGBTQ+ parents and alliesA powerful reframe: how solitude can become your sanctuaryA comforting ritual involving warmth, music, and reflection to return to yourselfPlus: how to recognize that emotional labor counts, even when it's unseen.☕ Make a warm drink, hold it with both hands, and feel its comfort as permission to rest🎵 Create your “My Belonging” playlist: songs that help you return to you📝 Ask yourself: Where can I rest today, even for a few minutes?Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education,...

DAY 2MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos!The holidays are magical, but they’re also messy, especially when you're parenting or supporting an LGBTQ+ child. Old family patterns, loaded conversations, and invisible emotional labor can leave you feeling like you’re managing landmines while trying to spread cheer.In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather shares why boundaries aren't just allowed, they’re essential. If you're already feeling that lump-in-your-throat stress before the next family gathering, this moment is for you.You’ll learn:Why LGBTQ+ families face unique pressures during the holidaysA shame-free, simple way to script your boundaries in advanceA calming, 60-second visualization ritual to help you hold your ground with gracePlus: the reminder you didn’t know you needed: being kind doesn’t mean accommodating harm.✔️ Grab your journal and reflect: What boundary protects my peace the most in this situation?✔️ Practice your personalized boundary script before your next family eventClick PLAY to listen now - and - Tomorrow’s capsule (Day 3) explores a deeply felt topic: loneliness in the middle of togetherness. You won’t want to miss it!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual,...

 Today is day 1 of our 12 day holiday capsule! More Human Moments for the Most Wonderful (and Complicated!) Time of the Year. 12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosLet Go of Holiday Perfection and Embrace Presence, Grounding, and EnoughnessThis is a powerful moment of reflection for LGBTQ+ parents and allies navigating the complexities of the holiday season. If you're feeling the pressure to "get it right" while also holding emotional space for your LGBTQ child, this short and grounding episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:Why holiday overwhelm hits harder for LGBTQ+ families and affirming parentsOne practical mindset shift to move from perfectionism to peaceA 60-second guided breathing ritual to help you reset anywhere, anytimeHow choosing enoughness supports inclusion, healing, and mental healthWhy It Matters:Holidays can amplify stress and grief, especially for families prioritizing safety, diversity, and unconditional love in the face of family dynamics or outdated beliefs. This episode empowers parents and allies to hold boundaries with grace, model empathy, and embrace a more human approach to parenting and advocacy.Action Step:Light a candle (or imagine one), breathe deeply, and ask yourself: What would be enough for today to feel okay? Then, join us tomorrow for Day 2: How to Prepare Boundaries for Complicated Family Spaces.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion,...

SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT!!We are so happy to share this special episode that is a celebration of both 6 years AND 200 episodes for this podcast! It is honest and raw...and the sound may be a little off our usual high quality recording levels.In this heartfelt milestone episode, Heather Hester is joined in person by two of her children, Connor and Grace, to share the deeply personal and powerful story of how their family moved from silence and fear to connection, growth, and unconditional love. (Steve, Isabelle, and Rowan were there in spirit and idea!) This isn’t just Heather’s story, it’s theirs. And it’s the story that quietly fuels everything More Human, More Kind has become.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow one family navigated the complexity of religious upbringing, generational trauma, and LGBTQ+ identityThe emotional impact of unlearning what we’re taught, and how to rebuild with empathy and loveWhat it really looks like to come out as a familyThe role of softness, boundaries, and intentional parenting in healing and advocacyHow to lead with love when the world wants you to hardenWhat Heather’s kids really think about her work and how it’s shaped their own evolutionEpisode HighlightsA Real Family, A Real Journey: Connor and Grace share raw reflections about how their mom’s upbringing shaped her parenting and how their family broke painful patterns together.Generational Healing: Heather opens up about the complexity of parenting while holding a bridge to a family system that couldn’t (or wouldn’t) grow with her.Softness is Strength: A look back at what it means to stay open-hearted in the face of discomfort, and how empathy became their family's superpower.The Awakening: The moment that changed everything from fear to fierce love and how it led to this podcast, this mission, and this beautiful, brave community.Coming Out as a Family: Connor and Grace reflect on what it felt like to step into authenticity together, and why that bond changed them forever.Boundaries as Love: How Heather learned to hold the line with her own parents without passing on pain to her kids.From Fear to Fierce Allyship: Why showing up again and again, imperfectly but courageously, is the most powerful thing a parent can do.Key TakeawaysSoftness isn’t something you earn, it’s something you return to.Love doesn't erase pain; it makes space for it.Boundaries are not disconnection, they are love in action.Unlearning can be messy. But it’s where healing begins.You are not alone. You are not broken. You are becoming.Connect + ReflectWhat stories have you inherited and which ones are you ready to rewrite?How might softness serve your parenting, your relationships, or your advocacy today?What boundaries could you set that honor your humanity and keep you connected to love?Thank YouTo every listener, every brave parent, every LGBTQ+ kid and ally: thank you for being here. For choosing growth, for choosing softness, and for choosing to keep showing up.Special thanks to Connor and Grace for sharing their voices and their hearts so generously, for Steve, Isabelle, and Rowan for sharing their thoughts and support off mic, and to Samantha Mackey for facilitating this beautiful conversation and making the episode possible behind the scenes.Thank you for being part of this unfolding story. Here’s to the next 200!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a a...

