The Crisis Cast

The Crisis Cast is a conversational journey in business leadership during a crisis. Our cast of experts review crisis management scenarios and provide resources for navigating uncharted waters. Each episode is moderated by renowned crisis communicators Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin.

Pat Brady - Reclaiming the Republican message 01/22/2026

Pat Brady - Reclaiming the Republican message This is a conversation about political identity with a voice of reason no matter what side of the aisle you call home. In this episode, we're joined by , the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party. While Lissa Druss is on assignment, Thom Serafin digs into the Trump impact on Republican identity. Brady shares his journey from federal prosecutor to pure political junkie. Plus you're hear the issues that persist in Republican messaging and the names that appear to be the emerging leaders. Learn about this week's Crisis Cast hero: /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39838965

Ben Szalinski - The Beltway vs. Springfield 01/13/2026

Ben Szalinski - The Beltway vs. Springfield We start the year with a deep dive on the price of division. Join Lissa & Thom as they visit the heart of the Statehouse with of Capitol News Illinois. During this episode, we'll troubleshoot the the Land of Lincoln's federal funding gaps and if property tax reform can save the day. We'll cover the buzz on AI and energy policy. Plus, you'll hear why Szalinski thinks you'd be proud of Illinois' legislators. This week's Crisis Cast hero is creator of the solar panels that mimic sunflowers. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39711305

Kevin Matthews - Broken Mary's Roadie 12/24/2025

Kevin Matthews - Broken Mary's Roadie For decades, millions of Kev-Heads were charmed by the characters and sonic genius created on the radio. Today, Kev is traveling the world as a roadie for a broken statue of the Virgin Mary. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom celebrate Christmas with a behind-the-scenes conversation about the "" that Matthews found next to a flower shop dumpster. You'll hear why Kevin insisted the statue remains "broken" — and how his spiritual transformation is now speaking to a new audience, without a microphone. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39529260

Jarrett Payton - I Wake Up to Give Back 12/18/2025

Jarrett Payton - I Wake Up to Give Back Service to others runs deep in the Payton family DNA. There's a global reminder of that before every Super Bowl, when one NFL humanitarian is bestowed with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, WGN-TV's talks about the life lessons he learned from his father, and the vision he has for his own legacy. Lissa & Thom dive into Jarrett's obsession with watching game film, Ben Johnson's much-needed honesty, and JP's predictions for a Bears' playoff run. It's not like we're hungry. It's only been 40 years since the Bears won a Super Bowl. This week's Crisis Cast hero is Chicago ECO House CEO . /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39454550

Craig Volden - The Art of Lawmaking 12/14/2025

Craig Volden - The Art of Lawmaking Put on your safety belts for a conversation about grading governance. In this episode, Lissa & Thom welcome , Co-Director of the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia. This discussion dives head first into the importance of civic engagement, the implications of term limits, and the perceptions of Illinois politics. Plus, you'll hear what the data says about who are Illinois' most effective lawmakers. This week's Crisis Cast Hero: Sharon McMahon. Read her story of medical debt relief . /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39388035

FLASHBACK: Frank Main - The Long Tail of Justice 12/04/2025

FLASHBACK: Frank Main - The Long Tail of Justice Pulitzer prize-winner Frank Main has been covering criminal justice in Chicago since 1998. Readers of the Sun-Times are drawn to his work for heeding the journalism mantra "inflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted." In this episode of The Crisis Cast, we travel back to a discussion with Lissa & Thom about COVID's lasting impact on crime in upper Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit. They also examine two behaviors that began surging in the early 2020s at alarming rates: car-jacking and police retirements. This conversation was originally released in February 2021. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39264855

Gratitude Is Great Medicine 11/26/2025

Gratitude Is Great Medicine We're celebrating Thanksgiving week with a conversation about the power of human relations. In this episode, Lissa reflects on how the recent passing of her mom revealed her treasured and growing extended family. Thom provides some comic relief in sharing famous last words. Plus, we'll relive and rewind to the gratitude we've found in our guests' personal stories. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39182120

Bonnie Jordan - The Rock For The Most Vulnerable 11/13/2025

Bonnie Jordan - The Rock For The Most Vulnerable There's a remarkable place in Glen Ellyn known both affectionately and functionally as . Born out of Illinois law 50 years ago, to serve deafblind students — the has a brand-new home. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, The Rock's executive director shares the compelling stories of the families and students who receive their life-changing services and education. You'll hear how the German measles epidemic of the mid-1960s drastically changed the lives of many Illinois families. Plus, Bonnie shares her path from spelling champ to passionate educator and what she believes we're missing in teaching all kids, especially those with special needs. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/39027165

