Make Me Smile with Miist
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.
Episodes
Ep. 48: Be Authentic
Step out of the craziness of the world and into a safe refuge for just a few minutes. Have you ever suddenly realized you’re playing a character in your own life?
In this episode of Make Me Smile, we’re diving deep into the terrifying, beautiful journey of unmasking your authentic self. For years, I wore the "perfect, always helpful" persona, quietly letting it eat away at my joy until I realize
Ep. 47: It Shouldn't Be That Easy
Have you ever wondered why the easy way often leaves us feeling so utterly empty? In a fast-paced world where artificial intelligence can generate a song in seconds and we can stare at the peak of Mount Everest from the comfort of our couches, we are quietly losing something profoundly human.
This week on the Make Me Smile podcast, we are taking a gentle refuge from the craziness to unravel the
Ep. 46: Let's Get Bored
Let’s take a gentle break from the craziness of our constantly connected world and step into a safe refuge for your mind.
In this episode of the Make Me Smile podcast, I invite you to explore a forgotten human superpower that modern technology has trained us to avoid at all costs.
What if the very feeling you desperately swipe, tap, and scroll to escape is actually the secret key to unlocking
Ep. 45: Challenge Me
Are you living in a refuge of your own making, or is your comfort slowly becoming a cage?
In this episode of Make Me Smile, we’re stepping away from the dangerous allure of "TikTok challenges" to explore a much deeper invitation: the transformative power of challenging the self.
From the way your heart literalizes its need for struggle to the "quantum computer" between your ears that’s being w
Ep. 44: The Brian's
Imagine, for a moment, that the chaotic symphony of your human brain isn't just biology, but a bustling civilization of trillions of tiny, sentient creatures living in the dark recesses of your skull—and what if they were all named Brian?
In this episode of Make Me Smile, we step into the surreal, secret world of these invisible architects who are constantly rewriting your memories, editing your
Ep. 43: Shame on Me
Have you ever felt a weight in your chest that you couldn’t quite name—a burning sensation that whispers you are simply not enough?
On this episode of Make Me Smile, I’m taking you back to a pivotal moment from my childhood that changed how I see the world, as we explore the profound, often hidden difference between the guilt of a mistake and the crushing burden of shame. We live in a society th
EP. 42: Is Cleanliness Really Next to Godliness?
Have you ever felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to wash your hands after a moment of doubt, or felt the heavy weight of a cluttered room pressing against your peace of mind?
In this episode of Make Me Smile, we delve into the mysterious "Macbeth Effect"—the deep-rooted psychological connection between a clean environment and a clear conscience. We’ll wander from the tragic, blood-stained halls of
Ep. 41: Regret
Have you ever felt the crushing weight of regret pulling you down like a swirling black hole, begging for a way to rewrite the past?
In this deeply personal episode, I pull back the curtain on a twenty-year silence between a father and daughter—a story of abandonment, a starving family's desperate choice, and the unexpected path to healing relationships we thought were lost forever.
Together,
Ep. 40: Life is About Choices. Right?
Step into our shared refuge where we pause the world's craziness to discover why having a million choices might actually be the reason you feel so stuck.
From a panic attack in a Costco aisle to the heartbreak of endless swiping, we unravel the illusion that infinite options equal freedom and explore why chasing the "perfect" life is often a mirage that steals our joy.
I’ll share a personal re
EP. 39: 3 Days To Say Goodbye
I am writing this from a place of deep vulnerability, looking at an empty bed that isn't quite empty yet.
What would you do if you were given the unimaginable burden—and the precious gift—of knowing exactly how many hours remain with the soul who saved your life?
In this episode of Make Me Smile, we journey through the raw, beautiful, and heart-wrenching reality of anticipatory grief and the p
Ep. 38: Take it Slow
Do you feel the "Pali-Pali"—the hurry-hurry—running through your veins, making you feel like you’re constantly chasing a moving car?
In this special Christmas Eve episode, we pause amidst the frenzy to discover why our addiction to speed might actually be stealing our most precious commodity.
We’ll explore the science of why your body craves the "fight or flight" rush, but why your soul is des
Ep. 37: Stop Comparing
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 t
EP. 36: Selfish or Generous. Which?
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 "G
EP. 35: Inspiring Talk
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 d
Ep. 34: Curiosity Conquers Fear: How to Bridge the Gap Between Us
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
Ep. 33: What's in a Name?
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 th
Ep. 32: Artificial What?
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
Ep. 31: Do We live for the Past, the Future or Today?
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
Ep. 30: Revenge - Who Pays?
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 dru
Ep. 29: Why Should I Be Patient?
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
Ep. 28: I Dream, Therefore I Am: Losing Your Dreams Means Losing Yourself
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 a
Ep. 27: The Story in Our Ears - When You Left
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 sp
Ep. 26: Great Expectations - Cherries & Cream
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 bel
Ep. 25: Who Am I? Could You Lend Me a Smile - Spoken Word
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 be
Ep. 24: Unfailing Love - Love Them Away Part 1
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
Ep. 23: You Are a Creator. Make Me Smile - Part 2
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 b
Ep. 22: Let's Dance! Let the Music Fill You - Part 2
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
Ep. 21: Living Without Fear. I'm Not Afraid to Dream Again - Part 1
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 episo
Ep. 20: Make Me Laugh - Make Me Smile Part 1
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 t
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 ad
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
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
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 mor
Ep. 15: I know you think you heard what you think I said but I'm not sure that you realize that what you heard is not what I meant - Tell Me What You See
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 mo
Ep. 14: Living in Awe - It Was You Part 2
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 inte
Ep. 13: Touch Me. Move Your Body Slowly Part 2
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
Ep. 12: Humor, The Funny Subject - If Love Were Just a Game Part 1
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 se
Ep. 11: Why Do We Love? - The Bruises Won't Ever Understand Part 1
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 w
Ep. 10: Being Curious. Falling Out of Us. Part 1
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.
Ep. 9: The Lemon Tree - Personification and the Need for Connection - It was You Part 1
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 happines
Ep. 8: Remember Me Again - Why We Want to Be Remembered - Part 1
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
Ep. 7: The Failed Promise of Social Media - Could You Lend Me A Smile Part 3
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
Ep. 6: Change Your World in 15 Seconds - Move Your Body Slowly Part 1
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
Ep. 5: Letting Go (of resentment) - Give Her My Love Part I
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 episod
Ep. 4: Imagine Who You Want To Be - She Part II
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 r
Ep. 3: Why Gratitude? - She Part I
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 refram
Ep. 2: Could You Lend Me a Smile Part II
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 epidem
Ep. 1: Could You Lend Me a Smile Part I
Join me, Miist, on this heartfelt episode of Make Me Smile, where we rediscover the simple yet profound power of a smile. Inspired by a touching story of loneliness from Japan and my personal journey into songwriting, we explore how one genuine smile can transform not only your day but ripple positively through your community and beyond. Hear uplifting interactions from my conversations with peopl
Welcome to Make Me Smile with Miist
Hello there, I'm Miist, and welcome to Make Me Smile. Have you ever felt, like I did walking through the park recently, that we've become a bit disconnected, maybe forgetting the simple, powerful gift of a smile? It seems loneliness and feeling adrift have become widespread, but I truly believe we hold the power to change that and rediscover what it means to be human. This podcast is our shared jo
Recommended
Jubal Phone Pranks from The Jubal Show
پلی لیست | PlayList
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Bible Tea
TED Talks Daily
Pod Save America
Dateline NBC
صداستان: ساعتی با موسیقی
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Exposing Workplace Bullying
Everyday AI Made Simple - AI For Everyday Tasks
FemTech Focus