Are you constantly bracing for impact this holiday season, snapping at your kids, holding your breath, pushing through?If you’re a parent of an LGBTQ+ child, an ally, or simply a human feeling stretched thin, this episode invites you to soften, not as a weakness, but as a radical act of strength, love, and nervous system regulation.In a world that rewards hard edges and overextension, Heather Hester offers a deeply human reframe: softness is how we stay connected to ourselves, to our children, and to what matters most.Backed by research from Dr. Stephen Porges and personal parenting insight, Heather explores:Why emotional softness is a form of strength, not weaknessHow to recognize when your body and parenting are operating in protection modeThe nervous system science behind soft tone, slower breath, and soft eyesWhy LGBTQ+ youth especially need softness as a signal of safety and inclusionYou'll walk away with practical, heartfelt guidance on how to:Build soft but clear boundaries with extended family, friends, and yourselfPractice “softer parenting” even in the middle of chaosRegulate your nervous system in real time with doable micro-practicesUse softness as a tool for healing, empathy, and fierce allyshipThis episode is for every parent, mom, and ally trying to hold it all together while still showing up with compassion and courage. You’ll learn to recognize your limits—not as failures, but as invitations to return to presence.Tune in now to discover the simple but powerful ways to lead with love, soften with intention, and create emotional safety for your LGBTQ+ teen, even in the most stressful seasons.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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

Are you feeling pulled between preserving family peace and protecting your mental health this holiday season?You're not alone AND you're not doing it wrong. The holidays are often an emotional minefield, especially for parents of LGBTQ+ kids navigating outdated traditions, family dynamics, and identity stress. This episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and make room for something more aligned.Heather Hester offers a powerful, practical conversation about what it means to evolve, not erase, traditions that no longer fit who you or your family are now.Whether you're a mom, dad, caregiver, or fierce LGBTQ+ ally, you'll learn:How to recognize when a tradition has shifted from comforting to constrictingScripts for setting boundaries without guilt or apologyWhy honoring your truth is an act of love, not rejectionHow to build new, inclusive rituals rooted in empathy, safety, and healingWhat your child’s nervous system really needs from you this seasonThis episode offers more than parenting advice, it’s a reframe of what real love looks like during the holidays.When you, as a parent or ally, set boundaries with clarity and compassion, you model inclusion, emotional regulation, and authenticity. You show your LGBTQ+ child and yourself that they belong just as they are.You’ll also hear:A 5-step “Boundaries With Love” framework you can use todayReal-life examples from Heather’s own parenting journeyTools to dismantle the myth that sameness equals loveGentle encouragement to prioritize your family's unique needsListen now and take one simple, powerful action: Release the guilt. Embrace the boundary. Rewrite the tradition.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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...

Are you an LGBTQ+ parent, ally, or advocate feeling exhausted by the emotional and logistical weight of the holiday season?You’re not alone. Many parents and caregivers, especially those supporting LGBTQ youth, enter this time of year overwhelmed, overextended, and overstimulated, unsure how to protect their own peace while showing up for others.In this powerful solo reflection, Heather Hester invites you to rethink everything you’ve been told about self-care.Forget the candles and curated routines. This episode explores what your nervous system actually needs to feel safe, grounded, and connected, especially as an LGBTQ+ parent or ally navigating complex family dynamics, grief, or societal pressure.You’ll discover:Why traditional “self-care” often fails LGBTQ+ parents and momsHow to recognize which type of rest you really need (emotional? sensory? social?)The biological and emotional reasons this season feels harder and how to shift itHow rest, boundaries, and breathwork become tools of love, empathy, and inclusionWhat if your rest and regulation were a form of allyship?When you, as a parent or advocate, honor your limits, you create a safer emotional space for your LGBTQ child or loved one. You model softness, stability, and trust just by being more human and more kind.In this episode, Heather offers:A science-backed 1-minute breath technique to lower stress (no meditation required)A breakdown of the 4 emotional “seasons” and how to align your care with each oneA practical guide to identifying your rhythm: motion, depletion, or recoveryGentle encouragement to release perfection, guilt, and performance-based loveBreathe with us. Then take one tiny, tangible step toward true rest. Listen now and rediscover the allyship that starts within.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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

