Akerman WorkedUp Podcast

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes renowned legal scholar and University of Chicago Law Professor, Eric Posner. Professor Posner and Matt discuss the increasingly important intersection between antitrust and employment law, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions, the various types of antitrust causes of action which can be asserted in employment-related litigation, and other topical questions surrounding the geographic concentration of our economy’s labor markets. A renowned author of numerous books and articles, Professor Posner previously made an appearance on our podcast, where he discussed the increased legal, legislative, and social scrutiny surrounding noncompetition agreements. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt Steinberg welcomes Dos Toros’ Chief Human Resources Officer Aleta Maxwell to discuss the rapidly expanding “fast casual” restaurant’s employee-first culture, and how that unique culture works to customers’ benefit. Matt and Aleta also explore a critical question companies in every industry face: how to maintain a fun, engaging culture while also scaling the business. Finally, Matt and Aleta chat about DT’s philanthropic efforts within its communities (including a commitment to recruiting and retaining workers with criminal histories), broader legal issues facing the hospitality industry, and their shared passion for hip-hop and NBA hoops! http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes Magistrate Judge Sidney I. Schenkier of the Northern District of Illinois, who provides insightful perspectives on effective advocacy, litigation trends, best practices for employers to avoid employment litigation and/or to persuasively defend an employment litigation, why “reasonableness sells” and preparation is always paramount in his Courtroom. Judge Schenkier also discusses his own journey to the federal bench, and his important and pioneering work with post-incarceration re-entry programs. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes Executive Coach Deanna Senior, PhD. As a follow-up to our last WorkedUp episode about mental health and work, in this wide-ranging conversation, Matt and Deanna discuss organizational behavior psychologists’ increasingly important role in today’s workplaces. Deanna weighs in on the value of having “career conversations” with employees at every level within an organization (hint: these are different than performance evaluations), how to best identify key performers and provide them with highly personalized coaching, the benefit of full 360-degree feedback reviews (another hint: this might include speaking with executives’ spouses and family members), the pros and cons of “group coaching,” and much more. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this important and topical episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes Meg George, the head of Akerman’s Wellness Initiative and Akerman’s Chicago Office Managing Partner for an honest conversation about society’s collective mental health at and surrounding work, why it is imperative for employers to better educate and train their employees on mental health issues, the importance of fostering employee engagement, and how, in our increasingly frenetic lives, we can all develop and sustain healthy habits. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt Steinberg welcomes back his Akerman New York colleague Ray Berti to discuss recent economic, social, and legal developments in the gig economy, including new NLRB and DOL guidance suggesting gig workers are not protected by traditional employment and labor laws; millennials' and Gen Zers' potential preference for (or aversion to) gig work; and whether the predictions that gigging is the "future of work" actually have any merit. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Once again, kids (ages 5-17) who visited Akerman NYC’s 2019 “Bring Kids To Work Day" hilariously discuss their day at the office, their future goals, aspirations, and much more. If you need a smile to get through your hectic work week, check out this episode. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

We’re back! In our first 2019 episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes reporter Genevieve Douglas, who covers Paid Family Leave, among other employment law and HR topics, for Bloomberg Law, to discuss the proliferation of state/local paid family leave laws, and the potential for a politically-viable federal paid leave law (as highlighted during the President’s State of the Union address and subsequent media buzz). Matt and Genevieve also discuss the specific federal paid leave legislation being separately proposed by Democrats and Republicans, the likely heated political debate around how to, and who should, pay for paid family leave, the private sector’s role in moving and shaping this debate and the overarching question of “work-life” balance. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes Heather MacDougall, Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Chairman MacDougall, and Matt discuss various topical workplace health/safety issues, including workplace violence, why employers must provide tailored training and implement workplace-specific policies/procedures, and how an employee’s underlying health condition may impact OSHA-related litigation. Chairman MacDougall, also reflects on her own personal and professional journey to public service, and discusses how innovation and technology has the potential to dramatically reshape workplace health and safety. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes renowned legal scholar and University of Chicago Law Professor, Eric Posner, to discuss the increased legal, legislative and social scrutiny surrounding noncompetition agreements – specifically, how courts are analyzing their enforceability, how various states are legislating guardrails around their increased use (for example, by barring them as to low-wage workers) and why, at this unique point in time, society seems more focused on whether these types of agreements serve the greater good. Matt and Professor Posner debate the various pros and cons of these trends, examine Professor Posner’s recent New York Times Op-Ed on “Monopsony” and discuss best practices/tips for employers on the use of noncompetes. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes the Honorable Ruben Castillo, Chief Judge for the Northern District of Illinois (the third largest jurisdiction in the country) for a wide-ranging discussion. Judge Castillo shares his personal journey from growing up the son of two immigrants to being the first Hispanic federal judge in Illinois. He also discusses his views on the evolution of litigation and advocacy over his 25 years on the bench, as well as his perspective on employment litigation trends, the types of facts/evidence he is likely to find persuasive in employment-related litigation, and how lawyers can be more effective advocates (both inside and outside the courtroom). Matt also asks Judge Castillo about his involvement in criminal justice reform and his many other public outreach initiatives. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Although much has been written about millennials, employers should also be focusing attention on the next generation of workers: Gen Z. In this intriguing episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes best-selling author and “generational expert” David Stillman to discuss the historical and cultural events which helped shape and define Gen Z – such as being parented by uber-competitive Gen Xers, living through the 2008 recession and growing up as smartphone “digital natives” with highly customizable and curated experiences. Matt and David also discuss the distinctive characteristics Gen Z is already displaying in the workplace, as well as best practices on how to recruit, retain, and manage Gen Z talent (HINT: VERY differently than millennials). http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

