In a world marked by active shooter drills and mental health crises, high-stakes crisis communications have become a new reality for police forces. FBI-certified crisis negotiator Officer Aaron Alpert of the Santa Monica Police Department describes to host Roshini Rajkumar how he approaches some of the most intense and emotional moments. From mental health emergencies to hostage negotiations, Officer Alpert explains what defines a true crisis and why he says, "Time is on our side." He shares how empathy and building trust are the best tools for making people feel heard and can make the difference between a peaceful resolution or tragic ending. Officer Alpert offers practical strategies for staying calm and connecting with others--whether in your most tense situations or as better practices for office and home.

Hockey legend Zach Parise is in studio with host and uber hockey fan Roshini Rajkumar for a conversation that goes beyond his storied NHL career with the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche. Now guiding his twins' 12-and-under hockey teams, Zach reflects on the unique aspects of coaching his son versus his daughter and his goal to never let his NHL past pressure them. Drawing upon lessons from his own coaching mentors, Zach teaches young players about teamwork, trust, and leadership. Discover how this Olympic silver medalist and US Hockey Hall of Famer is redefining success as both coach and dad. Find out what he thinks his hockey legend father, J.P. Parise, might say about his coaching son and the surprising links between science and success in sports. A bonus for sports fans: Roshini asks Zach to take us back to the ice of his 2012 Stanley Cup Finals as Captain of the New Jersey Devils.

Award-winning chef Karyn Tomlinson built a culinary empire – only to face an impossible choice. Diagnosed with scoliosis at 14, she managed her condition until her mid-30s. As her restaurant Myriel thrived, her health declined – leading to a major decision. Chef Tomlinson shares triumphs and tribulations about her body and body of work with host Roshini Rajkumar. Discover her lessons of resilience from choosing complex surgery a month after winning the 2025 James Beard Best Chef: Midwest. Gain inspiration and insights into succession planning as she turned a physical challenge into a source of purpose and power.

The Crisis Squad is back! After years apart, the powerhouse team returns to tackle some of the hottest topics. Their conversation is more vital than ever. Host Roshini Rajkumar reunites with Dr. Abdul Omari, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, Steve Silton and Jennifer Hellman for a deep dive into one of today’s biggest questions: Is social media connecting us or tearing us apart? They don't shy away from the chaos – sharing real occurrences and digging into confirmation bias, negativity and legal risks in the digital age. Each member of the Crisis Squad gives one big takeaway to help you stay grounded and authentic in a world where every post matters. They also take on the officiating controversy in the WNBA and explore the impact of icon Taylor Swift. This Case File covers a lot of ground. Plus, Roshini and her Crisis Squad members each give you one essential tip you can't live without.

Erin Kiernan calls herself an autism mom. She's a journalist by profession and autism advocate, who returns to The Crisis Files to offer insights into the vital role of early diagnosis and the transformative power of viewing autism as a difference in brain type – instead of a disease. Erin explains the definitions of "tone policing" and "lateral violence" to host Roshini Rajkumar and how these terms negatively impact the autism community. Learn why outward-focused advocacy is more powerful than inward conflict. Erin urges a willingness to ask uncomfortable questions to break stigmas and build understanding.

Everyone has challenges. By approaching yours with openness and honesty, you can make it through. Ken Barlow is Chief Meteorologist at KSTP-TV and a dedicated mental health advocate. He's back on The Crisis Files to help people struggling with possible mental illness identify signs. His personal experience has inspired tens of thousands of people through his raw, first-person accounts on his social media channels. From being misdiagnosed and years of silence to an eventual bipolar 1 diagnosis, Ken’s experience shaped his mission to make sure no one feels alone in their struggles. He reflects on the importance of self-advocacy with host Roshini Rajkumar and how to feel empowered through a strong support system. Learn why stepping out of the silence can be the best path to healing. This is a must-listen episode for individuals searching for answers as well as people who question whether family members need help.

With artificial intelligence quickly evolving and cyber threats growing by the day, cybersecurity is everyone’s problem. Rob Patterson, Regional Vice President at Comcast Business, walks host Roshini Rajkumar through the realities of today's cyber threats across all your screens. A leading expert in network infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud solutions, Rob uses real-world examples to show how cyber-attacks happen, how AI is finding vulnerable victims and how one malicious link can lead to major consequences. He shares why Comcast must operate locally and globally. Learn why simply deterring, detecting, or defending isn't enough – security must be a comprehensive, all-encompassing strategy.

With negative headlines dominating, brands find themselves dramatically and unwillingly pulled into the spotlight, even when the controversy has nothing to do with their business. Jill Renslow returns to the studio with host Roshini Rajkumar to bring sanity to the media firestorm and its unintended targets. As Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer for Mall of America, Jill shares savvy guidance on when to engage and when to step back on social media. We get an inside look at how she keeps her team grounded in core brand values. From avoiding unwanted headlines to ensuring digital and physical safety, this conversation is an essential guide for leaders navigating uncertain times.

Fighting fires is a dangerous job, but the biggest threats firefighters face are often more long-lasting than the blazes themselves. 32-year firefighter veteran George Esbensen knows firsthand the most serious risks are often invisible. George breaks down the “Big Three” for host Roshini Rajkumar: Cancer, cardiac and emotional trauma. All silently take a toll on those who keep us safe. As founder of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), George is driving a cultural shift and inspiring agencies across the United States. He shares how MnFIRE focuses on prevention, education and access to mental health resources because what’s predictable is preventable. He walks us through the steps firefighters and fire departments can take to protect themselves, reduce risks and build a stronger, healthier fire service for the future. The Crisis Files is honored to help MnFire fuel the call to action for legislatures around the country to pass legislation to protect the firefighters who risk their lives for all of us.

Just because you can put it on a billboard or in a TikTok video doesn’t mean you should. Host Roshini Rajkumar and marketing strategist Melissa Fors Shackleford unpack how marketers can be a force for good by delivering trusted, truthful information. With a background in brand transformation and growth initiatives in healthcare, technology and nonprofits, Melissa walks us through ethical boundaries of modern marketing. From protecting vulnerable audiences to recognizing the lines between persuasion and manipulation, she shares why the American Marketing Association's Code of Ethics is a valuable starting point for any marketing campaign. Learn how marketers can avoid deception in a world full of misinformation. Marketing isn’t just about reach. Effective marketing is about responsibility. For more insider tips, check out Melissa's book: Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection.