More Human More Kind: Practical Guidance for Allyship and Parenting LGBTQ Teens

Are you smiling through meetings, school pick-ups, and family dinners while silently falling apart inside?

You’re not alone and you’re not broken. Many parents of LGBTQ+ kids are living two parallel lives: the one everyone sees, and the one consumed by fear, shame, and “what if” spirals. In this raw and revealing episode, Heather Hester breaks the silence around the emotional cost of trying to hold it all together and why real strength starts with dropping the mask.

If you’re starting the new year feeling emotionally scrambled, stretched thin, or just... not ready to jump into goals and plans then this episode is for you.

January asks so much of us. But what if you didn’t need to fix, improve, or push? What if you just needed a way to come back to yourself, gently, honestly, and on your own time?

In today’s episode, Heather Hester shares why this post-holiday “offness” is completely normal for LGBTQ+ parents and allies, especially those who’ve been holding emotional labor, navigating family dynamics, and trying t...

Tired of the pressure to reinvent yourself every New Year? You’re not alone AND you’re not doing it wrong.

In this final episode of 2025, Heather Hester offers a powerful shift from the tradition of resolutions to something more meaningful for LGBTQ+ parents, caregivers, and allies: repair. Rather than fix or perfect, you’re invited to reflect, release, and re-enter the next year with clarity, care, and courage.

You’ll discover:

DAY 12

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

After a year of navigating challenges and showing up with fierce love, are you wondering if it’s made a difference?

In this final capsule episode, Heather Hester reminds us that real hope, especially for LGBTQ+ families, isn’t wishful thinking. It’s a steady, relational force that fuels change. Every small effort, boundary, and affirmation you've made creates ripples that echo far beyond this season.

In this reflection, you’ll...

DAY 11

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

Are you already exhausted by the pressure of “New Year, New You” messages? If you’re a parent or ally of an LGBTQ+ child, you don’t need more demands. You need direction that honors your humanity.

In today’s 5-minute reflection, Heather Hester invites you to replace performative resolutions with soft, soulful intentions that center your healing, growth, and emotional wellbeing. It’s a gentle path into the new year for people w...

DAY 10

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

Ever caught yourself enjoying a moment, only to immediately feel guilty for it? If you’re parenting or advocating for an LGBTQ+ child in a world that feels heavy, joy can feel almost… irresponsible.

On Day 10 of our holiday capsule series, Heather Hester names the guilt many parents and allies feel around feeling good and gently reframes joy as a vital, courageous act. This isn’t toxic positivity. It’s emotional resilien...

DAY 9

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

Are you finding it hard to celebrate the holidays when the world feels like it’s unraveling? If your heart is heavy with the weight of injustice, violence, and overwhelm, this episode is for you.

In Day 9 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester invites you to stop trying to hold the whole world and instead embrace the power of one kind thing. For parents and allies of LG...

DAY 8

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

Ever found yourself watching your LGBTQ+ child shrink at a family tradition that no longer feels right? You're not imagining it, and you're not alone.

In Day 8 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester explores why some holiday rituals, like gendered gift exchanges, no longer fit, and how that discomfort can be a powerful invitation to reimagine connection. Tradition should never come at the expense of belonging.

DAY 7

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday Chaos

Scrolling social media this time of year and feeling like everyone else’s holiday is warmer, happier, or more “together” than yours? You’re not alone AND it’s not your fault.

In Day 7 of the More Human, More Kind holiday capsule, Heather Hester walks you through the emotional and neurological roots of comparison, especially for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, and gently guides you back to truth and authenticity.

You’l...

DAY 6

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday Chaos

Do you ever lie awake replaying moments you wish you could rewrite - things you didn’t know, didn’t say, or didn’t protect your LGBTQ+ child from? That quiet ache of guilt sneaks in, especially during the holidays.

In Day 6 of More Human, More Kind's holiday capsule series, host Heather Hester helps you gently confront those feelings, not to punish yourself, but to transform guilt into wisdom. Whether you're a pare...

DAY 5

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday Chaos

You're at the holiday table. Your child walks in. A relative misgenders them on purpose. The room freezes, your heart races, and you feel that internal tug between protecting your child and keeping the peace.

In this holiday capsule episode, Heather Hester shares a grounded, loving framework to handle this common but painful moment with grace. You’ll learn how to regulate your nervous system, speak up with clarity, and model fi...

DAY 4

MORE HUMAN MONETS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos

Is your stomach in knots before a holiday gathering, already dreading that one comment you know is coming? You’re not alone. Conflict is hard enough. But when you're an LGBTQ+ parent or ally, it comes with an emotional cost most people don’t see.