To present a unique perspective on criminal history discrimination and “ban the box” laws, Matt Steinberg welcomes ConBody founder, Coss Marte. Many media outlets (including The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Elle Magazine, Men’s Health and others) have chronicled Coss’ fascinating life story. While serving a seven-year prison sentence for dealing drugs, he created a workout regimen, which, after his release, he turned into a renowned national fitness brand. In their chat, Matt and Coss discuss Coss’s journey, his personal and professional views surrounding criminal history discrimination in the workplace (and his involvement with various governmental task forces in this space), the important and nuanced legal/business/social issues surrounding “ban the box” laws, ConBody’s culture of “having your employees’ backs,” and Coss’ perspective on successfully scaling an entrepreneurial venture. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this unique discussion, Matt welcomes Dr. Agustin Arbulu to discuss his agency’s enforcement and education/outreach programs throughout Michigan, his commitment to achieving “equity” in workplaces (beyond just diversity and inclusion), the many nuanced and important issues surrounding race discrimination in the workplace, the Flint water crisis, how Michigan is protecting LGBTQ rights on a state/local level and how technological and other innovation is impacting Michigan employers and (re)shaping Michigan’s dynamic economy. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, you can hear Matt’s recent NYC panel discussion moderated by Solon Barocas, Ph. D. (Cornell University Assistant Professor & Co-Founder of Fairness, Accountability + Transparency in Machine Learning) and featuring panelists Adam Klein (Deputy Managing Partner – Outten & Golden); Eric Dunleavy, Ph.D. (Director of Personnel Selection & Litigation Support Services – DCI Consulting) and Kelly Trindel, Ph.D. (Head of Science + Diversity Analytics). http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt welcomes David Sherwyn, Professor of Law at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration & Director of Cornell’s Center for Innovative Hospitality Labor & Employment Relations, to discuss many of the cutting-edge employment law/HR issues currently facing the hospitality industry. Among other things, Matt and David cover: (a) the various legal, business, and operational questions surrounding “tipped” workforces; (b) the overlay, if any, between tipping and harassment, and the future of tipping generally; (c) why innovation and technology is continuing to disrupt the hospitality sector and redefine the nature of hospitality work; (d) the United States Supreme Court’s recent Epic Systems decision (upholding mandatory arbitration and class action waivers) and why David believes strongly that, for both employers and employees, non-class arbitration is preferable to litigation; and (e) best practices for all employers based upon lessons learned from the hospitality sector. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes long-time Akerman colleague and friend Samantha Abeysekera to discuss the “Stop Sexual Harassment In NYC Act” and whether other jurisdictions will adopt similar legislation mandating sex harassment training. Matt and Sam also offer broader insights on how all employers can design authentic training programs that will resonate with their employee populations and align with company culture. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this freewheeling episode, Matt welcomes a handful of kids, ages 4 ½ - 14, who visited Akerman’s NYC office last week for “Bring Your Kids To Work Day.” Matt’s exchanges with these awesome kids will not only make you smile, but also provide some interesting insights into your next generation(s) of employees. Enjoy! http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes renowned attorney/litigator James Esseks, the Director of ACLU's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & HIV Project, for an important conversation about promoting LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace. This candid discussion focuses on the importance of appropriate and sensitive language and terms in the LGBTQ community, how society’s increasing acceptance of gay marriage has cascaded into greater sensitivity around LGBTQ workplace rights, and various thoughtful employment practices related to the transgender and gender non-binary community. James also discusses several significant ACLU litigations involving LGBTQ discrimination and religious liberty defenses. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this episode, Matt Steinberg welcomes Karla Muniz, Senior Director of Human Resources for Florida Hospital (25,000 employees throughout Central Florida), to discuss the importance of purposefully creating meaningful employee culture -- starting at the employee recruiting phase and continuing throughout the employment relationship. Karla also describes the innovative and unique ways in which Florida Hospital facilitates organic (and fun!) interactions across a multitude of diverse employees, incorporates “Just Culture” principles into personnel decisions and provides all employees, regardless of job title, with great visibility into the holistic operation of the business (and why this matters). Finally, Karla and Matt predict how corporate culture may change (and be tested!) by the next generation of remote workers. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Recorded live from Akerman's Labor and Employment Law Summit, Matt welcomes Kelly Trindel, Head of I/O Science + Diversity Analytics at pymetrics, former EEOC Chief Analyst/Director of Research and Investigative Analysis, to discuss how algorithms and artificial intelligence will continue to revolutionize workplaces, including in the areas of sourcing/recruiting/hiring, the use of wearable technology to track employee movement and performance, and the potential rise of robots in the workplace; and why, over time, AI might help employers (and society) adapt to these fast-moving developments. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Plaintiff’s wage and hour class action attorney Rachel Haskell from the Law Office of Christopher Davis, to discuss how off-the-clock claims are being litigated in an increasingly connected world. In this wide-ranging and forward thinking chat, Matt and Rachel discuss litigating wage and hour claims in the gig/outsourced/on-demand economies, the dramatic impact that smartphones and GPS-enabled apps continue to have on tracking work time and litigating off-the-clock claims, a spirited debate related to employees’ right to privacy, and other best practices for how to properly compensate increasingly remote employees and avoid off-the-clock litigation. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Ed Trissel, partner at corporate communications firm Joele Frank, to discuss effective employer strategies and best practices for communicating with your employees during the midst of an employment-related or other business crisis (for example, when an employment lawsuit or situation has gone or is about to go viral). They also discuss how social media/Twitter underscores the need for authentic and disciplined crisis management strategies and how consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based upon reports of how companies/brands treat their employees. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes prominent Plaintiff-side lawyer Debra Katz (Katz, Marshall & Banks), to discuss her perspective on 2017 trends and 2018 predictions. Matt and Debbie discuss/debate a broad range of topics including how employers can better avoid sexual harassment in the workplace, the recent attack on confidentiality provisions in settlement agreements and push for more transparency around sexual harassment settlements, an uptick in “family responsibility” litigation, how today’s uniquely-charged climate creates real risks for race, religion and other forms of discrimination litigation, and much more. Debbie also provides practical insights for employers on “what leads people to her office” (HINT: Be honest with employees). www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Beazley Insurance liability executives/experts, Jeremie Saada and Alyssa Pianelli, to discuss their "Top Five" litigation trends and observations from 2017, including increased litigation in the areas of sexual harassment, gender pay equity, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, website accessibility and disability discrimination. The group also discuss predictions for 2018, including the potential for increased shareholder and other derivative lawsuits seeking to hold management/Board members liable for business losses stemming from harassment in the workplace or related harassment settlements/judgments. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Hawaii State Representative, Chris Lee, who helped pass the first state law in support of universal basic income (“UBI”). Whether you are for or against it, the concept of UBI is straightforward – it is the idea that the government gives every person an unconditional cash payment to spend as they wish. It is viewed by some politicians and business leaders from across the political spectrum as a possible solution to poverty, underemployment, wage stagnation, and automation. But do the pros outweigh the cons? If so, is UBI even politically viable? How would it be funded? In their wide-ranging discussion, Matt and Representative Lee explore these issues and more, including how and why Lee was able to enact pro-UBI legislation in Hawaii. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

