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, particularly highlighting her recent recognition as the winner of the Women in Podcasting award for Best LGBTQ Podcast. The episode is infused with a sense of urgency as it approaches a critical election cycle, prompting a heartfelt reflection on the current political climate. Heather candidly shares her exhaustion from a tumultuous news cycle and the divisive atmosphere gripping the nation, articulating the stark contrasts between candidates. Through this lens, she emphasizes the importance of voting for those who advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ individuals. The podcast shifts gears to focus on self-care amidst the chaos of political engagement. She offers ten practical suggestions, ranging from listening to calming podcasts to engaging in laughter, physical activity, and journaling, all aimed at fostering emotional wellness during tumultuous times. The conversation culminates in a gentle reminder to prioritize mental health while actively participating in the democratic process, reinforcing that one can fight for justice without sacrificing their well-being.

Takeaways:

• Self-care is essential during stressful times like election cycles, prioritize your well-being.
• Avoid obsessively checking polls as they can create unnecessary anxiety and confusion.
• Incorporate laughter into your daily routine as it significantly boosts your mood and health.
• Engage in physical activities outdoors to connect with nature and reduce stress levels.
• Make a concrete plan for voting that fits your preferences and stick to it.
• Journaling can provide clarity and help process overwhelming thoughts and emotions effectively.

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

The latest installment of the podcast welcomes listeners to celebrate a monumental occasion: the fifth birthday of 'Just Breathe.' The host expresses immense gratitude for the community that has rallied behind the podcast, particularly highlighting her recent recognition as the winner of the Women in Podcasting award for Best LGBTQ Podcast. The episode is infused with a sense of urgency as it approaches a critical election cycle, prompting a heartfelt reflection on the current political climate. The host candidly shares her exhaustion from a tumultuous news cycle and the divisive atmosphere gripping the nation, articulating the stark contrasts between candidates. Through this lens, she emphasizes the importance of voting for those who advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ individuals. The podcast shifts gears to focus on self-care amidst the chaos of political engagement. She offers ten practical suggestions, ranging from listening to calming podcasts to engaging in laughter, physical activity, and journaling, all aimed at fostering emotional wellness during tumultuous times. The conversation culminates in a gentle reminder to prioritize mental health while actively participating in the democratic process, reinforcing that one can fight for justice without sacrificing their well-being.

Takeaways:

• Self-care is essential during stressful times like election cycles, prioritize your well-being.
• Avoid obsessively checking polls as they can create unnecessary anxiety and confusion.
• Incorporate laughter into your daily routine as it significantly boosts your mood and health.
• Engage in physical activities outdoors to connect with nature and reduce stress levels.
• Make a concrete plan for voting that fits your preferences and stick to it.
• Journaling can provide clarity and help process overwhelming thoughts and emotions effectively.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health, safety, and a human first approach, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.

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