On the 41st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Mark Smith of Mark Smith Photography as our guest. Mark is a wildlife photographer, videographer, and storyteller whose stunning work has amassed a huge online following with hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and elsewhere.

In this episode, Mark shares with us his sense and experiences of flow from his work. We reflect on the beauty and awe of both the wild and being present with it. He talks about the inspiration he takes from nature regarding the seemingly insurmountable odds and significant obstacles he sees being faced every day.

Mark also shares a touching and surreal account of his communication with a family of Cranes that later provided him with inspiration, perspective, and supported his healing when dealing with his own personal tragedy of suddenly losing his wife.

Like his work, this discussion gives us insight into a world that most of us could greatly benefit from experiencing more often. This episode also offers a unique perspective on observing and navigating the cycles of life, and the joys and hardships that go with it.

(We recorded this episode during the summer with Mark in the woods, so it is fittingly accompanied by the intermittent chirping sounds of nature)

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.

Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.

Running Order:

03:10 Bonding over a common thing

05:40 AI can’t replace the human experience

07:00 Finding flow

10:53 Gaining perspective and inspiration from nature

16:55 How photography and observing nature has shifted his perspective

21:00 Mother Nature balances things out

24:41 Moments of deep loss and resonance with nature

30:42 Observing nature and accepting the cycles of life

32:10 Communication beyond words

37:30 A lifelong fascination with nature and creating a YouTube channel

42:45 The subtlety of observation

47:35 What is a good life for Mark?

For further content and information check out the following:

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos

- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/

- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

- Mark's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkSmithphotography/featured

- Mark's Website: https://msmithphotos.com/

Krista Vernoff, Stefanie Leder, Wendy Molyneux & Lizzie Molyneux