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

Heather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the second part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since.  Connor shares: His transition back home after being away for 7 months The struggles and triumphs of his senior year of high school The positive AND negative c...

Heather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the first part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Heather and Connor experimented with a new format in this episode which allowed Connor to share his thoughts and reflections with Heather responding toward the end o...

This episode is part two of Heather Hester's interview with Diane Becker. Diane is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years. The ma...

In this episode, Heather Hester interviews Diane Becker. She is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years. The main topic of this tw...

In this episode, Heather interviews Julie Ferwerda, researcher and author of Raising Hell - Christianity's most controversial doctrine put under fire . This is an absolute must-hear if you've ever questioned the existence, possibility, or reality of Hell. As parents, allies, and advocates of LGBTQ kids, teens, and young adults, if we've been raised in any kind of religion, one of the first fearful...

In this episode, Heather interviews Debbie Reber, NYTimes bestselling author of Differently Wired , and the creator of the Tilt Parenting Community and Tilt Parenting podcast . She is a speaker, mentor, educator, and book coach. Debbie has created 18 shifts, or what she calls tilts, to help parents navigate parenting a child who is differently wired. Although her parent audience differs in some wa...

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In this short but powerful episode, Heather talks about two feelings that almost every parent of an LGBTQ child/teen/young adult experiences at some point or another - "when it feels scary" and "caring what others think." She shares personal experience and wisdom that has helped her family and her over the past three years. Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or...

In this episode, Heather Hester interviews Jen Slumac, author of Soul Not Skin . She is a mentor, educator, performer, and producer, and is known as a hope dealer.  "...care about ourselves, cherish ourselves, and learn how to honor other people's journey..." Jen is in long-term recovery from alcoholism, a coping mechanism she used to survive as a queer woman in a world that told her she didn...

In this episode, Heather Hester returns to basics and discusses ways to protect your energy no matter what may be going on around you - a pandemic, a crisis with your child, or just the usual day-to-day ups and downs of raising teenagers! Heather first looks at identifying the different ways your energy gets sapped, and then details tips and tools for strengthening your reserves and protecting the...

Heather Hester interviews clinical psychologist Melanie McNally in this episode which is loaded with great tools and unique approaches to helping your teen or young adult manage their anxiety. In addition to working with adolescents face-to-face, Dr. McNally utilizes a unique online platform of her creation called Destination YOU. Check it out HERE ! She is also the author of a coming of age novel...

This episode is the conclusion of Heather Hester's interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org. More incredible information is waiting for you!  Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people. Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the links mentioned in the sh...

In this episode, Heather Hester shares an insightful interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org, mother of 5 (2 of whom are queer), advocate, and beautiful human being. Susan shares stories with authenticity and depth of knowledge that makes you want to learn more! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messagin...

In this episode of Just Breathe, Heather Hester discusses mental health specific to our LGBTQ kids starting with some tough questions: 1. Why are depression and anxiety increasing in our kids when overall awareness is also increasing? 2. What are the underlying potential causes that ALL youth have in common? 3. What shifts are needed across the board ie. family/school/professionals? Heather takes...

In this episode, Heather Hester shares a powerful interview with Jay Reid, a successful businessman, author, and devoted husband and father who lost his youngest child to suicide in March of 2018. His authenticity, his story, and his mission will move you to talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide. While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please...

In this episode, Heather Hester discusses the importance of self-care. While massages, mani/pedis, time with friends, and exercise are all beautiful self-care strategies, Heather uses this episode to dive deep into the "whys" and "hows" of a well-rounded self-care plan. She talks about aligning the following areas: * Physical Health * Fitness * Relationships * Career * Finances * Mental Health * S...

In episode 7 Connor Hester joins his mom, Heather, for a lively and informative discussion about the different topics parents should and should discuss with their LGBTQ teen.  Filled with personal stories, tips, humor, and very direct thoughts from Connor, this episode is both delightful and one you don't want to miss! Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or...

In episode 6 Heather Hester discusses the different types of support available and how to find what is right for you, the parent. Loving and raising an LGBTQ teen is hard; allow yourself to be supported. Filled with personal stories, educational information and tools, and mental shifts, Heather encourages listeners to be vulnerable, explore their options, and allow themselves to be supported.&nbsp...

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,...

In this episode of Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen, Heather talks about the six stages that parents go through when their child comes out to them as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation or gender identity. The stages are shock, denial, guilt, expression of feelings, making decisions, and true acceptance. She explains each clearly and without judgment,...

In this episode, Heather Hester shares the story of her family's journey and outlines specific reasons why the coming out process can be messy. She encourages the listener to embrace it and gives tips and tools to help along the way. We hope you enjoy this episode as you breathe into the messiness! Hit subscribe to get new episodes right away! Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here!...

Heather Hester discusses the six stages of the Cass Model of Coming Out (coming out of the closet or coming out as gay) and shares personal experiences along the way. This episode is loaded with great information and links in the show notes to help you understand and support your teen through this process. Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Down...

In this inaugural episode, Heather Hester lays the framework for this exciting podcast. Who is the podcast for? What is she going to talk about? WHY is she talking about this? Filled with raw personal stories, educational information and tools, and mental shifts, Heather uses this episode as a springboard to transforming the LGBTQ conversation. Hi, I’m Heather Hester , and I’m so glad you’re here!...