The Chad & Cheese Podcast

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Darnell Hill, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at AAA Mountain West Group, joins The Chad & Cheese to discuss the company's transformation and his insights into the HR landscape. He shares how AAA is redefining its brand beyond its traditional association with roadside assistance, venturing into areas like AAA Smart Home and auto repair partnerships, while also reflecting on past initiatives. The conversation explores unexpected trends in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Hill underscores AI’s potential to enhance hiring quality, going beyond just improving the candidate experience. He also discusses employee retention and development strategies, advocating for micro-learning and prioritizing candidates with growth potential over those with strictly relevant experience.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, the hosts blend personal anecdotes with industry analysis, starting with humorous shout outs and personal stories. They tackle serious topics like the challenges women face in the workplace, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and discuss the implications of recent government layoffs on the workforce. The conversation provides insights into the political climate and how it influences employment policies. They also share their travel plans, adding a personal touch to the discussion, while emphasizing opportunities for recruiters amidst a shifting job market due to layoffs. The episode delves into the evolving job market, highlighting how AI, particularly DeepSeek's disruptive AI model, is reshaping employment and industry dynamics. They discuss the competitive tech environment between the U.S. and China, the rise of startups in response to economic changes, and industry news like OpenAI's advancements and Textio's struggles. The episode concludes on a lighter note with a discussion on AI boyfriends, exploring the broader societal shifts in technology and human relationships. Emi Beredugo enlightens the boys on the finer points of dating and why apps like Tinder and Hinge suck so badly. Blame it all on dudes, as usual. Grab a bottle of Chicken Cock and enjoy.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast Does Europe, the boys dive into the political circus, focusing on how Europeans are snickering at Donald Trump's presidency. They question if the U.S. foreign policy is more like a toddler with too many toys or an actual strategy and ponder whether Europe might finally unite to tackle global shenanigans. They tackle the rise of authoritarianism - because who doesn't love a good dictator story? - and discuss how military spending might be the new diet plan for social services. The episode also turns the spotlight on the U.S.'s role in Ukraine, asking if it's more of a "hero" or "meddler" narrative. For a lighter note, they explore the economic rollercoaster of trade policies and the recruitment industry's attempts to not fall off. The conversation shifts to the French job board Welcome to the Jungle, which seems to be having an existential crisis, and how European companies are aiming for America and the UK to keep up with market mood swings. Next up, is the much anticipated "Who'd Ya' Rather?" game, where the boys put two startups, Maki and Talent Mapper, on the hot seat, dissecting their recruitment and engagement strategies like a couple of culinary critics at a food fight. And because every good podcast needs a health segment, they delve into the German love affair with sick leave - exploring if it's a cultural quirk or a silent protest against work. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context of the Podcast 01:51 - European Perspectives on Trump and His Policies 05:01 - Geopolitical Implications of U.S. Actions 09:01 - Economic Challenges 12:09 - Trump's Foreign Policy and Global Priorities 15:10 - Layoffs and Market Focus in Recruitment 17:41 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Future 18:25 - Challenges in the European Job Market 23:46 - Emerging Trends in HR Tech 30:58 - Sick Leave Trends in Germany 38:39 - Closing Thoughts and Humor (C'mon, you know!)

Onstage at Outsolve's HR Gumbo Conference in New Orleans, Keith Sonderling, the former Commissioner of the EEOC, joins Chad & Cheese to discuss major trends in employment discrimination and the evolving role of AI in HR. He notes a significant spike in discrimination charges post-recession, particularly age discrimination, followed by increases in sexual harassment, equal pay, and racial discrimination claims due to various societal movements and events. Sonderling highlights the broad applicability of the Executive Order on Cybersecurity across all sectors and the challenges of managing discrimination claims, especially with the rise in religious exemptions post-COVID vaccine mandates. He also addresses the complexities of returning to office post-pandemic, disability discrimination, particularly mental health claims, and generational workplace dynamics. The conversation delves into the legal implications of AI in hiring, emphasizing the need for bias audits and the potential for AI to reduce traditional hiring biases if properly implemented. Lastly, the guys touch on the legislative landscape for AI in HR and the risks of fraud in emerging tech like the metaverse, concluding with the importance of clear policies and verification processes to ensure fairness and compliance.

"Brace yourselves, because this week, the chaotic trifecta of Chad, JT, and Mo are reporting on the apocalypse—with a generous helping of snark. From MrBeast and Employer.com bidding to turn TikTok into their playground to STEM content creators cashing checks on OnlyFans and Pornhub (science is sexy now?). Plus, Chad dubs this administration the 'Fellatio Era' (yeah, you read that right). Tune in for the hot takes, bad accents, and questionable beer-fueled analogies. Warning: Don’t listen at work unless you’re ready to explain why you’re cackling uncontrollably. We out!" Chapters 00:00 JT and Mo are in the house! 06:46 Humor in the Job Market 10:01 Thought Leadership and Branding 13:36 Dismantling DEI Initiatives 22:00 Hiring Freeze and Return to Office Policies 24:09 Navigating Job Market Challenges 25:36 The Impact of Remote Work Policies 27:13 Understanding Workforce Dynamics 28:46 The Role of Immigrants in the Job Market 30:54 The TikTok Shutdown and Its Implications 32:55 Mr. Beast and the Future of TikTok 40:29 Pornhub vs YouTube - STEM Content

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this hilarious installment of The Chad & Cheese Podcast Does Europe, Lieven joins the boys as they embark on a wild ride through Europe, sharing tales of cultural faux pas and giving shout-outs that'll make you spit out your coffee. Buckle up as they dive into Belgium's bold new laws for sex workers - because who knew bureaucracy could be so sexy? But wait, there's more! They tackle the elephant in the room, or should we say, the AI in the workplace? ChatGPT's on the scene, and it's not just for writing your grandma's birthday cards anymore. It's revolutionizing recruitment, turning headhunters into tech-hunters. Then, it's a somber stroll through Germany's economic woes - because nothing says "comedy gold" like discussing inflation in the land of beer and pretzels. Nicht gut! Prediction time! Lieven dons his prophetic hat to predict the staffing industry's future in 2025 from a European POV, where AI is the new HR MVP. Then they navigate the GDPR minefield on LinkedIn, where American tech giants are learning that in Europe, privacy is not just a suggestion ... especially in Ireland. The episode rounds off with a look at the new kids on the recruitment block - startups that might either be the next big thing or just another flash in the pan, including CoachHub, Popp AI and Talentium. All this, served with a side of their signature snark and belly laughs Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:01 - Cultural Observations and Travel Experiences 05:59 - Shout Outs and Humor in European Contexts 09:01 - Legislation and Rights for Sex Workers in Belgium 12:03 - Technological Innovations: ChatGPT and Scheduled Tasks 15:00 - Economic Challenges in Europe: Layoffs and Market Trends 22:00 - Predictions for 2025: The Future of Recruitment and AI 25:34 - Optimizing Job Applications with AI 30:00 - LinkedIn's GDPR Challenges and Implications 40:02 - Buy or Sell: Evaluating New Recruitment Startups 57:01 Closing Thoughts and Humor (So Much Humor)

