HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!

John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the HR Stories Podcast - where there is a lesson in every story. Our Storytellers - John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian, the Team behind HR Stories, share real-life tales about where a business made a preventable mistake. At The HR Stories Podcast, the STORIES are the teaching tool! LISTEN to the stories of those who did not heed the warning signs. LEARN from their mistakes. ACT on best practices shared by our hosts and guests. Each year, our hosts, Chuck Simikian and John Thalheimer, deliver thousands of live seminars around the country to business owners, executives, and HR professionals discussing the fundamentals of Human Resources, Leadership best practices, and legal risk reduction activities for organizations. Each HR Story episode shares a story of where a company missed the mark, what went wrong, and how you can avoid their fate. As the Team at HR Stories, John and Chuck continue to develop and provide resources to help HR leaders, business owners, and organizations with the confidence they need to successfully handle employee issues and build strong employee practices to comply with employment laws. Both successful entrepreneurs help businesses through HR consulting, training, and coaching leaders. They have coached and trained thousands of HR Professionals, Business Owners, and Leaders to prepare them for the future. John is the Founding Director of True Star Leadership™, which focuses on helping managers and leaders learn performance management principles. Chuck is the Founding Partner of Alliance HR Partners, which provides HR consulting and training to businesses nationwide. Together, they have over 40 years of experience navigating the challenges of HR and recently published their book, The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklist Edition. Go to https://ultimateguidetohr.com/ for more information, download a free sample, and watch their webinar on the Secret Power Behind Successful Businesses.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep171: Doing Discipline Right

    Send us Fan Mail When employees mess up in the workplace, accountability and consistency is crucial to maintaining employee trust. But what is the right move when things go wrong? In today's episode, Chuck and John go through the ins and outs of discipline in the workplace while recapping a story that shows what happens when you don't document behaviors properly.  Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  2. Aug 11

    Ep170: Engagement and Management - how to get your team back

    Send us Fan Mail Managers are carrying too much, employees are feeling less connected, and AI is about to expose every weak workplace system that already exists. Chuck from HR Stories and leadership expert John Thalheimer break down Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace findings and reveal what they actually mean for 2026. The headline number is hard to ignore: global employee engagement fell to 20%, costing the world an estimated $10 trillion in lost productivity. But the real story is not just disengagement, but rather what is driving it, from overwhelmed managers and broken processes to unclear priorities, poor systems, and workplaces that ask people to care without giving them a reason to. Chuck and John unpack why engagement is a result, not a goal you can simply demand. They dig into the manager decline, the emotional burden of leadership, and why so many organizations keep promoting high performers into roles they were never trained to handle. You’ll hear why “pizza party” perks do not fix culture, why agency matters more than inspirational posters, and why meaningful choice, contribution, and progress are the real ingredients of better work. Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  3. Aug 4

    Ep169: What Makes Work Better - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode covers the critical role of government agencies like the EEOC and Department of Labor, which are tightening enforcement, reshaping compliance, and redefining what a fair and equitable workplace looks like. Why should you care? Because the current trajectory risks creating a workplace environment where loyalty diminishes, reputations are damaged, and talent quietly disengages all because organizational decisions are driven by short-term power, not people’s realities. But there's hope: by understanding these trends, HR professionals and leaders can clean up the chaos, foster genuine trust, and build systems that truly support their workforce’s changing needs. Perfect for HR leaders, managers, and anyone navigating the new realities of work, this episode arms you with critical insights into a chaotic market and how to turn it into an opportunity for transformation. Whether you’re questioning hiring strategies, benefit policies, or compliance tactics, this is essential listening for understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface. Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  4. Jul 28

    Ep168: What Makes Work Better - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Workplaces are changing. Benefits are shrinking, employees are being sent back to in-office work, and AI is fundamentally changing the hiring process for applicants and recruiters alike. In today's episode, Chuck and John dive into what information you actually need to take away from these latest Gallup State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report and how you can apply these learnings to your workplaces.  Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  5. Jul 21

    Ep167: You Can Be Kind And... Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In this second part of, "You can be kind and..." series, Chuck and John will dive into the ways that being kind creates accountability and fairness in the workplace while maintaining your boundaries.  Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  6. Jul 14

    Ep166: You Can Be Kind And...

