The Chad & Cheese Podcast

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, the boys interview Dr. Poornima Luthra, a TEDx speaker, associate professor at Copenhagen Business School, and author specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Luthra discusses her upcoming book, Can I Say That?, which explores the backlash against DEI initiatives, rooted in her 18 years of academic research in talent management and HR. Key Points: Background and Motivation: Dr. Luthra's interest in DEI stems from her PhD research and personal experiences with social inequities as a woman of color. Her work focuses on creating fairer organizational environments. DEI Backlash: She observes a global backlash against DEI, particularly amplified in the U.S., with ripple effects in Europe. Companies face pressure to remove DEI training and terminology, especially those with U.S. federal contracts. Fear as a Core Issue: Dr. Luthra identifies fear as the root of resistance to DEI, manifesting in five forms: fear of change, fear of getting it wrong, fear of personal consequences, discomfort with bias, and fear of ineffective actions. These fears affect all groups, not just dominant ones. Zero-Sum Misconception: The backlash is fueled by a zero-sum view where advancing marginalized groups is seen as diminishing others' advantages. Dr. Luthra critiques the focus on quotas over systemic and cultural change, which perpetuates this mindset. Diversity Paradox: Diversity alone doesn't guarantee positive outcomes like retention or morale without equity and inclusion. Resistance to DEI can increase job dissatisfaction and insecurity, particularly for marginalized groups. Meritocracy Myth: Dr. Luthra challenges the notion of meritocracy, noting that perceptions of merit are biased by social conditioning around gender, race, and other factors. True meritocratic systems require dismantling these biases. Corporate Responses: While some companies abandon DEI, others, like Costco, maintain commitments, aligning with customer and employee values. Share price drops for companies retracting DEI efforts suggest market consequences. Allyship: Dr. Luthra emphasizes allyship through introspection, curiosity, humble acknowledgment of privilege, empathetic engagement, vulnerable interactions, and courageous responsibility. Her book aims to guide everyone in overcoming fears to engage with DEI effectively. Book Promotion: Can I Say That? is a workplace-focused guide for bridging divides and addressing DEI fears, aimed at both supporters and skeptics. It releases in May 2025 (June/July in the U.S.) and will be available on Amazon and other platforms. The episode blends humor, critical analysis, and practical insights, urging listeners to rethink DEI approaches and commit to systemic change despite resistance. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Poornima Luthra 02:31 - The Personal Journey into DEI 04:01 - Global Perspectives on DEI Backlash 05:27 - Understanding Fear in DEI Resistance 11:21 - The Zero-Sum Game of DEI 17:49 - The Impact of Resistance on Workplace Dynamics 21:10 - Meritocracy vs. DEI: A Flawed Concept 24:56 - Corporate Responses to DEI Challenges 27:37 - The Role of Allyship in DEI 31:57 - Promoting the New Book: Can I Say That?

Get ready for a rollercoaster of HR drama and economic shade on  this week's show as we unpack a can o' worms, starting with the wild corporate espionage feud between Rippling and Deel, with Rippling alleging Deel's spying triggered a federal probe and Globalization Partners reporting similar shenanigans—Chad says Deel's C-suite might need a total reboot. Klarna's AI avatar-led earnings report screams IPO hype, but its predatory micro-loan model gets roasted, with J.T. warning job seekers to master video authentication as AI interviews become universal. Speaking of AI, job seekers are slamming glitchy, soulless AI interviews, with J.T. urging strategic job hunting in a market tougher than 2008, while Chad pitches quirky Max Headroom-style AI to ease the weirdness. Utah's AwardCo snags $165M and a $1B valuation for its employee recognition platform, but the hosts call it a shiny fix for lousy leadership, doomed to breed dissatisfaction. Trump's tariff tantrum at Walmart, demanding they “eat” costs, is labeled chaotic misdirection by Chad, with J.T. seeing it as Trump's chaos-and-save tactic. The Senate's No Tax on Tips Act, offering a $25,000 deduction, is slammed as a distraction from living wages—only 2.5% of workers rely on tips, and Joel mourns the sidestep of real wage reform. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Weather Banter 03:00 - The Decline of Skype and Video Calling Trends 05:57 - Shout Outs and Legal Drama 09:08 - Corporate Espionage in HR Tech 16:58 - AI in Business Presentations and Job Seeking 24:02 - The Future of AI and Authenticity in Video25:50The Impact of AI on Employment27:58Automation in Job Interviews 33:58 - The Future of Job Applications 38:02 - The Rise of Recognition Platforms 52:02 - The No Tax on Tips Act 56:05 - The Economics of Tipping and Wages

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this spicy episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, Joel and Chad sit down with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown—lawyer, DEI guru, and human BS detector—to ask the big question: Is DEI really dying, or is corporate America just too chicken to say “diversity” out loud? Inside the episode: DEI isn't dead, it's just in hiding—like your CEO when reporters come calling. JP Morgan swaps “DEI” for “DOI” like it's a secret menu item. Smooth move, Jamie. Dr. Brown breaks down why equity matters—using fire drills, because apparently metaphors are the only language execs understand. McKinsey stats say diversity = profits. But sure, let's keep pretending this is just “woke nonsense.” Chad wonders if white guys are scared of 2045. Dr. Brown says: yep, and it's called replacement theory with a side of panic. Performative DEI? Pride flags in June and silence the rest of the year? We see you.

Buckle up for a wild ride with Joel Cheesman and Emi Beredugo, where they sling HR hot takes with the finesse of a fast-food fry cook! This episode's a rollercoaster of laughs and eye-rolls, diving into the AI-first workplace fiasco like it's a soap opera. Klarna's CEO got a reality check after ditching 700 customer service reps for AI, only to realize bots can't sweet-talk angry customers. Now they're on a hiring spree to bring back the human touch—oops! Duolingo, meanwhile, thought AI could teach languages better than people, but TikTok's Gen Z army clapped back, rage-quitting the app and calling it “disgusting.” Ouch, that's gotta sting.Then there's IBM's bigwig, Arvind Krishna, tossing shade at HR by saying AI freed up cash for “essential” jobs like sales. Emi's not having it, firing back that HR's the backbone of fairness and inclusion, not just fluffy admin work. She's all about adapting to AI without yeeting humans into oblivion. LinkedIn's new AI job search gets a nod for letting you type “I wanna save the world in sweatpants” and matching you with dream gigs, aiming to hook passive job seekers while sparing recruiters from resume spam. Wrapping up, they tackle the EU's 2026 Pay Transparency Directive, a game-changer forcing companies to spill salary tea upfront to shrink gender pay gaps and stop wasting everyone's time. But, plot twist: firms better get their org charts in order or face a discrimination lawsuit mess. And they serve it all with wit juicier and tastier than a McDonald's chicken strip! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates 05:54 - Shout Outs and Industry News 10:02 - Layoffs and Job Market Challenges 19:01 - AI in the Workplace: Klarna and Duolingo 23:59 - The Human Element in Automation 26:56 - The Automation Dilemma 30:15 - The Role of HR in an Automated World 36:40 - Earnings Insights: Recruit Holdings vs. ZipRecruiter 40:22 - LinkedIn's AI Job Search Innovations 46:16 - EU Pay Transparency Directive: A Game Changer

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

If you think your employees are “fully engaged,” that thud you just heard was Dr. Beth Linderbaum falling out of her chair laughing. This week on The Chad & Cheese Podcast, we unpack the myth that money = motivation. Spoiler: it doesn't. Turns out people want to grow, belong, and not dread Mondays. Who knew? Dr. Linderbaum schools us on why leaders are often the last to know when morale is circling the drain, how Gen Z wants feedback like it's an IV drip, and why career development beats a 3% raise every time. Oh, and we talk about AI—not the scary kind, but the kind that might actually help humans feel more human at work. Imagine that.

Live from the Gem booth in Vegas at Unleash, the boys throw together one mess-of-a-show, featuring everything from Warren Buffett to StackOne raising big cash to confusing Appcast with Recruitics to bashing ZipRecuiter. Hell, Indeed makes it in, and they weren't even in the show notes. It's a sleep deprived mess, but a good time nonetheless. We promise to make up for it next week.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, Terry Baker, CEO at Daxtra, dishes on how AI is shaking up recruitment like a caffeinated barista on a Monday morning. With 23 years of AI street cred, he insists AI's only as good as the data it's fed—garbage in, garbage out, folks—while preaching the gospel of keeping hiring human, because no one wants a robot therapist when the job hunt gets rough. The convo takes a wild turn through resume validation (think CSI: LinkedIn Edition), with Baker warning that AI-generated CVs are sneakier than a cat burglar in a yarn store. From automating soul-crushing high-volume gigs to spotting skill gaps in employees who still think “Excel” is a workout move, Baker's got big plans—capped with a future where AI's so slick, it might just write your performance review and roast you at the same time. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Terry Baker and Daxtra 02:53 - The Evolution of Daxtra's Technology 05:53 - Engagement and Humanization in Recruitment 09:14 - AI's Role in Recruitment and Performance Reviews 11:54 - Validation and Verification in Hiring Processes 15:08 - Navigating DEI and Meritocracy in Hiring 17:51 - The Future of AI in Recruitment 20:59 - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese Podcast, the gang serves up a spicy stew of economic banter and corporate shenanigans, with a side of sports and social commentary. They dive into the job market's wild rollercoaster, where small businesses are clinging on for dear life, while cheering Wrexham's sports glow-up like it's the underdog story of the century. The aging workforce gets a sympathetic nod as they dodge AI overlords and corporate curveballs, and the hosts toss in some cheeky political jabs about Canada-U.S. relations—because why not? Meanwhile, the tech world's a hot mess: companies rise and fall faster than a bad TikTok trend, return-to-office mandates have everyone grumbling, and UPS layoffs are waving red flags like an economic doomsday prophet. Gen Z and X'ers alike are sweating in this AI-driven, stagflation-looming job market, and the Deel-Rippling corporate soap opera keeps the drama juicier than a reality TV reunion. Grab your popcorn! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Current Events 03:01 - Economic Trends and Job Market Insights 05:59 - Impact on Small Businesses and Consumer Confidence 09:03 - Wrexham's Masterclass 17:44 - Corporate Drama: Deal vs. Rippling Lawsuit 22:59 - Reflections on Past Business Failures and Lessons Learned 23:49 - The Rise and Fall of Tech Giants 27:05 - Big brands go Return to Office 30:09 - The Impact of Layoffs on Workforce Dynamics 34:39 - The Future of Remote Work 38:46 - UPS: Canary in the Coal Mine or Something Else? 46:19 - Aspen Tech and Linkup Market Data

