The Crisis Cast

Rumors of Chicagoland's death in business development have been greatly exaggerated." Those words come straight from Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage .   In this episode, Lissa & Thom talk with Greg about economic development strategies and the vision for growth in DuPage County. You'll hear about key metrics, infrastructure, workforce, and regional collaboration. Plus, Bedalov share...

When it comes to funding Chicago Public Schools, many believe we have a crisis of fiscal responsibility. In this episode, Lissa & Thom talk with CPS board candidate  Jennifer Custer about how to best use $10 billion to better serve students. Jennifer shares her journey from student to educator to school board candidate, discussing the challenges of smart governance, and improving outcomes for stud...

His voice behind a microphone soothed a million smooth jazz lovers in Chicago. Then, his deep southside roots made him a key personality on the WGN-TV morning news.  Dean Richards ' thousands of A-list celebrity interviews, and his award-winning WGN radio show only scratch the surface of his adventures in media.    In this episode, Lissa & Thom go behind the curtain with one of the most treasured...

Allen Lynch spent his childhood in Chicago's south suburbs with fond memories of walks to his grandmother's house in Roseland. Lynch was often bullied, and at age 18, to test his strength he enlisted in the U.S. Army. That was 1964, and one year later the United States had troops on the ground in Vietnam. In 1966, Sgt. Allen Lynch began a tour of service that would earn him the Medal of Honor.   D...

The NFL and never-ending Bears passion has stirred up more debate on a new stadium for the Monsters of the Midway. In this episode, Lissa Druss is joined by radio host, community advocate, referee, and coach Amy Jacobson . Many questions are on the table about the Bears tolerance for taxes, the crisis of community safety, and what kinds of leaders Chicago needs most.   Plus, Amy takes Lissa's pers...

This conversation takes multiple twists and turns on where and when true leadership is revealed. Lissa & Thom welcome Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director of the NFL Players' Association. You'll hear about his journey through crisis management on 911 at the Pentagon, during the war in Ukraine, and on the football field. Plus, we'll explore the evolution of concussion protocols, and the importance of h...

In this episode, veteran Springfield reporter Ray Long joins Thom Serafin to breakdown the recent developments in the Illinois political corruption cases involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the ComEd Four.   Ray does a deep dive on the legal proceedings, court decisions, and implications for Illinois politics, providing insights into the federal judicial process and political...

The biggest problem facing Chicago Public Schools is they're focused on a pension crisis, and not whether second graders can read.   In this episode, Lissa & Thom are joined by  Jessica Biggs — a candidate for CPS board president. Jessica is a CPS parent, former principal, and veteran educator with a practical vision for serving students instead of the system's debt. You'll hear how Jessica plans...

Put on your safety belts for a conversation about the Land of Lincoln's tax and population crisis.   Austin Berg , Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center, joins Lissa & Thom to examine Illinois' fiscal challenges and potential reforms for Chicago's governance. He highlights the impact of high taxes, overspending, and the importance of local action to revitalize the city and the region.

You've seen her byline reporting for the New York Times, Forbes, Crain's Chicago Business, Block Club, and many more great destinations for news. Leigh Giangreco has superpower when it comes to unraveling complex stories.   In this episode, Lissa & Thom go behind the scenes with Leigh on her recent work covering the tragic murder of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman for the New York Times. Plus, you'...

This week's Illinois primary election underscored that "campaign cash is not a strategy." Veteran political pollster and advisor Rod McCulloch from Victory Research joins Lissa & Thom to dig through the rubble of recent voter behavior. How does one candidate outspend an opponent three-to-one, and still lose? Why do endorsements fall short? Who benefits from low voter turnout? All the answers and m...

Our friend John Kass, the venerable columnist, always says what he feels. During this episode, he takes the conversation with Lissa & Thom to a whole new level. Kass is full of caution on surviving a stroke, avoiding media overload, and his passion for coaching culinary arts.   You'll learn why he's sworn off Fox News, CNN, and others — and how he plans to double down on writing at  John Kass News...