In this holiday capsule episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester offers a calm, clear strategy to handle those moments when tension bubbles up without spiraling, free...

DAY 3

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR

12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos

The holiday lights are twinkling, the house is full, and yet, you feel... alone. If you're parenting or advocating for an LGBTQ+ child, this ache is more common than you think. You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.

In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather Hester speaks directly to the invisible load carried by parents, caregivers, and allies during the holidays. Through gentle insight and a grounding ritual, she he...

DAY 2

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos!

The holidays are magical, but they’re also messy, especially when you're parenting or supporting an LGBTQ+ child. Old family patterns, loaded conversations, and invisible emotional labor can leave you feeling like you’re managing landmines while trying to spread cheer.

In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather shares why boundaries aren't just allowed, they’re essential. If you're already feeling that lump-in-your-throat stress before the next family gathering, this moment is for y...

 Today is day 1 of our 12 day holiday capsule!

More Human Moments for the Most Wonderful (and Complicated!) Time of the Year.

12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos

Let Go of Holiday Perfection and Embrace Presence, Grounding, and Enoughness

This is a powerful moment of reflection for LGBTQ+ parents and allies navigating the complexities of the holiday season. If you're feeling the pressure to "get it right" while also holding emotional space for your LGBTQ child, this short and grounding episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT!!

We are so happy to share this special episode that is a celebration of both 6 years AND 200 episodes for this podcast! It is honest and raw...and the sound may be a little off our usual high quality recording levels.

In this heartfelt milestone episode, Heather Hester is joined in person by two of her children, Connor and Grace, to share the deeply personal and powerful story of how their family moved from silence and fear to connection, growth, and unconditional love. (Steve, Isabelle, and Rowan were there in spirit and idea...

Are you constantly bracing for impact this holiday season, snapping at your kids, holding your breath, pushing through?

If you’re a parent of an LGBTQ+ child, an ally, or simply a human feeling stretched thin, this episode invites you to soften, not as a weakness, but as a radical act of strength, love, and nervous system regulation.

In a world that rewards hard edges and overextension, Heather Hester offers a deeply human reframe: softness is how we stay connected to ourselves, to our children, and to what matters most.

Backed by research fr...

Are you feeling pulled between preserving family peace and protecting your mental health this holiday season?

You're not alone AND you're not doing it wrong. The holidays are often an emotional minefield, especially for parents of LGBTQ+ kids navigating outdated traditions, family dynamics, and identity stress. This episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and make room for something more aligned.

Heather Hester offers a powerful, practical conversation about what it means to evolve, not erase, traditions that no longer fit who you or your family are now.

Whether you're a mom...

Are you an LGBTQ+ parent, ally, or advocate feeling exhausted by the emotional and logistical weight of the holiday season?

You’re not alone. Many parents and caregivers, especially those supporting LGBTQ youth, enter this time of year overwhelmed, overextended, and overstimulated, unsure how to protect their own peace while showing up for others.

In this powerful solo reflection, Heather Hester invites you to rethink everything you’ve been told about self-care.

Forget the candles and curated routines. This episode explores what your nervous system actually needs to feel safe, grounded, and connected, espe...

Feeling the pressure to find the perfect gift for your LGBTQ+ teen?

In this soft, grounding episode, Heather shares what really matters to LGBTQ+ kids this time of year and how your presence and thoughtfulness can be more powerful than anything wrapped in a bow.

Tune in now and walk away with a heart-centered plan to gift with meaning...

Do you pour out gratitude for everyone else, but forget to include yourself?

As the holidays approach, gratitude can start to feel like a performance. In this soulful solo episode, Heather helps you reclaim it, starting with the most overlooked person in your life: you.

Listen now to remember why you belong on your own...

Are you constantly jumping in with advice only to feel more disconnected from the people you love?

Whether you're navigating hard conversations with your LGBTQ+ teen or sitting down at a tense holiday dinner, the urge to "fix" is often fear in disguise. In this calming and powerful solo episode, Heather Hester unpacks why real connection doesn’t come from solving but from seeing.

✔️ Learn a simple, science-backed practice to shift from reactivity to presence

✔️ Discover how to listen without rushing, rescuing, or retreating

✔️ Use Heather’s LISTEN method to guide any difficult co...

When your child comes out or shares something vulnerable do you freeze, fumble, or fear saying the wrong thing?

Whether it’s about gender, sexuality, faith, or mental health, what your child is really asking in that moment is, “Can I trust you?” In this essential episode, Heather Hester shares the neuroscience, parenting wisdom, and personal stories behind why believing your child, even without full understanding, can literally save lives.