In the latest episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, J.T. O'Donnell crashes the party, diving headfirst into the chaotic whirlpool that is today's job market and recruitment tech. They start by roasting the good ol' resume, with J.T. proclaiming it's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine in this AI-driven world. Next up, they tackle the plight of Harvard MBA grads, who apparently can't even buy a job in this economy. One in four of these overachievers are sitting at home, probably wondering if their fancy degrees are just expensive wall decor. The show then takes a detour into corporate shenanigans, spotlighting DHI Group's Dice and ClearanceJobs, which are cutting costs like they're prepping for a zombie apocalypse. Layoffs? More like "strategic headcount adjustments," am I right? On the acquisition front, Shaker Recruitment Marketing gobbled up JobAdX, which might make Appcast lose sleep, assuming JobAdX goes on the offensive ... unlike Joe Shaker's beloved Chicago Bears this season. The tech talk doesn't stop there; LinkedIn's new AI tools are supposedly going to make job hunting as easy as swiping right on Tinder, plus help small to medium-sized businesses use LinkedIn for hiring where they looked to ZipRecruiter or Indeed previously. And then there's TikTok, teetering on the edge of oblivion, potentially turning all those TikTok millionaires back into regular folks with regular jobs. Lastly, they zero in on Mark Zuckerberg for some Big Meta Energy, whose recent decisions at Meta scream either "mid-life crisis" or "I've lost the plot" ... take your pick. They speculate on AI's future, with middle managers on high alert, fearing their cushy jobs might soon be as relevant as a fax machine. So, grab your popcorn (or your resume, for nostalgia), and tune in for a snarky, humorous breakdown of the job market's latest and greatest.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Gerry Crispin crashes into the Chad & Cheese podcast live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA. With a cool 53 years in recruiting under his belt, Gerry takes us through his career, where he picked up a few nuggets of wisdom along the way, all while sticking to the golden rule of fairness—thanks, Johnson & Johnson! After dipping his toes in J&J, Roche, and a fancy boutique executive search firm, he’s got stories for days, each one teaching him more about this wild recruiting world. When it comes to advice, Gerry’s simple: master the basics, like understanding comp and benefits. If you’re not on top of that, you’re basically flying blind. Sure, recruiting’s a grind, but Gerry’s still loving it, crediting job shadowing (even some low-key undercover ops) for helping him truly get the lay of the land. As for the whole "AI is coming for your job" panic, Gerry’s not worried. AI’s impact is more "enhancer" than "job destroyer," he says, and it’ll just make everything smoother by crunching numbers and improving the candidate experience. But he’s seriously annoyed that Talent Acquisition leaders aren’t jumping on the AI bandwagon fast enough. Get with the times, people! He wraps up with a classic Gerry line: find a company that matches your values, take the initiative, and stay positive. He’s still in the game with CareerXroads, bringing optimism and action to the recruiting table—no room for negativity here!

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Joe Shaker dropped recruitment truth bombs with a side of optimism. Want to know the secret to winning the talent war? Or how MarTech is set to shake up hiring in 2025? Joe’s insights might just save your branding strategy—and your sanity.

In this uproarious episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, our dynamic duo, Joel and Chad, dive into their holiday escapades—think less about eggnog and more about egg on their faces from last year's predictions. They gleefully dissect their 2024 forecasts, celebrating the rare victories and lamenting the epic fails with the finesse of a stand-up comedian bombing on stage. They then throw the mic to some guests: Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting & Onboarding at UPS Emi Beredugo, Sr. Level Recruiter Lars Schmidt, Found, CEO at Amplify Talent Rebecca Volpano, VP of Product Marketing at Cielo Sean “Teddy” Behr, CEO @ Fountain Stephen McGrath, Product Experience Manager at Poetry AND our favorite Scot 3 years running Tim Meehan, Principal @ Talent River Consulting J.T. O’Donnel, Founder / CEO at Work it Daily Each bravely offers their crystal ball takes for 2025, proving that diversity in thought might just save us from another year of looking like fools. The chat veers into the ever-evolving world of recruitment, where automation and AI are the new cool kids on the block, turning the job hunt into something from a sci-fi flick. They ponder the future of work, asking if resumes will go the way of the dodo, replaced by digital dossiers or perhaps just a well-timed TikTok dance. Among the 2025 predictions: a parade of IPOs, European startups becoming the new Silicon Valley, and programmatic ad spending shifting like sands in an hourglass. In the end, it's all about adapting to tech that's moving faster than your grandpa at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and meeting the job seekers' expectations, which are now as high as Cheese's hair on a good day. Tune in for laughs, learning, and maybe a little life-changing tech talk. 00:00 - Welcome Back and Holiday Reflections 03:01 - 2024 Predictions Recap 05:56 - Guest Predictions for 2025 26:30 - Lars Schmidt 28:06 - The Future of Work: Automation and AI 29:52 - The Role of Technology in Hiring 36:06 - Automation in Recruitment: Perspectives from Industry Leaders 41:06 - Candidate Experience and the Evolution of Hiring Practices 44:00 - The Death of the Resume: A New Era in Job Applications 47:01 - Predictions for 2025: IPOs and Market Trends 51:56 - The Future of European Startups 54:55 - Programmatic Ad Spending: Trends and Predictions

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode, we chat with Chris Forman, founder of Appcast, about building a recruitment tech powerhouse while avoiding the classic startup trap of “too many ideas, not enough brains.” We cover Appcast’s rise from "rail builder" to Stepstone acquisition (thanks, "Daddy Warbucks" Axel Springer) and the buzzworthy Bayard deal. Was it genius strategy or just IPO window dressing? Chris doesn’t hold back—and might admit to ruffling some agency feathers. We also dive into why recruitment tech still struggles with basics like “Does this candidate meet the job requirements?” and whether industry leaders are the next Blockbuster in a Netflix world. Plus, Chris answers the big question: What even IS Appcast? Packed with sharp insights, laughs, and maybe a cheese joke (Chris loves dairy farms), this episode is a must-listen for HR pros, tech geeks, and anyone curious about the chaos behind the scenes.

"Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Jason Pistulka—Assistant VP of Talent Acquisition Operations at HCA Healthcare—graces us with his presence to drop some truth bombs on recruitment. Spoiler alert: he's not here to hand out AI participation trophies. Jason throws shade at the industry’s blind faith in AI as a recruitment savior, arguing that maybe, just maybe, getting your operational act together would be a better idea. He spills the tea on HCA's branding game—giving their hospitals local names to charm their markets—and flexes their scale and healthcare cred like a boss. Oh, and remember the COVID hiring apocalypse? HCA brought on 200 new recruiters like it was nothing. Now that the chaos has died down, it all seems almost quaint. Jason also calls out vendors for struggling to grasp the size of HCA’s operation (hint: it’s big) and says they need a crash course in "How HCA Rolls." He’s all about their talent transformation roadmap and teases some snazzy automation initiatives to make recruitment smoother and data capture less of a dumpster fire. As for AI picking candidates? Nah, Jason’s not buying the hype. But he’s here for automation that makes life easier, proving that even skeptics can be pragmatic. It’s an insightful chat—if you’re into operational excellence, vendor rants, and the occasional AI side-eye."

The Chad & Cheese Podcast 2024 Recap Show In this special year-end recap, Chad and Cheese revisit the biggest moments and most talked-about episodes of 2024. Packed with insights, hot takes, and snarky commentary, this episode delivers a curated journey through the stories that defined the HR tech industry over the past year. Featured Highlights: "ZipRecruiter is Lost" (March 2024) "Workday Sucker Punches Eightfold and Beamery" (March 2024) "Bullhorn Strikes Back at Indeed" (June 2024) "Monster & CareerBuilder Merger" (July 2024) "Indeed Tomfukery" (August 2024) Chad and Cheese also hint at exciting plans for 2025, promising new voices, brash opinions, and more in-depth analysis. Whether you’re an industry insider or just love the drama, this episode is a must-listen wrap-up of a game-changing—and occasionally ridiculous—year in HR tech.

