The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast

By Jon Thurmond

What's The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast about?

HR pros Jon Thurmond and Wendy Dailey talk to other practitioners about connecting, giving back, and building your network. Join us each week for the podcast and the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 7 PM Eastern for the #HRSocialHour chat on Twitter!

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The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast episodes:

02.16.2024
Special Release - Introducing Tom's Engaging HR Podcast
In our Introductory Episode our guest Jon Thurmond turns the tables and interviews me to showcase what Tom’s Engaging HR is all about. We talk about what it takes to start a podcast, introduce the goals of the show, preview...
12.22.2022
Episode 250 - Jon & Wendy say goodbye
After 318 shows, it all ends here. We talk about why it was time to wrap the podcast, answer your questions, and thank a lot of people. Hope you'll listen to the whole episode as it has something for everyone...
12.15.2022
Episode 249 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Steve Browne again
We welcome back our #2 fan, Steve Browne! Steve was our first guest and being our last guest seemed appropriate. We discuss the successes and challenges he's faced in redesigning LaRosa's people operations, the status of his third book, and...
12.08.2022
Episode 248 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Melanie Peacock
We welcome back our friend and favorite Canadian, Dr. Melanie Peacock! We talk about endings, how academia has changed during the pandemic, and our favorite in person #HRSocialHour memory. Melanie asked us not to edit out a piece of our...
12.01.2022
Episode 247 - Jon & Paul present the HR Marks
Jon welcomes back Paul LaLonde and Chris Hadley to talk HR and pro wrestling! We catch up with Chris on his work and life changes over the last year, the greatness that is MJF, and why handling investigations the right...
11.24.2022
Episode 246 -The 2022 Pop Culture Roundtable
It's the 5th annual Pop Culture Roundtable episode with Jon, Lorena Pabón, Michael Mullady, and Chris Orozco! We talk about changes in Lorena and Chris' lives since last year as well as some of our favorite TV shows, movies, music,...
11.20.2022
Episode 245 - Jon & Wendy talk to Deborah Jeffries
We're joined by Deborah Jeffries, Vice President of HR Answers, Inc. in Portland, OR! We talk about how she discovered HR in high school, being involved in HR organizations, and more than one issue HR pros will be facing in...
11.10.2022
Episode 244 - Jon & Wendy talk to Niki Ramirez
We're joined by Niki Ramirez, Founder and Principal Consultant of HR Answers in Phoenix, AZ! We talk about starting your own business, challenges HR pros will face in 2023, what Niki is hearing from in person event participants when she's...
11.03.2022
Episode 243 - Jon & Wendy talk to Julie & Chad Sowash
Live (to tape) from Portugal, we talk to fellow HR podcasters Julie & Chad Sowash! We talk about how they both got started in the HR space, what Julie sees as the biggest DEBI challenges coming for HR, where Chad...
10.27.2022
Episode 242 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jennifer McClure
We welcome back Jennifer McClure, CEO of Unbridled Talent & DisruptHR in Cincinnati, OH! We talk about the challenges she faced in the pandemic, what she thinks people leaders will be dealing with in 2023, the return of Disrupt events,...
10.20.2022
Episode 241 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Mary Williams
We're joined by our #1 (undisputed) fan, Mary Williams! We talk about her newest role as Head Of People with Pinnacle Advertising, the people issues we should expect in 2023, and Mary asks us a question. Mary's recommendation: https://twitter.com/AskHRAnswers (Niki Ramirez) How to reach...
10.17.2022
Special Episode - Jon & Wendy talk to Shane Kovalsky of Mystery
In this special episode, we're joined by Shane Kovalsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Mystery in Seattle, WA. We talk about coming from a family of entrepreneurs, how Mystery is working with employers to make their teams engaged, and how Mystery...
10.13.2022
Episode 240 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Khalilah ”KO” Olokunola
We're joined by Khalilah Olokunola, better known as KO, Impact Architect and Chief People Strategist in Wilmington, NC. We talk about the recent shut down of her organization and her efforts to help employees in transition, what HR pros can...
10.06.2022
Episode 239 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Trish McFarlane
We welcome back Trish McFarlane, Founder of H3 HR Advisors in St. Louis, MO. We discuss what Trish learned at the latest HRTech Conference, why to prioritize and delegate as a leader, and seeing Coldplay perform at Kensington Palace in...
09.29.2022
Episode 238 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Tom Horne
We welcome back Tom Horne, Enterprise Account Executive with People Element in Denver, CO. Tom tells us what he believes HR pros will be challenged by in 2023 and what he's learned launching the "All About HR Podcast." Magic Shell,...
09.22.2022
Episode 237 - Jon & Wendy talk to Wendy Berry
We're joined by Wendy Berry, Head of HR for Rainbow Health in Minneapolis, MN. We talk about being asked her sign in an interview, HR challenges in the nonprofit space, and how employers can improve the experience of LGBTQ+ employees. ...
09.15.2022
Episode 236 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bob Ficken
