Punk Rock HR

Yolanda Fraction, organizational development consultant, doctoral student in IO psychology, and author of Joyful Workplaces, joins Punk Rock HR to make the case that joy at work is a strategy, not a perk. And for the leaders who bristle at the word "joy," she has a reframe: call it effectiveness. The outcome is the same either way.

Bad bosses. Turnover. Absenteeism. Mental health days taken just to survive the workload. Yolanda argues these are not culture problems. They are performance problems. And they are solvable, often for free.

If you lead people, support leaders in HR, or want to build workplaces that actually work, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Why joy is the outcome of a high-performing organization, not a mood

What the opposite of joy actually looks like on a balance sheet

How Yolanda builds joyful workplaces without a budget

Why toxic managers are a performance problem, not just a culture problem

What self-determination theory has to do with performance reviews

Why an 82-slide deck won't change executive behavior, and what Yolanda does instead

Why Yolanda asks leaders to imagine their 7-year-old self watching them make a difficult call.

What actually helps people live longer, healthier lives? According to longevity expert Ken Stern, it’s not just diet, exercise, or the latest health trend. The biggest factor might surprise you: Your relationships.

Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what the longest-lived countries in the world are doing differently. Drawing from research and reporting in Japan, Singapore, Italy, Spain, and South Korea, Ken explains how social connection, community design, and policy shape how long (and how well) we live.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why loneliness is a serious health risk, comparable to smoking

What the world’s longest-lived countries do differently than the United States

How social connection impacts longevity more than diet or exercise

Why the traditional life stages of school, work, and retirement were invented — and can be reinvented

What Japan’s older workforce reveals about purpose and longevity

How housing policy and urban design influence healthy aging

Why the future of work will require rethinking retirement

How communities and public policy shape how long we live

Karen Fleshman joins Punk Rock HR to talk about race, power, and the uncomfortable yet necessary work white women must do to build trust across differences. As the founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition, Karen works with white women who are past the beginner stage of anti-racism and ready to examine how conditioning, proximity to power, and workplace dynamics reinforce racial hierarchy.

This conversation moves beyond theory. It explores accountability, institutional protection, intergenerational trauma, and what it actually takes to build solidarity in today’s workplace.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why Karen shifted from preparing young people of color for corporate America to preparing workplaces for them

What the “messy middle” of anti-racism work looks like

How white women’s proximity to power shapes HR and leadership roles

The tension between protecting institutions and protecting people

Why Karen prefers solidarity over performative allyship

How intergenerational trauma influences workplace behavior

What it takes to build trust across racial differences

Ashley Herd, founder and CEO of Manager Method and co-host of HR Besties, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what it actually takes to lead people well. A lawyer turned HR executive, Ashley shares how mentorship, recognition, and practical judgment shape better managers — and why “common sense” leadership isn’t common at all.

If you manage people, support managers in HR, or sit in the C-suite and want employees to function like humans instead of headcount, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why mentors can sit anywhere on the org chart — including below you

The hidden human cost of how and when we terminate employees

Why recognition isn’t “fluffy” — it’s fuel

How Ashley’s Pause–Consider–Act framework changes everyday decisions

What HR Besties gets right about nuance in the profession

Why managers must stop thinking about people as spreadsheets

Mary Ellen Slayter and Steve Smith of Rep Cap join Punk Rock HR to talk about the state of the job market, the reality behind AI hype, and what’s actually changing in work tech and HR tech. Drawing on decades as journalists turned operators, they break down why this moment feels uniquely disorienting and where real opportunity still exists.

From capital shifts and consolidation to brand, people investment, and human connection, Mary Ellen and Steve share what’s breaking, what’s quietly working, and why 2026 may mark a turning point for companies willing to think long term.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Scott Stratten, speaker and author joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the hype, fear, and noise around AI in HR. Instead of focusing on tools, he asks why they exist in the first place and what they mean for the future of work. From AI bots in interviews to the risk of HR jobs disappearing in the next 24 months, Scott brings the truth. He calls for the act of slowing down, asking better questions, and remembering that HR’s role is to defend humanity at work.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why interviews with AI bots are dehumanizing for candidates

The biggest red flags HR should watch for with AI adoption

How “efficiency” is often a cover for economic cruelty

Why HR jobs may vanish in 24–36 months without reinvention

What a pre-mortem can teach us about slowing down AI adoption

How referrals and relationships still drive most hiring

Why universal basic income is entering the conversation

The true value of HR: advocacy and human connection

Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at G-P, joins Punk Rock HR to explore how AI and global employment solutions are reshaping the HR landscape. From “agentic AI” and compliance challenges to the human side of leadership, Laura shares what HR leaders need to know about embracing AI responsibly while unlocking global talent with Employer of Record services.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What an Employer of Record (EOR) is and why it matters in today’s global labor market

