Shows
The BARFCould AI Become Evidence Against Your Company?Companies love talking about culture.
Then a manager tells an employee they should've skipped the hospital after a car accident and come back to work.
That's where this episode starts.
The conversation digs into toxic leadership, whether AI conversations could eventually become evidence in workplace lawsuits, what social media actually tells us about employees, and why some people may try to avoid AI altogether.
Along the way, there's a debate about quiet workplace cultures, companies that are honest about what it's really like to work there, and whether refusing to use...
2026-06-2236 min
SHRM Talent 2026AI Is Making Hiring Easier. So Why Is Everyone More Frustrated?Applying for a job has never been easier. Finding the right candidate has never felt harder. Tina Robinson argues that recruiters and candidates are trapped in an AI arms race where both sides keep adding technology and nobody seems happier with the outcome.
The real challenge isn't AI. It's figuring out how to stay human while using it. Talent management, recruiting, AI adoption, leadership development, authenticity, future of work. This conversation explores what happens when technology moves faster than people can adapt.
In this episode… Tina shares why recruiting feels more broken despite better technology, ho...
2026-06-1412 minSHRM Talent 2026Recruiting Fraud Is Exploding. Most Companies Aren’t Ready for ItHiring has always involved a little deception. AI turned it into a completely different game. Philippe Beucher argues that recruiters now face a challenge they’ve never seen before: candidates using AI to optimize every part of the hiring process while companies race to figure out what’s real and what isn’t.
The future of recruiting may depend on one question: can you still identify genuine talent in a world of perfect answers? Recruiting, AI hiring, candidate fraud, talent acquisition, leadership, recruiting technology. This conversation explores the growing tension between automation and authenticity.
In this e...
2026-06-1407 minSHRM Talent 2026Corporate Training Is Still Teaching People the Wrong WayMost workplace learning is built around convenience, not science. Three-hour presentations. Endless slides. Mandatory training sessions nobody remembers. Marcy Baughman explains why education research has known for decades that these methods don't work and why companies keep using them anyway.
The future of learning looks a lot more like practice than presentation. Learning science, workforce development, experiential learning, AI training, employee development, leadership. This conversation explores how companies can finally close the gap between learning and performance.
In this episode… Marcy Baughman shares why experiential learning consistently outperforms lecture-based training, how AI and VR are tr...
2026-06-1409 minSHRM Talent 2026The Best Recruiters Don’t Fill Jobs. They Solve Business ProblemsThe best recruiting teams don’t fill jobs faster. They help businesses make better decisions. Paul Norman explains why too many recruiters are still measured by recruiting metrics while business leaders care about entirely different outcomes.
That disconnect is costing companies more than they realize. Talent acquisition, business alignment, workforce planning, AI adoption, talent management, recruiting strategy. This conversation gets into the gap between what recruiting tracks and what businesses actually value.
In this episode, Paul Norman breaks down why recruiters need to become consultants instead of order takers, why traditional recruiting metrics often miss th...
2026-06-1408 minSHRM Talent 2026Recruiters Don’t Have an Applicant Problem Anymore. They Have a Trust ProblemThe recruiting funnel is overflowing, but confidence is disappearing. Mike Peditto explains why recruiters are battling fraud candidates, AI-generated applications, and record inbound volume while trying to figure out who’s actually qualified and who’s just good at gaming the process.
The best recruiters aren’t screening people out. They’re finding better ways to screen people in. Recruiting, AI adoption, candidate fraud, hiring quality, talent assessment, recruiter burnout. This conversation gets into the reality recruiters are facing right now.
In this episode, Mike Peditto shares why inbound applications have become one of recruiting’s biggest...
2026-06-1407 minSHRM Talent 2026Recruiting Has an Alignment Problem Nobody Wants to AdmitCompanies say there’s a talent shortage while millions of people are looking for work. Jim Stroud breaks down the disconnect sitting underneath modern hiring and why recruiting teams are struggling to match the right people to the right opportunities even with more technology than ever.
Everybody’s obsessing over AI. Jim thinks the bigger workforce crisis is already here. Recruiting, AI adoption, aging workforce, skilled trades, talent alignment, future of work. This conversation goes way beyond the usual HR tech hype cycle.
In this episode, Jim Stroud explains why recruiting feels broken right now, why...
2026-06-1409 minSHRM Talent 2026Your Employees Have More Brand Power Than Your Marketing TeamMost companies are still treating branding like a billboard problem while their employees are becoming media channels overnight. Roy Abdo explains why polished corporate messaging is losing to authentic storytelling and why executives who stay silent are getting outperformed by people with less expertise but more visibility.
The real shift is simple: people trust people more than brands. Executive branding, storytelling, LinkedIn influence, employer brand, authentic content. This conversation breaks down why companies need creators inside the business, not just marketing campaigns outside it.
In this episode, Roy Abdo shares how storytelling changed his life, why executives struggle with...
2026-06-1410 minSHRM Talent 2026AI Made Applying Easier. Recruiting Got HarderAI was supposed to fix recruiting. Instead, it made every resume look the same.
That’s the mess recruiters are dealing with right now. More automation. More applications. More noise. And somehow less signal. The old recruiting playbook is breaking fast.
In this episode, Robb Lifferth explains why AI is flooding recruiting with bad data, why job boards are losing value, and why recruiters now have to rethink how they source and evaluate talent. He also drops one of the best explanations of why recruiting still matters on a human level.
Key Takeaways :
...
2026-06-1404 minSHRM Talent 2026Your One-on-Ones Are Failing Because You Keep Asking the Wrong Question“How’s it going?” might be the most expensive question managers ask. Joe Rotella argues that vague conversations create vague performance. Employees leave one-on-ones frustrated, managers leave without clarity, and nothing actually moves forward.
The problem isn’t performance reviews. It’s everything that happens between them. Performance management, leadership, coaching, employee engagement, feedback, manager effectiveness. This conversation gets to the root of why so many workplace conversations feel useless.
In this episode… Joe Rotella explains why most one-on-ones fail, how managers accidentally create cultures of micromanagement, and why coaching beats status updates every time. Sharp discus...
2026-06-1410 minSHRM Talent 2026Your Employees Are Telling You Why They Stay. Are You Listening?Most leaders spend more time asking why employees leave than why they stay. Njsane Courtney argues that’s backwards. The answers companies need are already sitting inside the organization. They just aren’t asking the right questions often enough.
Retention isn’t a compensation problem as often as leaders think. Talent management, employee retention, AI adoption, leadership, recruiting, stay interviews. This conversation explores what happens when leaders start listening before employees start leaving.
In this episode… Njsane shares why stay interviews outperform exit interviews, how leadership drives AI adoption, and why employers must continuously re-recruit their be...
2026-06-1418 minSHRM Talent 2026Your Leadership Playbook Expired 20 Years AgoToo many leaders are managing a 2026 workforce with lessons they learned in 2006. Krishna Powell argues that the biggest leadership challenge today isn’t attracting talent. It’s understanding, developing, and deploying the talent you already have before it walks out the door.
The workforce changed. Most leadership habits didn’t. Leadership, multigenerational teams, talent management, AI adoption, workforce development, employee engagement. This conversation challenges leaders to rethink how they lead, hire, and grow people.
In this episode… Krishna explains why companies have a talent deployment problem more than a talent acquisition problem, why AI adoption keeps fa...
2026-06-1414 minSHRM Talent 2026The Best Candidates Aren’t Always the Most Qualified on PaperResumes have never been perfect. AI just made the problem harder to ignore. Philip Nash argues that companies are spending too much time chasing credentials and not enough time evaluating character, coachability, and the human skills that actually drive long-term success.
