Podcast · Business

Honest HR

Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. This podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 36 minNew

The Early Lessons Gen Alpha Is Teaching HR

As Gen Alpha begins to enter the workforce, their expectations around learning, technology, communication, career growth and workplace culture could challenge some long-standing assumptions about how organizations develop talent. James Harrell, former chief of Human Capital Management at the San Antonio Independent School District, shares practical lessons on building youth workforce programs and what they can teach employers about mentorship, career growth, workplace learning, communication and culture. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E8 · 29 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Getting Value from Pharmacy Benefits in a High-Cost Era
As pharmacy costs continue to rise, employers need a clearer understanding of what’s driving their prescription drug spending – and where there may be opportunities to manage costs more effectively. Eric Papp, vice president of employee benefits consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance, and Eric Porter, vice president of sales, SmithRX, share what HR leaders should know about pharmacy costs, GLP-1s, biosimilars, employee communication, and getting more value from their benefits strategy. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode…
S2 · E7 · 15 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Your Offboarding Process Could Be Costing You
An employee’s experience doesn’t end on their last day Sarah Rodehorst, CEO and co-founder of Onwards HR, discusses how thoughtful offboarding can strengthen trust, reduce compliance risks, and reinforce an organization’s values — even during difficult departures. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking…
S4 · E6 · 1 Sep 2026 · 40 min
Talent Tug-of-War: The Pull Between Acquisition vs. Development
Hiring can fill immediate skills gaps, but developing talent builds for the future. SHRM26 speakers Amy Jauman, HR director for the DNA Doe Project, and Amber Watts, chief everboarding officer at Radical GrowthWorks, explore how HR professionals can balance talent acquisition and employee development — and build a stronger talent strategy in the process. They discuss when to hire versus develop, what metrics can help leaders find the right balance, and how to make employee growth a strategic investment. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional…
S4 · E5 · 18 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Money Problems Don’t Stay at Home
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. workers experience financial stress, from worrying about unexpected expenses to navigating major life decisions — and those concerns don’t disappear during the workday. Explore new SHRM research on the state of employee financial wellness with Ragan Decker, director of commercial research at SHRM, and Kristen Koluch, retirement plan advisor at Raymond James. They discuss how financial wellness influences engagement, productivity, and retention — and why closing the gap between employee needs and employer support is becoming a business imperative. Subscribe to…
4 Aug 2026 · 35 min
No Script Required: How Improv Builds Better HR Leaders
HR rarely happens exactly as planned. From difficult conversations to organizational change, leaders need to think on their feet. Dave Collins, founder and CEO of Oak & Reeds, a training company that combines improv techniques with proven learning strategies to help organizations tackle communication and collaboration challenges, shares how improvisation can strengthen decision-making, build resilience, and help HR professionals navigate uncertainty with more confidence. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your…
S4 · E3 · 21 Jul 2026 · 36 min
How AI Can Improve Onboarding Without Losing the Human Touch
New hires don’t need more portals; they need clarity, support, and time to breathe. Hannah Toney, consultant at Serendipity Sellers and author, discusses how HR professionals can use AI to streamline onboarding, define meaningful milestones, deliver personalized support, and establish privacy-conscious guardrails that strengthen both engagement and performance. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you…
S4 · E2 · 7 Jul 2026 · 43 min
The Power of Influence: Elevating Your Impact at Work
HR leaders are expected to influence business decisions, but gaining executive buy-in requires more than great ideas. In this live recording of Honest HR, Bruce Waller, vice president of corporate relocation at the Armstrong Company and bestselling author, shares practical strategies for building trust, developing business acumen, and communicating the value of HR initiatives. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts.…
S3 · E42 · 23 Jun 2026 · 36 min
What It Takes to Pass the SHRM Certification Exam
Successful SHRM certification candidates spend significant time preparing — but how you study matters just as much as how long you study. Charles Glover, director of certification & assessment products at SHRM, breaks down the structure of the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams, discusses proven preparation strategies, and shares advice for navigating test day with confidence. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created…
S3 · E41 · 9 Jun 2026 · 35 min
Balancing Cost and Care With GLP-1 Employee Benefits
With growing employee interest and increasing healthcare costs, GLP-1 medications are creating new challenges for HR and benefits leaders. Ginny Crisp, CEO of Prescription Benefit Solutions, discusses the evolving role of GLP-1s in employer-sponsored health plans and what organizations should consider before adding coverage to their benefits programs. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights,…
S3 · E40 · 26 May 2026 · 33 min
Selecting the Best Talent for the Modern Workplace
AI may be transforming hiring, but identifying the right talent still requires human judgment. David Cohen, executive consultant and author of Selecting the Best, joins Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, for a live recording of Honest HR to explore how behavioral interviewing, culture-driven hiring, and values-based selection can improve retention and long-term performance. Together, they discuss the promise and pitfalls of AI in recruiting, the rise of “skillfishing,” and how organizations can balance efficiency with ethics, transparency, and human connection. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest…
S3 · E39 · 14 May 2026 · 40 min
The Hidden Lawsuits in Your Hiring Process: Background Screening Compliance Explained
Compliance doesn’t begin with a background check — it starts at the very first touchpoint with a candidate. In this live recording from Talent 2026, Debra Keller reveals the most common and costly compliance mistakes organizations make long before a background check is run. Learn how to properly navigate criminal record considerations, candidate consent, individualized assessments, and adverse action. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships.…
S3 · E38 · 21 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Hook, Line, and Skillfishing — When Candidates Look Better on Paper
As AI tools and personal branding make it easier than ever to appear highly skilled, HR teams are facing a new challenge: skillfishing. Alex Alonso, SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, and AJ Faraj, founder of SorsX, join Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack why more candidates are appearing qualified without the skills to match. Together, they explore how AI, credential inflation, and performance in interviews can mask real capability, and what HR leaders can do to better validate skills and improve hiring outcomes. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification.…
S3 · E37 · 14 Apr 2026 · 30 min
The Talent Optimizer: Using Leadership and Analytics for an HR Advantage
HR has a bigger seat at the table than ever before, but with it comes the pressure to deliver measurable business results. Alex Alonso, SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to discuss the Talent Optimizer dimension of the HR Excellence Framework. Together, they explore how organizations can align talent strategy with business outcomes, close skills gaps, and leverage talent analytics to drive performance, engagement, and retention. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your…
S3 · E36 · 7 Apr 2026 · 31 min
Generational Gaps or Strategic Gains? Turning Tension Into Results
Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever, with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z working side by side. But with diversity comes challenges — from communication breakdowns to tensions over AI adoption and return-to-office policies. Dr. Unnatti Jain, generational diversity researcher and CEO of Bridging Generations, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to address how HR teams can turn generational differences into a strategic advantage. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox:…
S3 · E35 · 31 Mar 2026 · 35 min
Demotivation by Design: How Organizational Systems Can Hurt Performance
Demotivation can quietly erode engagement, productivity, and retention, but it doesn’t have to. Pete Ketchum, organizational psychologist and head of HR at Atonom, a technology company that builds cloud employees, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore the psychology of motivation and the hidden ways workplace systems can unintentionally demotivate employees. From spotting early warning signs to rethinking performance management and better understanding how to remove barriers, foster autonomy, and reignite performance. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP…
S3 · E34 · 24 Mar 2026 · 32 min
Struggling to Hire? Rethink Skills and Unlock Talent
The talent gap is widening, and organizations are struggling to keep up. Emily Dickens, SHRM’s Chief Administrative Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore the driving forces behind workforce shortages and the growing skills mismatch. They discuss how skills-first hiring, upskilling, and tapping into untapped talent pools can help HR professionals build a future-ready workforce. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content…
S3 · E33 · 17 Mar 2026 · 25 min
Managing Yourself: The Leadership Skill HR Can’t Ignore
Self-management is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — leadership skills. Marisa Krafsig, CHRO of IntelliDyne, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how unmanaged stress, high achievement, and leadership pressure can impact both personal well-being and organizational outcomes. Together, they discuss emotional intelligence in high-stakes moments, the hidden risks of executive behavior, and how HR pros can address self-management as a real business priority. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode…
S3 · E32 · 10 Mar 2026 · 31 min
Starbucks’ Secrets for Building Culture Through Everyday Rituals
Coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a cornerstone of workplace culture. Sandy Roberts, Starbucks’ director of cultural leadership, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how coffee fosters connection, collaboration, and belonging in the workplace. Together, they discuss the power of small moments, the role of rituals in building authentic relationships, and how HR professionals can help employees fill their own cup. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore…
S3 · E32 · 24 Feb 2026 · 38 min
SHRM CHRO on Building Trust During Times of Change and Uncertainty
Trust can feel fragile in times of uncertainty, transformation, and rising employee expectations. SHRM’s CHRO, Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack insights from the 2026 SHRM CHRO Priorities and Perspectives report and explore how leadership credibility directly impacts organizational trust. Together, they discuss early warning signs of a trust breakdown, how HR can assess alignment between messaging and employee experience, and practical ways to strengthen transparency and consistency across the workplace. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and…
S3 · E30 · 17 Feb 2026 · 27 min
'Job Hugging' and the Growing Talent Bottleneck Inside Organizations
