There Were Signs

How do we stay open when life keeps asking us to be tough?In this heartfelt episode of There Were Signs, Cassie sits down with bestselling author, psychologist, and speaker Jody Carrington for an intimate conversation about vulnerability, grief, resilience, and self-worth. With her blend of humour and raw honesty, Jody reflects on her upbringing, the impact of her father’s passing, and the often-unseen weight carried by women in leadership roles.From career pivots to hidden family secrets, and from deep loneliness to spiritual awakening, this episode is a moving reminder that the signs guiding us often appear in the quietest, most unexpected moments.00:00 – Introduction: What It Means to Stay Soft02:37 – Early Family Influences and Dynamics03:38 – Navigating Life and Relationships with Humour04:45 – Losing a Parent and Deepening Human Connection08:18 – A Hidden Family Secret Uncovered15:49 – Dreams, Career Growth, and Hitting the Wall20:10 – The Emotional Cost of 'Being Strong'24:13 – Loneliness, Belonging, and the Human Need for Connection28:10 – Jody’s New Book Title Reveal29:16 – Starting the Podcast Journey29:54 – Reflecting on 10 Years in Pediatric Mental Health31:33 – How Small Acts of Kindness Can Change Lives33:18 – Embracing the 'Woo-Woo' and a Sense of Spirit36:14 – Curiosity, Exposure, and Staying Open44:23 – Signs from Loved Ones After Loss55:11 – Final Takeaways: Love, Growth, and Letting GoConnect with Cassie:Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠⁠⁠Connect with Jody:Instagram: ⁠@drjodycarrington

Who are you when no one’s watching? When you’re not trying to impress, achieve, or perform?In this introspective solo episode of There Were Signs, Cassie opens up about the quiet struggle of authenticity in a world that rewards performance. Using her unique perspective growing up around a literal sign maker and later navigating the pressure of high-performance environments, she reflects on how we often become mirrors of what others expect from us.Drawing on psychological insights like the “looking glass self” and the false self, Cassie dives into the complex relationship between visibility and vulnerability. Through deeply personal reflections including therapy moments and emotional realizations she invites listeners to consider what it might look like to remove the mask and live more fully as themselves.This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling disconnected from their identity, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or craving a life that feels more real.In this episode, you’ll reflect on:00:00 – Asking the Right Questions00:20 – Childhood Memories and the World of Signs01:21 – Mirrors, Reflection, and the Hidden Self02:17 – Performing for the World vs. Living for Yourself03:19 – Therapy Breakthroughs and Inner Awareness04:48 – The Journey Toward Your True Self05:52 – Why Imperfection Is a Strength07:28 – Speaking Honestly, Living Honestly09:17 – Final Thoughts: You Are a Living DesignConnect with Cassie:Instagram: ⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠ Facebook: ⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠ Website: ⁠cassiehawrysh.com

What does it really take to lead at the highest level, while at the same time being true to who you are?In this episode of There Were Signs, Cassie sits down with Shannon Winzer, a trailblazer in the world of high-performance sport. From her early days immersed in athletics to her evolution into a national team coach and now a High Performance Director, Shannon shares a deeply personal and professional journey of resilience, adaptability, and growth.In this episode, Cassie and Shannon explore the challenges of being a woman in leadership, the weight of decision-making in elite sport, and the often-invisible work of balancing career ambition with family life. Shannon opens up about the importance of never closing the door on an athlete’s potential and how her own identity as a coach continues to evolve.Whether you're a coach, a parent, a leader or simply someone navigating career transitions this episode is a powerful reminder that growth often comes in the spaces between roles, titles, and expectations. This episode is much more then volleyball! In this episode, you'll hear about:00:00-Early Sports Memories02:54 – Peaking Late in Sports06:13 – The Shift to Coaching09:01 – Coaching Challenges and Building Empathy13:19 – Balancing Family and Coaching Commitments18:40 – Taking Risks and Saying Yes to Growth28:00 – Arriving in Canada and Starting Over28:35 – Confidence, Support & Mentorship29:14 – Gender Bias in Coaching Roles31:45 – Struggles with Work-Life Balance32:59 – Evolving Coaching Standards and Expectations34:52 – Navigating Identity in Leadership38:08 – Staying Grounded in a Demanding Role48:21 – Full-Circle Reflections51:05- Embracing Uncertainty and the Journey AheadConnect with Cassie:Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠⁠Connect with Shannon:Instagram: @shannon_winzer

