Whether spontaneous, self-inflicted, or cleverly planned, an “October Surprise” can make or break a political campaign. From Gary Hart’s “Monkey Business” to Herschel Walker’s alleged abortion accusations, last-minute scandals and bombshells can change the course of an election. A timely and accurate response can save a candidate from the dustbin of history. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Co-CEO of Park Street Public, Brian McClung, to explore some of the most infamous October surprises, how a campaign can handle the unexpected and why accuracy matters more than sensational headlines. Find out if their favorites match yours and who even coined the term.

From Jonah Hill to Naomi Osaka, public figures are increasingly making the decision to reject interviews, press junkets and media attention as topics become too personal. The relationship between celebrities and the media can vary from tenuous to positive. Many celebrities, politicians, actors and athletes are choosing to protect their mental health and reputation by creating boundaries. Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Sheryl Ziegler joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore the blurred line of professional and personal, the future (or extinction) of press junkets, and how all of this relates to regular people and wellness. Find out what some may think is Dr. Z's surprising take on Jonah Hill's decision and what Roshini wishes athletes would do.

Minneapolis Public Schools made national headlines with a new race-based layoff policy that prioritized retaining teachers of color over teacher seniority. The district claims the policy was designed to keep teachers of color who are underrepresented in schools in a district that wasn't mirroring the racial make-up of the populations it serves. Is an employment policy that considers race constitutional? Should school districts work to increase teacher diversity to better reflect the communities they serve? Why would the school district pick a fight while there's a teacher shortage and no actual layoffs? Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into fact vs fiction with Crisis Squad member and business attorney Steven Silton. Find out how legal implications and ethical issues around this layoff debacle could inform your own policies in any workplace setting.

As employers push for more in-person work, employees are pushing back. In many parts of the country, there are two job openings for every person in the workforce. Employees have the advantage, and businesses must think beyond the paycheck to attract and retain the best talent. Minneapolis Regional Chamber President and CEO Jonathan Weinhagen joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore remote work’s impact on company culture, the state of our regional economy and how business leaders can navigate the post-pandemic workforce. Two words: data matters.

With 23 grand slam titles to her name, Serena Williams’ recent "retirement" from professional tennis marked the end of an era and a continuation of her ongoing evolution in the public eye. She broke the mold by defining herself with authenticity, making her an approachable and endearing role model fans root for and relate to. Public relations and reputation management expert Jennifer Hellman joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore what's behind Serena Williams’ meteoric rise, her self-made image, and what the future could possibly hold for this American phenomenon. Plus, stick around for their tips on how to add a little Serena magic to your authentic brand.

Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8 created an outpouring of sorrow and grief across the world. The end of her historic 70-year reign was a defining moment for the British monarchy as it wrestles with its history and looks to the future. Film critic and entertainment reporter Paul McGuire Grimes joins host Roshini Rajkumar to reflect on the status of the British Monarchy and analyze what’s next for the royal family as UK taxpayers face a multibillion-dollar bill for the Queen's memorial celebrations, Canada and other countries consider votes to leave the Commonwealth, and a not-so-popular Charles gets ready for his coronation as king.

The sports world mourned the death of basketball phenom Kobe Bryant in a January 2020 helicopter crash that killed him, his daughter, and several others. What the world didn't expect was how Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and firefighters took and shared graphic photos of the victims. Bryant's widow Vanessa sued L.A. County and ultimately prevailed in a multi-million dollar jury verdict in August 2022. What organizational failures created a culture that normalized this behavior? What do their actions say about community values? At what point does personal privacy infringe on freedom of speech? Inclusion, equity and diversity consultant Dr. Abdul Omari and host Roshini Rajkumar bring their lived experiences and perspectives to the case.

When a famous young rock singer overindulges one night, her squeaky-clean image is at stake when her drunken behavior goes viral. With countless impressionable fans who look up to her as a role model and a record label scrutinizing her behavior, the pressure is building to respond with humility and authenticity. The entire Crisis Squad is on the case to help her come out on top.

It’s a nightmare scenario for parents – your teen is making threats of violence, watching videos about school shootings and telling classmates how to build pipe bombs. Are these warning signs a cry for help or could they escalate into school violence? How do mental health stigmas prevent teens from getting the help they need? What is the responsibility of teachers and schools to ensure a safe school environment? Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Sheryl Ziegler joins host Roshini to explore this sensitive scenario with a focus on solutions to prevent school violence.

When an NFL assistant coach interviews for a head coach job, his dreams are dashed once he learns the position was already filled. Why would the NFL conduct a sham interview? Is this a case of discrimination by a powerful organization with a questionable track record on race and representation? Does the situation warrant a lawsuit or is the court of public opinion the ultimate authority? We take a look at the importance of personal brand and the optics of multiple narratives. The entire Crisis Squad is on the case! NOTE: This is a fictional example and in no way points to one specific person or specific team.