The Chad & Cheese Podcast

In another lively episode of The Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman, Chad Sowash, and J.T. O'Donnell blend humor with industry insights. The show tackles a grim industry shake-up: CareerBuilder and Monster's job board business is being sold to JobGet amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy. JobGet's gobbling distressed assets like Snagajob, but Chad questions the strategy, as these “misfit toys” boost revenue without growth. Unsecured creditors, like Jobverse ($2.7M) and TextKernel ($2.2M), are owed $25.5M and may see little, while Apollo's insulated. J.T. urges job boards to innovate or perish. Dice's layoffs (100+ in sales and engineering) reflect a revenue plunge (Q4 2024 down 14%, Q1 2025 down 18%). Chad blames Dice's failure to evolve, stuck in an innovator's dilemma like Monster. Automation shines (kinda): Tesla's Austin robotaxi launch ($4.20/ride) had hiccups, while Walmart's robots unload trucks at 580 boxes/hour, easing grueling jobs. Yet, displaced workers face risks, and new remote roles could fuel infinite workday burnout. A YouTuber's In-N-Out lawsuit underscores brand risks, emphasizing HR's need to adapt with quality-focused, streamlined talent management in a turbulent market.

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.

Buckle up for another wild ride on The Chad and Cheese Podcast, where our hosts sling hot takes faster than a fast food drive-thru! This episode's a global smorgasbord, kicking off with a shout-out to Portugal's national football team, who're apparently scoring goals like they're auditioning for a Hollywood blockbuster. Olé! Then, the lads pivot to Taco Bell's grand invasion of Ireland—because nothing says “Irish culture” like a Crunchwrap Supreme at 2 a.m.Next, they dive into the recruitment jungle (see what I did there?) to dissect Welcome to the Jungle, France's slick job platform trying to muscle into the U.S. market. Spoiler: it's like a croissant trying to compete with a double cheeseburger. The hosts break down whether this Euro import can hack it in the land of LinkedIn and Monster, all while preaching the gospel of “know thy market” like it's a recruitment sermon. The convo then zooms into the AI startup Thunderdome, pitting Sintra against Jet HR in a cage match of funding flexes and business models. Who's got the bigger war chest? Who's got the better buzzwords? It's like watching two tech bros arm-wrestle over venture capital. Things get spicy when they tackle AI and automation, with Amazon playing the role of job-market Godzilla, stomping through Europe's workforce like it's a bad kaiju flick. And because no podcast is complete without a moral panic, the hosts cap it off by wagging their fingers at social media's evil grip on today's youth. They're out here advocating for regulations to save kids from the horrors of endless TikTok scrolls—like digital knights in shining armor. Will Welcome to the Jungle conquer America? Will AI eat all our jobs? Will teens survive Instagram? Gotta watch to find out.

On this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, the boys lasso CNET money maestro Katherine Watt to dissect the job market's wild west. Watt spills the beans on why unemployment stats are about as reliable as a weather app in a hurricane, exposing the gritty reality job seekers face. They wrangle topics like the “Great Stay” snoozefest, where workers cling to jobs like life rafts, and the economic data that's got everyone scratching their heads. Watt drops gold nuggets on crafting resumes that dodge AI gatekeepers, urging quality over spamming applications like a bot gone rogue. She also tackles AI's takeover, ghosting recruiters who vanish faster than a magician's rabbit, and the gig economy's rise that's got job seekers hustling like Uber drivers on a Friday night. With networking as the secret sauce and upskilling as the new black, Watt's tips are your ticket to standing out in a job market more crowded than a Black Friday sale. Get ready for laughs and wisdom in this no-BS job hunt showdown. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Catherine Watt and Her Background 02:56 - Understanding the Job Market Disconnect06:14The Reality of Job Searching Today 08:51 - The Impact of Economic Data on Job Seekers11:46The Perfect Storm in the Labor Market15:05The Great Stay and Its Implications 18:06 - Optimizing Resumes for the Modern Job Market 18:54 - Navigating Job Applications in the AI Era 24:47 - Generational Perspectives on Job Seeking 30:11 - The Shift to Gig Economy and Side Hustles 36:32 - Upskilling and Employee Development 39:43 - Strategies for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market

