More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human
Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
▶ Webplayer
Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
▶ Webplayer"Mom, I think I might be_____." Whether that sentence ended in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or something they're still figuring out — you are in the right place. Maybe you're scared. Maybe you're grieving something you can't quite name yet. Maybe you're desperate to get this right and terrified that you've already gotten it wrong. This show is for you, exactly where you are right now. More Human. More Kind. is hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ kids, their parents, and the people who love them. Each week Heather brings lived ex...
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Oct 2, 2026 · 6:43
What's one thing you can do today to support your LGBTQ loved one through coming out? This is the Friday Butterfly Effect episode for Tuesday's Coming Out Action Guide episode.…
Sep 29, 2026 · 18:56
Find guides, tools, resources, and more! You know the six stages your teen moves through when they come out, and the six stages you move through as their parent. But what do you…
Sep 25, 2026 · 10:18
What do you actually say when your kid is hurting, and how do you know something's wrong before they tell you? This is the Friday follow-up to Tuesday's episode on queer dating…
Sep 22, 2026 · 24:36
Do you know how to actually help your queer kid through a breakup, or are you using advice built for straight relationships? Both of Heather's daughters went through breakups…
Sep 18, 2026 · 9:29
What does your gay son, lesbian daughter, or bisexual kid actually need from you this week? This follows up on Tuesday's episode about the real differences between a son and…
Sep 16, 2026 · 44:33
SPECIAL EPISODE! What actually happens when a book gets banned, and who pays the price for it? Heather sits down with children's author and Whale Rock Workshops founder Sheri…
Sep 15, 2026 · 42:02
"Gay is gay."Except it isn't. And if you're parenting both a son and a daughter through coming out, you may know that, but NOT know what to do. A gay son and a lesbian daughter…
Sep 11, 2026 · 7:29
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all of the information coming at you? This week's Butterfly Effect gives you four tiny actions across four different points in your own process,…
Sep 8, 2026 · 25:21
Your teen isn't the only one going through a coming out process. You are too, and most parents skip past their own. From shock to true acceptance, there are six distinct stages…
Sep 4, 2026 · 8:09
Tuesday's six stages aren't just something to understand — they're something to practice. This week's Butterfly Effect gives you one small action for four different moments in…
Sep 1, 2026 · 27:20
Looking for support but not quite sure what type? We've got you covered! Did you know that your teen may be going through the hardest, most private season of their life right now…
Aug 28, 2026 · 6:45
The unlearning doesn't stop. It just gets quieter, and quieter isn't the same as finished. This Butterfly Effect episode picks up Tuesday's quarterly check-in with one small…
Aug 25, 2026 · 9:30
Let's connect on Substack! Love is proven by what you're willing to unlearn. This is a check-in on that, for you and for me. Year-one unlearning is loud: fear, shame, and often a…
Aug 21, 2026 · 6:59
Have you ever felt like the more put together you are on the outside, the more chaotic you feel on the inside? This Butterfly Effect episode carries Tuesday's conversation about…
Aug 18, 2026 · 12:06
Continue being more human on Substack! What does being “more human” mean to you? This episode is a personal one, tracing how performing "fine" for most of my life, learned as a…
Aug 14, 2026 · 7:48
Do you think of a threshold as a potential stumbling block or the place you stand before walking into something new or unknown? This Butterfly Effect episode builds on Tuesday's…
Aug 11, 2026 · 11:05
Grab the Panic to Plan Guide Join me on Substack Every August, before a single backpack gets packed, there's a threshold parents like us cross. Not the kids. Us. Interest: For…
Aug 7, 2026 · 6:53
The goal was never to be needed forever. The goal was kids who still choose to confide in you even after they don't have to. This Butterfly Effect episode picks up right where…
Aug 4, 2026 · 16:21
Join me on Substack There's a day every parent of a queer kid hits, and nobody warns you it's coming: the day you realize you don't get a vote anymore. Parenting guidance for a…
Jul 31, 2026 · 6:58
Share The Panic to Plan Guide with someone! The courage becomes an orientation. But first you have to cross the threshold. This is your final Friday reset of the summer, and it…
Jul 28, 2026 · 16:53
Advocacy is serious. The stakes are real. And some days the weight of it is genuinely hard to carry. But what if showing up boldly for your LGBTQ+ kid could also hold something…
Jul 24, 2026 · 7:39
Grab your Panic to Plan Guide here! Comparison does not know you. And it does not know your kid, your journey, or the specific kind of love you are doing. This week's reset is…
Jul 21, 2026 · 14:59
Get the Panic to Plan Guide here There is a particular kind of pain that does not announce itself loudly. You see another parent who seems to have it figured out, who has been…
Jul 17, 2026 · 6:32
The research, the conversations, the paperwork, the permission you give your kid before you ever leave home. That is not just preparation. That is love made practical. On Tuesday…
Jul 14, 2026 · 15:03
Summer travel should feel like joy. But if you have an LGBTQ+ kid, you already know there is a layer of preparation most families never have to think about. This episode is for…
Jul 10, 2026 · 6:15
Real joy doesn't come from a feed. This week's reset will help you find it, feel it, and help your kid do the same. In Tuesday's episode, we explored what queer creators are…
