Ep. 96 Life in the Hood
A Called & Curious conversation where faith, story, and brain science intertwine to help you live confidently from the overflow.
What if the way you experience life isn’t reality itself—but the mental model you’re wearing?
In this episode of Called & Curious, we’re talking about Life in the Hood—a framework for understanding the mental models (or “hoods”) our brains learned to wear to stay safe, belong, and navigate the world.
You’ll learn why some people feel instantly easy to be around, why others activate you without explanation, and how awareness of your own hood can change how you experience relationships, stress, faith, and everyday moments.
This isn’t a personality test that puts you in a box.
It’s an identification tool that helps you notice when your hood is up—and choose when to lower it.
We explore six common hoods:
🪞 Mirror Hood – tuned into people and emotions
🧱 Fortress Hood – protected by strength and structure
🔥 Spark Hood – energized by novelty, creativity, and joy
🧭 Compass Hood – oriented toward direction and progress
⚓ Harbor Hood – drawn to safety, quiet, and depth
🔦 Lighthouse Hood – grounded in clarity, insight, and understanding
None of these are flaws.
They’re adaptive patterns your brain learned for a reason.
And once you can see your hood, you can start experiencing life more beautifully.
What to Do After This Episode?
1️⃣ Take the “What Hood Are You Wearing?” Quiz
This short assessment helps you identify your primary hood, understand the mental model your brain learned to use, and discover what kind of support helps you reset and rewire most effectively.
👉 Take the quiz here:
What Hood Are You Wearing?
2️⃣ Share Your Hood in the Love Movers Facebook Group
If you’re already in the Love Movers Facebook group—or want to join—it’s an open, pressure-free space to connect.
If it occurs to you, hop over and share which hood you got. I’d love to see the mix and hear your stories.
👉 Join the Love Movers group here:
Love Movers on Facebook
3️⃣ Join the Hoodie Challenge (Hood Up, Hood Down)
Grab a hoodie.
Film a short video from behind with your hood up… then lower it.
Post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag @CalledandCurious.
Bonus points if you add a hashtag for your hood so we can find each other:
#MirrorHood #FortressHood #SparkHood #CompassHood #HarborHood #LighthouseHood
4️⃣ Help Me Discern a Someday Book
I’m considering turning Life in the Hood into a book someday, and I need your help. I have one simple question: Would you want to read about this as a book?
Yes or no. That’s it.
Want this as a book?
Email YES or NO to hello@calledandcurious.com
As always, remember:
The goal isn’t to live hoodless.
It’s to know when your hood is up—and choose when to lower it.
❤️ Support the Show
If this episode encouraged you, one of the best ways to support the podcast is to:
Rate and review the show
Share it with someone you love (bonus points if you make it delightfully awkward)
Your support helps these conversations reach more people who are navigating real life with faith, curiosity, and honesty.
When your cup is full, your crown is on —
and you can live in the overflow of God’s love every single day.
No pressure. No performance. Just peace.
Connect With The Curious:
The Weekly Pour Newsletter — pour a little peace into your inbox
The Stress Less Love Move — a free 6-minute reset video to calm your mind, body, and spirit
Say Hello: Got a story, question, or collaboration idea? I’d love to hear from you. Email calledandcurious