Digital Recruiter Podcast

Digital Recruiter

Welcome to the Digital Recruiter Podcast, where we dive deep into the recruiting world and share valuable insights and strategies for success in the digital landscape. Join our host, Clark Willcox, as he interviews industry experts, thought leaders, experienced recruiters, and agency owners to uncover what’s working, what’s not, and what’s on the horizon in the ever-evolving field of recruitment. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just starting out, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead of the curve and maximizing your recruiting efforts. Tune in and level up your recruitment game with us. For more information about us visit click on HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

  1. #119- How Mike Malinowsky Blends AI with Humanity in Modern Recruiting

    5D AGO

    #119- How Mike Malinowsky Blends AI with Humanity in Modern Recruiting

    Episode Summary Mike Malinowsky didn’t stumble into recruiting. He chose it as a life decision. After spending more than a decade in the U.S. Army working in communications and IT, Mike and his wife made a pivotal call when their kids reached middle school: stability mattered more than constant relocation. That decision led him into Army recruiting, a move that not only kept him home for dinner, but uncovered a career he genuinely loves. What followed was a crash course in true headhunting. Military recruiting forced Mike to source creatively, build trust with young candidates and their families, and operate without relying on inbound applicants. That experience shaped his belief that the best agency recruiters are hunters first. In this episode, Mike and Clark break down the difference between the art and science of recruiting, why so many recruiters rely too heavily on tools, and how scrappiness separates top producers from everyone else. The conversation then shifts into what Mike calls a “humanity audit.” As AI tools flood the industry, he challenges recruiters and hiring teams to examine where automation is quietly stripping away potential. From auto-rejection filters to over-polished AI messaging, Mike argues that technology should be a multiplier, not a replacement. His core message is simple: if you want higher response rates, better negotiations, and long-term trust, keep it human. For recruiters navigating AI overload, market shifts, and candidate fatigue, this episode is a grounded reminder that relationships still win. Mike's Bio Mike Malinowsky is the Director of Recruiting at Lean Synergy Solutions and a former U.S. Army recruiting leader. After serving more than a decade in communications and IT, Mike transitioned into Army recruiting to prioritize family life, quickly rising to lead recruiting stations and mentor teams of recruiters. Following his military retirement, Mike moved into agency and government subcontract recruiting, where he continues to focus on high impact placements across manufacturing and specialized industries. Known on LinkedIn as “The Genuine Recruiter,” Mike is passionate about blending AI driven efficiency with authentic human connection. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalinowsky/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  2. #118- Danny Rosenthal on Niching Down & Smart Automation

    FEB 13

    #118- Danny Rosenthal on Niching Down & Smart Automation

    *Episode Summary* Danny Rosenthal didn’t plan on becoming a recruiter. His career started on stage as a full-time musician, writing songs, touring, and even landing music on TV and in film. But after parting ways with his band, Danny pivoted into an entirely different world: childcare. What began as becoming a nanny turned into launching his own nanny agency and eventually stepping fully into recruiting. In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Danny, now Director of Community Partnerships at EngineHire, to unpack that unconventional journey and what it taught him about business, niching down, and building systems that actually support growth. Danny shares how learning from other agency owners helped him avoid costly mistakes early on, why trust and education are everything in the nanny placement space, and how owning your niche can unlock unexpected opportunities (including a TV show pitch about male nannies). The conversation then shifts into automation and tech. From his vantage point inside EngineHire, Danny sees where agencies stall out. Most aren’t lacking effort. They’re overcomplicating systems or failing to automate the simple things that drive revenue. He breaks down the power of basic status-based follow-ups, abandoned application reminders, and the one automated check-in email that produced some of his highest response rates. For recruiters looking to simplify, systemize, and scale without losing the human element, this episode is packed with practical insight. *Highlights* 00:00 - Welcome & how LinkedIn sparked the conversation 02:00 - Danny’s music career and unexpected pivot 05:00 - What bands, money, and commission splits have in common 07:00 - From nanny to agency owner 11:00 - Recruiting in childcare and educating clients 14:00 - Why owning your niche creates opportunity 20:00 - Transitioning from agency owner to EngineHire 22:00 - The automation mistakes most agencies make 24:00 - The simple follow-up email that gets massive replies 33:00 - Stop overbuilding systems and start building revenue 35:00 - Life advice: transparency and standing behind decisions *Danny’s Bio* Danny Rosenthal is the Director of Community Partnerships at EngineHire, an all-in-one ATS, CRM, payroll, and scheduling platform built primarily for care-based staffing industries including nanny agencies, home care, and medical staffing. Before joining EngineHire, Danny founded and operated his own nanny agency after transitioning from a full-time career in music, where he toured, wrote songs featured in TV and film, and worked alongside artists like Kenny Loggins and Gary Wright. His firsthand experience as both a recruiter and agency owner gives him a practical, operator-level perspective on automation, systems, and building sustainable staffing businesses. Today, Danny works closely with agency owners to help them streamline operations, implement smart automation, and avoid the common pitfalls that stall growth. Connect with Danny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyjosephrosenthal/ or learn more at https://enginehire.io Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  3. #117- How Josh Kirkham Is Building the AI Operating System for Agency Recruiters

