Connection Happens with Christian Hurst

Christian Hurst
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Fiction
  • Weekly

A candid look into the flaws, doubts, and defining moments that make us human, revealing through honest conversations that no matter our background, we're all navigating the exact same chaos—and we're never as alone as we feel. christianhurst.substack.com

  1. 3d ago

    Connection Happens Episode 11

    Award-winning author Teri M Brown joins Christian Hurst for a thoughtful conversation about resilience, reinvention, writing, and the experiences that change the way we understand ourselves. In 2020, Teri and her husband embarked on an extraordinary tandem bicycle journey across the United States. The physically and emotionally demanding trip became both a test of their relationship and a lesson in resilience. By the end, Teri had discovered a new confidence in what she was capable of—and just 14 months later, she published her first book. Teri reflects on how that experience shaped her personal and creative journey, her transition from nonfiction to fiction, and the self-doubt she has faced along the way. They discuss why character-driven storytelling matters to her, how personal experiences influence the people she creates on the page, and why authenticity is essential in both fiction and relationships. The conversation also explores Teri’s latest novel, Peg Unhinged, and its portrayal of women navigating the realities of midlife. Along the way, they talk about the emotional roller coaster of publishing, recognition, hybrid publishing versus self-publishing, creative independence, and what it means to finally trust your own voice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Connection Happens Episode 11

  2. Oct 25 ·  Bonus

    Lightspeed Chatter with Kira Hartley Klinger

    Author and entrepreneur Kira Hartley Klinger joins Christian Hurst for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding value in the things other people overlook. They also talk about writing, family, financial independence, and the unusual path that took Kira from online resale to books, speaking, and television development. You can find Kira and her shop, DodOddity, on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/DodOddity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Lightspeed Chatter with Kira Hartley Klinger

  3. Oct 22

    Connection Happens Episode 10

    Chief Marketing Officer Scott Weisenthal joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, creativity, career growth, marketing, and the role human connection plays in building successful teams and organizations. Scott reflects on the milestones that have shaped his career, how his definition of success has changed over time, and why failure can be such an important part of growth. The discussion also explores the value of relationships, the importance of empathy in leadership, and why trust and open communication are essential to creating strong creative cultures. They also dig into the intersection of technology and creativity, the challenges of marketing across different audiences and cultures, and the need for marketing leaders to think beyond campaigns and transform the discipline into a true engine for business growth. Scott shares why creativity works best when it is grounded in strategy, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the people a brand is trying to reach. Along the way, they talk about career transitions, mentorship, the power of authentic relationships, and why the most effective leaders are often the ones who make people feel heard, supported, and trusted. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Connection Happens Episode 10

  4. Oct 15

    Connection Happens Episode 9

    Author Melissa Banczak joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, publishing, creativity, technology, and the ways changing tools and cultural expectations shape the creative life. Melissa reflects on the realities of the book business, the differences between traditional and independent publishing, and why creative control can matter just as much as distribution or prestige. The conversation also moves through literary representation, the evolution of technology, and the growing role of AI in writing and other creative work. They also dig into the writing process itself, including the myth of writer’s block, the value of constraints, and the tools writers can use to get unstuck. Melissa shares the thinking behind her Rollerprompt Writing Jumpstart series and why narrowing the possibilities can sometimes make creativity easier rather than harder. Along the way, they talk about nostalgia, empathy, efficiency, public systems, and the strange ways technology has changed everything from gaming and transportation to publishing and storytelling. It’s a conversation about making things, adapting to change, and finding practical ways to keep creativity moving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Connection Happens Episode 9

  5. Oct 13 ·  Bonus

    Lightspeed Chatter with Alison Gieschen

    Sailor and writer Alison Gieschen joins Christian Hurst for a Lightspeed Chatter conversation about adventure, writing, life at sea, and what happens when you trade a land-based routine for a boat and the open ocean. Alison reflects on the decision to sail around the world, the practical and emotional challenges of living aboard, and the unexpected experiences that have shaped both her travels and her writing. She shares what it means to live with uncertainty, adapt constantly, and find a different relationship with time when the horizon becomes part of everyday life. Along the way, Alison shares some of her favorite destinations, the moments that have stayed with her most, and why sailing has taught her to stay present, embrace the unexpected, and appreciate how quickly plans can change. Learn more about Alison, her books, and her life at sea at alisongieschen.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Lightspeed Chatter with Alison Gieschen

  6. Oct 8

    Connection Happens Episode 8

    Podcaster and commentator Zach Randles-Friedman joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about queer identity, podcasting, pop culture, polarization, and the role authentic conversation can play in building community. Zach reflects on the journey that led him to podcasting, the challenge of finding guests who bring something real to the conversation, and why storytelling remains central to the way he connects with people. The discussion also explores audience engagement, personal history, and the difference between building a platform and building a genuine sense of connection. They also dig into the current LGBTQ+ cultural landscape, the dangers of absolutism, and the difficulty of navigating identity in a world that increasingly rewards certainty over nuance. Zach shares his thoughts on representation, sexuality, coexistence, and why exposure to different perspectives matters even when those perspectives are uncomfortable. Along the way, they talk about queer representation in books and media, the evolution of identity and culture, and why honest conversation still matters most when people are tempted to retreat into opposing camps. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Connection Happens Episode 8

  7. Oct 1

    Connection Happens Episode 7

    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 to identity itself. They also dig into the psychology of fictional characters, from believable growth and complicated villains to the ways writers can unconsciously build emotional truths into their work. Brandi shares why stories provide such a useful space for examining difficult ideas and how different perspectives and lived experiences can fundamentally change the way we interpret the same character or event. Along the way, they talk about the messy realities of independent creativity, authenticity in an increasingly automated world, and the unique approach Brandi brings to combining literature, fandom, and psychology on The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Connection Happens Episode 7

  8. Sep 29 ·  Bonus

    Lightspeed Chatter with Daniel Furfaro

    Creative entrepreneur Daniel Furfaro joins Christian Hurst for a conversation about creativity, parenthood, ambition, and the long process of learning to trust your own instincts. Daniel reflects on building a creative business, the role of mentorship and feedback, the value of failure, and how relationships and reputation shape a career over time. They also talk about AI, storytelling in branding, and what chess can teach us about patience, risk, and learning from both wins and losses. Learn more about Daniel and his work at brandmoves.co. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christianhurst.substack.com

    Lightspeed Chatter with Daniel Furfaro
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A candid look into the flaws, doubts, and defining moments that make us human, revealing through honest conversations that no matter our background, we're all navigating the exact same chaos—and we're never as alone as we feel. christianhurst.substack.com

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