Feeling the pressure to find the perfect gift for your LGBTQ+ teen?In this soft, grounding episode, Heather shares what really matters to LGBTQ+ kids this time of year and how your presence and thoughtfulness can be more powerful than anything wrapped in a bow.Discover 5 human-centered gifts that build connection and joyLearn how to create belonging through slow rituals and shared presenceGet practical tips for meaningful, low-stress gift-giving even on a budgetUnlearn the myth that more gifts = more loveTune in now and walk away with a heart-centered plan to gift with meaning, not pressure. Your presence is already enough.Key TakeawaysPresence is the gift. The most meaningful thing you can give your LGBTQ+ teen is the feeling of being seen and safe.Intentional gifts build trust. Gifts that reflect identity, interests, or emotional needs foster connection not just excitement.Rituals matter. The 13 Sacred Nights tradition offers a grounding space for reflection, bonding, and family storytelling.You don’t have to spend a lot. A mug, a journal, a game, a handwritten note, or a shared recipe can say: I love who you are becoming.Performative gifting doesn’t equal love. True generosity is rooted in connection, not cost.Links mentioned in the episode:Human Being JournalOverthinker JournalWTF NotebooksEtsy for mugs, recipe cards, and an apronGames - Hitster and Who's Most Likely to...are two faves (instructions for Fishbowl are below)a...

Do you pour out gratitude for everyone else, but forget to include yourself?As the holidays approach, gratitude can start to feel like a performance. In this soulful solo episode, Heather helps you reclaim it, starting with the most overlooked person in your life: you.Learn how thanking yourself rewires your brain and soothes your nervous systemUnderstand why authentic gratitude embraces both joy and griefTry a 3-minute practice to anchor appreciation in your body not just your mindReframe self-directed gratitude as strength, not selfishnessListen now to remember why you belong on your own gratitude list and how to gently come back to yourself, one breath at a time.Key TakeawaysMost gratitude practices leave you out of the equationSelf-gratitude is not arrogance, it’s acknowledgmentGratitude is most powerful in complex emotional landscapes, not perfect onesSelf-directed appreciation calms the nervous system and supports resilienceA gentle daily ritual can anchor gratitude into your body, not just your thoughts“Gratitude and grief can coexist” and often must, especially during the holidaysHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a...

Are you constantly jumping in with advice only to feel more disconnected from the people you love?Whether you're navigating hard conversations with your LGBTQ+ teen or sitting down at a tense holiday dinner, the urge to "fix" is often fear in disguise. In this calming and powerful solo episode, Heather Hester unpacks why real connection doesn’t come from solving but from seeing.✔️ Learn a simple, science-backed practice to shift from reactivity to presence✔️ Discover how to listen without rushing, rescuing, or retreating✔️ Use Heather’s LISTEN method to guide any difficult conversation with love✔️ Get grounded tools to calm your nervous system when tensions risePress play now to discover the one shift that builds trust, deepens relationships, and reclaims connection, no fixing required.Key Takeaways:Fixing is often rooted in fear, not loveSilence is not awkward, it’s sacredListening without correcting builds psychological safety, the key to long-term trust“Do you want advice or just a listening ear?” can transform your relationshipsYou don’t need the right answers, you just need presenceLISTEN Framework Recap:L – Leave space: Breathe before respondingI – Inquire gently: Ask what kind of support is neededS – Stay curious: Reflect, don’t assumeT – Trust the silence: Let quiet be part of connectionE – Empathize, don’t evaluate: Say “That sounds really hard”N – Normalize not knowing: “I don’t have the answer, but I’m here.”Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientInvite me to speak at your workshop or eventReceive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect heather@heatherhester.netBuy Me A CoffeeWatch on YouTube Listen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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...