More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence – Details, episodes & analysis

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 how to transform missteps into deeper trust and healing with your child.
• Learn the powerful role of tone, body language, and energy in affirming identity and creating safety.
• Get clear, compassionate answers to the complex question: Is it okay to use the word “queer”?

Press play now to learn how you can use language as a bridge—not a barrier—in your journey toward more human, more kind parenting.

This month, you’re invited to join The Kind Space - a private community where compassion meets action, and where allyship becomes practice.

Pride Month Perks for New Members:

✨ 50% off your first month of membership

📘 A signed copy of Parenting with Pride - Heather’s heart-centered guide to unlearning bias, embracing your LGBTQ+ child, and leading with love

Inside The Kind Space, you'll receive:

🌀 Private podcast episodes

🌿 Bonus reflections and guided practices

💬 Monthly live Q&A calls

💛 A community of brave, kind humans walking this path with you

👉 Join The Kind Space now

You don’t have to do this alone.

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.

Connect with Heather:

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

Watch on YouTube

New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

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.

Plus: a listener “Queer-y” on the evolution of LGBTQ+ terminology, and why the order of the letters actually matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fear of imperfection keeps us from showing up
• How allyship and parenting are ongoing practices, not destinations
• What authentic progress actually looks like (hint: it’s not about getting it “right”)
• How to model repair, reflection, and growth in real time
• The inclusive history behind the shift from GLBT to LGBTQIA+

Listener Queer-y:

"Does the order of LGBTQ matter and how has it changed over time?"

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Let go of the need to be perfect. You’ll never know everything, and that’s okay.
2. Allyship is a practice. Keep showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Model repair and growth. Your child learns how to be human by watching you be human.

This Pride Month, you’re invited to join a community rooted in compassion, connection, and meaningful allyship:

💛 The Kind Space 💛

It’s where the More Human. More Kind. podcast comes to life and where we breathe deeper into what it means to show up for one another, especially our LGBTQ+ loved ones.

In honor of Pride, all new members receive:

✨ 50% off your first month of membership

📘 A signed copy of Parenting with Pride: a heart-centered guide to unlearning bias, embracing your LGBTQ+ child, and leading with love

Inside The Kind Space, you'll find:

🌀 Private podcast episodes

🌿 Bonus content, reflections, and guided practices

💬 LIVE monthly calls to answer your questions

💛 A safe, welcoming community of thoughtful, brave humans - just like you

This is the month to lean in. To stand up. To love out loud.

And to remember: You don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Join The Kind Space (use code B8318)

✨ Bonus:

Take the free quiz to discover your Ally Superpower!

👉 What Kind of Ally Are You?

Reflection Questions:

• What’s one way perfectionism has held you back from fully showing up?
• Where could you allow yourself to be “good enough” instead of flawless?
• What’s one small action you could take this week to move forward, even imperfectly?

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.

Connect with Heather:

Receive a

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 acknowledge the diverse expressions of this practice, which encompass not only biological connections but also the myriad ways in which individuals contribute to the nurturing of others. I emphasize the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of recognizing the often unseen acts of care that permeate our lives, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences with mothering, both as recipients and as givers of care. Ultimately, the episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of love and the sacredness of nurturing relationships.

Takeaways:

• The concept of mothering transcends traditional definitions, embodying a universal and profound essence.
• Mothering encompasses nurturing, witnessing, and guiding without exerting control over others.
• Engaging in mothering is a human capacity that can manifest in various forms and relationships.
• The act of mothering often occurs in the quiet moments, unnoticed yet deeply impactful.
• Letting go is one of the most challenging aspects of mothering, requiring trust and faith.
• Reflecting on who has mothered us can reveal the often unseen connections in our lives.

Connect with Heather:

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

Watch on YouTube

New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

The principal theme of this episode revolves around the profound concept of embracing curiosity rather than judgment, particularly in the realm of interpersonal communication. I express my gratitude for your presence in this safe space, where we explore the intricacies of parenting LGBTQ teens. Throughout our dialogue, I reflect on my recent engagement with the television series "Ted Lasso," which illuminates the significance of kindness and understanding. I delve deeper into the pivotal Walt Whitman quote, "Be curious, not judgmental," and its applicability in overcoming fear and fostering meaningful conversations. Ultimately, I invite you to contemplate how this approach can transform not only familial relationships but also our broader interactions within society.

I have been thinking about curiosity and in today’s solo episode, I share with you some of the provoking thoughts I have been having. Curiosity is a wonderful tool to use in conversations with others that helps remove judgment of self and others. By bringing curiosity to the conversation, we can quiet the judgmental voice and really listen to and hear others.

