Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen
155 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 88 ratingsDo you have a child, teen, or young adult who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other beautiful sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you feel alone in your effort to support them on their journey or navigate your own? Heather Hester from Chrysalis Mama is here to transform the conversation around loving, raising, and empowering an LGBTQIA+ teenager as well as being a supportive ally to all LGBTQIA+ people. Since 2017, when her son embraced his sexual orientation as a young gay man, Heather and her family have felt every emotion, and have experienced dozens of situations ranging from heartwarming and humorous to terrifyingly life-threatening. She and her husband initially felt alone and overwhelmed, moving her to want to support others traveling a similar path. She discusses taboo topics and works to erase stigmas surrounding the coming out process and parenting an LGBTQIA+ teen. Heather's shows are both interview and solo offering a wide range of fascinating guests as well as her own episodes where she shares wisdom, stories, and strategies. Sitting in the top 2% of all podcasts, Just Breathe is relatable, educational, and warm. Heather's approach is based on four pillars - to Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love - and most of all, to reinforce to all LGBTQ people, their families, and their allies that they are not alone!
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Episodes
What Your Non-Binary Teen Wishes You Knew - An Interview with Rae McDaniel
March 30, 2021 18:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB037 - In this episode, Heather interviews Rae McDaniel, founder of the online coaching community, The Gender Fck Club (awesome resources here), as well as Practical Audacity, a gender and sex therapy practice in Chicago. They have been featured in The New York Times, Refinery29, and Women's Health. Rae ultimately believes that gender transitions can be an exciting time filled with exploration and self-discovery. They are on a mission to build a world where gender transitions are celebrate...
What Your Non-Binary Teen Wishes You Knew with Rae McDaniel
March 30, 2021 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode, Heather interviews Rae McDaniel, founder of the online coaching community, The Gender Fck Club (awesome resources here), as well as Practical Audacity, a gender and sex therapy practice in Chicago. They have been featured in The New York Times, Refinery29, and Women's Health. Rae ultimately believes that gender transitions can be an exciting time filled with exploration and self-discovery. They are on a mission to build a world where gender transitions are celebrated just...
A Substance Use Primer - An Interview with Richard Capriola
March 16, 2021 18:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB036 - In this episode, Heather interviews Richard Capriola, author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Richard has over two decades of experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. The book includes an explanation of how drugs work in the teen brain, warning signs every parent should know about, what assessments and tests are important for a diagnosis, and much more. This interview is a great primer for substance u...
A Substance Use Primer with Richard Capriola
March 16, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode, Heather interviews Richard Capriola, author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Richard has over two decades of experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. The book includes an explanation of how drugs work in the teen brain, warning signs every parent should know about, what assessments and tests are important for a diagnosis and much more. This interview is a great primer for substance use and ...
Tips for Responding to Non-Affirming or Unsupportive Family and Friends
March 07, 2021 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBHeather responds to a listener's question about how to handle someone who is non-affirming with a tip and an example-filled "101" episode. She discusses the importance of word choice, gives several general tips, and three detailed examples based on the listener's situation, how to respond to a Christian family member or friend, and how to handle those who are homophobic. Heather references three powerful resources: Queer Theology Nathanial Totten Green blog letter on PFLAG Connect wit...
Hard Days Suck
February 17, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBThis short episode packs a punch! Heather candidly shares some recent experiences and her thoughts on hard days, as well as the serendipitous discovery of an article by one of her favorite thought leaders, Brene Brown. HERE is a link to Ms. Brown's website and HERE is a link to one of her podcasts, Unlocking Us. Heather also shares a mini-lesson on self-compassion, using an incredible resource from Positive Psychology as a guide. HERE is a helpful daily checklist! Connect with Heather: ...
A Gay Man's Guide to Life - An Interview with Britt East
February 02, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MB033 - In this episode, Heather interviews author and speaker, Britt East. While Britt's book, "A Gay Man's Guide to Life," is written for gay men by a gay man - it is an engaging, informative read that really sheds light on understanding gay men for those of us who are raising one! Heather and Britt discuss societal homophobia, sustainable gay friendships, hook-up apps, and so much more! Britt offers meaningful advice for those of us who love and/or are raising LGBTQ kids: "When you ask '...
A Gay Man's Guide to Life with Britt East
February 02, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBIn this episode, Heather interviews author and speaker, Britt East. While Britt's book, "A Gay Man's Guide to Life," is written for gay men by a gay man - it is an engaging, informative read that really sheds light on understanding gay men for those of us who are raising one! Heather and Britt discuss societal homophobia, sustainable gay friendships, hook-up apps, and so much more! Britt offers meaningful advice for those of us who love and/or are raising LGBTQ kids: "When you ask 'What c...
