The Hardcore Therapist 162.5- Why Does It Hurt When Someone You Don't Know Lets You Down?

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt genuinely hurt or betrayed by a musician, podcaster, or public figure you've never actually met? In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships—why we develop emotional attachments to people we don't personally know and why their actions can leave us feeling disappointed, angry, or even grieving. Drawing on psychological research, attachment theory, and the hardcore music community, we examine how music, identity, belonging, and personal values shape these connections. We also explore how to navigate disappointment without dismissing our feelings or losing the meaning that music and community have brought into our lives. Sometimes what we're grieving isn't the person. We're grieving the way we used to feel about them. This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. Support the show