Do not miss these highlights:

01:25 - Things I have been thinking about

03:37 – Ted Lasso quote

04:45 – Thinking about overcoming fear

05:11 – Being curious

05:28 – New offering

07:16 – Bringing curiosity to the conversation

08:11 – Hearing and listening

10:17 – Thought-provoking episode

11:05 – Reach out to me

Connect with Heather:

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

Watch on YouTube

New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ teens.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage in conversations with curiosity rather than judgment.
• The concept of fear is explored in conjunction with strategies to approach it with curiosity.
• The dialogue highlights the transformative power of kindness and understanding in relationships.
• The episode invites feedback from listeners to foster a sense of community and shared experiences.
• The hosts express their gratitude for the audience's presence and support throughout their journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Patreon

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This podcast episode centers on the transformative journey of Jennifer, who imparts wisdom on harnessing the power of intuition and personal purpose. We explore her evolution from a federal government employee to a soul care coach, adept at accessing Akashic Records and employing energy healing techniques. Jennifer's narrative is underscored by her profound experiences that illustrate the intricate connection between emotional healing and physical well-being. Throughout our discussion, we delve into practical strategies that individuals can implement to navigate personal challenges, particularly in the realms of stress, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to one's inner voice and recognizing the guidance that resides within, reinforcing the notion that we possess the tools necessary for our own healing and growth.

Jennifer Takagi is here to help women discover the power of their purpose. Through tapping into your truths, listening to your intuition, and trusting yourself, Jennifer can help you unlock your fullest potential. Her big message is to start paying attention to those intuitive hits we get, as they are messages guiding you to your purpose.

Join Heather and Jennifer as they cover how Jennifer got started on this path of helping heal others' energetic blocks, how to pay attention to your intuition, and how to heal your mind, body, and soul to reach your highest potential.

Do not miss these highlights:

03:37 - Snapshot into Jennifer’s life and what got her to where she is now.

06:53 – Paying attention to the signs and intuition hits.

09:23 – Whatever your belief system on receiving messages is, listen to them.

11:47 – Leadership Development Training and Spiritual Intuitive.

13:12 – Learning akashic records.

19:00 – Talking about skeptics.

23:09 – “The future of medicine is in frequencies”-Albert Einstein

30:00 – Asking your subconscious if body or emotion codes could work

33:31 – Listening to your intuition. You have more guidance within you than you give yourself credit for.

Connect with Heather:

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

Watch on YouTube

New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

About our Guest:

Jennifer Takagi is the founder of Takagi Consulting. She is a 3X time Amazon.Com Best Selling-Author, Certified Jack Canfield Success Principle Trainer, Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and Facilitator of the DISC Behavioral Profiles, Certified Change Style Indicator Facilitator and Certified Coaching Specialist -...

Michelle Abraham joins Heather in the virtual studio in this week’s episode.  Michelle is an international speaker, podcast producer, and the category directory for kids and family in Podcast Magazine.  Listen in as they discuss Michelle's foray into the podcasting industry, the lessons she has learned, and still learning,  as a parent, and the importance of getting your message out into the world before it is too late to do so.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:47 - How parenting led her to discover podcasts and her drive to inspire others to get their voice out there. 

07:01 - The organic evolution that started her to assist others in developing their podcasts

11:54 - You don’t need to be an expert in what you are podcasting about, but a curator of content. 

16:00 - Live a life that you are happy with and on your terms

19:51 - Treat your child like a human being. Say things, express things, the way you would want to see things expressed to you. Don’t be afraid to ask your kids for their input on how you can be a better human being.

24:47 - Find comfortable places to have conversations and don’t expect boys to make eye contact when talking to you.

30:05 - Michelle’s inspiration of making sure you get your message out before you are no longer able to. 

Work with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

About our Guest:

Michelle Abraham - Podcast Producer, Host and International Speaker.

Michelle was speaking on stages about podcasting before most people knew what they were, she started a Vancouver based Podcasting Group in 2012 and has learned the ins and outs of the industry. Michelle helped create and launched over 30 Podcasts in 2018 and has gone on to launch over 200 shows in the last few years, She wants to launch YOURS in 2022!

14 years as an Entrepreneur and 8 years as a Mom has led her to a lifestyle shift, spending more time with family while running location independent online digital marketing business for the last 9 years. Michelle and her family have been living completely off the grid lakeside boat access for the last 4 years!

Check Us Out on:

Join our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyPodcastCoach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMPLIFYOU.ca/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAmplif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifyou.ca/

To Join our FREE Podcasters Tool Kit: https://bit.ly/PodcastToolKit

For More Podcast Training - http://amplifyounetwork.com/

AmplifYou Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/amplifyou/id1457094134

Blissful Parenting Podcast -

In this time of uncertainty, when rights are coming under threat, now more than ever it is time to become an ally. But what does it mean to be an ally?  In this episode, Heather discusses the importance of being an advocate and an ally for the LGBTQIA community and people. Uncover the eight ways that anyone can be a good ally. 

Do not miss these highlights:

03:15 - What does it mean to be an ally?

05:27 - Heather defines being an ally for the LGBTQIA community 

08:29 - An ally is not an identity it is a label.

11:10 - Being a good listener is more than being present for the conversation.

15:01 - It is great to be curious and ask questions however be respectful. 

16:27 - Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it is part of the learning process. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

19:30 - Speak up whether in person or online. Show your solidarity.

24:30 - Beware of Rainbow Capitalism and seek out to support companies that truly support the community.

27:50 - Learn the language, what they mean and how to use them appropriately. 

31:06 - Common questions you may get as an ally and a few suggestions on the ways you can answer them. 

