Episode 156: Radical Empathy in Space: Faith, Identity & Finding Yourself with Christian Hurst
What happens when you grow up inside a rigid belief system… and choose curiosity instead of certainty? In this episode, Zach sits down with author Christian Hurst to explore the intersection of sci-fi, identity, faith, and humanism. From growing up in the Mormon church to embracing a humanist philosophy rooted in empathy and shared humanity, Christian shares how storytelling became both survival and self-discovery. They dive into his space epic series — featuring queer protagonist Lily Starling — and why representation doesn’t have to be the plot to still be powerful. This is a conversation about loneliness, creative courage, institutions, leadership, optimism, and why admitting “I don’t know” might be the most freeing thing you can say. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider… this one’s for you.
Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast · Zach Randes-Friedman
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Show Notes
In This Episode:
Christian’s journey from growing up in the Mormon church to embracing humanism
The danger of absolutism — and why “I don’t know” is powerful
Storytelling as survival and self-interrogation
How sci-fi (and yes, Star Trek!) shapes empathy
Why his protagonist Lily Starling wakes up without her memory
Writing queer characters without making queerness the “issue”
Radical agency in female protagonists
Loneliness, outsider identity, and reaching younger readers
Writing in a linear, Shakespeare-inspired process
Creativity vs. day jobs — and practical advice for artists afraid to leap
Leadership, compassion, and why being a good boss matters
What to expect from Book 3 (hint: darker themes, institutional tension)
Realistic optimism and the small ways we impact the world
About Christian’s Books:
Voyage of the Salamander – Book One
Storm Riders – Book Two
Book Three currently in progress
A sweeping sci-fi series centered on Lily Starling, a queer young woman navigating identity, agency, institutions, and connection in a vast and evolving universe.
Follow Christian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churstpublishing/
Christian's Website: https://www.churstpublishing.com/
Buy Christian's Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0aCOLl8l
Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ
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