FLASHBACK: Nick Kass - Question Everything 11/06/2025

FLASHBACK: Nick Kass - Question Everything For more than 30 years Nick Kass was guiding intelligence at the highest levels of U.S. government -- from the Department of State to the CIA, and the White House. Nick's mantra is simple: question everything. Based in Bucharest, this Chicago native is now Senior Fellow for European Affairs at the . Thanks to Nick's life's journey full of questions -- he's in our chat room with a lifetime full of answers for Lissa & Thom. Nick Kass is an award-winning analyst, reporter, and intelligence expert, and policy manager. Join this fascinating ride through diplomacy, from the global warnings inside President Eisenhower's farewell address to present-day Ukraine. This episode was originally released in October 2023. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38933945

Sylvie Légère - Dialogue Without Labels 10/30/2025

Sylvie Légère - Dialogue Without Labels Sylvie Légère, co-founder and CEO of the , joins our chat room to share her journey empowering women through civic engagement and policy conversations. As the Policy Circle celebrates a decade of community service around the globe, Sylvie shares insights on the importance of abandoning labels for meaningful discourse. Plus, you'll hear why disengagement is the crisis she fears most. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38852015

Bill Kurtis - The Truth Will Always Matter 10/22/2025

Bill Kurtis - The Truth Will Always Matter "For god's sake, take cover!" Those are the five words that catapulted into his illustrious career in journalism. His reporting has quite literally saved lives. During this episode, Lissa & Thom unpack six decades of the news media evolution, as documented in Kurtis' book . This conversation takes you behind the scenes of Bill's work covering two legendary trials: the Chicago Seven and the Charles Manson murders. Plus, you'll hear why Kurtis thinks the current news climate is driving a new breed of brighter and bolder truth-telling journalists. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38743630

Donna Dupont - Finding Our Collective Intelligence 10/15/2025

Donna Dupont - Finding Our Collective Intelligence "Success today is all about anticipatory thinking." Not surprisingly, those are the words of a futurist. is the founder/chief strategist for Purple Compass and is part of the design faculty at the Canadian Forces College. In this episode, Lissa & Thom fill our chat room with tools for embracing adaptability. Donna teaches collective intelligence in crisis management, and shares how to achieve it. Plus, you'll hear insights from her experiences in emergency management and what we're failing to understand about AI and data analysis. Of course, we'll answer the question: "Are we in a new generation of ?" /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38581680

Eddie Johnson - Where Are The Adults In The Room 10/08/2025

Eddie Johnson - Where Are The Adults In The Room In this episode, we sit down with former Chicago Police Superintendent to discuss the complexities of law enforcement in today's political climate. Eddie shares his insights on the challenges faced by police departments, the importance of communication between federal and local agencies, and the impact of political interference on public safety. Lissa, Thom, and former superintendent Johnson also walk through the timeline of a involving ICE agents last weekend on Chicago's southwest side. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38512540

Helena Volzer - Big Data's Drain On Our Water 09/30/2025

Helena Volzer - Big Data's Drain On Our Water There's a water shortage crisis brewing, and it's being driven by AI and other large water users like quantum computing. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin talk through a from the Alliance for the Great Lakes that sounds an alarm over lack of planning. has been researching the foresight and regulatory actions needed to address the many ways we take our Lake Michigan water abundance for granted. Ms. Volzer is the Alliance for the Great Lakes Senior Source Water Policy Manager, and joins our chat room with some priceless guidance. You'll get a deep dive on the concept of consumptive water use, the importance of the Great Lakes Compact for sustainable water management, and the challenges posed by plastic pollution across the region. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38396810

David Haugh - Bullish on the Bears 09/24/2025

David Haugh - Bullish on the Bears WSCR's isn't backing down. Haugh tells Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin he stands by a 9-win Bears season, and that was before they beat the Cowboys in week 3. In this episode, Haugh talks coaching dynamics and questions if this roster's locker room culture will ever match head coach Ben Johnson's intensity. There's some fascinating chatter on the Bears' stadium drama, why the NFL still dominates U.S. fans, and the Chicago sports events that defined Haugh's journalism career at the Trib. Plus, Haugh shares a surprise ranking of Chicago's sports owners, and Thom couldn't stop himself for talking baseball. This week's Crisis Cast hero is . A Houston mom, who created a bus stop breakfast program for kids that don't get a morning meal. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38326890

Whiteboard: Seeking Civility 09/16/2025

Whiteboard: Seeking Civility In this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin dive head first into the complex role media plays in political polarization. Our hosts discuss recent tragedies, including the murder of Charlie Kirk, and how media narratives can amplify division. During this visit to the Crisis Cast chat room, we explore the impact of soundbites and rhetoric on public perception and the importance of fostering civility in political discourse. This dialogue revisits the forgotten lessons of the late 1960s, as we face the intense challenges of social media influence and seek pathways to a more united society. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38238315