Jul 7, 2026 · 12:47
Your kid has a feed full of people they've never met, and some of those people are quietly teaching them what joy looks and feels like. Do you know what they're learning? For…
Jul 3, 2026 · 6:04
You don't need a complete overhaul to start recovering from ally burnout. You need one small, doable thing. Interest: This week's quick follow-up to our episode on ally burnout…
Jun 30, 2026 · 10:15
My Raw Reaction to This Week's SCOTUS Rulings A note before you press play. This isn't a normal episode. There's no outline, no structure, no neat takeaways. It's me, talking…
Jun 30, 2026 · 16:07
Talk to other parents who are experiencing burnout, too. Learn more about the Kindred Collective. Loving your child through a hard season can quietly burn you out, and most…
Jun 29, 2026 · 35:56
What if the support you've been looking for was one conversation away, right where you work? PFLAG National's Jamie Henkel joins the show to talk about Creating Pride in…
Jun 26, 2026 · 7:22
Check out in depth essays, meditations, and tips and strategies on the More Human More Kind Substack! Your kid changed how they describe themselves again, and some part of you is…
Jun 23, 2026 · 14:46
Find connection with other parents in the Kindred Collective! Your kid said something different about who they are than they did six months ago, and some part of you panicked.…
Jun 19, 2026 · 9:45
Join me on Substack for deeper conversations (and extra tools and reflections for paid subscribers!) You already love your child deeply. But love that lives only inside you is…
Jun 16, 2026 · 17:28
Be part of a private community filled with parents just like you! Learn more about the Kindred Collective. You love your LGBTQ+ child. But does your child actually feel that…
Jun 12, 2026 · 13:04
Learn more about the Kindred Collective - a private community for parents of LGBTQ kids Your LGBTQ teen trusted you before they trusted the world. But what happens when parent…
Jun 9, 2026 · 11:06
Be part of a community of parents just like you! As parents of LGBTQ teens, most of us want our children to feel loved, accepted, and supported. But what if there’s a difference…
Jun 5, 2026 · 13:32
Learn more about the Kindred Collective Community What happens when parents have different comfort levels, beliefs, or timelines around Pride and LGBTQ support? For many parents…
Jun 3, 2026 · 19:26
Learn more about the Kindred Collective Community Are you wondering how to help your LGBTQ teen enjoy Pride safely without turning every conversation into a lecture? Pride events…
Jun 2, 2026 · 14:22
Learn more about the Kindred Collective Community How do you talk to your LGBTQ teen about staying safe at Pride events without making them afraid to attend? Many parents want…
May 29, 2026 · 10:04
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What if the exhaustion you feel has less to do with who you are and more to do with how long you’ve been…
May 28, 2026 · 11:54
Learn about The Kindred Collective Before you hang the Pride flag or post your support online, have you asked your LGBTQ teen what actually feels supportive to them? Many loving…
May 26, 2026 · 37:45
What happens when someone spends decades surviving instead of truly living? In this deeply moving conversation, Heather sits down with queer figure skater, advocate, father, and…
May 22, 2026 · 12:02
Download Panic to Plan Here What if you already got it wrong with your child… or you’re terrified you’ll say the wrong thing next? In this episode of More Human. More Kind. ,…
May 19, 2026 · 12:36
Download Panic to Plan Here What if you already got it wrong with your child or you’re terrified you’ll say the wrong thing? In this episode of More Human. More Kind. , Heather…
May 15, 2026 · 13:58
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What if the most powerful way to support your LGBTQ child isn’t a perfect response, but one honest…
May 12, 2026 · 26:08
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What messages did your parents never speak aloud? In this deeply personal episode, Heather Hester…
May 8, 2026 · 9:05
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What happens when someone misgenders your child and you freeze? In this Friday Reset: The Butterfly…
May 5, 2026 · 6:56
Are you an overwhelmed mom of a gay, lesbian, transgender, or queer teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and…
May 1, 2026 · 6:40
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. Have you ever handled a difficult conversation well and still couldn’t shake the feeling afterward? In…
Apr 28, 2026 · 11:51
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. Have you ever received a message that made your stomach drop, and left you unsure how to respond without…
Apr 24, 2026 · 8:17
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What if one small shift in how you respond to your child could change how safe they feel with you? After…
Apr 21, 2026 · 9:30
Are you an overwhelmed mom of a gay or lesbian teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build…
Apr 17, 2026 · 10:35
Join me on Substack What do you say in the moment your child tells you, “I think I’m gay, bi, or trans”… when everything inside you reacts? As a parent, you want to get it right;…
Apr 14, 2026 · 15:52
Join Me on Substack What if the moment your child comes out to you isn’t something to fear, but something sacred? When your child says, “I think I’m gay,” bi, or trans, it can…
Apr 10, 2026 · 9:01
Join Me on Substack What if the goal isn’t to “move on” from grief, but to carry it differently? Many of us feel pressure to be “over it” by now, to fix our pain, or to move…
Apr 7, 2026 · 14:48
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What does it actually look like to live with grief… without letting it take you down? In this final…
