AI is transforming HR faster than ever, but not always in ways leaders expect. In this episode, Matt Alder and Rhona Barnett-Pierce dig into the hottest stories shaping the future of work, from the rise of “Shadow AI” inside companies to the internal turmoil brewing at Meta’s much-hyped AI dream team.

Trent Cotton takes the mic for Talk Nerdy To Me with guest Tim Sackett, SCP, exploring how HR leaders can balance strategy, technology, and culture while avoiding the pitfalls of fast growth. Download the 2025 Workforce Report: "https://lnkd.in/eFu9EPWv"

Then, Matt sits down with Joey Price—author, entrepreneur, and founder of Jumpstart:HR—for an unfiltered conversation about his new book, the overlooked levers HR can pull to transform culture, and how small businesses can adopt AI without losing their human edge. Finally, Matt and Rhona put the latest workplace trends to the test in Trending or Ending?, separating the hype from the strategies that actually stick.

If you’re ready for bold takes, fresh insights, and a smarter way to close your workday, this one’s for you.

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AI is rewriting the future of work, and few people understand that shift better than Rebecca Carr, a leading voice in HR tech and innovation. On this episode of The Alder Hour, Rebecca joins Matt to unpack OpenAI’s surprising move into the hiring space and share how it could completely reshape talent acquisition strategies and technology roadmaps.

Matt, Rhona, and Jocelyn also bring their signature energy to Points & Pints, tackling the story of a veteran bank employee who unknowingly trained her AI replacement, and debating whether being “overqualified” is a career killer or just a hiring myth. Plus, Jocelyn takes the Situation Room for a sharp look at how these trends collide with real-world HR challenges.

Big ideas, bold opinions, and one of the industry’s most influential voices—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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It’s Labor Day in the U.S., and while the rest of the team has the day off, Matt Alder brings listeners a special bonus episode. This week, he revisits a recent Recruiting Future conversation with Brandon Samut, Chief People Officer at Zapier, about how the company is weaving AI into every corner of its operations.

Brandon shares the story of Zapier’s “Code Red” call to action in 2023, the creation of AI use guidelines, and the company’s AI fluency framework that now shapes hiring and employee development. He explains how Zapier’s teams are using AI to transform customer support, sales, marketing, recruiting, and people operations—boosting productivity while actually increasing engagement and making jobs more meaningful.

From AI coaches for feedback and performance reviews, to automation that improves candidate experience and speeds up lead routing, this episode shows how thoughtful AI adoption can create both business impact and better employee experiences.

Tune in for an inside look at how one of the most forward-thinking companies in the world of automation is redefining work for the AI era.

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Matt Alder, Rhona Pierce, and Jocelyn King bring their sharp takes and playful banter to the biggest stories shaping HR and the future of work. From Workday’s acquisition of Paradox and the fallout of “the day ChatGPT went cold,” to lessons learned from employee expense fraud, the team dives deep into what these shifts mean for people leaders everywhere.

Special guest Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology and author of Digitizing Talent, joins the conversation to share her expertise on digital recruiting, HR innovation, and the evolving role of technology in talent acquisition. Recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Social Media Power Users and a leading voice in HR, Jessica brings unique insights that bridge the gap between strategy, innovation, and employee experience.

Plus, don’t miss this week’s Trending or Ending? segment, where we explore the rise of hyper-personalized employee journeys powered by AI and predictive analytics.

Whether you’re tuning in live or catching the replay, The Alder Hour is your new favorite way to end the workday.

Brought to you by Purple Acorn. Follow us on LinkedIn and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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Matt, Rhona, and Jocelyn take on the latest headlines shaping the world of work — and they're not pulling any punches.

They kick things off with Points & Pints, unpacking everything from what’s haunting HR pros about past change efforts, to the viral story of faking sick leave when they aren't granted vacation. Then it’s off to The Situation Room for a deeper dive into the week’s most urgent workplace trends.

Special guest Sharon Papo, CEO and Co-Founder of LGBTQ eLearning, joins the show to talk about navigating anti-DEI backlash, building LGBTQ+ inclusive cultures, and how inclusion impacts employee morale and retention.