    Send us Fan Mail This episode is a practical, high-impact conversation for HR professionals, managers, and business entrepreneurs who want to lead with kindness without losing accountability. Drawing from an infographic, by Dr. Oliver Degnan, on how you can be kind and still say no, be honest, set boundaries, feel your emotions, make tough decisions, and lead with compassion, Chuck and John break down what mature leadership really looks like in the workplace. If you’ve ever struggled with employee relations, performance conversations, difficult decisions, toxic behavior, or protecting your time, this discussion gives you a clear framework for handling it all with confidence. The team explains why kindness is not weakness, why honesty prevents bigger problems later, and why strong leaders must balance empathy with standards, consistency, and documentation. You’ll hear real-world HR and leadership examples that show how to address conflict without escalating drama, how to set boundaries without guilt, and how to make hard decisions in a way that protects both the organization and the people in it. This episode is especially useful for HR leaders, supervisors, team leads, and entrepreneurs who want to build healthier cultures, reduce burnout, and improve decision-making. Key themes include: Kindness and accountability in leadershipHow HR professionals can say no with claritySetting workplace boundaries that protect time and prioritiesEmotional intelligence in difficult conversationsDealing with toxic behavior and protecting team cultureMaking tough business decisions with compassion Whether you lead a team, run a company, or support people at work, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder: the best leaders don’t choose between care and standards; they deliver both. Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  7. Jul 7

    Ep165: Should you fire your HR department?

    Send us Fan Mail Most CEOs might not fire their entire HR team. But when Ryan Breslow, CEO of Bolt, did just that, the headlines sparked outrage. He claimed HR was “creating problems that didn’t exist” and insisted that once the department was gone, those issues simply vanished.  But is that story as simple as it sounds? Or is there a deeper lesson about leadership, culture, and the real role HR plays in building a resilient workplace? In this episode, Chuck and John unpack the controversial decision that turned headlines into a valuable conversation about the true impact and potential pitfalls of HR departments. They explore whether HR is truly the department of no or if it’s the silent engine behind a company's success. You’ll discover how the story reflects broader truths about organizational culture, accountability, and what happens when leadership tries to ‘fire away’ at problems that are often just a conversation away from surfacing. Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

  8. Jun 30

    Ep164: Disparate Impact Changes You Can't Miss

    Send us Fan Mail Most HR professionals aren't prepared for the seismic shift happening around discrimination laws and missing it could cost you millions. What if your workplace policies are unknowingly trending toward unconstitutional practices, risking hefty fines and legal battles? This episode reveals the surprising changes to disparate impact guidelines, the real story behind recent legal opinions, and why your current practices might be out of step with federal standards.  When the Department of Justice and EEOC start emphasizing intent and individual decision-making over broad policies, HR teams need to rethink everything from background checks to AI screening tools.  You’ll discover how a seemingly neutral rule, like a blanket criminal background check, can disproportionately harm protected groups without explicit discrimination. We break down real-world examples of unintended consequences, from hiring policies to physical ability tests, and how to identify hidden barriers that could expose your company to litigation. You’ll also learn how recent legal opinions are reshaping the landscape, highlighting the importance of causation and the role of less discriminatory alternatives. We explore practical frameworks for assessing whether your employment practices are truly job-related and necessary, helping you avoid costly missteps. Plus, we delve into the intricacies of AI tools in hiring: Are these systems fair? Do they measure what matters? And how can HR stay involved without taking on undue risk? Tune in with Chuck and John to get all of the details you'll need to navigate these guidelines.  Support the show Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!  Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits. Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it! Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event?  You can reach the Team at  Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries. The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

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About

Welcome to the HR Stories Podcast - where there is a lesson in every story. Our Storytellers - John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian, the Team behind HR Stories, share real-life tales about where a business made a preventable mistake. At The HR Stories Podcast, the STORIES are the teaching tool! LISTEN to the stories of those who did not heed the warning signs. LEARN from their mistakes. ACT on best practices shared by our hosts and guests. Each year, our hosts, Chuck Simikian and John Thalheimer, deliver thousands of live seminars around the country to business owners, executives, and HR professionals discussing the fundamentals of Human Resources, Leadership best practices, and legal risk reduction activities for organizations. Each HR Story episode shares a story of where a company missed the mark, what went wrong, and how you can avoid their fate. As the Team at HR Stories, John and Chuck continue to develop and provide resources to help HR leaders, business owners, and organizations with the confidence they need to successfully handle employee issues and build strong employee practices to comply with employment laws. Both successful entrepreneurs help businesses through HR consulting, training, and coaching leaders. They have coached and trained thousands of HR Professionals, Business Owners, and Leaders to prepare them for the future. John is the Founding Director of True Star Leadership™, which focuses on helping managers and leaders learn performance management principles. Chuck is the Founding Partner of Alliance HR Partners, which provides HR consulting and training to businesses nationwide. Together, they have over 40 years of experience navigating the challenges of HR and recently published their book, The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklist Edition. Go to https://ultimateguidetohr.com/ for more information, download a free sample, and watch their webinar on the Secret Power Behind Successful Businesses.

Information

  • Creator
    John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
  • Show Website
    HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!

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