On this episode of ‘A Lot to Learn’, our hosts Braden and Mike got the chance to talk with Pat Yongpradit, the Chief Academic Officer at Code.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation from underrepresented groups. As a high school computer science teacher, Yongpradit inspired students to create mobile games and apps for social causes, and implemented initiatives to broaden participation in computer science among minority groups. He is certified in biology, physics, math, health, and technology education, and has been recognized as a Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Educator.

As a technology-driven company, Casca believes in unlocking the power of education. In 2021, Casca committed to donating $1 from every pair of shoes sold to code.org. With this initiative, we hope to help fuel the next generation of change-makers and ensure that the work we do today builds momentum towards even more progress in the years ahead.

On this episode of ‘A Lot to Learn’, our hosts Braden Parker and Mike Reid talk to Volvo Cars Canada’s Managing Director, Matt Girgis about the future of electric vehicles, sustainability, and more. Casca recently teamed up with Volvo Cars Canada to co-design a limited edition shoe inspired by their XC40 Recharge. It was released for this year’s World Car Free Day; an event which was established to encourage people all over the world to consider their personal impact on air pollution and the environment.

Volvo’s ethos is rooted in safety; they were the first car company to introduce the 3 point seat belt system, and their mission to create safe automotives has become rooted in their DNA. But with the effects of climate change so apparent in today’s world (natural disasters, rising temperatures), safety has taken on a whole new meaning for Volvo. It’s no longer strictly about the people in their cars but about the planet and people all over the world.

Enjoy the episode, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any comments or questions. We all have a lot to learn.

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com

On this episode of ‘A Lot to Learn’, our hosts Braden and Mike talk to Ben Sehl, the co-founder and Chief Digital Officer of Kotn. Founded by Ben, Mackenzie Yeates, and Rami Helali, Kotn is a Toronto-based apparel company that produces high-quality essentials with a mission to create a lasting impact on the supply chain and its surrounding communities. Not only does Kotn ensure fair pay and quality of life for farm and factory workers, but to date, they’ve built 7 schools, funded 690 farms, and impacted over 30,000 lives in rural Egypt.

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com 

In this episode of A Lot to Learn, our hosts Braden and Mike talk to beloved sports broadcaster Cabbie Richards. Cabbie’s career spans 15+ years and he has worked for TSN, The Score, Sports Deck and more. He is known and loved for his unfiltered and authentic approach to interviews, and his bold nature has allowed him to get friendly with modern icons including the late Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Wiz Khalifa (to name just a few.) Throughout the episode, the crew touches on the future of sports including live betting and gaming, how various leagues have adapted during the pandemic, and what it means to be an athlete.

Throughout the episode, the trio touches on lots of other sports-related subjects, like the upcoming summer Olympics and possible changes to the game of baseball. 

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com

Mental health, which was once taboo to talk about, has grown into an imperative topic in so many industries, from sports to the corporate workplace. Furthermore, it’s become widely acknowledged that mental health conditions have worsened for many since the onset of the pandemic. When you combine medical concerns, social restrictions, job loss, and financial hardship, emotional strain is almost inevitable. Even if you don’t personally struggle with mental illness, it’s extremely likely that you know or interact with someone who does. On an individual level, one of the most important facets in tackling mental health concerns is having accessible tools and resources on hand.

In this episode of A Lot to Learn, Ania talks about her own experience with panic attacks, how the concept for the Rootd app came to be, what it’s like being a female founder in tech, and how society as a whole views and talks about mental health. Enjoy the episode, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any comments or questions. We all have a lot to learn.

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com

The past few years have brought to light women’s long-standing struggle for equality in our workplaces. Recent social movements, such as #MeToo, have started to open up dialogue about barriers faced by underrepresented groups. These conversations are particularly important to helping change historically male-dominated industries, where the challenges are the greatest and most intransigent.

One clear example of this is the world of sport and sports media.

In this episode of “A Lot to Learn,” we had the chance to sit down and chat with the incredible  Jackie Redmond. A true trailblazer who, despite working in a male-dominated industry, has made a formidable name for herself in the world of sports media.

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com

We are honored to launch the first episode of 'A Lot to Learn' with our friend Mike Reid. Hosted by Braden Parker (host and co-founder of Casca), the two discuss the anti-racism movement and Mike's lived experience. This conversation addresses the systemic issues that exist, and the challenges Mike has faced purely due to the color of his skin. We learned so much from this conversation and are excited to share it with our Casca community with the hope that you will commit to taking action too. 

Mike is a Vancouver based entrepreneur and has previously worked with major companies such as Shopify and Rogers. He is the Head of eCommerce at Cat Janiga Jewelry, the creator of All In Collective, and founder of his own consulting business.

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com