Parenting an LGBTQ Teen - Buckle Your Seatbelt!
January 19, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode, Heather responds to a listener's request for more information on changes during the coming-out process. She approaches her answer from two angles: 1. reviewing the stages of the coming out process 2. sharing specific instances from her family's experience Connor and Steve weigh in as well with thoughtful responses from two very different perspectives. Connect with Heather: Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-bo...
The Daily Roller Coaster of Parenting an LGBTQ Teen
January 19, 2021 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB032 - In this episode, Heather responds to a listener's request for more information on changes during the coming out process. She approaches her answer from two angles: 1. reviewing the stages of the coming out process 2. sharing specific instances from her family's experience Connor and Steve weigh in as well with thoughtful responses from two very different perspectives. Click https://www.chrysalismama.com/stages-of-coming-out (HERE) for Heather's Coming Out Process Cheat Sheet! Heat...
How Do Hard Times Help Us Heal? An Interview with Kevin Nahai
January 05, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBIn this episode, Heather interviews life coach Kevin Nahai. Faced with extraordinary mental health and physical health challenges as a teen and young adult, Kevin tried many paths before digging into and healing the roots of his struggles. Through his journey, he created his own approach and methodology for whole-body wellness. He is now a coach for young adults working with them on: * self-esteem and confidence * body image * anxiety and depression * dating and relationships His quest...
How To Be A Good LGBTQ Ally
December 08, 2020 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode, Heather shares seven tips for being a good ally and why being a good ally to your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer loved one is so important. 1. Be a good listener 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but do your own research 3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable 4. Speak up 5. Support equality 6. Learn the language 7. Offer financial support if you are able Resources mentioned in the episode: GLSEN - www.glsen.org The Trevor Project - www.thetr...
The Transgender Experience: One Woman's Journey
November 24, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBHeather interviews Rochelle Pattison in this episode and it is packed with emotion, education, "a-ha" moments, and large doses of reality and love in equal measure! Rochelle shares her journey as a transgender woman with refreshing transparency. Her reflection on her life and the decisions that brought her to where she is now will not only increase your understanding but also make you want to cheer! "Time is limited. Seize the moments to be accepting while we have them and be open...and be ...
A Dad's Perspective - A Conversation with Steve
November 10, 2020 18:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBThis episode is Just Breathe's one-year anniversary episode! Heather's husband Steve joins her (finally!) to share his perspective of the past four years. He opens up with incredible vulnerability and offers meaningful wisdom and advice. Steve welcomes any questions and can be reached at [email protected]. Connect with Heather: Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book Di...
Struggling for 2020 Vision - An Interview with Kirsten Beverley-Waters
October 27, 2020 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB027 - In this episode, Heather chats with Kirsten Beverley-Waters about her new book, Struggle Guru. Kirsten is a fitness instructor, devoted yogi, personal growth champion and coach, and LGBTQ public speaker. The guiding principles she shares come from decades of personal experience as well as experience coaching others. You will love finding out how to access your struggle guru because if 2020 has taught us nothing else it is that we all struggle! You will also learn how to adjust your i...
Struggling for 2020 Vision with Kirsten Beverley-Waters
October 27, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBIn this episode, Heather chats with Kirsten Beverley-Waters about her new book, Struggle Guru. Kirsten is a fitness instructor, devoted yogi, personal growth champion and coach, and LGBTQ public speaker. The guiding principles she shares come from decades of personal experience as well as experience coaching others. You will love finding out how to access your struggle guru because if 2020 has taught us nothing else it is that we all struggle! You will also learn how to adjust your interna...
Depression Awareness 101 - An Interview with Maureen Kebo
October 13, 2020 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB026 - In this episode, Heather highlights Depression Awareness Month in an interview with Maureen Kebo. Maureen is a wellbeing therapist and is certified in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) which is a cutting-edge model for addressing attachment, relational, and developmental trauma. On a personal level, Maureen is extraordinarily special to Heather because she is her therapist of 5+ years. Maureen imparts her wisdom, shedding light on and offering a basic education on depression...
Depression Awareness 101 with Maureen Kebo
October 13, 2020 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBIn this episode, Heather highlights Depression Awareness Month in an interview with Maureen Kebo. Maureen is a well-being therapist and is certified in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) which is a cutting-edge model for addressing attachment, relational, and developmental trauma. On a personal level, Maureen is extraordinarily special to Heather because she is her therapist of 5+ years. Maureen imparts her wisdom, shedding light on and offering a basic education on depression espe...
