Episodes

Aug. 27, 2024

Gen Z Shares Hope and Skepticism for the Future

Summary In this conversation, Heather Hester interviews three college students, Luke, Lars, and Grace, about their perspectives on current events and the upcoming election. They discuss where they get their news, how they di…
Aug. 13, 2024

Navigating Educational Consulting and Mental Health Advocacy with Jodi Liston

In this episode, Heather and Jodi Liston discuss her journey and extensive experience in educational and clinical consulting. She talks about her motivation, originating from her personal quest to find appropriate mental hea…
July 30, 2024

Community, Education, and Empowerment: A Talk with The Point Foundation's Jorge Valencia

In this episode of Just Breathe, I welcome Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation. Jorge shares his journey from being raised in a Mormon family in Texas to leading prominent LGBTQ+ organizations like…
July 16, 2024

Passing the Torch of LGBTQ+ Resilience with Eric Marcus

Join us as we welcome Eric Marcus, an acclaimed author and LGBTQ+ historian, who brings his deeply personal coming out story to the forefront. Together, we explore the emotional landscape of acceptance within families and th…
July 2, 2024

The World Needs You Well: Unlocking Nervous System Health with Kelly Lubeck

Join us in this enlightening episode of Just Breathe as we navigate the intricacies of the human nervous system and its profound impact on our overall well-being. I'm thrilled to introduce Kelly Luback, an expert in nervous …
June 18, 2024

How to Be a Good Ally (Encore)

What truly makes someone a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community? Join me in this heartfelt episode as I unpack the essence of allyship, especially during Pride Month. With insight from my daughter while preparing for this ep…
June 4, 2024

The History of Pride (Encore)

In this encore episode from 2021, Heather shares an overview of Pride history, including the Stonewall Riots, why the pink triangle is a global symbol, and how the rainbow flag became the symbol for LGBTQ+ pride. She begins …
May 21, 2024

The Future Perfect Project: Empowerment and Belonging in the LGBTQ+ Youth Community

With the compassionate insights of Celeste Lecesne from the Future Perfect Project and the vibrant duo, Lily and Eric, from the "I'm Feeling Queer Today" podcast, in today's episodes we are going to discuss the resonating im…
May 7, 2024

Looking Back, Moving Forward: The Growth of Queer Identity and Family Ties

Join me as I welcome back Connor and Gray to share an intimate look at the emotions and gratitude surrounding my book's journey, a heartfelt narrative that's been a labor of love and vulnerability. We discuss the mix of pani…
April 23, 2024

Unveiling the Heart Behind 'Parenting with Pride'

Ready to transform the way you parent your LGBTQ child with pride and understanding? "Parenting with Pride" isn't just a book; it's a journey of evolution, a guide filled with heartfelt stories, robust research, and strategi…
April 9, 2024

Celebrating Diversity, Advocacy, and Hope in Leadership with Dean Nelson

Embark on an enlightening exploration with Dean Nelson, LGBTQ pioneer and Whistler Pride and Ski Festival founder, as we dissect the critical need for compassionate leadership. In our heartfelt conversation, we delve into th…
March 26, 2024

Cultivating Diversity and Empowerment in Children's Books with Michael Tyler

Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with the extraordinary Michael Tyler, the man behind the message of acceptance and self-love in the acclaimed "Girls of the World Doing More Than Ever Before." Michael, alongside his co-…
March 12, 2024

Navigating the Digital Maze for LGBTQ+ Parental Guidance

Have you ever felt adrift in the murky waters of the internet, trying to fish out the facts you truly need? Today's episode is a beacon for LGBTQ+ parents seeking guidance in distinguishing the credible from the questionable…
Feb. 27, 2024

Unconditional Love and the Voyage Beyond Gender Norms with shawndeez, Ph.D.

Discover the power of love and acceptance as I am joined by the insightful shawndeez, Ph.D., to explore the journey of parenting LGBTQ children. Through our conversation, we unearth the intricacies of identity, acceptance, a…
Feb. 13, 2024

The Art of Communicating Love: What is Your Love Language?

Join me as we explore the rich tapestry of love languages and how they shape our connections with those we hold dear, particularly when parenting LGBTQ teens. In this heartfelt conversation, we unravel the intricacies of Gar…
Jan. 30, 2024

Parenting with Pride

This episode is a celebration of our shared path, offering a compassionate embrace to every parent and guardian out there walking this road. Looking back at where we started and where we are now, we have peeled back the core…
Jan. 16, 2024

Beyond Binary: Embracing Fluidity in Family and Identity with Trystan Reese

Join us as we warmly welcome back Trystan Reese, Author, Storyteller, Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator; back to the podcast, where we explore the rich and complex tapestry of transgender parenting. We engage in a heartfel…
Jan. 2, 2024

Promoting Acceptance: An Allyship Guide for 2024

Let's kick off 2024 by committing to be better allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Guaranteeing an enriching conversation, I will delve into what it means to be an ally and how we can actively show our solidarity. I share person…
Dec. 19, 2023

Surviving (and Thriving!) During the Holidays! (Encore)

Holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, but what happens when they turn into a period of crisis? We’ve all been there, and know firsthand how tough it can be. Join me as I share my personal experiences and effectiv…
Dec. 5, 2023

When Your LGBTQIA+ Loved One Faces Non-Affirming Folks During the Holidays (Encore)

The holidays are a time of magic, love, and connection. Unfortunately, the crises in our lives don’t stop just because it is the holidays. This episode is all about equipping you with the tools and language needed to gracefu…
Nov. 21, 2023

A Legacy of Unconditional Love

As we celebrate the fourth glorious year of Just Breathe, I can't help but look back on our remarkable journey. Our endeavor to support families, friends, allies, and LGBTQ individuals themselves has grown into a thriving bu…
Nov. 9, 2023

Beyond Shadows and Shame: Embracing Self-Love with Michael Mammina

Have you ever felt lost in your own skin, or like a puzzle piece that doesn't fit? Feel the weight lift as you join us in a poignant conversation with Michael Mammina, a master life coach who has navigated his way through th…
Oct. 24, 2023

Empowering at Risk Youth: A Deep Dive into Self-Defense, Confidence-Building, and Youth Empowerment with Suzanne Jean

Picture your child standing tall, brimming with confidence and equipped with the tools to deftly handle bullying. That's the promise that my guest, Suzanne Jean, delivers on in our insightful conversation today. Suzanne, a p…
Oct. 10, 2023

Breaking Paradigms and Navigating Life with Breath Work with Jennifer Murray

What if you could harness the power of breath to live a more present, intentional, and authentic life? Join me as I engage in a transformative conversation with Jennifer (Jen) Murray, the founder of the High Vibe Healing Co…