Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

More Human. More Kind. is a space for real conversations about what it means to show up in the world with compassion, clarity, and courage. Hosted by Heather Hester—coach, speaker, and advocate for radical kindness—this podcast explores the messy, beautiful journey of being human.With warmth and wisdom, Heather dives into topics like:Setting boundaries with people you loveBeing kind vs. being niceCreating space for healing in strained relationshipsParenting with clarity and compassionNavigating identity, growth, and authenticityRooted in lived experience and deep empathy, each episode offers insight, reflection, and a gentle reminder that we are never alone in our growth.Whether you’re a parent, partner, ally, or simply someone who values heart-centered conversations, More Human. More Kind. will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

The Power of Gathering: Why the Right to Assemble Still Matters
Apr 25, 2025 – 28:53
When Boundaries Are Love
Apr 23, 2025 – 09:55
Becoming More Human More Kind
Apr 22, 2025 – 12:03
More Human. More Kind. Trailer
Apr 22, 2025 – 02:05
Beyond the Breath: Separation of Church and State
Apr 19, 2025 – 27:08
Beyond the Breath: Free Speech - What It Is and What It Isn't
Apr 11, 2025 – 25:11
Beyond the Breath: The Importance of a Free Press
Apr 4, 2025 – 34:29
Understanding Social Media Fatigue: A Wellness Perspective
Apr 1, 2025 – 39:33
Beyond the Breath: The Imperative of Authentic Allyship
Mar 30, 2025 – 17:39
Beyond the Breath: Fighting Fatigue: How to Maintain Your Well-Being While Engaging in Activism
Mar 21, 2025 – 28:49
Trans Visibility from the Stone Age to Stonewall and Beyond: A Conversation with Celia Daniels
Mar 18, 2025 – 01:03:58
Beyond the Breath: The Distinction Between Niceness and Kindness
Mar 14, 2025 – 29:00
Beyond the Breath: Exploring the Nuances of Judgment and Discernment
Mar 7, 2025 – 29:07
The Art of Authenticity in College Essays: A Conversation with Dyllen Nellis
Mar 4, 2025 – 47:30
Beyond the Breath: Accountability Matters
Feb 28, 2025 – 26:28
Beyond the Breath: A Reflection on Modern Discourse
Feb 21, 2025 – 27:26
Empowering Trans Voices: A Discussion with Leading Counselor, Alexander Stefanini
Feb 19, 2025 – 45:45
Beyond the Breath: Real Conversations Addressing LGBTQ Issues in Today's Society
Feb 14, 2025 – 27:22
You Are Not Alone: Validating Our Shared Experiences of Heaviness
Feb 4, 2025 – 18:56
From Awareness to Action: Supporting LGBTQ Individuals with Eating Disorders
Jan 21, 2025 – 47:32
Your Guide to a Supported and Connected 2025
Jan 9, 2025 – 09:55
Uplifting Women: The Power of Community and Vulnerability
Dec 3, 2024 – 53:35
Learning to Parent with Pride: Empowering Conversations for Uncertain Times
Nov 19, 2024 – 11:09
Breaking Free: A Path to Authenticity and Love
Nov 5, 2024 – 33:21
Celebrating 5 Years of Just Breathe: Self-Care Tips for Election Season
Oct 22, 2024 – 17:23
Finding Calm in Chaos: Strategies for Nervous System Regulation with Kelly Lubeck
Oct 8, 2024 – 38:40
Hope and Action: Conversations on Preventing Teen Suicide
Sep 24, 2024 – 01:33:42
Accepting and Protecting Our Transgender Community
Sep 11, 2024 – 55:46
Gen Z Shares Hope and Skepticism for the Future
Aug 27, 2024 – 01:18:15
Navigating Educational Consulting and Mental Health Advocacy with Jodi Liston
Aug 13, 2024 – 40:49
Community, Education, and Empowerment: A Talk with The Point Foundation's Jorge Valencia
Jul 30, 2024 – 35:00
Passing the Torch of LGBTQ+ Resilience with Eric Marcus
Jul 16, 2024 – 48:54
Unlocking the Power of Your Nervous System: A Journey with Kelly Luback
Jul 2, 2024 – 48:38
How to Be an Ally: 8 Essential Tips for Supporting LGBTQIA Youth
Jun 18, 2024 – 46:17
From Stonewall to Today: The History of Pride Month
Jun 4, 2024 – 21:33
A Deep Dive Into Queer Expression: Stories from the 'I'm Feeling Queer Today' Podcast
May 21, 2024 – 50:29
Love, Vulnerability, and Growth: A Family's LGBTQ Journey
May 7, 2024 – 45:03
Unveiling the Heart Behind 'Parenting with Pride'
Apr 23, 2024 – 13:34
The Power of Visibility: How Pride Events Transform Lives
Apr 9, 2024 – 51:43
Cultivating Diversity and Empowerment in Children's Books
Mar 26, 2024 – 33:33
The Parent's Guide to Spotting Misinformation: Empower Your LGBTQ Journey
Mar 12, 2024 – 28:43
Unconditional Love and the Voyage Beyond Gender Norms with shawndeez, Ph.D.
Feb 27, 2024 – 01:03:30
Unlocking Love: Connecting with Your LGBTQ Teen
Feb 13, 2024 – 14:17
A Journey of Resilience: Launching My First Book for LGBTQ Families
Jan 30, 2024 – 11:50
Navigating the Spectrum of Gender: Insights from a Trans Parent
Jan 16, 2024 – 46:39
Embrace Allyship: 8 Steps to Support LGBTQ Youth in 2024
Jan 2, 2024 – 20:36
Embracing the Messiness: Holiday Survival Tips for LGBTQ Families
Dec 19, 2023 – 28:15
Coping with Non-Affirming Friends and Family During the Holidays
Dec 5, 2023 – 22:58
A Legacy of Unconditional Love
Nov 21, 2023 – 13:40
The Shadows We Carry: Michael's Insights on Overcoming Shame
Nov 9, 2023 – 43:37

