The Chad & Cheese Podcast

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese chat with Ashten Fizer, a dynamic talent brand creator, who brings fresh insights on employer branding to the table. What’s Inside: ✅ The real deal on why authenticity beats overproduced videos in today's branding world. ✅ How effective branding needs cross-department collaboration and creative design systems. ✅ Surprising insights into global recruitment strategies (Hint: LinkedIn isn’t always the answer!). ✅ How a genuine DEI approach can broaden talent pools and drive innovation. If you’re looking to craft a brand that speaks to diverse audiences and embraces transparency, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Tune in now and dive deeper at www.HeyAshten.com!

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Maureen trade barbs and insights like a comedy duo on a caffeine bender before diving into heavier stuff like mental health in a world gone wacky, in addition to the latest news around the world of work. In a rollercoaster of a month, U.S. companies slammed the brakes on hiring, with ADP’s February private payrolls report showing a measly 77,000 jobs added—half of what the eggheads predicted and a steep drop from January’s beefy 186,000. Meanwhile, Employ snatched up Pillar, an interview intelligence tool, probably hoping to outsmart the hiring slump. Over at ZipRecruiter, Q4 was a bloodbath—revenue tanked 18% to $111 million, with 2024’s full-year haul down 26.6% to $474 million, flipping a $49.1 million profit into a $12.9 million loss; the stock hit rock bottom, leaving only Severance fans to pick up the pieces—cue the sad trombone. Commenters on X are cackling that the Four Horsemen (Google, LinkedIn, automation, AI, and freelancing) are galloping in, with one suggesting ZipRecruiter go private or sell out, while another whispers Paradox might be the real job-board slayer. On the AI front, HeyMilo ($2.2M) and Alta ($7M) scored seed funding to flex their virtual agent muscles—HeyMilo’s screening candidates like a nosy aunt, while Alta’s chasing global sales domination; Mo’s probably picking Alta because, duh, bigger bucks. LinkedIn’s still the envy swamp, with Vice noting Gen Z’s drowning in “Director of Ego” vibes—users are bailing to escape the cringe, though employers keep them chained to it like a corporate ball-and-chain. Finally, HiBob’s survey dropped a buzzkill: only one in three women feel empowered at work, less than 10% have mentors, and men are hogging raises and promotions—34% to 22% and 46% to 32%, respectively. Commenters mutter about crab bucket mentality, wondering if women hold back to avoid the claw-back from their own squad. Mo’s take? “Trump’ll fix it, maybe.” Sure, lady, and I’ll hire a crab as my next intern. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and First Impressions 03:07 - Mental Health and Current Events 06:00 - Oscars and Entertainment Trends 08:53 - Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Choices 11:58 - Meta's Internal Issues and Whistleblowers 14:55 - Mark Zuckerberg's Transformation 17:59 - Charitable Contributions and Corporate Image 20:02 - Job Market Trends and ZipRecruiter's Struggles 26:18 - The Future of Job Boards 27:46 - Who'd You Rather: AI Startups Showdown 29:00 - Concerns About AI in Recruitment 33:24 - LinkedIn Envy: The Professional Comparison Trap 42:26 - Women Empowerment in the Workplace 48:04 - The Crab Bucket Phenomenon: Women Supporting Women

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash team up with the marketing maestro, Gina Alioto from Shaker Recruitment Marketing, to dive into the wild world of experiential marketing. They chat about how this approach can turn brand experiences into something you'd remember even if you had the memory of a goldfish, by tickling all your senses. Gina drops some knowledge bombs on why employer branding feels like it's stuck in the '90s compared to today's marketing, and she highlights the importance of Shaker's Vision Report. They also tackle the notion of investing in your brand during economic rollercoasters - because, why not, right? The conversation veers into how tech and analytics could make recruitment as personalized as your grandma's knitting, the ever-evolving DEI scene (which is more complex than assembling IKEA furniture), and why sustainable innovation should be as integral to your business strategy as coffee is to your morning routine. The episode wraps up with a rallying cry for talent leaders to not just sit on their hands but to grab the steering wheel and drive some change, because as we all know, standing still in business is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Chapters 00:00 - Introducing Gina 02:52 - The Essence of Experiential Marketing 06:07 - Bridging the Gap in Employer Branding 09:04 - The Vision Report: Insights and Themes 11:56 - Investing in Brand: A New Perspective 15:09 - The Role of Technology in Recruitment 18:07 - Analytics and Measuring Success 21:01 - Navigating DEI in Today's Landscape 24:07 - Sustainable Innovation in Recruitment

Buckle up, job nerds—Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman are back with J.T. O'Donnell, serving up the week’s employment chaos with a side of snark. Joann’s 800 fabric havens are kaput after 80 years—no buyer, 19,000 pink slips. DOGE is slashing like it’s Black Friday: 75,000 “voluntary” goodbyes, 1,000 at Veterans Affairs, 1,300 at Energy, 700 at the CDC—pundits say the total could top 100K, while Blue Origin (1,000) and Starbucks (1,100) join the layoff party, and Polywork’s a December corpse. Buy or Sell: Mercor’s 21-year-old Thiel babies nabbed $100M, hit a $2B valuation ... Joel's screaming "SELL" ‘cause remote work’s deader than disco. Perfect’s $23M AI dream promises hires while you nap; J.T.’s all "BUY" for their 44-person squad surfing the consolidation wave. Loxo’s $115M talent tech flex? Joel’s like, "SELL—big hype, but the founder’s greener than a lime Slurpee." Indeed yanked search fields from its homepage, forcing logins—Alex Chukovski’s jazzed, but Chad’s cackling, “Monster 2.0, meet your doom!” And Musk’s AI grading federal job essays? J.T.’s rolling her eyes—unions are raging, and it’s sketchier than a back-alley job board. Laugh, cry, and listen up! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Uncertainty in the Job Market 01:00 The Rise of Deep Fakes and Their Implications 04:08 Job Seekers' Struggles in a Changing Economy 10:17 Corporate Accountability and Leadership Failures 18:41 The Impact of Layoffs on the Workforce 23:19 The Future of Employment in an Automated World 24:09 Economic Pressures and Education Choices 27:42 The Rise of AI in Recruitment 30:12 Challenges in AI Recruitment Tools 34:20 The Future of Job Platforms 38:16 Indeed's Strategic Shift 47:21 AI's Role in Employment Decisions

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

This week on The Chad & Cheese Podcast, we’re joined by Donald Knight, the People & Culture mastermind from Warner Bros. Discovery. We talk about: 💰 The 2022 job market sequel—spoiler: execs are playing musical chairs, and salaries are getting wild. 🤖 AI panic in HR—why some CHROs are still clutching their pearls while others are stealing all the talent. 🎨 Recruiting as an art form—because if you’re not painting with AI yet, you’re about to get left in the dust. 🎭 Hollywood vs. The Machines—yes, AI can spit out a screenplay, but can it really write the next cult classic? (Looking at you, Beetlejuice 2.) If you like bold opinions, job market chaos, and just the right amount of HR blasphemy, hit play now. Or don’t—just don’t cry when your competition outsmarts you. 🎧🔥

In this episode, the boys chat with Hannah Peet, the co-founder of Candidly, an ATS so generic it's called "white-label." Hannah waxes poetic about her grand adventure in HR tech, explaining how Candidly plans to make hiring as simple as a kindergarten art project for SMBs. They dive into the thrilling world of partnerships and the start-ups focus on going to market on the backs of more established companies. What else? How about AI in candidate matching and don't forget the white-label magic? They also tackle the competitive landscape, where Candidly is apparently David to the Goliath of existing ATS providers, all while navigating the treacherous waters of marketing and pricing like they're sailing through a storm in a teacup. The 'firing squad' segment? More like a gentle critique session where they probably realized their messaging might be about as clear as mud. Does Candidly survive the Firing Squad? Gotta listen to find out.

Ready for a ride through the latest workplace shake-ups? Well, welcome to another episode of Workplace Woes & Corporate Chaos with Chad & Cheese, joined this week by Emi Beredugo! We kick off with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who’s getting caught saying the quiet part out loud. Leaked audio catches him roasting work-from-home setups - the squad weighs in on issues, like why workers are back on-site and startups might be the last hope for remote dreams. We unravel Klarna’s AI hype—CEO claims chatbots axed 700 jobs, but the facts say it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors for a 2026 IPO, with outsourcing and tech alternatives telling a better story. More corporate idiocy, Chad’s got thoughts on startup and Y Combinator company Firecrawl reaching for attention and clicks. Toby Dayton, our favorite “Sasquatch of Statistics,” spooks us with his 2025 predictions—think stagflation, 5% unemployment, and no Fed relief—leaving Joel clutching his mic and reaching for the bottle of Ardbeg. Finally, LinkedIn’s latest trainwreck: “storytelling expert” James Langridge’s boob-confidence rant flops hard and lands flat with over 3,000 furious comments and requests for cancelation. Warm-up your tea for Brit Emi’s hot take on this caveman’s misadventure. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Light Banter 03:07 - LinkedIn Connection Requests and Personal Branding 06:19 - Netflix's Entry into Podcasting 08:13 - Shout Outs and Cultural Commentary 11:01 - Industry News and Personal Reflections 18:54 - JobGet's Acquisition Rumors 19:38 - Jamie Dimon's Controversial Comments on Work Culture 26:03 - The Human Element in Management 30:13 - Navigating Remote Work Dynamics 34:36 - AI Hype and Corporate Reality 42:30 - Economic Predictions and Their Implications 49:15 -Sexism in Professional Spaces

