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

What if the most protective thing you can do for your child is to keep your own stress from landing on them?

Heather talks with Madhur-Nain, a licensed marriage and family therapist and meditation teacher who has practiced for over 20 years. She explains how chanting, breath, and movement give an anxious mind something to do, and how two kinds of boundaries, inner and outer, shape parenting. She also covers the difference between healthy stress and anxiety, grief, and when to work on trauma.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Interrupt a stress spiral with chanting, singing, or a pulsed breath, even in the car
• Understand the five basic needs of a child and the inner and outer boundaries that protect them
• Tell healthy stress from anxiety, and release stress by walking, dancing, or shaking
• Ask what meaning you are giving a choice, such as waiting to come out until after a loved one has died

Press play for simple, practical tools to calm yourself so you can show up for your family.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What if being an ally already makes you part of the community, and your other identities are tools you can use?

Heather talks with Dr. Ronnie Gladden (they/them), a professor, speaker, and author of White Girl Within, a book about holding a complex identity. Dr. Gladden shares how a notebook and a flood of emotion became a 15-year writing project. They explain intersectionality as putting every part of yourself in conversation, and what that means for parents and allies.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Think about intersectionality as putting all your parts in conversation, not stuffing down the ones you were taught to hide
• See why Dr. Gladden believes allies belong in the community, and how your other roles, such as faith, work, or school, can shape your advocacy
• Stay engaged with legislation without losing yourself in the politics
• Respond to someone still learning with patience, and aim to get it right, not to be right

Press play to hear a thought-provoking conversation about identity, allyship, and staying whole in a hard moment.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What do you do when your son gets stares for wearing a skirt and your daughter gets none for wearing a jersey and a cap?

Interest: Heather talks with Elizabeth Brunner, founder of Stereotype, a gender-free kids’ clothing brand inspired by her girl-and-boy twins. Elizabeth explains why she calls her designs “blended fashion,” what she noticed when her children dressed beyond their gender, and how she handles pushback. They also talk about unlearning old rules, apologizing to your kids, and making home the safe place.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Notice when children get different reactions for the same choice, depending on their gender
• Ask yourself whether an old belief is still yours before you pass it on
• Stand with your child out loud when someone comments, so they hear you say they are not wrong
• Say “I don’t know” and “I’m sorry” in front of your kids, and why it builds trust

Press play to hear a mom explain how her twins’ closets changed the way she saw parenting.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

How do you talk to your kids about sex without fear or shame, and without waiting for one big talk?

Heather talks with Court Vox, a sex and intimacy educator who teaches through the body as well as through words. Court shares how he talks to his own teenage son about sex and drugs as choices, why bodily autonomy starts early, and how the way parents speak about their own bodies lands with kids. They also look at gender as something that can change over time, and why safety comes first when a child is thinking about coming out.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Talk about sex and drugs as choices, with the consequences that come with each, instead of warnings that shut a child down
• Respect a child’s right to say no to a hug or a kiss, and why that matters later
• Notice and change negative talk about your own body and your child’s body
• Think about gender as something that can evolve, and why safety is the first question before a child comes out

Press play to hear a candid conversation about how to talk about bodies, pleasure, and safety with your kids.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What can you do about anti-LGBTQ bills when the news leaves you feeling uncertain about where to start?

In the first episode of Pride Month, Heather explains why this year feels different, with the ACLU tracking hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide. She shares five practical ideas for parents and allies, from voting in every election to starting a simple, non-confrontational conversation. She also announces the launch of the Just Breathe community.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Vote in every election, from school boards up, and get to know your local lawmakers
• Use your own gifts and talents to make a difference, big or small
• Contact lawmakers at every level, and tell them you are paying attention
• Start a low-pressure conversation with “I used to think...” and share a resource

Press play for five ways to keep Pride going long after June ends.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What if exploring gender is just another part of growing, and the panic over it is the real problem?

Heather welcomes back Rae McDaniel, a therapist who works with non-binary and transgender adults, on the release day of their book Gender Magic. Ray explains the Gender Freedom Model, built on play, pleasure, and possibility, and why gender exploration is something everyone can do, not only trans people. They also talk about slowing down when you are afraid of getting pronouns wrong, and how allies can advocate right now.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Slow down when you are afraid of making a mistake with a name or pronoun, correct it, and keep going
• Treat gender exploration the way you treat any other part of a young person’s identity
• Ask your loved one what they need, instead of guessing
• Stay informed and active without letting the news consume you

Press play to hear why one therapist believes gender freedom is for everyone.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What if being a good ally means expecting to mess up and learning how to do it well?

Heather talks with Jeannie Gainsberg, an LGBTQ inclusion trainer and author of the second edition of The Savvy Ally. Jeannie shares how she became an ally with no LGBTQ people in her life, and why she added new chapters on messing up and on pronouns. They cover outdated words, easy ways to answer hard questions, and small actions allies can take today.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Use singular “they” with confidence, including a practice tip that starts with your pet
• Retire common slip-ups, such as “preferred pronouns” and “transgender” used as a noun
• Use someone’s current name and pronouns, even when you talk about the past
• Take a small, low-risk action, such as noting a non-inclusive form, that lifts weight off LGBTQ people

Press play to hear a practical, funny guide to being an ally who keeps learning.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What does it look like when your child moves from tolerating who they are to feeling proud, and then whole?

Heather finishes her series on the stages of the coming-out process, covering stages four, five, and six after a quick recap of the first three. She explains what each stage looks like, what to say, and what to keep to yourself. She also asks which you would rather be: good or brilliant.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Recognize the acceptance stage, when a child moves from tolerating who they are to forming friendships and coming out to others
• Respond when your child’s views turn into “us versus them,” and silently remind yourself this is part of their process
• Treat anger as information and encourage them to work through it with you or a trusted professional
• Understand that coming out is lifelong and that you can circle back to any stage

Press play to learn what the last three stages look like and how to support your child through each one.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What would change if you treated your anger, worry, and fatigue as messages rather than problems?

Heather talks with Maureen Spielman, a conscious life coach trained through Dr. Shefali’s Conscious Parenting Institute and host of the Mystical Sisterhood podcast. Maureen explains why conscious parenting starts with looking inward, and how emotions point to unmet needs. They also talk about taking a time-out, letting go of parenting guilt, and listening so your child feels seen.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Treat anger, frustration, and overwhelm as signals that point to an unmet need
• Take a short time-out when a moment is escalating, and see it as modeling self-care
• Set down the stories and “should-haves” that pull you into blame
• Listen without an agenda and repeat back what you hear, so your child feels safe to share

Press play to hear a gentle conversation about looking inward first so you can connect with your family.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

What if your child changing their mind about who they are means you built a safe place to explore?

Heather talks with Lori, a gender and sexuality holistic life coach and teacher with a master’s in psychology, who came out later in life as gender fluid and lesbian. Lori explains why exploring identity is normal, why celebrating it matters, and what “coming in” means. They also talk about minority stress and the difference between polyamory and sexual orientation.

In this episode you’ll learn how to:

• Celebrate when your child explores, changes their mind, or adds a new part of themselves, and see it as a sign of trust
• Look for support for your own worry, so your child isn’t the one managing it
• Understand “coming in,” or accepting yourself first, and why it matters when it isn’t safe to be out
• Tell the difference between polyamory, a relationship style, and a sexual orientation or gender identity

Press play to hear a candid conversation about identity as something that grows and shifts over a lifetime.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.