Apr 3, 2026 · 15:53
Are you an overwhelmed mom of a gay or lesbian teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build…
Mar 31, 2026 · 15:01
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. What happens when the grief you carry isn't about losing a person, but about losing the world you thought…
Mar 27, 2026 · 17:42
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Mar 24, 2026 · 21:48
Join me on Substack for more tools to stay human in a complicated world. Do you ever feel like you should be "past" your grief by now? Like there's some invisible finish line you…
Mar 22, 2026 · 9:01
SPECIAL EPISODE If you’ve ever wondered where you belong or longed for spaces where you can show up fully as yourself then this episode is for you. In this special Podcastathon…
Mar 20, 2026 · 14:54
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Mar 17, 2026 · 10:05
Get Your Coming Out Script Guide Are you an LGBTQ parent or ally who worries about saying the wrong thing when someone comes out as gay, trans, or questioning? When someone says,…
Mar 13, 2026 · 16:48
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Mar 10, 2026 · 16:37
Are you a parent of an LGBTQ child, noticing that something inside you is shifting even if you’re not ready to admit it yet? Parenting an LGBTQ child doesn’t just change your…
Mar 9, 2026 · 33:36
The biggest mistake LGBTQ parents and allies make when a child comes out isn’t what you think, and it can quietly damage trust if you don’t catch it early. So many loving parents…
Mar 6, 2026 · 12:36
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Mar 3, 2026 · 12:36
Get Your Ally Impact Checklist! Are you sure your LGBTQ allyship is creating real impact or just looking supportive on the surface? If you’ve ever bought Pride merch, shared a…
Feb 27, 2026 · 8:56
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Feb 26, 2026 · 44:54
SPECIAL GUEST EPISODE! Contact Nicole and learn more about Undead Voice Voice is more than sound. It’s identity. It’s safety. It’s confidence. It’s how we take up space in the…
Feb 24, 2026 · 12:18
Get the 60-Second Ally Response Kit! Have you ever said, “I treat everyone the same,” thinking it signaled love only to feel the room shift? In this episode, Heather Hester…
Feb 20, 2026 · 10:09
Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a…
Feb 17, 2026 · 12:36
Get your copy of Connected Without Forcing It! As a parent of an LGBTQ teen, are you constantly told that community is the answer? While community can be powerful, it’s not…
Feb 13, 2026 · 12:52
Download your free guide, From Panic to Plan Are you up at 2AM Googling everything about your LGBTQ teen and somehow feeling more panicked and alone? This episode is for parents…
Feb 10, 2026 · 7:35
Grab your copy of Permission to Feel here! Are you silently grieving the future you imagined for your child and feeling ashamed for having those feelings? In this episode, I…
Feb 6, 2026 · 15:09
Let's help you step out of the fixing trap and into a relationship where your child actually wants to come to you. Click Here Do you find yourself trying to “fix” everything for…
Feb 3, 2026 · 9:26
Click Here to Get Your Guide: Decode the Silence Is your teen unusually quiet, withdrawn, or different, and you’re wondering what’s really going on beneath the surface? For many…
Jan 30, 2026 · 18:27
Do you want relief from carrying all of this alone, someone who won't judge you for being human, and tools to process these feelings so they stop controlling you? Let's find out…
Jan 27, 2026 · 20:27
Take a breath and download this guide for a little extra "you're not alone" support! Does the start of a new year feel heavy instead of hopeful? Are you tired, overwhelmed, or…
Jan 23, 2026 · 10:38
Download a calming breath with the Panic to Plan Guide If you've ever thought, "They're too young to know," or hoped your child might “grow out of it,” this episode is a…
Jan 20, 2026 · 12:06
If you're an LGBTQ parent or ally feeling emotionally drained after the holidays, you're not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. This episode offers practical guidance…
Jan 16, 2026 · 11:30
Are you an overwhelmed parent of an LGBTQ+ teen? Click here to get the Panic to Plan Guide. If you’re an parent or ally of an LGBTQ+ kid who feels like the last few months or…
Jan 13, 2026 · 14:41
Have you been second-guessing yourself, polling others for answers, or feeling totally disconnected from your inner knowing? In this grounding and compassionate episode, Heather…
Jan 9, 2026 · 13:46
Are you an overwhelmed parent of an LGBTQ+ teen? Click here to get the Panic to Plan Guide. Are you smiling through meetings, school pick-ups, and family dinners while silently…
Jan 6, 2026 · 15:55
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…
Dec 31, 2025 · 15:23
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…
Dec 30, 2025 · 6:30
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…
Dec 29, 2025 · 5:21
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…
Dec 26, 2025 · 5:50
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…
Dec 25, 2025 · 6:34
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…
Dec 24, 2025 · 5:48
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…
Dec 23, 2025 · 5:40
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…
Dec 22, 2025 · 5:37
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…
Dec 19, 2025 · 6:04
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.…
Dec 18, 2025 · 5:52
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,…
Dec 17, 2025 · 6:29
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…
Dec 16, 2025 · 7:36
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…
Dec 15, 2025 · 6:27
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…
Dec 12, 2025 · 1:04:09
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…
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