Episode 213

How to Lead, Parent, and Live with More Humanity and More Kindness

What if the most radical thing we can be right now is fully, imperfectly human and deeply, fiercely kind?

In this foundational episode of More Human, More Kind, host Heather Hester pulls back the curtain on the heart of the podcast and the movement behind it. Born out of advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth and expanded into a space for universal healing, this episode outlines the four pillars that guide every conversation: curiosity, compassion, courage, and connection.

Whether you're a parent raising brave kids, an LGBTQ+ ally, or simply someone navigating life in a divided, demanding world, this episode is both a gentle guide and a powerful call to action.

  • Learn the 4 foundational pillars of being more human and more kind and why they matter now more than ever
  • Hear how these principles can transform how you parent, lead, love, and heal
  • Understand why kindness is not weakness, and how to pair it with boundaries to build trust and courage
  • Receive real-life practices for choosing empathy, curiosity, and connection even in conflict or fear

In a world that rewards perfection and punishes vulnerability, kindness has become a revolutionary act. This episode reminds us that being human isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being real, present, and willing to keep showing up. Especially when it’s hard.

And for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, or anyone committed to true allyship, this is how we change the emotional climate one conversation, one breath, one brave act of empathy at a time.

This week’s kindness challenge:

Think of someone who's been a quiet, steady presence in your life, a friend, teacher, barista, coworker, and send them a note or voice memo that simply says:


“I notice the light you bring.”

Let it be simple. Let it be real. That’s how we start rewiring the world.

Ready to go deeper?

Visit MoreHumanMoreKind.com to explore private coaching, join Heather’s guided journaling series, or find resources to raise brave kids, show up as an ally, and stay grounded in your values even when the world feels hard.

Press play now and return to what’s most real: your humanity and the kindness that grows from it.

Resource Spotlight

Book: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown - exploring the language of compassion

Podcast: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos (Episode: “The Power of Tiny Connections”)

Book: Born to Be Good by Dacher Keltner — the science of compassion.

Study: Epley & Schroeder, “Mistakenly Seeking Solitude,” Journal of Experimental Psychology (2018).

Research: Barbara Fredrickson, “Love 2.0” (UNC, 2013) — the biology of micro-moments of connection.

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

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Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride.


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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.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.



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About the Podcast

Show artwork for More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally
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.