The Crisis Files

Clean water is life. As America pushes to turn the tide, water pollution is becoming a growing threat. In some parts of the country a bona fide crisis. Can we find a way to move forward without sacrificing this vital resource? Host Roshini Rajkumar and guest Paula Maaccabee of Water Legacy dive into the murky waters and toxic truths of mining essential minerals. Discover how mineral extraction can endanger water resources, presenting a stark choice between immediate profit and the lasting health of the environment. Learn about sustainable alternatives, how you can make a difference as a consumer and potential pathways for a healthier aquatic future. Plus, how Native tribes are making their voices heard to save land and water.

Call it a crisis in recruitment. A shrinking pool of potential recruits threatens to undermine military readiness for the United States. Obesity, drugs, educational aptitude, and mental health issues are disqualifying candidates at record rates, leaving only 22% of America’s youth fit to serve. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes retired four-star General Paul Funk to explore this recruitment crisis and solutions for building a strong volunteer military force. If you’re curious about serving, check out the Future Soldier Prep Course at goarmy.com. This 90-day prep course spearheaded by the Army and getting adopted by other branches could actually be a model for civilian workplaces. Thank you to all who serve!

Patagonia. Dove. Kind. What do these brands have in common? They're active about social issues without alienating the consumer. They've come a long way from how corporate social responsibility (CSR) first came about in the 1990s. "Patagonia is using clothing manufacturing to improve clothing manufacturing," says Nate Garvis, CEO of Naked Civics. Host Roshini Rajkumar and he dive into where brands land on the spectrum of compliance, which ones care about inclusive growth and which are imploding because they picked the wrong lane. Plus, learn what Delta has in the skies that could revolutionize the carbon footprint of the entire airline industry.

Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or diving into the action, sports offer more than just a competitive edge – they can be a game-changer for life. Team sports deliver the double win of physical health and valuable social skills as players work towards a shared goal. Losing the big game can also teach the valuable lesson of accepting defeat gracefully, building resilience and fostering personal growth. In Case File #85, host Roshini Rajkumar talks with former NBA player and current Bally's Sports announcer Kevin Lynch about what his on-court experience taught him. He delves into the triumphs and tribulations of team sports. Kevin advice to parents and young kids: Don't make sports everything. Plus, discover how humility can safeguard against stunted growth and an outsized ego.

The wild west and college sports have a lot more in common than you think! Despite generating billions for the NCAA, college sports offer little control or compensation to the student-athletes who attract big crowds and fuel the industry's success. Saddle up for a showdown between host Roshini Rajkumar and sports attorney Steven Silton as they debate recent shake-ups and a proposed new rule in the NCAA over whether and how student-athletes should be paid to play. Plus, learn how politicians may ultimately decide who rides off into the sunset and who's left in the dust.

The word "traitor" gets thrown around a lot in U.S. politics. But what do we really mean when we accuse someone of treason? Host Roshini Rajkumar jumps back in time with accomplished attorney and political historian, Steve Yoch. Their journey gives poignant insights into America's most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold. And how the U.S. Constitution protects people from lazily getting lumped into that label. While you're along for the ride, learn how to lower the temperature and turn up the understanding in your own conversations when rhetoric gets hot!

Amid a sea of culture wars and post-COVID enrollment declines, school boards are facing increasing public scrutiny. Ten years ago, school board elections rarely made the news. Now, in cities across America, they’re dominating headlines, social media feeds and the minds of parents. In fact, you might say some school boards themselves have become the crisis. In an era of mental health dangers, safety concerns and curriculum controversy, how can we ensure we’re preparing the next generation for a brighter future? Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into this with Jimmy Sengenberger, an investigative columnist for the Denver Gazette. They discuss this crisis of credibility as once well-intentioned bodies become side shows. Plus, what parents and the public need to do if they want a return to "adults" in the room.

Whether to a faraway beach or a staycation closer to home, everyone is dreaming of spring break. And the sooner the better before your wellness becomes crisis level. In a lighter episode of The Crisis Files, host Roshini Rajkumar turned to the pros at the world-renowned Mall of America. Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer Jill Renslow shares insider tips and tricks to get ahead of the spring break frenzy. Guarantee your vacation is restful, not stressful. Plus, could you get into bleisure?

Take a break, slow down, and realign yourself with what’s really important on this episode of The Crisis Files. We call out the harmful pitfalls of hustle culture as host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes back our productivity contributor, Aimee Olson, of Life Done Simply. Find out why and how slowing your roll and moving forward with intention can become your keys to unlocking productivity and success. Plus, learn Aimee's 4 R's for slowing down.

Harvard and Boeing are battling firestorms in the media and the boardroom. Can these brands survive major scandals? Dive into the world of crisis management with host Roshini Rajkumar and public relations expert Jen Hellman as they dissect the latest brand blunders dominating headlines. Get insider tips for navigating the treacherous waters of public perception. Learn why building a bank of trust before any crisis strikes is your best defense for reputation rehab. Plus, a little fun--courtesy of Calvin Klein and Jeremy Allen White.