✔️ Learn 8 powerful tools to communicate belief, safety, and love even when you’re still learning

✔️ Discover how trauma-informed parenting strengthens your child's mental health and self...

Are you overwhelmed by the speed, noise, and pressure of the season and craving a moment of genuine connection?

In a world obsessed with performance and big gestures, we often forget the transformative power of the quiet, small moments: eye contact, a text, a name used correctly. Heather shares how these micro-moments of humanity can reset our nervous systems and ripple out more powerfully than we realize, especially for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids.

✔️ Discover how small acts of kindness affect the brain and body in measurable, healing ways

✔️ Learn a 3-step daily ri...

BOUNUS Interview Episode!

What if empathy wasn’t something you had to be born with but something you practiced, moment by moment?

In today’s bonus episode, Heather sits down with Maria Gallucci, a CODA, LGBTQ+ parent, bestselling author, and fierce advocate for underrepresented voices. Her story will challenge how you think about empathy, identity, and belonging, and might just change how you show up in the world.

What if the most radical thing we can be right now is fully, imperfectly human and deeply, fiercely kind?

In this foundational episode of More Human, More Kind, host Heather Hester pulls back the curtain on the heart of the podcast and the movement behind it. Born out of advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth and expanded into a space for universal healing, this episode outlines the four pillars that guide every conversation: curiosity, compassion, courage, and connection.

Whether you're a parent raising brave kids, an LGBTQ+ ally, or simply someone navigating life in a divided, demanding...

What if love was never meant to be earned, just allowed?

In this powerful and tender episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester invites you to examine the stories you carry about love, especially the ones you learned before you even had the words to question them. Through science, psychology, and personal reflection, she explores how childhood attachment patterns shape our adult definitions of love and how to rewrite those stories with compassion, curiosity, and conscious parenting.

Whether you're an LGBTQ+ ally, a parent trying to raise emotionally healthy kids, or someone healing from...

What if the thing that hurt you most was disguised as love?

In this emotionally honest and deeply necessary episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester invites you to explore one of the most painful and liberating truths: that not all love is safe, and some of it was never love to begin with.

As parents, LGBTQ allies, and humans trying to live with more empathy and intention, we often confuse care with control, especially if we were taught that love must hurt to mean something. But when affection becomes a means of compliance...

What if the quirks, questions, and beautiful edges your LGBTQ child expresses aren’t something to fix, but something to fiercely celebrate? This Halloween, we’re flipping the script on fear and reframing what it really means to embrace “the strange.”

So many parents and allies want to support their LGBTQ kids but struggle with the discomfort of difference, especially when it challenges how we were raised or what society tells us is “normal.” In this heartfelt episode, Heather explores how inclusion, identity, and empathy begin at home. You’ll learn why “normal” is a social construct, how fear of differ...

LGBTQ+ History Month isn’t just a celebration of the past,it’s a warning about the present. With over 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in play, what will you do to protect what truly matters?

In this powerful episode, Heather Hester walks you through key moments in LGBTQ+ history, from Stonewall to marriage equality, and connects them to the rising threats queer youth face today. You’ll gain tools, context, and confidence to speak up when it matters most.

Learn how to help your kids connect past and present, recognize the patterns of oppression, and feel empowered to res...

What if the witches we grew up fearing weren’t villains, but visionaries, healers, or queer-coded rebels whose power threatened the status quo?

In today’s rich and revolutionary episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester uncovers the truth behind witch hunts, both historical and modern. From midwives to queer teens, anyone who dared to live outside the norms has been branded dangerous. But when we revisit who the “witch” really was, we open a portal to connection, empathy, and courage.

If your child is drawn to witches, monsters, or magic, this episode will show you...

What if the monster your child identifies with…isn’t a threat, but a symbol of courage, survival, and truth?

For many LGBTQ+ teens, horror films offer more than scares; they offer safety, self-expression, and even joy. While many parents associate horror with violence and fear, queer youth see something radically different: empowerment, visibility, and a chance to survive in a world that often misunderstands them. This episode dives into the coded history of queerness in horror, how today’s youth are reclaiming it, and what it reveals about the emotional worlds of LGBTQ+ kids.

What do parents need to know about the masks LGBTQ+ kids wear for survival?

For queer kids, and the parents, moms, and allies supporting them, masks (figurative and literal)can mean safety, expression, or survival. But not all masks are harmless. Some start to suffocate. In this episode, we explore what playful costumes and emotional disguises have in common and how to help our kids (and ourselves) know when it’s time to take the mask off.

What if your child’s costume choice is Halloween fun AND a first, powerful glimpse into their identity exploration?