As job growth slows and uncertainty lingers, more employees are choosing to stay put — even if they’re disengaged. Doreen Coles, senior director of career growth and development of ADP, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack the trend of “job hugging” and how it’s reshaping career mobility and internal talent pipelines. They discuss how HR leaders can foster trust, development, and opportunity in a stay-put workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027.…
S3 · E29 · 11 Feb 2026 · 25 min
Love at Work: Navigating Risk, Power, and Policy
Workplace romances are more common than many organizations realize, and even consensual relationships can carry serious legal and cultural risks. Jenn Betts, employment lawyer and office managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins law firm, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack how power dynamics, perception, policy, and digital communication shape legal exposure — and what HR leaders can do to manage risk, respond to breakups, and foster a respectful workplace culture. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to…
S3 · E28 · 3 Feb 2026 · 36 min
Why Personalized Learning and Development Matters for Retention
Learning and development remains a top priority for HR, yet many professionals still struggle to see a clear path forward. Elizabeth S. Egan, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at Cerence AI, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how personalized learning and development strategies can better support career growth, engagement, and retention. Get guidance for HR leaders focused on building sustainable, people-centered development strategies. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to…
S3 · E27 · 27 Jan 2026 · 27 min
Rethinking Productivity When Everyone Feels Overworked
Work has never been busier — yet progress often feels elusive. Eric Martin, executive director of Blue Pinnacle Solutions, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack why meetings, hidden work, and outdated productivity norms are draining organizational capacity. Together, they explore how reclaiming capacity supports agility, focus, and performance — and what HR leaders can do to move from measuring activity to driving impact. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires…
S3 · E26 · 21 Jan 2026 · 30 min
Why Financial Wellness Is Now an Employee Experience Issue
As the cost of living rises, employee financial wellness has become a growing concern for workers and a complex challenge for employers. Tyler Horn, Head of Planning at Origin and a Certified Financial Planner, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to discuss how HR can approach financial wellness as an employee experience strategy while balancing organizational sustainability. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts.…
S3 · E25 · 14 Jan 2026 · 34 min
Not Everyone Can Be HR — Resilience and Trust Set It Apart
HR is often seen as the people function, but the reality is far more complex. Warren Wang, founder of Double Fin, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack the hidden weight HR leaders carry as they balance trust, compliance, and business performance. Together, they dismantle outdated views of HR, showing how speaking the CHRO language — and aligning closely with finance — elevates credibility and drives real business outcomes. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires…
S3 · E24 · 6 Jan 2026 · 35 min
From Perks to Purpose: The Rise of Choice in Employee Benefits
Employee perks are evolving beyond traditional benefits, with workers expecting more personalization, choice, and support than ever before. Jordan Peace, CEO and co-founder of employee experience platform Fringe, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to explore how non-traditional perks, recognition programs, and employer-covered AI tools are reshaping the employee experience in 2026 and beyond. Learn how creative approaches to benefits can strengthen workplace culture, reduce burnout, rebuild trust, and become essential tools for attracting and retaining talent. This podcast is approved for…
S3 · E23 · 17 Dec 2025 · 33 min
The New Rules of Recruitment: From Posting Jobs to Building Pipelines
Posting a job and waiting for candidates to apply is no longer enough in today’s competitive labor market. Tim Sackett, CEO of HRUTech.com, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how HR leaders can use creative sourcing strategies, social media, and networking to find top talent where it’s actually active. They dig into the uncomfortable realities of recruiting, how to attract culture-fit candidates, measure ROI in hiring, and build proactive talent pipelines that go beyond the job board. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the…
S3 · E22 · 9 Dec 2025 · 41 min
Helping Employees Grow with AI-Powered Coaching
AI coaching is reshaping how employees learn, grow, and navigate their careers — but the real story is what it means for the humans at the center of it all. Theresa Fesinstine, AI educator and founder of peoplepower.ai, sits down with host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how HR can use AI coaching to personalize development, support diverse learning styles, and make growth more accessible across the workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2027.…
S3 · E22 · 2 Dec 2025 · 34 min
Rethinking the Modern Workforce with Freelancers, Gig Workers, and Consultants
As businesses face faster timelines and shifting skill needs, flexible talent has become a core part of the modern workforce — not a backup plan. Sunita Solao, CPO of Upwork, the freelance marketplace to hire top talent, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-SCP, to unpack what that shift means for HR pros, how organizations can use flexible talent strategically, and why freelancers and contractors are rewriting the rules of talent planning. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID…

About Honest HR

Honest HR is a English business podcast from SHRM. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: SHRM
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1402680092

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English business

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.