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More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally

Heather Hester
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally
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  • #198 | The Parenting Shift That Builds Trust With Your LGBTQ+ Child (Instead of Breaking It)
    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.Understand why control breeds resistance and how influence fosters lasting trustLearn how to recognize control patterns in your parenting and gently shift your approachDiscover Heather’s ARCC method for setting loving boundaries with courage and clarityPress play to begin releasing control and embracing the kind of influence that builds deeper bonds with your LGBTQ+ child and with yourself.Resource SpotlightBrené Brown’s Daring Greatly — A powerful book about vulnerability, trust, and courage. It’s a reminder that letting go of control is often where the real strength lies.Greater Good Science Center (UC Berkeley) — Research-backed resources on how compassion and influence, not control, create healthier relationships and communities.The Gottman Institute — Relationship experts offering tools to replace control with influence and build trust in families, partnerships, and beyond.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re...
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  • #197 | Holding Hard Truths in the Wake of Charlie Kirk: Kindness, Free Speech, and the Cost of Dehumanization
    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.Understand why grief can feel especially complex when someone who caused harm dies tragically.Explore how to navigate the tension between grace, anger, and justice in a polarized world.Learn how to model grounded, honest responses for your kids and communities without losing your humanity.Press play to explore the messy truth of holding space for both grief and accountability, and how choosing kindness in hard moments might be the most powerful thing we can do.Full quote from Martin Luther King Jr.'s childrenHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming 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 part of this journey.More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen 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...
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  • #196 | Why Gen Z Is Turning to AI for Mental Health—and What Parents Need to Know
    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.Understand why Gen Z is turning to AI for emotional support and what it reveals about their mental health needsLearn the real risks (and potential benefits) of AI therapy tools, especially for LGBTQ+ teensDiscover how to open meaningful conversations about mental health and tech without fear, shame, or disconnectionPress play to learn how to use curiosity, connection, and compassion, not control, to guide Gen Z’s use of AI for mental health.Resource SpotlightCrisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live, trained counselor.Jed Foundation (JED) — Programs protecting emotional health of teens and young adults: jedfoundation.orgVerywell Mind: Best Therapy Apps of 2025 — Curated reviews of mental health apps, pros and cons: verywellmind.comPsychology Today Therapist Directory — To find affirming, human-based therapists: psychologytoday.comHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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 foster courageous,...
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  • #195 | Why Small Acts of Kindness Have a Big Mental Health Impact (Especially for LGBTQ+ Kids)
    What if one small act of kindness could keep someone - especially an LGBTQ+ youth - from giving up?In this heartfelt solo episode, Heather Hester unpacks why kindness isn’t just “nice” or “extra.” It’s a radical, science-backed tool that supports mental health, creates safety, and reminds others they matter. From neuroscience to real-life examples, Heather explores how connection, empathy, and action can become life-saving practices, especially for those feeling unseen, alone, or on the edge.Learn how small moments of kindness can physiologically calm the nervous system and interrupt despairDiscover real-world stories that show how kindness impacts mental health for LGBTQ+ youth and adultsGet three simple, powerful ways to practice intentional kindness this week (and why they matter more than you know)Press play to reimagine kindness as your most radical tool for connection, healing, and change starting today.Resource Spotlight:Kindness.org — Research-based tools and inspiration for practicing intentional kindness: kindness.orgRandom Acts of Kindness Foundation — Free resources to spark daily kindness: randomactsofkindness.orgMental Health America — Guidance and community programs to promote mental well-being: mhanational.orgHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming 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 part of this journey.More Human. More Kind....
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  • #194 | Stop Blaming Identity: What Actually Causes LGBTQ+ Mental Health Crises
    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.Learn why identity isn’t the problem, rejection is, and how that impacts LGBTQ+ mental healthDiscover the daily actions parents and allies can take to become affirming, life-saving supportsUnderstand how simple shifts in language, access, and community can protect youth from isolation, depression, and despairPress play to unlearn the harmful myths and learn how to be the advocate your LGBTQ+ loved one needs. Affirmation isn’t a luxury, it’s protection.Resource Spotlight:The Trevor Project — 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people. thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline — Peer support hotline run by and for trans people: 877-565-8860.GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality) — Directory to find LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers: glma.orgNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Mental health resources, education, and support groups: nami.orgHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether...
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About More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally

Do you wish you could better support your LGBTQ child? To be an ally who shows up with courage, clarity, and compassion in your family, workplace, and community? You're not alone. More Human. More Kind. is a twice-weekly podcast supporting concerned parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids who are ready to move from fear, grief, and confusion to healing, resilience, and empowered advocacy. Hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice, each episode blends grounded insights, personal stories, and practical guidance to help you protect what matters, raise brave kids, and spark collective change. * You'll learn to navigate mental health challenges, set loving boundaries, and find hope and support through the messiness of parenting, allyship, and becoming. * Whether you're wrestling with bigotry, searching for connection and community, or ready to shift your mindset toward kindness and open-minded action, this show offers the education and encouragement you need. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday, featuring expert interviews, vulnerable Listener Queer-ies, and timely solo episodes that foster growth, empathy, and activism. Start with fan-favorite Episode 3: Embrace the Messiness of Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen (With Resilience & Hope), an honest conversation that will help you exhale, reflect, and show up more fully and fiercely for the people you love. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy
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