For parents, allies, and advocates raising LGBTQ+ or “othered” kids, Halloween can bring joy and also fear. Costumes are often treated as trivial, but for many queer children, dress-up is a rare, safe opportunity to try on who they truly are. In this episode, you’ll learn how to meet those moments with empathy, curiosity, and love.

What if the ghosts haunting your parenting aren’t spooky but silent? And what if your child’s future depends on whether you face them?

For parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, cycles of silence, shame, and inherited fear can sneak into how we parent, often without us realizing it. These “ghosts” may have protected us once, but now they risk being passed down unless we pause to acknowledge and unlearn them. This episode offers the guidance you need to parent more consciously, with empathy, safety, and healing at the center - and learn actionable ways to break th...

What if the monsters you feared growing up were never the real threat but a reflection of the parts of yourself society told you to hide?

For LGBTQ+ youth, and the parents, moms, and advocates walking alongside them, labels like “weird,” “freak,” and “monster” aren’t just childhood fears, they’re often used to dehumanize. In this episode, we explore how queer communities have reclaimed “monstrosity” as a symbol of resilience, and how parents can use that same insight to guide their kids with empathy, education, and fierce love.

What if your child’s “difference” isn’t a problem to fix, but a story we’ve been taught to fear?

In this raw and compassionate episode, Heather Hester opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting LGBTQ+ kids - really any kid that we have labeled as "different" and how to shift from grief and fear to love and clarity. Whether you’re facing the first waves of realization or years into the journey, this episode invites you to let go of outdated scripts and fully see your child as they are.

Should you shield your child from life's hardest moments or teach them how to face and carry them?

In this honest and heart-opening episode, Heather Hester explores one of the most misunderstood parts of parenting: how to share hard truths without overwhelming your child. From navigating her own cancer diagnosis to supporting a child through crisis, Heather reveals what it really means to protect and prepare our kids for life’s hardest moments. (Parenting Trust, Resilience, and Emotional Guidance)

Is free speech really free anymore, or are we watching the First Amendment unravel in real time?

Whether you're raising LGBTQ+ kids, working to become a more informed ally, or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode breaks down the five essential freedoms that shape our democracy and why they’re all in danger right now. From the weaponization of media to the rise of disinformation, understanding the First Amendment is no longer optional.

Why do so many LGBTQ+ kids wait until college to come out, and what does that mean for the families they leave behind?

In this insightful and compassionate episode, Heather Hester explores why college becomes a powerful turning point for many LGBTQ+ young people and what parents and allies need to understand. From the need for distance and safety to the importance of chosen community, you'll learn how to support your child without making it about you (no judgement or shame on you, we promise!)

Do you ever feel like the harder you try to guide your LGBTQ+ child, the more they pull away?

You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, Heather Hester explores the emotional weight of control, how it shows up in families, and why learning to lead with influence, not force, can transform your relationship with your child. Whether you’re parenting a queer or trans teen or simply navigating a tense family dynamic, this episode offers a compassionate reframe grounded in real-life stories and tools.

How do we hold space for grief, truth, and humanity when someone who had polarizing views is taken by violence?

In moments like these, where headlines are loud and emotions run high, many of us are struggling with what it means to respond in a way that’s honest, compassionate, and grounded. Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply a human trying to make sense of a complicated world, this episode offers a place to pause, reflect, and choose kindness without erasing truth.

Is your teen turning to an AI chatbot when they’re in crisis? Would you even know if they were?

In this eye-opening episode, Heather Hester explores the booming use of AI mental health apps like Woebot and Replika, especially among Gen Z and LGBTQ+ youth. Why are young people choosing bots over therapists or parents? What do these tools offer and what are they missing? This conversation pulls back the curtain on a growing mental health trend and offers actionable guidance for parents, educators, and allies navigating this new reality.

What if kindness wasn’t just a nice gesture, but a radical act of love that could save a life?

For parents of LGBTQ+ youth and allies navigating an increasingly disconnected, dangerous, and crisis-driven world, kindness isn’t fluff, it’s safety. It’s neuroscience. It’s survival. In this episode, you’ll learn how your smallest actions might become someone’s turning point. (allyship, inclusion, parenting, mental health, LGBTQ)

Have you ever heard someone say LGBTQ+ kids struggle with mental health because of who they are?

In this urgent episode, Heather Hester dismantles one of the most dangerous myths surrounding LGBTQ+ youth: that their mental health struggles are inherent. With clarity and compassion, she explores the real causes like rejection, stigma, and lack of affirming care, and shares what parents, allies, and advocates can do to protect the lives and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth today.

What if the most life-saving thing you do this week isn’t a therapy appointment or medication, but a single, courageous conversation?

