The Daily Smile

Every summer for the past seven decades, 50 high school seniors—one from every state—descend on Mobile, Alabama to take part in one of the country’s most lucrative scholarship competitions for teen girls. The Competition takes you behind the scenes of the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program, and follows seven girls as they experience the highs and lows of competing for two weeks, away from home and under the most high-stress circumstances. Some girls enter for the money, some for prestige. All of them are used to being the best and the brightest. But only one will walk away with the top prize. Host Shima Oliaee (Dolly Parton’s America, Pink Card) was Nevada’s contestant in 2001. More than 20 years later, she returns to Alabama as a judge. What can two weeks with 50 of the country’s most ambitious teens tell us about girlhood in America? Listen to The Competition on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting Wondery.fm/The_Competition now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every successful business is a story. It starts with a vision and a leap of faith. Along the way, leaders make bold decisions, ride booms and busts, and sometimes, they reach new heights. From Wondery, Business Movers brings you the true stories of the brilliant but all-too-human businesspeople who risked it all. From Walt Disney’s creation of a theme park in Orlando, to the colossal failure of New Coke, Business Movers explores the triumphs, failures and ideas that have transformed our lives. Follow Business Movers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Business Movers early and ad-free right now on Wondery plus. Wondery.fm/IFD_BM For more deep dive and daily business content listen on Wondery– the destination for business podcasts. With shows like How I Built This, Business Wars, The Best One Yet, Business Movers and many more, Wondery Means Business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

These are stories you were never meant to hear. The invisible but vital work of the world’s intelligence services: secret operatives playing to very different rules. The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, takes you deep inside that shadow world to meet spies who risked everything in the national interest – or, sometimes, their own. Search and follow The Spy Who wherever you listen to podcasts, or binge entire seasons early and ad-free on Wondery+ on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hold on tight and prepare to be whisked away on a weekly adventure with Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat! In a world full of delightful mix-ups and exhilarating mayhem, the mischievous Cat takes the reins and enlightens the ever-cautious Fish on the art of hosting a perfectly poised podcast. Featuring alphabet song sing-a-longs, tremendous tongue-twisters, and wondrous wordplay, you'll be left guessing what surprises The Cat will pull out of his hat next. Listen to new episodes of The Cat in the Hat Cast here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brittany Nicole Cox has an incredible job you’ve probably never heard of… she’s an antiquarian horologist. She spends her days in her Seattle workshop fixing up antique mechanical objects that bring a bit of vintage magic into the modern world. Learn more about Nico’s shop, Memoria Technica, online at mechanicalcurios.com Follow Nico on Instagram Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Get a free home security camera with your purchase of a SimpliSafe security system. Go to SimpliSafe.com/DAILYSMILE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Walter’s kidneys were failing. His life was now full of dialysis treatments, hospital stays and ambulance rides. There was no end in sight... but someone had his back. A mystery person who gave Walter the surprise of a lifetime — and a chance at a new life. Learn more about organ donation Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Make your mental health a priority. For 10% off your first month, go to BetterHelp.com/DAILYSMILE Find the perfect meal plan for you! For free shipping and $90 off, use code 90SMILE at GreenChef.com/SMILE90 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up, Walter Boykins always took on a challenge — whether he was up against older kids on the basketball court, or competing with his brother Chris in… well... everything. So when he faced a major health crisis, it was no surprise Walter was ready to fight. But he wouldn’t do it alone. Love would help him meet his greatest challenge. Learn more about organ donation Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Make your mental health a priority. For 10% off your first month, go to BetterHelp.com/DAILYSMILE Find the perfect meal plan for you! For free shipping and $90 off, use code 90SMILE at GreenChef.com/SMILE90 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joel Sartore is a wildlife photographer. He’s worked with National Geographic for more than 30 years. But in 2005, he had an idea to do something even bigger — something that would take him across the world in the hopes of saving it. Follow Joel and his Photo Ark on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and online See Joel’s incredible photos and support his work on the Photo Ark Watch the Photo Ark’s two-part special on National Geographic Wild Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Make your mental health a priority. For 10% off your first month, go to BetterHelp.com/DAILYSMILE Find the perfect meal plan for you! For free shipping and $90 off, use code 90SMILE at GreenChef.com/SMILE90 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To ring in the new year, Nikki tells Mr. Malone two incredible stories — a dog with lots of business-savvy and another with a keen sense of direction. Follow Mr. Malone on Twitter and Instagram Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Make