Why do you Smile when you're happy?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Who Smarted? - Why Do You Smile When You're Happy?"

Episode Title: Why Do You Smile When You're Happy?
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host/Author: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Who Smarted?", the host and co-host Keith delve into the fascinating world of smiles—exploring why we smile, the different types of smiles, and the science behind their impact on our well-being. Designed to captivate young minds, the episode combines storytelling, interactive segments, and insightful discussions to educate and entertain listeners.

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Storytelling Segment: The Power of a Smile [00:02 - 01:25]

The episode opens with the Narrator sharing a heartwarming story about a shy boy who overcomes his fears through the simple act of smiling. At [00:02], the Narrator sets the scene:

Narrator [00:02]: "It's the story of a young boy who was always afraid... Luckily, his shyness didn't deter his new friend, whose lips and mouth formed into a big, wide grin."

This story serves as a foundation for the episode's exploration of how a single smile can transform interactions and build friendships.

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Interactive Dialogue: Understanding the Story [01:25 - 03:08]

Keith interacts with the Narrator to unpack the story's meaning. At [01:25], Keith asks:

Keith [01:25]: "Uh, trusty narrator, that's a cute story, but what does it mean?"

The Narrator attempts to emphasize the importance of the message but finds himself stuck in rhyming, adding humor to the conversation. Keith takes the initiative to clarify the moral of the story by reviewing the script:

Keith [01:58]: "It says... about the boy who felt shy and lonely. All it took was seeing someone else smile to make him feel like smiling, too."

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Deep Dive: The Science of Smiling [03:08 - 07:31]

The episode transitions into a detailed exploration of smiling, starting at [03:08]. Keith expresses his curiosity about smiling, prompting the Narrator to introduce scientific concepts.

Narrator [03:35]: "Smiling in general is important. True or false? A smile can actually make you feel better."

Keith confidently answers "True," leading to a discussion about how smiling, even a fake one, can trigger the brain's reward centers to release happiness hormones.

At [05:15], the Narrator highlights the diversity of smiles:

Narrator [05:15]: "Studies show there are actually hundreds of different types of smiles... the genuine smile, the Duchenne smile."

Key Concepts:

• Genuine (Duchenne) Smile: Involves the orbicularis oculi muscle, causing lines around the eyes, indicating authenticity.
• Fake Smile: Lacks the engagement of the eye muscles and is often forced.

Keith attempts to guess the technical term for the eye muscle involved:

Keith [06:43]: "Is it called the eyelid muscle?"

Despite Keith's playful guesses, the Narrator clarifies:

Narrator [07:00]: "It's called the orbicularis oculi muscle."

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Types of Smiles and Their Meanings [05:53 - 07:31]

The Narrator elaborates on various types of smiles, emphasizing their psychological and social implications:

Narrator [05:53]: "There's the fear smile, the miserable smile, the embarrassed smile, the angry enjoyment smile, the flirtatious smile, the fake smile, and most importantly, the genuine smile."

This section educates listeners on how to identify different smiles and understand the emotions behind them.

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Health Benefits of Smiling [07:31 - 13:41]

Keith and the Narrator discuss the myriad health benefits associated with smiling. At [07:56], Keith states:

Keith [07:56]: "Hmm. Based on the knowledge you've already dropped, I'm guessing true."

The Narrator confirms:

Narrator [07:56]: "True. It's a scientific fact."

Highlighted Benefits:

• Improved Mood: Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, reducing stress.
• Physical Health: Increased oxygen to the brain, lowered blood pressure, and stress relief.
• Social Connectivity: Smiles serve as a universal language, fostering connections across cultures.

At [13:14], Keith ties the discussion to historical perspectives:

Keith [13:14]: "Charles Darwin was one of the greatest biologists in history. But seriously, I wish more people knew about the benefits of smiling."

This nod to Darwin underscores the long-standing scientific interest in human expressions.

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Interactive Segment: Smile Exercise [15:02 - 15:59]

To reinforce the episode's lessons, the Narrator invites listeners to participate in a smile exercise:

Narrator [15:26]: "Smarty listeners, when I count to three, I want you all to smile and then just hold it until I say to stop."

This activity engages listeners, making the learning experience interactive and memorable.

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Key Takeaways and Conclusion [15:02 - 16:11]

Towards the end of the episode, Keith summarizes the main points:

Keith [14:38]: "So, just to recap, smiling is an involuntary action that can happen for hundreds of reasons."

Keith [15:18]: "But even if you're faking a smile, you can still make your brain happy. Because your brain loves smiles. And it's actually healthy to do it."

The Narrator affirms Keith's recap, reinforcing the educational content.

