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The Chad & Cheese Podcast

The Chad & Cheese Podcast

1,626 episodes — Page 5 of 33

The Power of Diversity with Paige Elliott

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

Mar 17, 202512 min

Deel’s Cash Cannon vs. Remote’s Slingshot

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

Mar 14, 202547 min

Shredded: Deel, iCIMS, ZipRecruiter, Fiverr, Remote, Carv, Google, Recrubo & More

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.

Mar 13, 20256 min

Immigration Game: Trump 2.0 Insights and Impacts

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

Mar 12, 202542 min

A New Era for Employer Branding with Ashten Fizer

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

Mar 10, 202512 min

LinkedIn Has a Serious Gen Z Problem

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

Mar 7, 202553 min

Shredded: Workday, Employ, ADP, Google, HeyMilo, Alta, Darwinbox, Helios, HiBob & More

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.

Mar 6, 20257 min

2025 Vision Report for Talent

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

Mar 4, 202529 min

Indeed Lifts Walled Garden

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

Feb 28, 202552 min

Shredded: ZipRecruiter, Robert Half, Adecco, AMS, Perfect, Mercor, Loxo, Polywork & More

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.

Feb 27, 20257 min

AI and The Future of Talent with Donald Knight

This week on The Chad & Cheese Podcast, we’re joined by Donald Knight, the People & Culture mastermind from Warner Bros. Discovery. We talk about: 💰 The 2022 job market sequel—spoiler: execs are playing musical chairs, and salaries are getting wild. 🤖 AI panic in HR—why some CHROs are still clutching their pearls while others are stealing all the talent. 🎨 Recruiting as an art form—because if you’re not painting with AI yet, you’re about to get left in the dust. 🎭 Hollywood vs. The Machines—yes, AI can spit out a screenplay, but can it really write the next cult classic? (Looking at you, Beetlejuice 2.) If you like bold opinions, job market chaos, and just the right amount of HR blasphemy, hit play now. Or don’t—just don’t cry when your competition outsmarts you. 🎧🔥

Feb 26, 202514 min

Firing Squad: Candidly's Hannah Peet

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In this episode, the boys chat with Hannah Peet, the co-founder of Candidly, an ATS so generic it's called "white-label." Hannah waxes poetic about her grand adventure in HR tech, explaining how Candidly plans to make hiring as simple as a kindergarten art project for SMBs. They dive into the thrilling world of partnerships and the start-ups focus on going to market on the backs of more established companies. What else? How about AI in candidate matching and don't forget the white-label magic? They also tackle the competitive landscape, where Candidly is apparently David to the Goliath of existing ATS providers, all while navigating the treacherous waters of marketing and pricing like they're sailing through a storm in a teacup. The 'firing squad' segment? More like a gentle critique session where they probably realized their messaging might be about as clear as mud. Does Candidly survive the Firing Squad? Gotta listen to find out.

Feb 24, 202536 min

Netflix Expands, Klarna Fakes, and Boomers RTO

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Ready for a ride through the latest workplace shake-ups? Well, welcome to another episode of Workplace Woes & Corporate Chaos with Chad & Cheese, joined this week by Emi Beredugo! We kick off with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who’s getting caught saying the quiet part out loud. Leaked audio catches him roasting work-from-home setups - the squad weighs in on issues, like why workers are back on-site and startups might be the last hope for remote dreams. We unravel Klarna’s AI hype—CEO claims chatbots axed 700 jobs, but the facts say it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors for a 2026 IPO, with outsourcing and tech alternatives telling a better story. More corporate idiocy, Chad’s got thoughts on startup and Y Combinator company Firecrawl reaching for attention and clicks. Toby Dayton, our favorite “Sasquatch of Statistics,” spooks us with his 2025 predictions—think stagflation, 5% unemployment, and no Fed relief—leaving Joel clutching his mic and reaching for the bottle of Ardbeg. Finally, LinkedIn’s latest trainwreck: “storytelling expert” James Langridge’s boob-confidence rant flops hard and lands flat with over 3,000 furious comments and requests for cancelation. Warm-up your tea for Brit Emi’s hot take on this caveman’s misadventure. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Light Banter 03:07 - LinkedIn Connection Requests and Personal Branding 06:19 - Netflix's Entry into Podcasting 08:13 - Shout Outs and Cultural Commentary 11:01 - Industry News and Personal Reflections 18:54 - JobGet's Acquisition Rumors 19:38 - Jamie Dimon's Controversial Comments on Work Culture 26:03 - The Human Element in Management 30:13 - Navigating Remote Work Dynamics 34:36 - AI Hype and Corporate Reality 42:30 - Economic Predictions and Their Implications 49:15 -Sexism in Professional Spaces

Feb 21, 202555 min

Shredded: HiBob, UpWork, Fiverr, Vetty, HowNow, Employment Hero & More

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.

Feb 20, 20257 min

The Shifting Sands of DEI with Torin Ellis

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Torin Ellis sits down with Chad & Cheese to tackle the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion (D&I). As some organizations retreat under external pressures, Torin delivers a wake-up call—now is not the time to step back. He challenges leaders to honor their commitments, exposes the political forces shaping D&I strategies, and reminds us that real progress demands intention. With 2025 on the horizon, he highlights the companies still doing the work and calls on individuals—especially those with privilege—to step up.

Feb 19, 202515 min

The Future is Now with Stefan Youngblood

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AI, bias, the metaverse, and... J.Cole? 🤯 This week, Chad & Cheese sit down with Stefan Youngblood, the founder of Black AI Think Tank and hireblack.com, to talk about the intersection of AI, job markets, and the Black community. From connecting 6,000+ people in the Black Metaverse to challenging AI's built-in biases (like turning "Black-owned chip company" into a potato chip brand 🍟🤨), Stefan is pushing boundaries in tech and social impact. Oh, and did we mention he gave piano lessons to J.Cole? 🎹 🔥 The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) is real—will AI make or break your career? 🔥 How can recruiters leverage AI without falling into bias traps? 🔥 What’s the real future of co-pilots, agents, and the metaverse? Get ready for wild stories, mind-blowing insights, and a dose of snark—only on HR’s most dangerous podcast. 🎧 Tune in now! Chapters 00:00 – Podcast Intro – HR’s most dangerous podcast kicks off with Chad & Cheese. 01:14 – The Genesis of Black AI Think Tank 02:41 – From Clubhouse to LinkedIn 04:00 – A Life of Connection 07:12 – A Call from J.Cole? 10:40 – Black AI Think Tank: A Growing Ecosystem 13:19 – AI in Hiring & Recruiting 14:26 – FOBO: The Fear of Becoming Obsolete 20:40 – AI Bias in Action 23:11 – The Future of AI-Generated Content 30:08 – The Future of Entry-Level Jobs 32:41 – Prompt-Ganda & AI's Influence on Media 33:10 – Is the Metaverse Still a Thing? 35:57 – AI, Remote Work, and the Future of Learning 38:17 – AI is Scaling Fast

Feb 17, 202538 min

Phenom's Skates the Edge

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This week, J.T. joins the boys for a rollercoaster ride through the latest industry news, which seems to have more downs than a feather factory. First off, Workday decided to trim 1,750 jobs from its ranks, that's about 8% of its workforce, all in the name of cozying up to AI because, let's face it, who needs humans when you have algorithms? Over at Justworks, they're laying off 200 folks, blaming everything from a looming recession to rising interest rates and a trade war - because why not blame the economy when you can? And Meta, not to be outdone, is shedding 3,600 jobs, which is 5% of their workforce, probably to fund more metaverse adventures or to pay for Mark's new space yacht. Switching gears, Phenom has gobbled up Edge, a talent mobility software provider, aiming to beef up its AI capabilities. It's like they're trying to create the ultimate job-hopping machine for Global Capability Centers. Meanwhile, ZipRecruiter is pulling the plug on its ZipSearch API, which might just be the nail in the coffin for Jobboard.io - but hey, their stocks are up, and BlackRock's investing, so maybe they'll pivot to something like a dating app for job seekers? The Wall Street Journal dropped a bomb with a report saying tech unemployment has spiked to 5.7%, thanks to AI playing the role of the grim reaper in software development and white-collar jobs. But hey, if you can swing a hammer or fix a pipe, you're golden. ConverzAI, on the other hand, just raised $16 million to automate the heck out of hiring, because why talk to humans when you can chat with a bot? In military news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is riding high with a recruitment boom, all thanks to the "America First" vibe. But he's also ditching diversity programs, because apparently, unity comes from being the same, not from celebrating differences. And finally, in a twist that's both futuristic and slightly bizarre, Banx Management is diving into AI models for OnlyFans, proving once and for all that even the oldest profession is not immune to technological disruption. Who knew AI could be so... versatile? Chapters 00:00 - Valentine's Day Banter 02:58 - Super Bowl Recap and Commercial Highlights 09:00 - Job Market Trends and Layoffs 15:00 - Phenom's Acquisition and Talent Management Insights 22:04 - Navigating Acquisitions and Market Dynamics 27:01 - Tech Sector Layoffs and Job Market Shifts 34:07 - AI in Recruitment: The Rise of Converse AI 39:00 - Military Recruitment Trends and Diversity Initiatives 44:59 - The Evolution of OnlyFans and AI Models

Feb 14, 202549 min

Shredded: Phenom, Indeed, Randstad, ZipRecruiter, ConverzAI, Disney, Noxus & More

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.

Feb 13, 20257 min

Revamping Visa’s Brand: Data & Engagement Journey

🎙️ Chad & Cheese sit down with Celinda Appleby, Visa’s global director of talent attraction, for an in-depth discussion on navigating 2025’s talent acquisition hurdles—think economic uncertainty and a turbulent job market. Celinda reveals how Visa is refreshing its employer brand to align with evolving corporate strategies through EVP 2.0, powered by research and a dedicated center of excellence. 🚀 She dives into creative wins like Olympics-inspired campaigns and a reimagined career site strategy to boost candidate engagement. Plus, a sneak peek at what’s next: targeted recruitment tools, a brand advocacy culture, and finalizing EVP 2.0. Don’t miss out—connect with Celinda on LinkedIn and explore exciting job openings at Visa! 🌐

Feb 11, 202512 min

Paradox Devours & Deel Gets Swole

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So much red meat in this episode for industry junkies that you might mistake it for a Sizzler, the boys are joined by Mo this week to cover a wide array of topics, featuring some of the spaces most influential players. Paradox had a week so good, even Chipotle gave them a shout-out on Mad Money, which is like getting a high-five from your rich uncle at a family reunion. They also gobbled up Eqtble, a fancy people analytics company, because who doesn't want to know if their employees are secretly plotting to start a band during work hours? Meanwhile, Deel's hitting the $800 million mark faster than you can say "IPO, where's my yacht?" They're eyeing 2026 for going public, making Rippling's founder Parker Conrad sweat more than a mime in a sauna. LinkedIn's now diving into video like your grandma at a bingo night, with a 36% increase in uploads because apparently, watching someone talk about their job is the new Netflix. They're also trying to make job applications less of a "throw your resume into a black hole" experience. And for the rom-com lovers, remote work is apparently the new dating app, with 86% of Americans finding love over Zoom. It's like 'The Office,' but instead of the break room, it's Slack gone wild. However, with 41% dating their supervisor, we're one lawsuit away from making "return to office" the new "I love you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:22 Chad Goes to Madrid 04:09 Super Bowl Predictions 06:31 Positive News: Jackie Clayton on Amazing Race 07:54 Nostalgia: The Return of the Shamrock Shake 14:01 Chipotle talks Paradox 20:14 Acquisition of Equitable and Market Strategy 26:13 Paradox's Strategic Acquisitions 30:48 Lessons from the Past: Company Acquisitions 32:23 Deel's Impressive Growth 36:28 LinkedIn's New Video Strategy 43:30 Romance in the Remote Workplace

Feb 7, 202550 min

Shredded: Paradox, Deel, Dice, LinkedIn, Kforce, Google, Target, Klarna & More

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.

Feb 6, 20259 min

Firing Squad: Propulsion AI's Scott Morris

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In this rollicking episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, where HR tech is served with a side of sass, we dive deep with Scott Morris, the brainiac behind Propulsion AI. Scott, who's apparently decided that regular HR is just too mundane, has set out to jazz up the hiring process by making it all about outcomes, not just ticking off tasks. He's got AI doing the heavy lifting, crafting job descriptions faster than you can say "synergy," and making roles so clear, even Chad might understand them. They chat about the wild west of HR tech challenges, why your company's employment brand might need a glow-up, and how AI can scale up recruitment without scaling up headaches. Scott spills the beans on Propulsion AI's secret sauce for reducing the hiring hassle, from evolving job postings to the crystal ball gazing of job matching. The duo grills him on everything from marketing moves to who they're gunning for, compliance conundrums, and the big bucks of compensation. But it's not all smooth sailing; Chad and Cheese challenge Scott on whether Propulsion AI is the hot new thing or just another HR tech flash in the pan. Buckle up for some sharp insights, a few laughs, and maybe even eternal peace and prosperity. OK, maybe not the last part. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Propulsion AI and Scott Morris 06:00 The Genesis of Propulsion AI 10:08 Challenges in the HR Tech Space 13:07 The Role of AI in Job Descriptions 15:50 Scalability and Employment Branding 16:50 Navigating Recruitment Challenges 19:27 The Evolution of Job Postings 24:26 Future of Job Matching 26:05 Marketing Strategies for PropulsionAI 30:19 Understanding the Target Market 31:58 Compliance and Compensation Insights 36:01 Facing the Firing Squad: Tough Questions

Feb 5, 202540 min

Embracing Upskilling and Micro-Learning w/ Darnell Hill

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Darnell Hill, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at AAA Mountain West Group, joins The Chad & Cheese to discuss the company's transformation and his insights into the HR landscape. He shares how AAA is redefining its brand beyond its traditional association with roadside assistance, venturing into areas like AAA Smart Home and auto repair partnerships, while also reflecting on past initiatives. The conversation explores unexpected trends in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Hill underscores AI’s potential to enhance hiring quality, going beyond just improving the candidate experience. He also discusses employee retention and development strategies, advocating for micro-learning and prioritizing candidates with growth potential over those with strictly relevant experience.

Feb 3, 202510 min

DeepSeek Dominates and Textio is Toasted

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In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, the hosts blend personal anecdotes with industry analysis, starting with humorous shout outs and personal stories. They tackle serious topics like the challenges women face in the workplace, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and discuss the implications of recent government layoffs on the workforce. The conversation provides insights into the political climate and how it influences employment policies. They also share their travel plans, adding a personal touch to the discussion, while emphasizing opportunities for recruiters amidst a shifting job market due to layoffs. The episode delves into the evolving job market, highlighting how AI, particularly DeepSeek's disruptive AI model, is reshaping employment and industry dynamics. They discuss the competitive tech environment between the U.S. and China, the rise of startups in response to economic changes, and industry news like OpenAI's advancements and Textio's struggles. The episode concludes on a lighter note with a discussion on AI boyfriends, exploring the broader societal shifts in technology and human relationships. Emi Beredugo enlightens the boys on the finer points of dating and why apps like Tinder and Hinge suck so badly. Blame it all on dudes, as usual. Grab a bottle of Chicken Cock and enjoy.

Jan 31, 202551 min

Shredded: Accenture, LinkedIn, 15Five, Job&Talent, Textio, Wanderly, Recfindr, SquarePeg & More

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Jan 30, 20256 min

Europe: Talent Wars and Political Impact

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In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast Does Europe, the boys dive into the political circus, focusing on how Europeans are snickering at Donald Trump's presidency. They question if the U.S. foreign policy is more like a toddler with too many toys or an actual strategy and ponder whether Europe might finally unite to tackle global shenanigans. They tackle the rise of authoritarianism - because who doesn't love a good dictator story? - and discuss how military spending might be the new diet plan for social services. The episode also turns the spotlight on the U.S.'s role in Ukraine, asking if it's more of a "hero" or "meddler" narrative. For a lighter note, they explore the economic rollercoaster of trade policies and the recruitment industry's attempts to not fall off. The conversation shifts to the French job board Welcome to the Jungle, which seems to be having an existential crisis, and how European companies are aiming for America and the UK to keep up with market mood swings. Next up, is the much anticipated "Who'd Ya' Rather?" game, where the boys put two startups, Maki and Talent Mapper, on the hot seat, dissecting their recruitment and engagement strategies like a couple of culinary critics at a food fight. And because every good podcast needs a health segment, they delve into the German love affair with sick leave - exploring if it's a cultural quirk or a silent protest against work. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context of the Podcast 01:51 - European Perspectives on Trump and His Policies 05:01 - Geopolitical Implications of U.S. Actions 09:01 - Economic Challenges 12:09 - Trump's Foreign Policy and Global Priorities 15:10 - Layoffs and Market Focus in Recruitment 17:41 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Future 18:25 - Challenges in the European Job Market 23:46 - Emerging Trends in HR Tech 30:58 - Sick Leave Trends in Germany 38:39 - Closing Thoughts and Humor (C'mon, you know!)

Jan 29, 202538 min

HR Trends and AI Risks: Keith Sonderling

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Onstage at Outsolve's HR Gumbo Conference in New Orleans, Keith Sonderling, the former Commissioner of the EEOC, joins Chad & Cheese to discuss major trends in employment discrimination and the evolving role of AI in HR. He notes a significant spike in discrimination charges post-recession, particularly age discrimination, followed by increases in sexual harassment, equal pay, and racial discrimination claims due to various societal movements and events. Sonderling highlights the broad applicability of the Executive Order on Cybersecurity across all sectors and the challenges of managing discrimination claims, especially with the rise in religious exemptions post-COVID vaccine mandates. He also addresses the complexities of returning to office post-pandemic, disability discrimination, particularly mental health claims, and generational workplace dynamics. The conversation delves into the legal implications of AI in hiring, emphasizing the need for bias audits and the potential for AI to reduce traditional hiring biases if properly implemented. Lastly, the guys touch on the legislative landscape for AI in HR and the risks of fraud in emerging tech like the metaverse, concluding with the importance of clear policies and verification processes to ensure fairness and compliance.

Jan 27, 202558 min

TikTok by MrBeast?

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"Brace yourselves, because this week, the chaotic trifecta of Chad, JT, and Mo are reporting on the apocalypse—with a generous helping of snark. From MrBeast and Employer.com bidding to turn TikTok into their playground to STEM content creators cashing checks on OnlyFans and Pornhub (science is sexy now?). Plus, Chad dubs this administration the 'Fellatio Era' (yeah, you read that right). Tune in for the hot takes, bad accents, and questionable beer-fueled analogies. Warning: Don’t listen at work unless you’re ready to explain why you’re cackling uncontrollably. We out!" Chapters 00:00 JT and Mo are in the house! 06:46 Humor in the Job Market 10:01 Thought Leadership and Branding 13:36 Dismantling DEI Initiatives 22:00 Hiring Freeze and Return to Office Policies 24:09 Navigating Job Market Challenges 25:36 The Impact of Remote Work Policies 27:13 Understanding Workforce Dynamics 28:46 The Role of Immigrants in the Job Market 30:54 The TikTok Shutdown and Its Implications 32:55 Mr. Beast and the Future of TikTok 40:29 Pornhub vs YouTube - STEM Content

Jan 24, 202546 min

Shredded: ADP, Teal, Randstad, Perplexity, Byteboard, Karat, TalentMapper, Holly, Trump & More

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Jan 24, 20257 min

Europe: Sex Workers, AI, and Start-Ups

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In this hilarious installment of The Chad & Cheese Podcast Does Europe, Lieven joins the boys as they embark on a wild ride through Europe, sharing tales of cultural faux pas and giving shout-outs that'll make you spit out your coffee. Buckle up as they dive into Belgium's bold new laws for sex workers - because who knew bureaucracy could be so sexy? But wait, there's more! They tackle the elephant in the room, or should we say, the AI in the workplace? ChatGPT's on the scene, and it's not just for writing your grandma's birthday cards anymore. It's revolutionizing recruitment, turning headhunters into tech-hunters. Then, it's a somber stroll through Germany's economic woes - because nothing says "comedy gold" like discussing inflation in the land of beer and pretzels. Nicht gut! Prediction time! Lieven dons his prophetic hat to predict the staffing industry's future in 2025 from a European POV, where AI is the new HR MVP. Then they navigate the GDPR minefield on LinkedIn, where American tech giants are learning that in Europe, privacy is not just a suggestion ... especially in Ireland. The episode rounds off with a look at the new kids on the recruitment block - startups that might either be the next big thing or just another flash in the pan, including CoachHub, Popp AI and Talentium. All this, served with a side of their signature snark and belly laughs Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:01 - Cultural Observations and Travel Experiences 05:59 - Shout Outs and Humor in European Contexts 09:01 - Legislation and Rights for Sex Workers in Belgium 12:03 - Technological Innovations: ChatGPT and Scheduled Tasks 15:00 - Economic Challenges in Europe: Layoffs and Market Trends 22:00 - Predictions for 2025: The Future of Recruitment and AI 25:34 - Optimizing Job Applications with AI 30:00 - LinkedIn's GDPR Challenges and Implications 40:02 - Buy or Sell: Evaluating New Recruitment Startups 57:01 Closing Thoughts and Humor (So Much Humor)

Jan 22, 202559 min

TikTok Shutdown, Big Meta Energy and LinkedIn AI?

