The Crisis Cast

05/09/2024

Austin Berg - The "NEW" Chicago Way
It's time to hear from a voice dedicated to writing Illinois' comeback story.
Austin Berg has lived all over the and is one of our state's most compelling change agents. During this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin get to the heart of how Austin engages action on governance issues as VP of Marketing for the Illinois Policy Institute. Plus, you'll hear why public has become a way of life in .
Austin Berg is co-founder of Iron Light, a marketing agency helping purpose-driven brands change the world, and co-author of "The New Chicago Way: Lessons from Other Big Cities" by Southern Illinois University Press

Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/2c237abb/austin-berg-the-new-chicago-way

22/08/2024

During any , the "cool" heads prevail. In this episode we'll cover some Chicago's most daunting and outrageous challenges -- like an airport bulldozed in the middle of the night. Forrest Claypool has held the highest leadership post at three of the most critical municipal institutions: the Chicago Park District the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Transit Authority

is the author of The Daley Show: Inside The Transformative Reign of Chicago's Richard M. Daley. Thom Serafin goes behind the scenes at City Hall with Claypool, who served as 's Chief of Staff for two tenures. This is a conversation about the unapologetic use of power, and an adept use of passion for the .

Produced by Todd Manley
Listen Now:
https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/20a902e4/forrest-claypool-the-daley-show

15/08/2024

During this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin lean in on one particular question.
What will the nationwide narrative on be following the 2024 Democratic National Convention ?

To get some answers, there's no better source than Rick Pearson, Chief Political Writer for the Chicago Tribune Our conversation examines our conventions from the past: from the ancient history of '68 to the far less noisy of 1996. Get ready for some predictions on the next chapter of Chicago's reputation.

Listen Now!
https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/3ee0d8c2/rick-pearson-chicagos-image-on-the-line

08/08/2024

Lissa & Thom have a ton on their mind. What's the Fed's next move on interest rates? How much fear has been stoked by the report? What's Governor all about?
That's a ton to process, but we'll cover it all in rapid fire. Plus, you'll hear a Crisis Cast primer on the state of Illinois' L-G-D-F. Gather round for a Crisis Cast Whiteboard on the issues that will really drive this season.

Listen now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/38ccabf7/crisis-cast-whiteboard-walz-jobs-and-the-l-g-d-f

26/07/2024

🎉🎂 Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Thom Serafin, an exceptional communicator and esteemed co-host! 🎂🎉
Serafin & Associates, Inc.

26/07/2024

Happy birthday Thom Serafin!

🎉 Happy Birthday Thom Serafin ! 🎉

Thom, we salute you for your remarkable contributions and inspiring leadership. Wishing you a year ahead filled with success and joy!


Serafin & Associates, Inc. Crisis Cast

24/07/2024

Eddie Johnson & Garry McCarthy – ShotSpotter and The Secret Service

Here comes some rare enlightenment from two of Chicago's former superintendents, in the same conversation. Thom Serafin welcomes & to share what everyone is missing about reducing crime in . They also reveal the statistics on the systems that get buried in . Plus, you'll hear a real-time reaction to the resignation of Director .
Inc. Druss
Producer: Todd Manley
Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1f617418/eddie-johnson-and-garry-mccarthy-shotspotter-and-the-secret-service

16/07/2024

In this special edition of the Crisis Cast, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin take us to and the floor of the . Their guest is Richard Porter, a national committeman for the of . Porter joined us moments after it was announced Ohio Senator JD Vance would be joining the ticket as 's running mate.
During this episode, you'll get a peak behind the curtain of the first of this summer's national conventions. Plus, we learn more about the impact of the on former .
JD Vance Donald J. Trump
Produced by: Todd Manley
Listen now: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/358c8fe3/richard-porter-live-from-republican-natl-convention

10/07/2024

Lissa Druss is on assignment this week. Meanwhile, Thom Serafin digs into the trials and sentences of some key figures like Mike and Ed . Some of this lead straight to an intersection with the Chief Justice John Roberts' .
Once again, we welcome Ray Long investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune . The two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of “The House That Madigan Built” joins us in unraveling colliding cases.
Produced by: Manley
Listen now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/24b0fa58/ray-long-madigan-burke-and-colliding-courts

03/07/2024

The firestorm that has engulfed 2024's first is still burning. We needed a cool head in the room, to consider the aftermath of President Joe Biden's performance vs. former President Donald Trump. That calming voice came in the form of the Chicago Tribune 's Ray Long

During this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin work through the complications of an aging with a much-lauded journalist who knows the game of politics. J. R. R. fans will enjoy this journey to .

Produced by: Todd Manley
Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1c239955/ray-long-a-debate-at-helms-deep

26/06/2024

Severe and sudden loss is how Kelly Richmond Pope Ph.D., CPA, realized her inner strength. As an educator and entrepreneur, she has uncovered the truths inside fiscal fraud.
Her day job is teaching forensics at DePaul University - but she is also the award-winning director of the documentary All the Queen's Horses. The film tells the story of the largest municipal in U.S. history.
Plus, Kelly is CEO of Red Flag Mania , an interactive and immersive accounting game that incorporates real stories. In this episode, Druss & Thom Serafin learn the pain that suffer for the greater good.
Originally released September 17, 2020.

Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1ccde503/crisis-cast-flashback-kelly-richmond-pope-discovering-your-strength

Learn more about Kelly and purchase her newest book at kellyrichmondpope.com

20/06/2024

The traditional broadcast world has endured a seismic shift or two – or ten. Steve Cochran has been in front of a microphone and up and down the dial for all of it. For more than three decades he's been a fixture on radio. That includes audio brands like The Loop - Chicago's Classic Rock Station - WLUP , , , WLS-AM 890 , and more than 16 years on WGN Radio .

During this episode of the Crisis Cast, is quick to say that the companies with AM signals need to focus on being bigger than that. Plus, he talks about his lifelong pursuit to advocate against . Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin learn who inspired his passion to fight for kids' rights, why he can't keep off his radio shows, and his fascinating life journey as an adoptee.
Produced by: Todd Manley
Listen Now: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/40cd62c4/steve-cochran-finding-your-megaphone

11/06/2024

From retail to sitting on the judicial bench, Aurelia Pucinski's life in is brimming with wisdom. This Crisis Cast flashback offers a fascinating glimpse into our from a discussion that took place just a week prior to the now infamous . Judge references her presence on the ballot, and her second term on the Appellate Court now expires in 2030.
During this episode, she underscores the critical requirements of each branch of , and reveals a true crisis in the . Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin also probe the question of 'court-packing' and if she believes justices owe anything to their nominating . This episode was originally released on October 29, 2020.
Producer Todd Manley
Listen Here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/21b85269/crisis-cast-flashback-aurelia-pucinski-smarter-than-the-boss

04/06/2024

Allen Lynch spent his childhood in Chicago's south suburbs with fond memories of walks to his grandmother's house in . Lynch was often bullied, and at age 18, to test his strength he enlisted in the U.S. Army . That was 1964, and one year later the had troops on the ground in . In 1966, Sgt. Allen Lynch began a tour of service that would earn him the .

During this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin hear the experiences that led Sgt. Lynch to write the book "From Zero to Hero" – he also shares wisdom on the future of military action and what we should do in the present to better care for our . Plus, filmmaker George Bogdanich discusses his new documentary Vietnam Changed My Life.
Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/34c79081/sgt-allen-lynch-unimaginable-heroism

View the Documentary Trailer: https://youtu.be/micH8fkUxPw?si=aGfL552lJvZmkEFi
Purchase From Zero to Hero Here: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Hero-Bullied-Kid-Warrior/dp/0998968927

Todd Manley

28/05/2024

Crisis Cast Whiteboard – Debating the - Debate(s)

Two of debates between and are on the books. The first will be on June 27th at CNN studios in . It will have a unique nod to because it will take place without an audience on a television set. That was the case in 1960 when TV hosted and for the first-ever televised debate.

During this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin set the stage for this unique arrangement. Both the debate and a 2nd debate in September on ABC News are bypassing the Commission on . What's the strategy in this? Both candidates will be seated, and no crosstalk will be permitted. Plus, political analyst Andy Shaw contributes to this episode and weighs in on which candidate holds the advantage in this
Listen Now! https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/cb2d1e5a/crisis-cast-whiteboard-debating-the-biden-trump-debates
Produced by Todd Manley

27/05/2024

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. 🇺🇸🕊️

21/05/2024

The timing of this conversation left us pondering pathways to . It was the spring of #2021 and occurred during the days surrounding the verdict in the killing of , and the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Chicagoan .

Renowned attorney joined Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin to discuss her work surrounding the consent decree. In this eye-opening episode, Sheila shares her passion for teaching future lawyers and her drive to the need for . Originally released 4/25/21
Listen Now!: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/bb04e87c/crisis-cast-flashback-sheila-bedi-driving-toward-justice
Northwestern University

14/05/2024

During this episode, a critical look at ’ strategic players with reporter Shia Kapos, author of POLITICO’s morning newsletter: the Illinois Playbook. Shia offers up her definition of the city's new brand progressive politics. Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin dig in on how she sees the City of responding to a summer full of global visitors.

Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/2c3b2d92/shia-kapos-what-is-a-progressive

07/05/2024

During this episode, we share the story behind a new film that documents the terrorist attack on on October 7th, 2023. The documentary is called , and it reveals the of hundreds of trance music enthusiasts at a festival on 10/7.

Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin are in our chat room to hear the personal story of Eran Masas. Plus, filmmaker Dan Pe'er and Alison Pure-Slovin, Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center , join the discussion to explain the documentary's creation.

Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/e3518e77/heroics-in-the-face-of-terror

30/04/2024

Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren and Chicago Mayor's Office Mayor Brandon Johnson gathered us all together for a presser on their "Dome By The Lake" on Wednesday. This struck our crew as an odd rollout. Why was it shoe-horned into a space just prior to the ?

During this episode of the , Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin ask the question "Are the Bears just bluffing their intention to remain in the City of ?" There are just too many details that don't add up, about revenue shares and debt service, and a few dozen other players to be named later.

Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1c0cddbe/crisis-cast-whiteboard-are-the-bears-bluffing

23/04/2024

A flashback from April 6th, 2022 - Just two months into the of , we had a fascinating conversation with Lissa Druss 's cousin, Daniela. She's a veteran journalist on the , based in Rome. It was an early lesson in how the war reverberates very differently across Europe. At that point, Italians were caught in the middle, particularly because 50% of Italy's natural gas came from Russia.

As the debate over to Ukraine, reaches as new inflection point – this Crisis Cast flashback offers a powerful trip back in time.
Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/24556424/crisis-cast-flashback-war-in-ukraine-through-italys-eyes

16/04/2024

For more than two decades, veteran radio programmer has led Audacy's WSCR. "The Score" is 's leading destination for sports talk. During this episode of the , Thom Serafin finally gets his job interview to join "The Score" lineup of personalities. Lissa Druss stops Thom from pitching 10 hours of daily Sox talk on the Cubs station.

Join us as we go deep with Mitch (Niles West High School alum) on his adventures in radio – from producing the legendary to brushes with names like Bill Gleason and Jay Mariotti from Chicago's sporting past. Plus, we'll chat about the women who have carved a new path in sports talk, and some predictions on the future of the Bears.

670 The Score
Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/27685271/mitch-rosen-scoring-the-radio-game

09/04/2024

While the March '24 revealed a disappointing truth in voter participation – it reinforced a shift in ideology within 's neighborhoods and some collar suburbs. Research and analyst returns to the to share what his maps predicted about voter trends.

During this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin start digging for the truths that separate the mayoral elections of 2019 and 2023. Plus, we'll get out Frank's political microscope for a deeper look at the State's Attorney race.

Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1a318333/frank-calabrese-the-new-neighborhood-divide

02/04/2024

In the spring of 2021, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin introduced us to four teens from on a mission. They saw their peers suffering through and took action. Through a support group called "Beyond Charity" – they went on a mission to stop the stigmas associated with . During this episode of the , we re-visit the inspiration these teens provided. The youth mental health crisis is far from over, as schools and families still struggle to find and fund critical resources. Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Produced by Todd Manley
Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/f78ca033/crisis-cast-flashback-youth-mental-health-crisis

26/03/2024

As the 2024 season opens, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin take a look at the crisis facing the Chicago White Sox. We have one of the coolest heads in the room join us for a conversation about where the South Siders might call home.

has been the co-host of the morning show on WSCR (AM) - WXRT (FM) Radio Station since 2018. Known for his deep reporting and wise writing for nearly two decades at the Chicago Tribune, Haugh joins the to talk about public funding for new stadiums. There are also leadership complexities tied to owner Jerry and his franchise's front office. Plus, Thom Serafin took our microphones to Arizona for feedback from fans themselves at .

Producer: Todd Manley

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1ca39600/david-haugh-take-me-where-to-the-ballgame

19/03/2024

With Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin's roots in , we're always exploring the challenges of 21st-century newsrooms. During this episode, we probe a guide to being tenacious but fair with ABC7's reporter Craig Wall ABC 7. With more than 25 years of covering news and , Wall shares how the exponential number of news sources have changed the perception of reporting.

Plus, we'll consider whether the real is new consumers' lack of interest in different perspectives. is a native of Milwaukee, a U.S. Navy Veteran, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in journalism.

Listen Here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/42a54950/craig-wall-fighting-for-trust
Producer: Todd Manley

12/03/2024

Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long makes a return visit to the to prep Druss & Thom Serafin for the upcoming trial of former House Speaker .

During this episode we take a deeper dive into the "minds" that surrounded Madigan, and his unparalleled career in . Long also unpacks the recent sentencing of former Madigan aide , and lays out the remaining legal timelines for former Speaker .

Long's new book- The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois' Velvet Hammer, is available now.

Listen Here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/1a98a9c7/ray-long-mining-the-minds-of-madigan


Producer: Todd Manley

08/03/2024

Happy International Women's Day! Today, we celebrate all the strong, inspiring women out there.

05/03/2024

We celebrate the first week of by revisiting a conversation with the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Carol Moseley-Braun was also the first woman to represent as a U.S. senator. Three years ago, the native visited with Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin the morning after attending the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The former Senator also shared the details of her experience as a teen, marching with Dr. , Jr. through Chicago's .

You'll hear why Carol Moseley Braun believes in the resiliency of . Plus, we learn the truths revealed to her as a U.S. Ambassador about the world's view of in .

Democratic Party of Illinois

Listen here: https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/32c5969b/crisis-cast-flashback-carol-moseley-braun

27/02/2024

Shamus Toomey is among the defining innovators in the growth of . As publisher and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, Shamus has forged the unthinkable – a team of reporters that has tripled in size since November of 2017.

During this episode of the , Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin get to the "DNA" of how found its footing and funding. Plus, Shamus shares the lessons learned as a young reporter for and the unlikely story that catapulted Block Club Chicago to being a household name for neighborhood and .
Sun-Times

Listen here; https://www.thecrisiscast.com/podcast/episode/24cc0ff6/shamus-toomey-defining-journalisms-future