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

In this episode, Heather interviews Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Aetna Behavioral Health, a CVS Health Company. As a population health scientist, Cara is particularly passionate about our adolescents, teens, and young adults, supporting and advocating for them, and educating people of all ages on the importance of mental health well-being. Mental well-being is at the core of our health; separatin...

In this episode, Heather interviews Robbin McManne.  Robbin is the author of The Yelling Cure, How to Stress Less and Get Your Kids to Cooperate without Threats and Punishments as well as the host of the award-winning podcast, Parenting our Future. In 2020 Robbin was named one of the top 50 moms in podcasting by Podcast Magazine! Robbin understands the struggle of parenting. Like so many of u...

In this solo episode, Heather starts a new tradition - a quarterly Q & A episode! She starts with two questions and some profound thoughts shared by a listener. What parenting skills will help us 1. navigate challenges and 2. Empower our children in their process? "...I would like more on integrating true Christian beliefs. I was taught that it is an abomination & my theological world has...

In this solo episode, Heather discusses depression and anxiety in great detail. She answers questions like: * What do we look for? * How do we know the difference between typical teenage development and more serious issues? * What coping tools will help my child manage depression or anxiety? * What kind of professional support is available? Here are a few of her favorite educational mental health...

In this episode, Heather and her 15-year-old daughter Grace have a thoughtful and enlightening discussion about pronouns. Grace has wisdom far beyond her 15 years, and yet is acutely in touch with the teenage experience. If you are curious about how to use pronouns properly and what they mean, this is the episode for you!  Here are four tips from linguistics specialist, Dr. Kirby Conrad: &nbs...

In this episode, Heather interviews Trystan Reese, author of the brand-new memoir, How We Do Family. Trystan is redefining the idea of family. His memoir covers so many important issues, from trans pregnancy to adoption to LGBTQ parenting . More, it does so in such an inspiring—yet relatable—tone. Trystan’s voice shines through in the best way as he shares his story and lessons applicable to every...

In this episode, Heather shares an overview of Pride history, including the Stonewall Riots, why the pink triangle is a global symbol, and how the rainbow flag became the symbol for LGBTQ+ pride. She begins with the following anonymous quote: "LGBTQ pride was not born of a need to celebrate being LGBTQ, but our right to exist without persecution. So instead of wondering why there isn't a straight...

This episode is a fascinating, eye-opening, and much-needed educational interview with Dr. David Huebner. Dr. Huebner is a clinical psychologist by training, and currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health at George Washington University (GWU), as well as the Co-Director of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Core at the Washington, DC Center for AIDS Resea...

In this episode, Heather discusses biphobia and the five most common LGBTQ+ myths. Like transphobia, biphobia is common in both the heterosexual community and the LGBTQ+ community, making it exponentially more isolating and difficult to combat. Heather shares facts and ways that we all can be good allies and advocates. She also shares the five most common LGBTQ+ myths and easy responses when you a...

In this episode, Heather interviews Andrew Jordan Nance , founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco whose mission is to provide literary and arts-based mindfulness instruction to youth at underserved San Francisco schools. He has been an educator for over 25 years and is the author of four mindfulness books. Mindfulness is such a valuable practice for all human beings, and Heather has found it particu...

In this episode, Heather interviews Rae McDaniel, founder of the online coaching community, The Gender Fck Club ( awesome resources here ), as well as Practical Audacity , a gender and sex therapy practice in Chicago.  They have been featured in The New York Times, Refinery29, and Women's Health. Rae ultimately believes that gender transitions can be an exciting time filled with exploration a...

In this episode, Heather interviews Richard Capriola, author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse . Richard has over two decades of experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. The book includes an explanation of how drugs work in the teen brain, warning signs every parent should know about, what assessments and tests are...

Heather responds to a listener's question about how to handle someone who is non-affirming with a tip and an example-filled "101" episode. She discusses the importance of word choice, gives several general tips, and three detailed examples based on the listener's situation, how to respond to a Christian family member or friend, and how to handle those who are homophobic. Heather references three p...

This short episode packs a punch! Heather candidly shares some recent experiences and her thoughts on hard days, as well as the serendipitous discovery of an article by one of her favorite thought leaders, Brene Brown. HERE is a link to Ms. Brown's website and HERE is a link to one of her podcasts, Unlocking Us. Heather also shares a mini-lesson on self-compassion, using an incredible resource fro...

In this episode, Heather interviews author and speaker, Britt East. While Britt's book, " A Gay Man's Guide to Life, " is written for gay men by a gay man - it is an engaging, informative read that really sheds light on understanding gay men for those of us who are raising one! Heather and Britt discuss societal homophobia, sustainable gay friendships, hook-up apps, and so much more! Britt offers...

In this episode, Heather responds to a listener's request for more information on changes during the coming-out process. She approaches her answer from two angles: 1. reviewing the stages of the coming out process 2. sharing specific instances from her family's experience Connor and Steve weigh in as well with thoughtful responses from two very different perspectives. Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and...

In this episode, Heather interviews life coach Kevin Nahai. Faced with extraordinary mental health and physical health challenges as a teen and young adult, Kevin tried many paths before digging into and healing the roots of his struggles. Through his journey, he created his own approach and methodology for whole-body wellness.  He is now a coach for young adults working with them on: * self-...

In this episode, Heather shares seven tips for being a good ally and why being a good ally to your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer loved one is so important. 1. Be a good listener 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but do your own research 3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable 4. Speak up 5. Support equality 6. Learn the language 7. Offer financial support if you are able Res...

Heather interviews Rochelle Pattison in this episode and it is packed with emotion, education, "a-ha" moments, and large doses of reality and love in equal measure! Rochelle shares her journey as a transgender woman with refreshing transparency. Her reflection on her life and the decisions that brought her to where she is now will not only increase your understanding but also make you want to chee...

This episode is Just Breathe's one-year anniversary episode! Heather's husband Steve joins her (finally!) to share his perspective of the past four years. He opens up with incredible vulnerability and offers meaningful wisdom and advice. Steve welcomes any questions and can be reached at shester@hesterdecorating.com. Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwh...

In this episode, Heather chats with Kirsten Beverley-Waters about her new book, Struggle Guru . Kirsten is a fitness instructor, devoted yogi, personal growth champion and coach, and LGBTQ public speaker. The guiding principles she shares come from decades of personal experience as well as experience coaching others. You will love finding out how to access your struggle guru because if 2020 has ta...

In this episode, Heather highlights Depression Awareness Month in an interview with Maureen Kebo. Maureen is a well-being therapist and is certified in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) which is a cutting-edge model for addressing attachment, relational, and developmental trauma. On a personal level, Maureen is extraordinarily special to Heather because she is her therapist of 5+ years.&n...

In this episode, Heather interviews LGBTQ+ activist Susan Buss, LCSW. Susan is the president of her private practice, Big Sky Consulting, Inc where she sees adolescents and adults. She has 35 years of experience in social work, working in community agencies as well as teaching at the Master's level. In addition to psychotherapy, Susan facilitates different workshops working with transgender people...

Heather's husband, Steve, was so blown away by Connor's three episodes that he suggested a recap episode to highlight the emotional journey and lessons learned from their perspective. They both also thought it would be great for all of the resources mentioned to live in one place. Heather shares: An in-depth look at specific moments during their journey Which decisions were fantastic and which wer...

Heather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the third part of his story (taking us to the present day) with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since.  Connor shares: His transition to his freshman year of college - life at NYU and in New York City The struggles and triumphs of h...