The difference between generic AI and “agentic AI” built for safe, HR-specific use

Why HR jobs aren’t going away, but the work is changing

How leaders can create safe AI adoption practices at work

Real HR use cases for AI, from summarizing investigations to tracking compliance changes

The risks of over-relying on AI and why human judgment remains essential

Why global talent strategy is becoming a must-have for companies

Blair Whitman, VP of Client Success at Homethrive, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the stigma around caregiving, why it’s a workforce issue, and how companies can move beyond performative support. From personal caregiving stories to the ROI of real benefits, Blair shares how employers can create cultures that support both productivity and compassion.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why many people don’t identify as caregivers and why it matters

How caregiving impacts careers, especially for women

What managers can do to support employees under strain

The difference between EAPs and deeper caregiving support

How caregiving benefits deliver real ROI for companies

Why including men in the caregiving conversation is essential

The unexpected joy and beauty that come with caregiving

Robin Schooling, a luminary in the HR field, joins the Punk Rock HR Podcast for a compelling conversation about her new book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There.”

Robin shares personal and professional milestones, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her decade-long writing project. Her story is one of resilience and passion, challenging the absurdities of the HR world and advocating for practices grounded in authenticity. Laurie and Robin explore the intriguing contradictions within the field, highlighting Robin’s unwavering commitment to reshaping HR into a more genuine and impactful profession.

The episode addresses common myths about HR, including the misconception that HR should handle all emotional labor and solely protect the company. Laurie and Robin argue for a more nuanced understanding of HR’s role in ensuring fair systems and highlight the growing importance of technology in the workplace. With anecdotes of resourcefulness in budget-constrained environments, such as utilizing emerging technologies like SMS-based chatbots, they showcase the ingenuity required to thrive in HR today.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to see HR evolve beyond traditional confines, offering inspiration and innovative ideas for making significant strides in the field.

In this episode, you will hear:

Robin Schooling’s book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There”

Insights into Robin's personal and professional journey, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her book

Debunking common HR myths, such as HR's role in emotional labor and solely protecting the company

Emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable systems in HR practices

Exploring the integration of technology in HR, including early adoption of tools like SMS-based chatbots

Resourcefulness in HR, especially in budget-constrained environments

Advocating for authentic, innovative, and impactful HR practices that challenge traditional boundaries

Resources from this Episode

Robin Schooling website: robinschooling.com

Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robinschooling

Find Robin on Threads: www.threads.com/@robinschooling

Get “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There”: realhrbook.com

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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Facing a brain tumor and navigating menopause were not challenges Christine Muldoon ever anticipated would redefine her role as a leader and a woman. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and empathy that arise from confronting personal health challenges head-on.

On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Christine, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at WebMD Health Services, offers an intimate look at her journey toward well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care and robust support systems both at home and in the workplace.

As societal expectations shift, so too does the landscape of workplace well-being. Christine and Laurie explore the evolving strategies that now prioritize an employee's mental and emotional health in tandem with physical well-being. Christine's commitment to breaking down the stigma around menopause in the professional world is both inspiring and necessary, as she shares her vision for a more inclusive and understanding approach to women's health issues at work. Her insight is a reminder of the vital role organizations play in nurturing an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

At the heart of the conversation is a call to action for organizations to create a culture of well-being that extends beyond mere programs. Christine details how WebMD Health Services is leading the charge with personalized initiatives like WebMD One, which seamlessly incorporates health coaching and wellness challenges to build a sense of community and connection among employees. By sharing success stories and emphasizing the need for open dialogue, Christine and Laurie hope to inspire a movement toward workplaces where well-being isn't just an afterthought but a cornerstone of daily operations.

In this episode, you will hear:

Christine Muldoon's personal journey with a brain tumor and menopause, and its impact on her leadership style and well-being focus

Evolution of workplace well-being strategies, emphasizing mental, emotional, and caregiving support

Importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work culture that addresses women's health issues, like menopause

WebMD Health Services' initiatives, such as WebMD One, to foster community and connection through personalized well-being programs

Role of health coaching and digital tools in enhancing employee wellness and setting personalized health goals

Breaking the stigma of menopause in the workplace and promoting open dialogue and education

Empowering organizations to integrate well-being into their culture beyond mere programs, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction

Resources from this Episode

WebMD Health Services: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/

4 Ways To Support Women’s Well-Being at Work: www.webmdhealthservices.com/resources/tip-sheets/4-ways-to-support-womens-well-being-at-work

Christine Muldoon on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-muldoon-0417525

WebMD Health Services Podcasts: www.webmdhealthservices.com/podcasts

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.