The Crisis Cast

Helena Volzer - Big Data's Drain On Our Water

Sep 30, 2025

There's a water shortage crisis brewing, and it's being driven by AI and other large water users like quantum computing. In this episode, Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin talk through a recent study from the Alliance for the Great Lakes that sounds an alarm over lack of planning.

Helena Volzer has been researching...

David Haugh - Bullish on the Bears

Sep 24, 2025

WSCR's David Haugh isn't backing down. Haugh tells Lissa Druss & Thom Serafin he stands by a 9-win Bears season, and that was before they beat the Cowboys in week 3.

In this episode, Haugh talks coaching dynamics and questions if this roster's locker room culture will ever match head coach Ben Johnson's intensity....

Whiteboard: Seeking Civility

Sep 16, 2025

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...

Kam Buckner - Unity Doesn't Mean We All Agree

Sep 5, 2025

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...

Det. Rich Wistocki - How To Stop School Shootings

Sep 2, 2025

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...