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In the latest episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, J.T. O'Donnell crashes the party, diving headfirst into the chaotic whirlpool that is today's job market and recruitment tech. They start by roasting the good ol' resume, with J.T. proclaiming it's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine in this AI-driven world. Next up, they tackle the plight of Harvard MBA grads, who apparently can't even buy a job in this economy. One in four of these overachievers are sitting at home, probably wondering if their fancy degrees are just expensive wall decor. The show then takes a detour into corporate shenanigans, spotlighting DHI Group's Dice and ClearanceJobs, which are cutting costs like they're prepping for a zombie apocalypse. Layoffs? More like "strategic headcount adjustments," am I right? On the acquisition front, Shaker Recruitment Marketing gobbled up JobAdX, which might make Appcast lose sleep, assuming JobAdX goes on the offensive ... unlike Joe Shaker's beloved Chicago Bears this season. The tech talk doesn't stop there; LinkedIn's new AI tools are supposedly going to make job hunting as easy as swiping right on Tinder, plus help small to medium-sized businesses use LinkedIn for hiring where they looked to ZipRecruiter or Indeed previously. And then there's TikTok, teetering on the edge of oblivion, potentially turning all those TikTok millionaires back into regular folks with regular jobs. Lastly, they zero in on Mark Zuckerberg for some Big Meta Energy, whose recent decisions at Meta scream either "mid-life crisis" or "I've lost the plot" ... take your pick. They speculate on AI's future, with middle managers on high alert, fearing their cushy jobs might soon be as relevant as a fax machine. So, grab your popcorn (or your resume, for nostalgia), and tune in for a snarky, humorous breakdown of the job market's latest and greatest.

Jan 17, 202555 min

Shredded: LinkedIn, Dice, The Muse, Yardi, Humi, Hippocratic AI, Maki, Employment Hero & More

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Jan 16, 20256 min

Mastering Recruitment with Gerry Crispin

Gerry Crispin crashes into the Chad & Cheese podcast live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA. With a cool 53 years in recruiting under his belt, Gerry takes us through his career, where he picked up a few nuggets of wisdom along the way, all while sticking to the golden rule of fairness—thanks, Johnson & Johnson! After dipping his toes in J&J, Roche, and a fancy boutique executive search firm, he’s got stories for days, each one teaching him more about this wild recruiting world. When it comes to advice, Gerry’s simple: master the basics, like understanding comp and benefits. If you’re not on top of that, you’re basically flying blind. Sure, recruiting’s a grind, but Gerry’s still loving it, crediting job shadowing (even some low-key undercover ops) for helping him truly get the lay of the land. As for the whole "AI is coming for your job" panic, Gerry’s not worried. AI’s impact is more "enhancer" than "job destroyer," he says, and it’ll just make everything smoother by crunching numbers and improving the candidate experience. But he’s seriously annoyed that Talent Acquisition leaders aren’t jumping on the AI bandwagon fast enough. Get with the times, people! He wraps up with a classic Gerry line: find a company that matches your values, take the initiative, and stay positive. He’s still in the game with CareerXroads, bringing optimism and action to the recruiting table—no room for negativity here!

Jan 15, 202516 min

Smarter Hiring and Stronger Retention with Joe Shaker

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Joe Shaker dropped recruitment truth bombs with a side of optimism. Want to know the secret to winning the talent war? Or how MarTech is set to shake up hiring in 2025? Joe’s insights might just save your branding strategy—and your sanity.

Jan 13, 202513 min

2025 Predictions Show

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In this uproarious episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, our dynamic duo, Joel and Chad, dive into their holiday escapades—think less about eggnog and more about egg on their faces from last year's predictions. They gleefully dissect their 2024 forecasts, celebrating the rare victories and lamenting the epic fails with the finesse of a stand-up comedian bombing on stage. They then throw the mic to some guests: Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting & Onboarding at UPS Emi Beredugo, Senior Manager, Recruiting Enablement Lars Schmidt, Found, CEO at Amplify Talent Rebecca Volpano, VP of Product Marketing at Cielo Sean “Teddy” Behr, CEO @ Fountain Stephen McGrath, Product Experience Manager at Poetry AND our favorite Scot 3 years running Tim Meehan, Principal @ Talent River Consulting J.T. O’Donnel, Founder / CEO at Work it Daily Each bravely offers their crystal ball takes for 2025, proving that diversity in thought might just save us from another year of looking like fools. The chat veers into the ever-evolving world of recruitment, where automation and AI are the new cool kids on the block, turning the job hunt into something from a sci-fi flick. They ponder the future of work, asking if resumes will go the way of the dodo, replaced by digital dossiers or perhaps just a well-timed TikTok dance. Among the 2025 predictions: a parade of IPOs, European startups becoming the new Silicon Valley, and programmatic ad spending shifting like sands in an hourglass. In the end, it's all about adapting to tech that's moving faster than your grandpa at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and meeting the job seekers' expectations, which are now as high as Cheese's hair on a good day. Tune in for laughs, learning, and maybe a little life-changing tech talk. 00:00 - Welcome Back and Holiday Reflections 03:01 - 2024 Predictions Recap 05:56 - Guest Predictions for 2025 26:30 - Lars Schmidt 28:06 - The Future of Work: Automation and AI 29:52 - The Role of Technology in Hiring 36:06 - Automation in Recruitment: Perspectives from Industry Leaders 41:06 - Candidate Experience and the Evolution of Hiring Practices 44:00 - The Death of the Resume: A New Era in Job Applications 47:01 - Predictions for 2025: IPOs and Market Trends 51:56 - The Future of European Startups 54:55 - Programmatic Ad Spending: Trends and Predictions

Jan 10, 20251h 2m

Shredded: Shaker Recruitment Marketing, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Adecco, Salesforce, Paychex, McDonald's, Jobindex & More

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Jan 9, 202510 min

Chris Forman's Wild Appcast Ride

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In this episode, we chat with Chris Forman, founder of Appcast, about building a recruitment tech powerhouse while avoiding the classic startup trap of “too many ideas, not enough brains.” We cover Appcast’s rise from "rail builder" to Stepstone acquisition (thanks, "Daddy Warbucks" Axel Springer) and the buzzworthy Bayard deal. Was it genius strategy or just IPO window dressing? Chris doesn’t hold back—and might admit to ruffling some agency feathers. We also dive into why recruitment tech still struggles with basics like “Does this candidate meet the job requirements?” and whether industry leaders are the next Blockbuster in a Netflix world. Plus, Chris answers the big question: What even IS Appcast? Packed with sharp insights, laughs, and maybe a cheese joke (Chris loves dairy farms), this episode is a must-listen for HR pros, tech geeks, and anyone curious about the chaos behind the scenes.