Join Lissa & Thom for some heady talk on the fine art of sports journalism. In this episode, seasoned NFL writer Dan Pompei shares the stories behind Bears superstar Charles 'Peanut' Tillman, and the legacy of Ron Wolf in shaping NFL teams.  Plus, we'll dive into predictions on this year's Bears' draft picks and what is fueling the drama of the NFC North. This week's Crisis Cast hero is Bears wide...

Businessman Rick Heidner says he can't sit on the sidelines any more. Heidner tells Thom Serafin, in an extended face-to-face interview, why he was compelled to seek the Republican nomination to be Illinois' next governor.   You'll hear Heidner's passion for guiding economic success and why family drives his approach to politics. Plus, Lissa Druss joins Thom to analyze the competitive landscape in...

In this episode, Bela Gandhi, founder of Smart Dating Academy , shares her journey from being a bad dater to becoming a dating coach. Lissa & Thom get schooled on the importance of understanding partner preferences, navigating dating apps, and the significance of emotional and intellectual connections in relationships. Bela emphasizes the role of coaching in dating, shares success stories from her...

There's nothing like some fresh fiscal wisdom as we dig into a new year. Ilyce Glink is back to enlighten Lissa & Thom on the landscape of personal finance. In this episode, we'll chat about precarious markets, the 30% increase in food costs, and what to do about the record-high volume of personal debt.    Plus, you'll hear some insights on China's massive economic development, as Ilyce reports on...

Join us for a wild ride through the entanglements of the Chicago City Council. Axios' Justin Kaufmann jumps into our chat room to breakdown the recent ban on hemp-derived THC products. In this episode, Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget accountability is questioned, and Lissa & Thom work through the list of issues most likely to engage voters. Plus, Justin came ready with an intoxicating number of twi...

This is a conversation about political identity with a voice of reason no matter what side of the aisle you call home. In this episode, we're joined by Pat Brady , the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party. While Lissa Druss is on assignment, Thom Serafin digs into the Trump impact on Republican identity. Brady shares his journey from federal prosecutor to pure political junkie. Plus you'r...

We start the year with a deep dive on the price of division. Join Lissa & Thom as they visit the heart of the Statehouse with Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois.   During this episode, we'll troubleshoot the the Land of Lincoln's federal funding gaps and if property tax reform can save the day. We'll cover the buzz on AI and energy policy. Plus, you'll hear why Szalinski thinks you'd be proud...

For decades, millions of Kev-Heads were charmed by the characters and sonic genius  Kevin Matthews  created on the radio. Today, Kev is traveling the world as a roadie for a broken statue of the Virgin Mary.    In this episode of the Crisis Cast, Lissa & Thom celebrate Christmas with a behind-the-scenes conversation about the " Broken Mary " that Matthews found next to a flower shop dumpster. You'...

Service to others runs deep in the Payton family DNA. There's a global reminder of that before every Super Bowl, when one NFL humanitarian is bestowed with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.   In this episode of the Crisis Cast, WGN-TV's Jarrett Payton talks about the life lessons he learned from his father, and the vision he has for his own legacy. Lissa & Thom dive into Jarrett's obsession...

Put on your safety belts for a conversation about grading governance. In this episode, Lissa & Thom welcome  Craig Volden , Co-Director of the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia.   This discussion dives head first into the importance of civic engagement, the implications of term limits, and the perceptions of Illinois politics. Plus, you'll hear what the data says about w...

Pulitzer prize-winner Frank Main has been covering criminal justice in Chicago since 1998.  Readers of the Sun-Times are drawn to his work for heeding the journalism mantra "inflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted."   In this episode of The Crisis Cast, we travel back to a discussion with Lissa & Thom about COVID's lasting impact on crime in upper Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Chicag...

We're celebrating Thanksgiving week with a conversation about the power of human relations.   In this episode, Lissa reflects on how the recent passing of her mom revealed her treasured and growing extended family. Thom provides some comic relief in sharing famous  last words . Plus, we'll relive and rewind to the gratitude we've found in our guests' personal stories. 

There's a remarkable place in Glen Ellyn known both affectionately and functionally as  The Rock . Born out of Illinois law 50 years ago, to serve deafblind students — the  Philip J. Rock Center and School  has a brand-new home.   In this episode of the Crisis Cast, The Rock's executive director  Bonnie Jordan shares the compelling stories of the families and students who receive their life-changi...