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Conclusion

In "Why Do You Smile When You're Happy?", "Who Smarted?" successfully blends storytelling, scientific exploration, and interactive elements to educate children and families about the significance of smiling. Through the dynamic interactions between the Narrator and Keith, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the types of smiles, their psychological and physiological benefits, and their role in social interactions. This episode not only entertains but also empowers young listeners with knowledge that can enhance their everyday lives.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Narrator [00:02]: "Sometimes it just takes one smile to change how the story ends."
• Keith [02:41]: "Actually, I totally get it now."
• Narrator [05:53]: "There's the fear smile, the miserable smile, the embarrassed smile..."
• Narrator [07:56]: "A smile can actually make you feel better."
• Keith [13:14]: "Charles Darwin was one of the greatest biologists in history."
• Narrator [15:26]: "When I count to three, I want you all to smile..."

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Production Credits

• Written by: Taryn Smith, Smiley Schneider
• Voiced by: Gia Smiley Pants Davis, Adam Dopamine Davis, Jerry Colbert
• Technical Direction and Sound Design: Josh Happy Hahn
• Associate Producer: Max Chuckles Kamasky
• Theme Song: Brian Deshen Suarez with lyrics by Adam Tex Davis
• Created and Produced by: Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert
• Recorded and Mixed at: Relic Room Studios
• Production Company: Atomic Entertainment

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"Who Smarted?" continues to be a beloved educational resource, seamlessly blending fun and learning to inspire young minds. This episode underscores the podcast's commitment to making education an enjoyable adventure.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Psst. Gather round, smarty pants, for I, the trusty narrator, have something to say. It's the story of a young boy who was always afraid. He was petite in form, meaning he was small and very shy. As such, he was always cautious about new things to try. One day at the park, he was approached by another little boy who sat beside him and asked if he'd like to share his new toy. Oh. However, the shy boy wasn't quite sure what to say. It'd been a long time since someone had asked him to play. Luckily, his shyness didn't deter his new friend, whose lips and mouth formed into a big, wide grin. He introduced himself. Hello, my name is Keith. And his smile grew bigger until you could see all his teeth. He asked the shy boy if there was something wrong. Maybe you don't want to play and you'd rather be alone. But then a strange thing happened, and the boy began to smile. And all of his nervous thoughts disappeared for a while. For the next few hours, he and Keith laughed, joked, and played. And what started out as scary turned into a wonderful day. I tell you all this tale today, my smarty pants friends, because sometimes it just takes one smile to change how the story ends.

[Keith]

Uh, trusty narrator, that's a cute story, but what does it mean?

[Narrator]

Hmm, I thought you'd figure it out Quick. Now I must find a way to get my story to stick.

[Keith]

It sounds like you're stuck rhyming.

[Narrator]

Yikes. What can I do to stop rhyming every word I say to you?

[Keith]

Yep, still rhyming.

[Narrator]

Maybe if I take a long walk, I can somehow escape all this lyrical talk. I'll be right back. In the meantime, smarty pants, have a quick snack.

[Keith]

Hello? Testing. H, I don't know if the trusty narrator meant to leave his mic on. I see he also left his script here. Maybe I should read it to you. Lets see, it says, as you just heard from our story, about the boy who felt shy and lonely. All it took was seeing someone else smile to make him feel like smiling, too. And once he smiled, he was able to relax and make a new friend to play with. Oh, so that's what the story was about. Pretty cool, trusty narrator.

[Narrator]

Okay, I'm back. And I'm cured from rhyming, I think. So you were asking about the story?

[Keith]

Actually, I totally get it now.

[Narrator]

See, I knew you were a smarty.

[Keith]

Pants, but now I want to know more about smiling.

[Narrator]

Great. It just so happens that's what I wanted to talk to you about today. Um, have you seen my script anywhere? Ah, there it is. As you just heard from our story about a boy.

[Keith]

Wait, wait, I kind of read that part already.

[Narrator]

You did?

[Keith]

Yeah. Sorry. I hope you're not mad. Um, are you smiling?

[Narrator]

I am.

[Keith]

So you're not mad?

[Narrator]

Nope. I'm glad you took the initiative, Smartypants. And even helps demonstrate how a smile is a social cue and a form of non verbal communication.

[Keith]

Cool, cool. Well, thanks for teaching me about smiles.

[Narrator]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. There is a lot more to learn about smiling than just that.

[Keith]

Like what?

[Narrator]

Like what are the mechanics behind a smile? What makes you smile? And how did humans learn to smile in the first place? It's time for another whiff of science and history on who's smarted, who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smart? And.

[Elio]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms. But only one of them asked for it.

[Keith]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Elio]

Get me From Disney and Pixar.

