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Tonight, we're diving deep into a topic that has every collector's wallet sweating: TOY REISSUES! Are they a blessing for new collectors looking to fill holes in their display, or are they killing the secondary market for long-time fans?The guys break down how companies like #Hasbro are constantly re-releasing figures—sometimes even on the exact same card—and what that does to the value of rare figures (RIP those $2,000 Ahsoka figures).In this episode, we talk about:• The #MarvelLegends Retro line re-release of #Kingpin, #Rhino, and #CaptainAmerica.• The true meaning of a "reissue" vs. a "re-imagining" (looking at you, #JurassicPark Hammond Collection).• Why big toy companies are leaning on nostalgia and re-molds instead of making new lines for modern movies.• The future of the toy world, including the rise of K-pop, #Labubu, and the unstoppable, eternal power of #HotWheels.• The painful truth that kids don't really play with action figures anymore.• We want to know what YOU think! Is a reissue an automatic PASS or an instant BUY for your collection? Which re-release made you mad? Let us know in the comments below!
This week had major highs and lows: one of the hosts scores a perfect Knight Rider Lunch Box, another dropped a hundred bucks on the legendary JJ Arms figure, and we reveal a massive LEGO Goonies Playset (and its secret free sets)!But the real drama comes from Adam's Star Wars Imperial Blaster coming back from grading with a tragic "qualified" grade. Did the grader get it wrong? We dive deep into the world of grading, twist ties, and cellophane to find out!Plus, a massive haul of Costco Christmas Tree Cakes and the launch of a new business venture: Dill Pickles!Let us know your biggest wins and whiffs in the comments below!Join us every Sunday night for a new podcast topic and every Wednesday night for our "Wins and Whiffs" episode!0:00 Intro3:04 Massive LEGO Goonies Playset6:13 Costco Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Box Set9:24 Encyclopedia of Arcade Video Games Shipping Scam14:14 Trial Run of Homemade Dill Pickles15:44 Vintage Ideal JJ Arms Action Figure19:36 Near-Mint Knight Rider Lunch Box22:59 Star Wars Laser Pistol (Rebel Blaster): AFA Grade Issue30:11 Wrap-up & Final Thoughts#LEGO, #TheGoonies, #KnightRider, #StarWarsBlaster, #LEGO, #TheGoonies, #JJArms, #VintageActionFigure, #IdealToys, , #LunchBox, #VintageLunchbox, #AFA, #ToyGrading, #ArcadeGame #Goonies #gooniesneversaydie -----------------------
This week, we're talking about the big brands you'll be seeing this Christmas: #Funko, #Hasbro, and #Mattel. We look at their recent sales performance and break down what it means for YOU, the collector, as you plan your holiday shopping and budget. Are the big companies creating a must-buy toy aisle, or is it a sign to hold off?The main event: Funko. Their future looks shaky to some, and we debate whether the mass production of Funko Pops is heading for the same fate as the Beanie Babies craze. Is your collection value at risk?Plus, we get hyped about the return of standalone Toys R Us stores and what that could mean for finding those rare holiday exclusives!Join us every Sunday night for a new podcast topic and every Wednesday night for our "Wins and Wiffs" episode!0:00 Intro0:06:20 The Main Topic: Funko, Hasbro & Mattel Financials0:09:12 Funko Stock0:17:21 Hasbro's Revenue Growth vs. Mattel's Sales Decline0:20:42 Mattel's Limited Toy Stock Strategy vs. Hasbro's Oversupply0:23:00 Toys R Us is Back & Holiday Toy Sales0:29:33 Debate: Is the Funko Pop Craze Dying?0:32:00 The Beanie Babies Parallel0:34:04 The Bizarre Buc-ee's Gas Station Diversion#FunkoPops, #FunkoStock, #toycollectors, #vintagetoys #holidaytoys #ToysRUs, #ToyCollecting, #CollectibleNews, #ActionFigures, #FiveIdiotsTalkingToys, #FITT-----------------------
