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 clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content.
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 clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of
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 clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, 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: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policyBlubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy
LGBTQ+ History Month isn’t just a celebration of the past,it’s a warning about the present. With over 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in play, what will you do to protect what truly matters?In this powerful episode, Heather Hester walks you through key moments in LGBTQ+ history, from Stonewall to marriage equality, and connects them to the rising threats queer youth face today. You’ll gain tools, context, and confidence to speak up when it matters most.Learn how to help your kids connect past and present, recognize the patterns of oppression, and feel empowered to resist them. Discover what real allyship looks like today and why silence isn’t neutral.Press play to turn heartbreak into action and hope into power. Then head to morehumanmorekind.com for resources, prompts, and ways to keep showing up.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.Resource SpotlightHistorical...
What if the witches we grew up fearing weren’t villains, but visionaries, healers, or queer-coded rebels whose power threatened the status quo?In today’s rich and revolutionary episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester uncovers the truth behind witch hunts, both historical and modern. From midwives to queer teens, anyone who dared to live outside the norms has been branded dangerous. But when we revisit who the “witch” really was, we open a portal to connection, empathy, and courage.If your child is drawn to witches, monsters, or magic, this episode will show you why it’s not about rebellion, it’s about belonging, power, and healing. And how you, as a parent or ally, can show up with more curiosity, not control.Why witches were originally midwives, healers, and women with ungovernable knowledgeHow LGBTQ+ communities reclaim the witch as a symbol of queer power, survival, and self-trust4 ways you can use this history to better understand and affirm your LGBTQ+ childUnlearn the myth that witches = evil and explore what society really fears: truth, autonomy, and joyPress play to uncover how history, horror, queerness, and allyship collide—and how this ancient archetype can help you raise brave, inclusive, empowered kids today.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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...
What if the monster your child identifies with…isn’t a threat, but a symbol of courage, survival, and truth?For many LGBTQ+ teens, horror films offer more than scares; they offer safety, self-expression, and even joy. While many parents associate horror with violence and fear, queer youth see something radically different: empowerment, visibility, and a chance to survive in a world that often misunderstands them. This episode dives into the coded history of queerness in horror, how today’s youth are reclaiming it, and what it reveals about the emotional worlds of LGBTQ+ kids.Discover how horror has historically coded queerness and why it still matters todayLearn how to connect with your LGBTQ+ child through their media interests (even scary ones!)Gain tools, questions, and recommended films to reframe fear as a source of empathy and resiliencePress play to discover why horror isn’t just about fear. It’s about survival, strength, and learning how to love your LGBTQ+ child even more deeply through what lights them up.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while
What do parents need to know about the masks LGBTQ+ kids wear for survival?For queer kids, and the parents, moms, and allies supporting them, masks (figurative and literal)can mean safety, expression, or survival. But not all masks are harmless. Some start to suffocate. In this episode, we explore what playful costumes and emotional disguises have in common and how to help our kids (and ourselves) know when it’s time to take the mask off.Learn how to tell when your child’s “mask” is joyful play or protective camouflage.Explore how figurative masking shows up in parenting and how to model authenticity.Walk away with practical tools to build trust, inclusion, and safety without forcing disclosure.Press play to uncover the power of masks, the risks of hiding, and what it really means to be seen, known, and safe.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, 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:...
What if your child’s costume choice is Halloween fun AND a first, powerful glimpse into their identity exploration?For parents, allies, and advocates raising LGBTQ+ or “othered” kids, Halloween can bring joy and also fear. Costumes are often treated as trivial, but for many queer children, dress-up is a rare, safe opportunity to try on who they truly are. In this episode, you’ll learn how to meet those moments with empathy, curiosity, and love.Understand how dress-up is central to identity development, especially in queer and neurodivergent kids.Learn how to recognize your own fears and respond in ways that build trust and safety, not shame.Gain language, tools, and mindset shifts that empower you to be a grounded, inclusive parent or ally this Halloween and beyond.Press play to discover how one costume can become a turning point for connection, inclusion, and raising brave, joyful kids.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community...
