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

What happens when a family chooses vulnerability, honesty, and love over fear and silence? In this deeply personal episode, Heather welcomes Connor and Gray back to the podcast for an emotional conversation about family growth, LGBTQ allyship, and the vulnerability of sharing their story publicly. Together, they explore how open communication, authentic storytelling, and unconditional support tran...

What if parenting your LGBTQ teen could feel less overwhelming and more grounded, connected, and empowering? Many parents of LGBTQ teens struggle with fear, uncertainty, and the pressure to “get it right.” In this heartfelt episode, Heather shares the story behind Parenting with Pride, the deeply personal journey that transformed years of conversations, research, advocacy, and lived experience int...

What if Pride events are about far more than celebration, and are actually shaping the future of LGBTQ allyship and inclusive leadership? In this powerful conversation, Heather sits down with LGBTQ advocate and Whistler Pride founder Dean Nelson to discuss the urgent need for compassionate leadership, stronger allyship, and safer communities for LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ teens. Together, they...

What if the books children read could shape a more compassionate, inclusive future for LGBTQ teens and families? In a world filled with labels, stereotypes, and expectations, many parents struggle to create environments where children feel safe expressing who they truly are. In this inspiring episode, Heather talks with bestselling author Michael Tyler about the power of inclusive children’s liter...

How do parents know what LGBTQ information online is actually trustworthy and what could harm their LGBTQ teen? Today’s digital world is filled with misinformation, fear-based messaging, and conflicting opinions about LGBTQ identities and parenting. For parents trying to support LGBTQ teens, it can feel overwhelming to know which sources are credible and which narratives are rooted in bias or misi...

What if supporting your LGBTQ teen started with releasing your fears and choosing unconditional love instead? When a child comes out as trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, many parents experience uncertainty, confusion, and fear of getting it wrong. In this deeply compassionate episode, Heather and shawndeez, Ph. D., explore the emotional journey families experience while navigating gender identity...

What if your LGBTQ teen doesn’t feel loved the same way you naturally express love? Many parents deeply love their LGBTQ children but still struggle to create the emotional connection, safety, and understanding their teen truly needs. In this episode, Heather explores the five love languages and explains how recognizing the unique ways LGBTQ teens receive and express love can strengthen trust, com...

What if unlearning bias is the missing piece that helps you truly love, empower, and connect with your LGBTQ teen? If you’re parenting an LGBTQ teen, you’ve probably felt the pressure to “get it right,” find the perfect resources, and keep moving forward even when you’re overwhelmed. In this episode, Heather brings you back to the roots of why this podcast exists: real talk, real tools, and real s...

What if your child’s gender identity shifts, and instead of panicking, you leaned in? When a child comes out as trans or nonbinary, many parents feel an urgent need to defend, define, and protect that identity. But what happens if your child’s understanding of themselves evolves? In a world that demands certainty and boxes, parents are left wondering: Am I doing this right? What if it’s a phase? W...

Are you truly showing up as an LGBTQ ally or just hoping your support is enough? In a world where LGBTQ rights, safety, and visibility are constantly being challenged, many parents, friends, and community members want to help, but aren’t always sure how. You may consider yourself supportive, yet still wonder if you’re doing enough to create real safety, inclusion, and advocacy for the LGBTQ people...

The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, connection, and celebration, but what happens when your family is facing a crisis at the very moment you're trying to create meaningful memories? For many parents raising LGBTQ teens, the pressure of the holiday season can feel even heavier when personal challenges, family stress, or unexpected setbacks enter the picture. In this deeply personal epi...

The holidays are a time of magic, love, and connection. Unfortunately, the crises in our lives don’t stop just because it is the holidays. This episode is all about equipping you with the tools and language needed to gracefully handle situations with non-affirming individuals. We'll use the guide "The Language of LGBTQIA+" to understand the terminology your child or friend might use. Alongside thi...

