During this bonus episode, The Crisis Cast goes on location with Garry McCarthy former Chicago Police Superintendant. This conversation asks a critical question.  Is political manipulation of law enforcement driving the increase in violent crime?  A must-hear chat with Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin from the floor of a forum addressing Chicago's crime crisis.

Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz gives us a rare glimpse into the modern European Union.  What were Vladimir Putin's biggest miscalculations when he unleashed war on Ukraine?  Who are the EU players to monitor most closely?  What will Russia inherit by Putin's actions? Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin get the answers to these questions and much more during this conversation with a seasoned U.S. diplomat.

One of the most devastating realities of 'sheltering in place' during COVID times ... was for those whose only shelter was home to violence. During this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin dig deep on the crisis of domestic violence.  Mutual Ground's Michelle Meyer and Cynthia Kieckhefer of the Batavia Women's Club share stories of the heart break they've witness - and why we must speak out loud about these crimes and abuses. 

Our chat room conversation with Politico's Shia Kapos spilled into the 'weeds' of the 2022 midterm elections.  All of which required a second episode with the journalist behind the  Illinois Playbook. Catch this deeper dive into why the Illinois Secretary of State's race might overshadow the run for the governor's mansion.  Plus, is U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth untouchable?  Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin go swimming in all of it during this episode of The Crisis Cast.

Curiosity runs rampant through the veins of journalist Shia Kapos, a revered Chicago reporter for more than two decades. In this episode of The Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom, go behind the curtain of Shia's work on Politico's Illinois Playbook. We'll get a lesson or two on human relations, institutional knowledge, and the shifting tide of journalism.

Zach Zaidman grew up in New York City, but has made a home covering professional sports in Chicago.  He's chronicled the games on the field, AND the games in the front office. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin confront the absence of a crisis communications practice in sports.  Zaidman digs in on why former Cubs baseball czar Theo Epstein is a mastermind in crisis leadership, and how that all ties back to his gig with Pete Rose.

Robin Johnson studies voter behavior with a deep regard for middle America.  As an advisor to political candidates and professor of political science, Robin teaches us a lesson or two about shifting voter alliances.  In this episode of The Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom probe why the Democratic Party is getting a wake up call from their former base.  

Since 2006, Tom Dart has served the people of Cook County, Illinois as Sheriff.  You're about to hear why he is driven to foster criminal justice reform. During this visit to the Crisis Cast chat room, Lissa and Thom hit on some tough questions about 'funding' law enforcement, our nation's mental health crisis, and whether Sheriff Dart is seeking a higher officer.