The Crisis Cast

14:26

Whiteboard: Seeking Civility

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/09/16

In this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin dive head first into the complex role media plays in political polarization. Our hosts discuss recent tragedies, including the murder of Charlie Kirk, and how media narratives can amplify division. During this visit to the Crisis Cast chat room, we explore the impact of soundbites and rhetoric on public perception and the importance of fostering civility in political discourse. This dialogue revisits the forgotten lessons of the late 1960s, as we face

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41:01

Kam Buckner - Unity Doesn't Mean We All Agree

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/09/05

Our leaders need better listening skills. That's the prescription from Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner. In this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin drill down on who the Democrats believe are their most credible messengers. Buckner represents the 26th Legislative District, and returns to the Crisis Cast to underscore why reconnecting with middle America is a huge priority for the Democratic Party. Plus, our discussion hits on the reason for Illinois' outmigration, the role of wealth in

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40:03

Det. Rich Wistocki - How To Stop School Shootings

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/09/02

Ninety-four percent of school shooters posted their intentions online beforehand. That's where the conversation begins in the effort to stop the senseless killing of innocent victims. Detective Rich Wistocki is a cyber crime expert with 33 years in law enforcement, and two decades as a SWAT team member. In the wake of tragedy at a school in Minneapolis, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin learn Det. Wistocki's proven path to identify threats online and prevent the violence they signal. In the past two years

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33:29

Austin Berg - Seeking Governance Grown-ups

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/08/25

"Look for the helpers" is Austin Berg's recommendation for seeking government reform. It's a lesson in hope from the legendary children's television host, Fred Rogers. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin get back to discussing the critical need for a Chicago city charter. It would go a long way in addressing the crushing debt Chicago and the State of Illinois is leaving for future generation. Berg says no more bailouts, and identifies the Chicago Public Schools as the nation's largest

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25:13

The Politics of Safety

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/08/19

On the heels of President Trump's threat to send the National Guard into Chicago to reduce crime, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin address the public perception of safety. In this episode, we consider the implications of federal authority in local governance and policing. We'll debate how perceptions of safety influence political strategies. Plus, what's to be done when the crime rate is down, but residents and visitors don't feel any safer? Learn more about this week's Crisis Cast heroes: A House

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27:28

FLASHBACK: Seeking Refuge - A Migrant Family's Journey

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/08/11

In this special edition of the Crisis Cast, we'll hear the personal account of a dangerous trek across multiple borders in 2023. We invite you to listen in on Thom Serafin's intimate conversation with a couple from Venezuela, who traveled on foot and on top of train cars in search of the American Dream. Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin set the stage for this family's story with a powerful dialogue about the challenges of managing immigration. We'll hear why a young family would risk it all to leave

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34:36

Chris Bury - Shepherding Next Gen Journalism

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/08/06

For 30 years, Chris Bury was at the forefront of covering the biggest global and national stories at ABC News. Today he's teaching the next generation of journalists at DePaul University. Chris says the two most important words in journalism are still -- go there. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin talk about why the best reporting is still done on the scene. Bury says AI can be a valuable tool, but human interaction is still the best resource journalists have. Plus, you'll hear how

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31:15

Richard Porter - Defending Americanism

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/07/28

Richard Porter believes this is a moment worth seizing in the shifting landscape of Illinois politics. That's why Porter is passionately testing the waters as a potential Republican candidate for Dick Durbin's U.S. Senate seat. In this episode, Porter joins Lissa Druss to preach bipartisanship as essential for effective governance. You'll hear how he defines Americanism. Plus, why he's concerned about government's penchant to rule over people, instead of serving their needs. Richard Porter is a

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36:21

Andrew Stroth - The Cost of Injustice

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/07/21

Civil rights attorney Andrew Stroth made a bold pivot. His path switched from representing superstar athletes like Dwyane Wade to advocating for justice for marginalized communities. In this episode, Lissa & Thom dig into the alarming statistics surrounding wrongful convictions in Chicago, the financial burden on taxpayers, and the need for systemic change in police practices and legal frameworks. Andrew emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches to address police misconduct, while

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42:31

FLASHBACK: Dagmar Braun Celeste - Women & The Priesthood

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/07/14

Dagmar Braun Celeste was born in Nazi-occupied Austria, she authored her own Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, which led her to collaborative human rights work with both Rosalyn Carter and Mother Theresa. Dagmar eventually made her home in Ohio, and fed her passion for politics as the state's First Lady. In 2002, she was secretly ordained as a Catholic priest on the Danube River with six other women. The ordination led to her excommunication by the Roman Catholic Church. During this episode of

