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Evergreen Podcasts

Everything people and workforce—recruiting, marketing, technology, talent management, and workforce economics—delivered with biting sarcasm and unapologetic snark. Industry misfits Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman bring their no-holds-barred opinions to dissect news, trends, and the occasional dumpster fire. If you’re a hiring company, staffing firm, or vendor looking for insights (and a thick skin), these two won’t just tell you what’s happening—they’ll tell you why you’re probably doing it wrong. Buckle up, buttercup.

The Chad & Cheese Podcast

Welcome back to HR's Most Dangerous Podcast, where Chad and Joel serve up spicy takes and recruiting truths hotter than a Nashville summer. This week, they wrangle Courtney Dempsey, the tech-savvy maestro behind Southern Rock Restaurants’ hiring empire. With 160 restaurants and a hiring strategy sharper than a deli slicer, Courtney spills the secret sauce: targeting job seekers while the rest of us are dreaming about tacos at 3 AM.
Hear how she uses LLMs like they’re her personal AI attack dogs, outsmarts bigger competitors with zero chill, and recruits AARP members because, frankly, Gen Z already got their fill of side hustles. If you’re not advertising your dishwashing gigs like prime-time Super Bowl spots, you’re doing it wrong.
So, grab your headphones and brace yourself. By the end, you’ll either want to revolutionize your hiring strategy or question all your life choices... possibly both. And remember, in this game, speed kills. But in HR? It also hires.
Warning: Side effects of listening include spontaneous outbursts of laughter, strategic epiphanies, and reconsidering your entire recruitment budget. Proceed with caution.

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Targeting Candidates with AI and LLMs

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Julie Sowash, executive director of Disability Solutions, survived Chad & Cheese’s snarkapalooza to talk AI ethics, data transparency, and why hiring underrepresented talent is more than a checkbox exercise. She preached the gospel of blending tech with human connection (shocking, we know) and reminded companies that “diversity commitment” isn’t code for “nice press release.”
Julie also spilled on how 2024’s economic rollercoaster crushed some dreams but made strategic DEI even more essential. Oh, and she managed to keep things heartfelt, even shouting out her co-host/husband, Chad — proving love can survive even that much sarcasm.

Here are the episode chapters:
0:00:00 - Podcast Intro
0:00:25 - Meet Julie Sowash
0:01:03 - Key Advice for TA Leaders
0:02:21 - DEI Commitments vs. Corporate Retreats
0:03:46 - Ethical AI in Recruiting
0:05:34 - 2024 Market Surprises
0:07:42 - Overcoming DEI Implementation Hurdles
0:09:04 - Looking Ahead to 2025

Navigating DEI's Shifting Landscape in Recruitment

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.

Shredded: Paradox, iCIMS, Korn Ferry, HiringBranch, Pin, WhatJobs, Omni HR, Famm & More

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Chad discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes about pets and sleep deprivation to the unsettling news about drones in New Jersey. They delve into the implications of workplace stress and corporate responses, highlighting a controversial case of a company firing employees due to stress. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in recruitment and marketing, followed by a light-hearted update on their fantasy football league. Finally, they explore the impact of AI in education, particularly through the Khanmigo platform, which aims to assist teachers and personalize learning for students. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the historical perspectives on controversial figures, the impact of AI on job markets, the challenges of hiring practices, the future of nuclear energy, and the uncertain future of TikTok in America. They discuss how AI is reshaping narratives and job searches, the importance of soft skills in hiring, and the potential of nuclear energy to meet rising energy demands. The conversation also touches on the political and economic implications surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
03:07 - Drones and Warfare: A New Era
06:01 - Workplace Stress and Corporate Responses
09:04 - AI in Recruitment and Marketing
12:03 - Fantasy Football Update
14:47 - AI in Education: Khanmigo's Impact
20:49 - Historical Perspectives on Controversial Figures
22:00 - AI and Historical Narratives
22:42 - Job Market Innovations and Challenges
27:46 - Evaluating Soft Skills in Hiring
33:58 - The Future of Nuclear Energy
41:04 - The Uncertain Future of TikTok in America

Meta, Microsoft, and Google Go Nuclear

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Noelle London, founder and CEO of Illoominus, discusses her AI-powered people intelligence platform designed to integrate and analyze HR data. She shares insights on the challenges of dirty data, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the competitive landscape in HR technology. The conversation also covers funding strategies, the role of Techstars, and how Illoominus aims to provide actionable insights for HR leaders to make informed decisions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Illoominus and Noelle London
03:36 Pitching Illuminus: The AI-Powered People Intelligence Platform
08:10 Funding and Growth: Navigating the Financial Landscape
12:35 Understanding the HR Tech Landscape and Leadership
14:31 Data Integration: The Key to Effective HR Solutions
17:02 Competition in the HR Tech Space
20:43 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Growth
24:11 Defining Quality of Hire: A Complex Challenge
26:30 Direct Sales vs. Partnerships: Future Strategies
28:59 Identifying Threats and Opportunities in the Market
31:32 Facing the Firing Squad: Final Thoughts and Insights

Firing Squad Illoominus' Noelle London

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese corner Audra Knight, the employer branding wizard at Foundation Medicine, to spill the tea on how companies can stop being boring and actually build a brand people care about. Audra preaches the gospel of internal communications, because apparently, it’s not enough to just have a logo and a “We’re Hiring!” post on LinkedIn.
She dishes on the art of getting your employees to share their stories without bribing them (much), making your company seem like a place where people want to work—not just survive. Audra also marvels at the endless buffet of fancy branding tools out there, hinting that maybe picking the right ones is better than throwing spaghetti at the wall.
Her secret sauce? Tailoring messages to different roles like a personal shopper for job seekers. Oh, and she’s not here for performative diversity—she’s all about the real deal. Because in employer branding, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the only thing standing between you and a talent drought.

Using Internal Comms to Shape Employer Brands

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

2024 Naughty and Nice Special

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.

Cringeworthy Mistakes: with Tim Sackett

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.

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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

2024 It's a Wrap!

In this lively episode, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman sit down with Quincy Valencia, SVP of Innovation at Harri, at the HR Tech conference. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Quincy offers her candid insights on the overhyped AI trend, emphasizing that companies should focus on the outcomes AI can deliver rather than getting lost in technical jargon. She highlights how AI has evolved since ChatGPT’s launch, moving beyond basic functionalities to transformative real-time data applications in industries like hospitality. As she discusses the future of HR technology, Quincy predicts continued shifts toward integrated ecosystems and strategic partnerships, suggesting that adaptability and innovation are critical for survival. The conversation wraps up with her advice for cautious companies exploring AI: prioritize business results over the technology’s novelty.

Chapter Timecodes
1. 0:00 - Podcast Intro
2. 2:31 - Meet Quincy Valencia
3. 5:46 - AI in HR
4. 10:31 - Real-World AI Applications
5. 4:56 - Adapting in a Changing Market
6. 20:11 - Advice for Newcomers
7. 23:31 - Future of HR Tech
8. 27:16 - Quincy’s HR Tech Wishlist
9. 30:46 - Wrap-Up

Adapting in an AI Market with Quincy Valencia

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