What if the ghosts haunting your parenting aren’t spooky but silent? And what if your child’s future depends on whether you face them?For parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, cycles of silence, shame, and inherited fear can sneak into how we parent, often without us realizing it. These “ghosts” may have protected us once, but now they risk being passed down unless we pause to acknowledge and unlearn them. This episode offers the guidance you need to parent more consciously, with empathy, safety, and healing at the center - and learn actionable ways to break the cycle now!Discover what “ghosts” really are in the context of parenting and how they show up in your daily life.Learn how to identify and release inherited fears, shame, and silence so you don’t pass them to your children.Walk away with practical steps to transform generational patterns into moments of healing, love, and resilience.Listen now to explore how facing your past creates space for inclusion, safety, and the fierce love your kids deserve.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human...
What if the monsters you feared growing up were never the real threat but a reflection of the parts of yourself society told you to hide?For LGBTQ+ youth, and the parents, moms, and advocates walking alongside them, labels like “weird,” “freak,” and “monster” aren’t just childhood fears, they’re often used to dehumanize. In this episode, we explore how queer communities have reclaimed “monstrosity” as a symbol of resilience, and how parents can use that same insight to guide their kids with empathy, education, and fierce love.Discover how “monster” stories are rooted in fear of difference and how reclaiming them builds resilience and pride.Learn practical ways to shift your parenting from fear-based protection to inclusion-based empowerment.Hear how LGBTQ+ communities transform pain into creativity, and how that wisdom can help you raise brave, mentally healthy kids.Hit play to explore how reclaiming the monster myth can strengthen your parenting, deepen your allyship, and create more safety and love for the communities that need it most.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief,...
What if your child’s “difference” isn’t a problem to fix, but a story we’ve been taught to fear?In this raw and compassionate episode, Heather Hester opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting LGBTQ+ kids - really any kid that we have labeled as "different" and how to shift from grief and fear to love and clarity. Whether you’re facing the first waves of realization or years into the journey, this episode invites you to let go of outdated scripts and fully see your child as they are.Learn how your expectations may be unintentionally shaping your fears and how to let them goDiscover how to move from the grief of "what you imagined" to the beauty of "what is"Hear why “normal” is a myth and how honoring difference builds deeper trust, resilience, and connectionPress play to reframe your perspective and discover the radical power of honoring your child exactly as they are.Resource SpotlightParenting with Pride (Heather’s book!) — A heartfelt guide for parents navigating bias, expectations, and the journey of loving LGBTQ+ kids fully and freely.Understood.org — An incredible resource for parents raising children with learning and thinking differences, reminding us that “different” can mean thriving.The Mighty — A storytelling platform where people share lived experiences of difference, resilience, and what it means to be fully human.Child Mind Institute — Trusted guidance on supporting kids with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges, framed with compassion and clarity.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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,
Should you shield your child from life's hardest moments or teach them how to face and carry them?In this honest and heart-opening episode, Heather Hester explores one of the most misunderstood parts of parenting: how to share hard truths without overwhelming your child. From navigating her own cancer diagnosis to supporting a child through crisis, Heather reveals what it really means to protect and prepare our kids for life’s hardest moments. (Parenting Trust, Resilience, and Emotional Guidance)Learn how to share difficult news in age-appropriate ways that build trust and emotional safetyHear how silence and secrecy create fear and what honesty can do insteadDiscover why vulnerability is a strength your kids need to see, not something to hidePress play now to learn how honesty, vulnerability, and trust can transform your parenting and strengthen your connection with your child.Resource SpotlightRaising Good Humans (Dr. Aliza Pressman podcast) — Honest, practical conversations about how to raise resilient kids by being honest about life’s struggles.Common Sense Media — Tools and language for helping parents decide what’s age-appropriate, especially when introducing kids to tough topics.American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Guidance from pediatricians on talking with kids about illness, family stress, or other hard realities.NPR Life Kit (Parenting episodes) — Accessible, short conversations about parenting through challenges—offering bite-sized wisdom when you need it most.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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,...