The future of hiring may be less about what people know today and more about what they can become tomorrow. Talent management, recruiting, AI adoption, soft skills, workforce development, leadership. This conversation gets to the human side of hiring.
In this episode… Philip shares why soft skills matter more than ever, how AI is ch...
2026-06-1410 minSHRM Talent 2026How Employees Leave Says More About Your Culture Than How They’re HiredMost companies spend years perfecting recruiting and almost no time thinking about offboarding. Sarah Rodehorst argues that’s a massive mistake. The way employees leave a company can strengthen your employer brand or quietly destroy it from the inside out.
Culture isn’t measured during the good times. It’s revealed during the hard ones. Talent management, employer brand, employee experience, retention, offboarding, AI adoption. This conversation explores the overlooked side of the employee lifecycle.
In this episode…Sarah shares why talent management should include how employees leave, why employer brand has become one of recruiti...
2026-06-1009 minThe BARFAI Is Eliminating Entry-Level Jobs. Who Trains Tomorrow’s Experts?Everyone’s excited about AI replacing tasks. Almost nobody is talking about what happens when there’s nobody left to learn those tasks in the first place. Nick explores a growing workforce problem: if AI removes the bottom rung of the career ladder, where do future experts come from?
The real risk isn’t job loss. It’s talent loss. AI adoption, skills-based hiring, workforce development, quality of hire, recruiting, future of work. This conversation challenges some of the biggest assumptions about automation and hiring.
In this episode… Nick hares why skills-based hiring is accelerating, why AI may...
2026-06-0939 min
HR & Payroll 2.0Live from World at Work Total Rewards 2026 with Special Guests Sean Luitjens & Paul ReimanIn this special ‘Swapcast’ episode, Pete and Julie are joined by fellow WrkDefined podcast hosts, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman of ‘Totally Rewarding Chats’ for a lively conversation on total rewards, AI, work flexibility, and the changing expectations shaping the workforce.
Recorded live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, the conversation starts with the energy of the conference itself, where AI has clearly moved from abstract hype to practical application. Sean and Paul unpack how total rewards, compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR are increasingly converging, and why practitioners need peer communities more tha...
2026-06-0938 minSHRM Talent 2026Recruiting Doesn’t End When Someone Gets HiredMost companies obsess over attracting talent and spend far less time thinking about what happens next. Chad Sorenson argues that real talent management starts before someone joins and continues long after they leave. The companies that understand that are building stronger brands, stronger cultures, and stronger talent pipelines.
AI is changing recruiting fast, but people still want to work for organizations that treat them well. Talent management, recruiting, AI adoption, leadership development, employee experience, HR strategy. This conversation explores the human side of talent that technology can’t replace.
In this episode… Chad Sorenson shares why...
2026-06-0509 minSHRM Talent 2026Everyone’s Talking About AI. Almost Nobody Knows What Adoption Actually MeansAsk ten HR leaders about AI adoption and you’ll get ten different answers. Cole Napper argues that most AI conversations are broken because people are talking about completely different things. Personal AI tools. Vendor AI features. Enterprise AI systems. Same words. Different realities.
The gap isn’t technology. It’s understanding. AI adoption, people analytics, workforce intelligence, recruiting, skills development, HR technology. This conversation cuts through the noise and gets to what actually matters.
In this episode… Cole Napper breaks down why AI adoption conversations are so confusing, why workforce analytics is more than dashboar...
2026-06-0420 minSHRM Talent 2026AI Is Turning Recruiting Into a Trust ProblemEvery candidate suddenly sounds polished. Every resume looks optimized. Every interview answer feels rehearsed. Isela Conley breaks down what hiring leaders are quietly struggling with right now: figuring out who actually knows the job versus who just knows how to use AI better.
Recruiting isn’t getting easier with AI. It’s getting noisier. Quality of hire, candidate experience, hiring managers, AI recruiting, talent operations. This conversation cuts into the operational reality most HR teams are dealing with behind the scenes.
In this episode, Isela Conley explains why AI is making hiring harder instead of easi...
2026-06-0409 minSHRM Talent 2026HR Is Under More Scrutiny Than Ever. Are You Ready to Prove Your Decisions?The days of “trust us, we investigated it” are over. Jackie Schafer explains why HR teams are facing increasing pressure to document decisions, prove fairness, and back every conclusion with evidence. In a world of growing compliance scrutiny, good intentions are no longer enough.
The future of HR may look a lot more like legal work than people expect. Employee relations, investigations, compliance, AI, workplace trust, talent management. This conversation explores how HR can balance accountability, dignity, and innovation at the same time.
In this episode… Jackie Schafer shares why evidence-backed investigations are becoming critical for HR...
2026-06-0408 minSHRM Talent 2026You’re Hiring for Skills. The Best Companies Hire for PotentialMost organizations are still measuring the wrong things. They hire for today’s job description while the role changes six months later. Art Jackson argues the companies winning the talent game aren’t looking for perfect resumes. They’re identifying the people who can adapt, learn, lead, and grow into what comes next.
The problem isn’t talent. It’s what we choose to measure. Soft skills, workforce agility, AI, leadership, talent development, hiring strategy. This conversation challenges some of the oldest assumptions in recruiting and workforce planning.
In this episode… Art Jackson explains why organization...
2026-06-0414 minSHRM Talent 2026HR Doesn’t Have an AI Problem. It Has a Trust ProblemAI adoption isn’t failing because of technology. It’s failing because companies still don’t know what problem they’re solving.
Every HR platform suddenly has “AI” slapped on the homepage. Meanwhile buyers are stuck asking the real questions: Is this secure? Is this ethical? And is my company data quietly training someone else’s model?
In this episode, Amit Parmar breaks down why AI adoption in HR is getting harder, not easier. He explains why governance now matters more than features, why “talent acquisition” is outdated language, and why the future belongs to companies that lea...
2026-06-0109 minSHRM Talent 2026Leadership Changed Overnight. Most Managers Haven’t Caught UpMost companies still hire for resumes. Meanwhile the real gap is human judgment, AI fluency, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. That’s the shift Yigal Rosen is betting on.
If your people can’t learn fast, manage ambiguity, or work alongside AI, the skills on paper stop mattering real quick.
In this episode, Yigal Rosen breaks down why “soft skills” is outdated language, how companies should measure power skills, and why self-directed learning is becoming the defining trait of modern talent. He also explains why leadership isn’t about personality traits anymore. It’s about competencies you can actually build.
• AI...
2026-06-0111 minSHRM Talent 2026Everybody Talks About Burnout. Almost Nobody Knows How to Prevent ItEverybody talks about productivity. Almost nobody talks about maintenance. Jim Giovannini dropped one of the simplest frameworks for leadership burnout we’ve heard in a long time: PIES. Physical. Intellectual. Emotional. Spiritual. Miss one long enough and eventually the whole system cracks.
Most leadership programs still feel copy-pasted and lifeless. Jim argues companies are over-automating development while underinvesting in human connection. Leadership development, recruiting, burnout, experiential learning, talent management, AI resumes. This conversation goes straight at the human side of work most companies ignore.
In this episode, Jim Giovannini explains why leadership is both born an...
2026-06-0111 minSHRM Talent 2026Every Resume Looks Perfect Now. That’s the ProblemEvery Resume Looks the Same Now.
That’s the real hiring crisis. Not talent shortages. Not AI. Just recruiters drowning in identical applications while trying to make million-dollar hiring decisions with gut instinct and keyword matching.
