More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human

This podcast episode features an enlightening dialogue with Kevin Wong, the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, which stands as the preeminent organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support for LGBTQ youth. Central to our discussion is the alarming statistic that LGBTQ young individuals are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers...

This podcast episode delves into the critical discourse surrounding the navigation of the digital landscape for LGBTQ children and their parents. We commence by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication, particularly regarding online engagements and the inherent challenges that accompany them. Our esteemed guest, Sarah May, founder and CEO of the Start Effect, provides i...

The principal theme of this episode revolves around the profound concept of embracing curiosity rather than judgment, particularly in the realm of interpersonal communication. I express my gratitude for your presence in this safe space, where we explore the intricacies of parenting LGBTQ teens. Throughout our dialogue, I reflect on my recent engagement with the television series "Ted Lasso," which...

This podcast episode centers on the transformative journey of Jennifer, who imparts wisdom on harnessing the power of intuition and personal purpose. We explore her evolution from a federal government employee to a soul care coach, adept at accessing Akashic Records and employing energy healing techniques. Jennifer's narrative is underscored by her profound experiences that illustrate the intricat...

Michelle Abraham joins Heather in the virtual studio in this week’s episode.  Michelle is an international speaker, podcast producer, and the category directory for kids and family in Podcast Magazine.  Listen in as they discuss Michelle's foray into the podcasting industry, the lessons she has learned, and still learning,  as a parent, and the importance of getting your message out...

Do you want to support your LGBTQ child, friend, or student, but aren’t sure what to say or how to show up as an ally? In this heartfelt and practical episode, Heather Hester shares 8 essential ways to practice true LGBTQ allyship — especially as a parent, family member, or community leader. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or already walking it with intention, this guide offers grounded...

Crystal Whiteaker intrinsically understands the importance of inclusion. As a leadership development and DEIB consultant, she specializes in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).  Join Heather and Crystal as they talk about Crystal’s motivation to reaffirm a brand's core values, create a “Brave Space...

“I think the real joy in life comes when you just meet the people who mean the most to you exactly where they are, and you embrace them for where they are.” - Lisa Sugarman Heather is joined by Lisa Sugarman, a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host. Join them as they discuss Lisa’s journey of discovering her authentic self, her work with The Trevor Pr...

Heather is joined by author, therapist, and TEDx speaker, Chris Tompkins to discuss the impact of heteronormativity in today’s culture.  Listen as they unpack the differences between queerphobia and homophobia, how the language and words we use create nuances that stop us from talking to our children about being gay, and the steps that we can use to build a “New Playground” around our subcons...

Connor helps Heather kick off Pride Month with a fun conversation that ranges in topics from an update on how he’s doing to his thoughts on rainbow capitalism. For newer listeners who do not know who Connor is, first of all, welcome, and second of all - Connor is Heather’s oldest son whose bravery and life experience allows for this podcast as well as all of Heather’s other work. This is the fourt...

Creating a safe place for people to speak the truth, Katie Miller, the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society and host of Adulting Sucks podcast, is here to share her story of coming to live her life unapologetically herself and encouraging others to do the same.  About our Guest: Katie Miller Katie is the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Sui...

Overcoming adversity that led him to his life’s passion of being a life coach, Sam Castle is here to share his story about removing stigma, bias, and fear.  Sam shares about his gender transformation, how life coaching changed his world when traditional therapy could not, and his overall love and passion for helping others to live life courageously.  About our Guest: Sam Castle - “I am S...

To fully feel the human experience we have to be able to overcome the fears and feelings that we innately avoid.  In today’s conversation, our guest, Candy Motzek discusses how we are so influenced by our thoughts and the feelings behind them that it does not allow us to connect to others in a way that is mutually beneficial.  Self-awareness is key and Candy shares some strategies on how...

Rick Clemons is a men's coming-out coach and a bold move strategist inspiring gay men to live life with no excuses, no fears, and no apologies. In today’s episode, Heather and Rick dive into the journey that is coming out, coming into the power of living your full truth, and the process behind it all.  Rick also has some valuable advice for the parents of LGBTQ+ children on loving their child...

People want to label everything. There is a perceived comfort in having something or someone identified with a label but it is not always healthy. Many today are moving past labels and want to be accepted for who they are not shoved into a box just to make you comfortable. Our guest Julie Anne and her partner, Vicente, are here to discuss this concept of labels, how we can move on from them and ex...

As a parent, and especially if you're a mom, you know the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for your children. But do you do it for yourself as well?  Mia Moran of Plan Simple is joining Heather today to talk about not just making sure we are providing what we need for our children’s mental health but also what we need to do for ourselves to support them. About our Guest...

Not many have the privilege of knowing who they are from the start.  For most of us, life is a journey of reflection and self-discovery.  Jessie Kanzer, actress and reporter turned author, joins us today to share her journey as a Russian Immigrant feeling lost in an alien world to her discovery of the Tao Te Ching that set her on the path to becoming the person she is meant to be. Listen...

Jackie Simmons, the Director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society, joins Heather in this week’s episode. Jackie shares her story that drives her passion to make teen suicide a thing of the past. She also discusses the impact we can have just by having simple conversations with our "Power 20" that can help teens and adults alike to start thinking differently about their lives. About Our Guest: TE...

Heather is joined by Greg Howard, an author that writes novels aimed at middle-grade students.  What is fantastic about Greg’s books is that he taps into stories about marginalized youth, specifically LGBTQ+.  Listen as they talk about Greg’s books, his motivation, the effects his books have had on readers, and the importance of having representation for the often forgotten middle-grade...

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...

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 he...

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 , a...

To celebrate her 50th episode, Heather talks about the biggest "aha" moments she has had personally and that she and Steve have had as a couple over the past five years. This personal and lively recollection touches on family, faith, being "good," the idea of perfection, and more! Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take...

October is LGBTQ History Month. This interview not only honors history, but also teaches little-known facts and pieces of the time before Stonewall. In this episode, Heather interviews author, broadcaster, and gay rights activist Robert C. Steele about his book - Banned From California: Jim Foshee - Persecution, Redemption, Liberation...and the Gay Civil Rights Movement. Jim Foshee's story is as c...

In this episode, Heather interviews creator, producer, and director, Anthony Hand, who gives a sneak peek into his feature-length animated film (anticipated release Spring 2024) Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero . Anthony's background in product design in Silicon Valley along with his love and appreciation for drag and childhood affinity for comic books melded together to create this never-told-befor...