Curious about the mystic world of Kundalini yoga and how it intertwines with mental health? This week, we're serving up a stimulating conversation with Madhur-Nain Webster, a seasoned psychotherapist who has gracefully transitioned from international business marketing to psychotherapy. With 22 years of experience under her belt, Madhur-Nain enlightens us about the profound mental health benefits of breath and chanting meditation, particularly for those who struggle with silencing the chatter...

Ever found yourself questioning your own identity and struggling to fit into society's expectations? You're not alone. Join me for an incredible conversation with Dr. Ronnie Gladden, an international speaker, actor, and tenured college professor who speaks about identity, diversity, and inclusion. We dive into their transformative book, White Girl Within, and discuss the identity crisis that set them on this journey of discovery and self-acceptance. Together, we discuss the significance of...

In this thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth Brunner, Heather explores the inspiration behind Stereotype, Elizabeth's gender-free clothing line for children and adults. Elizabeth shares how her girl-boy twins inspired the idea and how Stereotype creates a space for individuals of all genders to express themselves through fashion without any judgment. They also discuss the importance of language when it comes to describing gender-free clothing and how the reactions her children...

What if embracing your sexuality could lead to a happier, more fulfilling life? Join Heather as she explores this captivating topic with the amazing Court Vox, a Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, who shares his journey from corporate life to a career in sex therapy and his current work with Back to the Body. Court's expertise in somatic practices and experiences navigating a field that's often shrouded in stigma will leave you with newfound insights on the importance of connecting with our...

Happy Pride Month! This special episode is all about acknowledging the challenges our LGBTQ community is currently facing and exploring what we can do to make a difference. Heather shares updates and resources within the Chrysalis Mama world, as well as discussing the alarming number of anti-LGBTQ bills being tracked by the ACLU. Listen in as we talk about the importance of voting, using our unique gifts and talents to make an impact, and having honest conversations with others to help...

What if you could break free from the tiny box of gender expectations that society places on us from birth? Join our enlightening conversation with Rae McDaniel as we dive into the fascinating world of gender freedom. Rae shares the Gender Freedom Model, which guides individuals in exploring and transitioning their gender with more play, pleasure, and possibility. We discuss how identity exploration, including gender exploration, is not only a normal part of adolescence but can shift and...

Jeannie Gainsburg, author of The Savvy Ally joins Heather in today's episode. Jeannie discusses her expertise in LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship, sharing her experience with the LGBTQ+ community and the impact it has had on her life. Having only written her book three years ago, she delves into why it it needed to be updated already and talks about the new chapter which covers pronouns and how to use them respectfully. Join the conversation as Heather and Jeannie take a deep dive into the ever...

Heather dives into stages four, five, and six of the coming out process, discussing how each stage represents a shift in acceptance and understanding of one's identity and orientation. From forming friendships and finding a sense of pride to navigating anger and differing viewpoints, she will provide insight into the unique challenges and triumphs faced during each stage. Tune in to learn how you can best support your LGBTQIA+ loved ones as they navigate their coming out journey. Connect...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting and wondered if there's a better way to navigate the journey? We were thrilled to have an insightful discussion with Conscious Life Coach, Maureen Spielman. In our conversation, we explore the principles of conscious parenting, emphasizing self-awareness and self-discovery as a powerful catalyst for positive change within the family. Maureen shares valuable insights on the importance of nurturing non-hierarchical relationships and...

What does it truly mean to embrace your authentic self? Join Heather and Lori Sweetman, a gender and sexuality holistic life coach, as she shares her personal journey as a genderfluid lesbian and her mission to serve the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in under-served areas. Redefining the concept of "coming in" versus "coming out," they emphasize self-compassion, authenticity, and accepting the rollercoaster journey of life. Delve into the complexities of relationships, polyamory, and the use...

Continuing the Coming Out Process, Heather takes us through Stage 3 - Identity Tolearance. In this stage, the individual starts to come to terms and where seeking out a community for support, and safe spaces online and offline become vital. However, some may live a double life and experience a discrepancy between their two lives, which can lead to self-loathing and shame. As a parent, seek the resources to help and if you feel stuck and don't know what to say when you're talking with your...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Odyssey Teen Camp, a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ teens. Listen as Heather and her guest, Adam Simon, the Executive Director of Odyssey Teen Camp, explore the life-changing impact of the camp, the fascinating topic of why 90% of transgender kids at Odyssey Teen Camp were assigned female at birth and the possible influence of societal expectations and the internet. This was a great conversation about the importance of understanding and...

