The Crisis Cast

Hosted by Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 8, 2026Episode 1737 min

Dean Richards - Truly Chicago's Very Own

His voice behind a microphone soothed a million smooth jazz lovers in Chicago. Then, his deep southside roots made him a key personality on the WGN-TV morning news. Dean Richards' thousands of A-list celebrity interviews, and his award-winning WGN radio show only scratch the surface of his adventures in media. In this episode, Lissa & Thom go behind the curtain with one of the most treasured voices in broadcasting. We'll hear about the community he built with listeners and viewers. Plus, Dean shares his vision for connecting with the town he loves since departing WGN. Our Crisis Cast hero this week is Nnenna Okore.

May 28, 2026Episode 1626 min

FLASHBACK: Sgt. Allen Lynch – Unimaginable Heroism

Allen Lynch spent his childhood in Chicago's south suburbs with fond memories of walks to his grandmother's house in Roseland. 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 United States had troops on the ground in Vietnam. In 1966, Sgt. Allen Lynch began a tour of service that would earn him the Medal of Honor. During this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom hear the experiences that led Sgt. Lynch to write the book "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 veterans. Plus, filmmaker George Bogdanich discusses his documentary Vietnam Changed My Life.

May 21, 2026Episode 1523 min

Amy Jacobson - Stadiums, Safety, & Summer

The NFL and never-ending Bears passion has stirred up more debate on a new stadium for the Monsters of the Midway. In this episode, Lissa Druss is joined by radio host, community advocate, referee, and coach Amy Jacobson. Many questions are on the table about the Bears tolerance for taxes, the crisis of community safety, and what kinds of leaders Chicago needs most. Plus, Amy takes Lissa's personal pop quiz to stir the pot a bit more. This week's Crisis Cast Hero is Naperville's Rima Ziuraitis.

May 8, 2026Episode 1443 min

Thom Mayer - How to find your superpower

This conversation takes multiple twists and turns on where and when true leadership is revealed. Lissa & Thom welcome Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director of the NFL Players' Association. You'll hear about his journey through crisis management on 911 at the Pentagon, during the war in Ukraine, and on the football field. Plus, we'll explore the evolution of concussion protocols, and the importance of human relations and how to lead with kindness. Dr. Mayer is author of the book Leading at the Speed of Trust.

May 1, 2026Episode 1334 min

Ray Long - Tracking Illinois' corruption makeover

In this episode, veteran Springfield reporter Ray Long joins Thom Serafin to breakdown the recent developments in the Illinois political corruption cases involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the ComEd Four. Ray does a deep dive on the legal proceedings, court decisions, and implications for Illinois politics, providing insights into the federal judicial process and political accountability. Plus, we'll revisit the lingering question — how will Madigan's legal consequences reshape Illinois politics. Check out our Crisis Cast Hero's bike bus here.

April 23, 2026Episode 1229 min

Jessica Biggs - How to improve education in Chicago

The biggest problem facing Chicago Public Schools is they're focused on a pension crisis, and not whether second graders can read. In this episode, Lissa & Thom are joined by Jessica Biggs — a candidate for CPS board president. Jessica is a CPS parent, former principal, and veteran educator with a practical vision for serving students instead of the system's debt. You'll hear how Jessica plans to engage communities to take ownership in their schools, and why her experience with Teach For America drives innovation in the classroom.

April 15, 2026Episode 1138 min

Austin Berg - Chasing Reform

Put on your safety belts for a conversation about the Land of Lincoln's tax and population crisis. Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center, joins Lissa & Thom to examine Illinois' fiscal challenges and potential reforms for Chicago's governance. He highlights the impact of high taxes, overspending, and the importance of local action to revitalize the city and the region.

April 9, 2026Episode 1023 min

Leigh Giangreco - Stories That Need To Be Told

You've seen her byline reporting for the New York Times, Forbes, Crain's Chicago Business, Block Club, and many more great destinations for news. Leigh Giangreco has superpower when it comes to unraveling complex stories. In this episode, Lissa & Thom go behind the scenes with Leigh on her recent work covering the tragic murder of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman for the New York Times. Plus, you'll hear what it's like to navigate in-depth journalism in a world ruled by doom-scrolling and short attention spans.

March 19, 2026Episode 933 min

Rod McCulloch - Why Voters Are Smarter Than You Think

This week's Illinois primary election underscored that "campaign cash is not a strategy." Veteran political pollster and advisor Rod McCulloch from Victory Research joins Lissa & Thom to dig through the rubble of recent voter behavior. How does one candidate outspend an opponent three-to-one, and still lose? Why do endorsements fall short? Who benefits from low voter turnout? All the answers and many more questions are inside this episode of the Crisis Cast. Plus, you'll hear predictions for the "Super Bowl" of elections: the next vote for Mayor of Chicago.

March 11, 2026Episode 830 min

John Kass - Words To Live By

Our friend John Kass, the venerable columnist, always says what he feels. During this episode, he takes the conversation with Lissa & Thom to a whole new level. Kass is full of caution on surviving a stroke, avoiding media overload, and his passion for coaching culinary arts. You'll learn why he's sworn off Fox News, CNN, and others — and how he plans to double down on writing at John Kass News.