Make Me Smile with Miist

Winner, loser; beautiful, ugly; rich, poor—in a world that constantly asks us to measure up, have you ever stopped to wonder if the yardstick is broken? Join me, Miist, for a few minutes of refuge as we peel back the filters of "aspirational living" to reveal how the thief of joy — comparison — might be stealing more than just your confidence. From the tragic obsession of Salieri over Mozart to a deeply personal confession where I found myself unexpectedly envious of a gift given to my own daughter, we will explore the fine line between toxic jealousy and healthy admiration. If you have ever felt like you are falling behind in a race you never signed up for, I invite you to discover why looking sideways is slowing you down, and to learn the simple, 15-second action that can transform your envy into inspiration—but you’ll have to listen to find out just how powerful a simple smile can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kick your shoes off and leave your worries at the door; let’s make this moment a refuge where we can finally breathe. In a world that constantly screams for us to look out for "Number One" and chase the solitary luxury of wealth, why do we feel more isolated than ever? Join me, Miist, as we unravel a 2,000-year-old secret that modern science—from an 80-year Harvard study to the biology of the "Giver’s Glow"—is just now catching up to. We’ll explore the surprising chemistry of connection versus the heavy, hidden cost of selfishness, and I’ll share a deeply personal, unscripted moment involving a simple hug that completely reshaped my perspective on love. Discover why true happiness isn't found in what we take, but in a forgotten, 15-second habit that has the power to heal our hearts and transform our communities. Are you ready to smile again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like we are just trading empty words about the weather while our true hearts remain hidden behind a wall of polite silence? In this episode of Make Me Smile, we step away from the safety of small talk to explore the terrifying, yet beautiful terrain of deep conversations and meaningful connection. I invite you into a vulnerable space where I confront the invisible barriers that distance us from the ones we love most—especially our parents—and question why we fear the very intimacy we crave. Together, we will discover how sharing our wildest ideas and dreams, rather than just our daily schedules, can heal old wounds and turn strangers into soulmates. Come, let us find the courage to ask the questions that actually matter and uncover the inspiration waiting on the other side of fear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why we desperately crave to be unique, yet remain terrified of standing out? In this episode of Make Me Smile, we step into the refuge of our shared humanity to explore the delicate tension between peer pressure and the vibrant necessity of celebrating differences. Join me as we unravel the roots of judgment and discover why the biodiversity of our souls is as essential as the flowers in a garden. From the unexpected melody of a deaf pianist to the freezing waters of a seal’s habitat, we find that the antidote to the violence of fear isn't bravery—it is something far simpler and more profound. Let’s cross the bridge of friendship together and uncover the secret power of curiosity that turns the unknown into a symphony of connection. Come, take a break from the craziness, and let’s learn why the color periwinkle blue just might save the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered that the most valuable thing you own isn’t locked in a bank, but carried in the breath of those who speak of you? In this episode of Make Me Smile, we step away from the noise to examine the fragile, invisible architecture of our reputation and the profound weight of a name. We traverse the distance between the ancient cautionary tale of the "Boy Who Cried Wolf" and the quiet, transformative strength of Nelson Mandela, discovering why true integrity is worth more than gold—and why humility is the only armor that truly protects it. I open the door to a private moment with my daughter involving a simple request for an email address and the heavy, beautiful condition I placed upon it—a lesson on trust that took me decades to learn myself. Join me in this refuge as we uncover how a single, fifteen-second act of kindness can cement a legacy, and why the most powerful way to build a good name is often the terrifying act of admitting we were wrong. Let’s discover what it truly means to be remembered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our world of instant noodles and quick fixes, are we beginning to seek the same for our hearts? In this episode, we explore the seductive promise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as we grapple with loneliness and our deep need for connection. But can something that only imitates emotion ever truly help us find authentic relationships? Can an algorithm teach us how to love? Join me as we journey into the heart of what makes us human, culminating in a startling revelation—an essay written by AI about itself that will make you question the very line between real and artificial. This is a crucial conversation about the nature of a soul, the "impostor scam" of the heart, and why the most profound connections are the ones we fight for, not the ones we can download. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I'll be happy when..." or getting lost in the memory of the "good old days"? It seems we're all natural time travelers, constantly escaping the one moment we truly have: now. In this episode of Make Me Smile, we explore the fascinating psychology behind why the past often seems rosier than it was and how our brains build a future that may never exist. But what if this mental time travel is the very thing stealing our joy today? What if true contentment isn't found back then, or out there, but is waiting for us right here? Join me, Mist, as we uncover the secrets to stop wishing our precious lives away and finally learn how to live in our own story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome, and thank you for joining me in our little refuge. We’ve all felt that deep, burning desire for justice when we’ve been wronged—that primal urge for revenge that our culture promises will bring us satisfaction. But what if that powerful feeling is a lie? What if I told you that the craving for revenge is a dangerous addiction, lighting up the exact same pathways in your brain as a drug and trapping you in an endless cycle of pain? In this episode, we’ll take a journey to explore this very human dilemma, uncovering the surprising truth about where real strength lies. Is it in the power to strike back, or in a different, far more profound choice that can finally set us free? Join me, and let’s discover the unexpected path to a happiness that can truly last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our six-second world, we're taught that speed is everything. We rush for instant gratification, scroll past life in a blur, and suffer from a deep fear of missing out. But what if this culture of impatience is quietly stealing the very connections and happiness we crave? In this episode of Make Me Smile, let's take a breath together and explore the forgotten, beautiful art of patience. We'll journey from the slow, deliberate climb of Kilimanjaro to the heart of what's making an entire generation anxious, uncovering how slowing down is the secret to better mental health and finding a value that can't be swiped away. Could it be that everything we truly long for is waiting for us on the other side of a patient pause? Come discover with me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of your subconscious? Join me as we explore the profound science of dreaming and its vital role in mental health and creativity. We dive into the surprising power of REM sleep, revealing how it functions as "overnight therapy"—processing stressful emotions without the painful stress hormones—and why interrupting this crucial phase causes pessimistic thoughts and severe brain fog. From boosting productivity to deepening relationships, discover the simple actions you can take tonight to dramatically improve your sleep quality. Don't miss this episode; the key to becoming your best self might be found while you're fast asleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt the immense pressure of a life you were supposed to live? We’re handed a blueprint for happiness from a young age—the perfect career, the fairy-tale romance, the flawless family. But what if that very blueprint is the source of our deepest discontent? In this episode of Make Me Smile, I invite you on a personal journey to unravel this paradox. We'll explore the delicate space between the life we expect and the joy that’s waiting for us in reality. Could it be that the true secret to a fulfilled life isn’t about meeting expectations, but about beautifully and intentionally remaking them? Come, let's learn how to trade the heavy burden of "should" for the simple, liberating freedom of what truly brings us to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered about the one human need so powerful, it’s considered more fundamental than even food or safety? It all started for me with a single, heartfelt question from my daughter that sent me on a profound journey to understand our deepest-seated desire: the search for who we are. In this episode of Make Me Smile, we unravel the powerful mystery behind our quest for a sense of belonging. From the stories woven into our ancestry to the surprising ways modern life can leave us feeling more alone, we'll explore the invisible threads that create our identity. Could it be that the secret to healing our fragmented world—and finding our own true purpose—lies not in what makes us different, but in discovering the one story we all share? Come, let's find our place in that story together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered about the one human need so powerful, it’s considered more fundamental than even food or safety? It all started for me with a single, heartfelt question from my daughter that sent me on a profound journey to understand our deepest-seated desire: the search for who we are. In this episode of Make Me Smile, we unravel the powerful mystery behind our quest for a sense of belonging. From the stories woven into our ancestry to the surprising ways modern life can leave us feeling more alone, we'll explore the invisible threads that create our identity. Could it be that the secret to healing our fragmented world—and finding our own true purpose—lies not in what makes us different, but in discovering the one story we all share? Come, let's find our place in that story together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt you had to hide parts of yourself in a relationship, afraid that your true self wasn't quite worthy of love? We often talk about "unconditional love," but what if that concept is flawed? There's a different, deeper connection we're all searching for—a love that doesn't fail, built on a foundation of profound trust and complete emotional safety. This