When U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Green called for a “national divorce,” many balked at the farfetched idea. But in our increasingly polarized country, the concept of dividing the nation into red and blue states is gaining traction. Some lawmakers have proposed seceding, redrawing state boundaries and even prosecuting women who cross state lines for abortions. Attorney and Crisis Squad member Steve Silton joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore the constitutionality, historic precedents and feasibility of a divided America

Case File # 38: Divorcing Democracy

Mental illness impacts millions of Americans, but persistent stigmas can silence those who need help. After years of manic highs, depressing lows and multiple misdiagnoses, Emmy award winner and KSTP chief meteorologist Ken Barlow was diagnosed with bipolar 1 in 2007. Fearing backlash, he kept his diagnosis a secret. But sharing his story publicly five years later led to an outpouring of support and sense of belonging. Ken joins host Roshini Rajkumar for an open conversation about his journey – from diagnosis and a family history he learned about in a shocking way to becoming a mental health activist. Ken’s story reminds us how and why you are not alone. Help is only a click or phone call away. If you’re struggling with your mental health, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at nami.org or call 988 for support. Family members can also access support from NAMI.

Case File #93: Inner Narrative

Losing your job or facing an unplanned career shift can be one of life’s toughest curveballs. Don't panic! Breathe and remember – job transitions happen to everyone. An unexpected layoff can be a great opportunity to pivot into a more fulfilling career that aligns with your passion and goals. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Navigate Forward CEO Anne Sample to explore how to best prepare for career shifts, bounce back with confidence and land a new position that ignites your superpowers and fuels your purpose. Learn Anne's 5-step process, which The Crisis Files endorses as a life preserver through stressful transitions and a game-changing guide for a regular annual maintenance.

Case File #95: Career Checkup

Every little kid dreams of soaring through the sky – like a superhero, a bird or even a pilot. But for those who set their sights on the cockpit, it's a long, thrilling and often turbulent journey to earn their wings. Stephanie Goetz, a commercial pilot for the world’s largest private jet company, joins host Roshini Rajkumar to share her chance on-the-job experience that launched her from broadcast news to an office in the open skies. They dissect challenges facing the aviation industry, including pilot shortages, growing travel demand and a lack of diversity. Hear about Steph’s favorite flying moments and learn how the industry is evolving to empower the next generation of pilots. Plus, insider tips about organizations offering scholarships and grants to help you launch this dream career.

Case File #99: Gaining Altitude

Humans are naturally risk-averse, but what if we could transcend our fears and embrace uncertainty? As head of strategic advisory for 2Secure, Dominic Bowen explains: where there is risk, there is also opportunity. He joins host Roshini Rajkumar on The Crisis Files to explain how to position yourself for future uncertainty and why we lack the ability to see risk while we are in crisis. Learn how risk management principles Bowen uses to help people in war zones can even be applied to your everyday life, from planning a vacation to securing your financial future. They explore the best time to plan for risk mitigation, the multifaceted influence of AI in risk management and the art of overcoming fear and capitalizing on opportunities.


Case File #126: Risk Busting

In a Case File like no other, host Roshini Rajkumar sits down with the insightful and colorful Paul Allen–voice of the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network and Canterbury Park. For a guy who is unmatched on play-by-play over the airwaves, this conversation serves up plenty of moments you'll want to replay. Roshini gets personal with Paul about his dedication to his faith and Jesus. Find out how he discovered his true meaning in his fifties, what he says about his own win-loss record, plus an unexpected backstory that took Roshini by surprise. This one's our gift to you with ah-hah moments and laughs from a guy more widely known for football and horse racing.

Case File #127: Spiritual Play

Hello, 2025!! Sure to serve up plenty of twists and turns. Is AI our ticket to the future or a one-way trip to disaster? Host Roshini Rajkumar and Crisis Squad members Jen Hellman and Steve Silton share predictions for the quarter century mark. Steve sees innovation facelifts for downtowns and an interesting battle with the NFL, among other hot takes. Find out why Jen cautions to not get caught in your own echo chamber. Roshini shares why neurodiversity narratives will ascend and a gender reckoning may descend. Plus, so much more for a can't miss Case File. The entire team at The Crisis Files wishes you a thought-provoking, productive, and magical year.


