At This Time... we’re cutting through the noise of bloated resumes, sketchy inbox applications, and outdated hiring rituals with James Lord, reference-checking aficionado and North American trailblazer for RefApp. James dishes on why references aren’t dead, how to get real insight (not fluff), and why a “pass/fail” background check just doesn’t cut it in today’s talent game. Whether you're still cold-calling former bosses or knee-deep in ATS integrations, this episode is your permission slip to rethink references—for good.

Host: Eric DeSobe; add him on LinkedIn

Guest: James Lord; add him on LinkedIn

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fajxnqy8dfk

At This Time … Kara Maguire is making moves—and not the small kind. After 20 years in the education talent world, including a Chief of Staff role at Ednovate, Kara’s stepping out of the school system and into consulting. She joins Eric to talk about what it means to start fresh, why systems matter more than superheroes, and how she’s using AI to roleplay her way into new client convos. If you’ve ever dreamed of trading structure for stretch goals, this one's your permission slip.

Host: Eric DeSobe; IG: / edesobe

Guest: Kara Maguire; add her on LinkedIn

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tgvu6cFQE3I

At This Time … Dylan Gruver from Friendship Public Charter Schools shares what it takes to keep nearly 5,000 students learning and hundreds of staff thriving. From rethinking teacher roles and flexible work setups to leading with empathy (and knowing everyone’s name), Dylan breaks down the real levers of retention in education. He also dives into why AI might be better for boosting student rigor than HR efficiency, and why “big enough to matter, small enough to care” is his secret sauce.

Host: Eric DeSobe; IG: / edesobe

Guest: Dylan Gruver; add him on LinkedIn

Watch on YouTube

At This Time … we’re exploring the messy middle of AI adoption with Aaron Cuny, co-founder of AI for Equity. From using AI as a “sparring partner” in job interviews to rethinking quality control when your team is half-human, half-robot, Aaron makes the case for a blended approach. He shares how school systems can hire for AI fluency and creativity, why “don’t bring a PowerPoint—bring a prototype” should be the new workplace motto, and what the next school year means for AI in education. This one’s equal parts practical tips and future-gazing.

Host: Eric DeSobe; IG: / edesobe

Guest: Aaron Cuny; add him on LinkedIn

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At This Time... we go back to the early days of a founding school with Anoli Patel, who knows what it’s like to build a team from scratch when the stakes are sky-high. She shares the must-have traits she looks for in new hires, why scenario-based “pressure tests” can separate theory from reality, and how humility can be as important as skill. Plus: how AI could change the hiring game—and why even the smartest chatbot still can’t handle a classroom of 6-year-olds.

At This Time... we’re talking all things internships in Hollywood with Ricardo Sanchez, Jr. from Lionsgate (the studio behind such hits as John Wick and The Hunger Games). From sports journalism dreams to building one of the most respected intern programs in the biz, Ricardo shares how he helps young talent break into the entertainment industry — without needing to step in front of a camera. Hear why interns aren’t just coffee-fetchers (they're pitching real campaigns!) and how Lionsgate is using Gen Z insight to shape the future of content.

Spoiler: Your favorite summer blockbuster might just have intern fingerprints on it.

Host: Eric DeSobe; add him on LinkedIn

Guest: Ricardo Sanchez, Jr.; add him on LinkedIn

CONNECT Instagram: / AtThisTimePodcast

At This Time... we’re stepping into the brilliant, intentional world of When We Gather—a consulting practice led by Dr. LeAnna Majors and Chinedu Udeh that’s changing how Black women lead, rest, and reclaim purpose at work. In this first-ever three-person pod, we dig into why their cohort model is essential, how it helps leaders stop second-guessing themselves, and what collective liberation actually looks like at Google, nonprofits, or anywhere else. Plus: what future cohorts might look like—and why they're just getting started.

Join their latest cohort today! Register here.

And follow them on LinkedIn here.

At This Time... Ron Rapatalo pulls no punches about today’s brutal job market in K–12 ed and nonprofits. He breaks down why roles feel scarce (spoiler: remote + flexible = hypercompetitive), how AI is both a gift and a gamble, and why “just starting your own search firm” isn’t the silver bullet you think it is. From redefining candidate experience to surviving as a multi-hyphenate, Ron brings sharp takes, real talk, and a reminder that the human touch still matters—even if your ATS thinks otherwise.

Want more of Ron?

Check out his podcast RONderings

At This Time... Richard Leong just landed a role at Google, and he's here to spill the (well-structured, thoughtfully prepared) tea. From prepping with ChatGPT to navigating Google's surprisingly human interview process, Richard shares how he stayed authentic while chasing one of tech’s most coveted roles. Plus: why he's voluntarily commuting more than required, and how he's using LinkedIn to pay it forward with insight and honesty. If you're dreaming of Google, don’t miss this one.

Host: Eric DeSobe; IG: / edesobe

Guest: Richard Leong; add him on LinkedIn

CONNECT Instagram: / AtThisTimePodcast

At This Time … ever wondered what happens when a fifth-grade math and science teacher swaps lesson plans for LinkedIn strategy? Stephanie Yesil takes us on her unexpected journey from the classroom to corporate, then to entrepreneurship—where she now helps educators pivot into new careers.

From decoding job descriptions to translating "teacher speak" into corporate lingo, Stephanie spills the secrets to career shifts without going back to school. Plus, she dishes on why EdTech hiring is shifting fast—and where teachers should actually be looking for their next move.

Host: Eric DeSobe; IG: / edesobe

Guest: Stephanie Yesil; add her on LinkedIn

CONNECT Instagram: / AtThisTimePodcast