Make Me Smile with Miist

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 wasted on basic arithmetic, we dive into why the opposite of complacency isn’t just activity—it’s evolution. We explore the science of neuroplasticity, the "prince culture" that might be stifling our children’s resilience, and why a 15-second pivot in your morning routine could be the key to a dopamine-fueled breakthrough. Why do you believe the things you’ve never questioned, and what happens to a relationship when you stop assuming you know the person sitting across from you? I share a crossroads I faced during this very recording—a moment where I had to choose between the flow and the fracture—and why the "100-foot-high unstable platform" of your current beliefs might be the most exciting place to stand. Join me as we rediscover what it means to be human in a world that wants us to stay seated; it’s time to find out if you’re ready to let the fire harden your steel or if you’re still waiting for someone to hold the bottle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 perception of reality, and throwing wild parties when you fall in love. Why do they refuse to let you forget that one embarrassing moment from the fourth grade, yet delete your drive home from work? Come discover the truth about the tiny editors cutting the film of your life before you even see it, and learn why keeping "The Brians" happy might just be the secret to your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 that frequently uses shame as a tool for motivation—in our schools, our careers, and even our most intimate family structures—but what is this truly doing to our collective humanity? I’m inviting you to join me as we peel back these layers to discover a forgotten path toward healing through empathy, self-compassion, and a radical kind of love. Is it possible to truly become your own best friend when the world has spent years telling you otherwise? Listen in as we dive into why love isn't just a sentiment, but the only way out of the prison of shame. You might just find that the key to the door has been in your hand all along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Shakespeare to the silent, efficient cleaning systems of the natural world, discovering why cleanliness isn't just about appearances—it's about how we value ourselves and our future. I’m opening up about my own battle with terminal illness and the surprising, vital role that "cleaning" from the inside out played in my survival. Why does an unkept yard lower more than just property value, and how can a 15-second act of order reset your entire physiological state? Step inside this refuge of music and reflection as we explore the simple, nearly forgotten habits that lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. You might just find that the secret to a happy heart starts with something as small as making your bed or clearing a single hidden drawer. Let’s learn to smile again, together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, we’ll discover why forgiveness isn't about excusing the hurt but about reclaiming your freedom, and how a simple, 15-second action can transform your deepest remorse into your greatest strength. Come listen to the song that was born from my pain, "Let Me Be the Promise You Wanted," and find out if it's ever truly too late to make amends and finally find peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices