Can you really say anything you want under the First Amendment, and what happens when you do?

In this eye-opening episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester continues the Foundations of Freedom series by breaking down one of the most misunderstood rights in American life: freedom of speech. From symbolic protest (like kneeling during the national anthem) to book bans, social media censorship, and anti-protest laws, Heather guides parents, allies, and advocates through what free speech actually protects and what it doesn’t.

Whether you're parenting an LGBTQ+ teen, navigating tough conversations at work, or wondering how to protect your family's safety, values, and identity in a polarized world, this episode provides the guidance and clarity you need. You’ll learn how cancel culture differs from government censorship, why that distinction matters for mental health, inclusion, and justice, and how your voice can become a tool for empathy and change, not harm.

Press play now to unlearn the myths of free speech, explore real-world examples that affect LGBTQ+ families and communities, and walk away with a deeper understanding of how to use your voice with power, compassion, and responsibility. Links for further reading and clarification:

Banned terminology

Banned books

ACLU Guide to Free Speech

National Constitution Center

Cornell Legal Info: Freedom of Speech

Podcast rec: What the Constitution Means to Me

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 is a safe and supportive space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy