Episode 168

Curiosity Over Judgment – The Parenting Shift That Changes Everything

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

Description:

In this first episode of our special Pride Month series, Heather Hester shares one of the most transformative lessons she’s learned while parenting and advocating for her LGBTQ+ children: choosing curiosity over judgment. With honesty, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, Heather explores how our initial reactions shape everything—and how curiosity becomes one of the most loving tools we can offer. Whether you're a parent, an ally, or simply someone who wants to show up more human and more kind, this episode is for you.

You’ll also hear the first installment of our Listener Queer-ies segment: Why we celebrate Pride—and why there’s no such need for “straight pride.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why curiosity is an active expression of unconditional love
  • How judgment often shows up in subtle, well-meaning ways
  • The powerful impact of your response when your child comes out
  • How to model growth, grace, and presence—especially when it’s hard
  • A deeper understanding of Pride’s history and purpose

Listener Queer-y of the Week:

"What is Pride—and why isn’t there a straight pride?"

✨ Bonus:

Take the free quiz to discover your Ally Superpower!

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Find out what kind of Ally you are!

Connect with Heather:

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's Substack and Mid Week Breath weekly newsletter

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe to, rate, and review!

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

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Email: heather@heatherhester.net

This show 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 and safety, 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.



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

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More Human. More Kind.
Real conversations about connection, compassion, and what it means to be human with Heather Hester - author, speaker, and LGBTQ advocate.

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About your host

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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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