Understanding Transgender - An Interview with Susan Buss, LCSW
September 29, 2020 18:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB025 - In this episode, Heather interviews LGBTQ+ activist Susan Buss, LCSW. Susan is the president of her private practice, Big Sky Consulting, Inc where she sees adolescents and adults. She has 35 years of experience in social work, working in community agencies as well as teaching at the Masters level. In addition to psychotherapy, Susan facilitates different workshops working with transgender people, focusing on healthy dating, and overcoming hoarding. She is the proud mom of a transgende...
Understanding Transgender with Susan Buss, LCSW
September 29, 2020 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Heather interviews LGBTQ+ activist Susan Buss, LCSW. Susan is the president of her private practice, Big Sky Consulting, Inc where she sees adolescents and adults. She has 35 years of experience in social work, working in community agencies as well as teaching at the Master's level. In addition to psychotherapy, Susan facilitates different workshops working with transgender people, focusing on healthy dating, and overcoming hoarding. She is the proud mom of a transgender chi...
Highs and Lows of Our Journey
September 15, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB024 - Heather's husband, Steve, was so blown away by Connor's three episodes that he suggested a recap episode to highlight the emotional journey and lessons learned from their perspective. They both also thought it would be great for all of the resources mentioned to live in one place. Heather shares: An in-depth look at specific moments during their journey Which decisions were fantastic and which were underwhelming at best Specific takeaways and thoughts to ponder A look into her sou...
Elephants to Elation: A recap
September 15, 2020 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB024 - Heather's husband, Steve, was so blown away by Connor's three episodes that he suggested a recap episode to highlight the emotional journey and lessons learned from their perspective. They both also thought it would be great for all of the resources mentioned to live in one place. Heather shares: An in-depth look at specific moments during their journey Which decisions were fantastic and which were underwhelming at best Specific takeaways and thoughts to ponder A look into her soul the...
Highs and Lows of Our Coming Out Journey
September 15, 2020 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.8 MBHeather's husband, Steve, was so blown away by Connor's three episodes that he suggested a recap episode to highlight the emotional journey and lessons learned from their perspective. They both also thought it would be great for all of the resources mentioned to live in one place. Heather shares: An in-depth look at specific moments during their journey Which decisions were fantastic and which were underwhelming at best Specific takeaways and thoughts to ponder A look into her soul the ...
Connor Shares His Story - Part Three
September 01, 2020 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBHeather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the third part of his story (taking us to the present day) with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Connor shares: His transition to his freshman year of college - life at NYU and in New York City The struggles and triumphs of his freshman year The positive AND negative coping strategies he experimented with as he continued...
Connor Shares His Story - Part Two
August 18, 2020 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBHeather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the second part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Connor shares: His transition back home after being away for 7 months The struggles and triumphs of his senior year of high school The positive AND negative coping strategies he experimented with as he continued his coming out journey His preparation to ...
Connor Shares His Story - Part One
August 04, 2020 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBHeather's son Connor has returned to the mic for a three-part series! In this episode, he shares the first part of his story with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happened then, why, and what he has learned since. Heather and Connor experimented with a new format in this episode which allowed Connor to share his thoughts and reflections with Heather responding toward the end of the episode. Connor shares: Who he was and how he felt in the years before he came out How ...
What Are These Boundaries You Speak Of?! An Interview with Diane Becker Part Two
July 21, 2020 17:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB020 - This episode is part two of Heather Hester's interview with Diane Becker. Diane is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years. The main topic of this two-part interview is the subject of boundaries - what are they? how do ...
What Are These Boundaries You Speak Of?! An Interview with Diane Becker Part One
July 07, 2020 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester interviews Diane Becker. She is a nationally certified juvenile treatment specialist, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed continuing education provider for social workers and professional counselors, and has been connecting with families and professionals for over 30 years. Diane and Heather have been friends for more than 15 years. The main topic of this two-part interview is the subject of boundaries - what are they? how do you set them? what do the...
Raising Hell - An Interview with Julie Ferwerda
June 23, 2020 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MB018 - In this episode, Heather interviews Julie Ferwerda, researcher and author of Raising Hell - Christianity's most controversial doctrine put under fire. This is an absolute must-hear if you've ever questioned the existence, possibility, or reality of Hell. As parents, allies, and advocates of LGBTQ kids, teens, and young adults, if we've been raised in any kind of religion, one of the first fearful thoughts that pop in our heads when our kids come out is - are they going to hell?? And ...
