Smile
Summary
Hosts Josh and Chuck explore the science and history of smiling, debunking myths like the muscle count difference between smiles and frowns. They discuss the Facial Action Coding System, the Duchenne smile, and how cultural contexts influence facial expressions. The episode also covers the evolution of smiling in photography and examines whether forcing a smile actually increases happiness.
Topics discussed
Intro, ads, and Virgin Voyages live show announcement
The myth of muscles used for smiling vs frowning
Duchenne smiles, Action Units, and primate expressions
Baby smiles, cultural differences, and Jacqueline Smith
Paul Ekman's universal emotions and cultural nuances
Ad break: CuriosityStream, Sheba, and Spectrum
History of smiling in portraits and photography
Types of smiles: Reward, polite, and embarrassment
Uncanny smiles and William H. Macy's coordination smile
Does smiling make you happy? The pen-in-mouth studies
Listener mail: Red Baron and anonymous movers
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