More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

What if the words you say in a single moment could shape your child’s inner voice for a lifetime?

Whether you're a parent, ally, or someone striving to lead with compassion in a polarized world, understanding how language—spoken and unspoken—impacts our LGBTQ+ loved ones is crucial. This episode explores how your reactions, tone, and body language can either nurture conn...

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

In this episode of Five Lessons from Parenting with Pride, Heather explores the myth of “getting it right” in parenting and allyship and why perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, she reframes both as daily, intentional practices rooted in humility, presence, and love. If you’ve ever felt stuck in silence for fear of saying the wrong thing, this episode will leave you feel...

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

Description:

In this first episode of our special Pride Month series, Heather Hester shares one of the most transformative lessons she’s learned while parenting and advocating for her LGBTQ+ children: choosing curiosity over judgment. With honesty, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, Heather explores how our initial reactions shape everything—and how curiosity becomes ...

In this powerful and moving conversation, Heather sits down with Josh Nadler and Sam Wasserman, the creative minds behind the new web series What About Me?—a show that fearlessly explores the messy, raw, and very human experience of grief. Born out of Josh’s personal journey after the loss of his brother, this project weaves together grief, queer family dynamics, humor, and the unvarnished truth of what it means to keep going when ...

In the final chapter of our Friday reflection series, host Heather Hester delves into the concept of 'mothering the world,' a notion that encourages us to extend our caring instincts to a broader societal context. This episode posits that true mothering transcends familial boundaries, emphasizing the importance of offering compassion to the collective. She confronts the pressing issues of our time—rising injustices, systemic discri...

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 per...

In this podcast episode, host Heather Hester delves into the crucial concept of self-mothering, positing that before we can adequately nurture others—be it our children, our work, or our communities—we must first learn to care for ourselves. This notion is underscored by personal reflections on the exhaustion and boundarylessness that often accompany a life dedicated to others' needs, a state from which many may find it challenging...

In a profound exploration of religious trauma, this episode delves into the intricate dynamics between faith and LGBTQ identities. The insightful dialogue between the host Heather Hester and her guest, Ann Russo, unveils the complexities of navigating one’s beliefs in the aftermath of experiencing trauma rooted in high-control religious environments. They talk about the psychological ramifications of such experiences, particularly ...

In the second week of reflecting on mothering, the host, Heather Hester, effectively shifts the paradigm from traditional notions of motherhood to a broader understanding of nurturing as a vital component of creativity and enterprise. The episode discusses the concept of 'mothering' as a metaphor for the care we extend not only to children but also to our aspirations, projects, and the various visions we seek to manifest in the wor...

Heather Hester welcomes Brian Selznick, an esteemed author known for his innovative storytelling and impactful themes. They discuss Selznick's latest work, 'Run Away With Me', which not only captivates with its narrative but also resonates deeply with contemporary issues surrounding LGBTQ representation. Heather expresses her excitement and personal connection to Selznick's previous works, highlighting how they have been shared wit...

This episode intricately examines the nuanced dimensions of mothering, positioning it as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Through a contemplative lens, I reflect on the lessons and emotions tied to the act of mothering, particularly as I celebrate my daughter Isabelle's graduation from college. The narrative traverses the landscape of memory, encapsulating moments of joy, challenge, and inevitable change. As I talk abo...

Grief, in its many forms, serves as a central theme in this episode, where I engage in a candid exploration of my personal loss following the death of my sister, Corinne. Her battle with frontotemporal dementia presented a unique challenge, as each progressive loss of her faculties felt like a series of heartbreaks, leading to a profound transformation in my understanding of grief. I share the raw, unfiltered emotions that surfaced...

The exploration of the right to peacefully assemble delves into a fundamental aspect of democracy that is often overlooked yet remains vital for societal progression. This episode articulates the historical lineage of this right, tracing its roots back to English common law, where assemblies were frequently viewed with suspicion by those in power. The discussion underscores significant moments in American history, such as the Bosto...

Today's episode revolves around the profound significance of boundaries, which we assert are not merely barriers, but rather essential frameworks for fostering love and respect towards oneself and others. We recontextualize the concept of boundaries, traditionally perceived as harsh confines, into bridges that facilitate clearer communication and deeper connections. Boundaries serve as vital expressions of care and self-respect, al...

The inaugural episode of More Human, More Kind serves as a poignant introduction to a transformative journey that seeks to cultivate deeper connections among individuals grappling with the complexities of their identities and relationships. The host, Heather Hester, eloquently reflects on the evolution of her podcast, originally conceived as Just Breathe, which provided a sanctuary for parents navigating the challenges faced by LGB...

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—coach, 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:

• Setting boundaries with people you love
• Being kind vs. being nice
• Creating space for healing in s...

This episode explores the intricate nuances of the Establishment Clause within the First Amendment, establishing a foundational understanding of its significance in contemporary society. Host Heather Hester articulates the historical backdrop against which this clause was formulated, drawing attention to the experiences of early American settlers who sought refuge from religious oppression. This historical narrative not only elucid...

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the First Amendment, with a particular focus on the intricate landscape of free speech. The host, Heather Hester, articulates the significance of this constitutional provision by reciting its text, which guarantees citizens the right to express their thoughts without governmental interference. However, the discussion quickly evolves into a nuanced examination of the compl...

The salient point of today's discourse centers on the imperative nature of freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democratic society. As we delve into the intricacies of this topic, we shall explore the alarming erosion of such freedoms in contemporary America and the vital role that a free and independent press plays in safeguarding democracy by holding those in power accountable. Furthermore, I shall illuminate the historical c...