Hiring got noisy fast. AI-generated resumes. Mass applications. Skills inflation. Taylor Genderon breaks down why recruiting teams are losing signal at the top of the funnel and why objective talent data matters more than ever. Talent assessments, AI screening, hiring quality, retention, recruiting efficiency. This conversation cuts straight through the hype.
In this episode, Taylor explains why recruiting is collapsing under application volume, wh...
2026-06-0106 minSHRM Talent 2026Discipline Beats Motivation Every TimeMost people wait to “feel ready.” That’s why they stay stuck. Jaylin Williams breaks down why discipline wins, why leaders are built through routine, and why relocation is way more personal than companies think.
One bad relocation can wreck a family’s rhythm. One honest coach can change a career. That’s the thread through this conversation: people don’t need hype. They need structure, honesty, and leaders who actually understand what’s at stake. Relocation, leadership, HR, coaching, return-to-office, discipline. It’s all connected.
In this episode, Jaylin shares what D1 football taught him about leadership, why honesty matters...
2026-06-0109 minSHRM Talent 2026Nobody’s Applying? You’re Probably Ghosting TalentThe hiring market isn’t broken. Communication is. Pete Schramm breaks down why candidates disappear, why recruiters lose trust fast, and how most companies still make hiring way harder than it needs to be.
Most hiring problems are self-inflicted. Candidates apply to 200 jobs and hear back from almost nobody. Recruiters lose attention in minutes. Vendors all look the same. Pete cuts through the noise on talent management, candidate experience, AI, recruiting communication, employer branding, and why “being memorable” actually matters now.
In this episode… we get real about ghosting candidates, broken recruiting processes, AI changing the game...
2026-06-0113 minSHRM Talent 2026AI Won’t Save Your Hiring Process. Your Data Might.Most companies still hire like it’s 2014. Gut feel. Broken systems. Hope. Lindsey Zai from Dayforce breaks down why recruiting is shifting from guesswork to real-time talent intelligence and why bad payroll kills trust faster than bad leadership.
Hiring. AI. Talent management. Predictive analytics. Payroll compliance.
In this episode, Lindsey explains how AI is actually helping HR teams move faster, hire smarter, and stop drowning in manual work. She also gets brutally honest about recruiting blind spots, broken HR tech stacks, and why payroll accuracy is still the ultimate trust test.
Key Takeaways :
* Most companies still struggle to connect so...
2026-06-0108 minSHRM Talent 2026AI Is Catching Hiring Fraud Faster Than HR Can Spot ItA 73-year-old background screening company is betting big on identity verification before fake candidates wreck trust in hiring.
Hiring fraud isn’t creeping in. It’s already here. Fake candidates. AI-generated identities. Foreign bad actors. Rob Tiernan says the old recruiting playbook is breaking under the pressure. This conversation cuts straight into background checks, identity verification, AI adoption, talent management, and why most hiring teams are still playing defense while fraud scales fast.
In this episode… Rob Tiernan breaks down how hiring fraud exploded, why AI is both the problem and the fix, and how companies can remove friction withou...
2026-05-2710 minThe BARFCandidate Feedback Report '26 | Amazon Launches AI Hiring Platform | UKG Cuts 950 Jobs | Rippling Hits $16.8BThe hiring stack is breaking in real time. Amazon, Greenhouse, UKG. Everybody’s rebuilding recruiting while candidates and AI bots flood the system.
Recruiting used to be messy. Now it’s machine vs machine. Recruiters are drowning in applications, candidates want everything on demand, and the old workflows are getting exposed hard.
412%...
That’s how much applications per recruiter have exploded since 2023. AI-generated resumes are flooding the funnel, companies are cutting headcount, and recruiting teams are trying to keep up with duct tape workflows. In this episode, we rip...
2026-05-1339 minThe BARFThe BARF | AI Isn’t Replacing Recruiters. It’s Exposing Bad Hiring.Everyone wants AI in HR. Almost nobody knows what “good” looks like yet.
From opportunity cost to fake productivity, Ryan Leary and William Tincup unpack why AI adoption in recruiting is moving faster than leadership can measure it.
A bad hire costs money. An empty seat costs more. That’s the part most companies still miss. We go straight at the real problem: AI, recruiting, HR tech, productivity, and leadership teams chasing efficiency without knowing what they’re actually optimizing for.
In this episode…
We break down the hidden cost of unfilled roles, why AI adoption metrics are mostly nonsense r...
2026-05-0836 minThe BARFWorkplace Loneliness Is Killing Productivity. Job Security Is the New Ambition. AI Is Rewriting the Rules.Employee engagement is wobbling. Loneliness is up. Job security now beats title chasing. And AI plus robotics are quietly reshaping talent management whether we like it or not. This one hits workplace reality from every angle - retention, discretionary effort, grooming habits, and the human side of work that rarely makes it into the board deck.
In this episode, Ryan and William unpack how loneliness is dragging down productivity, why employees are clinging to stability over ambition, and what that means for retention strategies in an AI-driven world. They challenge outdated talent practices like...
2026-02-2440 min
HR & Payroll 2.0The PR Reset Redefining HR Tech BrandsOn this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie step into the evolving world of public relations, brand storytelling, and answer-engine optimization with Kate “Katie” Achille, co-host of Up Next at Work and partner at Devon PR.
Together, they explore how PR (public relations) has shifted from traditional media and press releases to a strategic growth engine that now shapes search visibility, AI-powered discovery (AEO), and generative engine optimization (GEO) across the HR technology marketplace.
Katie breaks down why messaging matters more than ever, how companies can differentiate in an overcrowded HR tech, recruiting, and payroll...
2026-02-0340 minThe BARFBurnout, compliance pressure, and the communication breakdown reshaping modern workWork feels louder, faster, and less predictable than it did even a few years ago. AI is accelerating change, job security feels fragile, and the way people communicate is shifting in real time. Leaders are expected to adapt instantly while still holding culture, trust, and performance together.
In this episode, the conversation moves from mindset and social dynamics to AI compliance, productivity tradeoffs, and the burnout hitting senior-level women hardest. The throughline is clear. Technology keeps moving forward, but leadership, policy, and mental health are being stress-tested every step of the way.
...
2025-12-1939 min
You Should KnowIndeed’s AI Strategy: Rebuilding the Broken Job Search (WRKdefined)Why does the job search feel broken, and can AI actually fix it?
In this episode of WRKdefined, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with David Lane, VP of Product Management at Indeed, to pull back the curtain on how the world’s largest job site is using AI to fight "hiring anxiety" and ghosting.
The Shift to Career Scout: How Indeed is moving from a static job board to an AI-guided career assistant.
What You’ll Learn About the Future of Hiring:
The "Quiet" Labor Market: Why quit rates are down an...
2025-12-1639 minThe BARFThe BARF: Emotional Labor, AI, and the Cracks in Work Nobody Wants to OwnModern work is asking more from people than it ever has, and almost none of it is being acknowledged. Beyond skills and output, workers are expected to absorb stress, regulate emotions, manage uncertainty, and stay productive through constant change. This emotional labor has become a silent requirement, baked into jobs without recognition, protection, or compensation.
At the same time, organizations are introducing AI into some of the most sensitive parts of work: feedback, performance reviews, scheduling, and support. The promise is efficiency. The reality is exposure. These tools don’t fix broken systems. They surface where accountability is...
2025-12-1250 minThe BARFBARF: Bezos, BrightHire, and Why Surveillance Keeps Creeping Into WorkThis episode digs into the strange collision of leadership, ambition, and surveillance tech shaping the workplace. Bezos jumps back into the trenches with a new AI startup, Ring slides deeper into facial recognition without real consent, and Zoom buys BrightHire to tighten its grip on the hiring process. All three signals point to the same tension: power, data, and the fading boundary between home and work.