Case File #128: Hot Takes

Would you believe more hours of training are required to become a nurse, cosmetologist, or plumber than to wear the badge? Police departments across the United States continue to see the aftermath of the “defund the police” movement as they deal with staffing shortages and community distrust. Amidst this increased scrutiny, they remain the thin blue line between order and chaos. Drawing from an illustrious 31-year career as a police officer, use-of-force expert Joe Dutton brings an insider’s perspective to the evolving crisis. He shares personal anecdotes with host Roshini Rajkumar from his time on the force and the evolution of policing since the nation's founding. They explore significant disparities across US states and compared with foreign nations when it comes to required training before you are licensed to arrest and have the power to kill. Plus, find out why the difference in policing styles between the East and West Coasts of the United States matter as departments try to boost their ranks and respond to important mental health requirements of the communities they serve.

Case File #131: One Nation Under Law

You’ve read the headlines: “Malls Are Dead.” Not the story at Mall of America. It's stronger than ever. As malls evolve, how does one of the largest retail and entertainment destinations in the world stay ahead of the curve? Chief business development and marketing officer Jill Renslow joins host Roshini Rajkumar to expose how MOA is redefining retail, entertainment, and even life balance. From blending innovation with community to creating unforgettable experiences, this episode breaks down what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing market. Whether you need tips for your industry or want to understand cutting edge immersive experiences, this conversation is a romp through best-in-class innovation.

Case File #132: Retail-tainment

Why would a U.S. veteran radicalize and turn against the United States? What could make an army green beret fill a truck with explosives and complete his own death mission? Millions of American citizens bravely serve in the military and face the harsh realities of war, loss and the constant pressure of safeguarding America. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes back Retired Rear Admiral John Meier, former Commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic. He shares how warfare has changed in a more dangerous world with major technical advances and changing megatrends that can have severe impacts on members of the military who keep watch. In his retirement, Adm Meier dedicates time to finding ways to better support the mental health of those who serve. Are there gaps in the resources available to those who deserve and need it most? Amidst the sobering stats, Roshini and Adm Meier discuss hope that can come when the military and private sector partner to find solutions.

Case File #134: Military Minds

As companies navigate the evolving workplace, the future of remote work hangs in the balance. The pandemic forced an unprecedented, rapid shift to remote work and ushered in new efficiencies while disrupting traditional office culture. Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into modern work narratives and promotion practices with Crisis Squad member and inclusion expert Dr. Abdul Omari. What challenges face both employers and employees? Do employers intentionally or unintentionally penalize remote workers? Learn 3 pillars for assessing your organization. Explore key trends shaping tomorrow's offices and gain ideas for empowering employees and employers.

Case File #135: Workplace Balance

When disaster strikes, everyone is vulnerable. But for those with disabilities, the dangers are often magnified. The 2025 California Wildfires exposed a glaring deficiency in how we protect and support disabled individuals during and after natural disasters. Did you know 15 percent or 1 billion people worldwide are disabled? How does our response to natural and human-made disasters discriminate as climate change worsens? Why are advocates of the disabled community NOT at the table during local, national, and global decision-making?  Host Roshini Rajkumar asks Gillette Children's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Micah Niermann how he's tackling these critical questions head-on. They analyze the shortcomings of current disaster response strategies in the context of climate change and explore innovative solutions to protect the lives of the world's most vulnerable citizens, who also want to live full lives.

Case File #136: Unequal Climate Impact

Are you leaving money, miles and perks on the table? We all have credit cards with rewards programs, but are we truly maximizing them? Host Roshini Rajkumar chats with travel journalist and the show's new Travel and Lifestyle Contributor, Todd Walker, to get the scoop. They reveal the insider secrets for maximizing your rewards with credit cards, airlines, and hotels. Learn how to choose the right programs, avoid common pitfalls, and turn points into dollars in other areas. Ensure your hard-earned points never expire. Get ready to unlock the hidden value in your wallet! 

Case File #138: Mastering Rewards

While we grappled with our physical health during the pandemic, our social well-being deteriorated drastically, creating a new crisis the United States Surgeon General dubbed The Loneliness Epidemic. The erosion of community and the rise of fewer close connections affect everyone with no easy resolutions in sight. Host Roshini Rajkumar asked screenwriter and longtime TV icon Alix Kendall to explore this human truth: Interacting with others is essential for our health and lives. Together, they share personal stories, discuss the factors that impact loneliness such as social media and remote work, and suggest solutions to break the societal and psychological barriers increasing the loneliness epidemic. 

Case File #139: Loneliness Epidemic

Is the golden age of the classic Hollywood icon behind us? From the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuits to AI-generated content and unearthed social media controversies, celebrities are navigating a new era of intense exposure, keyboard detectives, and career-altering scandals. Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into it all with Critics’ Choice Association member and the show's entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes. They investigate why the luster of today’s acting icons may be forever tarnished in the modern age. Find out how social media, public perception, and permanent digital footprints are rewriting the rules of fame.