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode, the boys dive into the great European vacation boycott of the U.S.—turns out, Trump's tariff tantrums and border shenanigans have Europeans swapping the Grand Canyon for grandma's couch in Lisbon. They cackle over the diplomatic dumpster fire sparked by recent political stunts, then pivot to Spain's Job&Talent, the staffing hotshot that's raking in cash like it's a piñata party. The platform's plotting a global takeover with AI so smart it could probably match you with your dream job and your soulmate. The crew geeks out over how Job&Talent's pampering workers with benefits while turbocharging operations with tech wizardry, making old-school staffing agencies look like they're using carrier pigeons. They riff on the recruitment tech revolution, where AI's turning job boards into something out of a sci-fi flick, and toss around hot takes on HR tech startups—some are destined for glory, others for the startup graveyard. It's a game of Buy or Sell, featuring Vizzy, PeopleForce and Klara. Oh, and Spain's immigration policies? They're basically rolling out the red carpet for immigrants, fueling the economy like a sangria-soaked rocket. Will the rest of Europe follow their lead? Gotta listen to find out. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Tourism Trends 12:39 - Job&Talent's Funding and Expansion 17:00 - AI Integration in Staffing Solutions 17:44 - Investment Insights in AI and Recruitment 20:37 - The Future of Job Boards and Recruitment Platforms 21:17 - Buy or Sell: Evaluating Startups in HR Tech - 27:47 - The Role of Immigration in Spain's Economic Growth 39:02 - Spain's Approach to Labor Migration and Economic Strategy

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash welcome Beth Benike, CEO of Busy Baby, a baby product company featured on Shark Tank and NPR's How I Built This. Benike, a former Army veteran and mother, shares the story of Busy Baby, which started with a silicone placemat that suctions to surfaces and tethers toys to keep them off the ground. Now offering eight interchangeable products, the company faces a crisis due to new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, with $158,000 of inventory stuck in China and tariffs soaring to $230,000—far exceeding the anticipated $30,000 for a 20-30% rate. Manufacturing in the U.S. isn't viable due to the lack of raw silicone material, high minimum order requirements, and costly equipment (e.g., $4.5 million for one product line). Benike highlights the ripple effect on small businesses, like trucking firms and port workers, as imports stall and shelves risk going empty, potentially disrupting holiday sales since 80% of U.S. toys come from China. She plans to pivot to selling in Europe, Canada, and Australia, despite unfamiliar markets, as tariffs make U.S. sales unsustainable. The discussion also touches on unfair tariff exemptions for large companies like Lenovo, leaving small businesses like Busy Baby struggling, and the broader economic threat to jobs and consumer spending. Benike remains determined to protect her team and find solutions, urging listeners to visit busybaby.com. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Busy Baby and Beth Benike 01:28 - The Journey of a Veteran Entrepreneur 03:24 - Manufacturing Decisions: The China Dilemma 06:02 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Small Businesses 10:01 - The Future of Retail: Empty Shelves Ahead 12:07 - The Ripple Effect of Manufacturing Challenges 17:38 - Exploring Alternatives: Europe and Beyond 21:17 - Intellectual Property and Relationships in China 25:05 - The Disparity Between Small and Large Businesses 28:05 - The Human Element: Team and Community Impact 32:11 - Conclusion: The Bigger Picture for Small Businesses

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman, Chad Sowash, and J.T. O'Donnell serve up a spicy mix of summer vibes, NFL draft hot takes, and enough industry tea to fill a Chipotle burrito bowl. They're hyped about the Pro Voice Talent Agency launch, a slick new gig for white-collar pros, and cackle over Chipotle's bold leap into Mexico—because nothing screams “¡Olé!” like guac south of the border. But hold the salsa, because the real drama unfolds with Indeed and ZipRecruiter's legal cage match, proving job boards are scrappier than a reality TV reunion. The hosts dive into Recruit Holdings snatching up ZipRecruiter like it's the last taco at a buffet, hinting at a job board consolidation that's juicier than office gossip. Big Tech's antitrust troubles get a roasting—turns out, the government's got more shade to throw than a TikTok troll. Layoffs are hitting harder than a Monday morning hangover, with entry-level jobs for grads vanishing faster than free pizza at a college fair. The trio stresses that communication skills are the new black for jobless newbies. Things get wilder as they unpack the creator economy's rise, where TikTok dancers and YouTube ranters are the new CEOs. AI's flipping the job market like a pancake, but the hosts aren't laughing about the military's AI weapons race—yep, Skynet vibes are real, and they're begging for some adult supervision. With snark, wit, and a side of “what the heck is happening,” this episode is a masterclass in navigating the chaotic world of work. Grab your earbuds and tune-in. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Summer Vibes 03:05 - NFL Draft Predictions and Team Dynamics 09:52 - J.T.'s Talent Agency Launch 11:58 - Chipotle's Expansion into Mexico 15:03 - Indeed vs. ZipRecruiter Legal Drama 22:06 - Google and Facebook Antitrust Challenges 25:17 - The Impact of Layoffs on the Workforce 33:06 - The Rise of the Creator Economy 40:14 - AI and the Future of Work 42:57 - The Military and AI Weapons Race

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash rope in Alex Fourlis, the big cheese (sorry, Joel) at Veritone Hire, for a wild ride through the job market's circus. Fourlis, with 25+ years of recruitment street cred, brags about Veritone slinging over a million jobs a month worldwide—like a digital paperboy on steroids. The trio dives into the chaos: hiring's been dropping faster than a bad Tinder date for two years, automation and programmatic advertising are the cool kids Enterprises can't stop swiping right on, and AI in recruitment is basically the robot overlord we all saw coming. LinkedIn's flexing as the job board prom king, while Google for Jobs lurks like that quiet kid who might just steal the crown. Smaller job boards? They're scrambling to jazz up their tech, services, and content—or risk fading into obscurity like a MySpace page. Fourlis spills the tea on how these sites have been their own worst enemies (think clunky UX and “please wait” vibes), and why smart employers need to mix up their ad game like a DJ at a wedding. Veritone's here to play hiring fairy godmother with analytics fairy dust, and the chat—covering job ad maturity models to AI's job-search takeover—serves up laughs and wisdom. It ends with Fourlis tossing out his LinkedIn like a mic drop, daring listeners to slide into his DMs.