We talk about leadership longevity, interview intelligence, privacy erosion, and how Big Tech continues to redefine the rules without asking. Bezos raises questions about retirement and ego, Ring raises questions about...
2025-12-0840 min
HR Tech 2025Why Most Companies Aren’t Ready for AI with Jess Von Bank and Jason AverbookThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
AI hype is loud, messy, and often misguided. Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook cut through the noise and get right to the uncomfortable truth. Most companies aren’t ready for AI because they haven’t fixed the basics: broken systems, outdated processes, and low organizational literacy. This conversation gets into the heart of...
2025-11-2625 minHR Tech 2025Why Great Hiring Still Beats Great Strategy with Daniel Chait CEO Greenhouse SoftwareThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
Hiring has never been louder, faster, or more chaotic. Daniel Chait breaks down why great hiring still comes down to disciplined systems, data, and the courage to say no to feature-chasing. This is a real look at how Greenhouse thinks about customers, product, and what “great at hiring” actually means...
2025-11-2626 minHR Tech 2025AI Only Works When the Data Does with Rebecca Carr and Dan Beck, SmartRecruitersThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
AI gets loud, fast, and overpromised. This conversation cuts through the noise. When the entire talent lifecycle sits on fragmented systems, AI becomes guesswork. When the data is unified, you unlock precision, prediction, and real outcomes. Rebecca and Dan lay out why SmartRecruiters and SAP SuccessFactors fit together, what Winston...
2025-11-2621 minHR Tech 2025The Band-Aid Problem Holding HR Tech Back with Talentless Co-hosts Desiree Goldey and Ashley KingThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
Hiring teams are burnt out, candidates are overwhelmed, and tech is changing faster than anyone can keep up. Desiree Goldey and Ashley King break down what recruiters are actually dealing with right now, why the work feels heavier, and where the talent function needs to evolve next. No polish. No filters. Just two...
2025-11-2636 minHR Tech 2025AI Interviews, Tenzo AI, and the New Recruiting Department with Jeremy Roberts
This series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
Large enterprises are dragging legacy systems, legal risk, and AI anxiety into every talent conversation, while the next wave of tools is already capable of automating massive chunks of recruiting. In this HR Tech Live conversation, WorkTech host George LaRocque sits down with Jeremy Roberts from Tenzo AI to unpack what happens...
2025-11-2626 minHR Tech 2025When AI Breaks Your Data: Visier’s Take on the Real Talent Analytics Problem with VP of Product Ike BennionThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
AI promises magic, but data is still the fuel and most teams are running on fumes. Ike Benion breaks down why TA keeps hitting walls, why fragmented stacks kill insight, and how agentic AI is about to raise both the stakes and the expectations for recruiters. This one is for anyone drowning...
2025-11-2617 minHR Tech 2025The Compliance Shift HR Didn’t See Coming with Jocelyn King, CEO VirgilHRThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
HR leaders are staring at louder demands, faster change, and more legal landmines than ever. Jocelyn King breaks down how compliance is shifting from reactive to proactive and why most HR teams still feel behind. Real talk on tech, complexity, and what HR needs next.
In this ep...
2025-11-2621 minHR Tech 2025Navigating AI Governance and Candidate Fraud with Dara Brenner, CEO Employ Inc.This series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
AI is moving faster than most hiring systems can handle. Governance used to mean a once-a-year audit, but models shift daily, and risks don’t wait for paperwork. Candidate fraud is spiking, verification is getting harder, and HR teams are trying to maintain trust without wrecking the candidate experience. This conve...
2025-11-2522 minHR Tech 2025Don’t Tell Me About Yourself: Fixing Terrible Interviews, One Bad Question at a TimeThis series was recorded live at HR Tech 2025 inside the HR Executive studios on the expo floor in partnership with the WRKdefined Podcast Network. Make sure you’re subscribed to the full series and visit HRExecutive.com for the news, analysis, and insights shaping the future of work.
We break down the interview questions that make candidates run for the exits. Everything from “Do you actually need your salary?” to “What does your husband do?” to the classic “Tell me about yourself.” These moments aren’t rare. They’re everywhere. And they expose the blind spots most hiring managers never see. In this episo...
2025-11-2111 minThe BARFThe EXCUSE Economy - AI, Layoffs and Gun ViolenceGun violence, layoffs, and the shifting balance of workplace power—this episode covers it all. We break down the rise in corporate safety concerns, the hard truths behind layoff trends, and how AI is being used (and misused) in the conversation. We also explore the quirks of business travel, the slow grind toward gender equality, and why “quiet cracking” might be the new quiet quitting. Plus: acquisitions, funding news, and what’s next for workplace relationships.
In this episode we talk about HR Tech, workplace safety, layoffs, AI, and employee satisfaction, connecting the dots between...
2025-08-1346 minThe BARFThis Is the New Normal: AI, Layoffs, and Workplace ShiftsThe workplace is shifting—fast. In this episode, Ryan Leary and William Tincup unpack Florida’s new take on non-compete clauses, the rapid invasion of AI into traditional jobs, and the rise of TikTok as an unlikely champion for trade careers. They tackle salary transparency, onboarding failure points, generational etiquette wars, and why Meta’s recruiting like it’s 1999. Real talk. Real stories. No fluff.
In this episode we talk about non-compete legislation, AI in the workforce, salary transparency, layoffs, immigration anxiety, and TikTok’s surprising influence on trade jobs. From the economic ripple effects of Walmart's restructur...
2025-08-0553 minThe BARFAI Bias, Cyber Threats, and Teen Unemployment: What HR’s Ignoring in Plain SightThe world of work is weird right now—and we’re here for it. From SHRM’s bounce-back energy to teenagers being boxed out of the job market, everything's shifting. Companies are experimenting (Amazon’s making office workers volunteer?), while cybersecurity threats are literally coming from North Korea.
In this episode, we talk about the collision of AI, hiring, and ethics, the controversy at Cheesecake Factory, and the real reason polyworking is gaining steam. Financial security, agentic AI, and a few big HR tech deals round it out. It’s a full rundown of the chaos...
2025-07-141h 04The BARFAI, Child Labor, and the Collapse of Workplace Wellness: What HR Isn’t Ready to AdmitIn this episode, we talk about AI replacing intellectual labor, the collapse of employee wellness efforts, and why fast food chains are under fire for child labor violations. Tincup and Leary break down the contradictions in workplace AI messaging and call out the fatigue creeping in during summer months. The conversation hits everything from HR tech funding spikes to gender bias, dragging the hiring process, and the quiet evolution of transportation as a serious workplace benefit.
Key Takeaways
➡ AI is replacing repetitive intellectual labor—this isn’t just a blue-collar story anymore.
...
2025-06-2955 minThe BARFBARF: AI Surge, Gen Z Opt-Out, and the Leadership Meltdown in HRWorkplace discrimination is rising. Gen Z’s ghosting leadership. And AI? It’s rewriting the rules before HR finishes onboarding. In this week’s BARF (Best Analysis, Real Facts), Ryan Leary, William Tincup, and Jay Arnold tear into the headlines shaping your workforce.
In this episode we talk about workplace discrimination, AI in HR, Gen Z's shift away from leadership, the mental health toll of layoffs, the evolution of job platforms, green job challenges, and HR tech funding trends. Plus: UKG's frontline strategy, corporate M&A, and the college-to-trade school reset.
Key Takeaways:
➡ EEOC fun...