Is free speech really free anymore, or are we watching the First Amendment unravel in real time?Whether you're raising LGBTQ+ kids, working to become a more informed ally, or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode breaks down the five essential freedoms that shape our democracy and why they’re all in danger right now. From the weaponization of media to the rise of disinformation, understanding the First Amendment is no longer optional.Learn what free speech actually protects and where the legal and moral lines are drawn.Discover how government overreach, misinformation, and media attacks are weakening core freedoms.Get practical insight into how you can protect your rights and model civic courage for your kids.Hit play to get clear on what the First Amendment protects, how it's being undermined, and why your voice and vigilance matter more than ever.Resource SpotlightACLU’s Protester’s Rights Guide, PEN America’s Media Literacy Toolkit, Independent outlets that keep truth alive such as Crooked Media, the AP, ProPublica, BBC, and The Guardian.Master Bibliography: First Amendment Further Reading1. Free Speech: Powerful, but Not AbsoluteThe Guardian – US free-speech rights shredded despite Trump vow to be First Amendment champion → linkThe Guardian – US Supreme Court tells lower courts to reconsider two free speech cases → linkThe Atlantic – Why America Protects Hate Speech → linkForbes – Your Free Speech Rights (Mostly) Don’t Apply At Work → linkPolitico – Trump: ‘It’s no longer free speech’ → link2. A Free Press: Democracy’s WatchdogThe Guardian – Global press freedom suffers sharpest fall in 50 years, report finds → linkThe Guardian – The US used to be the gold standard for press freedom. Not any more → linkThe Atlantic – The press is not the enemy → linkAP News – West Point is violating the First Amendment with a crackdown on professors → linkPolitico – First Amendment advocates decry settlement in ‘60 Minutes’ lawsuit → link3. Separation of Church and State Protects EveryoneThe Guardian – Project Blitz: the legislative assault by Christian nationalists to reshape America →a...
Why do so many LGBTQ+ kids wait until college to come out, and what does that mean for the families they leave behind?In this insightful and compassionate episode, Heather Hester explores why college becomes a powerful turning point for many LGBTQ+ young people and what parents and allies need to understand. From the need for distance and safety to the importance of chosen community, you'll learn how to support your child without making it about you (no judgement or shame on you, we promise!)Understand why coming out often begins with identity ownership not rejection of familyLearn how to respond with curiosity and trust, even when you feel left outDiscover the most meaningful things you can say and do to support your child from afarPress play and walk away with the insight, grace, and grounded tools to support your LGBTQ+ child whether they’re just beginning to open up, or finding themselves far from home.Resource SpotlightStages of Coming Out EpisodeThe Trevor Project — A lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, offering 24/7 crisis support, peer connection, and resources to navigate coming out safely.Campus Pride — A national nonprofit that helps students find LGBTQ+-friendly colleges and universities, and works to make campuses safer and more inclusive.GLAAD Coming Out Guide — A practical, affirming guide with language, ideas, and steps for young people deciding when and how to come out.PFLAG National — The largest organization for parents and families of LGBTQ+ people, with chapters nationwide offering support and education.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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...
Do you ever feel like the harder you try to guide your LGBTQ+ child, the more they pull away?You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, Heather Hester explores the emotional weight of control, how it shows up in families, and why learning to lead with influence, not force, can transform your relationship with your child. Whether you’re parenting a queer or trans teen or simply navigating a tense family dynamic, this episode offers a compassionate reframe grounded in real-life stories and tools.Understand why control breeds resistance and how influence fosters lasting trustLearn how to recognize control patterns in your parenting and gently shift your approachDiscover Heather’s ARCC method for setting loving boundaries with courage and clarityPress play to begin releasing control and embracing the kind of influence that builds deeper bonds with your LGBTQ+ child and with yourself.Resource SpotlightBrené Brown’s Daring Greatly — A powerful book about vulnerability, trust, and courage. It’s a reminder that letting go of control is often where the real strength lies.Greater Good Science Center (UC Berkeley) — Research-backed resources on how compassion and influence, not control, create healthier relationships and communities.The Gottman Institute — Relationship experts offering tools to replace control with influence and build trust in families, partnerships, and beyond.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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...
How do we hold space for grief, truth, and humanity when someone who had polarizing views is taken by violence?In moments like these, where headlines are loud and emotions run high, many of us are struggling with what it means to respond in a way that’s honest, compassionate, and grounded. Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply a human trying to make sense of a complicated world, this episode offers a place to pause, reflect, and choose kindness without erasing truth.Understand why grief can feel especially complex when someone who caused harm dies tragically.Explore how to navigate the tension between grace, anger, and justice in a polarized world.Learn how to model grounded, honest responses for your kids and communities without losing your humanity.Press play to explore the messy truth of holding space for both grief and accountability, and how choosing kindness in hard moments might be the most powerful thing we can do.Full quote from Martin Luther King Jr.'s childrenHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ...
Is your teen turning to an AI chatbot when they’re in crisis? Would you even know if they were?In this eye-opening episode, Heather Hester explores the booming use of AI mental health apps like Woebot and Replika, especially among Gen Z and LGBTQ+ youth. Why are young people choosing bots over therapists or parents? What do these tools offer and what are they missing? This conversation pulls back the curtain on a growing mental health trend and offers actionable guidance for parents, educators, and allies navigating this new reality.Understand why Gen Z is turning to AI for emotional support and what it reveals about their mental health needsLearn the real risks (and potential benefits) of AI therapy tools, especially for LGBTQ+ teensDiscover how to open meaningful conversations about mental health and tech without fear, shame, or disconnectionPress play to learn how to use curiosity, connection, and compassion, not control, to guide Gen Z’s use of AI for mental health.Resource SpotlightCrisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live, trained counselor.Jed Foundation (JED) — Programs protecting emotional health of teens and young adults: jedfoundation.orgVerywell Mind: Best Therapy Apps of 2025 — Curated reviews of mental health apps, pros and cons: verywellmind.comPsychology Today Therapist Directory — To find affirming, human-based therapists: psychologytoday.comHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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...
What if kindness wasn’t just a nice gesture, but a radical act of love that could save a life?For parents of LGBTQ+ youth and allies navigating an increasingly disconnected, dangerous, and crisis-driven world, kindness isn’t fluff, it’s safety. It’s neuroscience. It’s survival. In this episode, you’ll learn how your smallest actions might become someone’s turning point. (allyship, inclusion, parenting, mental health, LGBTQ)Discover the science behind why kindness calms the nervous system and heals emotional painUnderstand how to show up for others, especially your kids, with intention, not fearLearn 3 ways to practice life-changing kindness this week (even if you’re short on time or energy)Tap play to rethink what kindness really means and how it can transform lives, including your own.Resource Spotlight:Kindness.org — Research-based tools and inspiration for practicing intentional kindness: kindness.orgRandom Acts of Kindness Foundation — Free resources to spark daily kindness: randomactsofkindness.orgMental Health America — Guidance and community programs to promote mental well-being: mhanational.orgHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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 space where a mom and mental health advocate...
Have you ever heard someone say LGBTQ+ kids struggle with mental health because of who they are?In this urgent episode, Heather Hester dismantles one of the most dangerous myths surrounding LGBTQ+ youth: that their mental health struggles are inherent. With clarity and compassion, she explores the real causes like rejection, stigma, and lack of affirming care, and shares what parents, allies, and advocates can do to protect the lives and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth today.Learn why identity isn’t the problem, rejection is, and how that impacts LGBTQ+ mental healthDiscover the daily actions parents and allies can take to become affirming, life-saving supportsUnderstand how simple shifts in language, access, and community can protect youth from isolation, depression, and despairPress play to unlearn the harmful myths and learn how to be the advocate your LGBTQ+ loved one needs. Affirmation isn’t a luxury, it’s protection.Resource Spotlight:The Trevor Project — 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people. thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline — Peer support hotline run by and for trans people: 877-565-8860.GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality) — Directory to find LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers: glma.orgNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Mental health resources, education, and support groups: nami.orgHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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,...
What if the most life-saving thing you do this week isn’t a therapy appointment or medication, but a single, courageous conversation?For LGBTQ+ youth, suicide risk remains heartbreakingly high — not because of who they are, but because of the rejection, fear, and silence they too often face. In this vital episode, Heather Hester cuts through the discomfort to teach parents and allies how to break that silence with compassion, clarity, and life-affirming guidance.Learn the real reasons behind the suicide risk facing LGBTQ+ youth and what the data actually saysRecognize critical warning signs and how to respond without fear, judgment, or overwhelmDiscover the “index card” strategy and other proven tools that make hard conversations easier AND can literally save livesPress play to learn how your presence, your love, and your willingness to speak can become the most powerful allyship tool you have.Resource SpotlightThe Trevor Project – 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ youth: Call 1-866-488-7386, Text “START” to 678-678, or use the chat at thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline – 877-565-8860 (U.S.), 877-330-6366 (Canada)Crisis Text Line - Text "HELLO" or "HOLA" to 741-741TWLOHA Suicide Prevention Month CampaignMental Health ToolkitHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive 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.netWatch on YouTubeInfluence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!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...
Cameron Jones
Eager to get into this. Thank you for clarifying that it's not just for parents. I think anyone involved in raising a child even if that's just part of an extended support community should have access to these resources.
L Walker
Such a great episode. Thank you!
Autumn Torres
Thank you, thank you for this!! I learned so much!