On this episode of The Chad and Cheese Podcast, our hosts sling wit and wisdom faster than paintballs at a corporate team-building fiasco, dreaming up a tournament that'd make HR - and Cheesman - cry. Topics are spicy with the soap opera at Deel, where legal drama's juicier than a reality TV reunion. Plus, they geek out over Indeed's search boxes making a comeback and some fancy new premium service—because job hunting needed more flair. Switching gears, they clown on Indeed's latest job-seeker gadgets, throw shade at LinkedIn's “innovations,” and size up Adzuna's AI job search bot like it's a contender in a tech cage match. They also muse about the future of U.S. manufacturing jobs and raise eyebrows at the cash flow in the adult entertainment biz, courtesy of OnlyFans' economic glow-up. It's a wild ride of laughs, hot takes, and enough wit to make your commute feel like a comedy special. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Paintball Tournament Idea 05:58 - Education System Discussion 12:16 - LGBTQ+ Education and Political Challenges 18:00 - Unleash Event and Networking Opportunities 20:00 - Deel CEO Drama and Corporate Governance 22:53 - Indeed's Search Box Return and Premium Service 27:23 - Job Seekers and Employer Signals 30:03 - Indeed's New Features and Their Implications 34:58 - LinkedIn's Recent Developments 41:36 - Adzuna's AI Job Search Agent 45:42 - The Future of Manufacturing Jobs 53:00 - Economic Indicators from OnlyFans

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, Jeff Taylor, the nutty professor behind Monster.com, crashes the mic to dish on job boards, entrepreneurial chaos, and why the hiring game's more bonkers than a squirrel on espresso. He takes us on a nostalgia trip through Monster's heyday, chuckling at how Indeed swooped in like a job-posting ninja and the LinkedIn deal hit like a plot twist in a bad rom-com—spoiler: LinkedIn won. Taylor's saga is a hoot: from birthing Monster, to getting a decade-long MBA beatdown from Ray Dalio at Bridgewater (think Wall Street with extra yelling), to now pimping his new gig, BoomBand, which promises to rescue resumes and job postings from the stone age—because who needs parchment scrolls in 2025? He cracks up over flops like Eons—“Facebook handed me my lunch”—and slings zingers like “Jeff Taylor is back, bitches,” while preaching that job seekers are the real MVPs, job boards are deader than disco, and keeping market share is like wrestling a greased pig. With a gleam in his eye, he's hell-bent on jazzing up resumes to strut past, present, and future vibes, proving that thriving in this HR tech madhouse means diving headfirst into the crazy—and maybe dodging a few industry punches along the way. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Jeff Taylor 02:02 - Jeff's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:34 - The Evolution of Job Boards 06:37 - The Challenges of Job Market Dynamics 08:29 - The Impact of Aggregators on Job Boards 10:54 - The LinkedIn Deal and Its Consequences 12:36 - Reflections on Monster's Legacy 19:37 - Lessons from Eons and Future Aspirations 29:05 - The Evolution of Monster and Ad Agencies 34:00 - Transitioning to Bridgewater and Learning from Ray Dalio 39:30 - The Journey to BoomBand: Challenges and Insights 46:46 - Reinventing Recruitment: The Future of Resumes and Job Postings

This week on HR's most dangerous podcast, things get wild with updates from the espionage-soaked saga between Rippling and Deel — Rippling needs more cash and Deel loses top talent. But wait, there's more: China and Dave Chappelle's next-level tariff trolling North Korean IT infiltrations at Fortune 500 companies? That's right — the hackers are already inside the house.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

The Chad and Cheese Podcast Does Europe mixes humor with sharp analysis on Europe's evolving landscape. The episode kicks off with light banter before diving into Tesla's struggles in Europe, where sales have plummeted—down 41.1% in France and 55.3% in Sweden—due to Elon Musk's anti-EU stance and Trump's tariffs. These tariffs also threaten U.S. wineries and tourism, prompting travel warnings from Portugal. Meanwhile, European defense strategies are shifting, with Macron pushing for rearmament, Germany increasing military spending, and tensions rising over Greenland's NATO position, signaling Europe's move away from U.S. dependence. In business news, the U.K.-based job platform Adzuna saw a 33% revenue drop in 2024, partly blamed on economic struggles and the Russia-Ukraine war, though Chad attributes it to losing U.S. government contracts. Barcelona's HR startup Factorial secured $120 million in funding, expanding to 13,000 clients while steering clear of Deel and Rippling's espionage lawsuit. Meanwhile, Adecco and Salesforce's new partnership aims to merge human and digital workforces, but Chad doubts Salesforce's commitment, suspecting they'll use Adecco's data before cutting ties. The hosts highlight Europe's growing shift toward local self-sufficiency, with China's BYD surpassing Tesla as European trust in U.S. firms wanes. Belgium's strikes reflect concerns over pension cuts and reduced African aid. On a lighter note, Lieven gives a shoutout to his 14-year-old son, Jan-Julius, for developing an AI chatbot to improve job matching at House of HR, while Chad cheers for Portugal and Spain in the UEFA Nations League. As Europe adapts to economic and geopolitical changes, the trio sees deglobalization accelerating, reinforcing local investment and industry while distancing from American influence.