2025-06-1651 min
The Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksAI Is Eating Recruiting - Here’s What’s Next, or is it? With Johnny Sanchez Head of Talent Operations at RivianAI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s the engine behind recruiting’s next evolution. From rapid tech shifts to strange encounters with chatbots, this episode digs into what happens when innovation meets real-world hiring. Spoiler: futurism isn’t science, it’s mostly vibes.
In this episode, we speak with Johnny Sanchez, Head of Talent Operations at Rivian about AI, recruiting, innovation, technology, design thinking, and the future of work. We dive into conference takeaways, personal experiences with AI, and the trends shifting the talent acquisition space. If you're wondering how AI is actually changing recruiting, this is your...
2025-06-0213 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksStop Selling, Start Listening: What Vendors Get Wrong at EventsEver wonder what happens when a consultant jumps into product strategy? Spoiler: it’s not all roadmaps and wireframes. We’re talking about the human side of tech—how real conversations at conferences, a killer candidate experience, and vendor humility can shape the future of recruitment. This one’s about what actually moves the needle.
In this episode we speak with Elaine Orler chief Strategy and Product Officer at Match2 to dig into her journey from consulting to product strategy, why vendor engagement matters more than ever, and how the smartest recruiters use conferences to learn—not just pitch...
2025-06-0221 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksYou’re Either Learning or You’re LosingCuriosity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your edge in a world moving at breakneck speed. In this conversation, we crack open what it really means to keep learning, take feedback seriously, and adapt to the tectonic shifts in recruitment, tech, and workforce dynamics. Spoiler alert: Gen Z’s not waiting for permission.
In this episode speak with Edie Goldberg about curiosity, feedback, AI in recruitment, women in tech, and shifting workforce dynamics. We explore how learning keeps you relevant, how technology reshapes hiring, and why understanding context matters more than ever. If you’re navigating the future...
2025-06-0232 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksNo Résumé, No Problem: Skill-Based Hiring is Here with Nir Dovrat of CanditechRecruiting's broken and everyone knows it. From resume roulette to HR tech that overpromises and underdelivers, the old ways are failing fast. Enter Canditech, flipping the hiring script with skill-based assessments and AI that doesn’t try to play recruiter.
In this episode we sit down with Nir, co-founder of Canditech, to talk about what real innovation in hiring looks like. We get into the nuts and bolts of skill-first hiring, the overhyped role of AI, and why job simulations might be your next best hire. Plus: conference schmoozing, real talk on hiring fail points, and why mo...
2025-06-0215 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksWhy Gen Z Doesn’t Care About Your Definition of “Professional”What do Jewish weddings, Gen Z, and professionalism have in common? More than you'd think. This episode blends history, humor, and real-world workplace insight into a conversation that punches through clichés and gets to the heart of how we connect across generations.
In this episode, we lay back with Danielle Farage, future of work influencer and speaker to unpack the layered history of Jewish persecution, the cultural power of humor, and how that all ties into the challenges facing today’s job seekers. We talk about weddings (yes, the dancing too), employer branding, and why redefining pro...
2025-06-0217 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksYou’re Already in the Revolution—Recruitment, AI, and the Fight for RelevanceRecruitment is evolving fast—and if you’re not adapting, you’re getting left behind. From AI disruption to cultural shifts, this episode digs deep into how tech is reshaping the hiring game, why your story matters more than ever, and the unexpected cities making big waves in talent.
In this episode we speak with industry playboy Aaron Daniels and dive into the recruitment trenches, swap stories from the field, and explore how culture, music, and perspective fuel personal and professional growth. There’s real talk, some laughs, and a sharp look at the future of hiring through...
2025-06-0217 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksThe Soundtrack of Hiring: Walkout Music Meets Recruitment TechWhat’s your walkout song? If that question stumps you, you’re missing more than just a vibe check. In this convo, we get loud with Mike Sunderland from Hudson RPO as he rips into the unspoken power of walkout music, the overlooked layers of RPO, and how AI is quietly flipping recruiting on its head.
In this episode, we hit everything from the psychology of music in interviews to how AI tools are empowering candidates faster than employers can react. Mike breaks down why strategy—not execution—is the future battlefield of recruitment, and why staying nosy mig...
2025-06-0220 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksWhy TLDR and Brandon Jeffs Are Flipping the Hiring ScriptRecruiting ain't dead—but your tactics might be. Brandon Jeffs, Director of People and Talent at TLDR, drops the mic on what’s broken in recruitment and what’s actually working. From empathy-led engagement to the quiet power of newsletters, this convo hits hard on what it takes to recruit in a tech-first, human-centered world.
In this episode, we talk about recruitment innovation, candidate engagement, TLDR’s hiring philosophy, tech-driven recruiting tools, and the power of employer branding. Brandon Jeffs joins us to unpack what’s changing in HR, how to connect with top talent, and why empathy mi...
2025-06-0224 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksNavigating Talent Acquisition in a Changing Landscape with Lisa Kraska, VP Global Talent Acquisition at FootlockerFoot Locker’s newest recruiting leader isn’t playing defense—she’s rewriting the playbook. In this episode, Lisa Kraska shares her journey from healthcare into retail talent acquisition, unpacking what it really takes to build relationships, adapt to tech, and keep your recruiting game sharp. No fluff—just smart insight from someone who’s living it.
We talk about Foot Locker, recruitment, talent acquisition strategies, company culture, hiring technology, and personal stories that shape HR transformation. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Lisa Kraska to unpack what it means to stay relevant in the talent game—...
2025-06-0220 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksWhy Mental Health Might Be the Most Underrated Recruitment StrategyWhen was the last time a lost credit card sparked a deep dive into recruitment, the job market, and mental health? Paul DeBettignies brings Vegas stories and real talk to the table in this episode. We get raw, reflective, and a little ridiculous in all the right ways.
In this episode we spend time with the Minnesotata Headhunter himself to talk about Vegas adventures, recruitment challenges, the shifting economy, the importance of mental health, and the lasting impact of the Great Resignation. Paul joins us to reflect on the job market, tech events, and how real connection...
2025-06-0224 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksWhy Respect Is a Competency: Inside Design Pickle's Talent StrategyYou think hiring creatives is easy? Think again. Katelyn Bailey from Design Pickle pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and support a team of right-brained badasses. From AI creep in recruiting to why feedback should be part of your hiring loop, this one’s got all the juicy bits.
In this episode, we talk about how Design Pickle scaled from a graphic design subscription to a full-blown creative services powerhouse—and what that meant for talent acquisition. Katelyn dives deep into the emotions behind layoffs, the nuance of recruiting creatives, and how to n...
2025-06-0222 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksStop Blaming Candidates. Fix Your Broken HR Process with Joel LageeLet’s get real: the recruitment game has changed, and most folks are still playing by 2012 rules. From botched interviews to leaders stuck in dial-up era thinking, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real friction points in HR and recruiting.
In this episode we talk about HR, recruitment, technology, job seeking, interviews, and AI. We explore how candidates are using tools to outsmart outdated hiring processes, why leadership often misreads its own challenges, and how consulting—with the right lens—can shift outcomes. Plus, the raw truth about networking, social media’s silent influence, and why hiri...
2025-06-0214 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksWhy Most Recruiters Are About to Get Left BehindThe recruiting game is shifting—and not everyone’s ready. In a no-BS conversation from the Recruiting Innovation Summit, Carmen Hudson joins William Tincup and Ryan Leary to break down what’s working, what’s outdated, and why being a recruiter in 2025 ain’t for the faint of heart. From AI’s role in hiring to the generational crash course happening in interview rooms, this episode is stacked with truth bombs and strategy.