Recent Reviews

dnel1234

Bravo!

Heather is doing incredibly important work especially in this current climate! Thank you for creating this space for education and community.
beckystump

Thoughtful, powerful podcast full of resources!

Heather’s podcast is such a gem! Her calm voice and perspective makes it feel so peaceful to absorb the information she shares. You truly feel like you’re in a coffee shop together just chatting. Heather’s podcast is full of so many practical tips and tools to help parents support their LGTBQ+ kids. I especially appreciate how Heather invites her own family members to join her on the podcast and share their heartfelt perspectives. This podcast is full of warmth yet also keeps it real and provides answers to some of the most complicated questions. Heather helps parents feel hopeful and reminds parents that they aren’t alone in their journey of figuring out how to best show up for their child. I highly recommend to anyone who has a LGTBQ+ child in their lives!
supercharbos12345

dumb

There’s top genders and a gender cannot have s6x with the same gender
ToddaVee

Thank you

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for this podcast. I’ve only listened to a couple of episodes, and I’ve learned so much already. ❤️
Laurenkenna

Grateful

So grateful for this beautiful podcast which supports parents who often feel alone in navigating a different life for their kids than what was imagined. As a therapist who works with children and teens I am appreciative of this wonderful resource. And I am often sharing it with the parents I work with.
living with fire

Thoughtful and practical

This is an informative parenting podcast. I recommend all parents and adults in the lives of queer youth listen. Balanced, practical and helpful as well as inspriring.
Anonymous and thankful

WOW

Heather was the calming voice in a world that was otherwise in upheaval. Heather was there to pick me up (although she didn’t know it) and she was the best friend in my head helping me process and get through some difficult stuff. I loved that she gave ME permission to process and mourn my story now that it was being re-written. I was worried about how the world was going to be more difficult and that this world is not as understanding as everyone thinks. Heather gave me the time I needed to get to the next step. Heather didn’t judge me. I would download a podcast every morning and listen to her during my walk. Her voice fixed it for me. Her voice soothed my heartache. Her voice helped me get to the next step of processing and her voice helped me move on. Heather helped me have difficult conversations that were based in kindness. Heather helped me to breathe. And I love her for that.
Jeannie 123

So Good! So Needed!

I love this insightful and compassionate podcast. Thank you for providing such a great resource for parents who want to best support their LGBTQ+ children and teens. This is so necessary and timely.
(tttt$$$)110%#1

A safe space to be and learn!