    FEB 6

    #117- How Josh Kirkham Is Building the AI Operating System for Agency Recruiters

    SUMMARY Josh Kirkham didn’t just join an AI company. He helped reshape one around how agency recruiters actually work. In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Josh, VP of Revenue at CoRecruit (formerly Quil), to unpack the thinking behind their rebrand and what it signals about where recruiting technology is headed in 2026. Josh shares how the company evolved from a simple note taking tool into a full AI assistant built specifically for third party recruiters. What started as CRM hygiene for sales teams turned into something much bigger once recruiters began pulling the product into their workflows. The conversation breaks down why write ups, job descriptions, scorecards, and follow ups are the real time killers in recruiting, and how CoRecruit focuses on automation without stripping away the human judgment recruiters are paid for. Clark and Josh also zoom out to talk about AI adoption more broadly. They unpack the 10 80 10 framework for using AI effectively, why 100 percent automation is the wrong goal, and how personalization and execution matter more than flashy features. The episode wraps with a look at CoRecruit’s new VoIP and desktop app, plus practical lessons on onboarding, enablement, and building systems that recruiters actually stick with. For agency recruiters who want leverage without losing their voice, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap for using AI the right way. JOSH'S BIO Josh Kirkham is the VP of Revenue at CoRecruit, an AI powered recruiting platform built exclusively for agency recruiters. With a background in high growth SaaS companies including HubSpot, Josh has spent his career helping go to market teams scale through better systems, execution, and enablement. At CoRecruit, Josh leads revenue and customer growth while staying closely connected to how recruiters actually operate day to day. He is known for his practical perspective on AI adoption, believing the goal is not replacement but leverage. Outside of work, Josh is a new dad and is focused on building a company his future family can be proud of. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkirkham/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  4. #116- How Milan Levy is Redefining Offshore Hiring with Talent Sam

    JAN 30

    #116- How Milan Levy is Redefining Offshore Hiring with Talent Sam

    Summary Milan Levy didn’t just start a company; he’s building a bridge between South Africa’s untapped talent and the world’s most competitive businesses. In this episode, host Clark Wilcox dives deep with Milan, founder of Talent Sam, to explore the rise of South Africa as a nearshore hiring destination. Milan shares how his tech-driven, compliance-first model is helping U.S. and U.K. companies access skilled, hardworking talent in South Africa, without the legal landmines or logistical headaches. The conversation unpacks the unique opportunities and pitfalls of hiring from South Africa, including misclassification risk, payroll tax nuances, and cultural integration. Milan doesn’t just talk theory, he details how Talent Sam supports clients with end-to-end solutions: from candidate sourcing and vetting to employer of record services, equipment setup, and even ongoing team engagement. Later in the episode, Milan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting as a teen DJ and DVD editor, and scaling tech ventures before launching Talent Sam. For recruiters and founders tired of churn and ready to build global teams that actually last, this episode is both a tactical roadmap and a mindset shift. Milan's Bio Milan Levy is a South African tech entrepreneur and founder of TalentSam, a full-service remote hiring platform that helps global companies access and manage top-tier talent from South Africa. With a background in software automation and a passion for solving complex systems problems, Milan has turned TalentSam into a compliance-forward, culture-conscious hiring solution. Known for his lean ops mindset and hands-on approach, Milan’s team processes 50,000+ applications monthly and manages every detail from recruitment to retention. When he’s not scaling companies, Milan’s known for deep tech chops, fast problem solving, and starting his entrepreneurial journey as a teenage DJ. Connect with Milan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanlevy/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  5. #115- Jacob Stripling on Redefining the Resume: Humanizing the Job Search

