Becoming a Voice: Advocacy, Mindfulness and Storytelling with Yuval David

Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen - A podcast by Heather Hester - Tuesdays

How would you feel if you had the ability to express your deepest emotions in a safe and supportive space? Is it possible that the secret to growth and self-realization is hidden in our vulnerability? Award-winning actor and activist, Yuval David, joins us on the show today to explore these questions and more. We kick off our conversation delving into the powerful realm of storytelling, and how it shapes our perception of ourselves and others. Yuval shares his insights on the transformative power of stories, how they've influenced his work in film, television, theatre, and the digital space, and his ongoing advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and representation. Ever stopped to truly appreciate the 'now', the present moment you're in? The Hebrew concept of "Hineni", meaning 'I am', serves as our guide as we embark on a journey to discover mindfulness. Yuval delves into this concept, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, not for our successes, but for the mere fact of our existence. We then navigate the often-underestimated importance of expressing our emotions, in particular, through crying, and how establishing a secure space for these expressions can be therapeutic, bringing about a sense of equilibrium and peace.To wrap it up, we delve into the world of the LGBTQIA+ community, examining the power of vulnerability and the critical aspect of setting boundaries. Yuval and I bring to light the importance of standing up as an ally and using our voices for tangible positive influence. We then explore Yuval's groundbreaking art project, Wonderfully Made, which portrays Jesus as a member or ally of the LGBTQ community. So tune in, and join us on this enlightening journey through storytelling, mindfulness, and advocacy in the realm of LGBTQIA+.About our Guest:Yuval DavidEmmy Award winning actor, host, filmmaker, and advocate with a creative mantra to entertain, uplift, and inspire. As a filmmaker, Yuval produces, directs, and writes short and feature films, documentaries, web-series, and digital and TV content, including the award-winning episodic series, One Actor Short, Pranks of Kindness, Better World with Yuval David, What Makes You Beautiful, and numerous other web series. His work has been screened at international film festivals, receiving over 100 awards. Yuval advocates for all marginalized communities through his creative work and social action, including the National LGBTQ Task Force, GLAAD, Rainbow Railroad, Freedom House, EndJewHatred, the Shoah Foundation, the Jewish National Fund (JNF), Keren Kayemet, Stand With Us, A Wider Bridge, The Aguda, American Israel Cultural Foundation, Chabad, the Jewish Learning Institute, the Embassy of Israel, Covenant House, LGBTQ Centers across the US and internationally, The Giving Group Community, Black Jewish Entertainment Alliance, Creative Community for Peace, and other organizations. Find him on social media at https://www.yuvaldavid.com/www.wonderfullymadefilm.comConnect with Heather:The Perfect Holiday Gift! Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Get Your *free* Holiday Survival GuideAccess the course, Learning to Parent with Pride!Work with Heather one-on-one or bring