Have you ever looked back and realized that the signs were always there. Maybe they were too quiet to hear at the time?In this reflective solo episode of There Were Signs, we explore the subtle outlines that quietly shape our lives. From her own evolution as a student-athlete to broadcaster to Team Canada skeleton racer, she shares how seemingly insignificant nudges led to massive life pivots.Drawing inspiration from past guests like Margaux, George, Blake, and Natalie, Cassie weaves together personal stories and universal truths, how to listen to that whisper inside you, why uncertainty often holds the answer, and how to embrace career changes, personal transformation, and the messiness of finding your path.If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like your story doesn’t make sense yet, this episode is a gentle reminder to trust the blurry drafts. Life isn’t always clear, but you’re allowed to keep rewriting.In this episode, you’ll hear about:00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Outlines02:37 – Cassie's Journey: From Volleyball to Skeleton05:09 – Listening to the Whisper: Big Career Pivots06:31 – Embracing Uncertainty and Tracing Your Path09:22 – Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Life with IntentionConnect with Cassie:Instagram:⁠⁠⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠⁠

In this episode, Margaux takes us on a journey of self-discovery, sharing how she came to recognize and embrace her unique gifts especially the power of her voice. She reflects on her early doubts, believing that her skills as a master of ceremonies and public speaker weren’t extraordinary, and how a series of affirmations, culminating in a pivotal TEDx talk in 2024, helped shift her perspective.Margaux also opens up about the challenges of balancing a high-energy career with personal well-being, the importance of building meaningful connections, and how listening to her body has helped her avoid burnout. Whether you’re an aspiring speaker, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to harness your natural strengths, this conversation is packed with insights on leveraging your innate talents, cultivating genuine relationships, and maintaining balance in a fast-paced world.00:00 Recognizing Your Unique Gifts04:43 The Catalyst Moment: TEDx Talk07:24 Navigating Career Transitions10:20 Embracing the Stage14:54 Balancing Travel and Home Life24:26 Maintaining Authenticity and Connection35:52 Event Weeks and Sleep Deprivation36:42 Managing Alcohol Intake for Better Performance37:49 Listening to Your Body’s Signals39:17 The Importance of Compression Socks41:07 Adapting Social Plans for Well-being43:36 Global Connections and Similarities44:35 The Power of Real Connections48:51 Being a Connector53:45 Embracing Your Unique Voice59:43 Final Thoughts and FarewellConnect with Margaux:Instagram: @margauxamillerWebsite: speakwithmargaux.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear Margaux's inspiring journey!Connect with Cassie:Instagram: ⁠⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠⁠

There were always signs. Some whispered in hesitation, others screamed in warning. But for whatever reason—hope, love, fear—we ignored them. In this powerful episode of There Were Signs, Cassie takes a raw and introspective look at the moments we chose to overlook, the relationships that tested us, and the painful but necessary lessons learned through hindsight.Cassie shares deeply personal stories of toxic friendships, relationships that weren’t what they seemed, and the moments when she finally chose herself. She explores the patterns we repeat, the intuition we suppress, and the truth we eventually come to see. Through it all, she asks: Have you ever looked back and realized the truth was always there?Join the conversation, share your story, send Cassie a DM about your own moment of realization, or pass this episode along to someone who needs it. The past is always there, but are we finally ready to see it for what it truly was?Learn about:00:00 – Introduction: Recognizing the Signs01:12 – Reflecting on Past Relationships02:58 – Personal Stories and Lessons Learned05:50 – The Pain of Letting Go08:42 – Choosing Yourself and Moving Forward11:45 – Embracing Intuition and Growth12:35 – Conclusion: Learning from the PastConnect with Cassie:Instagram:⁠⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠

Blake Kasmeier is a storyteller known for his unique ability to capture life's raw and ordinary moments. Blake tells stories of parenting, grief, growing up, and where they sometimes collide. In 2022, Blake decided to start sharing his life stories on TikTok and has had a remarkable and unlikely ascent into the hearts and minds of parents, and kids of parents all across the internet. In 2018 Blake lost his mother to a brief but brutal fight with lung cancer and decided to document his experiences with loss in a nine-part podcast series called Good Grief. Today's conversation delves into Blake's upbringing with artistic parents, his journey through grief, and fatherhood, and his undying urge to create. Cassie and Blake discover commonalities in their backgrounds, particularly their experiences growing up with sign painters as fathers. The episode explores the importance of noticing the small, often overlooked details in life and how these 'signs' shape our identities and experiences. Cassie and Blake discuss the struggles and joys of creating meaningful work, the impact of supportive partners, and the drive to leave a lasting mark. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and the unnoticed signs guiding them.00:00 Introduction to Blake Kaysmeyer00:39 The Influence of Parents01:18 The Art of Noticing04:09 Creative Struggles and Inspirations06:40 Journey Through Music and Writing09:48 Finding Purpose in Creation19:43 The Impact of Social Media23:56 Opening Thoughts on Fatherhood25:31 The Double Standard in Parenting Content26:37 The Impact of Parenthood on Productivity28:20 Reflections on Parenting Styles34:27 The Role of Community and Tradition40:56 The Importance of Supportive Partnerships43:22 Final Reflections and ClosingConnect with Cassie:Instagram: ⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠Facebook: ⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠Website: ⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠Connect with Blake @blakeoftoday on Instagram and TikTok

Have you ever felt invisible, even when standing in the spotlight? In this episode of There Were Signs, Cassie explores the courage it takes to truly be seen and how it impacts our self-worth.In this episode, Cassie delves into the concept of being seen and its impact on self-worth. She shares personal stories from her childhood and career, emphasizing the courage required to be vulnerable. Cassie reflects on early experiences of seeking recognition and the challenges faced in the public eye as a professional athlete. She encourages listeners to truly see themselves and others, highlighting the importance of acknowledging our presence and efforts. The episode concludes with a call to embrace the risk of being seen as a pathway to genuine connection and self-acceptance.00:00 – What does it mean to be truly seen?01:53 – Cassie’s personal stories of seeking recognition03:55 – Navigating the highs and lows of public exposure05:24 – Unexpected lessons from a life in the spotlight07:28 – Why acknowledging others is more powerful than we think08:41 – Final thoughts & a sneak peek at next week’s episodeConnect with Cassie:Instagram:⁠@cassiehawrysh⁠Facebook:⁠Cassie Elise Hawrysh⁠Website:⁠cassiehawrysh.com⁠

In this episode, Cassie sits down with Canadian icon George Stroumboulopoulos—award-winning interviewer, writer, director, actor, and media producer. George's career spans decades of shaping Canadian media from hosting The Strombo Show on CBC Music to narrating First Contact and The Never-Ending Present. He’s led George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, The Hour, Strombo on CNN, MuchMusic’s The NewMusic, Hockey Night in Canada, and more. With 11 Gemini and Canadian Screen Awards under his belt, his influence is undeniable.In this conversation, George dives into the transformative power of music—from his first encounters with Alice Cooper and the Sex Pistols to the life-changing impact of Bob Dylan and The Clash. He shares unforgettable moments with legends like Joe Strummer, reflects on pivotal life choices—quitting drinking, choosing not to have kids—and how they shaped his pursuit of an authentic, intentional life.This episode explores the power of lyrics, real human connection, and the discipline it takes to navigate personal challenges. Through it all, George reminds us that life is about will, determination, and grace, too.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Music01:07 Early Musical Influences02:15 Discovering Punk Rock03:40 Impact of Bob Dylan05:13 Meeting Musical Icons09:17 Life-Changing Decisions10:32 Overcoming Challenges14:19 Finding Joy and Discipline29:05 The Importance of Real Conversations33:01 Reflecting on School and Solo Experiences33:40 Transitioning from Individual to Collective Success35:26 The Mental Challenge of Skeleton Racing36:22 Finding Focus and Overcoming Fear39:20 The Healing Power of Meditation and Music40:13 Exploring Punk Rock Buddhism43:38 Critique of Modern Society and Capitalism45:21 Embracing the Present and Future Projects48:30 The Journey of Personal Growth57:35 Seeing People as Their Younger Selves01:00:34 The Importance of Walking Each Other HomeConnect with Cassie:Instagram: @cassiehawryshFacebook: Cassie Elise HawryshWebsite: cassiehawrysh.comConnect with George on Instagram @Strombo