In this episode we talk about the Recruiting Innovation Summit, Carmen Hudson’s new recruiting leadership role, technology in recruiting, generational differences in interviewing, and how AI is...
2025-06-0216 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksStay Curious or Get Left Behind: Gerry Crispin on the Future of WorkHave you ever met someone who just gets it? They travel, they ask questions, they listen. This one’s a ride through learning, global HR culture, and how AI is punching traditional recruiting right in the face. No lectures, just sharp takes and smarter conversations.
In this episode we explore the mindset of someone who never stops learning. Gerry Crispin, CEO and Founder or CareerXroads , stops by the booth to share his insight on pushing the boundaries to understanding workforce trends, to watching Gen Z weaponize AI for growth, it’s a conversation about keeping up, reaching out...
2025-06-0227 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksKilling Resumes and Cracking FunnelsAI isn’t just another tool—it’s changing the damn rules. In this episode, we pull back the curtain with Chris Cabe from Capstone IT to talk recruiting tech, killer candidate evals, and why your resume is basically a zombie at this point. If you’re still relying on vibe checks and keyword still 2015, this is your wake-up call.
In this episode we talk about recruiting, AI, candidate evaluation, staffing, hiring tools, and innovation in the recruitment process. Chris Cabe from Capstone IT drops real-world insights on how recruiters can level up in the age of AI—why r...
2025-06-0217 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksAI Just Took Your Job… Unless You’re Listening to ThisRecruiting isn’t dead—but the way we’ve been doing it might be. In this episode, we crack into how AI is shaking up the game, where humans still matter, and why that dude in Gen Z doesn’t care about your handshake. From awkward interview vibes to cutting-edge solutions at the latest industry events, this one hits hard.
In this episode we talk about AI in recruitment, sourcing innovations, human interaction, interview etiquette, and industry conference insights. From leveraging tech to understanding generational differences, we unpack what recruiters need to do to stay relevant, connected, and effe...
2025-06-0219 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksUnder the Hood of Global Recruiting: Melissa Thompson on Fixing Talent AcquisitionWhat happens when global hiring meets Detroit horsepower? Melissa Thompson from Ford Motor Company breaks down the state of talent acquisition like a seasoned pit crew chief. From AI disruptions to recruiter burnout, she throws down insight after insight on where recruiting is heading—and what’s already broken.
In this episode we get under the hood with Melissa Thompson, Global TA lead at Ford. We talk recruitment tech, the real story behind quality-of-hire metrics, and why recruiters need more than just another shiny platform to succeed. She drops wisdom on the future of AI in TA and...
2025-06-0216 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksHow Industry Events Can Make (or Break) Your Career with Jim Stroud of SoureconEver been to an event where you leave smarter and with better memes? That’s SourceCon and the Recruiting Innovation Summit rolled into one chaotic, inspiring, laugh-out-loud ride. From side-eyes in the audience to post-panel epiphanies, we’re unpacking what it really means to stay sharp in recruiting—and why “fighting for your right” might just be your best career strategy.
In this episode we talk about SourceCon, Recruiting Innovation Summit, interviewing techniques, generational differences, networking wins, and professional development fails. We dig into how humor plays a role in serious recruiting conversations and what you really gain from...
2025-06-0213 minThe Talent Shift: Powered by ChatterworksBurn Your Resume, Build Relationships with Susan LaMotte CEO @ exaqueoLet’s be honest—recruitment’s been transactional for too long. Susan LaMotte, founder and CEO of exaqueo, came through to call that out and drop some truth bombs about how hiring actually works when it works. Forget automation overload and resume graveyards—this one’s about building trust, reading the room, and doing it better.
In this episode we dig into the human side of recruitment and how employer branding isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your business card. Susan breaks down why relationships matter more than ever, how AI fits without replacing empathy, and why career sites...
2025-06-0221 minThe BARFBlue collar pride, AI efficiency, HR job wipes - The BARF42% of Gen Z are saying "hell no" to the desk job and going blue collar—and AI’s not just reading resumes anymore, it's writing your onboarding manual. From Starbucks' uniform protests to Klarna gig-ing complex work, this episode packs punchy insight into where work is actually going. Spoiler alert: It ain’t where your high school guidance counselor said it would.
In this episode we break down the shifting job landscape—blue collar pride, AI efficiency, HR job wipes, and how immigrants are silently carrying 19.2% of the U.S. workforce. We keep it real on education myths, s...
2025-05-261h 18The BARFAI’s Taking Jobs, Trades Are Printing Money, and Layoffs Still Smell Like Bullsh*t
If you’ve ever asked yourself “What the hell is going on?”—welcome home. Ryan and William get into it all: family madness, breach drama, why skilled trades are back in style, and how tech bros still don’t know how to structure teams. Also, let’s talk about those layoffs that look sus when profits are up—yeah, we went there.
In this episode we bounce from kitchen chaos to critical thinking gaps in schools, dive into AI’s real impact (spoiler: it’s already your teammate), and roast a few corporations that still don’t get it. From...
2025-05-1940 minThe BARFTrust Is Down, AI Is Up, and Gen Z’s Changing EverythingOnly 24% of employees trust leadership to "do the right thing." From ServiceNow’s $2.85B AI bet to Amazon’s new high-performer pay scale, this episode is stacked with trend shifts, red flags, and real-world takeaways. We unpack what’s actually going on in HR tech—from the keynote stage to the backchannel Slack DMs - and why it might be time to replace your vibe checks with real strategy.
In this episode, we talk about industry events, tech changes, recruiting shifts, and the slow collapse of trust in leadership. We get into payroll fraud, Gen Z's micro-shift mentalit...
2025-05-1147 minThe BARFDEI Showdowns and Paid‑Leave Battles to Pay‑for‑Performance CEOs, Deepfake Dangers and the Generative AI Takeover
Only 32% of companies tie CEO pay to real results.
State‑led paid leave is splintering across 50 policies.
Deepfakes aren’t sci‑fi anymore—they’re boardroom threats.
This week’s episode zeroes in on DEI showdowns roiling hiring panels, the patchwork of state‑run paid family leave, and the fight to link CEO compensation to performance metrics.
We unpack a landmark background‑check lawsuit, an ethics scandal that felled a corporate titan, and the underground rise of corporate espionage. Also on deck: AI’s role as mentor vs. manager, the micro‑retirement craze, and employees crying foul over unchecked gener...
2025-05-051h 19The BARFHalf of Gen Z Think Their Degree is Useless—And They're Not Entirely WrongFrom legal curveballs in remote work to Hollywood-level pay transparency, this episode cuts through workplace headlines with a scalpel. Deepfakes are sneaking into job interviews, Gen Z is bailing on degrees, and AI is now assigning tasks like it owns the place. There's a rising storm of employment fear—and companies are trying to plug the leaks with healthcare perks, new tech, and smarter acquisitions. If you're not paying attention, you're already behind.In this episode we talk about the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit, deepfake interviews, pay transparency in Hollywood, HR tech acquisitions, employee en...
2025-04-2857 minThe BARFAI vs Managers, Quiet Cracking, and Why HR Still Can’t Measure Quality of HireOnly 24% of companies measure quality of hire. AI is replacing managers. People are quietly breaking.Quality of hire might be the most talked-about hiring metric—and the least understood. This week’s episode hits hard on the disconnect between hiring goals and actual outcomes, how “speed to performance” is becoming a north star metric, and why HR still struggles to train talent instead of replace it. We cover the shocking rise in employee psychological detachment, what “quiet cracking” really signals, and how AI has officially entered the trust chat. Also in the mix: Spot’s recruiting d...
