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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.