For LGBTQ+ youth, suicide risk remains heartbreakingly high — not because of who they are, but because of the rejection, fear, and silence they too often face. In this vital episode, Heather Hester cuts through the discomfort to teach parents and allies how to break that silence with compassion, clarity, and life-affirming guidance.

Are you heading to a holiday weekend gathering with your LGBTQ child where not everyone is affirming and you're wondering how to protect their well-being without creating more tension?

For many families, gatherings (family or otherwise) bring complicated emotions. When your child is LGBTQ+ and not everyone in the room is supportive, the stakes get higher. In this episode, Heather offers heartfelt, practical guidance to help you lead with courage, protect your peace, and prioritize what matters most: your child’s well-being and your own.

Do you think you're doing the right thing for your LGBTQ+ child, but still feel like you're fumbling through it alone?

In this deeply honest and empowering episode, Heather Hester is joined by author Anna MacArthur to explore what happens when your child comes out before you’re ready and how to grow into the fierce, loving, and informed parent they need. Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of learning, unlearning, and becoming an LGBTQ+ ally in real time.

Is your school community confusing “nice” with “kind” and leaving LGBTQ+ students unsupported in the process?

As a new school year begins, many of us want to build more inclusive classrooms and communities, but surface-level politeness won’t get us there. This episode challenges parents, educators, and allies to embrace kindness as a courageous, everyday act that builds true safety and connection.

Is your LGBTQ teen heading to college and you’re wondering how to support them without smothering their independence?

The transition to college is a huge milestone. For LGBTQ+ students, it can bring both liberation and new layers of fear, risk, and identity exploration. This episode offers the tools and guidance parents and allies need to empower their teen while staying emotionally connected.

Is your LGBTQ teen heading back to high school, but quietly bracing for judgment, isolation, or burnout?

For LGBTQ+ teens, high school is often a complex dance between self-expression and self-protection. This episode explores how parents and allies can become the steady, empowering force teens need during this crucial time without trying to control their journey.

...

Is your LGBTQ child heading back to school feeling supported or silently dreading the year ahead?

While a new school year can be exciting, for many LGBTQ+ kids it also brings fear of being misgendered, misunderstood, or left out. In this episode, Heather shares actionable guidance for parents, caregivers, and allies who want to make the back-to-school transition safer, more affirming, and rooted in compassion.

Is your LGBTQ child carrying invisible emotional baggage every time you travel?

For many LGBTQ+ youth, what should be a fun vacation can trigger stress, dysphoria, and emotional shutdown. This episode explores how parents and allies can spot the signs, ease the mental load, and create more affirming travel experiences.

Press play to learn how to travel...

Would your next family vacation make your LGBTQ+ child feel affirmed or anxious?

Whether you're planning a road trip or flying internationally, traveling with an LGBTQ+ child brings unique emotional and safety needs. This episode explores how to turn travel into a safe, empowering experience for your entire family.

Press play to feel confident and prepared when traveling with...

Are you raising or supporting an LGBTQ+ teen and wondering how to truly show up for them, especially in today’s climate?

In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Heather Littleton joins host Heather Hester to share how the Healthy Families Bright Futures program is equipping LGBTQ+ teens and their caregivers with real-world tools for connection, communication, and confidence. Whether you’re new to this journey or further along, this conversation offers hope, guidance, and practical support. AND, this is a paid study looking for participants!

What if the most important way to protect LGBTQ+ youth isn’t legislation or policies, but how we care for their mental health?

In the final episode of July’s “Safety” series, Heather Hester gets to the emotional core of LGBTQ+ protection: supporting what’s happening inside our kids. Backed by powerful data and grounded in lived experience, this conversation unpacks what mental health safety really means, and why your presence, listening, and affirmation matter more than ever.

Is your child’s school truly safe for all students? For LGBTQ+ youth, safety can’t be assumed; it must be advocated for.

In this powerful and practical episode, Heather breaks down what school safety really looks like for LGBTQ+ students, and what happens when it's missing. From book bans to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to silenced teachers, the current climate is putting queer students at risk. But it’s not hopeless. Parents, educators, and allies can make a difference with presence, persistence, and a clear plan of action.

What does it really mean to affirm an LGBTQ+ child - and why does it matter so much more than just saying “I love you no matter what”?

In today’s powerful and practical episode, Heather explores how safety for LGBTQ+ youth begins not just in policy or protection, but in the everyday relationships that hold them. From correcting a pronoun without guilt, to celebrating milestones with joy, to staying curious instead of controlling, this episode offers a blueprint for parents, educators, and allies to show up with presence, compassion, and intention.

Are you watching headlines and wondering, “How is this even possible?” You’re not alone. What’s happening is no longer theoretical, it's personal.

In this urgent and grounding episode, Heather takes us beyond the headlines into the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, court rulings, and systemic rollbacks of civil rights. Humanity is being politicized. This moment isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are being stripped of protections, care, and safety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outraged, or uncertain about what to do next, this episode is your guide to clarity and...

Ever heard someone say “LGBTQ isn’t for kids”? Whether in a school board meeting or family gathering, that phrase may sound protective, but it’s doing real harm.

In this bold and heartfelt episode, Heather breaks down one of the most dangerous narratives affecting LGBTQ+ youth today. You’ll learn how the idea that queer identities are “inappropriate” or “too adult” for kids not only erases real children, it creates lasting harm. And you’ll get tools to replace shame with truth, silence with conversation, and fear with love.

Are you afraid of “getting it wrong” when it comes to supporting your LGBTQ+ child or navigating today’s climate as an ally? You're not alone.

In this tender and truth-telling episode, Heather explores the quiet fears that often go unspoken in LGBTQ+ families: the parent’s fear of the unknown, the child’s fear of rejection, and the shared fear of being misunderstood. But instead of pushing fear away, she shows us how to make space for it and how that space can become a bridge toward safety, courage, and connection.

What do you do when your child starts exploring gender and the world is telling you to panic instead of listen?

In this urgent and compassionate episode, Heather sits down with non-binary speaker and educator Rex Wilde to address the questions parents are asking most, especially in a time of rising fear, misinformation, and political attacks. With stories from their own journey, practical guidance, and data-backed truths, Rex brings clarity, courage, and warmth to one of the most misunderstood topics in today’s cultural conversation.

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 now: how to stay engaged and hopeful while feeling deeply saddened, disappointed, and even d...

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.

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—it’s about protecting what matters, sparking change, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.

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.

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 visible.

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.

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:

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

Are you worried about saying the wrong thing to your LGBTQ child or holding back your support until you “get it right”?

In this deeply honest episode, Heather Hester explores one of the biggest blocks parents and allies face: perfectionism. She shares her own journey of fumbling, learning, and ultimately showing up imperfectly but wholeheartedly for her LGBTQ kids. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the fear of messing up, this episode offers both comfort and guidance.

Pride Month Series

Are you parenting an LGBTQ child or striving to be a better ally, but worried you’re unintentionally doing more harm than good?

In today’s episode, Heather Hester shares the first of five transformative lessons from her own journey of parenting with pride. As she reflects on her son's coming out, she opens up about the surprising power of choosing curiosity over judgment and why even well-meaning reactions can create distance instead of connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly show up for your LGBTQ child, this is a must-l...

Have you ever felt like no one talks about what it really means to grieve as a queer person or as someone who loves one?

In today’s heartfelt episode, Heather Hester sits down with Josh Nagler and Sam Wasserman, the creative minds behind What About Me, a new series born from the raw, unfiltered experience of sibling grief and queer identity. Whether you're a parent, ally, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, their story sheds light on what it means to hold space for both loss and visibility, especially when the world wants things tidy.

Are you feeling the emotional weight of injustice, rising hate, and systemic collapse AND still want to lead with love?

In this final reflection of the More Human, More Kind series on mothering, Heather Hester invites listeners to consider what it means to “mother the world.” This powerful episode is for those holding grief and hope at the same time, navigating fear and fatigue in a chaotic world, and still choosing compassion, clarity, and courage.

Have you ever worried that you're not doing enough - or doing it all wrong - as the parent of an LGBTQ+ child?

In this honest and empowering conversation, Heather Hester is joined by Ash Beckham to break down what it really means to evolve as a parent and an ally. Together, they unpack the myths of perfection, the paralyzing weight of guilt, and the liberating power of curiosity, compassion, and healthy boundaries.

Do you feel guilty for resting or like your needs are always last on the list?

In this deeply personal solo episode, Heather Hester reflects on what it truly means to mother yourself and why so many of us have been conditioned to believe that self-care is selfish. She speaks directly to the exhausted, over-functioning, and emotionally depleted listener who’s ready for a more compassionate way forward.

Have you ever questioned your faith or your worth because of what you were taught about being LGBTQ+?

In this transformative episode, Heather Hester is joined by therapist and theologian Ann Russo to unpack the rarely discussed but deeply felt wounds of religious trauma, especially among LGBTQ+ individuals. From purity culture and existential fear to parental shame and spiritual disconnection, they explore how healing can begin without abandoning your faith, identity, or dignity.

Ever feel like your project, business, or mission is asking more of your heart than your hustle?