Raising Hell with Julie Ferwerda
June 23, 2020 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB018 - In this episode, Heather interviews Julie Ferwerda, researcher and author of Raising Hell - Christianity's most controversial doctrine put under fire. This is an absolute must-hear if you've ever questioned the existence, possibility, or reality of Hell. As parents, allies, and advocates of LGBTQ kids, teens, and young adults, if we've been raised in any kind of religion, one of the first fearful thoughts that pop into our heads when our kids come out is - are they going to hell?? An...
Differently Wired - An Interview with Debbie Reber
June 09, 2020 18:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MB017 - In this episode, Heather interviews Debbie Reber, NYTimes bestselling author of Differently Wired, and the creator of the Tilt Parenting Community and Tilt Parenting podcast. She is a speaker, mentor, educator, and book coach. Debbie has created 18 shifts, or what she calls tilts, to help parents navigate parenting a child who is differently wired. Although her parent audience differs in some ways from Heather's, the tilts work brilliantly whether you are parenting a child who has ADH...
Differently Wired with Debbie Reber
June 09, 2020 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB017 - In this episode, Heather interviews Debbie Reber, NYTimes bestselling author of Differently Wired, and the creator of the Tilt Parenting Community and Tilt Parenting podcast. She is a speaker, mentor, educator, and book coach. Debbie has created 18 shifts, or what she calls tilts, to help parents navigate parenting a child who is differently wired. Although her parent audience differs in some ways from Heather's, the tilts work brilliantly whether you are parenting a child who has ADH...
Just Breathe Podcast Trailer
June 05, 2020 01:00 - 4 minutes - 3.14 MBSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HeatherHester) Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order Parenting with Pride Now: https://chrysalismama.com/book Get your Free "Pronouns Made Simple" download now: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/optin
When It Feels Scary
May 26, 2020 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBIn this short but powerful episode, Heather talks about two feelings that almost every parent of an LGBTQ child/teen/young adult experiences at some point or another - "when it feels scary" and "caring what others think." She shares personal experience and wisdom that has helped her family and her over the past three years. As always, I would be grateful for ratings and reviews so I can reach even more people who need to know that they are not alone! Connect with Heather: Solutions lis...
015 - Soul Not Skin - An Interview with Jen Slumac
May 12, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester interviews Jen Slumac, author of Soul Not Skin. She is a mentor, educator, performer, and producer, and is known as a hope dealer. "...care about ourselves, cherish ourselves, and learn how to honor other people's journey..." Jen is in long term recovery from alcoholism, a coping mechanism she used to survive as a queer woman in a world that told her she didn't belong. Her captivating storytelling exudes, as well as inspires, courage. Jen's website is fill...
015 - Soul Not Skin with Jen Slumac
May 12, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester interviews Jen Slumac, author of Soul Not Skin. She is a mentor, educator, performer, and producer, and is known as a hope dealer. "...care about ourselves, cherish ourselves, and learn how to honor other people's journey..." Jen is in long-term recovery from alcoholism, a coping mechanism she used to survive as a queer woman in a world that told her she didn't belong. Her captivating storytelling exudes, as well as inspires, courage. Jen's website is fill...
Protect Your Energy!
April 28, 2020 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester returns to basics and discusses ways to protect your energy no matter what may be going on around you - a pandemic, a crisis with your child, or just the usual day-to-day ups and downs of raising teenagers! Heather first looks at identifying the different ways your energy gets sapped, and then details tips and tools for strengthening your reserves and protecting them. This resource lists five tools to help you "fill your cup" and keep it full. This article...
Help Your Teen Manage Their Anxiety - An Interview with Dr. Melanie McNally
April 14, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB013 - Heather Hester interviews clinical psychologist Melanie McNally in this episode which is loaded with great tools and unique approaches to helping your teen or young adult manage their anxiety. In addition to working with adolescents face-to-face, Dr. McNally utilizes a unique online platform of her creation called Destination YOU. Check it out HERE! She is also the author of a coming of age novel, Counting Dragonflies, that beautifully weaves family and mental health struggles and t...
Help Your Teen Manage Their Anxiety with Dr. Melanie McNally
April 14, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBHeather Hester interviews clinical psychologist Melanie McNally in this episode which is loaded with great tools and unique approaches to helping your teen or young adult manage their anxiety. In addition to working with adolescents face-to-face, Dr. McNally utilizes a unique online platform of her creation called Destination YOU. Check it out HERE! She is also the author of a coming of age novel, Counting Dragonflies, that beautifully weaves family and mental health struggles and triumph...
