Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

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Latest Episodes:

Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit To Reach Your Highest Potential with Jennifer Takagi Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

This podcast episode centers on the transformative journey of Jennifer, who imparts wisdom on harnessing the power of intuition and personal purpose. We explore her evolution from a federal government employee to a soul care coach, adept at accessing Akashic Records and employing energy healing techniques. Jennifer's narrative is underscored by her profound experiences that illustrate the intricate connection between emotional healing and physical well-being. Throughout our discussion, we delve into practical strategies that individuals can implement to navigate personal challenges, particularly in the realms of stress, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to one's inner voice and recognizing the guidance that resides within, reinforcing the notion that we possess the tools necessary for our own healing and growth.

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 message is to start paying attention to those intuitive hits we get, as they are messages guiding you to your purpose.

Join Heather and Jennifer as they cover how Jennifer got started on this path of helping heal others' energetic blocks, how to pay attention to your intuition, and how to heal your mind, body, and soul to reach your highest potential.

Do not miss these highlights:

03:37 - Snapshot into Jennifer’s life and what got her to where she is now.

06:53 – Paying attention to the signs and intuition hits.

09:23 – Whatever your belief system on receiving messages is, listen to them.

11:47 – Leadership Development Training and Spiritual Intuitive.

13:12 – Learning akashic records.

19:00 – Talking about skeptics.

23:09 – “The future of medicine is in frequencies”-Albert Einstein

30:00 – Asking your subconscious if body or emotion codes could work

33:31 – Listening to your intuition. You have more guidance within you than you give yourself credit for.

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

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

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

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

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

YouTube

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Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

About our Guest:

Jennifer Takagi is the founder of Takagi Consulting. She is a 3X time Amazon.Com Best Selling-Author, Certified Jack Canfield Success Principle Trainer, Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and Facilitator of the DISC Behavioral Profiles, Certified Change Style Indicator Facilitator and Certified Coaching Specialist - leadership entrepreneur, speaker, and trainer.

She is helping women discover the power of their purpose by tapping into their truths, honing their intuition, and trusting themselves so they can have the clarity and confidence to create the next level of success they desire. Jennifer believes that when a woman allows her soul to lead, she’ll stop struggling and find the fun, fulfillment, and financial growth she craves.

Website: https://www.takagiconsulting.com/

Book an appointment with Jennifer now!! https://heatherhester--takagiconsultingcom.thrivecart.com/loving-who-you-love/

Takeaways:

This podcast adeptly transforms the discourse surrounding the nurturing and acceptance of LGBTQ youth.
The host, Heather Hester, employs a conversational style that fosters a sense of community and comfort.
Listeners are assured that they are not alone in their current experiences with LGBTQ parenting.
The episode highlights the importance of intuition and personal truth in achieving clarity in parenting.
Guest Jennifer discusses her journey and the significance of spiritual guidance in personal development.
The conversation emphasizes that emotional and spiritual healing can profoundly impact physical well-being.

Your Message Can Change People’s Lives with Michelle Abraham Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

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 discuss Michelle's foray into the podcasting industry, the lessons she has learned, and still learning, as a parent, and the importance of getting your message out into the world before it is too late to do so.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:47 - How parenting led her to discover podcasts and her drive to inspire others to get their voice out there.

07:01 - The organic evolution that started her to assist others in developing their podcasts

11:54 - You don’t need to be an expert in what you are podcasting about, but a curator of content.

16:00 - Live a life that you are happy with and on your terms

19:51 - Treat your child like a human being. Say things, express things, the way you would want to see things expressed to you. Don’t be afraid to ask your kids for their input on how you can be a better human being.

24:47 - Find comfortable places to have conversations and don’t expect boys to make eye contact when talking to you.

30:05 - Michelle’s inspiration of making sure you get your message out before you are no longer able to.

Work 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!

About our Guest:

Michelle Abraham - Podcast Producer, Host and International Speaker.

Michelle was speaking on stages about podcasting before most people knew what they were, she started a Vancouver based Podcasting Group in 2012 and has learned the ins and outs of the industry. Michelle helped create and launched over 30 Podcasts in 2018 and has gone on to launch over 200 shows in the last few years, She wants to launch YOURS in 2022!

