Connection Happens with Christian Hurst

About Connection Happens with Christian Hurst

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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Christian Hurst

Category

arts · fiction

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Aug 2026

Latest episode

29 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Oct 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   25 Oct 2026

   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 (https://www.etsy.com/shop/DodOddity?utm_source=chatgpt.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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   22 Oct 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   15 Oct 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   13 Oct 2026

   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 (https://alisongieschen.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   8 Oct 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   1 Oct 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   29 Sept 2026

   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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Connection Happens Episode 6

   Artist and visual storyteller A.J. Spitz joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, virality, identity, faith, and what it means to make work that genuinely connects with people. A.J. reflects on the rapid growth of his audience, what happens when millions of people suddenly encounter your work, and why virality hasn’t fundamentally changed the person behind it. The conversation explores the insecurities that can accompany increased attention, the difference between validation and connection, and the challenge of finding your own voice while creating in public. They also dig into storytelling as a means of survival, the role faith and personal growth play in A.J.’s work, and how the isolation of the pandemic reshaped his relationship with creativity and community. A.J. shares why discomfort can be essential to growth and why meaningful art often depends on conflict, observation, and an ability to notice the details other people overlook. Along the way, A.J. reveals some of the thinking behind his distinctive stop sign imagery, his hopes for future collaborations, and why slowing down long enough to reflect may be one of the most important things an artist—or anyone else—can do in an increasingly fast-moving world. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    17 Sept 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 5

    Author R. A. Dines, joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, writing for kids, publishing, technology, and the future we may be building around ourselves. Rachel reflects on her transition from two decades in big tech and startups into full-time writing, the creative freedom that came with that change, and the difference between building work for clients and creating something that feels deeply personal and lasting. The conversation also explores her debut middle-grade novel, How I Hacked the Moon, and how her background in product marketing shaped the way she approached branding, design, and launching the book with the polish of a traditional Big Five release. They also dig into space exploration, the emotional power of lunar missions, the way younger readers think about technology, and why current developments in AI increasingly feel less like speculative fiction and more like a real-world dystopia. Along the way, Rachel shares why she hopes books might offer a kind of creative immortality, what she has learned about rejection and audience response, and why preserving curiosity, independence, and authentic human experience matters more than ever. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    10 Sept 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 4

    Author David E. Graham joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, technology, and the experiences that shape the stories we choose to tell. David reflects on the path that led him to writing, the challenges of building believable worlds, and the ways current events, science fiction, fantasy, and emerging technology continue to influence his work. The conversation moves through childhood creativity, the role storytelling can play in helping us survive difficult moments, and the tension between innovation and authenticity in an age increasingly shaped by AI. They also dig into modern cinema, the changing expectations audiences bring to stories, and what makes a fictional world feel meaningful rather than merely impressive. Along the way, David shares what he’s working on next and why connecting with readers remains at the center of everything he creates. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    4 Sept 2026

    Lightspeed Chatter with Dawn Ross

    Author Dawn Ross joins Christian Hurst for a conversation about writing, imagination, and building stories across fantasy and science fiction. Dawn reflects on her creative journey, the ideas behind The Starfire Dragon Series, and what keeps her returning to the page after more than two decades of writing. Learn more about Dawn and her books at dawnrossauthor.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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    3 Sept 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 3

    Ed Pogue joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about fandom, storytelling, nostalgia, and the ways shared interests can create real connection. Ed reflects on his evolution as a podcaster, the communities that form around the things we love, and the challenge of staying open and positive when fandom can sometimes turn toxic. The conversation moves through Star Trek, Q, horror, G.I. Joe, The Twilight Zone, and the strange power of the stories we grow up with to stay with us for decades. From there, the discussion broadens into the role of art in helping us make sense of the world, the resurgence of dystopian themes, the value of challenging accepted norms, and the complicated question of what kindness actually looks like in practice. Along the way, Christian and Ed talk about time, friendship, personal growth, and the idea that life can feel a little like a long-running television show—some episodes are great, some are rough, and the cast changes as the story goes on. It’s a warm, thoughtful conversation about the stories we love, the people we become, and why connection still matters. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    27 Aug 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 2

    Kevin Fenton joins Christian Hurst for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, identity, entrepreneurship, and the unexpected experiences that shape the way we see ourselves. Kevin reflects on his unconventional career path, the realities of building a creative business, and the tension between strategy, ego, and authenticity in branding. The conversation moves through family, responsibility, inclusion, and the challenge of staying true to yourself in professional spaces, before turning to the ways surviving cancer reshaped Kevin’s priorities, sense of control, and understanding of resilience. It’s a candid conversation about personal reinvention, creative work, and what happens when the life you thought you were building changes course. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

15. 

    21 Aug 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 1

    In the first episode of Connection Happens, I sit down with writer, creative director, and entrepreneur Tricia Mirchendani for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, work, parenting, communication, and what it means to build a career that actually fits your life. We talk about the realities of creative work under pressure, why strong client relationships matter, the winding path from copywriter to creative director, and the importance of empathy—both in storytelling and in leadership. Tricia also reflects on entrepreneurship, job satisfaction, parenting while working in a creative field, and the value of recognizing progress instead of constantly moving the goalposts. A few ideas kept resurfacing throughout the conversation: “You can’t edit a blank page.” “We should be the best part of our clients’ day.” And perhaps most importantly, “You have to celebrate those moments.” It’s a thoughtful, funny, and deeply human conversation about choosing the struggles that are worth having—and finding meaning in the work and people along the way. 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

16. 

    20 Aug 2026

    Connection Happens Episode 0

    Welcome to Connection Happens with Christian Hurst. This introductory episode offers a first look at the conversations ahead, with moments from upcoming guests Tricia Mirchendani, Kevin Fenton, Ed Pogue, David E. Graham, and Daniel Furfaro. I also talk about one of the ideas that has quietly run through much of my own writing: connection—the ways people find one another, understand one another, and sometimes change one another in unexpected ways. That same idea is at the heart of this show. Connection Happens is built around relaxed, unscripted conversations about creativity, identity, work, culture, ambition, reinvention, and the strange paths that shape a life. No rigid scripts. No résumé recitations. Just thoughtful conversations with interesting people, and room to follow wherever they naturally lead. This is just the beginning, so stay tuned! 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 (https://christianhurst.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Connection Happens with Christian Hurst

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.