--- title: Sharing Humanity - A Chat with Free Mom Hugs' Founder, Sara Cunningham description: Join Dial It In as hosts chat with Free Mom Hugs founder, Sara Cunningham, on spreading love and support in the LGBTQ+ community. image: https://dialitinpodcast.com/hubfs/Sara%20Cunningham%20-Free%20Mom%20Hugs.jpg --- [![Dial It In Logo 3 no BG-1](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dial%20It%20In%20Logo%203%20no%20BG-1.png?width=200&height=63&name=Dial%20It%20In%20Logo%203%20no%20BG-1.png)](https://dialitinpodcast.com/) - [Episodes](https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes) - [Be Our Guest](https://dialitinpodcast.com/want-to-be-a-guest) - [Sponsorship Opportunities](https://dialitinpodcast.com/sponsorship) - [Contact Us](https://dialitinpodcast.com/contact) # Sharing Humanity - A Chat with Free Mom Hugs' Founder, Sara Cunningham     In the latest heartwarming episode of Dial It In, hosts Trygve Olsen and Dave Meyer sit down with Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, a national nonprofit movement that has inspired countless acts of love and acceptance. As we find ourselves in the season of giving, this episode couldn’t be more timely—a gentle reminder of the profound impact small gestures of kindness can have.   ## Harnessing the Power of a Simple Hug Sara Cunningham, initially a mother from a conservative Christian community, found her life’s calling after her son came out. Her realization of the essential need for acceptance materialized into Free Mom Hugs, an initiative spreading love and support across all 50 states. Offering hugs at a Pride Parade became the spark that ignited a movement. Through simple acts like pinning a homemade button, Sara and her organization offer much-needed love and acceptance to LGBTQ+ individuals often estranged from their families.   ## Beyond Comfort: Building a Movement The journey from that first hug to a national movement is inspiring. Free Mom Hugs has gone beyond offering physical comfort to acting as a symbol of advocacy for dignity and equality across communities. Members participate in Pride festivals, stand in at weddings, and even organize events like the transgender Valentine’s banquets and Friendsgiving, turning seemingly small efforts into substantial change.   ## Echoes of Compassion and the Courage to Acknowledge The episode dives deep into the emotional aspect of Sara’s work, highlighting the profound stories of those touched by Free Mom Hugs. Whether it’s a group of strangers sharing a spontaneous hug in a grocery store or the viral social media posts that expanded their reach, the movement thrives on the foundation that recognition and affirmation can be healing in itself.   ## Lessons in Humanity As we listen to Sara, it becomes clear that acknowledging one another’s humanity is the simplest yet most powerful tool at our disposal. Each story she shares exudes empathy and the crucial belief that no one should feel unsupported or unloved. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially during the holidays when the absence of familial acceptance painfully surfaces for many.   ## The Mission Forward As Sara looks toward 2026, her wish for the community is profound—a world where Free Mom Hugs is no longer necessary. In the meantime, the organization continues to expand its reach, supported by a network of generous donors and volunteers. The call for donations remains critical, ensuring the continued mission of love and support through nationwide chapters and numerous community-driven events.   ## A Call to Action Dial It In closes this touching dialogue with a call to action: support the mission of Free Mom Hugs. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support goes a long way in making a meaningful difference. Visit FreeMomHugs.org to learn more and get involved.   ## Episode Takeaways This chat with Sara Cunningham teaches us that profound change often starts with simple acts of kindness. As we reflect during this holiday season, let us remember to step back, see those around us, and offer our support and compassion. Together, even the smallest acts of recognition can ripple into transformative global change.   