#15 | A Hope Dealer’s Journey: From Queer Survival to Courageous Healing

In this episode, Heather Hester interviews Jen Slumac, author of Soul Not Skin. She is a mentor, educator, performer, and producer, and is known as a hope dealer. 

"...care about ourselves, cherish ourselves, and learn how to honor other people's journey..."

Jen is in long-term recovery from alcoholism, a coping mechanism she used to survive as a queer woman in a world that told her she didn't belong. Her captivating storytelling exudes, as well as inspires, courage.

Jen's website is filled with incredible resources, and her new podcast, Just Say It, is raw, vulnerable, and real. Jen is truly engaging and refreshingly no BS!

She will also be doing virtual healing circles with Susan Cottrell (episodes 11 and 12), so be sure to check those out!

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

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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 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, safety, and a human first approach, 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.