Episode Details

SPECIAL EPISODE!

What actually happens when a book gets banned, and who pays the price for it?

Heather sits down with children's author and Whale Rock Workshops founder Sheri Becker to talk about why inclusive books matter for every kid on the shelf, not just the ones who see themselves in the story. Sheri pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to write across difference, why publishers are quietly passing on great books before they're even banned, and what parents can do that actually moves the needle.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Understand why books work as both windows and mirrors for kids, and why every bookshelf needs both
• Recognize what's really driving the current wave of book bans, and why it's nothing new
• Support authors, libraries, and publishers in concrete ways, from library requests to buying banned titles directly

Press play to learn why the fight over banned books is really a fight over which kids get to feel less alone.

Head over to Substack for a complete list of Shari's recommended books!

Check out programming at Whalerock Workshops!

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

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This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 grow their capacity for courageous connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong bo