Forcing Smiles began as a solo project with the 2024 album Making Room. Created by Brian Jost, author of the memoir Grounded by Bipolar Disorder: One Pilot’s Landing, the project was born out of a desire to craft raw, unfiltered folk-punk that stares straight into the struggles of mental health. The band's name is a nod to the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) "Half-Smile" technique: the radical, ancient Buddhist practice of slightly upturning the lips to invite joy, even during a depressive episode.

Forcing Smiles isn’t just a name—it’s a reminder of the tension between darkness and light, and the stubborn will to keep going even when it hurts.

In 2025, the project evolved into a shared vision. Guitarist and vocalist Ryan Riley, engineer and craftsman, joined the fold, bringing new textures and harmonies. The duo played their first open mic at Sociable Cider Works in Minneapolis before their first official shows at The Finnish Bistro in St. Paul, and Sociable Cider Works showcase.

Today, Forcing Smiles has expanded into a drumless three-piece with the addition of Bob Seekins on bass. Born in Montana, Bob moved to Minneapolis in 2003 to study music, bringing his formal training from Music Tech and Augsburg College to the band's gritty, stripped-down sound.

Together, Brian, Ryan, and Bob blend the grit of punk with the heart of folk, turning personal battles into anthems of resilience and hard-earned hope. Every track feels like a late-night confession shouted through a cracked smile; an act of survival and defiance all at once.