Case File #140: Hollywood Fighting

Ring doorbell cameras, Amazon Alexa, smart vehicles and apps simplify modern life. But these digital conveniences also constantly collect your personal information, often selling it to the highest bidder and turning you into a prime target for advertisers or even criminal groups. Host Roshini Rajkumar and IT Audit Labs' Eric Brown dissect the data mining dilemma. They provide practical advice for protecting your privacy, locking your credit, and navigating our increasingly connected world. Discover how leveraging AI can empower you to be more informed and secure as technology evolves.

Case File #141: Surveillance Capital

Pervasive economic, social, and political chaos disrupts our focus on the things that should matter most. But are we partly to blame? Like particles accelerating into disorder, this inescapable disorder erodes our well-being and focus. Yet, the laws of physics show us how focused attention can bring order to collapse the quantum wave and deliver progress. A principle that also applies to our personal lives when we utilize conscious awareness. Host Roshini Rajkumar and war-survivor turned business coach Jasna Burza explore practical strategies for tuning out the noise and reclaiming our focus. Plus, learn how dreaming can help you unlock your potential and cultivate a sense of order and purpose.

Case File #142 Quantum Chaos

Is balancing a thriving career, personal health, and motherhood an impossible feat? When you meet Natalie Bushaw, you'll be inspired by her awe-inspiring, gravity-defying story. From the shocking discovery of a high-risk twin pregnancy to managing work calls from the hospital, host Roshini Rajkumar gets personal with Life Time Inc's Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications. Discover the resilience, faith, and life lessons that emerged from navigating impossible odds, which included dozens of surgeries for her twins. Learn a fitness test that could change your perspective on longevity. Plus, go inside Natalie's joy project: Fridgetime Fashion.

Case File #143: Defying Gravity

Navigating epic life changes can be daunting, especially in turbulent times. Many of us are scrambling to make sense of the world, but these moments of chaos can reveal opportunities for self-discovery and growth. Taking a pause from crisis busting, host Roshini Rajkumar invites President of Prouty Project Peter Bailey to help us do some self-exploration. Discover how embracing life’s challenges and the call to adventure can lead to unexpected rewards and insights. Plus, learn about the benefits of greeting the sun each morning for a fresh start. For more details about the Heroic Journey Mindset, watch Peter's TED Talk.

Case File #144: Self GPS

Adoption fog. Past, present, and future in flux. Common themes for adoptees the world over. Specifically in the United States, 5 to 7 million Americans are adoptees. Host Roshini Rajkumar speaks with one of them in this powerful Case File. Dr Syb Brown is a former TV journalist and current professor of journalism at Belmont University. What she found out the night before her 42nd birthday changed her life and her ability to frame her future: "I grew up with no genetic representation." Adoptees, adoptive parents, and biological parents separated from their children will find both comfort and challenge in Dr. Syb's story. If you know someone who has been adopted, get ready to be moved and enlightened about how common phrases can cut deeply and why kind words are symphonies to the heart.

Case File #145: Real Life Sybil

Parenting is a continuous balancing act between children's needs and the pressures of a rapidly changing world, especially with society’s evolving understanding around gender and sexuality. How has parenting evolved from the boomers to Gen X to millennials? Who are Generation Alpha? What’s the difference between sexual identity and gender identity? Host Roshini Rajkumar gets very real with Crisis Squad member and clinical psychologist, Dr. Sherly Ziegler, to examine the importance of parents in child development and role of schools in these important conversations. Unlock the secrets to flourishing as a modern parent and how to navigate these questions for optimal mental health. Get an insider's peek at research in Dr. Ziegler’s spring 2025 book: The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health & Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood.

Case File #146: Gender Questions

The complexities and constant changes in employee benefits and employer regulations pose challenges for both employers and employees. Executive orders, ever-changing laws, and the mix of state and federal rules make it difficult to understand what's currently inked and what's on the horizon. Host Roshini Rajkumar reads between all the lines with AssetHR CEO Chris Kelly to shed light on the landscape. Stay up to date on new and potential laws regarding salary transparency and personal time off. Plus, learn when to seek outside guidance from HR and legal pros to understand situations where signing documents might impact your employee rights.

Case File #147: Benefits Boom or Bust

When a healthcare CEO was killed in cold blood in New York City, the expected public outcry was overshadowed after the alleged murderer surprisingly became a folk hero. His supporters continue to defend his actions and rally for Luigi Mangione even as he faces state and federal murder charges. But where did the outrage narrative begin? Does media coverage have the power to distort justice? Host Roshini Rajkumar analyzes this scene with Crisis Squad member and attorney Steve Silton. Plus, they unpack the power of media in shaping narratives and brand image – whether for crimes against people or brands. As they dive into the reputational and legal impact of the recent uproar surrounding Tesla, Steve gives us a history lesson in why politically motivated crimes are nothing new.

Episode #148: The Luigi Effect

Ensuring your organization stays at the top of its game can be a challenging, never-ending task. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptation, you will maintain a competitive edge. Host Roshini Rajkumar gets into the why behind this blueprint from retired four-star General Paul Funk, who shares universal lessons in organizational strategy and leadership from his impactful military career. Learn how current military challenges and post-Vietnam restructuring can offer actionable insights for your organization. Plus, hear the inside scoop on new technologies and mental health support that strengthen U.S. forces and directly aid men and women in uniform.

Case File #149: About Face

In today's interconnected world, a reliable internet connection is as essential as the air we breathe. With more options than ever, picking the perfect internet plan can be intimidating. How do your mobile phone connections and wi-fi land in the mix? Host Roshini Rajkumar gets a crash course with Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast Midwest Region, Karly Werner, from smart appliances and device security to wi-fi and the crucial role it plays in different internet types and broadband decisions. Karly's insights will empower you to make your best decisions when weighing options in a highly competitive marketplace. Plus, find out what Karly calls the "unsung hero" on the internet of things.

Case File #150: Broadband Bending

Parenthood is a journey. Raising neurodivergent children makes it one of constantly evolving needs, deeper understanding, and unique challenges. Host Roshini Rajkumar gets personal with Miss Shannan Paul – a comedian and media personality who's also a mom to a son diagnosed with autism at age four. They explore growing awareness around the autism spectrum and how perceptions continue to shift. Miss Shannan shares her personal insights as she “grows up” with her "cyclone kid" and faces navigating the world on his terms by helping him communicate his needs. She beautifully expresses why sometimes he's the superhero, and she's the sidekick AND vice versa. Learn key tips for balancing care for a loved one with self-care so everyone can thrive.

Case File #151: Autism Parents Long Game

If you think of LinkedIn as just a job board, you're missing out on its true power. In this episode, host Roshini Rajkumar goes deep inside the platform's superpowers with LinkedIn strategist Richard Dodson. He unlocks key tips and tricks to optimize your presence on LinkedIn and maximize the power of their algorithms. Many board recruiters, journalists, and employees looking for a great boss use the platform more often than you’d think. Ensuring your public-facing profile is current, personable, and tailored to your target audience can make a world of difference for boosting your influence. Plus, get insider tips on futureproofing, how to set your profile up for success, and what Roshini thinks is an easy but hidden-gem action you can take today.

Case FIle #152: LinkedIn-Able

Courtney Godfrey knows first-hand the immense effort needed to rewire your life after a traumatic accident. Since her limb loss in 2017, Courtney has navigated the demands of motherhood and reported live from many scenes as a TV news reporter, while simultaneously pursuing her goal of representing the United States on the Paralympic snowboard team. She explains to host Roshini Rajkumar why she's not the Pinterest mom and why she's good with that. The motto in her household with husband and two kids: "Work hard. Go fast." Learn why she encourages microprogression and finds strength in the present – proving the race's outcome doesn't define the journey.

Case File #153: No Bad Races

A silent, slow-moving crisis is unfolding for half the United States population. Boys and men are increasingly falling behind their female counterparts in education with women now earning nearly 60% of bachelor's degrees. While advancements in gender equality deserve celebration, the pendulum swing begs the critical question – is society failing our boys and men starting as early as kindergarten? Science Museum of Minnesota CEO, Alison Brown, breaks down the issue for host Roshini Rajkumar. With compelling data, Brown identifies crucial missing links in our education system and highlights the vital role of male teachers and role models. How can we inspire boys and men to pursue the honorable profession that is teaching? Discover why gender differences in learning require nuanced solutions to create better outcomes for both boys and girls.

Case File #154: Educating Boys

"Empathy" is often dismissed as a mushy, feel-good buzzword more appropriate for a therapist’s couch than the boardroom. What if it was actually the secret to increasing productivity and innovation in the workplace? Mental health advocate and national speaker Roxane Battle pulls back the curtain with host Roshini Rajkumar to reveal how building empathy can be a powerful tool for organizational success. Learn the right questions to ask to start a dialogue toward psychological safety by using Roxane's A.I.M. format to create an optimal workplace culture.

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