Connection Happens Episode 7

Connection Happens with Christian Hurst · Oct 1, 2026 · 33m

Psychologist, researcher, and Nerdy Psychologist Book Club host Dr. Brandi Hawk joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about psychology, storytelling, identity, belief, and what fiction can teach us about real people.

Brandi explores how psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance, belief perseverance, and hypervigilance shape the way people understand themselves and respond to the world around them. The conversation moves through dystopian storytelling, first impressions, personal relationships, and why challenging a deeply held belief can sometimes feel like a challenge…