In this episode, Reese Hogan sits down with her classmates - Lucy Moss, Tamia Roberts, and Lauren Meier - about their LER trip to Seattle, WA, in January 2026. They talk about what they learned from meeting with HR professionals at Boeing, the University of Washington, Amazon, and Zillow, as well as some of their favorite moments exploring the city. The students also share why this trip is such a great opportunity and why future LER students should attend it during their time in the program.

In this episode, Reese Hogan introduces herself as the new podcast host of Listen and LERn. She briefly discusses her upbringing as a military child in the southern outer banks of North Carolina, moving to the Midwest, what to expect on the podcast this semester, and her love for the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Please reach out to her at [email protected] with any comments or topics of interest you would like to hear her discuss this semester!

When fall graduation was approaching in December, Neenah, Eva, and the rest of their cohort were gearing up to transition from student life to full-time HR professionals. In this final episode of the season, they sit down with former host Amy, who shares insights from her own recent move into the workforce. She talks about relocating to a new city, building strong relationships with her team, and learning to give herself grace during a major life transition. Stay tuned until the end for a special introduction from the new podcast host!

In this episode, Neenah and Eva sit down with Augustus Wood, Assistant Professor in the Labor Education Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Gus Wood reflects on how his upbringing shaped his commitment to labor studies and organizing. He shares insights on labor organizing. community resistance, and the importance of centering how people live and work within broader systems of inequality.

In this episode, Neenah sits down with Maddie Wilson, the new Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at LER. A proud Champaign native, Maddie reflects on her previous roles in higher education, her journey back to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and her passion for helping students find their path in the world of labor and employment relations.

To kick off the semester, Neenah and Eva welcome Jacque and Jacobi to share insights from their summer internships across the CPG, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. They discuss key learnings, challenges, and advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, finding community, and making the most of your summer experience.

In this episode, Neenah and Eva sit down with Seth Harris to share his insights on labor, employment relations, public policy, and the future of work. He discusses his vast experiences working in labor throughout three presidential administrations and how this has shaped his vision for the future of labor. He highlights his current work illuminating labor via blogcast Power at Work, which can be found at https://poweratwork.us/. If you want to hear the first-hand experience of someone who has served as the US Secretary of Labor, tune in to the podcast!

In today's episode, Eva and Neenah welcome Jen Tiner, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Highridge Medical. Jen shares insights into a day in the life of a CHRO and her journey to the role. She also highlights how labor and employment work vary across industries, company sizes, and countries. Whether you're dreaming of a C-suite role or just curious about the world of HR, this conversation is packed with wisdom and career-changing insights you won't want to miss!

In this episode, Neenah and Eva welcome Elizabeth Kerwin, a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and an LER alum. Elizabeth shares her journey to discovering her passion for public service and offers valuable advice for those interested in a similar path. She provides an insider’s perspective on the NLRB, walks listeners through a typical day in her role, and discusses how presidential administrations influence the board’s work. Tune in to explore what a career in the public sector really looks like!

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the annual LER TraveLER trip, an incredible opportunity for students to gain firsthand exposure to the HR field. This year’s trip took participants to Houston, Texas, where they explored various industries and connected with professionals in the field. Joining us are Kathy Chen and Connor Milton, two students who attended the trip. They share their experiences, including the different facets of HR they were exposed to, the alumni they met, and the key takeaways they’ll carry forward in their careers.