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.

Native American culture is gaining visibility in the American mainstream. Movies like Killers of the Flower Moon and TV shows like Reservation Dogs are winning fans and awards. Indigenous cuisine is being recognized with the highest culinary honors. But Native American culture, rich with countless practices, histories, and stories, existed before the first colonizers set foot in the Americas. They are not a monolith with 574 federally recognized tribes and many state-recognized tribes. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes James Beard Foundation 2024 media award nominee and Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member Kate Nelson, who shares her experience interviewing key figures in this cultural renaissance, including the Sioux Chef Sean Sherman and Seminole filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. Throughout her journalism, Kate reminds us, "There is no one Native experience."

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.

The NBA has more fans than all U.S. pro sports leagues combined. A truly global sport, the NBA is watched in nearly 250 countries. With only 30 teams, the coveted role of CEO is held by only 30 people in the world. Host Roshini Rajkumar sits down with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Ethan Casson to get the scoop on what's happening within his organization, why it chose to advocate for the voting rights of incarcerated felons and parolees, and how he spent two years faxing his resume to leagues across the country to land his first job inside sports. If you're in need of inspiration and tools for getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, Case File #92: Ownership Rules is for you.

Do you feel seen, heard, and valued at work? Those are the questions organizational psychologist Gena Cox says employees want to answer YES and the key elements employers should ensure in a truly inclusive work environment. Host Roshini Rajkumar dove into Gena's R.E.D.I. framework which puts "respect" in the lead position in any conversation about equity and inclusion and is a bit of a far cry from where brands focused efforts after the social awakening of 2020. Dr. Cox believes true inclusion is founded in the day-to-day experiences of all employees. Find out why respect differs from civility and why implicit bias training alone does not result in a workplace culture that values every individual and gives them a place at the table to contribute and thrive.

In their seemingly unrelated worlds, Britain's royals and Nickelodeon's child stars find themselves in a similar spotlight as hidden truths come to light and headlines spin out of control. Film critic and The Crisis Files entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes sits down with Host Roshini Rajkumar to delve into the British royal family's latest PR crisis after Princess Kate's public absence sparked wild conspiracy theories. They also discuss the new haunting HBO Max docuseries "Quiet on Set: the Dark Side of Kids TV," which bravely reveals the grim reality of child abuse in showbiz. Discover how transparency can be the most effective shield against public scrutiny. See if you agree with Paul and Roshini's analysis of any public figure's right to privacy – or not – when dealing with personal crises.

“Death cleaning” sounds like a morbid chore, but this Swedish practice is actually a proactive approach to decluttering your home with the end of your life in mind. By gradually sorting through belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, you can lessen the burden on loved ones. Productivity coach Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore how death cleaning can actually be jump started while you're very much alive to help you reap the benefits now and give family members a sweeter sentimental journey with you.

Clean water is life. As America pushes to turn the tide, water pollution is becoming a growing threat. In some parts of the country a bona fide crisis. Can we find a way to move forward without sacrificing this vital resource? Host Roshini Rajkumar and guest Paula Maaccabee of Water Legacy dive into the murky waters and toxic truths of mining essential minerals. Discover how mineral extraction can endanger water resources, presenting a stark choice between immediate profit and the lasting health of the environment. Learn about sustainable alternatives, how you can make a difference as a consumer and potential pathways for a healthier aquatic future. Plus, how Native tribes are making their voices heard to save land and water.

Call it a crisis in recruitment. A shrinking pool of potential recruits threatens to undermine military readiness for the United States. Obesity, drugs, educational aptitude, and mental health issues are disqualifying candidates at record rates, leaving only 22% of America’s youth fit to serve. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes retired four-star General Paul Funk to explore this recruitment crisis and solutions for building a strong volunteer military force. If you’re curious about serving, check out the Future Soldier Prep Course at goarmy.com. This 90-day prep course spearheaded by the Army and getting adopted by other branches could actually be a model for civilian workplaces. Thank you to all who serve!

Patagonia. Dove. Kind. What do these brands have in common? They're active about social issues without alienating the consumer. They've come a long way from how corporate social responsibility (CSR) first came about in the 1990s. "Patagonia is using clothing manufacturing to improve clothing manufacturing," says Nate Garvis, CEO of Naked Civics. Host Roshini Rajkumar and he dive into where brands land on the spectrum of compliance, which ones care about inclusive growth and which are imploding because they picked the wrong lane. Plus, learn what Delta has in the skies that could revolutionize the carbon footprint of the entire airline industry.

Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or diving into the action, sports offer more than just a competitive edge – they can be a game-changer for life. Team sports deliver the double win of physical health and valuable social skills as players work towards a shared goal. Losing the big game can also teach the valuable lesson of accepting defeat gracefully, building resilience and fostering personal growth. In Case File #85, host Roshini Rajkumar talks with former NBA player and current Bally's Sports announcer Kevin Lynch about what his on-court experience taught him. He delves into the triumphs and tribulations of team sports. Kevin advice to parents and young kids: Don't make sports everything. Plus, discover how humility can safeguard against stunted growth and an outsized ego.

The wild west and college sports have a lot more in common than you think! Despite generating billions for the NCAA, college sports offer little control or compensation to the student-athletes who attract big crowds and fuel the industry's success. Saddle up for a showdown between host Roshini Rajkumar and sports attorney Steven Silton as they debate recent shake-ups and a proposed new rule in the NCAA over whether and how student-athletes should be paid to play. Plus, learn how politicians may ultimately decide who rides off into the sunset and who's left in the dust.

The word "traitor" gets thrown around a lot in U.S. politics. But what do we really mean when we accuse someone of treason? Host Roshini Rajkumar jumps back in time with accomplished attorney and political historian, Steve Yoch. Their journey gives poignant insights into America's most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold. And how the U.S. Constitution protects people from lazily getting lumped into that label. While you're along for the ride, learn how to lower the temperature and turn up the understanding in your own conversations when rhetoric gets hot!

Amid a sea of culture wars and post-COVID enrollment declines, school boards are facing increasing public scrutiny. Ten years ago, school board elections rarely made the news. Now, in cities across America, they’re dominating headlines, social media feeds and the minds of parents. In fact, you might say some school boards themselves have become the crisis. In an era of mental health dangers, safety concerns and curriculum controversy, how can we ensure we’re preparing the next generation for a brighter future? Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into this with Jimmy Sengenberger, an investigative columnist for the Denver Gazette. They discuss this crisis of credibility as once well-intentioned bodies become side shows. Plus, what parents and the public need to do if they want a return to "adults" in the room.

Whether to a faraway beach or a staycation closer to home, everyone is dreaming of spring break. And the sooner the better before your wellness becomes crisis level. In a lighter episode of The Crisis Files, host Roshini Rajkumar turned to the pros at the world-renowned Mall of America. Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer Jill Renslow shares insider tips and tricks to get ahead of the spring break frenzy. Guarantee your vacation is restful, not stressful. Plus, could you get into bleisure?

Take a break, slow down, and realign yourself with what’s really important on this episode of The Crisis Files. We call out the harmful pitfalls of hustle culture as host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes back our productivity contributor, Aimee Olson, of Life Done Simply. Find out why and how slowing your roll and moving forward with intention can become your keys to unlocking productivity and success. Plus, learn Aimee's 4 R's for slowing down.

Harvard and Boeing are battling firestorms in the media and the boardroom. Can these brands survive major scandals? Dive into the world of crisis management with host Roshini Rajkumar and public relations expert Jen Hellman as they dissect the latest brand blunders dominating headlines. Get insider tips for navigating the treacherous waters of public perception. Learn why building a bank of trust before any crisis strikes is your best defense for reputation rehab. Plus, a little fun--courtesy of Calvin Klein and Jeremy Allen White.

Cutting-edge tech is reshaping industries at an accelerating pace. Navigating that impact requires careful strategy and adaptation. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, the surge in advancements is creating unprecedented opportunities and disruption. Is the rise of AI a precursor to mass unemployment? How can companies keep our personal information safe from hungry eyes - especially cyber espionage? In the technology sprint, who will stumble? Who will lead? Technologist, security expert, and OODA.com CEO Matt Devost joins Roshini to explore how digital innovation will shape the future of life. Plus, learn how these technological advancements also bring exponential hope for the future of humanity!

As election season heats up, The Crisis Files explores the idea of what it means to be a patriot. Host Roshini Rajkumar turns to attorney, historian, and author Steve Yoch, who gives a firsthand account of perhaps the United States’ most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold. In his book Becoming Benedict Arnold, Steve explains why Benedict's uncompromising persona mirrors the inflexibility of certain current candidates and reflects the starkly divided political landscape of modern-day USA. Steve stresses how the United States' Constitution came out of a series of monumental compromises. Roshini and Steve investigate how political polarization endangers our future unless we learn from the past and embrace the elusive yet essential art of compromise.

Happy New Year! The Crisis Files gives you a front row seat to 2024 with hot takes and predictions from host Roshini Rajkumar and two special insiders. Who will make waves? Will applause turn to boos when athletes weigh in on social issues and the election? Which dark horse contenders will steal the show this awards season? Do new crises lurk for your favorite brand? Our entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes and former pro basketball player turned Bally Sports announcer Kevin Lynch dive into changing tides. Plus, the one question Roshini and the guys answer that you won't want to miss AND the new trend Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be setting. Thank you to our listeners – may the new year bring you magic and joy!