exploration started with a challenge from a music producer to write a song that would make him cry, and it led me on a journey to understand the powerful bond that forms when we are brave enough to be vulnerable. Join me on this episode of Make Me Smile as we question what we've been taught about love and discover what it truly means to be seen, accepted, and cherished for who we really are, nightmares, fears, and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered the magic held within the word "Creator"? We often picture gods or great artists, but what if I told you that this incredible, world-altering power is something you possess right now? It's a forgotten gift, a feeling of deep pride and accomplishment we've known since childhood, capable of making something wonderful out of absolutely nothing. In this episode, we journey beyond creating things you can touch and explore our uniquely human ability to create feelings, forge connections, and inspire emotions in others. Join me as we unlock the secret to wielding this power in just 15 seconds a day. Are you ready to create a moment that could change everything? Come, let's learn to make the world smile again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt a rhythm so deep it seems to move you from the inside out? It's a feeling we're all born with, a universal language of joy that needs no translation. In this episode, we'll rediscover the profound, almost magical, power of dance—not just as steps or routines, but as a key to unlocking pure, uninhibited happiness and forging deep human connections. We'll explore the fascinating science that explains why our brains are hardwired for a beat, why even animals can't resist moving to the music, and how this simple act has been a secret tool for resilience and revolution throughout history. Join me, Miist, as we listen for the hidden rhythms in our own lives and learn, once again, how to let the music make us truly smile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the one thing holding you back from true love, from success, from the simple joy of being silly, isn't a real monster but a ghost from your past? Fear can be a powerful, paralyzing force, one that I've known intimately since I was just a little girl. It can dictate our choices, keep us in a constant state of fight-or-flight, and stop us from living the life we truly desire. In this episode, let's come together to gently pull back the curtain on this "Boogie Man Syndrome," to understand why it has such a grip on us, and to discover how facing our fears—even the fear of fear itself—can unlock a world filled with more smiles, richer connections, and the freedom to finally dream again. Join me as we explore this deeply human emotion and try a simple 15-second action that might just take its power away for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do a determined toddler, a guilty-looking dog, and a self-guided robot vacuum have in common? They are the stars of one of the most hilariously epic disasters a family can face—a story that had me considering throwing a $500 appliance right in the trash. In this episode of Make Me Smile, we dive headfirst into a "poop-ocalypse" of legendary proportions to get to the heart of something truly transformative: the power of laughter. But what if I told you that a genuine, uncontrollable laugh is more than just a reaction to something funny? What if it’s a biological key to rewiring your brain for happiness, relieving stress in an instant, and forging connections that run deeper than words? Join me as we uncover the surprising science behind our most joyful human expression and discover the one simple action that can transform your health and your world—all starting with a story you have to hear to believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, and welcome back to Make Me Smile. Have you ever considered the profound science behind a simple game of Peek-a-boo? It feels so perfect and natural, but what if that interaction holds the key to our child's development and our own happiness? In this episode, we explore the forgotten art and biological necessity of play. We'll uncover why play is essential not just for children but for adults, how it shapes our brains, boosts our creativity, and even affects our physical health. Discover why some forms of play, like those on screens, can actually hinder emotional intelligence, while others unlock our true potential. Could it be that the opposite of play isn't work, but something much darker? Join me as we learn to smile again and find a simple 15-second action to bring more genuine, life-changing play back into our world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the one thing that keeps us going through even the darkest times is something we can give to ourselves and others in an instant? In this episode of Make Me Smile, we dive deep into the incredible, almost magical, power of hope. I’ll share a remarkable and frankly shocking true story from a 1950s research lab that reveals the secret to enduring the impossible, and a personal moment with a tiny, injured bird that taught me everything about the will to live. We’ll explore how this single emotion is hardwired into us, why strong human connections and a sense of purpose are its super-fuel, and how we can lose it in the noise of our daily lives, leaving us feeling aimless and empty. Join me, Miist, for a conversation, some beautiful music I wrote just for this feeling, and discover the one thing that separates giving up from swimming for days. The answer might just make you smile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices