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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Have you ever felt completely misunderstood, as if your words were being translated into a foreign language? From hilarious autocorrect fails to heart-wrenching family divides, it seems we're in the midst of a global communication breakdown. Wars have nearly started, billion-dollar spacecraft have been lost, and countless relationships have crumbled, all from simple misunderstandings. We're the most connected generation in history, yet we've never felt more disconnected. We'll explore why this happens—from cultural blind spots to the way our own emotions and technology betray us. But what if the solution wasn't about talking more, but about something else entirely? Join me to uncover the one surprisingly simple, 15-second key that can transform every relationship in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to feeling less stressed, more connected, and even more generous wasn't about adding something new to your life, but about rediscovering a forgotten emotion? Join me as we explore the surprising science behind "awe," from the specific brain network it quiets to the eight universal triggers that can spark this powerful feeling in our daily lives. Together, let's learn how to intentionally cultivate these moments of wonder, transforming our perspective and finding a profound sense of purpose in just 15 seconds a day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the most powerful medicine for loneliness and anxiety was literally at our fingertips, a forgotten language we're designed to speak? Join me as I explore the surprising science of touch starvation, from the specific nerves that crave a gentle caress to the shocking experiments that revealed how vital physical connection is for our survival. Together, we'll rediscover the simple, profound power of human touch and learn how a single, 15-second action can begin to heal our need for connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why we laugh at something as absurd as a freezing cow in a refrigerator or a turkey vulture on a plane? In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind laughter, including the 17 different types of humor and what they reveal about our relationships. Discover why making someone laugh is a sign of intelligence, and how you can harness the power of humor in just 15 seconds a day to completely reset your brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever stopped to ask the simple yet profound question: why do we love? In this deeply personal episode of Make Me Smile, I, your host Miist, explore this very question as we seek to understand one of humanity's most powerful forces. We'll journey beyond the simple 'I love you' to discover the eight ancient Greek words for love—from romantic Eros to the universal love of Agape—and discuss why knowing the difference is so important for our relationships. I'll share my own story of learning how to love after a childhood that didn't teach me, and we'll explore how these early lessons can impact our mental health and our ability to form healthy bonds. You'll hear my original song, "The Bruises Won't Ever Understand," and leave with a powerful 15-second action that could change someone's day. If you're ready to explore what it truly means to love yourself and others, and want to learn how to break cycles and build a happier future, go listen to the full episode now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt a special relationship slowly drifting apart, not from a big fight, but from the quiet routine of everyday life? I went on a journey to find the key to rekindling that connection, exploring popular advice like "Active Listening" and "Validation." While helpful, I discovered the true secret to a bond that lasts is something much simpler and more powerful: being genuinely curious. Join me as we explore how this one shift can transform your conversations, help you navigate disagreements with empathy, and allow you to truly see and be seen by the people you love. If you're yearning for deeper, more fulfilling connections, let's learn to be curious about each other all over again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Make Me Smile"! I'm your host, Mist, and this week we're exploring the beautiful, innate human need for connection and why we often personify everything from our quirky lemon trees (you'll hear that story!) to our Roombas. It's all about our deep desire to connect, and we'll uncover how these bonds—with nature, animals, and especially each other—are the true sources of lasting happiness and well-being, far surpassing the fleeting joy of material possessions. I'll share my song "It Was You," inspired by a profound connection, and we'll even practice a simple 15-second way to foster deeper, more authentic connections by asking "How are you, really?". So, join me as we take a break from the world's craziness and rediscover the simple, powerful joy of genuine human connection together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling with lingering feelings from a past relationship or the desire to be remembered? In this deeply personal episode of "Make Me Smile," host Miist shares the vulnerable story behind her song "Remember Me Again," exploring how a decade-old breakup unexpectedly surfaced and impacted her present life. Discover how holding onto resentment can subtly poison current happiness and learn why truly letting go is crucial for your own well-being. Dive into the universal need for connection, the illusion of social media bonds, and a powerful 15-second