[Keith]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Elio]

He'll go where no, no one has gone before.

[Narrator]

Welcome to the community.

[Keith]

This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

[Narrator]

This is the bathroom.

[Elio]

Disney and Pixar's Elio rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20th.

[Narrator]

Hey, smarty pants. True or false? There's only one type of smile.

[Keith]

True. False.

[Narrator]

That's right, smarty pants here in the studio. And and all you smarty pants listening. There is definitely more than one type of smile. I know. Isn't that wild? No, not that kind of wild. Wild as in surprising or fascinating, which is one type of smile.

[Keith]

It's true, I do tend to smile when I'm surprised by something.

[Narrator]

Uh huh. Then you might not be surprised to learn that studies show there are actually hundreds of different types of smiles to that you and other people use, just to name a few. There's the fear smile, the miserable smile, the embarrassed smile, the angry enjoyment smile, the flirtatious smile, the fake smile, and most importantly, the genuine smile.

[Keith]

The genuine smile.

[Narrator]

That's right. The genuine smile is sometimes referred to as the Duchenne smile, named after the French anatomist Duchenne de Boulogne way back in 1862. Oh, and an anatomist is an expert in studying the body and body structures.

[Keith]

Okay, but what makes a smile genuine?

[Narrator]

Well, according to Duchenne, the difference between a fake smile, which is A smile you have to force yourself to make. And a real smile. Happy, genuine smile that happens without you thinking about it, all comes down to a muscle located in your eyelids. This muscle is called.

[Keith]

Oh, let me see if I can guess. Is it called the eyelid muscle?

[Narrator]

Well, the technical term is actually.

[Keith]

Wait, wait, give me another try. How about the smiling eye muscle?

[Narrator]

No.

[Keith]

The eye spy muscle.

[Narrator]

How about a hint? It's the orba.

[Keith]

Oh, the orbeez muscle. I knew it.

[Narrator]

Not quite. It's called the orbicularis oculi muscle.

[Keith]

Yeah, I never would have gotten that.

[Narrator]

That's okay. We're learning. The thing about a genuine smile is that it's involuntary. It just happens. As opposed to a fake smile that you have to force, or, you know, fake. Exactly. But only a real smile activates the orbicularis oculi muscles, which usually cause little lines to appear next to your eyes. A fake smile does not. Which means.

[Keith]

So you can tell if someone is really smiling or just faking it by whether or not they have little lines by their eyes.

[Narrator]

Look at you. Such a smarty pants. And I can see that big, proud smile on your face right now is definitely real.

[Keith]

It sure is.

[Narrator]

Anyway, regardless of what type of smile you're using, smiling in general is important. True or false? A smile can actually make you feel better.

[Keith]

Hmm. Based on the knowledge you've already dropped, I'm guessing true.

[Narrator]

Nailed it. You ever hear of the phrase fake it till you make it? Well, when it comes to smiling, the more you smile, the. The better you'll feel. It's a scientific fact.

[Keith]

But how?

[Narrator]

All the muscles that you use to smile send a message to the reward part of your brain. Even if it's a fake smile, this causes an increased flow of all of the hormones that cause happiness.

[Keith]

So wait a second. If I fake a smile, someone else might be able to tell, but it actually fools my own brain.

[Narrator]

That's right. Whoa.

[Keith]

And are you also saying that if I'm feeling blue, all I have to do is smile to scientifically tell my brain to feel happy?

[Narrator]

Pretty much. If not full on joy, you'll definitely feel better. And you can supercharge the good feeling if you turn that smile into a laugh.

[Keith]

Really?

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah. See, when you smile, your face and mind relax, causing your nervous system to relax. And then if you start laughing, your whole body's mood is boosted. Okay, smarty pants, true or false? Smiling is healthy for you.

[Keith]

Uh, I want to say false, but I bet you're going to say true.

[Narrator]

I'm not sure well, the answer is coming up right after this quick break. This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science, and social studies with interactive practice problems, games, and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun, just like whosmarted. For homeschool parents, iexcel is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class, whether they need extra help or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign [e-mail] smarted. Visit ixl.com smarted now to give your child the best learning support available. IXL where learning Clicks this podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. If you've got an idea, a brand, or a business, Squarespace can help you bring it to life online so easily and so quickly. I started with their Blueprint AI tool, and it's honestly kind of magical. You answer a few simple questions about your project and it instantly builds a beautiful custom website with design, layout, and it even had text suggestions that went perfectly with the idea that I was creating. It's like having a designer and copywriter on your team, but it's all done by the app. Then I discovered how easy it is to offer services and get paid. You can add bookings, send invoices, accept payments, and even schedule automated emails all right from your site. No plugins, no chaos, no extra apps. And figuring all that out, just a smooth professional setup that actually works right out of the box. It saved me a ton of money and time. So if you're ready to build something real, head to squarespace.com smarted for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use offer code smarted to save 10% off to your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com smarted modern parenting is tough.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