In this “flash pod,” Leanne Reagan updates Matt on yesterday’s surprise amendments to the House’s tax bill and the Senate’s release of its own proposed bill. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Don’t let the episode title scare you away! Matt welcomes colleague Leanne Reagan to discuss how the House’s proposed tax reform bill impacts compensation arrangements and how, if passed into law, it could completely revolutionize how employers structure future compensation practices. Specific topics include substantial limitations on deferred compensation, corporate/individual tax rate reductions, and new limits on tax-exempt entity compensation agreements. Matt and Leanne also discuss items that were not included in the initial draft of the proposed bill, including changes to 401(k) deferral limits, items that were added even after the proposal came out including limitations on carried interest arrangements and equity grants for start-ups. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt Steinberg welcomes EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum for the second half of their wide-ranging conversation where Matt and Commissioner Feldblum discuss federal protection of employment-related LGBT rights, how the DOJ's recent pronouncements on these issues will impact EEOC present enforcement/litigation (hint: it won't), the EEOC's increased focus on age discrimination, the legal and business reasons for why employers should avoid ageist stereotypes, and a final "speed round" on timely issues including EEO pay data reports, and gender pay equity. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Amidst seemingly endless sexual harassment headlines, Matt Steinberg welcomes EEOC Commissioner, Chai Feldblum, to discuss the "Superstar Harasser" epidemic. The discussion will explore what companies can do to prevent and address harassment in the workplace, innovative ideas and best practices for authentic employment training, building a corporate culture of "shared responsibility," and the debate surrounding the use of nondisclosure provisions in settlement agreements. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt Steinberg welcomes Humanyze CEO, Ben Waber, to discuss the growing science around people analytics -- the "big data" underlying day-to-day workplace interactions. Matt and Ben discuss how technology (e.g., 'next-gen' bluetooth and sensor-enabled employee ID badges) allows employers to collect and analyze impactful electronic and physical workplace data; how employers are effectively using people analytics to measure which employees/teams are interacting/collaborating, and where a lack of interaction/collaboration is hindering performance; the increased role people analytics should play before employers test/make key decisions on issues such as compensation, reporting relationships, and office configuration; and how people analytics can help frame thoughtful discussions around broader workplace issues, including gender bias and remote workforces. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Leigh Ollman, Director of AkermanX. Leigh drives the firm’s innovation initiatives with a special focus on R&D and social impact. In this episode, Leigh and Matt discuss how to build successful corporate responsibility programs, common challenges to anticipate, and why employers should engage employees in social impact programs which has been proven to not only help businesses connect with their communities, but also greatly enhances employee morale and fulfilment. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Above The Law Founder & Managing Editor David Lat to discuss how blogs, employee review aggregators, and other popular tech platforms have dramatically reshaped transparency in the employee/employer relationship; the increased public discourse about employees’ wages, benefits, and other aspects of their day-to-day jobs; practical tips for employers on how to operate in this increasingly transparent environment; how greater transparency might actually help employers in the long run; the potential next wave of transparent dialogue centering around diversity in the workplace and employees’ increased desire for a better work/life balance; and other key trends and takeaways. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Law360 Senior Employment Reporter, Vin Gurrieri, to discuss legal journalism in today's "Twitter culture." Topics include the importance of thought diversity and balanced content, the types of employment cases likely to attract media attention, and Vin's top five trending employment law issues – class action waivers, LGBTQ rights, innovation in the workplace, the shifting NLRB landscape, and managing intermittent leave. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes prominent members of the NYC Plaintiff’s bar and mother-daughter guest team Laurie Berke-Weiss and Alex Berke to discuss the recent proliferation of state and local paid family leave statutes; paid family leave and the progressive movement; how millennials are shaping the debate; federal paid family leave proposals; benefits v. compliance for employers; and paid family leave law litigation and enforcement trends. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes back colleague Rachel Schumacher to discuss the first case holding medicinal marijuana may be a reasonable accommodation. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes colleagues Ray Berti and Becky Barrett to discuss the sudden proliferation of “Fair Workweek” laws, which are designed to ensure that workers have predictable schedules and paychecks, and “comp time” -- the concept by which employees opt for paid time off in lieu of overtime wages -- as well as the United States House of Representatives' recent partisan passage of the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2017. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Claire McTaggart, founder of job-matching technology platform SquarePeg, to discuss the increased role of tech and predictive modeling in the area of human resources and talent acquisition; the importance of companies hiring for actual “fit”; the continued utility (if any??!!) of “the resume”; creative interview practices and strategies; the overlay between technological innovations and implicit bias, and why companies must remain vigilant to ensure diverse workplaces; whether robots will one day conduct all job interviews; and the important societal role technology can play in getting people back to work. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Victoria Lipnic, Acting Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for a wide-ranging discussion regarding Chair Lipnic’s personal and professional background, the expansion of employers’ EEO-1 disclosure obligations (scheduled to take effect March 2018), the potential merger between the EEOC and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Chair Lipnic’s focus on EEOC job growth initiatives, best practices for employers to attract diverse workforces, EEOC scrutiny over settlement and release agreements, EEOC efforts to combat age discrimination in today’s workforce, and the recent EEOC Task Force which analyzed trends and concerns around harassment in the workplace. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes his colleague Bran Noonan to discuss the newly-passed NYC law prohibiting employers from inquiring about job applicants' salary histories, the potential for civil litigation in this area, and whether this signifies a national trend. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Work Market President/Co-Founder Jeff Wald to dispel myths about the developing "on-demand" workforce, discuss how new technology platforms and changing workplace demographics will continue to affect the labor market, and analyze the overall impact (positive and negative) these developments may have on employers, employees, and society as a whole. Matt and Jeff then comment on NYC's recently enacted "Freelance Isn't Free Act" (FIFA), the first law in the country explicitly designed to protect on-demand workers, and predict whether employers outside of NYC should expect to see similar legislation in the future. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Lourdes Rosado, Bureau Chief, Civil Rights Bureau of the New York Attorney General Office, to discuss her professional background advocating for children’s rights and criminal justice reform, the NYAG's broad ability to investigate and prosecute (both civilly and criminally) employment-related claims, increased collaboration amongst Attorneys General across the country on discrimination-related issues, and Lourdes’ observations regarding specific employment law issues including: "ban the box" criminal conviction discrimination statutes, protecting undocumented workers, various forms of alleged housing discrimination, a potential uptick in sexual harassment claims and wage/hour investigations, protecting LGBT and domestic violence victims' rights, religious accommodations in the workplace and curbing the use of non-competes. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes Angela Corridan, Director of Labor & Employment Law for JetBlue Airways Corporation, and Ron Palmese, General Counsel for Shake Shack, to generally discuss both employees' and employer's increased social and political activism and how that may change the employer/employee relationship, recent related litigation and media attention involving employees terminated for sending offensive tweets, and the various legal issues surrounding the New York Legal Activities Law. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes women's rights advocate and civil rights lawyer Jack Tuckner for a discussion on the wide range of pregnancy-related discrimination claims, including the "holy trinity" of pregnancy, gender, and disability discrimination causes of action, the rise of "gender plus" stereotyping claims, workplace culture and paternity leave, and other insights from a plaintiffs' lawyer's perspective. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes back Akerman employee benefits guru Beth Alcalde to decode the rhetoric and discuss practical insights surrounding the newly-proposed "American Health Care Act" and what it could mean for employers if passed. Pre-existing condition exclusions, dependent eligibility, HSAs, FSAs, individual/employer mandates, tax incentives, and potential costs to employers are explored. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

