Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

More Human. More Kind. is a space for real conversations about what it means to show up in the world with compassion, clarity, and courage. Hosted by Heather Hester - author, speaker, and advocate for radical kindness - this podcast explores the messy, beautiful journey of being human.With warmth and wisdom, Heather dives into topics like:* Parenting an LGBTQ kid* Setting boundaries with people you love* Being kind vs. being nice* Creating space for healing in strained relationships* Parenting with clarity and compassion* Navigating identity, growth, and authenticityRooted in lived experience and deep empathy, each episode offers insight, reflection, and a gentle reminder that we are never alone in our growth. Whether you’re a parent, partner, ally, or simply someone who values heart-centered conversations, More Human. More Kind. will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.This show 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.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

dnel1234

Bravo!

Heather is doing incredibly important work especially in this current climate! Thank you for creating this space for education and community.
beckystump

Thoughtful, powerful podcast full of resources!

Heather’s podcast is such a gem! Her calm voice and perspective makes it feel so peaceful to absorb the information she shares. You truly feel like you’re in a coffee shop together just chatting. Heather’s podcast is full of so many practical tips and tools to help parents support their LGTBQ+ kids. I especially appreciate how Heather invites her own family members to join her on the podcast and share their heartfelt perspectives. This podcast is full of warmth yet also keeps it real and provides answers to some of the most complicated questions. Heather helps parents feel hopeful and reminds parents that they aren’t alone in their journey of figuring out how to best show up for their child. I highly recommend to anyone who has a LGTBQ+ child in their lives!
supercharbos12345

dumb

There’s top genders and a gender cannot have s6x with the same gender
ToddaVee

Thank you

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for this podcast. I’ve only listened to a couple of episodes, and I’ve learned so much already. ❤️
Laurenkenna

Grateful

So grateful for this beautiful podcast which supports parents who often feel alone in navigating a different life for their kids than what was imagined. As a therapist who works with children and teens I am appreciative of this wonderful resource. And I am often sharing it with the parents I work with.
living with fire

Thoughtful and practical

This is an informative parenting podcast. I recommend all parents and adults in the lives of queer youth listen. Balanced, practical and helpful as well as inspriring.
Anonymous and thankful

WOW

Heather was the calming voice in a world that was otherwise in upheaval. Heather was there to pick me up (although she didn’t know it) and she was the best friend in my head helping me process and get through some difficult stuff. I loved that she gave ME permission to process and mourn my story now that it was being re-written. I was worried about how the world was going to be more difficult and that this world is not as understanding as everyone thinks. Heather gave me the time I needed to get to the next step. Heather didn’t judge me. I would download a podcast every morning and listen to her during my walk. Her voice fixed it for me. Her voice soothed my heartache. Her voice helped me get to the next step of processing and her voice helped me move on. Heather helped me have difficult conversations that were based in kindness. Heather helped me to breathe. And I love her for that.
Jeannie 123

So Good! So Needed!

I love this insightful and compassionate podcast. Thank you for providing such a great resource for parents who want to best support their LGBTQ+ children and teens. This is so necessary and timely.
(tttt$$$)110%#1

A safe space to be and learn!

This podcast is a great place to educate myself and it’s a warm, safe space to be in the world. At a time when the world feels unsafe and out of control, listening to Heather and her guests helps me feel connected to the strongest part of all of us- love!
Ten Hands One Home

Powerful dialogue to explore complex relationships

While this podcast focuses on parenting, there is a tremendous amount of insight on broad social and community perspectives. Guests are given power to their experiences and perspectives and invited to educate, empathize with and engage the listener. Excellent podcast
uponabranch

Inspirational!

Such a raw an vulnerable podcast supporting the challenges and pitfalls faced in the day-to-day lives of gender-diverse teens. Your program serves as a compassionate and contemplative resource of motivation and enlightenment. As the parent of a now gender-diverse adult, I only wish we had available such a wonderfully supportive and insightful resource during our teenager years.
societyhillmom

So insightful!

This podcast is so insightful and important to families today. I learn something new in each episode. Thank you for putting out content to help families navigate through difficult times to help our children be the best versions of themselves. It means so much!
MamaResilience

Love this!

So happy to have discovered this podcast and really appreciate the guidance and experiences shared within. Can’t wait to listen to more!
Rtl_faith

Great job

Very interesting show with a unique perspective
JJTakagi

Parents You Get a Process Too

I love Heather’s gentle voice and how she lovingly guides the audience into wanting to engage the process to love your child!
InfiniteEvans

Beautiful Soul and Wonderful Podcast

Each episode of Heather’s podcast is overflowing with love. Thank you for shining your light Heather and for all the amazing conversations you are creating.
akkat06

Such a fabulous podcast!!

I’ve been listening to Heather since her first episode! The podcast aired just when I needed it. Heather is easy to listen to and shares information that sheds a different light on what kids and parents are experiencing. It’s also great to hear from her family and see a broader perspective of her experience. Much appreciated!!
Kerri Burnside

Kerri B

Such a good podcast- can’t wait to dive in deep and share with other parents!
OTKate

Just what I needed

I’m so glad I found this podcast. Great tips & resources. I have already shared it with a couple of other parents. Thank you for doing this important work!
Mia @ StayBasic

Such a needed conversation!

Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful, supportive and honest experience to support parents.
LaurenBo21

LOVE THIS PODCAST!! 🙌❤️🏳️‍🌈💕🥰

I was searching for resources to be the best supportive mom I could be to my pre-teen (now teen) and found this amazing podcast! It was just what I needed! I knew I needed some guidance from a parent who had experience through a similar journey and Heather was there with perfect content and even talked with me personally through email. The community Heather has built through this podcast and Facebook page has given me the confidence to not be fearful through this journey but rather to embrace it and encourage my teen to be their authentic self!
zbkai189

Thank you.

Exactly what this momma needed.
Teacher&MomOf2

Right on ... so needed

Heather is real, relatable, thoughtful, educated, and inclusive of every teen parent scenario in her talks. I love being able to hear first hand from someone who has gone through the “Valley of Darkness” and come out the other side a better person, informed, and able to help others right where they are.
Susan A P

Just breathe

Thank you for providing this valuable information.
Mom of them!

Attn Parents!

Listen, absorb, learn, and breathe thru this podcast. So helpful us (child and parents) as we go thru this journey together.
TSwynacht

Helped so much!!

I have learned so much and feel so much less alone after listening! Thank so much!!
DrMMcNally

Must-Listen!

This podcast is a must-listen for those wanting to learn how to best help the LGBTQ teen or young adult in their life. Heather is a thoughtful host who offers great information and support. Such a great podcast with great information!
SoulNotSkin

Heather, Thank You.

When I was Conners age, I don’t think Ellen Degeneres was out yet. The world has changed so much since that time. I’m glad I’m alive to see it. I find myself cheering on parents like Heather who are willing to step out of their own comfort zone and reputations to stand by LGBTQ children and love us - out loud! This is such an important show. BIG LOVE for this courageous family in the midwest. Yay YOU!
RRC in AZ

Powerful, profound. So needed. Thank you!!!

What a breathe of fresh air this show is. So many LGBTQ people, especially youth, struggle with the devastating impact of faith-based family rejection. Parents are searching for a better way - a way to love their LGBTQ child without compromising their faith. It takes opening whatever box you have God in - thank you for helping people do that! What a gift this Podcast is!!
nickpe13

Chrysalis mama

Amazing!!! This is so incredibly well done and your thoughtful approach is undoubtedly helping tons of families. What you’re doing truly matters! Your son is lucky to have you and vice versa ;)! Thank you for sharing w us!