exercise to redefine "who you are" based on what truly matters in your "life review." Tune in for profound insights on healing, forgiveness, and finding peace by choosing presence over the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does scrolling social media promise connection but often leave you feeling more disconnected? Dive into this "Make Me Smile" episode exploring the addictive, dopamine-driven nature of social media versus the deep fulfillment of real connection with nature, others, and yourself. Host Miist unpacks why our brains crave connection like hunger and introduces a powerful tool: the simple 15-second pause before opening apps to practice genuine gratitude. Learn about the "Kindness Cube" and how these tiny shifts can combat overwhelm, boost your mental health, and genuinely change your world. Tune in to understand the failed promise of social media and rediscover true happiness and connection in achievable, mindful steps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, lovely listeners! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the craziness of our world, or the constant pull of social media? I know I do. That's why on this episode of the Make Me Smile podcast, we're taking a break to explore how we can find joy and spark positive change with simple, powerful 15-second actions. I'll share my personal journey and introduce you to the Kindness Cube – a tangible way to practice gratitude, share a smile, and more, because I believe we can change our world in small, beautiful ways. Plus, you'll hear the surprising story behind my song 'Slow Dance', produced by the legendary Narada Michael Walden, and its message about finding those precious moments of connection amidst the chaos. We'll discuss overcoming social media overwhelm, the beauty of being present, and rediscovering what makes for a truly meaningful life. Join me, Miist, as we learn to change our world and, most importantly, Make Me Smile. #15seconds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still haunted by resentment from a past relationship? Discover the surprising path to healing as host Miist unpacks the deeply personal story behind her song, "Give Her My Love." Learn how decade-old hurt from a breakup unexpectedly impacted her present marriage, leading to the profound realization that holding onto resentment is like "drinking poison and hoping the other person dies." This episode explores why forgiveness is ultimately a gift toÊyourself, releasing you from emotional baggage. Uncover a simple yet powerful 15-second exercise to start acknowledging and letting go of resentment. Tune into "Make Me Smile" to gain tools for emotional healing, find peace, and improve your current happiness and relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can imagination be a powerful tool for healing childhood trauma and reframing a difficult past? In this deeply personal episode of "Make Me Smile," host Miist reveals the surprising truth behind her song "She" it was written not for her actual mother, but for the supportive figure she imagined needing after facing abandonment and abuse. Explore the transformative power of choosing gratitude over resentment, touching on concepts like dissociation and drawing inspiration from the film "Life is Beautiful." Discover how Miist used imagination to cope, heal, and ultimately foster forgiveness, and learn a playful yet potent 15-second action involving embracing silliness (like skipping or a 'wind dance'!) to instantly boost your mood and change your world. Tune in to unlock insights on harnessing imagination for profound mental health benefits and finding unexpected joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host and singer-songwriter Miist shares her deeply personal journey of healing childhood trauma related to parental abandonment and resentment, initially channeled through songwriting, including her featured original song "She." The focus shifts to the transformative power of gratitude as a tool for mental wellness and positive psychology. Miist explains how cultivating gratitude helped her reframe painful memories, overcome a victim mentality, and find peace in her relationship with her mother and her past. Supported by scientific research insights (citing Harvard studies, Dr. Seligman, and a TEDx talk on "Kiss Your Brain"), the episode highlights how gratitude can rewire the brain, boost happiness, improve health, and strengthen relationships. Listeners are encouraged to practice simple gratitude exercises, like a 15-second reflection, to positively impact their own lives and foster connection, demonstrating how small shifts in perspective can lead to profound healing and well-being. #15second Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we confront the pervasive feeling of loneliness and isolation affecting so many, even in our hyper-connected world – a stark reality highlighted by the US Surgeon General's findings and the story behind my song, "Could You Lend Me a Smile." But there's immense hope! We explore how simple, powerful actions, taking just 15 seconds or less, can forge human connection and combat this epidemic. Building on last week's challenge, let's add a friendly wave or a warm hello to our smile when we see someone. It might feel strange initially, but as my family discovered, these small gestures create ripples of kindness, foster well-being (both theirs and ours!), and remind us of our shared humanity. Join me as we learn to smile again, choose connection over withdrawal, and actively build a happier, more meaningful world together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices