Punk Rock HR

What actually helps people live longer, healthier lives? According to longevity expert Ken Stern, it’s not just diet, exercise, or the latest health trend. The biggest factor might surprise you: Your relationships. Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what the longest-lived countries in the world are doing differently. Drawing from research and reporting in Japan, Singapore, Italy, Spain, and South Korea, Ken explains how social connection, community design, and policy shape how long (and how well) we live. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why loneliness is a serious health risk, comparable to smoking What the world’s longest-lived countries do differently than the United States How social connection impacts longevity more than diet or exercise Why the traditional life stages of school, work, and retirement were invented — and can be reinvented What Japan’s older workforce reveals about purpose and longevity How housing policy and urban design influence healthy aging Why the future of work will require rethinking retirement How communities and public policy shape how long we live

Karen Fleshman joins Punk Rock HR to talk about race, power, and the uncomfortable yet necessary work white women must do to build trust across differences. As the founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition, Karen works with white women who are past the beginner stage of anti-racism and ready to examine how conditioning, proximity to power, and workplace dynamics reinforce racial hierarchy. This conversation moves beyond theory. It explores accountability, institutional protection, intergenerational trauma, and what it actually takes to build solidarity in today’s workplace. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Karen shifted from preparing young people of color for corporate America to preparing workplaces for them What the “messy middle” of anti-racism work looks like How white women’s proximity to power shapes HR and leadership roles The tension between protecting institutions and protecting people Why Karen prefers solidarity over performative allyship How intergenerational trauma influences workplace behavior What it takes to build trust across racial differences

Ashley Herd, founder and CEO of Manager Method and co-host of HR Besties, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what it actually takes to lead people well. A lawyer turned HR executive, Ashley shares how mentorship, recognition, and practical judgment shape better managers — and why “common sense” leadership isn’t common at all. If you manage people, support managers in HR, or sit in the C-suite and want employees to function like humans instead of headcount, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why mentors can sit anywhere on the org chart — including below you The hidden human cost of how and when we terminate employees Why recognition isn’t “fluffy” — it’s fuel How Ashley’s Pause–Consider–Act framework changes everyday decisions What HR Besties gets right about nuance in the profession Why managers must stop thinking about people as spreadsheets

Mary Ellen Slayter and Steve Smith of Rep Cap join Punk Rock HR to talk about the state of the job market, the reality behind AI hype, and what’s actually changing in work tech and HR tech. Drawing on decades as journalists turned operators, they break down why this moment feels uniquely disorienting and where real opportunity still exists. From capital shifts and consolidation to brand, people investment, and human connection, Mary Ellen and Steve share what’s breaking, what’s quietly working, and why 2026 may mark a turning point for companies willing to think long term. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why today’s job market feels brutal despite strong labor numbers How AI hype differs from real innovation in work tech Why VC-era assumptions are gone and what replaces them Where private equity, consolidation, and M&A are reshaping the market Why brand and long-term value matter more than short-term performance Where optimism still exists for work, people, and leadership in 2026

Scott Stratten, speaker and author joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the hype, fear, and noise around AI in HR. Instead of focusing on tools, he asks why they exist in the first place and what they mean for the future of work. From AI bots in interviews to the risk of HR jobs disappearing in the next 24 months, Scott brings the truth. He calls for the act of slowing down, asking better questions, and remembering that HR’s role is to defend humanity at work. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why interviews with AI bots are dehumanizing for candidates The biggest red flags HR should watch for with AI adoption How “efficiency” is often a cover for economic cruelty Why HR jobs may vanish in 24–36 months without reinvention What a pre-mortem can teach us about slowing down AI adoption How referrals and relationships still drive most hiring Why universal basic income is entering the conversation The true value of HR: advocacy and human connection

Laura Maffucci, VP of HR at Globalization Partners, shares her expertise on how AI is transforming the HR landscape. She explains the concept of 'Agentic AI' and its importance in safely managing HR tasks. Laura discusses the evolving nature of HR jobs, emphasizing that while roles are changing, human judgment remains vital. She highlights crucial strategies for safe AI adoption and the necessity of a strong global talent strategy in today's job market. Tune in for valuable insights on harnessing AI while preserving the human element in HR.

