The Crisis Cast

Hosted by Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jul 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

August 13, 2026Episode 2241 min

Grant DePorter - Calling Your Shot

There's a name that's synonymous with making events larger than life. It's Grant DePorter , the longtime CEO and managing partner of Harry Caray's restaurant group. In this episode, Lissa & Thom talk with Grant his inspiring journey through cancer, the legendary adventures of Harry, and how superstition and community helped him overcome adversity. Plus, you'll hear more about how Grant is the living legacy of a hospitality pioneer. This conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, community support, and the power of positivity.

July 30, 2026Episode 2131 min

Pat Hynes - On a mission to reform property taxes

When the property assessor's office fails to reflect market realities, the results can be chaotic. In this episode, Lissa & Thom are joined by Pat Hynes , candidate for Cook County Assessor. Pat shares his journey from firefighter/EMT to political leadership. We'll dive into the intricacies of property valuation, tax assessment reforms, and how to improve the system for taxpayers. Pat uses the metaphor of "spaghetti thrown on the floor" to describe how assessments can become erratic. Ideally, property values should increase at a steady and predictable pace. As confusion and shock seem to rule tax bills, we'll get into the solutions that Hynes says would bring reform.

July 18, 2026Episode 2028 min

Lou Sandoval - How to mend a divided Illinois

Tenacity and resilience are two very meaningful words in the journey of Lou Sandoval . As one of our region's most revered business leaders, Lou has insights that have guided many ledgers through troubled waters. In this episode, Lissa Druss gets Lou to share his insights on business turnarounds, drawing from his diverse experiences in crisis management, nonprofit leadership, and sailing. Discover practical strategies for navigating organizational change, and fostering tenacity. Plus, Lou has some critical advice for Illinoisans that seeks to bring down state residents into harmony with the Chicago region.

July 9, 2026Episode 1943 min

Greg Bedalov - DuPage County's Economic Growth Secrets

Rumors of Chicagoland's death in business development have been greatly exaggerated." Those words come straight from Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage . In this episode, Lissa & Thom talk with Greg about economic development strategies and the vision for growth in DuPage County. You'll hear about key metrics, infrastructure, workforce, and regional collaboration. Plus, Bedalov shares why he and his team are passionately rooting for the City of Chicago.

June 26, 2026Episode 1831 min

Jennifer Custer - Reforming Chicago Schools

When it comes to funding Chicago Public Schools, many believe we have a crisis of fiscal responsibility. In this episode, Lissa & Thom talk with CPS board candidate Jennifer Custer about how to best use $10 billion to better serve students. Jennifer shares her journey from student to educator to school board candidate, discussing the challenges of smart governance, and improving outcomes for students and teachers alike. Plus, you'll hear why you can't lead, if you don't do your homework. Then, Jenni takes our soon-to-be-famous Personal Pop Quiz for a glimpse into what makes her tick.

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 .