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25:18

Amy Jacobson - Crushing the Dream Crushers

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/07/07

After nearly 16 years as a magnetic voice on Chicago radio, Amy Jacobson is turning the page to a digital platform all her own. The former WIND morning host joins Lissa and Thom in our chat room to share her vision for Amy Jacobson Live. Amy also reflects on the journey that took her from television journalism across seven states to conservative talk radio in her hometown. Join us for this conversation about demanding truth from powerful politicians, and denying power to those who seek to crush

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30:34

LauraJane Hyde - Community is our "C" Word

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/06/30

Gilda's Club Chicago has a remarkable business story to tell about innovative perseverance. How did CEO LauraJane Hyde's team survive and thrive post-pandemic? They looked inside the work they've been great at for nearly three decades -- serving families and individuals impacted by cancer. In this episode, Lissa Druss talks with LauraJane about the 27-year evolution of Gilda's Club, their meaningful outreach inside schools, and the moment in LauraJane's childhood that defined her calling as a

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34:18

Lou Sandoval - Sailing The Waves of Illinois Business

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/06/23

Lou Sandoval knows how to navigate rough seas and the seas of change in the economy. In the episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin learn which way the wind is blowing for Illinois businesses. As President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Lou Sandoval insists on working from the inside without partisan politics. How does he do it? What's "good" about Illinois as a hub for tech? What regions of the state are winning big? The answers are all part of this conversation. Plus, you'll hear

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29:05

Clinée Hedspeth - How Art Feeds Chicago's Economy

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/06/17

Born into a family of art collectors, Clinée Hedspeth advocates that creative expression is in Chicago's DNA. In this episode, Lissa & Thom visit with a renowned global art curator who is driven to prove the economic impact of cultural spaces. Why would Clinée leave Paris to lead DCASE for Mayor Brandon Johnson? How does she intend to change the city's narrative around the world? What does crisis management look like in the art world? The answers are inside this conversation with Chicago's

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35:45

Ray Hanania - What To Do With A Public Feud

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/06/09

What fueled the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk? Journalist Ray Hanania suggests reporters are spending too much time on the rhetoric, and not seeking the real story. In this episode of the Crisis Cast, Thom Serafin chases answers to what sent President Trump and his DOGE leader Musk into a relationship tailspin. Hanania reminds us of what he says is the President's major motivator: media shock value. He cautions that "perspective journalism" is leading us farther from the truth. Ray

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38:33

Matthew Serafin - My Viral Life with Beyoncé

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/06/02

There's a ton of great stories about someone "blowing up" on the internet. Our favorite tale is what we'll cover in this week's episode. Matthew Serafin is a corporate strategist by day, and a concert streaming superstar by night. In this edition of the Crisis Cast, we'll learn how Matthew went viral all because of his passion for the music of Beyoncé. How is this a crisis? Well, the planet is hurting for strong and supportive communities. Matthew Serafin is gifted, when it comes to connecting

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29:29

Fr. Anthony Pizzo - My 50-year friendship with Pope...

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/05/23

It's true. Our guest this week has the pope's cell phone number. But long before cell phones, Father Anthony Pizzo was a close confidant of Cardinal Robert Prevost. In this episode, Father Pizzo shares the story of his 50-plus year friendship with the first American pontiff. Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin explore the depths of the Augustinian order, what the world stage can expect from Pope Leo XIV, and why he'll insist on the care of common people.

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22:07

FLASHBACK: Druss & Serafin - Gifts of Immigration

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/05/19

The United States Oath of Citizenship is the destination of some of the brightest minds and biggest hearts that call our nation home. Inspired by the naturalization ceremony at Ellis Island's Great Hall on Constitution Day 2022, this episode traces the paths of our hosts' ancestors. We'd like to honor every family's story by sharing the origins of Lissa & Thom from their roots in Italy and Poland. The Crisis Cast team invites you to share your story. Simply record a voice memo and email it to

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40:42

Robin Johnson - How To Be Illinois' Next Senator

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/05/13

As the field of candidates to replace Dick Durbin in the U.S. Senate, we've put together the manual on what it will take to win that seat. In this episode, Lissa & Thom welcome back professor Robin Johnson of Monmouth College. Robin is the first call anyone should make if you want to really understand voters in the midwest -- especially downstate Illinois. This discussion hits on Illinois' national perspective, the source of the widening political divide, the changing nature of political engagement

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27:17

George Ryan - In His Words

The Crisis Cast ·

2025/05/04

George Ryan's legacy is built largely on being the Illinois Governor who halted prison executions. The son of a pharmacist, Ryan grew up in Kankakee County where he launched one of the most storied and complicated political careers in Illinois history In this episode, Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin revisit a conversation we had with Illinois’ 39th governor on May 2nd 2021. Mr. Ryan died May 2, 2025, at age 91. You'll hear Lissa & Thom's personal reflections on former Governor Ryan. Plus, Mr. Ryan

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