Season 1

March 7, 2025

Beyond the Breath: Exploring the Nuances of Judgment and Discernment

The central theme of today's discourse revolves around the critical distinction between judgment and discernment, concepts that frequently become conflated yet possess markedly different ramifications on our interpersonal eng...
March 4, 2025

The Art of Authenticity in College Essays: A Conversation with Dyllen Nellis

This podcast episode delves into the nuanced realm of college admissions, emphasizing the vital importance of authenticity in the application process. We engage in a profound discussion with Dyllen Nellis, a distinguished col...
Feb. 28, 2025

Beyond the Breath: Accountability Matters

Accountability is the central theme of this discourse, as I delve into its profound significance in our personal and societal spheres. We explore the imperative of being accountable not only to ourselves but also to one anoth...
Feb. 21, 2025

Beyond the Breath: A Reflection on Modern Discourse

This podcast episode delves into the pressing concerns surrounding nationalism and its implications for democracy in contemporary society. I reflect on two poignant speeches that resonate with the current political climate, e...
Feb. 20, 2025

Empowering Trans Voices: A Discussion with Leading Counselor, Alexander Stefanini

The chaotic and often nonsensical nature of contemporary information necessitates a more nuanced discourse surrounding the experiences of marginalized communities, particularly the trans and queer individuals. In this episode...
Feb. 14, 2025

Beyond the Breath: Real Conversations Addressing LGBTQ Issues in Today's Society

This is the first episode of Beyond the Breath, a weekly supplement to Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen, and a more casual look at current events. This episode delves into the pressing issues currently affecting the LG...
Feb. 4, 2025

You Are Not Alone: Validating Our Shared Experiences of Heaviness

The thematic exploration within this podcast episode revolves around the acute emotional burdens that many individuals are currently enduring in response to the tumultuous sociopolitical climate. Heather articulates a pervasi...
Jan. 22, 2025

From Awareness to Action: Supporting LGBTQ Individuals with Eating Disorders

The episode begins with Heather reflecting on the intersection of politics and the LGBTQ community in the current socio-political climate, particularly following significant events that threaten LGBTQ rights. She introduces K...
Jan. 9, 2025

Your Guide to a Supported and Connected 2025

The podcast opens with a warm welcome to listeners as we step into the new year of 2025. Heather Hester emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to breathe and reflect on the past year, inviting everyone to slow down and ...
Dec. 3, 2024

Uplifting Women: The Power of Community and Vulnerability

This episode delves into the importance of self-care amidst the chaos of modern life. Heather emphasizes the need to step back from overwhelming news cycles and political unrest, urging listeners to focus on personal rejuvena...
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 t...
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 th...
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, par...
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 illum...
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, featuri...
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 reporte...
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 dis...
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 heal...
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 the...
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 s...
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 eps...
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 w...
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 imp...