We're joined by Bob Ficken, HR leader with Kodiak Aviation in Sandpoint, ID. We talk about starting his career in law enforcement, HR challenges in aviation, and why Bob is passionate about teaching. He also gives Jon the business for...
09.08.2022
Episode 235 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Heidi Pancake
We welcome back Heidi Pancake, Senior People Partner with Universal Music Group in Los Angeles, CA! We talk about HR challenges in the music industry, what Heidi learned in the pandemic, and more. Heidi's recommendation: https://twitter.com/ayyjayHR (Aaron Backman) How to reach Heidi: https://twitter.com/PancakeHR https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-pancake/ This episode is...
09.01.2022
Episode 234 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Christie Engler
We welcome back Christie Engler, Director of People Operations and Culture for Willory in Columbus, OH! We talk about her journey to landing with Willory, what she's learned from speaking, blog writing, and Madonna. Christie's recommendation: https://twitter.com/mandyjohnsonoz How to reach Christie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-engler/ https://twitter.com/christie_engler https://christieengler.home.blog/ This episode is...
08.25.2022
Episode 233- Jon & Wendy talk to each other again
In this episode, we catch up with each other as the summer has been filled with surprises both good and bad. We talk about why we took a break and what's been going on behind the scenes. There's more "Ms....
08.18.2022
Episode 232 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bonnie Natko
We're joined by Bonnie Natko, Brand Recruiting Team Lead with Capital One in New Windsor, NY. We talk about the challenges in hiring creative talent, what Bonnie thinks is on the horizon in Talent Acquisition, and we reminisce about the...
08.11.2022
Episode 231 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jess Miller-Merrell
We welcome back Jess Miller-Merrell, Founder of Workology in Austin, TX. We talk about her upcoming book on digital recruiting, what she's learned helping fellow HR pro prep for certification testing, and embracing social video. There's also talk about washing...
08.04.2022
Episode 230 - Jon & Wendy talk to Aura María Huot
We're joined by Aura María Huot, Director of People & Culture for Lavallee Brensinger Architects in the greater Boston, MA area. We talk about HR industry challenges, Hacking HR and launching "People & Leadership," and more! Aura's recommendations: https://twitter.com/uncommonjulie (Julie Quinne) #HRCommunity How to reach...
07.14.2022
Episode 229 - Jon & Wendy talk to Matt Stollak
We're joined by Matt Stollak, Associate Professor of Business Administration at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. We talk about growing up with parents in academia, how HR and not necessarily students have changed over the years, and what...
07.07.2022
Episode 228 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jenny Cotie Kangas
In this episode, we talk to Jenny Cotie Kangas, Vice President of Marketing for Plum in Minneapolis, MN. We talk about Jenny's start in Talent Acquisition, the head injury that reset her life and career, universal design, and more. It's...
06.30.2022
Episode 227 - Jon & Wendy talk to Dr. Amy Dufrane
We're joined by Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) in Alexandria, VA. We talk about how she got started in HR, the value of professional certification, challenges the HR community is seeing on the global...
06.23.2022
Episode 226 - Jon & Wendy talk to Rachel Taculad
We're joined by Rachel Taculad, Talent Acquisition pro working in Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing in Las Vegas, NV. We discuss her start building Facebook groups, challenges organizations are having in branding, and how Rachel "met" Wendy at UNLEASH America...
06.16.2022
Episode 225 - Jon & Wendy Ask Us Anything part 5
We celebrate 225 weekly episodes by answering YOUR questions! Middle management, where HR's headed, dream podcast guests, diamonds, ice cream, and exploding luggage are among the topics of conversation. Jon also gives a brief state of the podcast. Don't worry,...
06.09.2022
Episode 224 - Wendy & Nicky Hoyland recap UNLEASH America
Nicky Hoyland invited Wendy to attend the Unleash America conference in Las Vegas so they decided to take some time to review the conference for you! The speakers at the conference really focused on how to put the employee first...
06.02.2022
Episode 223 - Jon & Wendy talk to Ben Travis
We're joined by Ben Travis, Founder of HR Chief in Richmond, VA. We talk about his path to HR tech, going on a travel sabbatical during a global pandemic, launching HR Chief, and why Ben thinks organizations need to take...
05.26.2022
Episode 222 - Jon & Wendy talk to Tiffany Castagno
We're joined by Tiffany Castagno, CEO & Founder of CEPHR, LLC in Pittsburgh, PA. We talk about starting a business during the pandemic, helping employers develop their brand, and what Tiffany sees as challenges HR pros will be facing in...
05.19.2022
Episode 221 - Jon & Paul talk Human Resources and Professional Wrestling
Jon is joined by Paul LaLonde to catch up on how he moved to his current role of VP of People & Culture, what he learned about leading during the pandemic, and why words matter. We then talk about one...
05.12.2022
Episode 220 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jenni Stone
We welcome back Jenni Stone, THE HR rockstar from Travelers Rest, SC. We talk about making job changes when it's not working out as expected, avoiding burnout, and knowing your value. Jenni's been open about her story in the last...
05.05.2022
Episode 219 - Jon & Wendy talk to Kristin Haakinson
