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Poonicast.
The Poonicast, co-hosted by urban planning myth Gary Pooni, is a series of conversations that celebrates folks who are driving positive change in Greater Vancouver. We’re shining a spotlight on good people doing good things in the city and introducing you to some of our favourite locals. From actors and athletes to philanthropists and musicians, these hometown heroes will motivate and inspire you to make a difference in your own community.
Poonicast.
Episode 16: Marc Bains & Hector Bremner, Life with Heart Disease - Part 1
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Poonicast, we sit down with two incredible guests: Marc Bains, co-founder and president of the HeartLife Foundation, and Hector Bremner, former Vancouver Councillor and a longtime friend of the show. Co-hosted by Gary Pooni and registered nurse Kayla Verlaan, this conversation brings together four people whose lives have all been touched by heart disease in different ways.
Marc shares his extraordinary journey through heart failure, multiple cardiac arrests and a heart transplant that gave him a second chance at life. He speaks openly about waking up after surgery, the emotional weight of receiving a donor heart, and how that experience inspired him to support others going through the same challenges.
Hector discusses his own health scare—years of unexplained symptoms, pain and confusion despite being in peak physical shape. His story is a reminder that heart issues aren’t always visible, and that listening to your body matters.
Gary and Kayla also share their own experiences with heart failure and how it impacted the course of their lives.
Together, everyone reflects on gratitude and the people who helped them through the hardest moments of their lives. This episode explores what it means to rebuild life after a major health event.
This episode was recorded on July 8, 2025.