Connect with Guest: [FreeMomHugs.org](http://FreeMomHugs.org)   **Show Notes:** 00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Question 00:47 Rant on Elementary School Parking 01:21 Thanksgiving and Senior Living Facility Experience 02:09 Introducing Today's Guest: Sarah Cunningham 03:42 The Birth of Free Mom Hugs Movement 04:58 The First Hug and Viral Post 06:00 Officiating Same-Sex Weddings 08:17 Stand In Pride and Community Support 11:27 The Origin Story of Free Mom Hugs 16:36 Holiday Challenges and Acts of Kindness 21:48 Feel-Good Stories and Community Impact 24:00 Celebrating Pride with Consent 24:43 From Viral Post to National Attention 26:00 Jamie Lee Curtis and the Free Mom Hugs Mission 27:47 The Birth of a Nonprofit 27:57 Transgender Valentine's Banquet and Nonprofit Formation 29:26 Expanding Reach and Support 31:30 Challenges and Adaptations During COVID 35:02 The Role of Allies and Community Support 39:02 Hopes for the Future and Final Thoughts     ###### Tags: [![Dial It In Logo 3 no BG-1](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dial%20It%20In%20Logo%203%20no%20BG-1.png?width=250&height=79&name=Dial%20It%20In%20Logo%203%20no%20BG-1.png "Dial It In Logo 3 no BG-1")](https://dialitinpodcast.com) [![Combined Shape (2)](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Combined%20Shape%20(2).png?width=30&height=30&name=Combined%20Shape%20(2).png)](https://www.facebook.com/BizzyWeb) [![Twitter Logo](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Combined%20Shape%20(3).png?width=30&height=30&name=Combined%20Shape%20(3).png)](https://twitter.com/bizzyweb) [![Instagram Logo](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/instagram%20(1).png?width=30&height=30&name=instagram%20(1).png)](https://www.instagram.com/bizzywebcom/) [![Linkedin Logo](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin.png?width=30&height=30&name=linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizzyweb) [![YouTube Logo](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/youtube%20(1).png?width=30&height=30&name=youtube%20(1).png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/BizzyWebCom) [contact us](https://dialitinpodcast.com/contact) [episodes](https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes) subscribe [![apple-podcast](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/apple-podcast.png?width=30&height=30&name=apple-podcast.png)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dial-it-in/id1669756515) [![spotify](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/spotify.png?width=30&height=30&name=spotify.png)](https://open.spotify.com/show/485qQs84ICf50tMK6gojf8) [![AmazonMusic-1](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AmazonMusic-1.png?width=44&height=35&name=AmazonMusic-1.png)](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8501c2a8-aa4b-45c3-bdf8-ef8ad6e86727/dial-it-in) [![iHeartRadio Logo-1](https://dialitinpodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iHeartRadio%20Logo-1.png?width=95&height=30&name=iHeartRadio%20Logo-1.png)](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dial-it-in-107397353/)  Copyright 2022 Dial It In Podcast | All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://dialitinpodcast.com/privacy-policy) |[Terms of Use](https://dialitinpodcast.com/terms-of-use) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dial It In Podcast", "url" : "https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes/author/dial-it-in-podcast" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-25T9:00:01 AM", "datePublished" : "2025-12-25T9:00:01 AM", "description" : "Join Dial It In as hosts chat with Free Mom Hugs founder, Sara Cunningham, on spreading love and support in the LGBTQ+ community.", "headline" : "Sharing Humanity - A Chat with Free Mom Hugs' Founder, Sara Cunningham", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://22754125.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22754125/Promotional_Banner_Icon-Dial_It_In.png" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes/sharing-humanity-a-chat-with-free-mom-hugs-founder-sara-cunningham", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Sharing Humanity - A Chat with Free Mom Hugs' Founder, Sara Cunningham", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dial It In Podcast", "url" : "https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes/author/dial-it-in-podcast" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-25T09:00:01.099Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-25T09:00:01.000Z", "headline" : "Sharing Humanity - A Chat with Free Mom Hugs' Founder, Sara Cunningham", "image" : [ "https://dialitinpodcast.com/hubfs/Sara%20Cunningham%20-Free%20Mom%20Hugs.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://dialitinpodcast.com/dial-it-in-podcast-episodes/sharing-humanity-a-chat-with-free-mom-hugs-founder-sara-cunningham", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://dialitinpodcast.com/hubfs/dail%20it%20in%20logo%203.png" }, "name" : "BizzyWeb" } } ```