14 years as an Entrepreneur and 8 years as a Mom has led her to a lifestyle shift, spending more time with family while running location independent online digital marketing business for the last 9 years. Michelle and her family have been living completely off the grid lakeside boat access for the last 4 years!

Check Us Out on:

Join our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyPodcastCoach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMPLIFYOU.ca/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAmplif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifyou.ca/

To Join our FREE Podcasters Tool Kit: https://bit.ly/PodcastToolKit

For More Podcast Training - http://amplifyounetwork.com/

AmplifYou Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/amplifyou/id1457094134

Blissful Parenting Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-blissful-parenting-podcast/id1475286359

How To Be a Good Ally Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

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 and an ally for the LGBTQIA community and people. Uncover the eight ways that anyone can be a good ally.

Do not miss these highlights:

03:15 - What does it mean to be an ally?

05:27 - Heather defines being an ally for the LGBTQIA community

08:29 - An ally is not an identity it is a label.

11:10 - Being a good listener is more than being present for the conversation.

15:01 - It is great to be curious and ask questions however be respectful.

16:27 - Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it is part of the learning process. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

19:30 - Speak up whether in person or online. Show your solidarity.

24:30 - Beware of Rainbow Capitalism and seek out to support companies that truly support the community.

27:50 - Learn the language, what they mean and how to use them appropriately.

31:06 - Common questions you may get as an ally and a few suggestions on the ways you can answer them.

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

Building Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging into a Brand’s Core Values with Crystal Whiteaker Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

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 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Join Heather and Crystal as they talk about Crystal’s motivation to reaffirm a brand's core values, create a “Brave Space” within yourself, and create a positive, nourishing, nurturing, and healing connection with people.

Do not miss these highlights:

03:32 - Helping leaders get rooted in their core values so that they can create a clear, streamlined message and experience within their business

08:33 - Becoming aware of the beliefs you hold and whether they are truly yours or if they are ‘absorbed’ from others

13:08 - Using trauma-informed training in order to create not just a safe space but also a “brave space”

18:07 - Dealing with the sensitive nature of discussing parenting skills with others

23:19 - Formulating your message by getting very clear on your role and values whether for business, parenting or anything else in life

32:03 - The value of listening to your children and having love and compassion for them can change the world for them when faced with adversity

Resources Mentioned

Free Guides

Core Values Guide

Inclusive Brand Statement Guide

Speaking Guide

Personal Philosophy Statement Guide

Introductory Offers

Core Values Challenge

Empowered Environments Workbook (Guided Workbook for Inclusive Leaders)

Inclusive Masterclasses

Work 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!

About our Guest:

Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Leadership Development and DEIB* Consultant specializing in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When she's not working, Crystal enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with people, and exploring new places.

Fun fact: Crystal LOVES animals and will stop to show them affection any chance she gets. She is that person who will always ask to pet your fur-baby.

When you choose to work with Crystal Lily Creative, you’re helping to support organizations that provide resources for women and the LGBTQ+ community, as a portion of profits and services are donated annually.

(*DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)

Connect with Crystal

Crystal Lily Creative

Instagram

LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn business page

A Beacon of Authenticity for the Community and Allies Alike with Lisa Sugarman Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

“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 parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host. Join them as they discuss Lisa’s journey of discovering her authentic self, her work with The Trevor Project, and her upcoming book to help encourage others to connect and share their own stories with others so that healing can begin.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:37 - The two pivotal moments that lead Lisa to live her best life and to her own sexuality; her father’s suicide and the coming out of her daughter

13:40 - Having raised her kids to celebrate who they were, she took her own advice to celebrate who she was

15:00 - Increasing representation by being both an ally and a member of the LGBTQ+ community

18:21 - Exploring the differences between pansexuality and bisexuality.

23:13 - How insecurities about asking questions hold back people from satisfying their curiosities about the queer community

26:21 - The importance of being a beacon of authenticity for yourself and for others

30:33 - Lisa dives into her upcoming book about the dynamics of experiencing her father’s death as a child and when she found out the truth about it 30 years later.

39:27 - Finishing her training as a crisis counselor under the tutelage of the Trevor Project and how dear to her heart this foundation is to her.

50:55 - The power of traveling through the “muck” and winding up better for it.

Work 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!