Behold! A holiday spectacle so dazzling, so insightful, it’ll practically guarantee you a promotion (results may vary, void where prohibited, don't quit your day job). We've wrangled all our favorite (and some we just tolerated) guests from 2024 to deliver scorching hot takes on the burning dumpster fire that is talent, tech, and recruitment. Think less "fireside chat" and more "dumpster fire chat." From AI’s inevitable robot overlord takeover of recruiting (will they finally fix the ATS? Don't hold your breath) to the thrilling return of the office (aka mandatory fun times!), we've got the scoop you need to maybe survive 2025. Or at least have something to complain about at the next holiday party. Witness the assembled brain trust, including: Eileen Kovalsky from General Motors: Because even car companies need people to, you know, build cars. Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox: Hopefully, he'll explain what a paradox is without causing one. Jessica Rush, Chief Talent Officer: We're rushing to find the talent, people! Get it? (We'll see ourselves out). Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX: Because someone has to deal with the results. Stefan Premdas, Director, People Experience at sweetgreen: Hopefully, they brought snacks. J.T. O'Donnell from Work It Daily: Because you're going to need to. Julie Sowash, Executive Director and Co-founder of Disability Solutions: Providing solutions to problems you didn't even know you had! John Graham, the VP of Employer Brand Strategy, Humanity & Culture at Shaker: Because branding is everything, even when it's not. (He appears twice! Clearly, he's got a lot to say...or we messed up the guest list). Emi Beredugo: We’re not entirely sure what Emi does, but they’re here! Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze, Co-host from Europe: Bringing you takes from across the pond (probably involving better coffee). Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding: The man, the myth, the onboarding legend. Lord Wei, A Member of the Science and Tech Committee in the House of Lords: Adding a touch of British pomp and circumstance (and hopefully some actual wisdom). Rebecca Carr, CEO at SmartRecruiters: Because recruiting needs to be smart, obviously. Courtney Dempsey, the Head of Recruiting at Southern Rock Restaurants: Serving up talent as hot as their chicken. Chloé Rada, the Senior Director of Talent Attraction at ZoomInfo: Zooming into the future of talent (get it?). Dean Da Costa, Senior Staff Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin: Recruiting the best of the best to build…stuff. Mary Battle Broxton, Leading Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Tractor Supply Company: Because even tractor companies need marketing. 🎧 Smash that subscribe button NOW! Chapters 00:00 - A Special Holiday Message for YOU! 1:12 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? 7:47 - Sponsor: Shaker Recruitment https://shaker.com 8:41 - Importance of Employer Branding in Tech-Driven Recruitment 11:17 - The Uncertain Future of DEI 15:40 - Automation's Effect on Workforce Dynamics 18:22 - Return to Office Policy Comeback 24:29 - Sponsor: Paradox AI https://www.paradox.ai/ 24:59 - Sponsor: Job Pixel https://www.jobpixel.com/ 26:10 - Immigration and Workforce Challenges 30:17 - Shocking Layoffs of 2024 35:30 - Tech Trends of 2024 that Stand Out 38:33 - So in 2024, What Surprised You the Most? 41:51 - Sponsor: Harri https://harri.com/ 42:53 - Advice for 2025

Broadcasting live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Tim Sackett—dropped some truth bombs with Joel Cheesman about the cringe-worthy mistakes corporations make in their talent acquisition hustle. Oh, and guess what? Sackett's cooking up another book, creatively titled Talent Fix Volume 2—because one wasn’t enough. Expect fresh content, hot takes, and, presumably, a few digs at HR's favorite buzzwords. Sackett didn't hold back on the AI hype train, either. Turns out, he's underwhelmed by the industry's cutting-edge "meh" when it comes to applying AI in TA. Meanwhile, corporate America is flailing with performance management as everyone adjusts to the post-pandemic reality of low unemployment. Spoiler: leaders are still allergic to honest performance conversations. Fast forward to 2025, and Sackett has a bold prediction: recruiters won't just recruit anymore—they'll transform into talent advisors, focusing on team dynamics and playing corporate therapist. Vendors, take note: Sackett thinks it's your job to coach TA leaders through this glow-up. No pressure.

Welcome to the Chat and Cheese Podcast's holiday extravaganza, where HR gossip meets holiday cheer — and no one is safe. It’s like your company holiday party, but with more alcohol and fewer awkward dance moves (maybe). Holiday Coal Recipients: The Master of Deception The Corporate Grinch The Kings of "Almost There" Holiday Heroes: The Billion-Dollar Badass The Pop Powerhouse The Viral Appetizer Wizard Final Thought: Whether you’re running from accountability or running the world, Chad & Joel see you. In a year filled with corporate antics, unlikely successes, and viral cheese pulls, they’ve made their holiday list — and checked it twice. Chapters 00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Festivities 03:08 - Family Traditions and Celebrations 06:03 - Life in Portugal vs. the U.S. 08:58 - Fantasy Football Playoffs 12:00 - Naughty and Nice Lists 15:02 - Spotlight on Successful Entrepreneurs 16:51 - Taylor Swift: A Business Phenomenon 21:42 - The Impact of AI in Recruitment 28:34 - The Rise of the Influencer Economy 32:28 - Naughty and Nice: Corporate Accountability 40:02 - Closing Thoughts and Humor