Season 1
Overcoming Gender Inequity in Schools with Jason Ablin
Jan. 24, 2023
Gender disparity has always existed in the education system. As we become more aware of the inequity that happens between boys and girls, how does the construct of gender identity fall into this as well? It requires the abil…
Gender Fluid Panel: What Does it Mean to Be Non-Binary?
Jan. 10, 2023
Non-binary individuals have always existed, but as society progresses and discussions become more open, we are seeing more and more people identify with this. In this week’s episode, Heather put together a panel to discuss t…
Rainbow Stories: Creating Connections Through Shared Experiences
Dec. 28, 2022
Wherever you are in your journey, it is easy to succumb to the feeling that you are alone but we are here to tell you that you do not need to feel this way. Whatever is happening in your life, chances are that it happened in…
Animals and Mental Health: Uncovering the Beneficial Connection with Daniel Maigler
Dec. 13, 2022
Think about the things that we do automatically every single day to take care of your physical health. Now think of what you are doing to take care of your mental health. For most of us, it is much easier to identify the phy…
How To Support Your LGBTQIA+ Loved One During the Holidays
Nov. 29, 2022
The holidays are a time of magic, love, and connection. Unfortunately, the crisis in our lives doesn’t stop just because it is the holidays. Join Heather as she discusses all the ways to best support your LGBTQIA+ loved one …
Beyond Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders
Nov. 15, 2022
What are disordered eating and eating disorders? Today I am joined by Dr. Theresa Bussert and she gently shares with us the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, and the best ways to support a person who…
Bisexuality, DEI, & Strategic Intentionality
Nov. 1, 2022
Today I am joined by Victoria Pelletier and we have an enlightening conversation about bisexuality and DEI engagement. Victoria is a woman who lives out loud and is a pivotal advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in …
What Is Unconditional Love?
Oct. 18, 2022
What is unconditional love? The meaning of love has been debated throughout all of time. Today I am joined by the love expert Kim Sorrelle, and she helps us take a deep dive into all things love. After the loss of her husban…
Positive Masculinity with the Gender Sensei
Oct. 4, 2022
What is Positive Masculinity? Today I am joined by the gender sensei, Mac McGregor, and he opens the conversation about what toxic and positive masculinity is. Growing up in the bible belt of America, Mac knew that he just d…
Critical Therapy and How We Have the Tough Conversations in Therapy
Sept. 20, 2022
We often separate our political, socioeconomic, gender, and racial identities from our mental health. Today I am joined by Silvia M. Dutchevici, and she introduces us to the concept of Critical Therapy. Critical Therapy take…
The Trevor Project and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ People
Sept. 6, 2022
With September being suicide prevention month, it was imperative to have Kevin Wong on the podcast today. Kevin is the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, and he shares with us all the amazing resources …
The Digital World and Your Kids
Aug. 23, 2022
Sarah Maynard is here with me today to talk about the digital world and your kids. She lays out some of the “shoulds” and “should-not” of what your children are sharing online and highlights the important fact, that once it …
Bringing Curiosity to The Conversation
Aug. 9, 2022
I have been thinking about curiosity and in today’s solo episode, I share with you some of the provoking thoughts I have been having. Curiosity is a wonderful tool to use in conversations with others that helps remove judgme…
Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit To Reach Your Highest Potential with Jennifer Takagi
July 26, 2022
Jennifer Takagi is here to help women discover the power of their purpose. Through tapping into your truths, listening to your intuition, and trusting yourself, Jennifer can help you unlock your fullest potential. Her big me…
Your Message Can Change People’s Lives with Michelle Abraham
July 12, 2022
Michelle Abraham joins Heather in the virtual studio in this week’s episode. Michelle is an international speaker, podcast producer, and the category directory for kids and family in Podcast Magazine. Listen in as they dis…
How To Be a Good Ally
June 28, 2022
In this time of uncertainty, when rights are coming under threat, now more than ever it is time to become an ally. But what does it mean to be an ally? In this episode, Heather discusses the importance of being an advocate …
Building Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging into a Brand’s Core Values with Crystal Whiteaker
June 21, 2022
Crystal Whiteaker intrinsically understands the importance of inclusion. As a leadership development and DEIB consultant, she specializes in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about Div…
Being a Beacon of Authenticity for the Community and Allies Alike with Lisa Sugarman
June 14, 2022
“I think the real joy in life comes when you just meet the people who mean the most to you exactly where they are, and you embrace them for where they are.” - Lisa Sugarman Heather is joined by Lisa Sugarman, a mom, a parent…
“Whatever is Mentionable is Manageable” with Chris Tompkins
June 7, 2022
Heather is joined by author, therapist, and TEDx speaker, Chris Tompkins to discuss the impact of heteronormativity in today’s culture. Listen as they unpack the differences between queerphobia and homophobia, how the langu…
The Continuing Journey of Self-Discovery with Connor Hester
May 31, 2022