Blair Whitman, VP of Client Success at Homethrive, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the stigma around caregiving, why it’s a workforce issue, and how companies can move beyond performative support. From personal caregiving stories to the ROI of real benefits, Blair shares how employers can create cultures that support both productivity and compassion. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why many people don’t identify as caregivers and why it matters How caregiving impacts careers, especially for women What managers can do to support employees under strain The difference between EAPs and deeper caregiving support How caregiving benefits deliver real ROI for companies Why including men in the caregiving conversation is essential The unexpected joy and beauty that come with caregiving

Robin Schooling, a luminary in the HR field, joins the Punk Rock HR Podcast for a compelling conversation about her new book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There.” Robin shares personal and professional milestones, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her decade-long writing project. Her story is one of resilience and passion, challenging the absurdities of the HR world and advocating for practices grounded in authenticity. Laurie and Robin explore the intriguing contradictions within the field, highlighting Robin’s unwavering commitment to reshaping HR into a more genuine and impactful profession. The episode addresses common myths about HR, including the misconception that HR should handle all emotional labor and solely protect the company. Laurie and Robin argue for a more nuanced understanding of HR’s role in ensuring fair systems and highlight the growing importance of technology in the workplace. With anecdotes of resourcefulness in budget-constrained environments, such as utilizing emerging technologies like SMS-based chatbots, they showcase the ingenuity required to thrive in HR today. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to see HR evolve beyond traditional confines, offering inspiration and innovative ideas for making significant strides in the field. In this episode, you will hear: Robin Schooling’s book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There” Insights into Robin's personal and professional journey, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her book Debunking common HR myths, such as HR's role in emotional labor and solely protecting the company Emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable systems in HR practices Exploring the integration of technology in HR, including early adoption of tools like SMS-based chatbots Resourcefulness in HR, especially in budget-constrained environments Advocating for authentic, innovative, and impactful HR practices that challenge traditional boundaries Resources from this Episode Robin Schooling website: robinschooling.com Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robinschooling Find Robin on Threads: www.threads.com/@robinschooling Get “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There”: realhrbook.com Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.

Facing a brain tumor and navigating menopause were not challenges Christine Muldoon ever anticipated would redefine her role as a leader and a woman. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and empathy that arise from confronting personal health challenges head-on. On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Christine, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at WebMD Health Services, offers an intimate look at her journey toward well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care and robust support systems both at home and in the workplace. As societal expectations shift, so too does the landscape of workplace well-being. Christine and Laurie explore the evolving strategies that now prioritize an employee's mental and emotional health in tandem with physical well-being. Christine's commitment to breaking down the stigma around menopause in the professional world is both inspiring and necessary, as she shares her vision for a more inclusive and understanding approach to women's health issues at work. Her insight is a reminder of the vital role organizations play in nurturing an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. At the heart of the conversation is a call to action for organizations to create a culture of well-being that extends beyond mere programs. Christine details how WebMD Health Services is leading the charge with personalized initiatives like WebMD One, which seamlessly incorporates health coaching and wellness challenges to build a sense of community and connection among employees. By sharing success stories and emphasizing the need for open dialogue, Christine and Laurie hope to inspire a movement toward workplaces where well-being isn't just an afterthought but a cornerstone of daily operations. In this episode, you will hear: Christine Muldoon's personal journey with a brain tumor and menopause, and its impact on her leadership style and well-being focus Evolution of workplace well-being strategies, emphasizing mental, emotional, and caregiving support Importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work culture that addresses women's health issues, like menopause WebMD Health Services' initiatives, such as WebMD One, to foster community and connection through personalized well-being programs Role of health coaching and digital tools in enhancing employee wellness and setting personalized health goals Breaking the stigma of menopause in the workplace and promoting open dialogue and education Empowering organizations to integrate well-being into their culture beyond mere programs, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction Resources from this Episode WebMD Health Services: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/ 4 Ways To Support Women’s Well-Being at Work: www.webmdhealthservices.com/resources/tip-sheets/4-ways-to-support-womens-well-being-at-work Christine Muldoon on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-muldoon-0417525 WebMD Health Services Podcasts: www.webmdhealthservices.com/podcasts Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.

Ever pondered the hidden complexities behind AI and HR compliance?On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Laurie sits down with Joel Stupka, the Enterprise Partnerships Director at PosterElite and podcast host of HR Snacks. Using his expertise, they explore the unsung hero of HR compliance—the labor law poster. They also touch on the serious financial penalties businesses face for non-compliance. Joel shares how PosterElite’s innovative digital solutions transform how companies maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring they stay ahead of the ever-changing legal landscape.Laurie and Joel also dissect the experience of attending the Transform conference, a unique blend of networking and engaging discussions at The Wynn. While the conference focused on AI, Joel and Laurie reflect on the need for patience and human-centric solutions during rapid technological advancements. In this episode, you will hear: The critical role of labor law posters in maintaining compliance and avoiding significant fines Automating compliance processes to free HR professionals for more strategic tasks PosterElite's digital solutions for keeping labor law posters up-to-date Reflections on the Transform conference and the desire for more diverse and practical session topics beyond AI The complexities and challenges of AI adoption in large organizations and its impact on HR compliance The importance of human-centric solutions and the social implications of AI in the workplace Patience and realistic expectations in the early stages of AI integration in businesses Resources from this Episode PosterElite: posterelite.com Joel Stupka on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joelstupka HR Snacks Newsletter: www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7049840001571844096 Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.