The Crisis Files

Since Bitcoin broke into the mainstream in 2009, the cryptocurrency craze has turned early adopters into millionaires. But the recent bankruptcy of crypto exchange FTX and wild shifts in cryptocurrency values resurrected longstanding concerns about the viability of digital currencies. While celebrity endorsements from Tom Brady, Matt Damon and more lend credibility, crypto currency doesn’t have a tangible value beyond what people are willing to pay for it. Crypto markets remain an unregulated “wild west” with thousands of exchanges, bad actors fueled by greed and hopeful investors looking to make a quick buck. Business attorney and crisis squad member Steve Silton joins host Roshini Rajkumar to take the mystery out of cryptocurrency. He takes us all to school and breaks down the pitfalls and opportunities of digital currencies.

This case file has it all: history, religion, bad optics, and high-octane emotions. When an adjunct art history instructor at Hamline University showed an image of the prophet Mohammed in class, a Muslim student complained. Eventually, Hamline decided not to renew the instructor’s contract. The University president went on record siding with the student's individual rights over academic freedom and later flip-flopped to say the University was looking at its policies. When news of the incident and aftermath broke to the broader public, it set off a nationwide backlash as academic freedom clashed head-on with individual sensitivities. On January 17, the instructor filed a lawsuit, claiming defamation and breach of contract. The Crisis Files' go-to inclusion and equity expert Dr. Abdul Omari brings his content knowledge as well as his experience as an adjunct faculty member to dissect the complex layers of this PR debacle with host Roshini Rajkumar. A Case File you'll want to share and discuss in your own world.

When Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin collapsed during a Monday Night Football game, the entire nation held its collective breath. The NFL canceled the game as Hamlin was rushed to the hospital where he began the recovery process. The on-field tragedy parallels similar incidents such as the collapse and death of Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer in 2001. Brad Madson, former Executive Director of Community Relations for the Minnesota Vikings, joins host Roshini Rajkumar to take us back to one of the most trying times in his role and for the team and to explore how the NFL handles the serious topic of player safety amidst the backdrop of fan and public scrutiny. Plus, learn how savvy crisis communications in sports can translate to other industries and how that affects an individual's or brand's legacy.

From racial covenants to biased appraisals and unfair mortgage practices, disparities in home ownership based on race continue to hamper generational wealth and progress for people of color. Realtor and Minneapolis Area Realtors (MAR) Board of Directors member Jackie Berry joins host Roshini Rajkumar to bring perspective to historic and persistent causes of these racial disparities. She shares staggering stats faced by Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians. On the bright side, she describes some policies and programs MAR is doing that are getting adopted nationwide to make home ownership a reality for all.

Sleep is as important to our overall health and wellness as diet and exercise, but Americans are sacrificing sleep in the name of productivity. In our 24/7 culture, sleep deprivation is a national epidemic. How much sleep do we really need? Some of the consequences of not getting enough have negative effects on your health and sex lives. How do we set boundaries to make the most of sleep? The Crisis Files’ wellness contributor Jamie Martin joins host Roshini Rajkumar to discuss strategies to ensure you don't become another sad statistic.

In a special New Year's message, host Roshini Rajkumar and her Crisis Squad share advice to help you launch 2023 and make it your very best. With candor and kindness, their insights will empower you to take control of your life and approach any situation with intention and strength. On the road of discerning what's real and what's shady, this is their gift of magic and light to you. Intentionality wins the day. And in many situations, LOVE is the answer.

With millions of followers, big name celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, “Ye” (AKA Kanye West) and Lebron James command the clout to influence the beliefs and actions of their fans. Social media platforms can be used for the common good. But just as often, they can be an influencer’s Achilles heel. How and when should celebrities use their platforms? Can celebrities escape becoming influencers in the modern social media world? How can influencers establish credibility on platforms where image is methodically curated? Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Crisis Squad member Dr. Abdul Omari to explore the power of the platform and ways to navigate the dangers and opportunities--no matter how big or up and coming your reputation.

Do you drag yourself to work? Are you cynical on the job or just going through the motions? Employees are experiencing burnout at alarming rates. No one is immune. Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can begin in the workplace and bleed into all aspects of your life – from your personal relationships to your health. Experience Life Magazine's Jamie Martin is our show's new wellness contributor. She shares strategies to overcome burnout with host Roshini Rajkumar. Learn how finding your “why” can rekindle your passion and one of the key things your network of co-workers and family can do that's crucial for leaving burnout behind.

Brands like Peloton and Disney can ride big highs just as quickly as they come crashing down. Messaging and management mistakes can jeopardize your organization’s reputation and bottom line. The Crisis Files host Roshini Rajkumar chats with two PR pros: Crisis Squad member Jennifer Hellman and Park Street Public's co-CEO, Brian McClung, about how to prevent unforced errors and recover when your brand is in the crosshairs of a PR firestorm. The same lessons apply to individuals too. Plus, learn when courting controversy can prove an advantage.

A very special Case File in which The Crisis Files host Roshini Rajkumar gets personal with film critic and our show's entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes about his journey to fatherhood. After selecting the infant track, Paul and his husband Ryan couldn't have imagined the obstacles they'd face on the road to adopting their baby girl. Their story will touch your heart and make you want to change the system for expectant parents. Even after becoming dads, recent Supreme Court decisions make this happy couple a little nervous about the future of their family. This is a Case File you'll want to share and discuss. We are grateful to Paul for his candor (and humor) with our listeners about the topic of adoption.