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.
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Ep. 19: Play with Me - Let the Music Fill You Part 1
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.
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Ep. 18: Hope. A Promise to Our Future - Give Me a Reason Part 1
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.
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Ep. 17: Daydreaming - A Gift I Didn't Imagine. If Love Were Just a Game Part 2
What if I told you that the moments you spend lost in thought—the ones you were told to snap out of as a child—are actually a hidden superpower? We all possess this incredible tool, a secret world inside our minds that can unlock our deepest creativity, solve our toughest problems, and even help us heal. In this episode, I share my own journey with this forgotten gift, from a lonely child's escape to a songwriter's inspiration, and explore the surprising science that proves daydreaming is not a waste of time, but a necessary key to our well-being. Join me, and let's learn how to harness this innate magic to bring a genuine smile back to your life.
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Ep. 16: "Four" - I Think I Lost a Day Part 1
Have you ever heard of a horse who could count? It all started with this very real story, one that seems simple on the surface but reveals a profound and beautiful truth about what makes us human. This week, we explore the incredible, almost invisible, chasm that separates us from the animal world. What if our most unique abilities—our capacity to dream generations into the future, our complex moral compass, and even our abstract relationship with time itself—hold the secret to our happiness? Join me, Mist, as we discover how these gifts come with a great responsibility, and how understanding them is the first step toward creating a more connected, joyful, and meaningful life. Together, let's find our way back to what it truly means to be human.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Make Me Smile by Miist podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, designed to spark joy and connection in an increasingly challenging world. Join me, Miist, as we dive into the themes of my songs, exploring simple, yet powerful 15 second actions you can take to combat loneliness and make a real difference. Each episode features stories from everyday heroes, insights from experts, and practical steps to bring more kindness into your life.
Tune in to Make Me Smile by Miist and discover how small acts can create a ripple effect of positivity. We'll explore everything from the science of smiling to the power of love and selflessness, all while supporting the Worldwide Smile Initiative.
Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered to make the world a brighter place, one smile at a time.
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USA