Jan 8, 202550 min

Trust Issues with AI in Recruiting

"Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Jason Pistulka—Assistant VP of Talent Acquisition Operations at HCA Healthcare—graces us with his presence to drop some truth bombs on recruitment. Spoiler alert: he's not here to hand out AI participation trophies. Jason throws shade at the industry’s blind faith in AI as a recruitment savior, arguing that maybe, just maybe, getting your operational act together would be a better idea. He spills the tea on HCA's branding game—giving their hospitals local names to charm their markets—and flexes their scale and healthcare cred like a boss. Oh, and remember the COVID hiring apocalypse? HCA brought on 200 new recruiters like it was nothing. Now that the chaos has died down, it all seems almost quaint. Jason also calls out vendors for struggling to grasp the size of HCA’s operation (hint: it’s big) and says they need a crash course in "How HCA Rolls." He’s all about their talent transformation roadmap and teases some snazzy automation initiatives to make recruitment smoother and data capture less of a dumpster fire. As for AI picking candidates? Nah, Jason’s not buying the hype. But he’s here for automation that makes life easier, proving that even skeptics can be pragmatic. It’s an insightful chat—if you’re into operational excellence, vendor rants, and the occasional AI side-eye."

Jan 6, 202515 min

2024 It's a Wrap!

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The Chad & Cheese Podcast 2024 Recap Show In this special year-end recap, Chad and Cheese revisit the biggest moments and most talked-about episodes of 2024. Packed with insights, hot takes, and snarky commentary, this episode delivers a curated journey through the stories that defined the HR tech industry over the past year. Featured Highlights: "ZipRecruiter is Lost" (March 2024) "Workday Sucker Punches Eightfold and Beamery" (March 2024) "Bullhorn Strikes Back at Indeed" (June 2024) "Monster & CareerBuilder Merger" (July 2024) "Indeed Tomfukery" (August 2024) Chad and Cheese also hint at exciting plans for 2025, promising new voices, brash opinions, and more in-depth analysis. Whether you’re an industry insider or just love the drama, this episode is a must-listen wrap-up of a game-changing—and occasionally ridiculous—year in HR tech.

Jan 3, 202558 min

Top 2024 Topics & Expert Insights

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Behold! A holiday spectacle so dazzling, so insightful, it’ll practically guarantee you a promotion (results may vary, void where prohibited, don't quit your day job). We've wrangled all our favorite (and some we just tolerated) guests from 2024 to deliver scorching hot takes on the burning dumpster fire that is talent, tech, and recruitment. Think less "fireside chat" and more "dumpster fire chat." From AI’s inevitable robot overlord takeover of recruiting (will they finally fix the ATS? Don't hold your breath) to the thrilling return of the office (aka mandatory fun times!), we've got the scoop you need to maybe survive 2025. Or at least have something to complain about at the next holiday party. Witness the assembled brain trust, including: Eileen Kovalsky from General Motors: Because even car companies need people to, you know, build cars. Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox: Hopefully, he'll explain what a paradox is without causing one. Jessica Rush, Chief Talent Officer: We're rushing to find the talent, people! Get it? (We'll see ourselves out). Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX: Because someone has to deal with the results. Stefan Premdas, Director, People Experience at sweetgreen: Hopefully, they brought snacks. J.T. O'Donnell from Work It Daily: Because you're going to need to. Julie Sowash, Executive Director and Co-founder of Disability Solutions: Providing solutions to problems you didn't even know you had! John Graham, the VP of Employer Brand Strategy, Humanity & Culture at Shaker: Because branding is everything, even when it's not. (He appears twice! Clearly, he's got a lot to say...or we messed up the guest list). Emi Beredugo: We’re not entirely sure what Emi does, but they’re here! Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze, Co-host from Europe: Bringing you takes from across the pond (probably involving better coffee). Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding: The man, the myth, the onboarding legend. Lord Wei, A Member of the Science and Tech Committee in the House of Lords: Adding a touch of British pomp and circumstance (and hopefully some actual wisdom). Rebecca Carr, CEO at SmartRecruiters: Because recruiting needs to be smart, obviously. Courtney Dempsey, the Head of Recruiting at Southern Rock Restaurants: Serving up talent as hot as their chicken. Chloé Rada, the Senior Director of Talent Attraction at ZoomInfo: Zooming into the future of talent (get it?). Dean Da Costa, Senior Staff Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin: Recruiting the best of the best to build…stuff. Mary Battle Broxton, Leading Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Tractor Supply Company: Because even tractor companies need marketing. 🎧 Smash that subscribe button NOW! Chapters 00:00 - A Special Holiday Message for YOU! 1:12 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? 7:47 - Sponsor: Shaker Recruitment https://shaker.com 8:41 - Importance of Employer Branding in Tech-Driven Recruitment 11:17 - The Uncertain Future of DEI 15:40 - Automation's Effect on Workforce Dynamics 18:22 - Return to Office Policy Comeback 24:29 - Sponsor: Paradox AI https://www.paradox.ai/ 24:59 - Sponsor: Job Pixel https://www.jobpixel.com/ 26:10 - Immigration and Workforce Challenges 30:17 - Shocking Layoffs of 2024 35:30 - Tech Trends of 2024 that Stand Out 38:33 - So in 2024, What Surprised You the Most? 41:51 - Sponsor: Harri https://harri.com/ 42:53 - Advice for 2025