Hope you like it a little light and a little dark! This week's episode kicks off with some casual fashion talk before taking a sharp turn into the biggest April Fool's joke that wasn't—Val Kilmer's passing. The hosts pay tribute to his legendary roles before diving into politics, where Cory Booker's marathon filibuster gets mixed reactions: Mo is impressed, Chad shrugs it off like a casual jog, and Joel speculates he's gunning for the Democratic throne while Gavin Newsom plays nice with conservatives. Then, things get spicy with a corporate espionage scandal straight out of a bad spy movie. Former Rippling employee Keith O'Brien went full double agent for Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz, leaking company secrets in exchange for crypto payments. Rippling caught on, set a trap with a fake Slack channel, and watched O'Brien panic so hard he literally took an axe to his phone. The hosts mock Bouaziz' bumbling attempt at corporate espionage, calling him “Bozo” and predicting a not-so-relaxing vacation in prison. The economy isn't looking much better—278,711 layoffs in Q1, a 25 percent drop in European tourism, and Canadian border crossings plummeting by 45 percent. Chad calls it an economic disaster, Mo wonders if voters are feeling the regret yet, and Joel insists it's all part of a grand geopolitical chess match—though Chad thinks it's more like a checkers game gone wrong. In tech news, Elon Musk pulls a Musk move by having X AI buy X for $33 billion, a deal that smells like self-dealing to everyone but Musk. Meanwhile, TikTok is days away from a ban unless it finds a new sugar daddy, with Amazon and even someone connected to OnlyFans in the running. The hosts agree TikTok's algorithm is the real prize and speculate Trump might push the deadline—because what's social media drama without a little political plot twist? Shout-outs go to TalkPush for a prank, Corporate Bro for a spy drama skit (which, ironically, is more believable than Deel's real-life spy drama), and Wendy's for crushing it on Snapchat. Meanwhile, a listener flags CareerBuilder's traffic tanking faster than a bad startup pitch, proving the job market is as unpredictable as ever. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 02:36 RIP Val Kilmer 09:41 Gavin Newsom's Strategic Conversations 10:53 April Fool's Day Pranks and Corporate Humor 20:07 Corporate Espionage: The Rippling and Deal Connection 21:39 The Espionage Chronicles Begin 27:50 The Downfall of O'Brien 29:18 Reflections on Corporate Stupidity 33:31 Trust and Reputation at Stake 37:07 Political Landscape and Economic Implications 48:32 Geopolitical Tensions and Military Strategy 51:00 Economic Implications of Defense Policies 52:56 America's Isolationist Approach 55:54 The Future of Manufacturing in America 56:27 The X and X AI Deal 01:02:40 TikTok's Algorithm and User Base Dynamics

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this riotous episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, the boys drag Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Culture Partners' Chief Strategy Officer, into the clown car of post-COVID work woes. They tackle the return-to-office (RTO) brouhaha like it's a bad slapstick routine—is it a heroic charge back to the water cooler, or are we all just pratfalling into 2019 with pants that don't fit anymore? Dr. Kriegel's swinging the “adapt or flop” hammer, dubbing RTO a dusty VHS tape in a streaming world. The gang cackles over how Gen Z's “work-from-bed” energy is giving Boomer bosses heartburn, while leading via Zoom feels like herding cats on a dial-up connection. RTO's sneaky sucker punch to diversity and inclusion gets a guffaw too—turns out mandating face time might mean fewer faces that don't look like the CEO's golf buddies. Dr. Kriegel lays it on thick: COVID flipped the script on everyone, and companies still doing the pre-pandemic tango are basically dancing with a mop. She paints a hilarious picture of the C-suite vs. HR showdown—CEOs chasing shareholder high-fives like it's a pie-eating contest, while HR's stuck mopping up a mental health meltdown with a paper towel and a prayer. Tech's the unsung hero keeping remote work from being a total farce, but those corporate silos? They're like cubicle Berlin Walls—good luck getting a memo over ‘em. And don't get her started on the “me first” corporate vibe—it's less “teamwork makes the dream work” and more “every suit for himself.” The talent market's a dumpster fire, unions are either flexing or fumbling like a bad stand-up act, and upskilling's your only shot at not being the punchline when the layoffs hit. Takeaways? Trust your slackers have a pulse, morph your culture before it fossilizes, and don't bank on CEOs sticking around—turnover's so high they're practically on a conveyor belt to the exits. Chapters 01:32 - The Return to Office Debate 08:17 - Cultural Adaptation in the Workplace 12:44 - Leadership Challenges in Remote Work 18:10 - The Impact of RTO on Diversity and Inclusion 19:51 - Solutions for Equity and Employee Engagement 22:20 - The Pressure of Shareholder Value 23:48 -The Disconnect Between HR and C-Suite 25:56 - Technology's Role in Remote Work 28:43 - Breaking Down Silos in Organizations 32:16 - The Future of Unions and Worker Power 35:25 - Navigating the Talent Market Crisis 38:19 - The Role of Upskilling in Job Security