Why Am I? Continuing with the Coming Out Process, Heather dives into the next stage that sees your child moving from denial into becoming acutely aware of and beginning to acknowledge their truth. In this stage, your child may think that this is just a phase and will wonder why they are "this way". It is important for them to start their journey with LGBTQ+ community resources and allow them to feel and discuss the grief they may feel in the loss of what was expected of them in a...

Annie M Henderson learned how to move away from the expectations placed up on her and became a people pleaser, doing what she thought people expected of her. Today she shares her journey of self-discovery and finding her authentic self. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and how it helps build better relationships. Highlights: 06:16 - Annie shares her own story about transitioning away from being a people pleaser. 11:46 - Moving past the sunk cost fallacy, that you cannot...

Who Am I? The process of coming out is described as a developmental stage model that involves several stages, starting with identity and orientation confusion, where the child realizes they are different from their peers. In this episode, Heather talks about Stage 1 of the Coming Out process when your child starts to realize they are different from their friends and will find themselves in a place of denial. Seek guidance from LGBTQ advocates and educators as it is important for you to be...

Family is one of the most influential things in our lives, no matter what your feelings towards them are. Heather shares her personal story of her relationship with her sister, the loss of relationship during a time of crisis with Connor’s coming out, and coming to terms with the tragedy of an illness that stopped them from becoming close once again. “Changes, growth, tragedy, celebration, sadness, and joy. They can all happen at once. Life doesn't happen in a vacuum.” As Mentioned in the...

Gender disparity has always existed in the education system. As we become more aware of the inequity that happens between boys and girls, how does the construct of gender identity fall into this as well? It requires the ability to deepen our knowledge and shift our actions.  Today’s guest has been studying how to create equity and fairness for all students in the system. Jason Ablin has been training teachers to create gender aware classrooms for the past 15 years. Listen as we discuss...

Non-binary individuals have always existed, but as society progresses and discussions become more open, we are seeing more and more people identify with this. In this week’s episode, Heather put together a panel to discuss the concept of non-binary, why its important that parents understand how their kids perceive gender, allowing children to explore their own gender and so much more.   Do not miss these highlights: 03:13 – The concept of non-binary and gender fluidity. 06:53 - Gender...

Wherever you are in your journey, it is easy to succumb to the feeling that you are alone but we are here to tell you that you do not need to feel this way. Whatever is happening in your life, chances are that it happened in somebody else.  We do not want you to feel alone and that is why Heather and Katherine Burrows have joined together to bring a compilation of tales and insight in their upcoming book, Rainbow Stories. Learn what this venture is about and how you too can become part of...

Think about the things that we do automatically every single day to take care of our physical health. Now think of what you are doing to take care of your mental health. For most of us, it is much easier to identify the physical aspects but forget the as equally important mental health.   Heather’s guest, Daniel Maigler has seen too often what a lack of mental health care can do to people. As a therapist and counselor, Daniel understands the importance of this which lead him to sit on the...

The holidays are a time of magic, love, and connection. Unfortunately, the crisis in our lives doesn’t stop just because it is the holidays. Join Heather as she discusses all the ways to best support your LGBTQIA+ loved one when they are faced with non-affirming friends and relatives during this holiday season. Be your child’s biggest supporter and listen in for all of Heather’s tips for this holiday season.

What are disordered eating and eating disorders? Today I am joined by Dr. Theresa Bussert and she gently shares with us the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, and the best ways to support a person who is struggling with eating disorders. Dr. Bussert is a therapist, coach, educator, and advocate for people looking to live beyond their eating disorders. She shares with us just how the spectrum of disordered eating and eating disorders can start and how the most important...

Today I am joined by Victoria Pelletier and we have an enlightening conversation about bisexuality and DEI engagement. Victoria is a woman who lives out loud and is a pivotal advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in workplaces and the LGBTQIA + community. Victoria doesn’t love the use of labels as she believes sexual identity is ever-evolving and there are many layers to figure out. As a woman who identifies as queer, Victoria discusses the many misunderstanding of what it means to be...

What is unconditional love? The meaning of love has been debated throughout all of time. Today I am joined by the love expert Kim Sorrelle, and she helps us take a deep dive into all things love. After the loss of her husband, Kim sought out to find the meaning behind the common phrases we hear and learn about love. What she found is that love is an action; it is a choice, and you can choose to see all humans and life situations with the golden rays of love. Kim believes that if we all lived...

What is Positive Masculinity? Today I am joined by the gender sensei, Mac McGregor, and he opens the conversation about what toxic and positive masculinity is. Growing up in the bible belt of America, Mac knew that he just didn’t fit the magic gender letter he was assigned at birth. After a successful career as a martial artist, Mac now spreads the word about Positive Masculinity and how gender is a spectrum with many ways to express your gender. Join Heather and Mac as they pull apart...