EPISODE · Mar 10, 2026 · 43 MIN
Episode 6: How a "Hero" becomes a "Villain" With the book "Heir"
from The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club · host The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club
What really makes someone a villain? Is it ignorance, manipulation, or the moment we knowingly choose the wrong path? In this episode of The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club, hosts Brandi Hawk and Deanna Boys continue their discussion about Heir by Sabaa Tahir and tackle one of the book’s most fascinating and frustrating characters: Aiz. With their signature mix of humor, psychology, and bookish enthusiasm (plus a spicy margarita-style drink called “Tragic Consequences”), Brandi and Deanna talk about the psychological forces behind Aiz’s transformation (Brandi says Aiz was a hero....Deanna is not so sure). They break down concepts like belief perseverance, confirmation bias, and ego defense to explain how people can cling to beliefs, even when the evidence clearly shows they’re wrong. Listen or watch along to hear some deep thoughts, fun book club banter, memorable quotes from the novel, and real-life reflections about how these same mental patterns show up in everyday relationships, belief systems, and even the way we consume information online. Grab your drink, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a lively book club conversation with your favorite nerdy psychologists. ............ The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club is produced by Brandi Hawk, Ph.D. and Deanna Boys, M.A. Photography-Lighting-Audio Mixer: Matthew Kadi Original Animation-Sounds-Bartender/Mixologist: Lee Klemens Original Music-Editing: Deanna Boys, M.A. Follow us on the socials! YouTube Instagram Facebook
What this episode covers
What really makes someone a villain? Is it ignorance, manipulation, or the moment we knowingly choose the wrong path? In this episode of The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club, hosts Brandi Hawk and Deanna Boys continue their discussion about Heir by Sabaa Tahir and tackle one of the book’s most fascinating and frustrating characters: Aiz. With their signature mix of humor, psychology, and bookish enthusiasm (plus a spicy margarita-style drink called “Tragic Consequences”), Brandi and Deanna talk about the psychological forces behind Aiz’s transformation (Brandi says Aiz was a hero....Deanna is not so sure). They break down concepts like belief perseverance, confirmation bias, and ego defense to explain how people can cling to beliefs, even when the evidence clearly shows they’re wrong. Listen or watch along to hear some deep thoughts, fun book club banter, memorable quotes from the novel, and real-life reflections about how these same mental patterns show up in everyday relationships, belief systems, and even the way we consume information online. Grab your drink, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a lively book club conversation with your favorite nerdy psychologists. ............ The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club is produced by Brandi Hawk, Ph.D. and Deanna Boys, M.A. Photography-Lighting-Audio Mixer: Matthew Kadi Original Animation-Sounds-Bartender/Mixologist: Lee Klemens Original Music-Editing: Deanna Boys, M.A. Follow us on the socials! YouTube Instagram Facebook
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Episode 6: How a "Hero" becomes a "Villain" With the book "Heir"
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