The Crisis Files

More than two million people in the United States live with it. And that number is expected to grow. But losing a limb doesn't have to limit your life. Finding the right support and team to get back to living can be an uphill battle. That's why Aaron Holm founded Wiggle Your Toes – an organization dedicated to helping amputees and their families get the right support, answers and resources to keep looking and moving forward. He joins host Roshini Rajkumar to share his own story of recovery after becoming a bilateral above-the-knee amputee. Aaron also explains challenges for people with congenital limb difference or unexpected limb loss when it comes to getting insurance coverage and how your family could be one kid soccer game or diabetes diagnosis away from the same discrimination. Explore how developments in legislation, technology and sports are all working to help amputees thrive.

These days, your favorite celebrities aren't just making headlines in the tabloids. They're making national news for their outspoken stances on politics, products, and social issues. Are these star-powered endorsements from Taylor Swift, Dennis Quaid, and Snoop Dog worth anything? What lessons - or cautionary tales - can we learn about engaging in public discourse? Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes film critic and The Crisis Files entertainment contributor, Paul McGuire Grimes, to unpack the power of stardom and its influence on 2024 presidential election, the Olympics, and brand campaigns. Learn their tips to avoid getting burned when advocating for causes you believe in.

Firing and connecting in intricate patterns, billions of neurons in our brains make us who we are, fueling our hopes, dreams, and emotions. Neuroscience is unraveling the mysteries of the mind. Industries ranging from economics to architecture are partnering with neuroscientists to harness this power. Join host Roshini Rajkumar and Professor Francis Shen of the Shen Neurolaw Lab at the University of Minnesota for a fascinating conversation. Shen's research happens at the intersection of neuroscience, the law, and artificial intelligence. Find out about stunning breakthroughs and potential pitfalls. Learn why fostering strong friendships is just as important as getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active to significantly boost brain power.

A house is more than four walls and a roof. It's a space to grow, feel safe and build the foundation for a better life. But with housing prices outpacing income growth, too many are feeling like homeownership and the American dream aren’t in the cards. That's where Habitat for Humanity steps in. An organization that works in 50 U.S. states and 70 countries, Habitat helps people meet the home ownership threshold. CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Chris Coleman, sits down with host Roshini Rajkumar to discuss the organization's impact and equitable solutions to homeownership. From frontline workers to other hardworking families, you might be surprised to learn the income requirements to qualify for housing support!

Gwen Kelly's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage four astrocytoma, a devastating brain cancer with a bleak 4% survival rate. At just 19 years old, it was a shock she couldn't have anticipated. Today, Gwen is miraculously cancer-free, after years of radiation therapy, support from family and friends, and a healthy lifestyle. But the constant fear of recurrence, or "scanxiety", kicks in every 90 days as she gears up for the next brain scan. All the while wondering if the cancer has returned. In this episode of The Crisis Files, host Roshini Rajkumar sits down with Gwen to discuss her uphill battle, her advice for young people fighting cancer, and her passionate advocacy for increased funding to support brain cancer research and treatments. Learn how woefully underfunded childhood cancer is and how even small donations matter.

Former NFL linebacker turned sports analyst and talk show host Ben Leber is a master of juggling plays on and off the field. But his most important play is the one he runs at home. Leber's roster for family life includes a 16-year-old daughter, two young sons, and his supportive wife, Abby. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Leber to The Crisis Files to share his strategies for running a successful family huddle, tackling life's challenges, and celebrating the touchdowns of everyday moments. Plus, he opens up his Daddy Diaries to Crisis Filers and shares sweet sentiments about Abby and the kids that might leave you swooning.

The AI revolution has arrived, whether we're ready or not. The impact of artificial intelligence on our day-to-day lives will only intensify – but fear not! Host Roshini Rajkumar and Media Minefield CEO Kristi Piehl discuss the potential pitfalls and exciting possibilities of AI technology, especially for businesses. As Kristi says, "The future is AI." But take humans out of the mix and you’ve got a recipe for crisis. Find out why the quality of AI usage starts with you. Plus, discover how AI can help you find your next favorite restaurant.

Standing out from the crowd can be lonely and intimidating. But what if being different is actually your greatest strength? Angela Chee is a speaker, podcast host, and former TV journalist, who's spreading her Power of The Only philosophy. She joins host Roshini Rajkumar to share how embracing your individuality is the key to unlocking your true potential. Whether your uniqueness is apparent to others or simply how you see the world, discover how to embrace it, conserve your energy, and make a lasting impression. Plus, learn how being "The Only" is precisely where your greatest potential lies and why you should always ask: Am I able to discern what I bring in and what I keep out?

Whether you think legalized sports betting elevates the gameday experience or is a high-stakes gamble, there's one thing we can all agree on – it's a game-changer! Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into the once forbidden, now booming realm of sports gambling with business and entertainment attorney and Crisis Squad member Steven Silton. Together, they explore how this high-stakes industry is transforming the pro sports landscape, the culture for teams governed by the NCAA, athlete incentives, and even tricked out stadiums.

"Your bones are sick" – the words hung heavy in the air, shattering Alexa Score's world in an instant. From an athletic teenager to a leukemia patient unable to even open a granola bar wrapper, her life took a dramatic turn at age 16. Alexa was diagnosed with a type of blood and bone cancer usually found in people 65 and older. Shocking? Yes. But Alexa deflects sympathy because this is a story of unwavering resilience. Alexa rose from the depths of cancer treatment to become a celebrated professional wakeboarder and TV host. Join her as she shares her inspiring journey with host Roshini Rajkumar. From the shock of her high school diagnosis to conquering her fears and becoming a powerful advocate for herself. Discover the importance of trusting your instincts and harnessing your inner pride to overcome life's greatest challenges--even when you have to continue to live with them.