2021 - The Year of being intentional for the host of Fake Smile Podcast. Definitely, a strange time for everyone as we progress from one of the most significant years of changes and quote "Realizing Things" that was 2020. Recapping each month's high highs and low lows, the idea of being intentional about relationships, career choices and self-care indeed became a priority when the clock struck 12 on January 1st. Join Samir as he recalls some dream-come-true moments, "did this really just happen?" instances and everything in between - get your tissues and popcorn ready!

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

Whether it's a hot take about Spiderman: No Way Home or a classic debate on how actually to look stylish, Samir breaks down some of his unpopular opinions that may hit a bit harder than you'd expect. Prepare yourself for an episode filled with Botox, Gatekeepers, Gossip Girl Reboots, Drowning yourself in designer, and the fabulous year of 2012, oh my! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but there is no room for sugar coating when it comes to spilling the tea - with extra sweetener of course.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

What do you get when you cross phone-obsessed digital creators and doc marten wearing e-boys; you got that right - Gen Z. Whatever your fashion choice, your music taste or what creamer you put into your coffee, Samir discusses some of the main pros and cons of being a Gen Z in 2021. From experiencing school online to the cultural impact of the Kardashians, the "digital" generation has founded so many advancements for social networking but has also contributed to self-hate and burn-out. Truly a Gen Z by Gen Z.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

[MUSIC] Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

There is a certain "je ne sais quoi" when putting yourself and others on a pedestal. Every relationship that we have can end in resentment if we don't make it crystal clear what our intentions are when we enter it. Though the lines of desire and reality can be blurred, putting expectations on others to be this fantastic person could easily be broken when the pedestal falls from grace. Join Samir in the conversation about how expectations of oneself and others can be the blueprint for the downfall in relationships, friendships and personal growth.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

[MUSIC] Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

To say there are grey areas in life is perhaps one of the greatest understatements of all time, especially regarding toxic masculinity. Today's episode explores the ins and outs of toxic masculinity with a 21st Century Teenager lens, specifically how projecting one's insecurity is can be the deep-rooted cause. From navigating the reality of how high school puts sports on a pedestal to its effect on the teenage male mind, everyone can be affected by it, even the attacker. Whatever part you can relate to, this episode has some rock-solid info on how to define the projecting attitude of toxic masculinity and how to spin it so it will just become another #unbothered moment.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

2017 - The Year of the Breakdown. In a time of youtube clickbait, the pre-face of Dramagedon 1 and Beyonce’s pregnancy announcement, no wonder everyone was on their toes waiting for some drama to start. Forgot to mention but also the year of Samir’s 10th Grade disaster from hell. From beginning as a small snap story of a test to a massive blowup in a series of 4 days, sit back, relax and listen to how Samir navigated the motions of a classic high school cancellation.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

When it comes to selfishness, there are so many different parts that go into the equation. But putting yourself first is something that shouldn't be considered selfish or self-centred. Samir dives into the philosophy behind knowing when to cut things off while still having empathy for those we should invest our time in. From one-sided friendships to learning how to open up, you will definitely come out of this episode remembering one of our favourite slogans - Defining the Relationship!

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Fake Smile, the podcast that will be in the headlines one day. Episode one of Fake Smile serves as an introduction to Samir, the background of what the name actually means and, of course, what the listeners can expect every week. Keep an ear out cause you will slowly remember that putting on that mask is kind of a powerplay. From hearing about the thought process during some late nights to how people-pleasing is something we were keeping in 2020, Samir dives deep into behind the scenes on the conception of Fake Smile.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram and Twitter: @FakeSmilePod

Follow Samir on Instagram: @samirmacklai

Want to share your questions/stories, email me at: https://www.samirmacklai.com/share-a-story

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Music by Metacell Music - Breathe - https://thmatc.co/?l=0B35005F // Music by @metacellmusic - Breathe via @hellothematic.

Join Samir Macklai for a weekly podcast hosted by the critically acclaimed individual known for signature gaze across each headshot ever taken. From in-depth conversations about being a typical Gen-Z to spilling the tea on insecurities and confidence building, nothing in my world is ever just Black and White; they’re always a beige area.

Life is a sweet masquerade ball but only if you’re prepared to smile through the pain. Gossiping is one thing but forgetting to bite your tongue will leave you with a rotten taste - but who said cavities are a bad thing?

New episodes every Tuesday!