David Lopez served as EEOC General Counsel from 2010 to 2016 (the longest tenure of any EEOC General Counsel). In this episode, Matt and David explore a myriad of topics, including EEOC litigation and enforcement trends/predictions, LGBTQ and undocumented worker rights, potential "religious freedom" defenses, and SCOTUS nominee Neil Gorsuch's noteworthy employment-related decisions. David also talks about his transition to private practice and launching a new D.C. office for Outten & Golden. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt welcomes BNP Paribas NYC Senior Employment Counsel Thomas Mullins and Akerman Los Angeles Partner Rachel Schumacher (covering both coasts!) to discuss disability discrimination trends and the potential next wave of reasonable accommodation requests, including the use of medical marijuana, adjusting management styles in response to employee mental health concerns, support animals, allergies, other light/sound/scent sensitivities in the workplace and much more. http://www.akerman.com/podcasts/disclaimer/workedup.html

Matt and Beth return to discuss the "repeal and replace" debate (and help separate fact from fiction), practical insights about the Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services nominees, ACA provisions most likely to survive, other most likely to fall, the potential for employer tax incentives and what all of this means for your workplace.

Matt welcomes his colleague Beth Alcalde to discuss Obamacare – stripped of political rhetoric. In the first of this two-part podcast, Matt and Beth discuss the ACA's operational functionality, ways in which it succeeded, ways in which it failed and often-debated alternatives such as the elimination of state lines and the "single-payer" option.

Matt welcomes Appboy Chief Revenue Officer Myles Kleeger, and JustWorks Head of Business Development Molly Siems, to discuss how technology innovation can and will continue to transform your workplace. This podcast will focus on workplaces generally, and not (gulp!) how artificial intelligence might one day replace lawyers. Teaser – think virtual reality, augmented reality, voice recognition software and, yes, robots!!

Matt welcomes EEOC Chief Analyst Kelly Trindel, Ph. D., to discuss employers' use of Big Data (for better or worse) in various phases of the employment relationship, potential disparate impact risks, the overlay between Big Data and implicit bias, the EEOC's team of Ph. Ds and statisticians, Japanese Manga websites (you will have to listen to find out what that means!), and how Big Data influenced the election cycle.