Resources Mentioned

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Lisa’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Sugarman/e/B00JY0DY28?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1655167126&sr=8-2

About our Guest:

Lisa Sugarman is a mom, a parenting author, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host, creating content that helps empower parents, especially moms, by giving them permission to embrace their perfectly imperfectness. She’s also a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father at age ten and a member and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lisa writes the syndicated opinion column It Is What It Is and is the author of How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It, Untying Parent Anxiety, and LIFE: It Is What It Is, available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and everywhere books are sold. Sugarman is also the co-host of the podcast LIFE Unfiltered on iTunes and iHeartRadio, and a regular contributor on Healthline Parenthood, GrownAndFlown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, Care.com, LittleThings, and More Content Now. Lisa lives with her husband and two daughters just north of Boston. Visit her online at www.lisasugarman.com. She digs company.

Her life motto:

Because we're all a work in progress...

e: lisasugarman@hotmail.com

w: www.lisasugarman.com

f: facebook.com/TheLisaSugarman

t: twitter.com/thelisasugarman

i: instagram.com/lisa_sugarman

l: linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman-16925b69

Raising LGBTQ Allies with Chris Tompkins Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

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 language and words we use create nuances that stop us from talking to our children about being gay, and the steps that we can use to build a “New Playground” around our subconscious beliefs.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:01 - Chris’ motivation for writing his book Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground

07:47 - Messages from the playground is an analogy to describe the subconscious beliefs that we all have about everything

12:14 - The purpose of breaking the book down into three sections; awareness, willingness and change

17:14 - Unpacking the heteronormative message and beliefs that impact our ability to talk to our children about things outside that scope

24:45 - Working in a juvenile hall where the LGBTQ youth were separated from others for safety however that just continues to perpetuate the root of the problem

35:21 - Shift the language from “it’s complicated” to “it’s complex” to be more inclined to talk

42:59 - The importance of teaching kids to love themselves, as they will make decisions thatare based on the lack of self-love

53:14 - “Don't let what you think is happening on the outside, determine what is going on in the inside.”

54:21 - A look at the steps to build a new playground

About our Guest:

Chris Tompkins is a therapist, spiritual life coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Chris believes connecting with our spirituality, loving ourselves, and taking full responsibility for our lives is where our strength lies at the deepest level. He hosts workshops and presentations for universities, conferences, and organizations across the U.S. on anti-bullying, inner advocacy, how to prevent queerphobia, and the importance of changing the messages from the playground.

https://www.aroadtriptolove.com/

Catch Chris’ TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2GGcuJl6w

Get Chris’ book at https://amzn.to/3O16ISY

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!

The Journey of Self-Discovery Continues with Connor Hester May 31, 2022

Show notes

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, welcome, and second of all - Connor is Heather’s oldest son whose bravery and life experience allows for this podcast as well as all of Heather’s other work. This is the fourth episode Connor and Heather have done together, so be sure to check out the others to get very real insight on the coming out process as a teen and young adult.

Do not miss these highlights:

01:52 - Catch up on what has been happening in Connor’s life since his last appearance in August 2020

13:08 - After leaving home, learn the changes in dynamics that occurred between Connor and his parents

21:17 - Utilizing therapy as a tool for self-awareness and uncovering how to address issues in a therapeutic context.

33:59 - The complexities of reconnecting socially as the pandemic restrictions ease up

41:53 - Navigating the social media as a queer youth and the fears of parents having their kids faced with the hate that is out there

49:08 - Transitioning from queerness being a central component of your existence to being really just a part of who you are and how living in New York has allowed him to live openly

55:03 - A look at Rainbow Capitalism and it’s detrimental effects on queer artists and the pseudo support of businesses during Pride

About our Guest:

Want to know more about Connor and his story? Check out his earlier episodes on Just Breathe.

Connor Shares His Story - Part 1: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-one/

Part 2: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-two/

Part 3: https://chrysalismama.com/connor-shares-his-story-part-three/

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!

Unapologetically Me with Katie Miller May 17, 2022

Show notes

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 her life unapologetically herself and encouraging others to do the same.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:07 - Keeping her bisexuality under the radar, Katie is now speaking up about it and holding space for people who have just have things they need to share

07:03 - We don’t need to meet the judgments, opinions, and expectations of others, We just have to meet our own.

10:48 - Take your time to process what it is that others are saying because you might not know what's going on when you're not in the same room with them all the time.