In this reflective solo episode, Heather Hester reframes mothering as a creative, courageous act — not just for parenting, but for anything we’re building or nurturing in the world. Whether you're launching a business, leading a classroom, writing a book, or quietly tending to a dream no one else can see yet, this episode offers soul-level encouragement for those showing up with love, even in the face of fear, burnout, and uncertainty.

What if LGBTQ+ youth could see themselves in stories that weren’t defined by fear, shame, or tragedy, but by curiosity, love, and joy?

In this luminous episode, Heather Hester welcomes award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) to discuss his latest YA novel, Run Away With Me, a tender, illustrated queer love story that unfolds across a ghostly Rome, blending historical fiction, LGBTQ+ identity, and emotional truth. Together, they explore how stories can offer healing, visibility, and hope for queer youth without erasing struggle, but without being defined by it.

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What if mothering had nothing to do with being a mom and everything to do with how we show up for others with love, empathy, and presence?

In this tender solo reflection, Heather Hester shares the emotional layers behind her daughter’s college graduation not just as a parent but as a human navigating grief, transition, and healing. This milestone becomes a mirror for a deeper truth: that mothering is not a role reserved for women or parents it's a universal practice of care, practiced by anyone who holds space, offers comfort, and chooses presence in a wo...

What if grief wasn’t something to fix or silence but a truth to live through, honor, and let change you?

In this vulnerable, deeply human episode, Heather Hester reflects on the one-year anniversary of her sister Corinne’s death and the emotional unraveling that followed from the collapse of her book launch to the heaviness of a nation in crisis. With honesty, grace, and fierce love, she invites you into a conversation that holds personal grief and political grief side by side without minimizing either.

You’ll learn how grief intersects with parenting, allyship, and id...

Is your right to protest quietly disappearing while most people don’t even notice?

In the final episode of the Foundations of Freedom series, Heather Hester shines a light on one of the most misunderstood rights in the U.S. Constitution: the right to peaceably assemble. From the Boston Tea Party and the Civil Rights Movement to Stonewall, Standing Rock, and modern LGBTQ+ activism, peaceful protest has been essential to progress. But today, new laws, intimidation tactics, and surveillance are threatening this right especially for queer youth, parents, and allies who are trying to show up with co...

What if the most powerful act of love you can offer, to yourself, your child, or your community, is a boundary?

In this episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester dismantles the cultural myth that boundaries are selfish, cold, or unkind. Instead, she invites us to see them as sacred, necessary acts of inclusion, empathy, and healing, especially for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, overwhelmed allies, and anyone doing emotional labor at home, work, or in advocacy spaces.

You’ll learn how boundaries actually create safety, clarity, and deeper connection, and why saying "no" can so...

What if the antidote to burnout, division, and fear isn’t more perfection, but more humanity and more kindness?

In this inaugural episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester opens her heart and shares the deeply personal journey from her first podcast, Just Breathe, a lifeline for parents of LGBTQ+ teens, to this wider, more expansive space for healing, allyship, identity, and inclusion. It’s a conversation about change, the kind that’s messy, honest, and necessary.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally feeling overwhelmed in a world full of noise and expectations, this e...

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:

Rooted in lived experience and deep empathy, each episode offers insight, reflection, and a gentle remi...

What happens when the line between church and state begins to blur, and most people don't even notice?

In this urgent episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester continues the Foundations of Freedom series by unpacking the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, the often-overlooked protection against government-imposed religion. From Thomas Jefferson's letter on the “wall of separation” to the Supreme Court’s shift toward tradition-based rulings, Heather guides listeners through the legal, cultural, and political shifts threatening true religious freedom in the U.S.

This episode is especially critical for parents, LGBTQ+ families, educat...

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...

Can democracy survive if journalism disappears?

In this powerful first episode of the Foundations of Freedom series, Heather Hester dives into one of the most critical and most under threat freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: freedom of the press. From local reporters to national watchdogs, a free and independent press has always been a cornerstone of democracy, social justice, and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Whether you’re a parent navigating what your kids are learning in school, an LGBTQ+ ally speaking up against injustice, or someone deeply concerned about truth, trust, and mental health in a po...

Are you constantly scrolling but still feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck?

In this vulnerable and practical episode, Heather Hester sits down with wellness coach Tracy Whitmore to explore how social media is impacting our mental health, nervous systems, and sense of identity, especially for parents, LGBTQ+ allies, and anyone striving to show up with love in an exhausting, always-on world.

Whether you’re a parent trying to model healthy digital habits, a queer teen navigating online spaces, or simply someone who feels fried by the endless scroll, this conversation offers real-world guidance for protecting your pe...

Do you consider yourself an ally but wonder if you’re actually showing up in the ways that matter most?

