The Greatness Together Podcast

What Resiliency Actually Looks Like

When Simonne and I decided we wanted to do an episode on resilience—not the polished, poster-quote version, but what it actually looks like in real life—we didn’t have to think long about who to invite. We both knew it had to be Mark Black. Mark doesn’t just speak about resilience, he’s lived it. Born with a congenital heart defect and undergoing surgeries as an infant, he later received a heart-double lung transplant in his twenties, and more recently, a kidney transplant. That kind of life experience changes how you see everything—time, control, and what really matters. QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Understanding how little control we have over life can actually ease the burden of hardship.” Mark Black GREATNESS TOGETHER PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 When resilience becomes real 03:05 Mark’s health journey 09:09 Living with intention 15:00 Bucket lists and regrets 18:04 Time and priorities 31:58 Choosing your path 34:20 Life without limits 44:41 Perspective shifts 56:22 Gratitude in hard moments 60:38 See you next time ---------------------------------------- SO… WHAT DOES RESILIENCE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE? What stands out in this conversation is how grounded Mark is. There’s no overcomplicating it, no forced positivity. Just a clear, lived understanding that life is unpredictable—and that trying to control everything often makes it harder. Instead, he focuses on what is within reach: how we respond, how we show up, and how we use the time we have. LIVING TODAY (NOT “SOMEDAY”) Mark has “Live Today” tattooed on his arm, and when he talks about it, you realize it’s not a slogan—it’s a decision. It’s easy to live in the “when things settle down” version of life. But this conversation is a reminder that if we’re always waiting for better conditions, we risk missing what’s already here. THE SHIFT THAT STAYS WITH YOU There’s a quiet reframe in this episode: when we accept that uncertainty is part of life, something softens. We stop resisting reality and start engaging with it more fully. And that connects so naturally to recognition. When life feels uncertain, the small moments—being seen, acknowledged, appreciated—carry more weight than we think. They remind people they matter, right now, not someday.  Did you like this episode? Then you’ll probably also like this one on “Can Appreciation Heal [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep14-can-appreciation-heal/]?” https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep14-can-appreciation-heal/   Greatness Together Podcast Links: “Why Cancer’s No Match for Kindness [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep15-why-cancers-no-match-for-kindness/]”. https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep15-why-cancers-no-match-for-kindness/ Greatness Magnified [https://greatnessmagnified.com/] Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast [https://greatnessmagnified.activehosted.com/f/82]

Do You Practice Self-Care in Your Routine?

What happens when you suddenly become the "sole architect" of your space? Simonne knows. In this episode, she gets vulnerable and shares the honest reality of living alone for the first time. Did we mention it’s an ocean away? We’re diving deep into her personal journey, navigating "the independence curve" and the unexpected lessons she learned as she figured out how to manage her entire world solo.  We’re leaving the “have a bubble bath” clichés of self-care behind in favour of an honest look at the importance of mental clarity through intentional routines, task anagement, and good planning, creating the foundation for true well-being that enables sustained independence.   Quote of the Week:  "Daily routines have become my favourite self-care practice." Simonne McVanel   Greatness Together Podcast Highlights: Do you practice self-care in your routine? 0:00 Navigating Independence: A New Chapter 1:00 The Importance of Organization and Self-Care 3:00 Completing Tasks for Mental Clarity 6:00 Daily Care: A Path to Easier Living 9:00 See you next time  12:54   We dive deep into how tiny, seemingly insignificant everyday decisions can help us live with empowered independence. Simonne walks us through her recently curated how-tos of organization, connecting the dots between tackling small tasks and crushing daily decision fatigue. Living on her own with no roommate, an ocean away, provided a crash course where crashing and burning wasn’t an option. So, in this episode, the strategies we discuss aren’t just theory. They are reframing daily care as a fundamental form of self-respect. We look at simple habits, like prepping for tomorrow tonight to banish that frantic morning chaos, and how they fundamentally shift your energy. You'll get clear, practical steps for setting up routines that truly streamline your day, making your independent life less stressful and much more intentional. As you know, in our intergenerational podcast, we compare and contrast our lived experiences, and in this episode, we’re figuring out how to best unlock the often-overlooked power of completing tasks for mental clarity and how it leads to a smoother, more productive, and calmer life. Did you like this episode? Then you’ll probably also like this one, “Is Your Self-Care Non-Negotiable? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-44-is-your-self-care-non-negotiable/]” Consider reflecting on your own self-care practices or sharing your experiences with us to build a supportive community around personal growth and independence.   Greatness Together Podcast Links: Do you show yourself love?  [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-25-do-you-show-yourself-love/] Do you need Mental Beauty? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-51-do-you-need-mental-beauty/] Greatness Magnified [https://greatnessmagnified.com/] Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast [https://greatnessmagnified.activehosted.com/f/82]