Finally, in Trending or Ending?, the crew breaks down the latest data showing that business travel is not only back — it’s booming.

Segments include:

- Points & Pints: The headlines HR pros are buzzing about

- The Situation Room: A deeper look at workplace culture flashpoints

- Guest spotlight with Sharon Papo

- Trending or Ending: Are we really back to frequent flyer life?

Brought to you by Purple Acorn. Follow us on LinkedIn and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt, Rhona, and Jocelyn take on the latest headlines shaping the world of work — and they're not pulling any punches.

They kick things off with Points & Pints, unpacking everything from what’s haunting HR pros about past change efforts, to the viral story of faking sick leave when they aren't granted vacation. Then it’s off to The Situation Room for a deeper dive into the week’s most urgent workplace trends.

Special guest Sharon Papo, CEO and Co-Founder of LGBTQ eLearning, joins the show to talk about navigating anti-DEI backlash, building LGBTQ+ inclusive cultures, and how inclusion impacts employee morale and retention.

Finally, in Trending or Ending?, the crew breaks down the latest data showing that business travel is not only back — it’s booming.

Segments include:

- Points & Pints: The headlines HR pros are buzzing about

- The Situation Room: A deeper look at workplace culture flashpoints

- Guest spotlight with Sharon Papo

- Trending or Ending: Are we really back to frequent flyer life?

Brought to you by Purple Acorn. Follow us on LinkedIn and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Matt, Rhona, and Mervyn are joined by writer, speaker, and HR truth-teller Laurie Ruettimann for a bold and brilliant conversation about the state of work today. From burnout and toxic cultures to practical ways people can take back their careers, Laurie shares why she believes work is broken—and how we can fix it.

You’ll hear:

Plus, the crew dives into trending headlines:

And don’t miss the fan-favorite segment Trending or Ending?—where Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot spark one of the most entertaining debates of the show.

Catch us live every Monday and don’t forget to follow the Purple Acorn Network on LinkedIn and your favorite podcast platform.

🟣 purpleacornnetwork.com

🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else you listen.

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This week on The Alder Hour, Matt, Rhona, and Jocelyn break down the latest in work culture and talent strategy, including Salesforce's bold AI claims and the hidden cost of forcing RTO (Return to Office). Then, recruiting veteran Brian Fink joins the show to tackle some big questions: Is psychological safety a business imperative? Is sourcing officially dead? And how can recruiters stay relevant as AI transforms hiring?

Plus, a new segment of Trending or Ending?, surprising headlines, and a sneak peek at Brian’s upcoming podcast with Purple Acorn. If you're in HR, TA, or just curious about the future of work — this episode is for you.

Follow The Alder Hour wherever you get your podcasts and join us live every Monday as we close out the workday with ideas that matter.

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The Alder Hour returns for Episode 30 with Jocelyn and guest host Serge Boudreau at the helm—guiding us through another fast-paced, happy-hour-style breakdown of the latest headlines reshaping the world of work.

This week’s Points & Pints dives into two hot topics:

Why a financial wellness benefit is outpacing the 401(k)

Hyper-personalization and its role in shaping next-gen employee experiences

Plus, The Situation Room tackles the tricky issue of converting salaried employees to hourly—and how companies can handle it with empathy and fairness.

Then, Matt Alder sits down with the legendary Master Burnett to discuss his unique take on talent, leadership, and what's really changing in today’s workforce.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow along—we’re live, we’re real, and we’re feeding squirrels all day, every day.

Follow us on LinkedIn: purpleacornnetwork.com

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Hosts Jocelyn King and Rhona Barnett-Pierce are broadcasting LIVE from the San Diego Conference Center at SHRM25, talking about all things conferences - from inappropriate behavior in the Situation Room or oversized swag on Trending or Ending, we've got a great episode for you.

We are also joined by guest Michael Dickerson, CEO of Dickerson Consulting Group, to dive into all things Mental Health. This episode is presented by VirgilHR. Make sure to visit their page to learn more about them.

Catch more Purple Acorn content at PurpleAcornNetwork.com, or just swing by and say hello to us on the conference floor.

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