2025-04-2159 minThe BARFAI Confusion, Culture Chaos, and the Future of WorkEveryone’s talking about AI, but few are actually using it in ways that matter. Most companies are still buried in outdated systems, clunky workflows, and talent strategies from 2015. Certifications are gaining ground while college degrees lose luster. Meanwhile, employers are struggling with lawsuits over daily pay platforms, and return-to-office mandates are failing to deliver on even the basics—like whether you’ll have a chair, or toilet paper.In this episode, it’s all on the table: Intel’s attempt at reinvention, job seekers watching their leverage disappear, and the quiet rise of personaliz...
2025-04-1442 minThe BARFWhy Salary Transparency, Youth Hustle, and AI Are Reshaping the Future of WorkGarage sales and salary transparency might seem worlds apart, but they both reveal how work is evolving. From teaching youth to sell, to the rise of financial wellness perks and reverse discrimination lawsuits, this episode breaks down what matters in today’s workplace and why.In this episode we look at podcast, workplace benefits, fundraising, youth organizations, corporate news, generational differences, discrimination lawsuit, diversity, hiring, candidate boycotts, AI, workplace efficiency, employee theft, emotional intelligence, tariffs, workplace behavior, financial security, salary transparency, recruitment.Key Takeaways➡️ Fundra...
2025-04-0638 minThe BARFTalent Is the New Currency: Why Culture, Espionage, and Tech Are Rewriting HRCorporate culture, legal drama, and workforce tech collide in this jam-packed ride through today's talent acquisition landscape.Why are companies still treating talent acquisition like a bill instead of a strategy? We cover everything from privacy paranoia and corporate espionage to the generational benefit gap and shifting employee power. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even clutch your pearls—because things get spicy.In this episode we look at talent acquisition, corporate culture, employee experience, corporate espionage, workplace legal issues, employee benefits, technology privacy, acquisitions, workforce tech, employee power dyna...
2025-04-0148 minThe BARFGen Z Is Texting Through Interviews?! + The AI Hiring Takeover" 🔥The workplace is shifting fast—Deloitte is linking office attendance to performance reviews, Gen Z is scrolling their phones mid-interview, and AI is creeping further into HR. Meanwhile, Microsoft is retiring Skype, Walmart is hiring gig workers for deliveries, and the EEOC is tackling anti-Semitism in universities. From legal showdowns at Taco Bell to Sergey Brin’s hot take on productivity, this episode is packed with insights on how tech, culture, and policy are reshaping work.In this episode, we look at HR, AI, workplace culture, Gen Z, productivity, acquisitions, funding, employee engagement, remote work...
2025-03-161h 02
Workplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 18 Russian Emails, Lies in Interviews, and the AI That Might Replace UsIn this episode we talk about the hidden flags recruiters miss, the lies candidates tell, and the tools AI gives us to finally get ahead. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Mike Wolford live at the Fama booth during HR Tech to unpack real-life stories from the field and why the future of recruiting is all about data, not gut checks.Key Takeaways➡ One contractor sent inappropriate emails in Russian, assuming no one would translate them — HR did➡ Overly detailed excuses in interviews often signal dishonesty or manipulation➡...
2025-03-1306 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 17 Kill the Microaggressions or Kill Your Culture. You ChooseIn this episode we talk about the ripple effects of microaggressions, forgotten voices, and how one Fortune 50 company accidentally created a leadership vacuum by cutting its campus recruiting program. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Heather Jerrehian from ServiceNow and Yaz Dalal from Joveo at the Fama booth at HR Tech to unpack how culture is built or broken in the small moments.Key Takeaways➡ Microaggressions in meetings may seem small, but they erode confidence fast➡ Speaking over someone or repeating their idea louder is a form of cult...
2025-03-0613 minThe BARFAI's Impact on Pay Gaps, Freelancers, and Gen Z: Breaking HR News and Future TrendsThe evolving landscape of HR and recruitment is undergoing a massive transformation with AI at the forefront. From tackling the gender pay gap to leveraging AI tools for freelancers, this episode dives into how technology is reshaping talent acquisition and employee training.In this episode, we look at AI tools, HR technology, gender pay gap, training innovations, task masking, DEI programs, freelance market, workforce management, strategic recruitment, HR funding trends, and talent intelligence. As AI takes over repetitive tasks, recruiters are focusing on strategy, and companies must adapt or risk falling behind.
2025-03-0345 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 16 Preschool Teachers, Drunk EMTs, and Masturbating Co-Workers: Welcome to Nine to Five NightmaresIn this episode we talk about the dark side of hiring. The misconduct, the red flags, the things no one tells you in the interview. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down at Fama’s booth during HR Tech with Amy Warren and Micole Garatti to unpack the viral worthy, lawsuit laden, and reputation wrecking behaviors lurking in plain sight. If you’ve ever hired someone and crossed your fingers, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways➡ Preschool teachers posting about hating kids and drinking on the job. Yes, this rea...
2025-02-2720 minThe BARFAmazon’s Management Overhaul, AI Layoffs & Why 71% of Meetings SuckAmazon is ditching layers of management, AI is cutting IT jobs, and government buyouts are on the rise. Meanwhile, HR tech is consolidating, employee retention is shifting, and the EEOC’s latest gender identity rulings could have major legal consequences. Oh, and let’s not forget—71% of meetings are a waste of time. We’re diving deep into the trends shaking up the workplace and breaking down what they mean for companies and employees alike.In this episode, we look at Amazon’s management overhaul, automation in fast food, interoffice relationships, employee well-being, AI-driven fintech fu...
2025-02-241h 23
Punk Rock HR288: WRKDefined with Ryan Leary and William TincupOn today’s episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Ryan Leary and William Tincup are Laurie’s guests. They share their fascinating journey to building the WRKdefined Podcast Network.They spotlight the power of podcasting by revealing how meaningful content can be created without extravagant equipment. It is a thought-provoking exploration into the essence of authentic conversations, where we aim to challenge the status quo and foster impactful dialogues.Ryan and William reflect on their personal journeys and the evolution of their network, which is dedicated to exploring work...
2025-02-2448 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 15 Faceplants, Soulmates, and Tampons: Tales of Bad Interviews and Worse InterviewersIn this episode we talk about the wildest interview fails and the hard truths behind hiring manager missteps. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Lorna Erickson and Victoria Gates from Expert Interviewers at the FAMA booth during HR Tech. From blood on the interview table to creepy questions about soulmates, it’s painfully clear — most managers aren’t trained to interview, and it shows.Key Takeaways➡ One candidate face-planted during an interview after pushing her portfolio too many times➡ The interviewer froze and started flipping through her portfolio while she...
2025-02-2016 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 14 Alcohol, Employees, and Regret. The Cocktail That Keeps HR in BusinessIn this episode we talk about how quickly good vibes at work turn into compliance catastrophes. Ryan Leary and William Tincup are live from the Fama booth at HR Tech, joined by Jenny Olson of NPR and Dave Wentworth of Schoox. The conversation pulls zero punches as we explore the liability, culture erosion, and plain old foolishness that comes from mixing alcohol with the workplace.Key Takeaways➡ A conference planner got so drunk at her own event she cracked her head in the hotel lobby➡ The CEO had...