In the latest episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash dive into a mix of serious industry shifts and quirky tangents. They unpack Indeed's traffic decline—down due to a 10% drop in job postings and competition from platforms like LinkedIn—while noting its erratic market moves and a pivot to online courses that's missing the mark with tech candidates. History lesson alert! The duo traces job search evolution from simple boards to AI-driven tools, spotlighting generative AI's potential to revolutionize applications despite hurdles like registration barriers. Then it's a spirited battle of Who'd Ya' Rather? pitting Jolly against Lumber for who's the sexier option when it's 2 a.m. at the local watering hole. The boys actually disagree on this one, so be sure to check it out. They debate Florida's controversial child labor law changes, allowing 14-year-olds to work overnight to offset labor shortages worsened by immigration crackdowns, and lament the growing burden of emotional labor in workplaces. Industry reflections include George Foreman's legacy and the people-centric nature of recruiting, peppered with personal Chicago anecdotes. The episode wraps with a chuckle over custom coffins, like a Snickers-themed sendoff, highlighting humor in death. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Show Highlights 11:00 - Industry Insights and Trends 12:45 - Indeed's Traffic Decline and Market Focus 21:00 - The Evolution of Job Search Platforms 22:29 - Generative AI and Job Search Innovations 23:51 - The Future of Job Listings and Corporate Partnerships 25:36 - Comparing Workforce Solutions: Jolly vs. Lumber 29:05 - Florida's Controversial Child Labor Laws 36:00 - The Impact of Immigration Policies on Labor 36:48 - The Burden of Emotional Labor in the Workplace 43:57 - Who Wants a Snickers Custom Coffins?

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Live from RecFest USA, The Chad & Cheese Podcast welcomes Orlando Haynes, North American talent acquisition lead at Mosaic. Orlando breaks down why personal branding is a game-changer for recruiters, offering practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn and navigating job searches after layoffs. He also shares how a strong personal brand can transform employees into powerful company ambassadors, boosting recruitment and client attraction. Catch this episode for smart strategies in today's job market—listen now!

This week, Chad, Joel, and Emi sink their teeth into a juicy HR tech showdown: Rippling's suing Deel, alleging an espionage plot. Rippling accused Deel of planting Irishman Keith O'Brien in its Dublin office, where he allegedly ran 6,000 Slack searches for trade secrets—busted by a fake “#d-defectors” Slack channel. Things escalated when O'Brien trashed his phone during a court-ordered seizure on March 19. Deel's firing back, denying it all and pointing to Rippling's own baggage, like alleged Russian sanctions violations. ZipRecruiter's in the spotlight—named a Fast Company innovator, dropping a not-so-novel scheduling tool. Their Job Seeker Confidence Index is tanking, with 41% of seekers gloomy about jobs. Joel adds their podcast's still a dud—and Zip's stock's is down around 20 percent this month. Klarna's IPO filing steals some thunder, boasting $2.8B revenue and $21M profit for 2024, but their AI-driven headcount slash (down to 3,422 from 5,527) raises eyebrows. Finally, Nvidia's GTC conference dazzles with GM's self-driving deal, Yum Brands' AI drive-thrus for 500 eateries, and a GR00T N1 humanoid robot. Is Nvidia still the gold standard? All signs point to Yes. From corporate espionage to AI tacos, it's a wild ride this week on Chad & Chees. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 03:00 - Vegas Highlights 06:00 - Randy Rainbow and Political Satire 08:05 - Canada's Nuclear Option 13:49 - Espionage Story: Deal vs. Rippling 24:45 - The Deceit in HR Tech: Unraveling the Scandal 27:47 - The Russia Connection: Investigating Allegations 30:51 - Public Perception: The Impact of Shady Practices 32:00 - ZipRecruiter News: Innovation or Repackaging? 39:02 - Klarna's IPO: A Desperate Move? 44:58 - Nvidia's AI Revolution: Transforming Fast Food Ordering

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese Podcast Does Europe, hosts Chad Sowash, Joel Cheesman, and the suavely named Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze plunge headfirst into Europe's recruitment jungle with all the grace of a tipsy tourist. They kick things off with a chuckle-fest intro—because who doesn't love a podcast that roasts itself?—before Chad regales us with tales of cultural clashes, fresh from his Champions League pilgrimage (think soccer, not superheroes). The trio then pivots faster than a Google algorithm to dissect JobIndex's legal tango with the tech giant, sparking a spicy debate: is Europe's innovation getting crushed under regulation's heavy boot? Chad, ever the optimist, defends rules like GDPR with a railroad metaphor—because nothing screams “cutting-edge” like 19th-century trains—while Lieven and Joel wrestle with privacy and the Sisyphean task of global data harmony. Next up, they poke at Randstad, the staffing behemoth caught in a midlife crisis: cling to its clipboard-and-handshake roots or swipe right on a tech makeover? The hosts unpack Randstad's tech-phobia, its snoozing innovation fund, and the Job.com flop that looms like a ghost story at a campfire. Meanwhile, plucky startups Alfa and Avery crash the party, shaking up recruitment as Europe's stocks flex harder than the S&P 500—AI flexing its robot muscles all the while. Takeaways? Randstad's scared of the future, global partnerships are the hot new dance, and “follow the money” is the mantra as Europe woos investors. They cap it with a wink to AI's takeover and a cliffhanger: will Randstad's dusty legacy save it, or is it time for a glow-up?

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, The Chad & Cheese Podcast welcomes Paige Elliott, Global Employer Brand Manager at Veeam Software. Paige shares why authentic diversity stories are critical to employer branding and how aligning internal culture with external messaging attracts talent. She offers practical tips on using video, written content, and audio to amplify diverse voices and build a sense of belonging. The conversation also delves into the growing scrutiny of DE&I commitments, strategic partnerships with organizations like Out & Equal and Women in Tech, and the importance of pay transparency and open dialogue in recruitment. Tune in for insights on creating a workplace where values and culture shine through every action!