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

Support Heather's Work: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Crystal Whiteaker intrinsically understands the importance of inclusion. As a leadership development and DEIB consultant, she specializes in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).  Join Heather and Crystal as they talk about Crystal’s motivation to reaffirm a brand's core values, create a “Brave Space” within yourself, and create a positive, nourishing, nurturing, and healing connection with people. 

Do not miss these highlights:

03:32 - Helping leaders get rooted in their core values so that they can create a clear, streamlined message and experience within their business 

08:33 - Becoming aware of the beliefs you hold and whether they are truly yours or if they are ‘absorbed’ from others

13:08 - Using trauma-informed training in order to create not just a safe space but also a “brave space”

18:07 - Dealing with the sensitive nature of discussing parenting skills with others 

23:19 - Formulating your message by getting very clear on your role and values whether for business, parenting or anything else in life

32:03 - The value of listening to your children and having love and compassion for them can change the world for them when faced with adversity

Resources Mentioned

Free Guides

Core Values Guide

Inclusive Brand Statement Guide

Speaking Guide

Personal Philosophy Statement Guide

Introductory Offers

Core Values Challenge

Empowered Environments Workbook (Guided Workbook for Inclusive Leaders)

Inclusive Masterclasses

Work with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

About our Guest:

Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Leadership Development and DEIB* Consultant specializing in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.  Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries.  She is a self-described "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When...

“I think the real joy in life comes when you just meet the people who mean the most to you exactly where they are, and you embrace them for where they are.” - Lisa Sugarman

Heather is joined by Lisa Sugarman, a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host. Join them as they discuss Lisa’s journey of discovering her authentic self, her work with The Trevor Project, and her upcoming book to help encourage others to connect and share their own stories with others so that healing can begin. 

Do not miss these highlights:

04:37 - The two pivotal moments that lead Lisa to live her best life and to her own sexuality; her father’s suicide and the coming out of her daughter

13:40 - Having raised her kids to celebrate who they were, she took her own advice to celebrate who she was

15:00 - Increasing representation by being both an ally and a member of the LGBTQ+ community

18:21 - Exploring the differences between pansexuality and bisexuality. 

23:13 - How insecurities about asking questions hold back people from satisfying their curiosities about the queer community

26:21 - The importance of being a beacon of authenticity for yourself and for others

30:33 - Lisa dives into her upcoming book about the dynamics of experiencing her father’s death as a child and when she found out the truth about it 30 years later. 

39:27 - Finishing her training as a crisis counselor under the tutelage of the Trevor Project and how dear to her heart this foundation is to her. 

50:55 - The power of traveling through the “muck” and winding up better for it. 

Work with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

Resources Mentioned

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Lisa’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Sugarman/e/B00JY0DY28?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1655167126&sr=8-2 

About our Guest:

Lisa Sugarman is a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host, creating content that helps empower parents, especially moms, by giving them permission to embrace their perfectly imperfectness. She’s also a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father at age ten and a member and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lisa writes the syndicated opinion column It Is What It Is and is the author of How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It, Untying Parent Anxiety, and LIFE: It Is What It Is, available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and everywhere books are sold. Sugarman is also the co-host of the podcast LIFE Unfiltered on iTunes and iHeartRadio, and a regular contributor on Healthline Parenthood, GrownAndFlown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, Care.com, LittleThings, and More Content Now. Lisa lives with her husband and two daughters just north of Boston. Visit her online at www.lisasugarman.com. She digs...

Heather is joined by author, therapist, and TEDx speaker, Chris Tompkins to discuss the impact of heteronormativity in today’s culture.  Listen as they unpack the differences between queerphobia and homophobia, how the language and words we use create nuances that stop us from talking to our children about being gay, and the steps that we can use to build a “New Playground” around our subconscious beliefs. 

Do not miss these highlights:

04:01 - Chris’ motivation for writing his book Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground

07:47 - Messages from the playground is an analogy to describe the subconscious beliefs that we all have about everything

12:14 - The purpose of breaking the book down into three sections; awareness, willingness and change

17:14 - Unpacking the heteronormative message and beliefs that impact our ability to talk to our children about things outside that scope

24:45 - Working in a juvenile hall where the LGBTQ youth were separated from others for safety however that just continues to perpetuate the root of the problem

35:21 - Shift the language from “it’s complicated” to “it’s complex” to be more inclined to talk

42:59 - The importance of teaching kids to love themselves, as they will make decisions thatare based on the lack of self-love

53:14 - “Don't let what you think is happening on the outside, determine what is going on in the inside.”

54:21 - A look at the steps to build a new playground

About our Guest:

Chris Tompkins is a therapist, spiritual life coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Chris believes connecting with our spirituality, loving ourselves, and taking full responsibility for our lives is where our strength lies at the deepest level. He hosts workshops and presentations for universities, conferences, and organizations across the U.S. on anti-bullying, inner advocacy, how to prevent queerphobia, and the importance of changing the messages from the playground.

https://www.aroadtriptolove.com/ 

Catch Chris’ TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2GGcuJl6w

Get Chris’ book at https://amzn.to/3O16ISY 

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!