your mental health a priority. For 10% off your first month, go to BetterHelp.com/DAILYSMILE Find the perfect meal plan for you! For free shipping and $90 off, use code 90SMILE at GreenChef.com/SMILE90 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A single retweet from a bestselling fantasy author changed the fate of a small, struggling bookshop in Petersfield, England. Visit the Petersfield Bookshop online or on Twitter Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Download Best Fiends today! Claim your special offer from Athletic Greens at AthleticGreens.com/SMILE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When travel photographer Erin Sullivan was forced to stay at home because of the pandemic, she created a way to continue exploring without leaving her apartment. Follow Erin Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter, and online Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Download Best Fiends today! Claim your special offer from Athletic Greens at AthleticGreens.com/SMILE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kerry-Anne and Michael Gordon had a big wedding planned for spring of 2020. Then everything got scrapped. When they finally figured out how to pull off a small ceremony in Philadelphia, they ran into the largest protest in the city’s history… and Kerry-Anne and Michael became a part of history themselves. Follow Kerry-Anne and Michael on Instagram Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Download Best Fiends today! Claim your special offer from Athletic Greens at AthleticGreens.com/SMILE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twelve-year-old Gideon Kidd is an expert dog-petter. He’s pet over a thousand dogs, but don’t get jealous — he’s sharing all of his pets, and his wisdom, with the world. Follow I’ve Pet That Dog on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and online Order Gideon’s book, “Pet That Dog! A Handbook for Making Four-Legged Friends,” here Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Download Best Fiends today! Claim your special offer from Athletic Greens at AthleticGreens.com/SMILE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chelsea Phaire is an artist, philanthropist, and all around do-gooder. Last year, at just 10-years-old, Chelsea did something pretty extraordinary. And not only did it make a difference in her life, it helped thousands of other kids, too. Learn more about Chelsea’s Charity and see how you can get involved at chelseascharity.com Follow Chelsea’s Charity on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Own the day with NuCalm! Go to SmileNuCalm.com for 50% your 30-day subscription. Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try one today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emma Smreker searches through used bookstores and thrift shops on the weekends. But she isn’t looking for amazing deals… she’s searching for things hidden within the pages of secondhand books. Follow In Used Books on Instagram (@inusedbooks) Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Own the day with NuCalm! Go to SmileNuCalm.com for 50% your 30-day subscription. Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try one today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever since the family dog passed away, LaNae Slater-Moss had an animal-sized hole in her heart. But she found a way to fill it when she noticed an injured squirrel in her backyard earlier this year. Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Own the day with NuCalm! Go to SmileNuCalm.com for 50% your 30-day subscription. Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try one today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Michelle Brenner was put on furlough earlier this year, she decided to use her extra time and some tomato sauce, ground beef, and noodles to provide comfort to her Washington community. Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Own the day with NuCalm! Go to SmileNuCalm.com for 50% your 30-day subscription. Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try one today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikki and Mr. Malone take a wild ride down the river as they discuss the tale of a Canadian man and his newfound animal sidekick. Follow Mr. Malone on Twitter and Instagram Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Own the day with NuCalm! Go to SmileNuCalm.com for 50% your 30-day subscription. Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try one today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard and Esperanza Mata worried their daughters would resent them for spending so much of their childhood playing mariachi music. But then the girls started playing too. Now mariachi isn’t just a passion, it’s the family business and a personal mission. Follow the Matas on Twitter Listen to Mariachi Voz de America on YouTube Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Find your perfect fit with ThirdLove. For 10% off your first order, use promo code SMILE at ThirdLove.com/SMILE Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try all four delicious flavors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With his restaurant business slowed by the pandemic, Eduard Seitan turned his energy toward another passion — taking flight for our furry friends in need. Find out more about Pilots N Paws on their website Follow Pilots N Paws on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. Tell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.com Our theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes -- Support us by supporting our sponsors! Find your perfect fit with ThirdLove. For 10% off your first order, use promo code SMILE at ThirdLove.com/SMILE Upgrade your hard seltzer with Vizzy! Go to vizzyhardseltzer.com to try all four delicious flavors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.