Kam Buckner - Unity Doesn't Mean We All Agree 09/05/2025

Kam Buckner - Unity Doesn't Mean We All Agree Our leaders need better listening skills. That's the prescription from Illinois State Representative . In this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin drill down on who the Democrats believe are their most credible messengers. Buckner represents the , and returns to the Crisis Cast to underscore why reconnecting with middle America is a huge priority for the Democratic Party. Plus, our discussion hits on the reason for Illinois' outmigration, the role of wealth in political representation, and the audacity of the Chicago Bears seeking public subsidies for their new stadium. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38106120

Det. Rich Wistocki - How To Stop School Shootings 09/02/2025

Det. Rich Wistocki - How To Stop School Shootings Ninety-four percent of school shooters posted their intentions online beforehand. That's where the conversation begins in the effort to stop the senseless killing of innocent victims. is a cyber crime expert with 33 years in law enforcement, and two decades as a SWAT team member. In the wake of tragedy at a school in Minneapolis, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin learn Det. Wistocki's proven path to identify threats online and prevent the violence they signal. In the past two years alone, Wistocki's training has stopped over 100 potentially deadly incidents. In this episode, you'll hear the steps for success in training SRO's (School Resource Officers), and why some organizations walk away from training. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/38053015

Austin Berg - Seeking Governance Grown-ups 08/25/2025

Austin Berg - Seeking Governance Grown-ups "Look for the helpers" is Austin Berg's recommendation for seeking government reform. It's a lesson in hope from the legendary children's television host, Fred Rogers. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin get back to discussing the critical need for a Chicago city charter. It would go a long way in addressing the crushing debt Chicago and the State of Illinois is leaving for future generation. Berg says no more bailouts, and identifies the Chicago Public Schools as the nation's largest issuer of junk bonds. But Berg walks into our chat room with solutions to address fiscal mismanagement, and says Illinois can be on the bleeding edge of a new industrial revolution. is the executive director of the Chicago Policy Center and vice president of marketing for the Illinois Policy Institute. He is also co-founder of Iron Light, a marketing agency helping purpose-driven brands change the world. You can read Austin's wisdom weekly on Substack at . /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37935520

The Politics of Safety 08/19/2025

The Politics of Safety On the heels of President Trump's threat to send the National Guard into Chicago to reduce crime, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin address the public perception of safety. In this episode, we consider the implications of federal authority in local governance and policing. We'll debate how perceptions of safety influence political strategies. Plus, what's to be done when the crime rate is down, but residents and visitors don't feel any safer? Learn more about this week's Crisis Cast heroes: . /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37880125

FLASHBACK: Seeking Refuge - A Migrant Family's Journey 08/11/2025

FLASHBACK: Seeking Refuge - A Migrant Family's Journey In this special edition of the Crisis Cast, we'll hear the personal account of a dangerous trek across multiple borders in 2023. We invite you to listen in on Thom Serafin's intimate conversation with a couple from Venezuela, who traveled on foot and on top of train cars in search of the American Dream. Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin set the stage for this family's story with a powerful dialogue about the challenges of managing immigration. We'll hear why a young family would risk it all to leave their homeland, what life in Chicago was like during the winter of 2024, and what sustained their hope during their treacherous journey. The policies discussed do not reflect those of the current Trump administration. This episode was originally released in January of 2024. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37761540

Chris Bury - Shepherding Next Gen Journalism 08/06/2025

Chris Bury - Shepherding Next Gen Journalism For 30 years, was at the forefront of covering the biggest global and national stories at ABC News. Today he's teaching the next generation of journalists at . Chris says the two most important words in journalism are still -- go there. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin talk about why the best reporting is still done on the scene. Bury says AI can be a valuable tool, but human interaction is still the best resource journalists have. Plus, you'll hear how Chris rose through the ranks at ABC's "Nightline" in the 1980s, and why his southside roots inspired speaking truth to power as a member the White House press corps. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37666295

Richard Porter - Defending Americanism 07/28/2025

Richard Porter - Defending Americanism Richard Porter believes this is a moment worth seizing in the shifting landscape of Illinois politics. That's why Porter is passionately testing the waters as a potential Republican candidate for Dick Durbin's U.S. Senate seat. In this episode, Porter joins Lissa Druss to preach bipartisanship as essential for effective governance. You'll hear how he defines Americanism. Plus, why he's concerned about government's penchant to rule over people, instead of serving their needs. is a seasoned attorney and former Republican National Committeeman, who served as a senior domestic policy adviser to President George W. Bush. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37579675