In this week's episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman, Chad Sowash, and career expert J.T. O'Donnell unpack a whirlwind of industry news with their signature wisdom and wit. Kicking things off, they celebrate all-things Chicken Cock whiskey, Keith Sonderling's confirmation at the DOL, cry a little over layoff stories on TikTok and then dive into Remote's launch of Recruit, a new hiring tool billed as a breakthrough for sourcing global talent, though some question its lack of features despite the glossy promo video, sparking a debate on its real impact. Next, they tackle Deel's latest move—acquiring Safeguard Global's payroll division, its 11th buyout, bolstering its $12 billion valuation with a focus on global payroll expertise alongside prior grabs like PayGroup, PaySpace, and Atlantic Money; the gang muses if it's strategic stacking or overkill, hinting at a potential Workday mega-deal given their deepened partnership. The crew then shifts to iCIMS' winter release, featuring a GenAI chatbot, enhanced Indeed and LinkedIn integrations, and SMS upgrades, though layoff rumors cloud the vibe—Joel notes the company's fresh leadership under Eric Connors and Jason Edelboim might finally be finding its footing after a long period of competition from players like Paradox. Amazon's AI push grabs the headlines, with a new AWS group driving agentic AI to boost consumer apps and enterprise automation, prompting some to spotlight Alexa+'s evolution and wonder if “McHire” is making a comeback in this tech arms race against Microsoft and Salesforce. They also dissect the hype around Manus, Butterfly Effect's “agentic” AI with 138,000+ Discord fans, questioning if it's the future of job search or just noise—especially as Google's search relevance dips among Gen Z per a Vox Media survey. Wrapping up, J.T. takes on “career catfishing,” a Gen Z trend of accepting jobs then ghosting due to confrontation fears, with CV Genius' 2025 Future of Work Survey showing one in three Gen Zers admitting to it; she urges employers to adapt rather than stereotype, suggesting a simple email could replace awkward calls. Chapters 00:00 - Celebrating Eight Years of Podcasting 02:56 - Reflections on the Podcast Journey 05:50 - Insights from Congressional Hearings 09:12 - The Impact of Social Media on Job Loss 12:01 - Sponsorships and Promotions 14:57 - Industry News and Acquisitions 18:14 - Competitors and Market Dynamics 22:51 - The Evolution of Remote Work 27:53 - Challenges Facing Legacy Platforms 30:45 - Amazon's AI Investment and Future Prospects 35:10 - The Rise of Agentic AI 43:27 - Career Catfishing Among Gen Z

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

The Chad & Cheese Podcast looks to tackle immigration now that Trump is back in the Oval Office, roping in Wharton's Dr. Zeke Hernandez and VanHack's Ilya Brodsky for a wild ride through the immigration circus at home and abroad. They kick things off with the U.S., where the immigration system's stuck in a time warp—deportations are up, sure, but it's the same old song and dance despite politicians flapping their gums like over-caffeinated auctioneers. Globally, tech talent's hotter than a jalapeño in a microwave, yet countries like Canada are tiptoeing back from their “come one, come all” tech party—blame the housing crisis that's got folks sleeping in igloos made of unpaid bills. The gang hails immigrants as the unsung heroes plugging labor gaps and stuffing tax coffers, while torching the tired “immigrants = crime” myth with a flamethrower of facts—sorry, vigilante wannabes, the data's not on your side. The U.S. and Canada get a rib-tickling roast for their immigration laws, which are so tangled they'd make a plate of spaghetti jealous—federal honchos and local yokels can't agree on whether to roll out the welcome mat or a bear trap. Canada's tweaking its rules to dodge a housing meltdown, while the U.S. is drowning in red tape thicker than a bureaucrat's rulebook, leaving skilled workers to sneak around in a talent black market like it's Prohibition all over again. The crew cackles over the economic chaos of kicking out immigrant labor—outsourcing's no magic fix, unless you think “Ctrl+Alt+Delete” grows crops or fixes your plumbing. VanHack's out there playing matchmaker for software geeks, but the real punchline? Everyone agrees we need reform faster than you can say “fix the system, change the laws,” yet the gears grind slower than a sloth on a treadmill. Cultural vibes and employer pleas get a nod, with a wink to future policies dodging political curveballs—because nothing screams comedy like desperately needing Haitians to keep the wheels turning while lawmakers bicker over who gets the last donut. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Immigration Perspectives 02:01 - Current State of Immigration in the US 08:33 - Global Immigration Trends and Tech Talent 12:10 - Economic Impact of Immigration on Local Communities 19:04 - Debunking Myths About Immigrants and Crime 22:06 - The Fallacy of Immigration Laws 24:30 - Canada's Immigration Challenges and Reforms 28:10 - Future of Immigration in Canada and the US 30:15 - The Disconnect Between Federal and Local Perspectives 35:32 - The Economic Impact of Immigration 37:41 - Cultural Perspectives on Immigration in Canada

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese chat with Ashten Fizer, a dynamic talent brand creator, who brings fresh insights on employer branding to the table. What's Inside: ✅ The real deal on why authenticity beats overproduced videos in today's branding world. ✅ How effective branding needs cross-department collaboration and creative design systems. ✅ Surprising insights into global recruitment strategies (Hint: LinkedIn isn't always the answer!). ✅ How a genuine DEI approach can broaden talent pools and drive innovation. If you're looking to craft a brand that speaks to diverse audiences and embraces transparency, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Maureen trade barbs and insights like a comedy duo on a caffeine bender before diving into heavier stuff like mental health in a world gone wacky, in addition to the latest news around the world of work. In a rollercoaster of a month, U.S. companies slammed the brakes on hiring, with ADP's February private payrolls report showing a measly 77,000 jobs added—half of what the eggheads predicted and a steep drop from January's beefy 186,000. Meanwhile, Employ snatched up Pillar, an interview intelligence tool, probably hoping to outsmart the hiring slump. Over at ZipRecruiter, Q4 was a bloodbath—revenue tanked 18% to $111 million, with 2024's full-year haul down 26.6% to $474 million, flipping a $49.1 million profit into a $12.9 million loss; the stock hit rock bottom, leaving only Severance fans to pick up the pieces—cue the sad trombone. Commenters on X are cackling that the Four Horsemen (Google, LinkedIn, automation, AI, and freelancing) are galloping in, with one suggesting ZipRecruiter go private or sell out, while another whispers Paradox might be the real job-board slayer. On the AI front, HeyMilo ($2.2M) and Alta ($7M) scored seed funding to flex their virtual agent muscles—HeyMilo's screening candidates like a nosy aunt, while Alta's chasing global sales domination; Mo's probably picking Alta because, duh, bigger bucks. LinkedIn's still the envy swamp, with Vice noting Gen Z's drowning in “Director of Ego” vibes—users are bailing to escape the cringe, though employers keep them chained to it like a corporate ball-and-chain. Finally, HiBob's survey dropped a buzzkill: only one in three women feel empowered at work, less than 10% have mentors, and men are hogging raises and promotions—34% to 22% and 46% to 32%, respectively. Commenters mutter about crab bucket mentality, wondering if women hold back to avoid the claw-back from their own squad. Mo's take? “Trump'll fix it, maybe.” Sure, lady, and I'll hire a crab as my next intern. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and First Impressions 03:07 - Mental Health and Current Events 06:00 - Oscars and Entertainment Trends 08:53 - Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Choices 11:58 - Meta's Internal Issues and Whistleblowers 14:55 - Mark Zuckerberg's Transformation 17:59 - Charitable Contributions and Corporate Image 20:02 - Job Market Trends and ZipRecruiter's Struggles 26:18 - The Future of Job Boards 27:46 - Who'd You Rather: AI Startups Showdown 29:00 - Concerns About AI in Recruitment 33:24 - LinkedIn Envy: The Professional Comparison Trap 42:26 - Women Empowerment in the Workplace 48:04 - The Crab Bucket Phenomenon: Women Supporting Women

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash team up with the marketing maestro, Gina Alioto from Shaker Recruitment Marketing, to dive into the wild world of experiential marketing. They chat about how this approach can turn brand experiences into something you'd remember even if you had the memory of a goldfish, by tickling all your senses. Gina drops some knowledge bombs on why employer branding feels like it's stuck in the '90s compared to today's marketing, and she highlights the importance of Shaker's Vision Report. They also tackle the notion of investing in your brand during economic rollercoasters - because, why not, right? The conversation veers into how tech and analytics could make recruitment as personalized as your grandma's knitting, the ever-evolving DEI scene (which is more complex than assembling IKEA furniture), and why sustainable innovation should be as integral to your business strategy as coffee is to your morning routine. The episode wraps up with a rallying cry for talent leaders to not just sit on their hands but to grab the steering wheel and drive some change, because as we all know, standing still in business is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Chapters 00:00 - Introducing Gina 02:52 - The Essence of Experiential Marketing 06:07 - Bridging the Gap in Employer Branding 09:04 - The Vision Report: Insights and Themes 11:56 - Investing in Brand: A New Perspective 15:09 - The Role of Technology in Recruitment 18:07 - Analytics and Measuring Success 21:01 - Navigating DEI in Today's Landscape 24:07 - Sustainable Innovation in Recruitment

Buckle up, job nerds—Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman are back with J.T. O'Donnell, serving up the week's employment chaos with a side of snark. Joann's 800 fabric havens are kaput after 80 years—no buyer, 19,000 pink slips. DOGE is slashing like it's Black Friday: 75,000 “voluntary” goodbyes, 1,000 at Veterans Affairs, 1,300 at Energy, 700 at the CDC—pundits say the total could top 100K, while Blue Origin (1,000) and Starbucks (1,100) join the layoff party, and Polywork's a December corpse. Buy or Sell: Mercor's 21-year-old Thiel babies nabbed $100M, hit a $2B valuation ... Joel's screaming "SELL" ‘cause remote work's deader than disco. Perfect's $23M AI dream promises hires while you nap; J.T.'s all "BUY" for their 44-person squad surfing the consolidation wave. Loxo's $115M talent tech flex? Joel's like, "SELL—big hype, but the founder's greener than a lime Slurpee." Indeed yanked search fields from its homepage, forcing logins—Alex Chukovski's jazzed, but Chad's cackling, “Monster 2.0, meet your doom!” And Musk's AI grading federal job essays? J.T.'s rolling her eyes—unions are raging, and it's sketchier than a back-alley job board. Laugh, cry, and listen up! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Uncertainty in the Job Market 01:00 The Rise of Deep Fakes and Their Implications 04:08 Job Seekers' Struggles in a Changing Economy 10:17 Corporate Accountability and Leadership Failures 18:41 The Impact of Layoffs on the Workforce 23:19 The Future of Employment in an Automated World 24:09 Economic Pressures and Education Choices 27:42 The Rise of AI in Recruitment 30:12 Challenges in AI Recruitment Tools 34:20 The Future of Job Platforms 38:16 Indeed's Strategic Shift 47:21 AI's Role in Employment Decisions

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what's making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.