Dec 27, 202449 min

Cringeworthy Mistakes: with Tim Sackett

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Broadcasting live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Tim Sackett—dropped some truth bombs with Joel Cheesman about the cringe-worthy mistakes corporations make in their talent acquisition hustle. Oh, and guess what? Sackett's cooking up another book, creatively titled Talent Fix Volume 2—because one wasn’t enough. Expect fresh content, hot takes, and, presumably, a few digs at HR's favorite buzzwords. Sackett didn't hold back on the AI hype train, either. Turns out, he's underwhelmed by the industry's cutting-edge "meh" when it comes to applying AI in TA. Meanwhile, corporate America is flailing with performance management as everyone adjusts to the post-pandemic reality of low unemployment. Spoiler: leaders are still allergic to honest performance conversations. Fast forward to 2025, and Sackett has a bold prediction: recruiters won't just recruit anymore—they'll transform into talent advisors, focusing on team dynamics and playing corporate therapist. Vendors, take note: Sackett thinks it's your job to coach TA leaders through this glow-up. No pressure.

Dec 23, 202410 min

2024 Naughty and Nice Special

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Welcome to the Chat and Cheese Podcast's holiday extravaganza, where HR gossip meets holiday cheer — and no one is safe. It’s like your company holiday party, but with more alcohol and fewer awkward dance moves (maybe). Holiday Coal Recipients: The Master of Deception The Corporate Grinch The Kings of "Almost There" Holiday Heroes: The Billion-Dollar Badass The Pop Powerhouse The Viral Appetizer Wizard Final Thought: Whether you’re running from accountability or running the world, Chad & Joel see you. In a year filled with corporate antics, unlikely successes, and viral cheese pulls, they’ve made their holiday list — and checked it twice. Chapters 00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Festivities 03:08 - Family Traditions and Celebrations 06:03 - Life in Portugal vs. the U.S. 08:58 - Fantasy Football Playoffs 12:00 - Naughty and Nice Lists 15:02 - Spotlight on Successful Entrepreneurs 16:51 - Taylor Swift: A Business Phenomenon 21:42 - The Impact of AI in Recruitment 28:34 - The Rise of the Influencer Economy 32:28 - Naughty and Nice: Corporate Accountability 40:02 - Closing Thoughts and Humor

Dec 20, 202441 min

Using Internal Comms to Shape Employer Brands

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese corner Audra Knight, the employer branding wizard at Foundation Medicine, to spill the tea on how companies can stop being boring and actually build a brand people care about. Audra preaches the gospel of internal communications, because apparently, it’s not enough to just have a logo and a “We’re Hiring!” post on LinkedIn. She dishes on the art of getting your employees to share their stories without bribing them (much), making your company seem like a place where people want to work—not just survive. Audra also marvels at the endless buffet of fancy branding tools out there, hinting that maybe picking the right ones is better than throwing spaghetti at the wall. Her secret sauce? Tailoring messages to different roles like a personal shopper for job seekers. Oh, and she’s not here for performative diversity—she’s all about the real deal. Because in employer branding, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the only thing standing between you and a talent drought.

Dec 18, 202411 min

Firing Squad Illoominus' Noelle London

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In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Noelle London, founder and CEO of Illoominus, discusses her AI-powered people intelligence platform designed to integrate and analyze HR data. She shares insights on the challenges of dirty data, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the competitive landscape in HR technology. The conversation also covers funding strategies, the role of Techstars, and how Illoominus aims to provide actionable insights for HR leaders to make informed decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Illoominus and Noelle London 03:36 Pitching Illuminus: The AI-Powered People Intelligence Platform 08:10 Funding and Growth: Navigating the Financial Landscape 12:35 Understanding the HR Tech Landscape and Leadership 14:31 Data Integration: The Key to Effective HR Solutions 17:02 Competition in the HR Tech Space 20:43 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Growth 24:11 Defining Quality of Hire: A Complex Challenge 26:30 Direct Sales vs. Partnerships: Future Strategies 28:59 Identifying Threats and Opportunities in the Market 31:32 Facing the Firing Squad: Final Thoughts and Insights

Dec 16, 202434 min

Meta, Microsoft, and Google Go Nuclear

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In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Chad discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes about pets and sleep deprivation to the unsettling news about drones in New Jersey. They delve into the implications of workplace stress and corporate responses, highlighting a controversial case of a company firing employees due to stress. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in recruitment and marketing, followed by a light-hearted update on their fantasy football league. Finally, they explore the impact of AI in education, particularly through the Khanmigo platform, which aims to assist teachers and personalize learning for students. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the historical perspectives on controversial figures, the impact of AI on job markets, the challenges of hiring practices, the future of nuclear energy, and the uncertain future of TikTok in America. They discuss how AI is reshaping narratives and job searches, the importance of soft skills in hiring, and the potential of nuclear energy to meet rising energy demands. The conversation also touches on the political and economic implications surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 03:07 - Drones and Warfare: A New Era 06:01 - Workplace Stress and Corporate Responses 09:04 - AI in Recruitment and Marketing 12:03 - Fantasy Football Update 14:47 - AI in Education: Khanmigo's Impact 20:49 - Historical Perspectives on Controversial Figures 22:00 - AI and Historical Narratives 22:42 - Job Market Innovations and Challenges 27:46 - Evaluating Soft Skills in Hiring 33:58 - The Future of Nuclear Energy 41:04 - The Uncertain Future of TikTok in America

