Vyzov Sophiko with Simon Matskeplishvili and Yuri Stoyanov

How does humour help cope with life's toughest challenges? Why do simple hugs improve your health? And when might a ‘broken heart’ actually be a reason to see a doctor? In the latest episode of Vyzov Sophiko, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, top-category cardiologist, and member of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee Simon Matskeplishvili sat down with actor, TV host, and People's Artist of Russia Yuri Stoyanov. The filming took place at the Gorky Film Studio.

Yuri Stoyanov believes that to be a great actor, you need a broad outlook, and that interacting with people from different professions can be incredibly valuable: “There's a famous quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: ‘There is only one true luxury, that of human relationships.’ It’s such a pleasure to have a conversation, to walk away with new thoughts, including about yourself, and to discover something important. Our discussion turned out to be very interesting, charming, and lighthearted in form, but at its core, deeply serious. For an actor, trying to understand even the basics of another profession, whether it's carpentry or cardiac surgery, is incredibly productive.”

Simon Matskeplishvili emphasized that actors and scientists have a lot in common: both are engaged in creativity, and both have a passion for their work and life itself. “This was a very sincere, kind, and uplifting conversation. What I took away from it is that we need to actively seek out the good moments in life, try not to dwell on the negative, and share more love and joy with those around us. There are great actors who, in real life, turn out to be rather mediocre people. But Yuri struck me as even greater than before, and that’s wonderful.”

Sophiko Shevardnadze, the host and creator of the project, noted that mood affects our health and that the art of transformation helps overcome life’s difficulties: “Today, I'm leaving this conversation armed with super advice that I will definitely use. I heard from cardiologist Simon that humour and a lighthearted approach to life are the keys to good health. And Yuri gave me this advice: when going through tough times, you need to play yourself, that is, to look at yourself from the outside. For me, these tips were absolutely essential, no exaggeration. I hope that the people who watched this in the audience, and who may be going through a hard time right now, will find it truly helpful as well.”

Watch the episode in the START online cinema!