Episode 9

A Powerful Call to End Teen Suicide with Jay Reid

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 story, and his mission will move you to talk to your kids and join his efforts to end teen suicide.

While this episode is a must-hear for all parents; parents of LGBTQ youth please know there is very valuable information here. My next episode will focus specifically on the different mental health issues our LGBTQ kids struggle with and how we can best support them.

Here are the links mentioned in the show:

www.chooselife.org

Tedx Talk

The Trevor Project is an incredible resource for ending LBGTQ suicide. Check them out here: Trevor Project 

I would be so grateful if you would subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

Support Heather's Work: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy
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About the Podcast

Show artwork for More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence
More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence
Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence

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About your host

Profile picture for Heather Hester

Heather Hester

She’s a butterfly in motion—transforming spaces, stories, and hearts. Heather Hester is a rare blend of fierce advocate and gentle guide, using her voice to build bridges across divides. As the host of *More Human. More Kind.*, author of *Parenting with Pride*, and founder of Chrysalis Mama, Heather doesn’t just speak about love, allyship, and authenticity—she *embodies* them.

Her superpower? Turning complex, messy truths into clear, compassionate conversations that leave you feeling empowered, curious, and just a little more human. From Substack to podcast, workshop to stage, she creates spaces where healing is possible, voices are heard, and no one stands alone.

Whether she’s amplifying marginalized stories, coaching parents through life’s pivots, or unpacking the First Amendment with a side of soul, Heather leads with purpose and heart. She’s not here for surface-level support—she’s here to change how we show up for each other.

Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and mom to four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini Bernedoodle, Heather is all about showing up with humor, humility, and heart. You can almost always find her with a cup of coffee in hand—at her computer, on her yoga mat, or dancing in the kitchen to her favorite playlist. She believes in being fully human, embracing the messiness, and helping others do the same.

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