It's About Payroll

By WRKdefined

Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan III are the hosts of It’s About Payroll. Collectively, they have over 4 decades of experience in the payroll industry. This podcast was created with the intent ... more

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FAQs about It's About Payroll:

How many episodes does It's About Payroll have?

The podcast currently has 180 episodes available.

It's About Payroll episodes:

July 21, 2025Payroll Is Beautifully Complex – Max Explains Why!
🎧 EPISODE 166: The Global Payroll Playbook with Max van der Klis-Busink Podcast: It’s About Payroll Hosts: Brian Escobar & Walt Tynes
This week, we’re honored to welcome Max van der Klis-Busink — global payroll leader, award-winning author of The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook, and founder of Passion for Payroll & The Payroll Comedian.
Max shares his journey from dreaming about global payroll in Amsterdam to launching a book now sold in over 35 countries—with 100% of proceeds going to help kids access sports.
🎙️ In this episode:
Why payroll is beautifully complex

The power of structure in chaotic payroll worlds

Leadership traits every payroll pro needs now

Debunking the “one global vendor” myth

How AI can (and should) empower frontline payroll teams

What’s next for Max in his payroll comedy journey
📌 Quote of the day: “Every day is Day Zero.”
If you’re in payroll, HR, finance—or even just pay curious—this is a must-listen conversation.
✅ Subscribe, rate, and share the episode!
#PayrollPodcast #ItsAboutPayroll #MaxVanDerKlisBusink #PayrollLeadership #FutureOfWork #GlobalPayroll #PayrollBook #HRTech #ThePayrollComedian

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55min
July 14, 2025 Driven to Succeed: Trucking Payroll
Trucking payroll isn’t just complex—it’s a moving target.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Ritzema, President and Founder of Superior Trucking Payroll Service, to talk about the unique challenges and solutions in the world of transportation compensation. From per diem strategies and IRS Form 945 to misclassification pitfalls and garnishment headaches, Michael shares hard-earned insights from years on the road supporting carriers. We also dig into how automation is shifting the landscape, what new fleets often get wrong, and where the industry is headed next.
If you’re in trucking or just love a good payroll puzzle, this episode delivers.
**Website:** [truckingpayroll.com](https://truckingpayroll.com)
**Social Media:**
- LinkedIn: [Michael Ritzema](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelritzema)
- YouTube: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0yXxR3fTjxoPoxtI2kOhA)
- TikTok: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.tiktok.com/@truckingpayroll)
- Instagram: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.instagram.com/truckingpayroll)
- Twitter: [Trucking Payroll](https://twitter.com/truckingpayroll)

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59min
July 07, 2025The Future of Payroll Is Personal — A Conversation with Michael Steen
In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we welcome Michael Steen, Client Solutions Director at Payroll Minds, for a powerful and insightful conversation on the intersection of payroll, leadership, and humanity. Michael shares his nontraditional journey from crisis intervention and mental health to global payroll consulting, and how compassion, personal branding, and listening are his keys to success.
We dive into:
What the future of payroll could—and should—look like

Why AI hasn’t quite arrived (yet) in payroll processing

The power of showing up authentically in a sales-driven world

The importance of building a personal brand on LinkedIn

Real talk on burnout, balance, and leading with kindness
If you’re a payroll professional, HR leader, or just someone who values thoughtful leadership and industry disruption, this episode is for you.

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52min
June 29, 2025 Season in Review
In this episode, we hit pause to look back and talk through:
✅ What really stood out to us this season
✅ The challenges we navigated behind the scenes
✅ Powerful lessons learned along the way
✅ And most importantly—the amazing guests who brought their wisdom, energy, and heart to every conversation.

From compliance curves to pay transparency, global payroll trends to financial wellness tips, these seasons have been full of insights and impact. 🙌

Whether you're a payroll pro or just trying to better understand your paycheck, we’ve got something for you.

🎙️ Tune in to hear our takeaways, favorite moments, and what’s next for both shows.

👉 https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck, itsaboutpayroll.io, itsaboutyourpaycheck.com.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250623026106/en/Dallas-YMCA-Unleashes-Workforce-Efficiency-Saves-600-Hours-a-Year-with-AI-First-UKG-Suite

https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/2180/economics/economic-impact-of-war/
To all our listeners, guests, and supporters—THANK YOU. You help make these conversations real, relevant, and resonant.

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1h 16min
June 23, 2025 Talking HR ROLL! with Tiana Neal
In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we’re joined by the brilliant Tiana Neal—a dynamic leader in global payroll and benefits operations, founder of Transcenders Consulting Group, and host of The Human Roll podcast. With deep expertise at the crossroads of compliance, care, and technology, Tiana brings a refreshing and insightful perspective to the evolving relationship between HR and Payroll.

Together, we dive into the essential (and sometimes messy) collaboration between HR and Payroll—from recruiting and onboarding to time tracking, benefits, compliance, and system integration.

Tiana unpacks the common pitfalls organizations face, shares strategies for aligning people, systems, and processes, and weighs in on the hotly debated question: Should Payroll report to HR, Finance… or stand alone?

wrkdefined.com https://youtu.be/cLwt4pVh8fQ itsaboutpayroll.io

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29min
June 16, 2025 Blockchain vs. The Buck – A Payroll Perspective
In Episode 161 of It’s About Payroll, we dive deep into the growing conversation around cryptocurrency and fiat currency—and how both could shape the future of payroll.

We explore three major areas of debate: 🔹 Decentralization vs. Centralized Control 🔹 Inflation Resistance vs. Economic Flexibility 🔹 Transparency vs. Regulatory Protection

From the transparency and autonomy offered by blockchain, to the economic stability and legal safeguards built into the U.S. dollar system, this episode unpacks how each side stacks up when it comes to paying people fairly, securely, and sustainably.

As digital currencies continue to evolve, payroll professionals need to understand the opportunities and the risks. Could decentralized finance revolutionize how we pay employees? Or is the traditional system still the most reliable anchor in times of economic uncertainty?

Tune in for an insightful debate and practical payroll takeaways from both sides of the coin.
Links & References
wrkdefined.com
itsaboutpayroll.io
https://youtu.be/loISEZr38UU

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32min
June 09, 2025 Becoming a CPP: Tasia Walker’s Strategy for Success
In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we sit down with newly certified payroll pro Tasia Walker, CPP, as she shares her inspiring journey to passing the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam. Tasia opens up about her study strategies, time management, the emotional rollercoaster of test prep, and what it truly takes to succeed. Whether you're thinking about getting certified or knee-deep in study guides, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and real talk from someone who’s been there.
Links
https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/itsaboutpayroll?selected=DIRED8105994544
https://wrkdefined.com/

https://youtu.be/J_8OkD4ChhI

wrkdefined.com

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46min
May 19, 2025 True Payroll Crime Stories: Six Years of Lies – Inside a Multi-Million Dollar Payroll Laundering Ring
In this gripping episode of It’s About Payroll, we dive into a real-life payroll fraud case straight out of Florida, where four Honduran nationals ran a years-long fake books and payroll scheme—laundering more than $100 million through shell companies and ghost employees. We walk through how the fraud worked, how they got caught, and what payroll professionals can learn from the case to better detect and prevent similar crimes in their own organizations.
Don’t miss this eye-opening installment of True Payroll Crime Stories—because payroll fraud isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet... it's a criminal enterprise.

Links & Resourcesitsaboutpayroll.io

Case Referenced - https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-honduran-nationals-indicted-florida-years-long-books-payroll-scheme

Brian's News Updates - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250508582617/en/Tanium-AEM-for-ServiceNow-Accelerates-IT-Journey-for-Global-Human-Capital-Management-Leader-UKG

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250508762225/en/Gusto-Taps-Melio-to-Launch-Bill-Pay-and-Invoicing-Solution

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41min
May 15, 2025 From Film Sets to Forensic Audits: The Wild World of Payroll with Brittany Furr
Episode 157: Fraud, Forensics, and the Future of Payroll – with Brittany Furr
In this jam-packed episode of It’s About Payroll, we welcome back educator and payroll trailblazer Brittany Furr. The trio dives into the wildest payroll crimes hitting headlines—from a CEO embezzling payroll taxes for nearly 3 years to an employee claiming 9,000 fake overtime hours.
We also break down:
Why cities like Stockton are hemorrhaging money due to payroll errors
How the IRS is failing to stop payroll fraud—and cutting auditor jobs!
Brittany’s insights from teaching CPP Bootcamp and speaking at Payroll Congress
The fine line between payroll and HR responsibilities
The Reddit thread that sparked a payroll identity crisis: “Is payroll even a job anymore?”
If you care about compliance, payroll tech, HR partnerships, and career advice for new pros—this episode delivers real talk and real impact.
🎧 Listen in, laugh a little, and level up your payroll IQ.

https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io/
https://youtu.be/UNW-D7rFNcs

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1h 5min
May 05, 2025 Redefining Payroll Checklists: How LNKT is Leading the Charge
In this episode of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian and Walt have an in-depth discussion with Lisa King and Kristina Vartija, co-founders of the innovative payroll management system LNKT( pronounced Linked). The conversation covers the challenges and intricacies of payroll processes, the importance of proper documentation, and how LNKT aims to revolutionize the industry by offering a collaborative and streamlined approach to payroll management. They also dive into their personal career journeys, company values, and the potential impact of their tool on the payroll community. Tune in for insightful discussions, helpful tips, and learn how LNKT can help make payroll processes more efficient and reliable.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff
00:28 Hosts' Personal Updates and Payroll Bootcamp
02:40 Payroll Crime Stories
04:34 Welcoming New Listeners
05:45 Sponsor Message: Time TrakGO
06:50 Introducing the Guests: Founders of Linked Up
07:54 Guests' Backgrounds and Journey into Payroll
14:07 The Birth of Linked Up: Solving Payroll Challenges
27:46 Company Values and Vision
35:00 Debating Financial Literacy Responsibilities
35:53 Live Recording and Audience Engagement
36:33 Exploring Social Media and Community Interaction
39:00 Introducing Linked: A Payroll Management Tool
42:21 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
47:55 Fun and Games: You or Them
55:04 Podcast Recommendations and Personal Interests
57:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Links & Resources
WWW.LNKTUP.COM - Be sure to go check out LNKT TODAY!
www.TimeTrakGO.com/IAP - 50% Off if you claim this special offer today!

www.itsaboutpayroll.io
Walt’s News Update - https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/two-cpas-sentenced-billion-dollar-syndicated-conservation-easement-tax-scheme

https://youtu.be/9f816kDlUW8

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1h 3min

FAQs about It's About Payroll:

How many episodes does It's About Payroll have?

The podcast currently has 180 episodes available.

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It's About Payroll

FAQs about It's About Payroll:

How many episodes does It's About Payroll have?

It's About Payroll episodes:

FAQs about It's About Payroll:

How many episodes does It's About Payroll have?

More shows like It's About Payroll

The Rachel Maddow Show

PayTalk

The 7