We're joined by Kristin Haakinson, Talent Acquisition and DEIB pro in Sioux Falls, SD. We talk about Kristin's path to HR through selling bridal gowns, the importance of belonging and having conversations, and being intentional in what we do. It's...
04.28.2022
Episode 218 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jesse Campbell
We're joined by Jesse Campbell, Sourcing Recruiter with Randstad Sourceright in Kuna, Idaho. We talk about getting into recruiting by helping his father, how he's helping veterans transition from military service and where employers can support in that process, and...
04.21.2022
Episode 217 - Jon & Wendy talk to Terry Milford
Live (to tape) from Ontario, Canada, we're joined by Terry Milford, Director of People Development for Schlegel Villages, a retirement community. We talk about practicing HR in various industries, the challenges of growing business while growing talent, getting involved in...
04.18.2022
Special Episode - Jon & Wendy talk to Larry Dunivan
In this special episode, we're joined by Larry Dunivan, the CEO of Namely! We talk about his career in HR technology, what being a CEO really entails, challenges HR pros are currently facing, and Larry shares advice for leaders on...
04.14.2022
Episode 216 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Anne Tomkinson
Having last appeared on episode 3, it's the return or Anne Tomkinson! We talk about her health journey during the pandemic, diversity, what she learned from working on the #HRWonderWomen series, and pretending to be bacon. The conversation goes places...
04.07.2022
Episode 215 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Georgette Cartagena
We welcome back Georgette Cartagena, HR pro and owner of InternGal in Boca Raton, FL! We talk about changes in intern programs over the pandemic, her own job search and change, and this may be the first episode where a...
03.31.2022
Episode 214 - Jon & Wendy talk to Katee Van Horn
We're joined by Katee Van Horn, Diversity & Inclusion strategist in Phoenix, AZ. We talk about her passion for D&I, if the conversation is changing as we move out of the pandemic, and co-hosting "Inclusive AF" with recent guest Jackye...
03.24.2022
Episode 213 - Jon & Wendy talk to Alex Youdim
We're joined by Alex Youdim, Head of Global Partner Success with Mogul in Brentwood, CA. We talk about getting into the HR services space, what Mogul is doing to help clients with diversity recruiting, how to partner with your providers,...
03.17.2022
Episode 212 - Jon & Wendy Ask Us Anything part 4
It's our latest installment of Ask Us Anything! We talk about the long term effects of COVID on HR, being a COO, comedy, music, ice cream, and much, much more. It's ridiculous, sublime, and ridiculously sublime and we appreciate all...
03.10.2022
Episode 211 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Joey Price
We're excited to welcome back Joey Price, owner of Jumpstart HR in Baltimore, MD. We talk about HR issues small businesses are facing, starting a new podcast, and more. Joey's recommendation: https://twitter.com/MBushGPTW (Michael Bush) How to reach Joey: https://www.flowcode.com/page/joeyvpricehr https://jumpstart-hr.com/ This episode is sponsored by Namely. Visit...
03.03.2022
Episode 210 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jackye Clayton
We're joined by Jackye Clayton, Vice President of Talent Acquisition & DEI for Textio in Waco, TX. We talk about her start in the staffing industry, transparency in salaries, the benefits of running TA and DEI, and how she started...
02.24.2022
Episode 209 - Jon & Wendy welcome HR On The House
Live (to tape) from 3 continents and 4 time zones, we're joined by Nicky Hoyland, Francisco Reyes Pereria, Jeff Shapiro, and Tracie Sponenberg, collectively known as HR On The House! We talk about how they discovered Clubhouse and came together...
02.20.2022
Episode 208 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Anthony Paradiso
We welcome Anthony Paradiso back to the show! We talk about the challenges organizations have faced with DEI initiatives in the last several years, being willing to listen, running for town council, and "The Golden Girls." Jon also gives Wendy...
02.10.2022
Episode 207 - Jon & Wendy talk to Kim Bozeman
We're joined by Kim "KB" Bozeman, Founder & Principal of KNB Sensible Solutions in Lodi, CA. We talk about her start in HR, challenges unique to California HR pros, where employers struggle with diversity initiatives, and more. Kim's recommendations: https://twitter.com/MillyChristmann https://twitter.com/traciespon (Tracie Sponenberg) How to...
02.03.2022
Episode 206 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Sarah Noll Wilson
We welcome back our pal Sarah Noll Wilson! We talk about her new book, "Don't Feed the Elephants," the writing process, leading through a pandemic, starting a podcast, and much more. Jon is Sarah's number 1 fanboy (non-related) and if...
01.27.2022
Episode 205 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bonnie Endicott
We're joined by Bonnie Endicott, VP of Human Resources with Zachry Group in San Antonio, TX. We talk about her move into the construction industry, her passion for talent development, and all about the 1900s. Bonnie's recommendation: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rancegreene/ How to reach Bonnie: https://twitter.com/bonnieendicott https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnieendicott/ https://www.simplystrategictalent.com/ This episode...
01.20.2022
Episode 204 - Jon & Wendy talk to Scott Leiper
Live (to tape) from Prestwick, Scotland, we're joined by Scott Leiper, Creator of the Learning Lab and Cognitize by Imaginocity. We talk about Scott's start in training and HR, developing a learning card game, where organizations are missing the mark...