As we celebrate the fourth glorious year of Just Breathe, I can't help but look back on our remarkable journey. Our endeavor to support families, friends, allies, and LGBTQ individuals themselves has grown into a thriving business, a testament to our collective hard work and shared belief. We've welcomed a plethora of guests, each leaving us with invaluable lessons and beautiful memories. From sha...

Have you ever felt lost in your own skin, or like a puzzle piece that doesn't fit? Feel the weight lift as you join us in a poignant conversation with Michael Mammina, a master life coach who has navigated his way through these feelings and has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. In this episode, he candidly shares his personal journey of coming to terms with his sexuality, encountering severe bul...

Picture your child standing tall, brimming with confidence and equipped with the tools to deftly handle bullying. That's the promise that my guest, Suzanne Jean, delivers on in our insightful conversation today. Suzanne, a passionate advocate for empowering young minds, takes us back to the 70s, painting a stark picture of how at-risk children were stigmatized and criminalized. She then walks us t...

What if you could harness the power of breath to live a more present, intentional, and authentic life? Join me as I engage in a transformative conversation with Jennifer (Jen) Murray, the founder of the High Vibe Healing Collective, who uses breath work and other techniques to cultivate a heart-aligned life and inspire others to do the same. Get a glimpse into Jen's unique parenting journey, where...

Join us as we navigate the compelling topics of consent culture, representation in media, and gender inclusivity in sports with our remarkable guest, Michele Meek. As a writer, filmmaker, professor, and entrepreneur, Michele brings an enlightening perspective to our conversation. Listen in as we explore her work on consent culture, her interest in representation in film and media, and her upcoming...

Content warning : This episodes discusses the important issue of teen suicide and its' prevention. What if we told you that a staggering 41% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide in the past year? Yes, you heard it right. That's the chilling reality we tackle on this episode of Just Breathe, where we engage in a deeply important conversation about suicide prevention. Our guest, AnneMoss Rogers,...

Have you ever had that gut feeling, that whispering voice within, guiding you somewhere you just can't explain? We've all experienced it at some point. It's intuition, that unexplainable guide within us. This inner voice often gets drowned in the cacophony of our busy lives and the constant chatter of our minds. Yet, deciphering and trusting this voice can be the key to a more attuned, aware, and...

Get ready for an intense journey of self-discovery and healing as we welcome David Devore, a psychotherapist and wellness coach. Listen in as David unravels his personal spiritual journey, shedding light on the struggles of coming to terms with his queer identity and how internalized homophobia and shame were affecting his life. His transformative experience has equipped him to work effectively wi...

How would you feel if you had the ability to express your deepest emotions in a safe and supportive space? Is it possible that the secret to growth and self-realization is hidden in our vulnerability? Award-winning actor and activist, Yuval David, joins us on the show today to explore these questions and more. We kick off our conversation delving into the powerful realm of storytelling, and how it...

Dr. David Huebner returns to discuss critical research surrounding the alarming rates of HIV and other health risks faced by queer boys, emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and their children. He shares insights from a recent study that highlights the role parents play in influencing the health and well-being of LGBTQ youth, particularly regarding sexual health educati...

The latest installment of Just Breathe Parenting features an incredibly heartfelt conversation with my husband Steve and two of our children, Connor and Gray. The episode celebrates not only the evolution of our family dynamics over the past six and a half years but also the transformative journey each member has experienced as we navigated the complexities of parenting an LGBTQ child(ren). The in...

What if the key to transforming our relationships was as simple as truly listening? Candy Motzek, a celebrated coach known for her thought-provoking insights, unravels this very idea in our enlightening conversation. Together, we delve into the three levels of listening, from the surface level to a holistic approach that encompasses words, body language, pace, and the gaps in between. Truly listen...

Heather Hester welcomes Madhur-Nain, a seasoned psychotherapist, to explore the intersection of meditation, mental health, and parenting. The conversation begins with an emphasis on the importance of mindfulness in daily life, particularly for parents navigating the challenges of raising children. Hester shares her experience of meditating and how various methods can help individuals find calm ami...