15:66 - When others are under stress or distraught we need to show them the options they have as it is not always seeable and this is the concept used for the Team Suicide Prevention Society.

20:39 - Embrace and reinforce the positive belief that you are capable, creative, and resourceful enough to figure out anything

26:49 - Listen without judgment and have a response based on love.

About our Guest:

Katie Miller

Katie is the co-founder & assistant director of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society.

She knows that every message matters. Katie knows what it was like to be afraid to speak up. After launching her podcast “Adulting Sucks, but it does not have to”, Katie became more aware of the need for people to feel safe when speaking. So, Katie has created that safe place with her podcast. Katie’s calming presence will let you focus on what you do best, sharing your message with the world.

Join the "How to Bust Your Limiting Beliefs" every Wednesday at 3:30 pm ET.

https://jackieac2922.clickfunnels.com/webinar-opt-in1640994177173?affiliate=kt4tech

Website and social: https://kt4tech.com/

Get your free gift: Why Not Workbook https://kt4tech--successjourneyacademy.thrivecart.com/why-not-workbook-gift/

Adulting Sucks Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tSUmZJotgs6DKSztd7s0z?si=8e65e2464d764553&nd=1

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!

Be You; Do You with Sam Castle May 03, 2022

Show notes

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 changed his world when traditional therapy could not, and his overall love and passion for helping others to live life courageously.

Do not miss these highlights:

04:42 - How hiring a life coach changed his life in a way that 10 years of therapy could not

08:28 - “You are valuable, you are loved. And it all it all starts in your mind, in the thoughts because you are the creator of your reality.”

13:48 - Fear is keeping people from being more vocal in their support and those that are vocal in their misinformation are giving their opinion on experiences that they themselves have never had.

18:06 - Don’t stay in that place, whether mental, emotional or phsyical, seek help. There are resources.

21:34 - When you invest in yourself, be it financial, time or other resources, tohse are the ones that you get the most value from

23:26 - Our ups and downs are meant to grow us, not break us.

28:20 - Be authentic. It is okay to be messy, people want to know how you got through it.

35:49 - Trust in yourself and don’t be afraid to seek out the support you need.

About our Guest:

Sam Castle - “I am Sam of BE YOU; DO YOU podcast and life coach. Be you; do you podcast was inspired by my gender transition from female to male and learning to love and accept who I am....a show that amplifies REAL and RAW stories of authenticity and courageous living! Be you; do you will create a transformation for listeners and participants as you begin to see that even in our differences, we are so much alike. Be you; do you is a safe space for the queer community to be seen, felt, and heard...be uplifted and encouraged. It's time to BE YOU; DO YOU and live courageously!”

You can find Sam’s podcast on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/235Kp7SogjS42Q26ZKPYN2

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!

Manifesting Your Desired Outcome with Candy Motzek Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

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 feelings behind them that it does not allow us to connect to others in a way that is mutually beneficial. Self-awareness is key and Candy shares some strategies on how we can recognize our thoughts and feelings and create the actions that will create our outcomes.

Do not miss these highlights:

03:27 - Discover how Candy came into coaching and even more specifically, coaching other coaches.

09:08 - Listening to the words of someone is one thing but when you can watch and listen, you can gain a whole being perspective and learn much more about the person

13:34 - Utilizing the car as a way to create a safer environment for conversations to happen with your teen.

16:43 - Part of the life journey is fear and we all need to accept that it is just an emotion and accept it as part of life, not try to avoid it.

22:44 - Fear does not differentiate between physical and emotional danger

24:12 - Candy shares a technique to help you clear your thoughts, understand how they make you feel, and maybe feel more centered in your day.

27:38 - “Your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings drive your actions, and the sum of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, create your life and create your outcome.”

32:24 - A process to look at how to understand our feelings behind the thoughts.

38:38 - Helping children at any age to understand their feelings allows them to have a more full human experience.

Resources Mentioned

Candy’s Podcast - She Coaches Coaches

About our Guest:

Candy is a podcast host, author, and life & business coach for coaches. She believes that coaching transforms lives. She helps coaches get unstuck and feel more confident so they can play bigger, sign clients and create more meaningful success. She is a 'recovering' corporate executive and engineer who combines practical strategy and mindset in her calming unique approach.

Connect with Candy at https://stepintosuccessnow.com

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!