Episode Summary:

In this deeply insightful conversation, Heather Hester sits down with Ash Beckham—speaker, author, and advocate—to explore the powerful intersection of parenting, allyship, and radical self-compassion. From unlearning biases without shame to creating safe spaces for our kids to thrive, this episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, humor, and real talk.

Ash shares her perspective on the importance of giving ourselves permission to evolve, the difference between unconditional love and acceptance, and how to navigate tough conversations with those who might not “get it.” She also highlights the power of curiosity over certainty, and why it’s enough—more than enough—to simply show up, learn, and grow.

Key Takeaways:

• We all have biases—it’s what we do next that matters.
• There’s no such thing as perfect allyship or perfect parenting—there’s only progress.
• Acceptance takes time, for both ourselves and others.
• Our role isn’t to change everyone’s mind—it’s to spark curiosity and plant seeds of understanding.
• When our kids feel safe and seen, they’ll share the parts of themselves that matter most.

Guest Spotlight:

Ash Beckham is an advocate, speaker, and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Create Connection in Every Conversation. Her TEDx talk, Coming Out of Your Closet, has inspired millions with its blend of humor and profound truth. Connect with Ash at ashbeckham.com and follow her on Instagram @ashbeckham.

Resources & Links:

• Ash’s TEDx Talk: Coming Out of Your Closet
• Ash’s book: Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Create Connection in Every Conversation
• Resource - Mastering Everyday Leadership

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Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.

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