This week, hosts Chad Sowash, Joel Cheesman, and Emi Beredugo sling zingers at the tech and policy chaos of today's work of work. First up, they cackle over OpenAI's Sam Altman throwing shade at Meta, claiming Zuck's crew dangled $100 million bonuses to poach his AI wizards. Altman, smirking on his brother's podcast, scoffed, “Meta's not exactly an innovation powerhouse,” betting OpenAI's culture will outshine cash as they chase superintelligence—AI that'll make humans look like dial-up modems. Chad quips, “Zuck's throwing cash like confetti, but Altman's holding the AGI trump card.” Next, the hosts tackle Trump's immigration whiplash. Last week, he hit pause on ICE raids targeting farms and hotels—where 42% of crop workers and 7.6% of hospitality staff are undocumented—after farmers cried foul. But days later, he flipped, doubling down on mass deportations, especially in blue states, risking $315 billion in economic fallout. Tech gets weirder with Amazon's Andy Jassy predicting AI will shrink corporate jobs, leaning on generative AI and Zoox's 10,000 robotaxis to replace drivers. Meanwhile, Zoom's Eric Yuan shrugs off work-life balance, saying leaders live for work and family, but sees AI pushing Gen Z toward three-day workweeks. Klarna's CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, not to be outdone, launches an AI hotline starring a digital him. Surely, AI Sebastian will be running interviews at Klarna soon, right? Tune in for insight. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Vibes 01:49 Current Events: Juneteenth and Global Chaos 03:21 TikTok's Staying Power 05:10 Browser Dating: Privacy or Romance? 08:08 Indeed's New Market Squeeze 08:25 Meta vs. OpenAI: The Poaching Wars 24:32 Trump's Economic Tightrope 29:35 Immigration vs. Market Needs 35:26 AI's Job Displacement Threat 45:33 Culture and Burnout 50:23 The Infinite Workday Free stuff at http://www.chadcheese.com/free

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 Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman interview Patrick McGee, a former Financial Times reporter and author of Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company. The discussion delves into McGee's book, which explores Apple's transformative relationship with China, its massive investments, and the unintended consequences for global tech and geopolitics. The interview covers McGee's research process, Apple's control over its narrative, the scale of its investments in China, and the broader implications for manufacturing, workforce development and U.S.-China relations. Timeline Just give me the main bullet points, without the Key Points and Key Points McGee's Background (00:29–02:08): McGee's Financial Times reporting in Hong Kong, Germany, and on Apple shaped Apple in China, focusing on China's authoritarianism, supply chains, and Apple's operations. Research Process (02:08–05:00): Over 200 interviews and 1,000+ pages of unreported Apple documents reveal novel insights into manufacturing, bypassing Apple's product-focused narrative. Apple's Narrative Control (05:00–08:31): Apple steers media toward product features, obscuring key figures like Isabel Gamahi and critical China operations. Apple's Investment (2013–2016) (08:31–15:16): Beijing's 2013 media attacks led to a $55 billion annual investment by 2015, with Cook's $275 billion pledge in 2016, likened to double the Marshall Plan. China's Workforce (Pre-2016) (15:16–17:08): Apple trained 28 million workers, enabling competitors like Huawei, with China realizing this impact in 2016. Apple vs. Other Tech (Pre-2016) (17:08–20:11): As a hardware company, Apple followed other electronics firms to China, unlike content-focused Google, Amazon, and Facebook. U.S. Oversight (2016–Present) (20:11–24:32): U.S. was unaware of Apple's investments; Apple's training model could inspire U.S. vocational revival. Automation Challenges (Present) (24:32–30:06): China's dominance in materials and robotics makes U.S. onshoring unlikely; tariffs disrupt without solutions. Vocational Training (Present) (30:06–33:58): Apple's China training, akin to Germany's system, empowered Chinese firms; U.S. could adopt similar models. Geopolitical Outlook (Present–2025) (33:58–39:02): India's role is limited; China's manufacturing dominance persists, with Apple's AI lag adding risk. EVs and China's Lead (2019–Present) (39:02–42:46): Tesla's 2019 operations boosted China's EV dominance; West struggles with battery supply chain control. Book Promotion (42:46–43:37): Apple in China available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, Apple Books; appleinchina.com offers more details.

In this lively Chad and Cheese podcast episode, our courageous hosts tackle the recruitment world with wit and sarcasm. They mourn the downfall of job board giants CareerBuilder and Monster, now on the clearance rack, as private equity bean counters strip them bare. Chad laments their lack of vision, while Joel predicts three fates: a ZipRecruiter roll-up, a Recruit Holdings acquisition, or an international player snagging a cheap U.S. foothold. J.T. scoffs, saying job seekers hate these brands and job boards are dinosaurs. The trio then roasts Indeed's late-to-the-party conversational AI tools, with Chad calling them five years behind and Joel comparing Indeed's struggles to Apple's innovation slump. J.T. notes Indeed's trust issues, with scam texts spiking 500%. Meanwhile, SmartRecruiters' bold AI platform, Winston, earns praise for its forward-thinking pivot, unlike Workday's Josh Bersin propaganda machine and iCIMS' press-release snooze. They wrap with a dive into the creator economy, where user-generated content is outpacing traditional media. J.T. cheers the shift to monetizing knowledge, urging everyone to jump in, while Chad stresses the need for a business model to cash in. Oh, and Joel sneaks in a Beach Boys tribute, Father's Day shout-outs, and a NSFW OnlyFans anecdote, because why not? Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates 02:58 - Reflections on the Beach Boys and Father's Day 06:04 - AI's Impact on Human Interaction 08:55 - CareerBuilder and Monster's Decline 18:07 - The Future of Job Boards and Market Dynamics 25:23 - The Future of Job Boards 28:29 - Indeed's Challenges and Innovations 35:02 - Workday and SmartRecruiters "Innovate"? 39:27 - The Rise of User-Generated Content 48:20 - The Shift in Media Consumption