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Torin Ellis sits down with Chad & Cheese to tackle the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion (D&I). As some organizations retreat under external pressures, Torin delivers a wake-up call—now is not the time to step back. He challenges leaders to honor their commitments, exposes the political forces shaping D&I strategies, and reminds us that real progress demands intention. With 2025 on the horizon, he highlights the companies still doing the work and calls on individuals—especially those with privilege—to step up.

AI, bias, the metaverse, and... J.Cole? 🤯 This week, Chad & Cheese sit down with Stefan Youngblood, the founder of Black AI Think Tank and hireblack.com, to talk about the intersection of AI, job markets, and the Black community. From connecting 6,000+ people in the Black Metaverse to challenging AI's built-in biases (like turning "Black-owned chip company" into a potato chip brand 🍟🤨), Stefan is pushing boundaries in tech and social impact. Oh, and did we mention he gave piano lessons to J.Cole? 🎹 🔥 The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) is real—will AI make or break your career? 🔥 How can recruiters leverage AI without falling into bias traps? 🔥 What’s the real future of co-pilots, agents, and the metaverse? Get ready for wild stories, mind-blowing insights, and a dose of snark—only on HR’s most dangerous podcast. 🎧 Tune in now! Chapters 00:00 – Podcast Intro – HR’s most dangerous podcast kicks off with Chad & Cheese. 01:14 – The Genesis of Black AI Think Tank 02:41 – From Clubhouse to LinkedIn 04:00 – A Life of Connection 07:12 – A Call from J.Cole? 10:40 – Black AI Think Tank: A Growing Ecosystem 13:19 – AI in Hiring & Recruiting 14:26 – FOBO: The Fear of Becoming Obsolete 20:40 – AI Bias in Action 23:11 – The Future of AI-Generated Content 30:08 – The Future of Entry-Level Jobs 32:41 – Prompt-Ganda & AI's Influence on Media 33:10 – Is the Metaverse Still a Thing? 35:57 – AI, Remote Work, and the Future of Learning 38:17 – AI is Scaling Fast

This week, J.T. joins the boys for a rollercoaster ride through the latest industry news, which seems to have more downs than a feather factory. First off, Workday decided to trim 1,750 jobs from its ranks, that's about 8% of its workforce, all in the name of cozying up to AI because, let's face it, who needs humans when you have algorithms? Over at Justworks, they're laying off 200 folks, blaming everything from a looming recession to rising interest rates and a trade war - because why not blame the economy when you can? And Meta, not to be outdone, is shedding 3,600 jobs, which is 5% of their workforce, probably to fund more metaverse adventures or to pay for Mark's new space yacht. Switching gears, Phenom has gobbled up Edge, a talent mobility software provider, aiming to beef up its AI capabilities. It's like they're trying to create the ultimate job-hopping machine for Global Capability Centers. Meanwhile, ZipRecruiter is pulling the plug on its ZipSearch API, which might just be the nail in the coffin for Jobboard.io - but hey, their stocks are up, and BlackRock's investing, so maybe they'll pivot to something like a dating app for job seekers? The Wall Street Journal dropped a bomb with a report saying tech unemployment has spiked to 5.7%, thanks to AI playing the role of the grim reaper in software development and white-collar jobs. But hey, if you can swing a hammer or fix a pipe, you're golden. ConverzAI, on the other hand, just raised $16 million to automate the heck out of hiring, because why talk to humans when you can chat with a bot? In military news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is riding high with a recruitment boom, all thanks to the "America First" vibe. But he's also ditching diversity programs, because apparently, unity comes from being the same, not from celebrating differences. And finally, in a twist that's both futuristic and slightly bizarre, Banx Management is diving into AI models for OnlyFans, proving once and for all that even the oldest profession is not immune to technological disruption. Who knew AI could be so... versatile? Chapters 00:00 - Valentine's Day Banter 02:58 - Super Bowl Recap and Commercial Highlights 09:00 - Job Market Trends and Layoffs 15:00 - Phenom's Acquisition and Talent Management Insights 22:04 - Navigating Acquisitions and Market Dynamics 27:01 - Tech Sector Layoffs and Job Market Shifts 34:07 - AI in Recruitment: The Rise of Converse AI 39:00 - Military Recruitment Trends and Diversity Initiatives 44:59 - The Evolution of OnlyFans and AI Models