The Happiness Factor: What Makes Finland So Happy?

Get ready to be inspired by Simonne’s incredible journey as an international student in Finland, a place where happiness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into the very fabric of society! We’re diving into the heart of Finnish culture, where a simple "hello" has its own regional flair and even the bus drivers share a friendly wave, reminding us that everyone’s contribution is deeply valued. From a work culture rooted in true equality to a lifestyle that honours movement through biking, walking, and the sacred "Right to Roam" in nature, there is so much we can learn about putting people first. Simonne highlights how accessible resources and a deep respect for the environment create a life of balance, proving that when we step into a new culture, we don’t just learn about them, we gain a profound sense of gratitude and a fresh perspective on our own lives.   Quote of the Week: Equality is such a deep social norm in Finland that you see it everywhere you look. Simonne McVanel   Greatness Together Podcast Highlights: 00:00 What makes Finland so happy? 01:00 Introduction and Finnish Greetings 06:01 Work Culture and Equality in Finland 11:45 Social Norms and Community Connection 18:07 Health and Lifestyle in Finland 23:58 Nature and Accessibility in Finnish Society 30:00 Reflections on Cultural Differences 33:50  See you next time  Join Sarah and Simonne to hear them talk about how: In this heart-centred conversation, Simonne and Sarah dive deep into the beautiful cultural tapestry of Finland, from the way the Finns greet one another to the secret sauce behind their world-renowned societal happiness. Simonne, living and going to school in Finland this semester, shares interesting observations she’s had and how, upon investigation, inquiry, and her courses on Finnish society, she's learned about the deep social norms that form the foundation for happiness.  In their conversational, informal way, Simonne and Sarah explore a variety of aspects of Finnish life, from seamless transportation to greetings to a nature-friendly lifestyle to a work culture, and how all of these and more illuminate the widespread values of respect that elevate shared humanity. Simonne gets real about what she wants to bring back with her to North America, and what is uniquely Nordic and why.  If you’re curious about what makes some countries deeply happy and others with as much wealth yet are less so, you will love this episode. Did you like this episode? Then you’ll probably also like this one that asks the question… Should All Young People Travel? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-16-should-all-young-people-travel/]   Greatness Together Podcast Links: Could Discomfort be Your Biggest Teacher? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-45-could-discomfort-be-your-biggest-teacher/] Greatness Magnified [https://greatnessmagnified.com/] Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast [https://greatnessmagnified.activehosted.com/f/82]

Do You Need Mental Beauty?