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.

Fasten your tech-hipster bum bags—Chad, Lieven, and Emi globe-trot through HR mayhem, startup soap operas, and political facepalms.

Buckle up for a riotous romp through the HR jungle on The Chad and Cheese Podcast! Hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash, the dynamic duo of workplace wit, are joined by Jordan Birnbaum, the Glinda Group's co-founder and resident HR wizard, who's ready to zap some sense into the corporate chaos. Armed with his industrial-organizational psychology and behavioral science superpowers, Jordan dishes on why HR is stuck in a Dilbert cartoon, flailing under outdated structures. He's calling for an HR glow-up, splitting it into specialized squads to actually support employees instead of drowning them in paperwork. The trio dives into AI's takeover of HR—think less “Terminator,” more “clippy on steroids”—and how it's shaking up everything from hiring to watercooler chats. They also tackle generational workplace vibes (Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z, oh my!) and why agility is the secret sauce for HR that doesn't suck. With Jordan's vision, it's all about crafting workplaces that don't make you want to rage-quit on Monday. Expect sharp insights, belly laughs, and a few “HR-rible” puns as Joel and Chad grill Jordan on building a happier, less soul-crushing office life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jordan Birnbaum 05:06 The Glinda Group and Its Mission 06:55 Exploring HR's Ineffectiveness 09:23 Reimagining HR's Structure 13:53 The Role of AI in HR Transformation 18:51 Generational Perspectives on HR 24:45 Future of Work and AI's Impact

On this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, it's birthday hangovers, five liters of port, and one big "healthy budget" middle finger from Indeed. Maureen “Mo” Clough is back and just in time to witness Chris Hyams “decide” to leave his CEO chair... right before his old boss waltzes in and takes it. Coincidence? LOL.

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.

On this episode of The Chad and Cheese Podcast, the boys lasso in Jeremy Mancheski, the big kahuna at OutSolve, for a wild ride through the HR compliance jungle. Jeremy drops truth bombs about why HR compliance is the unsung hero of keeping companies out of hot water, all while juggling the chaos of ever-shifting regulations like a circus clown. They dive into the thrilling world of data collection—because who doesn't love a good spreadsheet? The trio also tackles the nail-biting drama of poster compliance (yes, those break room posters are a big deal), the affirmative action planning glow-up, and hot-button issues like immigration and I-9 forms that make HR folks sweat. Peering into their crystal ball, they riff on the future of DEI in hiring and how AI and hybrid workspaces are shaking up HR like a bad office karaoke night.  Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to OutSolve and HR Compliance 02:51 - Navigating the Changing Landscape of Compliance 07:32 - The Importance of Data Collection in HR 10:39 - Understanding Poster Compliance and Its Challenges 13:40 - The Shift in AAP Providers and Compliance Strategies 15:57 - Emerging Topics in HR: Immigration and I-9 Compliance 19:15 - The Future of DEI and Its Impact on Hiring 21:15 - Looking Ahead: AI and Hybrid Workspaces

Welcome to The Chad & Cheese birthday week! After 8+ years and damn near 1,500 episodes, we've earned some time poolside… or in my case, beer-in-hand, toes-in-sand. BUT—before we disappear into the SPF and piña coladas, we've got a little birthday gift for you. It's a brand spankin' new episode of Talent Chasing—the podcast where Moneyball meets Office Space... yeah, let that marinate. What does it mean? Hell if I know, but you'll figure it out. This week, Brian, Jasper, and Chad dive into the NFL draft disaster that was Shedeur Sanders' slide to the fifth round. Was it race? Was it reputation? Was it just good ol' football fear of a confident quarterback with a very famous dad? Yep. All that and a side of bullshit. So unwrap your present, hit play, and enjoy the chaos. Happy Birthday to us—Sowash out! More Talent Chasing at TalentChasing.com

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, 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