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

🎙️ Chad & Cheese sit down with Celinda Appleby, Visa’s global director of talent attraction, for an in-depth discussion on navigating 2025’s talent acquisition hurdles—think economic uncertainty and a turbulent job market. Celinda reveals how Visa is refreshing its employer brand to align with evolving corporate strategies through EVP 2.0, powered by research and a dedicated center of excellence. 🚀 She dives into creative wins like Olympics-inspired campaigns and a reimagined career site strategy to boost candidate engagement. Plus, a sneak peek at what’s next: targeted recruitment tools, a brand advocacy culture, and finalizing EVP 2.0. Don’t miss out—connect with Celinda on LinkedIn and explore exciting job openings at Visa! 🌐

So much red meat in this episode for industry junkies that you might mistake it for a Sizzler, the boys are joined by Mo this week to cover a wide array of topics, featuring some of the spaces most influential players. Paradox had a week so good, even Chipotle gave them a shout-out on Mad Money, which is like getting a high-five from your rich uncle at a family reunion. They also gobbled up Eqtble, a fancy people analytics company, because who doesn't want to know if their employees are secretly plotting to start a band during work hours? Meanwhile, Deel's hitting the $800 million mark faster than you can say "IPO, where's my yacht?" They're eyeing 2026 for going public, making Rippling's founder Parker Conrad sweat more than a mime in a sauna. LinkedIn's now diving into video like your grandma at a bingo night, with a 36% increase in uploads because apparently, watching someone talk about their job is the new Netflix. They're also trying to make job applications less of a "throw your resume into a black hole" experience. And for the rom-com lovers, remote work is apparently the new dating app, with 86% of Americans finding love over Zoom. It's like 'The Office,' but instead of the break room, it's Slack gone wild. However, with 41% dating their supervisor, we're one lawsuit away from making "return to office" the new "I love you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:22 Chad Goes to Madrid 04:09 Super Bowl Predictions 06:31 Positive News: Jackie Clayton on Amazing Race 07:54 Nostalgia: The Return of the Shamrock Shake 14:01 Chipotle talks Paradox 20:14 Acquisition of Equitable and Market Strategy 26:13 Paradox's Strategic Acquisitions 30:48 Lessons from the Past: Company Acquisitions 32:23 Deel's Impressive Growth 36:28 LinkedIn's New Video Strategy 43:30 Romance in the Remote Workplace

The Shred is a weekly roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of employment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this rollicking episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, where HR tech is served with a side of sass, we dive deep with Scott Morris, the brainiac behind Propulsion AI. Scott, who's apparently decided that regular HR is just too mundane, has set out to jazz up the hiring process by making it all about outcomes, not just ticking off tasks. He's got AI doing the heavy lifting, crafting job descriptions faster than you can say "synergy," and making roles so clear, even Chad might understand them. They chat about the wild west of HR tech challenges, why your company's employment brand might need a glow-up, and how AI can scale up recruitment without scaling up headaches. Scott spills the beans on Propulsion AI's secret sauce for reducing the hiring hassle, from evolving job postings to the crystal ball gazing of job matching. The duo grills him on everything from marketing moves to who they're gunning for, compliance conundrums, and the big bucks of compensation. But it's not all smooth sailing; Chad and Cheese challenge Scott on whether Propulsion AI is the hot new thing or just another HR tech flash in the pan. Buckle up for some sharp insights, a few laughs, and maybe even eternal peace and prosperity. OK, maybe not the last part. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Propulsion AI and Scott Morris 06:00 The Genesis of Propulsion AI 10:08 Challenges in the HR Tech Space 13:07 The Role of AI in Job Descriptions 15:50 Scalability and Employment Branding 16:50 Navigating Recruitment Challenges 19:27 The Evolution of Job Postings 24:26 Future of Job Matching 26:05 Marketing Strategies for PropulsionAI 30:19 Understanding the Target Market 31:58 Compliance and Compensation Insights 36:01 Facing the Firing Squad: Tough Questions

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.