Episodes

Nov. 19, 2024

Learning to Parent with Pride: Empowering Conversations for Uncertain Times

A powerful narrative unfolds as Heather delves into the emotional landscape of recent weeks, describing it as a time of turmoil and uncertainty. The podcast opens with a sincere inquiry into listeners' well-being, setting a …
Nov. 5, 2024

Breaking Free: One Woman's Path to Authenticity and Love

Join me for a heartfelt conversation that explores the journey of self-discovery and deconstruction of beliefs. My guest, Britt Sandoval, shares their transformative experiences, from navigating the challenges of parenting t…
Oct. 22, 2024

Celebrating 5 Years of Just Breathe: Self-Care Tips for Election Season

The latest installment of the podcast welcomes listeners to celebrate a monumental occasion: the fifth birthday of 'Just Breathe.' Heather expresses immense gratitude for the community that has rallied behind the podcast, pa…
Oct. 8, 2024

Finding Calm in Chaos: Strategies for Nervous System Regulation with Kelly Lubeck

This conversation between Heather and Kelly offers a rich exploration of how our nervous systems respond to both personal and collective challenges. Kelly's insights into the biological underpinnings of stress responses illu…
Sept. 24, 2024

Hope and Action: Conversations on Preventing Teen Suicide

Understanding Teen Suicide and Mental Health: Insights, Strategies, and Support In honor of September's Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this episode compiles powerful and actionable insights on suicide prevention, featur…
Sept. 11, 2024

Accepting and Protecting Our Transgender Community

Summary The ACLU and Human Rights Commission are reporting a record number of anti-trans bills proposed in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, with almost 600 in 2024 alone. Combined with an increase in report…
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…