But to raise happier and healthier kids, parents need to focus on their well being too. I'm Dr. Laurie Santos and in the new season of my podcast the Happiness Lab, I'll be looking at happier parenting. We'll tackle many of the challenges facing Modern parents From loneliness to struggles over screen time and technology. We'll explore research backed strategies moms and dads can use to achieve more joy and less stress while raising the next generation. Listen to the happiness lab wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

Now back to who smarted? Okay, all smarty pants within the sound of my voice. True or false? Smiling is healthy for you.

[Keith]

I'm going true.

[Narrator]

Well done. Did you get that too, smarty listener? According to research, there are many health benefits to smiling and laughing. For example, smiling sends sends more oxygen to your brain, helps lower your blood pressure, and can relieve stress.

[Keith]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Psst. Smarty pants. Who was it that created the hypothesis that said emotions can be transformed by changing the activity of facial muscles? Is it A, our old pal Duchenne? B, Charles Darwin of evolutionary fame, Or C, the shy boy from our story earlier? The correct answer is B. Charles Darwin.

[Keith]

Makes sense. Charles Darwin was one of the greatest biologists in history. But seriously, I wish more people knew about the benefits of smiling. The world would be a better and happier place.

[Narrator]

Well, that's why we're talking about it now.

[Keith]

Good point, Trusty. Does everyone smile?

[Narrator]

Hmm. What do you think, smartypants? Listening. Is smiling a universal language?

[Keith]

I think this is F. No. True.

[Narrator]

It is true. Smiling links humans of all different cultures and backgrounds. It's a universal sign that can be understood even if you don't speak the same language. When your brain sees someone smiling at you, it lets you know that that person is approaching you as a friend and not as a threat.

[Keith]

Unless it's a fake smile, of course.

[Narrator]

Hi, my new friends. How would you like to buy a used car that runs just like new? I couldn't possibly be lying to you. See? I'm smiling. Great point. Which might be why humans developed a way to detect a fake smile. Of course, not all fake smiles are to hide something bad. Sometimes you fake a smile to spare someone's feelings. I can see by your smiles you all loved my meat cake. Uh huh.

[Keith]

Gotcha. So, just to recap, smiling is an involuntary action that can happen for hundreds of reasons.

[Narrator]

Check.

[Keith]

And smiling signals to others that you're not a threat.

[Narrator]

Check.

[Keith]

And it takes a lot of muscles in your face and even your eyes to smile, including the orbi, or b, orbicularis oculi muscle.

[Narrator]

Nice. Check.

[Keith]

But the orbicularis oculi muscle is also a giveaway if you're faking a smile.

[Narrator]

Check.

[Keith]

But even if you're faking a smile, you can still make your brain happy. Because your brain loves smiles. And it's actually healthy to do it.

[Narrator]

Great. I think you got it all.

[Keith]

Hey, do you think we could change everyone who's listening's mood by smiling right now?

[Narrator]

Absolutely. Let's do it. Smarty listeners, when I count to three, I want you all to smile and then just hold it until I say to stop. If you have a mirror handy, see what your face looks like, and if you can detect the lines near your eyes. But remember, that should only happen if it's a genuine or Duchenne smile. Okay, here we go. On a one. On a two. On a three, smile. Keep smiling. Keep smiling. Keep smiling.

[Keith]

My mouth is getting tired.

[Narrator]

And stop. How does everyone feel? Was your smile fake or real? Could anyone else use a meal? Say, why do bananas have peels? I wish I had a pet seal.

[Keith]

Um, trusty narrator. You're rhyming again.

[Narrator]

Yep. Time for another walk. I'll try to smile while I talk. A terrific triple shout out to Teddy, Vivian and Sam in Knoxville, Tennessee. I'm so happy to hear you. Love who Smarted because it makes you laugh. Well, keep on learning and laughing with us, smarty pants. This episode. Smiling was written by Taryn Smith, Smiley Schneider and voiced by Gia Smiley Pants Davis, Adam Dopamine Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Happy Hahn. Who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room Studios. Our associate producer is Max Chuckles Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Deshen Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.

[Elio]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms. But only one of them asked for it.

[Keith]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and get me.

[Elio]

From Disney and Pixar.

[Keith]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Elio]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Narrator]

Welcome to the community.

[Keith]

This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

[Narrator]

This is the bathroom.

[Elio]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance. Suggested only in theaters June 20.