In this month's Policy Pulse episode, Traci and Bryan explore the increasingly complex landscape of HR compliance across U.S. states and cities. With federal deregulation on one side and stricter state-level laws on the other, HR professionals are feeling the squeeze.

They discuss how employers can stay compliant with an evolving "patchwork" of laws—from pay transparency and AI in hiring to hyperlocal handbook requirements.

Plus, they tackle the ever-relevant topic of free speech in the workplace: what you can say, what you should say, and what might get you fired.

This episode is essential listening for any HR leader navigating multi-state operations, remote workforces, and the realities of a lean HR team.

What We Cover:

• How state-specific laws are reshaping HR practices
• When to use addendums vs. separate employee handbooks
• The compliance pitfalls of national job postings
• What "free speech" really means at work (hint: it’s not what you think)
• Why documentation is everything—and when it's better not to write things down

Key Quote:

“Say it, forget it. Write it, regret it.” — Traci (quoting Dorinda Medley, a RHONY legend)

Got a question for Bryan & Traci for an upcoming episode? Email Traci at [email protected]

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, Traci sits down with Matthew Megson, an HR professional and mental health advocate, to discuss how HR leaders can better support employees navigating mental health challenges. 

With over 21 years in the field and personal experience living with bipolar disorder, Matthew brings a unique dual perspective, both as someone who has created accommodations and as someone who has needed them.

Together, Traci and Matthew explore the critical need for empathy, the dangers of stigma, and practical strategies for handling mental health disclosures in the workplace. 

This conversation touches on suicide prevention, legal considerations, and how to balance organizational needs with human needs, making it a must-listen for anyone in people leadership.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and personal struggles. Please take care while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support anytime.

Connect with Matthew Megson here:

Website: Accommodation Analyzed

LinkedIn: Matthew Megson on LinkedIn

Connect with Traci:

⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Chapters:⁠

00:00 - Intro & Episode Overview

01:45 - Meet Matthew Megson

03:00 - Personal Story: Bipolar Diagnosis & Disclosures

08:30 - Where HR Often Gets It Wrong

14:00 - The Role of Empathy in HR

20:00 - Supporting Employees in Remote Environments

26:00 - What Employees Should Know Before Disclosing

31:00 - Building Better Accommodation Processes

33:00 - Where to Learn More from Matthew

If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of—we're all ears!

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This week on Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources, we’re talking about what it really means to be the “shield” in HR, and how to protect yourself from burnout while doing it.

Traci is joined by Lindsey Carnick, psychotherapist and founder of Onward Psychological Services, to unpack the emotional weight of HR, especially when you’re stuck between the needs of your company and the needs of your people.

With years of experience supporting high-stress professionals, Lindsey brings clarity, compassion, and a few unforgettable analogies (hello, cereal and climate!) to help HR leaders and people managers navigate stress without drowning in it.

Whether you’re rethinking your boundaries, looking for coping strategies, or wondering why work suddenly feels heavier than it should. This conversation will help you take a deep breath and start where you are.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why HR professionals often act as emotional “shields” in the workplace
• The difference between empathy and sympathy (and why it matters)
• How to support others without absorbing their emotions
• When it's time to leave a role or organization, and how to know if it’s a “weather” or “climate” issue
• Why alignment between your personal values and your company’s values is non-negotiable

Connect with Lindsey Carnick here:

Website: onwardpsychservices.com

Instagram: @OnwardPsychServices 

LinkedIn: Lindsey Carnick 

Connect with Traci here:

https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This week on Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources, we're shaking things up... literally.

Traci is joined by Stefanie Adams, keynote speaker, author of Cheer Leadership, and Chief Empowerment Officer, to talk about how leaders can bring energy, trust, and humanity back into the workplace.

With 20+ years of leadership experience and a background in cheerleading, Stefanie shares her powerful "Cheer Leadership" framework that challenges outdated ideas about team building.

Learn why connection, care, challenge, celebration, and inspiration are the five ingredients every leader needs—and how you can start applying them today.

Whether you're leading hybrid teams, managing burnout, or just trying to bring some joy back into your workday, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why leaders need to stop throwing people into “team stunts” without trust
  

• How to change your team’s energy—especially on tough days
  

• The power of creating psychological safety and celebrating small wins
  

• How fun and productivity can (and should) coexist
  

• Why modeling positive behavior gives others permission to do the same
  

Connect with Stefanie Adams here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniezadams/ Instagram: @corporatecheerleader

Find Stehanie's Book Here: Cheer Leadership

⁠Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Go to ⁠https://cozyearth.com⁠ and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

In this episode of the Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources podcast, Traci Chernoff and Bryan Driscoll return for this month’s Policy Pulse segment to cover five timely HR developments.

They kick things off by dissecting the political fallout over the July 2025 jobs report and the potential implications of altering or eliminating the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly release. 

Then, they dive into Texas’s new law mandating binary gender classification and its compliance burden on multi-state employers, followed by a deep look into Colorado’s strict new AI law and the risks it presents for hiring and automation tools. 

The conversation wraps with Rhode Island’s new menopause discrimination protections and Illinois’s “leave for any reason” law—both pushing the envelope on employee support policies.

Chapters 00:00 Welcome to August’s Policy Pulse 01:10 Controversy Over the July Jobs Report 06:49 Texas Mandates Binary Gender Classifications 14:50 Colorado’s Landmark AI Legislation & Compliance Risks 24:00 Rhode Island Protects Menopausal Employees 28:15 Illinois's Leave-for-Any-Reason Law 30:50 PTO, Legal Loopholes & Employer Challenges 32:00 Final Thoughts & What to Watch in September

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s Policy Pulse episode. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of — we're all ears!