Connor helps Heather kick off Pride Month with a fun conversation that ranges in topics from an update on how he’s doing to his thoughts on rainbow capitalism. For newer listeners who do not know who Connor is, first of all,…
Unapologetically Me with Katie Miller
May 17, 2022
Creating a safe place for people to speak the truth, Katie Miller, the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society and host of Adulting Sucks podcast, is here to share her story of coming to live h…
Be You; Do You with Sam Castle
May 3, 2022
Overcoming adversity that led him to his life’s passion of being a life coach, Sam Castle is here to share his story about removing stigma, bias, and fear. Sam shares about his gender transformation, how life coaching chang…
Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions Create Your Outcome with Candy Motzek
April 17, 2022
To fully feel the human experience we have to be able to overcome the fears and feelings that we innately avoid. In today’s conversation, our guest, Candy Motzek discusses how we are so influenced by our thoughts and the fe…
Show the World Your True Self with Rick Clemons
April 5, 2022
Rick Clemons is a men's coming-out coach and a bold move strategist inspiring gay men to live life with no excuses, no fears, and no apologies. In today’s episode, Heather and Rick dive into the journey that is coming out, c…
Creating Freedom by Removing Labels with Julie Ann Salisbury and Vicente Asaro
March 22, 2022
People want to label everything. There is a perceived comfort in having something or someone identified with a label but it is not always healthy. Many today are moving past labels and want to be accepted for who they are n…
The Power of Being Present with Mia Moran
March 8, 2022
As a parent, and especially if you're a mom, you know the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for your children. But do you do it for yourself as well? Mia Moran of Plan Simple is joining Heather today t…
The Tao Te Ching Path to Self-Discovery with Jessie Kanzer
Feb. 22, 2022
Not many have the privilege of knowing who they are from the start. For most of us, life is a journey of reflection and self-discovery. Jessie Kanzer, actress and reporter turned author, joins us today to share her journey…
Talks that Save Lives with Jackie Simmons
Feb. 8, 2022
Jackie Simmons, the Director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society, joins Heather in this week’s episode. Jackie shares her story that drives her passion to make teen suicide a thing of the past. She also discusses the im…
The Importance of Inclusive Literature with Middle Grade Novelist, Greg Howard
Jan. 25, 2022
Heather is joined by Greg Howard, an author that writes novels aimed at middle-grade students. What is fantastic about Greg’s books is that he taps into stories about marginalized youth, specifically LGBTQ+. Listen as they…
A Dad's Perspective - A Conversation with Steve
Nov. 10, 2020
028 - This 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…
Struggling for 2020 Vision - An Interview with Kirsten Beverley-Waters
Oct. 27, 2020
027 - 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 p…
Depression Awareness 101 - An Interview with Maureen Kebo
Oct. 13, 2020
026 - 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 …
Understanding Transgender - An Interview with Susan Buss, LCSW
Sept. 29, 2020
025 - 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 soc…
Elephants to Elation: A recap
Sept. 15, 2020
024 - 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…
Connor Shares His Story - Part Three
Sept. 1, 2020
023 - Heather'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 present-day) with humor, vulnerability, and the ability to recount what happene…
Connor Shares His Story - Part Two
Aug. 18, 2020
022 - Heather'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 h…
Connor Shares His Story - Part One
Aug. 4, 2020
021 - Heather'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 ha…
What Are These Boundaries You Speak Of?! An Interview with Diane Becker Part Two
July 21, 2020
020 - 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 soc…
What Are These Boundaries You Speak Of?! An Interview with Diane Becker Part One
July 7, 2020
019 - In 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 pro…
Raising Hell - An Interview with Julie Ferwerda
June 23, 2020
018 - 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 existe…
Differently Wired - An Interview with Debbie Reber
June 9, 2020
017 - 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 b…
When It Feels Scary
May 26, 2020
016 - In this short but powerful episode, Heather talks about two feelings that almost every parent of an LGBTQ child/teen/young adult experience at some point or another - "when it feels scary" and "caring what others think…
015 - Soul Not Skin - An Interview with Jen Slumac
May 12, 2020
In 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 t…
Protect Your Energy!
April 28, 2020
014 - In 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 o…
Help Your Teen Manage Their Anxiety - An Interview with Dr. Melanie McNally
April 14, 2020
013 - 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 wi…
Faith Questions Answered Part 2- Interview with Susan Cottrell
March 31, 2020
012 - 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 regar…
Faith Questions Answered - Interview with Susan Cottrell
March 17, 2020
011 - 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 authenti…
Understanding the Mental Health of Your LGBTQ Teen
March 3, 2020
010 - In 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 …
Interview with Jay Reid - A Powerful Call to End Teen Suicide
Feb. 18, 2020
009 - 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…
Self Care - The Ultimate Plan for Taking Care of YOU!
Feb. 4, 2020
008 - In 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…