Welcome to another episode of Wins and Wiffs! The Five Idiots are back to show off their latest toy pickups and one unforgettable fail. This week, we dive into a fantastic range of collectibles:Brandon unveils an incredibly rare vintage Star Wars #Chewbacca toy (unused in box!). Charles celebrates a super cheap, yet essential, addition to his collection: a #LEGO minifigure in Carbonite. Chris continues his new collecting journey with a super clean, vintage metal #Superman lunchbox. Shane shows off a special custom Star Wars figure: the awesome Darth Kenobi from @TheNext17 line. Plus, stick around for Chris's epic Wiff about a confusing, yet hilarious, encounter at Dunkin' Donuts involving his Alien shirt and Star Wars hat.For some interesting, high-quality Star Wars customs, check out: www.thenext17.comHit the like button and subscribe for more toy talk every week!0:00:00 - Intro to Wins and Whiffs0:03:15 - Vintage Star Wars Chewbacca inflatable bop bag Win0:05:33 - LEGO Gamorrean Guard in Carbonite Win0:07:09 - Vintage Superman Lunchbox Win0:09:09 - The Next 17 Darth Kenobi Custom Figure Win0:12:20 - Wiffin' in Dunkin' with Alien & Star Wars0:16:55 - Wrap Up#VintageToys #Lunchbox #CustomFigures #ToyCollecting #thenext17 #FiveIdiotsTalkingToys #WinsAndWiffs #StarWars-----------------------
Is this really the bittersweet finale of the Rogue Five Rundown? Join Chris and Brandon as they take one last look at the incredible sales and rare finds from their massive toy collections. From highly sought-after Indiana Jones figures and vehicles to vintage Dukes of Hazzard collectibles and graded Star Wars items, they're showcasing a ton of amazing pieces. Don't miss out on this last rundown, and be sure to join them on their other podcasts, "Five Idiots Talking Toys" and "Wins and Whiffs," for more toy talk!0:00:00 - The Final Rogue Five Rundown Episode?0:03:00 - Featured Indiana Jones Figures0:04:21 - Dukes of Hazzard Collectibles0:04:51 - Rare Mexican Star Wars Lily Ledy Jawa0:05:27 - Mint Dukes of Hazzard Cars0:05:43 - Daisy's Duke Jeep: Loose vs. Boxed0:06:44 - Huge Dukes of Hazzard Collection0:07:08 - Loose Graded Figures0:07:38 - Vintage Atari Games & Other Loose Figures0:08:12 - C3PO Droid & Ewoks0:09:17 - Star Wars Mini Rigs & Unused Inserts0:10:07 - Imperial Shuttle Tease0:10:51 - Over the Top: Lincoln Hawk0:11:18 - Star Wars Vinyl Cases & Graded Items0:11:35 - Indiana Jones Glasses0:12:15 - Rambo Figure Collection0:13:07 - Thank You & Final Shout Out#ToyCollecting #VintageToys #StarWars #IndianaJones #DukesOfHazzard #Collectibles #ToyHaul #GradedToys #ActionFigures #Patreon #RogueFiveRundown #FiveIdiotsTalkingToys -----------------------
Join the Five Idiots Talking Toys crew for a special "Wins and Wiffs" episode! We're diving into some incredible vintage toy finds, including a pristine Indiana Jones lunchbox that's kicking off a new collection, a haul of classic #TMNT Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures, and a super rare Japanese #Alien figure that's a true gem. Plus, we're talking about the highly sought-after 2025 Christmas LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker (40806) with gingerbread Darth Vader minifigure that sold out in seconds! Don't miss out on all the collecting adventures and toy talk! Hit subscribe for more toy talk! If you want