Andrew Stroth - The Cost of Injustice 07/21/2025

Andrew Stroth - The Cost of Injustice Civil rights attorney made a bold pivot. His path switched from representing superstar athletes like Dwyane Wade to advocating for justice for marginalized communities. In this episode, Lissa & Thom dig into the alarming statistics surrounding wrongful convictions in Chicago, the financial burden on taxpayers, and the need for systemic change in police practices and legal frameworks. Andrew emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches to address police misconduct, while maintaining a pro-law enforcement stance. This is a conversation about the necessity of community engagement in reform efforts and how to prevent lives from being wasted. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37497100

FLASHBACK: Dagmar Braun Celeste - Women & The Priesthood 07/14/2025

FLASHBACK: Dagmar Braun Celeste - Women & The Priesthood was born in Nazi-occupied Austria, she authored her own Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, which led her to collaborative human rights work with both Rosalyn Carter and Mother Theresa. Dagmar eventually made her home in Ohio, and fed her passion for politics as the state's First Lady. In 2002, she was as a Catholic priest on the Danube River with six other women. The ordination led to her excommunication by the Roman Catholic Church. During this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom get to the heart of why she accepted the call to ordination -- even when she knew it would not be accepted by the Church. What happened to the bishop who ordained Ms. Celeste? What kind of advice did Mother Theresa share? What did the Carters grieve most following Jimmy's loss to Ronald Reagan? There are a lot of questions with surprising answers during this visit in our chat room. This episode was originally released in November of 2023 -- featuring the Crisis Cast hero William Kamkwamba. His story is best told in the film . /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37404485

Amy Jacobson - Crushing the Dream Crushers 07/07/2025

Amy Jacobson - Crushing the Dream Crushers After nearly 16 years as a magnetic voice on Chicago radio, Amy Jacobson is turning the page to a digital platform all her own. The former WIND morning host joins Lissa and Thom in our chat room to share her vision for . Amy also reflects on the journey that took her from television journalism across seven states to conservative talk radio in her hometown. Join us for this conversation about demanding truth from powerful politicians, and denying power to those who seek to crush your dreams. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37324925

LauraJane Hyde - Community is our "C" Word 06/30/2025

LauraJane Hyde - Community is our "C" Word Gilda's Club Chicago has a remarkable business story to tell about innovative perseverance. How did CEO LauraJane Hyde's team survive and thrive post-pandemic? They looked inside the work they've been great at for nearly three decades -- serving families and individuals impacted by cancer. In this episode, Lissa Druss talks with LauraJane about the 27-year evolution of , their meaningful outreach inside schools, and the moment in LauraJane's childhood that defined her calling as a community advocate. Plus, we'll celebrate the impact of Ann & Thom Serafin's work as chair's of the 2025 Gilda's Club Gala. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37221895

Lou Sandoval - Sailing The Waves of Illinois Business 06/23/2025

Lou Sandoval - Sailing The Waves of Illinois Business Lou Sandoval knows how to navigate rough seas and the seas of change in the economy. In the episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin learn which way the wind is blowing for Illinois businesses. As President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, insists on working from the inside without partisan politics. How does he do it? What's "good" about Illinois as a hub for tech? What regions of the state are winning big? The answers are all part of this conversation. Plus, you'll hear how Lou's adventures as a competitive sailor feed his leadership style. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37127035

Clinée Hedspeth - How Art Feeds Chicago's Economy 06/17/2025

Clinée Hedspeth - How Art Feeds Chicago's Economy Born into a family of art collectors, advocates that creative expression is in Chicago's DNA. In this episode, Lissa & Thom visit with a renowned global art curator who is driven to prove the economic impact of cultural spaces. Why would Clinée leave Paris to lead for Mayor Brandon Johnson? How does she intend to change the city's narrative around the world? What does crisis management look like in the art world? The answers are inside this conversation with Chicago's Commissioner for Cultural Affairs and Special Events. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/37036335

Ray Hanania - What To Do With A Public Feud 06/09/2025

Ray Hanania - What To Do With A Public Feud What fueled the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk? Journalist Ray Hanania suggests reporters are spending too much time on the rhetoric, and not seeking the real story. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, Thom Serafin chases answers to what sent President Trump and his DOGE leader Musk into a relationship tailspin. Hanania reminds us of what he says is the President's major motivator: media shock value. He cautions that "perspective journalism" is leading us farther from the truth. is a veteran of the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. The award-winning journalist is now senior writer for the Arab Daily News and co-hosts the podcast Two Guys on Politics. /episode/index/show/thecrisiscast/id/36922895

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