Faith Questions Answered Part 2- Interview with Susan Cottrell
March 31, 2020 17:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB012 - This episode is the conclusion of Heather Hester's interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org. More incredible information is waiting for you! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people. Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the links mentioned in the show: www.freedhearts.org Tedx Talk I would be so grateful if you would subscribe to, rate...
Faith Questions Answered Part 2 with Susan Cottrell
March 31, 2020 16:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBThis episode is the conclusion of Heather Hester's interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org. More incredible information is waiting for you! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people. Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the links mentioned in the show: www.freedhearts.org Tedx Talk I would be so grateful if you would subscribe to, rate and r...
Faith Questions Answered - Interview with Susan Cottrell
March 17, 2020 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB011 - In this episode, Heather Hester shares an insightful interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org, mother of 5 (2 of whom are queer), advocate, and beautiful human being. Susan shares stories with authenticity and depth of knowledge that makes you want to learn more! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people. Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here a...
Faith Questions Answered with Susan Cottrell
March 17, 2020 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester shares an insightful interview with Susan Cottrell, founder of Freedhearts.org, mother of 5 (2 of whom are queer), advocate, and beautiful human being. Susan shares stories with authenticity and depth of knowledge that makes you want to learn more! Susan's message crosses all faiths, as every one of us regardless of church or cultural tradition has received messaging in our lives about LGBTQ people. Listen in with an open mind and open heart! Here are the ...
Understanding the Mental Health of Your LGBTQ Teen
March 03, 2020 17:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode of Just Breathe, Heather Hester discusses mental health specific to our LGBTQ kids starting with some tough questions: 1. Why are depression and anxiety increasing in our kids when overall awareness is also increasing? 2. What are the underlying potential causes that ALL youth have in common? 3. What shifts are needed across the board ie. family/school/professionals? Heather takes a look at the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as statistics specific to...
A Powerful Call to End Teen Suicide: An Interview with Jay Reid
February 18, 2020 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB009 - In this episode, Heather Hester shares a powerful interview with Jay Reid, a successful businessman, author, and devoted husband and father who lost his youngest child to suicide in March of 2018. His authenticity, his story, and his mission will move you talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide. While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please know there is very valuable information here. My next episode will focus specifically on the...
Interview with Jay Reid - A Powerful Call to End Teen Suicide
February 18, 2020 17:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB009 - In this episode, Heather Hester shares a powerful interview with Jay Reid, a successful businessman, author, and devoted husband and father who lost his youngest child to suicide in March of 2018. His authenticity, his story, and his mission will move you talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide. While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please know there is very valuable information here. My next episode will focus specifically on the ...
A Powerful Call to End Teen Suicide with Jay Reid
February 18, 2020 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester shares a powerful interview with Jay Reid, a successful businessman, author, and devoted husband and father who lost his youngest child to suicide in March of 2018. His authenticity, his story, and his mission will move you to talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide. While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please know there is very valuable information here. My next episode will focus specifically on the di...
Self Care - The Ultimate Plan for Taking Care of YOU!
February 04, 2020 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode, Heather Hester discusses the importance of self-care. While massages, mani/pedis, time with friends, and exercise are all beautiful self-care strategies, Heather uses this episode to dive deep into the "whys" and "hows" of a well-rounded self-care plan. She talks about aligning the following areas: * Physical Health * Fitness * Relationships * Career * Finances * Mental Health * Spirituality Self-care is important for everyone but can be especially valuable during di...
Hey Parents, This is What Your Teen Wants You to Know!
January 21, 2020 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBIn episode 7 Connor Hester joins his mom, Heather, for a lively and informative discussion about the different topics parents should and should discuss with their LGBTQ teen. Filled with personal stories, tips, humor, and very direct thoughts from Connor, this episode is both delightful and one you don't want to miss! Connect with Heather: Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book ...
Finding a Support System that Works!
January 07, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBIn episode 6 Heather Hester discusses the different types of support available and how to find what is right for you, the parent. Loving and raising an LGBTQ teen is hard; allow yourself to be supported. Filled with personal stories, educational information and tools, and mental shifts, Heather encourages listeners to be vulnerable, explore their options, and allow themselves to be supported. She looks specifically at Faith/Spirituality, Family, Friends, and Professional Support options ...