2025-02-1305 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 13 Bathtubs, Brawls, and Burnout: HR Nightmares from Every Corner of the MapIn this episode we talk about the weird, the wild, and the totally preventable disasters companies face when expectations are unclear and accountability goes missing. Ryan Leary is flying solo at HR Tech as he sits down with guests from isolved, 360insights, and Haynes to unpack misconduct stories from across the country — and from a tiny island in Alaska.Key Takeaways➡ A traveling employee flooded three hotel floors — including the HR office — by falling asleep with the tub running➡ A 20-year-old HR employee threw a presidential suite party that...
2025-02-0613 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingEp. 12 Consultant Vanishes at Bacardi, Preschool Teacher Fakes Heart Attack: HR Cannot Catch a BreakIn this episode we talk about two HR disasters that sound like movie plots but were all too real. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Jackie Clayton from Textio and Allyn Bailey from SmartRecruiters at the FAMA booth during HR Tech to share stories about a consultant who vanished mid-assignment at Bacardi and a teacher who faked a heart attack to avoid getting fired — in front of a playground full of toddlers. You can’t make this stuff up.Key Takeaways➡ A consultant placed at Bacardi developed a minibar habit that s...
2025-01-3009 minWorkplace Misconduct: A Mandatory MeetingWorkplace Misconduct: The DHL-FedEx Blunder & Lessons in Brand Awareness Doug Shonrock from JoveoThis limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations.Ever sent a FedEx package to DHL? Sounds like a joke, right? Well, it happened—and it cost a major pitch. In this episode, Ryan Leary and William Tincup dive into workplace mishaps with Doug Shonrock from Joveo, unpacking the infamous shipping blunder that became a legendary example of brand oversight. From the high-stakes world of programmatic job advertising to why sm...
2025-01-2306 min
The BARFTHE BARF: Toxic Positivity, LinkedIn Cringe Culture, and Union Trends in 2025Toxic positivity, union trends, and cringe-worthy LinkedIn posts are shaping today’s HR landscape. We explore top challenges in employee engagement, changing leadership roles, and AI’s growing role in monitoring. Discover what it means for workplace culture, leadership, and future workforce trends.In this episode, we look at Toxic Positivity, Union Trends, LinkedIn Culture, HR Leadership, AI Monitoring, Workplace Violence, Remote Work, Discrimination, and Employee Engagement—spotlighting how these factors reshape workforce management, training, and employee sentiment.Key Takeaways
Toxic positivity in workplaces can mask deeper issues, hindering genuine improvement.
Surging union petitions reflec...
2024-10-281h 02
The BARFThe BARF: DHS's $45M Lawsuit, NTI Denies the Visually Impaired work, Massachusetts Enacts Salary Transparency Law, and Colorado Squashes Algorithmic DiscriminationWe dive into the latest shifts in HR tech and workforce management.In this episode we look at DHS and it's $45 million hit, The National Telecommuting Institutes denying the visually impaired work, the impact of remote work, salary ranges in job postings, CFO turnover, algorithmic discrimination, workforce management acquisitions, effective communication, and burnout among employees. We share our thoughts on Eric Schmidt’s views on Google’s remote work challenges, Massachusetts’ new salary range law, the fight against algorithmic discrimination, and effective communication strategies across generations.Key Takeaways:
Eric Schmidt warns that r...
2024-08-201h 11
The BARFThe BARF: Max, the Autonomous Recruiter, EEOC hits $$$, and Skills Gaps=25 days of loss productivityIn this episode, we look at the Max - the Autonomous Recruiter, H1B visa lottery, Beamery's AI audit, workplace politics, summer jobs for teens, ethical AI, Gen X managers, $$$ Millions in EEOC settlements, and how the skills gap creates 25 days of dead space annually per emplpyeeKey Takeaways
H1B visa lottery scams manipulate the system, highlighting the need for regulatory updates.
Beemery's AI audit sets a transparency benchmark, vital for AI in HR.
Meta’s facial recognition settlement stresses the importance of data privacy.
Workplace politics require HR's focus on civil discourse and respect.
Su...
2024-08-121h 09
The BARFThe BARF: Snapchat says "Women, you need to wait your turn!". The White House stands down on AI, Apple gets Unionized (maybe), and Gender EqualityWe debate earned wage access, background checks, DEI initiatives, and employee compensation. We look at the importance of verifying data and the need for responsible HR practices.In this episode, we look at earned wage access, background checks, DEI, employee compensation, data verification, HR practices, and screening. Topics include the importance of fair treatment, legal implications, technology in hiring, and the balance between human and AI capabilities in recruitment.Key Takeaways:
Earned wage access programs offered by employers may be subject to the Truth in Lending Act, and users should be aware of the...
2024-07-291h 14
The BARFThe BARF: Navigating Workforce Trends: Remote Work, AI Jobs, and EEOC JudgmentsWe look at workforce dynamics, return to office challenges, remote work trends, hybrid work benefits, AI job growth, Delta policy controversies, EEOC judgments on discrimination, and HR tech industry funding news.Here's what we cover:
Dell's Remote Work Rebellion: Discover how nearly 50% of Dell employees rejected the new return-to-office policy. The company introduced a flagging system to monitor employee attendance, sparking significant controversy and resistance.
Dollar General's $12M Safety Settlement: We explore the details of Dollar General's substantial settlement with the Department of Labor over safety violations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining...
2024-07-211h 18
The BARFHR Trends Unpacked: Gender Pay Gap, AI, and Minority FundingSummary:In this episode, hosts William Tincup and Ryan Leary cover a breadth of HR topics. They stress the importance of companies providing facilities for breastfeeding employees to promote gender equity. Addressing the gender pay gap, they advocate for transparent compensation practices. They highlight internal mobility's role in offering career progression for all and urge companies to invest in AI for competitiveness. The conversation also explores HR industry consolidation and major acquisitions, including Workday's purchase of HiredScore and Business Solver's acquisition of Capstone Group. They discuss trends like skills-based hiring, degrees versus no degrees, and the impact...
2024-03-0356 min
The BARFEstee Lauder Hit with Minimum Wage Judgement Walmart's Acquisition Home Depot Fires Employee for BLM ApronSummaryIn this conversation, Ryan Leary and William Tincup discuss various topics related to AI and its impact on the workforce. They start by talking about digital employees and how they are being used to replace administrative tasks in businesses. They also discuss a case where Home Depot violated labor laws by firing an employee for wearing a Black Lives Matter apron. The conversation then shifts to the US Justice Department hiring its first Chief AI Officer and the importance of AI skills in today's job market. They also mention a quiz game that highlights AI bias...
2024-02-251h 04
The BARFHireRight scores $1.65 Billion Upwards fixes the $23Bn productivity crisis And is the term diversity polarizingSummaryIn this conversation, Ryan Leary and William Tincup discuss various topics, including the revival of Bing with OpenAI's support, the impact of childcare issues on employers, the importance of humane practices in managing layoffs, and the acquisition of HireRight by General Atlantic and StonePoint Capital. They also touch on the potential of generative AI and the need for leaders to understand and leverage its capabilities. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the HR and technology space. In this conversation, William Tincup and Ryan Leary discuss various topics related to human capital and the...
2024-02-1844 min
The BARFDeepfake scams, Employee Theft causes $50 bn in damages and Employee right to disconnectSummaryIn this conversation, William Tincup and Ryan Leary discuss various topics including the hiring of Marisa Kacary at Wilson HCG, the high percentage of American workers actively looking for new jobs, the right to disconnect in Australia, the increase in office occupancy in the US, the hidden cost of employee theft, the flight risks of high performers and millennials with strict return to office mandates, the importance of financial wellness in the workplace, and the embedding of generative AI in Oracle and ADP Assist. In this episode, William Tincup and Ryan Leary discuss various topics in...
2024-02-1052 min