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FORCING SMILES (www.ForcingSmiles.com) began as the American indie folk artist name of singer-songwriter Brian Jost who released his debut solo album “Making Room” in September 2024 which contains 13 songs related to surviving serious and persistent mental health struggles. In 2025, Ryan Riley (guitar, vocals) joined FORCING SMILES, and will perform with Brian for some of the October 23rd, 2025 music set at The Finnish Bistro. Brian Jost is also the author of the memoir “Grounded by Bipolar Disorder; One Pilot’s Landing.” Brian thought of the name “Forcing Smiles” while reviewing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills/techniques, specifically the skill known as “Half-Smile,” an ancient technique borrowed from Buddhism which involves upturning the lips very slightly (for ten minutes, suggested by some) which can help a person to feel joy even during a depressive episode.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Finnish Bistro Cafe & Coffee, 2264 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108-1722, United States