What's The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast episodes:

Special Release - Introducing Tom's Engaging HR Podcast

Episode 250 - Jon & Wendy say goodbye

Episode 249 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Steve Browne again

Episode 248 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Melanie Peacock

Episode 247 - Jon & Paul present the HR Marks

Episode 246 -The 2022 Pop Culture Roundtable

Episode 245 - Jon & Wendy talk to Deborah Jeffries

Episode 244 - Jon & Wendy talk to Niki Ramirez

Episode 243 - Jon & Wendy talk to Julie & Chad Sowash

Episode 242 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jennifer McClure

Episode 241 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Mary Williams

Special Episode - Jon & Wendy talk to Shane Kovalsky of Mystery

Episode 240 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Khalilah ”KO” Olokunola

Episode 239 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Trish McFarlane

Episode 238 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Tom Horne

Episode 237 - Jon & Wendy talk to Wendy Berry

Episode 236 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bob Ficken

Episode 235 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Heidi Pancake

Episode 234 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Christie Engler

Episode 233- Jon & Wendy talk to each other again

Episode 232 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bonnie Natko

Episode 231 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jess Miller-Merrell

Episode 230 - Jon & Wendy talk to Aura María Huot

Episode 229 - Jon & Wendy talk to Matt Stollak

Episode 228 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jenny Cotie Kangas

Episode 227 - Jon & Wendy talk to Dr. Amy Dufrane

Episode 226 - Jon & Wendy talk to Rachel Taculad

Episode 225 - Jon & Wendy Ask Us Anything part 5

Episode 224 - Wendy & Nicky Hoyland recap UNLEASH America

Episode 223 - Jon & Wendy talk to Ben Travis

Episode 222 - Jon & Wendy talk to Tiffany Castagno

Episode 221 - Jon & Paul talk Human Resources and Professional Wrestling

Episode 220 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Jenni Stone

Episode 219 - Jon & Wendy talk to Kristin Haakinson

Episode 218 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jesse Campbell

Episode 217 - Jon & Wendy talk to Terry Milford

Special Episode - Jon & Wendy talk to Larry Dunivan

Episode 216 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Anne Tomkinson

Episode 215 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Georgette Cartagena

Episode 214 - Jon & Wendy talk to Katee Van Horn

Episode 213 - Jon & Wendy talk to Alex Youdim

Episode 212 - Jon & Wendy Ask Us Anything part 4

Episode 211 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Joey Price

Episode 210 - Jon & Wendy talk to Jackye Clayton

Episode 209 - Jon & Wendy welcome HR On The House

Episode 208 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Anthony Paradiso

Episode 207 - Jon & Wendy talk to Kim Bozeman

Episode 206 - Jon & Wendy welcome back Sarah Noll Wilson

Episode 205 - Jon & Wendy talk to Bonnie Endicott

Episode 204 - Jon & Wendy talk to Scott Leiper