Connect with Traci here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci⁠⁠

Connect with Bryan: Website: ⁠https://bryanjdriscoll.com/ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjohndriscoll/⁠

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

In this conversation, Sarah Davis, Workplace Strategy Lead at HED,  discusses the importance of human-centered workplace design and its impact on employee well-being and organizational culture. 

She emphasizes how physical office environments should align with company values and support different work behaviors. The discussion highlights the need for gathering diverse employee perspectives when designing workspaces and the strategic role of the office in fostering collaboration, creativity, and social connection. 

Sarah advocates for moving beyond traditional office layouts to create intentional spaces that enhance rather than hinder employee performance and satisfaction.

Connect with Sarah Davis here:

https://hed.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hedadvances/

Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered Workplace Design

04:30 Aligning Physical Space with Company Culture

11:34 Defining the Purpose of the Office

18:11 Moving Beyond Productivity to Experience-Focused Design

25:45 From Paper Decisions to Real Employee Experience

29:53 The Impact of Good Design on Employee Performance

33:23 Resources and How to Connect

If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast.

Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics.

You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

In this conversation, Dr. Rob Lion discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to leadership and organizational development. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making and the balance between culture and performance. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding context in organizational strategies and the role of employee experience in driving performance. Dr. Lion advocates for a proactive approach to culture as a strategic advantage and provides practical steps for organizations to improve their cultural framework.

Connect with Dr. Rob Lion, PhD here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlion/

https://blackriverpm.com/
https://blackriverpm.com/rob

Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Human-Centric Leadership

03:11 The Journey of Continuous Improvement

06:08 The Importance of Evidence-Based Decision Making

09:03 Balancing Culture and Performance

12:01 The Role of Context in Organizational Success

14:53 The Impact of Culture on Employee Performance

18:03 Strategies for Building a Strong Culture

20:59 The Challenge of Changing Mindsets

24:10 The Spectrum of Organizational Beliefs

26:51 Practical Steps for Cultural Transformation

30:05 Conclusion and Resources

If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Go to https://cozyearth.com and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

In this episode, Traci Chernoff sits down with Peggy Sullivan, a renowned keynote speaker and author, to explore the pervasive issue of busyness and how it impacts our lives. Peggy shares her "busy busting" framework, offering insights into achieving more by doing less and finding purpose in our daily routines.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

02:15 Understanding Busyness and Its Impact 

05:30 Peggy's Personal Journey and Wake-Up Calls 

10:45 The Three-Step Busy Busting Framework 

15:20 Incorporating Happiness Rituals 

20:00 Aligning Actions with Core Values 

25:30 Practical Tips for Overcoming Busyness 

30:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.

We hope you enjoyed this episode with Peggy Sullivan. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!

Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Connect with Peggy: 

Website: Peggysullivanspeaker.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/

Beyond Busyness by Peggy Sullivan https://1drv.ms/b/c/b99814dd68f10cc2/EcIM8WjdFJgggLkESwAAAAABR9TziWHWjxALw2oHzxVtUQ

Watch Peggy’s TEDx https://youtu.be/Xo1Bmz8q-BM?si=QmRbLxOgG37wx_dt 

Set up a Follow Up Call with Peggy https://calendly.com/peggysullivanspeaker/  

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Go to https://cozyearth.com and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

In this episode of the podcast, Traci Chernoff and Bryan Driscoll discuss the latest developments in labor law, focusing on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and its potential changes under new nominees. They explore the implications of pro-business changes, the impact on employee rights, union recognition processes, and the sweeping deregulation efforts by the Department of Labor. The conversation also highlights the recent shifts in independent contractor rules and offers advice for HR leaders on navigating these changes effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Policy Pulse and NLRB Changes

03:03 Impact of NLRB Nominees on Labor Law

05:55 Pro-Business Changes and Employee Rights

09:06 Union Recognition and CMAX Case

12:00 Deregulation Efforts by the Department of Labor

18:02 Independent Contractor Rule Changes

24:13 Advice for HR Leaders on Compliance and Changes

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s Policy Pulse episode. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!

Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci⁠

Connect with Bryan: 

Website: https://bryanjdriscoll.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjohndriscoll/ 

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Go to https://cozyearth.com and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

In this episode, Traci Chernoff interviews Topaz Adizes, an Emmy award-winning writer and experience design architect. Their conversation explores the challenges of navigating discomfort in relationships and the need to create safe spaces for it to cultivate growth and deeper connections. 

Moreover, they talk about the implications of AI on human interactions in the workplace and highlight the value of humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world as well as the importance of asking quality questions to shape a better future. 

Traci Chernoff and Topaz discuss the challenges of authenticity in content creation and the overwhelming presence of synthetic content. Their dialogue reiterates the need for reframing social media engagement, the existential implications of AI companionship, and the necessity of bringing humanity back into work environments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Topaz Adizes

02:25 The Power of Questions and Listening

07:04 Creating Safe Spaces for Discomfort

12:36 Navigating Discomfort in Relationships

18:50 The Role of Humanity in an AI-Driven World

27:54 Rethinking Questions in the Workplace

29:36 The Role of Authenticity in Content Creation

32:56 Navigating the Sea of Synthetic Content

35:22 Reframing Social Media Engagement

39:32 AI's Impact on Creativity and Human Connection

43:34 The Existential Crisis of AI Companionship

47:45 Bringing Humanity Back to Work

We hope you enjoyed this episode with Topaz Adizes. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.

About Our Guest: 

Topaz is an Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages, and currently lives in Mexico with his wife and two children.

Connect with Topaz Adizes here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/ 

Website: http://www.topazadizes.com/ 

Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci⁠

Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.