to take in the Rated-R collector episodes "Five Idiots After Dark", become a Patreon member!0:00:00 - Welcome to Wins and Whiffs0:01:39 - Discussing Recording Schedule0:02:36 - Chris's New Lunchbox Collection0:03:50 - Tattoo Talk0:05:22 - Chris's #IndianaJones Lunchbox Win0:07:28 - Lunchbox Collection Predictions0:09:13 - Vintage Ninja Turtles Haul0:13:42 - Charles's #Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Win0:17:11 - Brandon's Rare Alien Figure Win0:19:05 - Hanging Out with a Listener0:22:41 - Outro#vintagecollectibles #VintageToys #ToyCollecting #Lunchbox #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #AlienFigure #LegoStarWars #DarthVader #StarWars #Collectibles #ToyHaul #FiveIdiotsTalkingToys #WinsAndWiffs-----------------------
Join the Five Idiots as they sit down with the incredible YouTuber Star Wars Daddy, Michael Albertson, for an epic Part 1 of their conversation!In this episode, @StarWarsDaddy shares his fascinating journey from the banking world to becoming a full-time YouTube creator and toy seller. Get ready for some real talk as he dives into:• His path to discovering Five Idiots Talking Toys and starting his own channel.• The exhilarating "fever" of toy collecting and the ins and outs of selling on eBay (and how to avoid those pesky fees!).• The daily grind of YouTube, the costs involved in running a show, and the constant evolution of his channel's purpose.• The demanding schedule of a content creator and seller, and his inspiring decision to pursue a degree in social media marketing.• You won't want to miss Michael's insights into building a presence online and making a passion a profession. This is just the beginning – stay tuned for Part 2!#FiveIdiotsTalkingToys #StarWarsDaddy #ToyCollecting #YouTubeCreator #eBaySeller #Podcast #ContentCreation #toycommunity Hit subscribe for more toy talk! If you want to take in the Rated-R collector episodes "Five Idiots After Dark", become a Patreon member!0:00:00 - Introduction0:01:00 - Welcome to FITT and guest introduction0:01:40 - Brandon's trip to New York City0:03:55 - Introduction of special guest Star Wars Daddy (Michael Albertson)0:04:36 - Discussion about inviting guests and Ninja Turtles collecting0:06:05 - Star Wars Daddy's YouTube journey and discovering Five Idiots Talking Toys00:09:40 - Michael's experience with live sales and "the fever" of collecting0:11:39 - Michael's eBay selling process and avoiding fees0:14:04 - eBay algorithm and challenges for small sellers0:16:05 - YouTube monetization0:16:45 - Star Wars Daddy's affiliation with Theory Sabers0:18:00 - Kids' perception of YouTube creators0:19:00 - The grind of YouTube and channel growth0:22:00 - Costs of running a YouTube show0:27:06 - Star Wars Daddy's channel purpose and evolution0:30:45 - The demanding schedule of a full-time content creator and seller0:34:42 - Conclusion of Part 1 and preview of Part 2-----------------------
Well...three of us went. Join us as we recap our visit to the New York City Comic Con 2025!!
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Want to know where to begin and what to look for when collecting Vintage Star Wars toys? The Five Idiots are here to help!! We put our knowledge of collecting on the front line for you, our viewers. We discuss each individual figure's accessories, trouble spots when determining condition and more, and we will be discussing each one. Please enjoy our in-depth review of figures 48 through 50 of the original Star Wars action figures! This episode features Luke in Hoth Gear, Removable Limbs C-3PO, and the Hoth Rebel Commander!