Dec 13, 202445 min

Shredded: Paradox, iCIMS, Korn Ferry, HiringBranch, Pin, WhatJobs, Omni HR, Famm & More

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Dec 12, 20246 min

Chris Forman

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In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, hosts Joel Cheeseman and Chad Soash welcome Chris Foreman, founder and outgoing CEO of AppCast. The conversation covers Chris's background, the evolution of AppCast, its market position, and the state of the job board industry. Chris shares insights on the importance of performance advertising, the challenges faced by job boards, and the dynamics of partnerships with major players like Indeed and StepStone. The discussion highlights the need for innovation and adaptability in the recruitment technology space. In this conversation, Chris discusses the dynamics of business ownership and relationships, particularly in the context of AppCast's acquisition by StepStone. He emphasizes the importance of strategic acquisitions and how they align with customer needs. The discussion also delves into the current state of programmatic job advertising, highlighting challenges in user experience and the competitive landscape. Chris shares insights on future directions for the industry and reflects on his leadership transition as he prepares to step down as CEO. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Chris Foreman and AppCast 04:50 - The Evolution of AppCast and Its Market Position 10:35 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Timing for Success 14:25 - State of the Job Board Industry 22:11 -Insights on Indeed and StepStone 30:39 - Navigating Business Relationships and Ownership Dynamics 36:02 - Strategic Acquisitions and Market Positioning 40:17 - The State of Programmatic Job Advertising 54:39 - Future Directions and Leadership Transitions Keywords AppCast, Chris Forman, job boards, recruitment technology, market strategy, performance advertising, HR industry, job marketplace, hiring trends, business insights, business relationships, acquisitions, programmatic advertising, job market, leadership transitions, stepstone, Bayard advertising, indeed.com,

Dec 11, 202450 min

Navigating DEI's Shifting Landscape in Recruitment

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Julie Sowash, executive director of Disability Solutions, survived Chad & Cheese’s snarkapalooza to talk AI ethics, data transparency, and why hiring underrepresented talent is more than a checkbox exercise. She preached the gospel of blending tech with human connection (shocking, we know) and reminded companies that “diversity commitment” isn’t code for “nice press release.” Julie also spilled on how 2024’s economic rollercoaster crushed some dreams but made strategic DEI even more essential. Oh, and she managed to keep things heartfelt, even shouting out her co-host/husband, Chad — proving love can survive even that much sarcasm. Here are the episode chapters: 0:00:00 - Podcast Intro 0:00:25 - Meet Julie Sowash 0:01:03 - Key Advice for TA Leaders 0:02:21 - DEI Commitments vs. Corporate Retreats 0:03:46 - Ethical AI in Recruiting 0:05:34 - 2024 Market Surprises 0:07:42 - Overcoming DEI Implementation Hurdles 0:09:04 - Looking Ahead to 2025

Dec 11, 202412 min

Targeting Candidates with AI and LLMs

Welcome back to HR's Most Dangerous Podcast, where Chad and Joel serve up spicy takes and recruiting truths hotter than a Nashville summer. This week, they wrangle Courtney Dempsey, the tech-savvy maestro behind Southern Rock Restaurants’ hiring empire. With 160 restaurants and a hiring strategy sharper than a deli slicer, Courtney spills the secret sauce: targeting job seekers while the rest of us are dreaming about tacos at 3 AM. Hear how she uses LLMs like they’re her personal AI attack dogs, outsmarts bigger competitors with zero chill, and recruits AARP members because, frankly, Gen Z already got their fill of side hustles. If you’re not advertising your dishwashing gigs like prime-time Super Bowl spots, you’re doing it wrong. So, grab your headphones and brace yourself. By the end, you’ll either want to revolutionize your hiring strategy or question all your life choices... possibly both. And remember, in this game, speed kills. But in HR? It also hires. Warning: Side effects of listening include spontaneous outbursts of laughter, strategic epiphanies, and reconsidering your entire recruitment budget. Proceed with caution.

Dec 9, 202410 min

Rippling Snakes Deel

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In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Joel and Chad discuss various topics including their experiences with Chipotle and the implementation of Paradox, the impressive growth of their podcast as highlighted by Spotify's year-end wrap-up, the rise of social commerce particularly through TikTok, and the potential for LinkedIn to enhance job applications through video content. They also touch on LinkedIn's recent layoffs and speculate on the future of ERE and its SourceCon conference. In this conversation, Chad and Joel reflect on the evolution of the recruitment industry, particularly focusing on the ERE conference and its decline. They discuss the changing landscape of sourcing, the competitive dynamics between Rippling and Deel, and the implications of AI in healthcare. The conversation also touches on Walmart's recent shift in DEI policies and the booming success of OnlyFans as a content platform. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Weather Check 02:45 - Chipotle Experience and Paradox Implementation 04:19 - Spotify Year-End Wrap-Up and Podcast Growth 06:33 - Demographics and Audience Engagement 07:55 -Social Commerce and TikTok Shopping 10:04 - LinkedIn's Potential in Video Job Applications 15:50 - LinkedIn Layoffs and Future Outlook 18:01 - Gossip on ERE and SourceCon 18:34 - Nostalgia for ERE: The Rise and Fall 22:34 - The Evolution of Sourcing and SourceCon 30:29 - Rippling vs. Deel: The Competitive Landscape 33:14 - AI in Healthcare: The Future of Diagnosis 38:26 - Walmart's Shift in DEI Policies 45:32 - OnlyFans: The New Frontier of Content Creation

Dec 6, 202448 min