The Greatness Together Podcast

When was the last time you sat still, looked at nothing, and thought about everything? In this reflective mother-daughter conversation, Sarah and Simonne explore the art of being fully present in a world that constantly pulls us toward distraction. Drawing on Simonne's travels through Europe, cultural observations from some of the world's happiest countries, and their own experiences with busyness...

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-d...

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 sol...

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...

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...

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, e...

In this heart-to-heart chat, Simonne and Sarah dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating!) cultural cadence of how we do life. We're talking about the huge gap between the non-stop, hustle-hard North American pace and the soul-soothing, savour-the-moment Mediterranean flow. They're peeling back the layers on the true cost of speed, specifically how that relentless 'go-go-go' stress...

On this episode of The Greatness Together Podcast, Sarah & Simonne take a look at the critical role of public speaking across various careers, highlighting that even those who may not think they need it will find it essential in certain roles. It discusses how public speaking skills are necessary for effective communication and leadership, regardless of the profession. In this dynamic conversa...

On this episode of the Greatness Together Podcast, Sarah is diving headfirst into an acronym that's a total game-changer for your well-being. It's time to talk about the power of going a little SLOWER! This isn't just a catchy word, friends; it's a luscious roadmap to a healthier, happier you. We're dissecting the six core ingredients you absolutely need to fuel your greatness—and they spell out S...

In this conversation, Sarah and Simonne discuss the critical role of sleep in productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. They explore the consequences of sleep deprivation, the importance of understanding individual sleep patterns, and strategies for better sleep management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep for students and young adults, as it has a profound...

In this episode of the Greatness Together Podcast, Sarah and Simonne explore the theme of stepping outside one's comfort zone, discussing the importance of new experiences, the role of support systems, and the psychological aspects of change. They delve into the benefits of discomfort, the concept of sunk cost, and how personal growth often requires taking risks. The discussion highlights that whi...

We've all heard the phrase "Put your own oxygen mask on first"—but do we actually live it? In this solo episode, Sarah reflects on launching Simonne (again!) into another international adventure—the Netherlands this semester, Finland next semester—and how the experience revealed some hard truths about caregiving, independence, and the habit of putting ourselves last. As a psychology-at-heart perso...

In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we're exploring something we all wrestle with, especially in times of uncertainty: how do we know if we're making decisions that are truly ours? With constant signals from social media, experts, and societal norms, it's hard to tell where influence ends and authenticity begins. But what if the path that fits you best looks nothing like the one you...

In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we're exploring the new wave of empowered femininity—and asking whether the pendulum has swung too far. Simonne reflects on a social shift she's witnessing firsthand: women are no longer just asking for equality; they're boldly rejecting traditional roles and sometimes outright dismissing men. Through TikTok trends, social dynamics, and personal e...

In Part 2 of this anniversary episode, Sarah continues the conversation with Simonne—this time one-on-one. Hubby Mark had to step out, but the questions kept coming, and Sarah didn't hold back. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here They delve into the concept of emotional independence, exploring how not to lose yourself in a relationship, and why the phrase "two halves make a whole" migh...

What makes a marriage last almost three decades? In the first part of a special two-episode anniversary series, Simonne interviews her co-host parents, Sarah & Mark, about their 27-year marriage. What begins with playful banter turns into an honest, laughter-filled, insightful and intimate exploration of partnership, identity, growth, and what keeps two people drawn to each other again and aga...

Who told you that you weren't enough? And why did you believe them? That's the question Sarah and Simonne ask this week—and once you start unpacking it, things get personal fast, because most of us carry stories, assumptions, and expectations that were never ours to begin with. Quote of the Week:  "I've realized comparison isn't just about wishing I had more—it's about believing I am less." Simonn...

In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we shine a light on something we rarely question: the treatment we tolerate at work. Most of us would never accept being ghosted, gaslit, or constantly criticized in our personal lives (we hope you don't!). So why do we allow it professionally, especially from employers, supervisors, or "mentors"? We explore the systems that normalize this behavio...

In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we're unpacking a difficult truth: we often take children's emotional outbursts less seriously than those of teens or adults. But what if their tears, tantrums, and silences are trying to tell us something deeper? Through Simonne's work at a women's shelter, we explore how children's emotional lives are more complex—and more important—than we give...

Chances are you've witnessed—and perhaps even felt—the cultural gap between generations. From the rapid evolution of technology and changes in workplace dynamics to shifting social norms and parenting styles, each generation has shaped society in vastly different ways. These shifts have influenced everything from how we learn and work to how we connect with one another. But as these differences gr...

What if we've been doing too much for too long? In this episode, Sarah and Simonne unpack one of the most liberating (and controversial) productivity ideas out there: that 80% effort might be your sweet spot. Anchored in the Law of Diminishing Returns, they explore how going all in can sometimes give you less, not more, and why that last 20% is often where burnout, anxiety, and resentment live.​ T...

Do you define yourself by what you do? Many of us struggle with separating our abilities from our identity. In this episode of The Greatness Together Podcast, we delve into how self-worth extends beyond accomplishments. What happens when you can't meet your own high standards? And how do you redefine success beyond productivity? Quote of the Week:  "You are not just what you do—you are who you are...

From raising a daughter to navigating New Brunswick through the challenges of COVID-19 as the Provincial Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jennifer Russell has faced her fair share of burnout, defeat, and moments of overwhelming pressure. Simonne and Sarah had the privilege of joining Jennifer and her daughter Olivia, a psychology student at the University of New Brunswick, for insightful conversations a...

What if every compliment you received became an opportunity to lift someone else up? In this episode of The Greatness Together Podcast, we explore how recognizing strengths in others creates a ripple effect of positivity. Compliments aren't just nice words—they shape self-perception and reinforce greatness. Quote of the Week: "The best way to accept a compliment? Pass one on." Simonne McVanel Grea...

One could argue that what we worry about most as humans is whether others are judging us. These patterns of overthinking often lead to distress and uncertainty, holding us back from pursuing our goals. But what if I told you these worries could actually have benefits? In this week's episode, Simonne and Sarah explore the advantages of being yourself.  Quote of the Week: "It comes down to…you don't...