The Crisis Files

Every day, we’re bombarded by inspirational mugs and pillows encouraging us to be the best version of ourselves. But what does that really mean? How do you go from ordinary to extraordinary while balancing a healthy lifestyle? Host Roshini Rajkumar discovers the answers to these eternal questions with the visionary CEO of Life Time, Bahram Akradi. A leader in the health and wellness industry for more than 30 years, Bahram’s vision for success and wellness has transformed the way his millions of clients live, work, and play. Start your own empowering journey of self-exploration with tips to unleash your true potential by staying true to your authentic self. Plus, learn Bahram's step-by-step formula for thinking big while starting small.

Marijuana legalization is sweeping the nation! Acceptance of cannabis has grown rapidly with a majority of Americans now supporting both medical and recreational use. In fact, 30 states have legalized medical or adult-use cannabis. More could join soon. But as the conversation shifts from legalization to regulation, concerns about road safety, Federal law, criminal activity, underage usage and licensing have many scrutinizing the cost-benefit scenario. Chestnut Cambronne law partner Jeff O’Brien joins host Roshini Rajkumar to dissect the claims made by marijuana supporters and critics as the cannabis fight continues across the U.S.

Mergers are suddenly the name of the game as businesses look to grow, diversify and gain a competitive edge. If a business isn’t innovating, is it even relevant anymore? At the same time, acquisitions and mergers can feel chaotic and erode trust with consumers, employees and shareholders. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes CEO Dan Stoltz, who is leading Spire Credit Union through a merger that becomes official on January 1, 2024. Dan shares the secrets to success for any company asking itself whether a merger is a smart next step. Plus, learn how mergers mirror romantic relationships and what all organizations can learn from the values and timing questions asked in merger negotiations.

She graced your televisions from the national desk at Fox News for years. She feared for her life when she sued the big boss, Roger Ailes, after being fired. Now, she's walking the halls of Congress and building coalitions to ensure Americans aren't signing away their rights to corporate "secret chambers." More than 60 million Americans are silenced and unable to share their toxic workplace experiences with their colleagues, friends, and even their families - and that number is rising. Host Roshini Rajkumar talks with Gretchen Carlson about the major laws she helped pass to end forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements when employees speak out about sexual harassment or assault. Gretchen shares the latest bill she's supporting to get rid of forced arbitration in age discrimination situations. Plus, hear about the plans for her non-profit Lift Our Voices and how its report cards will be a game changer in 2024.

Becoming an empty nester is one of life’s truly bittersweet experiences. It’s a time to celebrate as children spread their wings and launch. It can also be a time of relaunch for parents. This major life transition forces parents and children to adjust to new roles and find new pathways for connection. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes culture and organizational thought leader Chanda Smith Baker, who shares her life experience as an executive, parent raising five kids and caretaker for her mom through the final stages of life. Get tips for embracing this exciting time of reimagination - whether you're a parent or someone looking for opportunities toward personal growth. Plus, why communication is key to navigating major life changes.

The wait is over and so is the strike. After 5 months on the picket lines, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) voted to ratify the agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Could this mean good news for the actors? Their strike continues as negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP broke down. In the face of a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence and inflation, the labor union movement is making waves with the United Auto Workers union strike and potential strikes in the video game industry. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes film critic and The Crisis Files entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes to dissect how these strikes affect Hollywood, viewers, and fair working conditions in general.

NOTE: One day after Roshini and Paul spoke, SAG-AFTRA announced it would go back to the negotiation table with AMPTP on October 2.

Entrepreneurship in the United States looks a lot different than it used to. Changing demographics are creating new opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by white men. But disparities still persist. There is a lot of work needed to increase access to capital and resources for women founders, who receive only 2 percent of venture money in the U.S. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes managing partner of Bread and Butter Ventures, Mary Grove. She was Google employee number 2000 in her first career where she launched Google for Startups. Find out how her personal story as a first-generation immigrant turned Stanford grad during Silicon Valley's tech heyday plays into her status as a venture capital guru who wants to ensure access for all. Plus, get tips for how to invest in meaningful ways.

When did tipping become so complicated? The cleverly hidden service charge on a menu or the obligatory 20% minimum tip on a receipt screen can be maddening and put you on the spot. What is the proper etiquette for tipping? How do other countries handle gratuities? Should you tip if you are also paying a service charge? MSP Magazine's Food & Dining Editor Stephanie March joins host Roshini Rajkumar to break down the pros and cons of tipping for customers and the service industry and how you can navigate the new era of tipping culture.

Just because you can't see an injury doesn't mean it's not there. Studies show that one in sixty people live with a permanent brain injury, which can lead to a lifelong struggle with anxiety, depression and PTSD. In this special case file, Canterbury Park Race Ambassador Mark Irving shares his story as a former professional jockey with over 1000 wins, whose career came to a halt after his 9th unconscious concussion. Host Roshini Rajkumar and Irving explore the highs and lows of horse racing, the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries and the power of horses to bring peace, comfort and healing.

Social media use among young people has spiked exponentially. In an age of information overload, social media spirals and triggering online content, these stats beg the question - how is social media affecting young people's mental health? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 15% of U.S. children aged 5-17 received treatment for mental health conditions in 2021, and the nation is undergoing what experts call a "national youth mental health crisis." Clinical psychologist Sheryl Ziegler and public relations CEO Jennifer Hellman join host Roshini Rajkumar to outline how social media behemoths like TikTok are responding to this mental health crisis, how parents and schools are reacting, and what legislators can do about this issue. Dr Z calls the situation worse than a crisis, an actual "state of emergency." Should states ban social media apps? How early is too early for children to start using? How can parents better manage their kids' social media usage?