What if the most powerful antidepressant isn't in a pill, but in your sneakers? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano about the science behind why movement can be as effective as antidepressants. We also explore the social and psychological benefits of staying active and how even small steps can spark powerful change. You'll also hear fascinating insights about creatine, brain energy, and how lifestyle prescriptions may soon reshape the future of psychiatry. Dr. Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa with a passion for the mind-body connection. Originally from Thunder Bay, he turned a broken arm from an arm-wrestling match into a fascination with how exercise, nutrition, and sleep can transform mental health. Today, his work in lifestyle psychiatry explores how simple daily habits can powerfully impact depression and overall well-being. What you'll learn: (02:57) How Dr. Fabiano's own injury sparked his passion for exercise and mental health. (05:42) Why exercise benefits the brain beyond mood. (07:48) The real science behind exercise and depression, including serotonin, inflammation, and brain growth factors. (09:11) How the social and psychological aspects of movement can be just as healing as the biological ones. (11:40) Simple, practical ways to motivate someone struggling with depression to get moving again. (14:17) Why the best type of exercise is the one you'll actually do—and how adherence matters more than modality. (18:45) How Dr. Fabiano “prescribes” exercise using the FITT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type). (29:25) The surprising connection between creatine supplementation, brain energy, and depression recovery. Love the podcast? Here's what to do: Subscribe to the podcast. Leave a review. Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to http://subscribetojj.com Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! When you're ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!) Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/happyworkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Well, they're at it again with all kinds of things to blame for it...Hasbro recently announced price increases for their Star Wars TVC and Black Series figures, and probably across the board to their other titles. What do YOU think of these price increases? Will it stifle your collecting habits? Will you quit collecting altogether? SOUND OFF in the comments below! Let's hear it!!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 34! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from October 2nd - 8th 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
We talk the latest exorbitantly priced LEGO set. Is it worth it? Would YOU buy it? Let us know in the comments below!
ONE of us had a great time at the Great Ohio Toy Show in Xenia, Ohio. John does his best to retell his adventures. What is the best toy show YOU have been to? Let us know in the comments below!15:42 Scenes from the toy show!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 34! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from October 2nd - 8th 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Are you a graded collector? We all have our own reasons to collect, but when it comes to grading your figures, why are you grading them? Is it preservation? Is it protection of your investment? Is it to ensure investment growth? We address all of these questions and discuss what COULD happen in the future to graded collectibles.
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Who's ready for YET ANOTHER major dose of nostalgia? In this episode, we're digging even deeper into the toy chests of the 80s and 90s to uncover some truly classic and perhaps forgotten treasures. From the iconic #mcgyver, to the game of #life , to the action-packed #nintendo and the quirky #muscle action figure line, we're sharing our memories and reactions to the toys that defined a generation. What were your favorite childhood toys that are now somewhat forgotten? Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 32! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from September 18th to September 24th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Should we call into question the practices of the leading toy/collectible grading company in the industry? OF COURSE! Startling firsthand experiences with Action Figure Authority's practices and the seeming lack of concern from the grading company. What has been YOUR experience with AFA? SOUND OFF in the comments below!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 31! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from September 11th to September 17th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Join in the conversation as the Idiots discuss one of the best motion pictures of all time: JAWS. We celebrate the film's terrifying return to the big screen after 50 years, talk about its impact, and the toys that tie in. What do YOU think of JAWS? Let us know in the comments below!!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 30! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from August 20th to September 10th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Join THREE of the Five Idiots as we review the latest hit series - Alien: Earth! What do YOU think of the series so far?? Sound off in the comments below!
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Funko has recently reported a second quarter loss of $41 million! What does that mean for the beloved collectables? Will they go the way of the Beanie Babies? Will the secondary market surge in value? Will POPs stop being produced? We talk about all of this and more in this episode. What do YOU think of the loss for Funko? Do you collect Funko POPs? Sound off in the comments below!!
In this episode, Olympian and fitness expert Louise Hazel explores the question, “How hard should I be working out?” She breaks down the science of workout intensity, introduces the FITT principles and shares five actionable steps for optimizing training. Louise emphasizes sustainable, strategic workouts over extreme efforts, addressing women's unique needs like hormonal fluctuations and recovery. Want to learn how to balance challenge and rest? Then this episode is for you!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 29! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from August 20th to August 27th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
We can't WAIT to go to one of the biggest toy shows of the year!!! The Great Ohio Toy Show in Xenia, Ohio! Have YOU ever been?? If so, let us know what to expect in the comments below!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 28! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from August 13th to August 20th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Join our roving reporter, Farty Flips, aka Brandon, as he walks us through the best and the worst of SDCC 2025! Did YOU go to Comic Con? Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome to the Rogue Five Rundown Episode 27! In this update, we're covering the latest trends and sales in the vintage and modern toy collectible market from August 6th to August 13th, 2025. Find out what's hot, what's not, and what to keep an eye on in the world of toy collecting. Be sure to collect with us at: roguefivetoys.com
The explosion of AI-generated applications isn't just breaking traditional recruiting - it's creating an unprecedented opportunity by making sophisticated assessment tools accessible for early-stage screening. There is now the opportunity to filter thousands of applicants based on actual predictive data. However, the vendor landscape here can be confusing, and some offerings lack the transparency that employers need. So how can organizations identify tools that leverage AI's efficiency while respecting established peer-reviewed assessment science? My guest this week is Djurre Holtrop, Assistant Professor at Tilburg University. In our conversation, Jura reveals how AI could democratize evidence-based assessment for organizations of all sizes and offers advice on best practices and the future assessment landscape. In the interview, we discuss: The science-practice gap in assessment The tension arising from the rapid development of AI and the need to evaluate work performance results over time. AI isn't making the process worse because CVs and cover letters have no predictive validity. How is AI improving the science? Transforming recruiting with early-stage screening How bias carries through the recruiting process Resetting our mental models What does the future look like? Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Technology. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment—it only takes a few minutes. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
Up to 20% of the global workforce is likely to be neurodivergent and mostly undiagnosed. Understanding how to unlock the full potential of people with non-typical brains should be important to all employers. The difference between the right and wrong job fit for someone with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions can be the difference between struggling daily and becoming a top performer. So what if the key to creating exceptional teams lies not in trying to fit everyone into the same mold, but in asking the right questions to understand what each person needs to thrive? My guest this week is Shell Mendelson, an ADHD career coach with 35 years of experience helping neurodivergent individuals find their ideal work fit. In our conversation, Shell shares her proven process for identifying the "must-haves" that enable neurodivergent employees to perform at their highest level and explains why understanding individual needs benefits both employees and employers. In the interview, we discuss: The challenges for ND people at work Why everyone's needs are different The benefits of recognising the spectrum of different brains in your organization The contradictions of neurodiversity The importance of job fit and asking the right questions How small accommodations can make a massive impact Making work better for everyone Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Technology. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment—it only takes a few minutes. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you wiff! Check out this week's #actionfigures Wins and Wiffs of the week! Wait till you see this awesome pickup of a vintage toy that is just not easy to find these days. Stay on the #toyhunt folks!
Who's ready for ANOTHER major dose of nostalgia? In this episode, we're digging even deeper into the toy chests of the 80s and 90s to uncover some truly classic and perhaps forgotten treasures. From the iconic #karatekid figures, to #connectfour, to the action-packed #mastersoftheuniverse and the quirky #foodfighter action figure line, we're sharing our memories and reactions to the toys that defined a generation. What were your favorite childhood toys that are now somewhat forgotten? Let us know in the comments below!
Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Technology. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment—it only takes a few minutes. This episode is about Talent and Technology. The recruitment marketing landscape has been about more than just job advertising for a long time. However, many employers are still missing out on the unique benefits search and social bring to the marketing mix by approaching these channels in the same way they approach job boards. As AI reshapes these platforms and candidate behavior evolves rapidly, there's a widening gap between companies seeing dramatic results and those struggling with failed campaigns and wasted investment. The difference isn't budget—it's about building long-term strategies based on data and a strong understanding of each channel's unique strengths and differences. So what can employers do to ensure they are getting full value from their recruitment marketing budgets? My guests this week are Kelsey Krater, Chief Platform Officer at Appcast, and Appcast's Director of Digital Media, Alexandra Horwitt Anema. In our conversation, we talk about the unique strengths of search and social, how they are evolving and the critical importance of data in recruitment marketing. In the interview, we discuss: Driving quality hires from recruitment marketing Why search and social aren't job boards Search and intent Filling funnel gaps and building diversity A layered media approach Telling stories with social The danger of prioritising quick wins over long-term strategy Recent developments in search and social The critical importance of data Nurturing and remarketing Pipeline building over transactional thinking What does the future look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
For too long, gaps in resumes have been a red flag for recruiters. But what if this outdated bias is costing you your best hires? In today's world, where everyone's constantly reskilling and skills become obsolete within months, penalizing career breaks makes absolutely no sense. This red flag mentality drives ageism and automatically screens out experienced professionals. Organizations clinging to "recent experience" requirements are handing their competitors access to mature talent bringing fresh perspectives, proven loyalty, and decades of expertise. So how can forward-thinking employers flip this nonsensical bias into strategic advantage by recognizing that career breaks often create stronger professionals, not weaker ones? My guest this week is Hazel Little, CEO at Career Returners. Hazel exposes the real cost of resume gap discrimination and shares proven strategies for building returner programs that deliver business results. In our conversation, she reveals why the red flag mentality around career breaks belongs in recruiting's past. In the interview, we discuss: What is a career returner? What are the common issues returners face The human impact of bias What drives career gap bias? Incorrect perceptions, false assumptions, and outdated approaches to hiring The significant advantages of tapping into the returner talent pool The significance of the decreasing shelf life of skills Advice to employers What might the future look like? Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Technology. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment—it only takes a few minutes. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
How do we move from reactive recruiting to predictive talent acquisition? In an era where performance metrics drive every business decision, recruitment often remains stubbornly intuition-based, especially when evaluating soft skills like empathy, communication, and critical thinking. What if AI could help us predict performance before a candidate even starts? And what happens when we connect hiring decisions to actual performance outcomes, creating a feedback loop that makes recruiters smarter over time? Can technology help us understand which risks are worth taking, and which gut feelings we should trust? My guests this week are Veronique Lacasse, Senior Manager at Bell Canada, and Stephane Rivard, Co-founder and CEO of HiringBranch. In our conversation, Veronique and Stephane walk us through Bell's integrated approach to talent acquisition, which utilizes AI assessment data on soft skills to create a predictive, performance-driven hiring system that is still very much driven by human recruiters. In the interview, we discuss: Soft skills and business performance Measuring soft skills with AI driven assessments Challenges in high-volume hiring Building a feedback loop in recruiting, onboarding, and training Showing recruiters the performance outcomes of their decisions The candidate experience Why human recruiters aren't being replaced What does the future look like? Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing their strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Technology. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment; it takes less than 5 minutes. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
Organizations face a critical AI inflection point: the pressure to implement quickly conflicts with uncertainty about the right approach. While some companies are still cautiously experimenting with basic AI tools, others have fundamentally reimagined how work gets done. What separates the companies achieving remarkable results from those stuck in endless pilots? Often, it's not the technology itself but the culture and approach to adoption. So how exactly are companies at the cutting edge getting to the cutting edge? My guest this week is Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier. Ever since Zapier's"CEO issued a 'Code Red" on AI back in March 2023, Zapier has been undergoing an AI transformation in every part of its business.. In our conversation, Brandon shares how their AI strategy is boosting both productivity and employee engagement, why and how every new hire must demonstrate AI fluency, and why it is critical to keep the human touch in talent acquisition and throughout the employee journey. In the interview, we discuss: Competing in an AI-first world AI is a tool, not an outcome in itself. AI in People Operations Increasing personalization and connection in talent acquisition Understanding the moments that matter Using the human touch as a competitive advantage The critical importance of psychological safety and experimentation Why culture beats skills The four levels of fluency in Zapier's AI Fluency Framework Bias & ethics Where is AI transformation heading, and what will the future look like Recruiting Future helps Talent Acquisition teams drive measurable impact by developing strategic capability in Foresight, Influence, Talent, and Teyou'regy. If you're interested in finding out how your TA function measures up in these four critical areas, I've created the free FITT for the Future Assessment. It'll give you personalised insights to help you build strategic clarity and drive greater impact immediately. Just head to mattalder.me/podcast to complete the assessment—it only takes a few minutes. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.