In this episode of There Were Signs, host Cassie Hawrysh shares a deeply personal story about her lifelong connection to music, and how it has both uplifted and held her back. From childhood road trip sing-alongs to her first live concert, Cassie reflects on the moments that shaped her musical identity.She opens up about receiving unexpected praise for her singing, which ironically led to years of silence, and how she ultimately rediscovered her voice through choir and public speaking. With honesty and vulnerability, Cassie explores the intersection of passion, fear, and self-expression, encouraging listeners to embrace the creative pursuits they may have been hesitant to follow.Cassie’s message to all of us:  Whether it's big or small, what is something that's calling to you? What would happen if you let yourself go all in?00:00 Introduction: Recognizing the Signs 01:34 Early Musical Influences 05:24 First Concert Experience 07:15 Discovering My Voice 10:13 The Saxophone Journey 15:06 High School Choir and Rediscovery 17:51 Present Day Reflections 22:25 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserSocial media links: IG: Instagram: @cassiehawryshFB: Cassie Elise HawryshWebsite: cassiehawrysh.com

In this episode, we delve into the world of elite sport with Natalie Wideman, exploring the profound lessons learned beyond wins and losses. Natalie Wideman is a highly accomplished athlete, future health professional, and entrepreneur. A 2020 Olympic bronze medalist with Team Canada Softball, she is also a three-time Pan American medalist and three-time World Championship bronze medalist, representing Team Canada since 2012. During her college career at California University of Pennsylvania, Natalie was named the NFCA DII Diamond Catcher of the Year and earned multiple All-American honours, solidifying her as one of the top players in NCAA Division II softball.Beyond her athletic achievements, Natalie is a passionate naturopathic medical intern, committed to holistic health and wellness. As co-owner of Body By Chosen in Mississauga, she promotes fitness, empowerment, and personal transformation. A sought-after speaker and coach, she inspires others through her experiences both on and off the field. Through her movement, #UneditedSelf, Natalie encourages people to embrace their authentic selves, free from societal expectations, and to live unapologetically. Natalie shares her experiences with fear and perfectionism and how embracing failure, particularly in softball, has shaped her perspective and growth. She recounts a pivotal conversation with a mentor that led her to confront her fears and strive for authenticity in her athletic and personal life. Natalie discusses the importance of being present, valuing oneself, and stepping up to new challenges with courage. She also reveals her goal for the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing the journey toward self-improvement and the power of embracing one's unedited self.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:21 Early Fears and Their Impact01:08 Embracing Failure in Sport and Life02:27 A Mentor's Tough Love04:51 Message to Younger Self06:38 The Unedited Self on Social Media11:15 Navigating New Challenges14:47 Lessons from Team Dynamics17:27 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations28:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Cassie:Instagram: @cassiehawryshFacebook: Cassie Elise HawryshWebsite: cassiehawrysh.comConnect with Natalie on Instagram @nataliewideman

In the inaugural episode of There Were Signs, host Cassie Hawrysh explores how seemingly random events and memories often play a critical role in shaping our paths. Reflecting on her own journey, Cassie recounts childhood memories, particularly the birthday banners painted by her dad. She explores how signs, whether literal or abstract, guide us and shape our identities. Cassie shares a personal story about how her grade 10 English teacher, Mr. Lee, recognized her talent in writing, setting her on a path toward journalism. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the 'signs' that have directed their journeys.What is Discussed:00:00 Introduction: Connecting the Dots00:52 A Childhood Filled with Signs02:24 The Birthday Banners: A Deeper Meaning07:06 Learning to Trust Life’s Signs07:33 A Teacher’s Impact: Discovering My Path14:16 Reflecting on Early Signs16:07 Conclusion: Embracing the SignsConnect with Cassie:Instagram:@cassiehawryshFacebook:Cassie Elise HawryshWebsite:cassiehawrysh.com

Life is full of signs- some flash in big, bold neon, while others whisper in the quiet spaces between moments. InThere Were Signs, host Cassie Hawrysh—Team Canada alumna, daughter of a sign painter and poetic writer, wife, parent, and coach—dives into those pivotal moments that make us stop and wonder,Was that a sign?Each episode will explore real-life stories—sometimes Cassie's, sometimes from remarkable guests about the turning points that shape, challenge, and guide us. This show is about reflection, connection, and finding meaning in life’s unpredictable journey.If you love great storytelling, big laughs, and a bit of soul-searching, you’re in the right place.Welcome to There Were Signs:you’re here for a reason.Connect with Cassie:Instagram:@cassiehawryshFacebook:Cassie Elise HawryshWebsite:cassiehawrysh.com