What happens when crisis support is stripped away—but the danger remains? And what do we do with the heartbreak, anger, and fear that follow? In this timely episode, Heather unpacks the quiet, unannounced removal of the LGBTQ+ support option from the national 988 crisis line—and what that loss means for queer youth, for families, and for every ally committed to creating a safer, more just world. But this conversation goes beyond policy. It dives into the emotional tension we’re all holding right...
Jul 04, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 176
Are you truly protecting your LGBTQ+ child—or just hoping love will be enough? In a world where safety for LGBTQ+ youth is under attack, many parents and allies feel overwhelmed, unsure how to provide real protection at home. This episode tackles the urgent need for emotional, psychological, and identity-based safety—and offers a powerful framework to help families create affirming environments that truly protect. Learn 5 simple yet transformative ways to make your home safer and more affirming ...
Jul 01, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 175
Can kindness be disruptive—and even radical? What if being “nice” is quietly doing harm? In today’s episode of More Human. More Kind. , we explore the transformative power of kindness—not the performative kind that avoids discomfort, but the kind rooted in courage, truth, and fierce allyship. As parents and allies of LGBTQ+ youth, it can feel safer to choose politeness or neutrality, but true allyship demands something deeper. You’ll learn why kindness isn’t about staying quiet or keeping peace—...
Jun 27, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 174
What if one small question could completely change how you experience your life—starting today? Most of us have been conditioned to seek answers, direction, and validation outside ourselves. But what if the real breakthroughs come from within? In this powerful episode, Heather McGuire shares how she transformed anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout into peace, purpose, and connection—through tiny, intentional shifts in perspective. Discover the “magic wand” mindset questions that instantly create spa...
Jun 24, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 173
What if being seen—truly seen—was both the most courageous and most healing thing you could do? In this episode, we dive into the layered journey of visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Whether you're navigating your own experience or standing beside someone you love, you'll hear honest reflections on grief, pride, advocacy, and the transformative power of being fully present in who you are. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt both the fear and the freedom of being visibl...
Jun 20, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 172
What if affirming your child isn’t the final step, but the first in a much deeper journey? In this heartfelt episode, we explore the often unseen difference between accepting your LGBTQ+ child and fully unlearning the beliefs that shaped your understanding of love, identity, and parenting. If you've ever wrestled with reconciling your values with the legacy of what you were taught, this conversation is a path to deeper clarity, connection, and authenticity. Understand the emotional and spiritual...
Jun 17, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 171
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 connection or deepen divides. In this episode you will: Discover ho...
Jun 13, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 170
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 feeling seen, empowered, and ready to move forward, messy and human...
Jun 10, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 169
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 one of the most loving tools we can offer. Whether you're a pa...
Jun 06, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 168
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 the world feels upside down. Josh and Sam share how they turned ...
Jun 03, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 167
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 discrimination, and the erosion of democratic ideals—while inviting lis...
May 30, 2025•6 min•Season 2Ep. 166
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 an...
May 27, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 165
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 to extricate themselves. Heather shares insights gained from yea...
May 23, 2025•8 min•Season 2Ep. 164
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 for those who identify as LGBTQ, and emphasize the critical impor...
May 20, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 163
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 world. Heather's personal narrative regarding the inception of Chrys...
May 17, 2025•7 min•Season 2Ep. 162
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 with her children. This connection sets the stage for a rich explora...
May 13, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 161
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 about the significance of mothering, I challenge the audience to ack...
May 09, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 160
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 during this time—anger, despair, and a sense of isolation—as I g...
Apr 29, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 159
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 Boston Tea Party, which exemplified the power of collective action aga...
Apr 25, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 158
Today's episode revolves around the profound significance of boundaries, which we assert are not merely barriers, but rather essential frameworks for love and respect towards oneself and others. We analyze 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, allowing individuals to safeguard their emotional and energetic well-being. We examin...
Apr 23, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 157
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 LGBTQ teens. This initial premise has blossomed into a broader explo...
Apr 22, 2025•11 min•Season 2Ep. 156
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 strained relationships Parenting with clarity and compassion Navig...
Apr 22, 2025•2 min•Season 1Ep. 155
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 elucidates the rationale behind the clause but also serves to emphasize...
Apr 19, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 154
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 complexities surrounding free speech, particularly the boundaries that...
Apr 11, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 153
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 context of the First Amendment, emphasizing its foundational signi...
Apr 04, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 152
This podcast episode delves into the complex interplay between social media usage and personal wellness in contemporary society. I engage in a profound discussion with Tracy Whitmore, exploring the pervasive phenomenon of social media fatigue that many individuals experience in today's fast-paced digital environment. We examine the various motivations behind our engagement with these platforms, acknowledging that while they can serve as sources of information and connection, they often lead to o...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 151
Allyship represents a vital and active commitment to justice, equity, compassion, and love, which we explore in depth throughout this discourse. I have reflected extensively on the multifaceted nature of allyship, recognizing that it transcends mere passive support and demands genuine action. We examine the imperative for individuals to embrace their roles as allies across diverse communities, particularly during these tumultuous times when marginalized voices are in dire need of amplification a...
Mar 30, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 150
This episode emphasizes the vital necessity of self-care amidst the tumultuous political landscape characterized by incessant assaults on our rights and well-being. As we navigate the relentless barrage of distressing news, it becomes of extreme importance to prioritize our mental and emotional health in order to sustain our resilience in the ongoing struggle for justice. I will delineate several of the most egregious actions by the current administration, which are instrumental in maintaining o...
Mar 22, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 149
This podcast episode features an enlightening dialogue with Celia Daniels, a multifaceted entrepreneur and advocate, who emphasizes the critical importance of truth, accurate information, and education as effective countermeasures against the pervasive spread of misinformation. Our discussion delves into Celia's remarkable life experiences, including her journey as a gender non-binary trans femme, and her insights into the intersections of faith, identity, and advocacy. Celia articulates the con...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 148
The primary focus of today's discourse centers on the critical distinction between niceness and kindness, a topic that warrants deeper examination in our contemporary societal interactions. I have come to recognize that many of us have been conditioned to prioritize niceness—characterized by superficial politeness and the avoidance of conflict—over authentic kindness, which often necessitates uncomfortable honesty and proactive engagement. Through a thorough exploration of various real-life scen...
Mar 14, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 147