This podcast is a great place to educate myself and it’s a warm, safe space to be in the world. At a time when the world feels unsafe and out of control, listening to Heather and her guests helps me feel connected to the strongest part of all of us- love!
Ten Hands One Home

Powerful dialogue to explore complex relationships

While this podcast focuses on parenting, there is a tremendous amount of insight on broad social and community perspectives. Guests are given power to their experiences and perspectives and invited to educate, empathize with and engage the listener. Excellent podcast
uponabranch

Inspirational!

Such a raw an vulnerable podcast supporting the challenges and pitfalls faced in the day-to-day lives of gender-diverse teens. Your program serves as a compassionate and contemplative resource of motivation and enlightenment. As the parent of a now gender-diverse adult, I only wish we had available such a wonderfully supportive and insightful resource during our teenager years.
societyhillmom

So insightful!

This podcast is so insightful and important to families today. I learn something new in each episode. Thank you for putting out content to help families navigate through difficult times to help our children be the best versions of themselves. It means so much!
MamaResilience

Love this!

So happy to have discovered this podcast and really appreciate the guidance and experiences shared within. Can’t wait to listen to more!
Rtl_faith

Great job

Very interesting show with a unique perspective
JJTakagi

Parents You Get a Process Too

I love Heather’s gentle voice and how she lovingly guides the audience into wanting to engage the process to love your child!
InfiniteEvans

Beautiful Soul and Wonderful Podcast

Each episode of Heather’s podcast is overflowing with love. Thank you for shining your light Heather and for all the amazing conversations you are creating.
akkat06

Such a fabulous podcast!!

I’ve been listening to Heather since her first episode! The podcast aired just when I needed it. Heather is easy to listen to and shares information that sheds a different light on what kids and parents are experiencing. It’s also great to hear from her family and see a broader perspective of her experience. Much appreciated!!
Kerri Burnside

Kerri B

Such a good podcast- can’t wait to dive in deep and share with other parents!
OTKate

Just what I needed

I’m so glad I found this podcast. Great tips & resources. I have already shared it with a couple of other parents. Thank you for doing this important work!
Mia @ StayBasic

Such a needed conversation!

Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful, supportive and honest experience to support parents.
LaurenBo21

LOVE THIS PODCAST!! 🙌❤️🏳️‍🌈💕🥰

I was searching for resources to be the best supportive mom I could be to my pre-teen (now teen) and found this amazing podcast! It was just what I needed! I knew I needed some guidance from a parent who had experience through a similar journey and Heather was there with perfect content and even talked with me personally through email. The community Heather has built through this podcast and Facebook page has given me the confidence to not be fearful through this journey but rather to embrace it and encourage my teen to be their authentic self!
zbkai189

Thank you.

Exactly what this momma needed.
MrsWeiseNMS

Right on ... so needed

Heather is real, relatable, thoughtful, educated, and inclusive of every teen parent scenario in her talks. I love being able to hear first hand from someone who has gone through the “Valley of Darkness” and come out the other side a better person, informed, and able to help others right where they are.
Susan A P

Just breathe

Thank you for providing this valuable information.
Mom of them!

Attn Parents!

Listen, absorb, learn, and breathe thru this podcast. So helpful us (child and parents) as we go thru this journey together.
TSwynacht

Helped so much!!

I have learned so much and feel so much less alone after listening! Thank so much!!
DrMMcNally

Must-Listen!

This podcast is a must-listen for those wanting to learn how to best help the LGBTQ teen or young adult in their life. Heather is a thoughtful host who offers great information and support. Such a great podcast with great information!
SoulNotSkin

Heather, Thank You.

When I was Conners age, I don’t think Ellen Degeneres was out yet. The world has changed so much since that time. I’m glad I’m alive to see it. I find myself cheering on parents like Heather who are willing to step out of their own comfort zone and reputations to stand by LGBTQ children and love us - out loud! This is such an important show. BIG LOVE for this courageous family in the midwest. Yay YOU!
RRC in AZ

Powerful, profound. So needed. Thank you!!!

What a breathe of fresh air this show is. So many LGBTQ people, especially youth, struggle with the devastating impact of faith-based family rejection. Parents are searching for a better way - a way to love their LGBTQ child without compromising their faith. It takes opening whatever box you have God in - thank you for helping people do that! What a gift this Podcast is!!
nickpe13

Chrysalis mama

Amazing!!! This is so incredibly well done and your thoughtful approach is undoubtedly helping tons of families. What you’re doing truly matters! Your son is lucky to have you and vice versa ;)! Thank you for sharing w us!