In this honest and empowering solo episode, Heather Hester challenges the comfort zone of “good intentions” and invites you into the deeper, messier, and more impactful work of true allyship.

Exhausted by the headlines but still want to keep fighting for what’s right?

You’re not alone. In this honest and grounding solo episode, Heather Hester recaps some of the most alarming actions from the Trump administration and then offers a lifeline to anyone feeling emotionally, physically, or mentally depleted by it all.

Is it possible to be trans, a person of deep faith, and still feel whole in a world that constantly attempts fragmentation?

In this deeply moving and expansive episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester is joined by Celia Daniels, a trans femme, Christian, South Asian DEI leader, and one of LinkedIn’s Top LGBTQ+ Voices, for a conversation that is as honest as it is healing.

Are you confusing being “nice” with being kind and unintentionally avoiding the hard conversations that true allyship demands?

In this eye-opening solo episode of More Human, More Kind, host Heather Hester explores a subtle but crucial distinction: the difference between niceness and kindness, especially when it comes to showing up as an LGBTQ+ ally, parent, or advocate for social justice.

Are you reacting or are you responding with wisdom?

What if the difference between judgment and discernment could change everything from how you parent your LGBTQ+ child to how you engage in difficult conversations around identity, inclusion, and justice?

In this transformative solo episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester explores one of the most important mindset shifts we can make as parents, allies, and conscious humans. She unpacks why judgment fuels reactivity and division, while discernment builds clarity, empathy, and resilience, especially in emotionally charged moments.

Is your teen overwhelmed by college applications and feeling the pressure to be perfect?

In this honest and eye-opening episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester is joined by Dylan Nellis, Stanford graduate and founder of NextGen Admit, for a refreshing look at the college admissions process. Together, they unpack the emotional, mental health, and identity challenges teens face and what parents can do to provide real guidance, empathy, and support.

Have we forgotten how to hold people, especially those in power, accountable?

In this heartfelt and timely episode of More Human, More Kind, host Heather Hester reflects on why accountability is one of the most radical, necessary acts of love in parenting, relationships, and our collective life. Through her own stories and real-world examples, she invites listeners to explore why the absence of accountability isn’t kindness; it’s abandonment — and how we can return to truth-telling with empathy and courage.

Can a fictional speech and a state address both expose the same creeping threat to democracy, and what does that mean for us as parents, allies, and citizens?

In this timely and emotionally charged episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester reads and reflects on two powerful speeches: one from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s recent State of the State address, and the other from a 10-year-old episode of Madam Secretary. The overlap isn’t just uncanny, it’s chilling.

Both highlight the dangerous resurgence of authoritarianism, the scapegoating of marginalized communities, and the disman...

Are you hoping your love is enough, or are you actually showing up for the trans people in your life in ways that heal, protect, and affirm?

In this vital, eye-opening episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester sits down with licensed therapist, speaker, and trans man Alexander Stefanini for a deep and courageous conversation about what true support looks like for trans teens, adults, and their families, especially now, when political attacks and misinformation are endangering lives and dignity.

Whether you're a parent, professional, or ally-in-progress, this conversation offers empathy without coddling and...

Are you waiting for the “right time” to speak up while LGBTQ+ rights disappear in real time?

This week’s episode is a call to rise above overwhelm and inaction. With heartfelt urgency, Heather Hester addresses the systemic rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights, especially those targeting trans youth, and how our silence, even when rooted in fear or fatigue, feeds the systems we wish to dismantle.

Weaving together thought-provoking poetry, real-time legal updates, and grassroots solutions, Heather challenges willful ignorance and offers a grounded path forward for allies, parents, and everyday people who know the stakes but ma...

Are you carrying a heaviness you can’t quite name: a fog of anxiety, heartbreak, or helplessness that won’t lift, no matter how much you care or try to stay positive?

You're not broken. You're human and you're paying attention.

In this gentle, grounded episode, Heather Hester speaks directly to the emotional overwhelm so many are experiencing, especially parents and allies of LGBTQ+ youth who are navigating the dual weight of advocacy and empathy in a world that feels increasingly cruel and chaotic.

Whether it’s the news, the attacks on trans rights...

Did you know over 80% of LGBTQ+ youth experience disordered eating?

This issue is deep, complex, and urgent, and yet it's rarely discussed with the compassion and nuance it deserves.

In this powerful and timely conversation, Heather Hester is joined by Kristin Szostak, Regional AVP at The Renfrew Centers, one of the nation’s leading eating disorder treatment programs, to shine a light on how identity, trauma, and body image collide for LGBTQ+ youth.

They go beyond surface-level symptoms to unpack the real reasons queer teens and young adults are more vulnerable, and what pa...