In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Simonne invite a special guest, Salima Jadavji, to share and explore her concept of 'mental beauty,' emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being.  They discuss cultural differences in attitudes towards self-care, the generational shift in perspectives on work and mental health, and the significance of language in shaping our understanding of these concepts. If you are curious about how to cultivate more compassion and acceptance, and how to create safe spaces for open conversations about mental health, you will love this episode.   Quote of the Week: “Mental beauty isn’t about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s about embracing wholeness.” Salima Jadavji   Greatness Together Podcast Highlights: 0:00 Do you need mental beauty? 01:48 Understanding Mental Beauty 05:28 Cultural Context and Mental Beauty 10:06 Generational Perspectives on Mental Health 15:34 The Shift Towards Self-Compassion 19:56 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 24:08 Integrating Mind, Body, and Emotions 30:25 Redefining Work and Self-Care 35:30 The Importance of Language in Mental Beauty 40:13 Key Takeaways and Reflections 47:47 See you next time   Join Sarah, Simonne & Salima to hear them talk about how: Mental beauty is an invitation to explore one's inner world with curiosity and compassion, and to realize how aligned and intertwined it is with our physical, spiritual, and a more ‘whole-self’ perspective. Like most conversations, Sarah and Simonne are curious about the generational component and build on past episodes that show how intergenerational integration is possible through embracing mental beauty. With Simonne still studying overseas, currently in Finland, of course, the conversation with Salima naturally navigated to cultural differences and similarities in how mental beauty is perceived and practiced, too.  If you are curious about a fresh perspective on how mental beauty offers an enlightened view of well-being, self-care, and mental health, and how it provides a guilt-free lens for living a fulfilling life, you will love this episode. If you would like to learn about this live and in person with Salima and Sarah, join them at Salima’s inaugural “Dare To Re-Treat” event on May 31, 2026, just outside Toronto, Ontario, Canada.   Did you like this episode? Then you’ll likely also like this one, which asks the question… Is Your Self-Care Non-Negotiable? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-44-is-your-self-care-non-negotiable/]   Listen to learn how integrating your mind, body, and emotions leads to holistic well-being.   Greatness Together Podcast Links: Do You Show Yourself Love? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-25-do-you-show-yourself-love/] Greatness Magnified [https://greatnessmagnified.com/] Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast [https://greatnessmagnified.activehosted.com/f/82]

Can Communication Help Build a Stronger Marriage?

Can we just take a minute to celebrate that this is our 50th podcast?   In the 50th episode of the Greatness Together podcast, Sarah and her husband Mark discuss the secrets to a joyful marriage, sharing insights on humour, teamwork, communication, and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship - with themselves and each other. They reflect on their experiences as parents and partners, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and shared responsibilities. With a lot of wacky and a bit of wisdom, they highlight the significance of self-love and understanding in fostering a strong bond. Their marriage is not perfect, they're quick to point out, but that's actually what they feel all the more proud of.   Quote of the Week:  "We work well as a team, and it cannot be lopsided; it has to be 50/50. And you have to give it your all…all the time" Mark McVanel   Greatness Together Podcast Highlights: * Can Communication Help Build a Stronger Marriage? 0:00 * The Secrets of Marriage Podcast Recap: 2:00 * Humour in Marriage and Parenting: 5:00 * The Importance of Teamwork in Marriage: 10:00 * Practices for Maintaining a Healthy Marriage: 15:00 * Communication and Planning in Relationships: 20:00 * What We Love About Each Other: 25:00 * See you next time: 34:22   Join Sarah & Mark to hear them talk about how: Teamwork is essential for a successful relationship, and that humour is a must-have in marriage and parenting. They discuss how open communication helps resolve conflicts and that practicing self-love is crucial to loving others.  They remind us that regular check-ins can strengthen relationships and that shared responsibilities create balance in marriage.  They talk about how it's okay to fight and reveal their favourite book about this - "The Principles Secrets for Making Marriage Work" - because healthy conflict is a sign of a sustainable marriage. Add in a little laughter to diffuse tense situations, and decades can fly by, still best friends as well as spouses.   Did you like this episode? Then you'll probably also like this one, from the last time Mark was a guest: "How Do You Make a Marriage Last? [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-40-how-do-you-make-a-marriage-last/]"  [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep-40-how-do-you-make-a-marriage-last/] Sarah & Mark together are sweet, poignant and funny! This is definitely one you won't want to miss!   Greatness Together Podcast Links: Growing Together Without Losing Yourself [https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep41-growing-together-without-losing-yourself/] https://greatnessmagnified.com/podcast-archives/ep41-growing-together-without-losing-yourself/Greatness Magnified [https://greatnessmagnified.com/] Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast [https://greatnessmagnified.activehosted.com/f/82]