    JAN 23

    #115- Jacob Stripling on Redefining the Resume: Humanizing the Job Search

    EPISODE SUMMARY In this compelling episode, Clark welcomes Jacob Stripling, founder of Future State Careers and creator of WholeStory.me, for a candid conversation about reinvention, relevance, and recruiting in the age of AI. Starting like many recruiters, accidentally, Jacob cut his teeth at a major staffing firm before launching his own agency just months before the pandemic hit. Fast forward six years, and he’s not only built a niche in accounting and finance but is now pushing the entire industry to rethink how we present candidates. Jacob walks through the "why" behind WholeStory.me, a new platform designed to give job seekers a voice beyond bullet points and buzzwords. He unpacks how AI has created a sea of sameness in resumes, the rising distrust in hiring processes, and what happens when you flip the script, letting people lead with video, story, and human context. This isn't just a new tech tool; it’s a movement toward authentic representation and better hiring matches on both sides. Whether you’re a recruiter, job seeker, or hiring leader, Jacob’s insights challenge the status quo and offer a hopeful path forward: one where substance wins, not surface. From branding lanes to burnout, from tactical content to philosophical takeaways, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real emotion. Don’t miss it. JACOB'S BIO Jacob Stripling is the founder of Future State Careers, a recruiting agency specializing in accounting and finance, and the creator of WholeStory.me—a platform designed to restore humanity to the hiring process. With over a decade in recruiting, Jacob has built his brand on honest conversations, client trust, and a commitment to showcasing the full context behind every candidate. A proud dad, thoughtful entrepreneur, and content creator, he’s not just innovating how we hire—he’s reimagining who gets seen and why. Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-stripling-bb143594/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  6. #114- Brian Samson on Scaling Recruiting Firms Through Nearshore Talent

    JAN 16

    #114- Brian Samson on Scaling Recruiting Firms Through Nearshore Talent

    SUMMARY Brian Samson didn’t plan on building nearshore tech teams across Latin America, he just followed curiosity and opportunity. Starting in a high-pressure staffing bullpen in Chicago, Brian quickly made a name for himself through hustle, whiteboard metrics, and old-school recruiting grit. But what came next set him apart. After stints in internal talent leadership and multiple founder roles, Brian raised $2M, moved to Argentina, and launched a company to help fintech startups build faster through offshore development. In this episode, Brian shares the entire arc, from being a top-performing account manager with a $90K weekly spread, to becoming a founder of Plug Technologies (with 100+ LATAM engineers), and how his lived experience in Latin America gave him an unbeatable edge. He and Clark explore why US recruiters are missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the nearshore market, and how partnerships, white-labeling, and shifting client conversations can unlock real scale. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or agency leader, this is a playbook in business model innovation, trust-building, and compounding relationships over time. BRIAN'S BIO Brian Samson is the founder of Plug Technologies, a nearshore talent firm connecting top Latin American software developers with US companies. With 100+ engineers deployed and multiple 7-figure businesses under his belt, Brian brings a rare mix of agency hustle, in-house leadership, and founder wisdom. A Chicago native turned Buenos Aires transplant, Brian has built his career around grit, relationships, and being early to big trends. He's passionate about elevating overlooked talent pools and helping US staffing firms grow through white-labeled partnerships. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  7. #56- Poker Pro, Media Mogul, Recruiter: Joe Sebok Always goes All In

    12/12/2025

    #56- Poker Pro, Media Mogul, Recruiter: Joe Sebok Always goes All In

    In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Willcox sits down with former professional poker player turned recruiter, Joe Sebok, to talk about his wild career journey. Joe was part of the poker boom in the 2000s, playing on televised World Series of Poker tables, running his own media company, and even building an early social media platform for poker pros. But when the online poker industry collapsed in 2011, he had to reinvent himself—eventually landing in the world of recruiting, where he’s now building a thriving business. Joe shares the lessons he’s learned from poker that apply directly to recruiting and business: reading people, managing risk, and knowing when to go all-in. He talks about the power of reinvention, why so many recruiters fail because they avoid doing the actual work, and how leaning into your strengths can give you a real competitive advantage. He also opens up about navigating public scrutiny, handling high-pressure situations, and overcoming mental blocks that hold people back from success. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, doubted your next move, or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with insights on mindset, personal branding, and making strategic bets on yourself. Don’t miss this one! *HIGHLIGHTS* 00:00 - Introduction & Digital Recruiter Newsletter 01:00 - Welcoming Special Guest: Joe Seabock 02:00 - Joe’s Background: From Poker Pro to Recruiter 04:00 - Life After Poker: A Reset in Wine Country 06:00 - Transition to Recruiting & Career Growth 09:00 - The Power of Strategic Advantages 12:00 - Social Media & Content Marketing for Recruiters 15:00 - Joe’s Journey into Professional Poker 18:00 - The Poker Boom & Media Evolution 22:00 - Lessons from Poker Applied to Recruiting 27:00 - Recognizing Industry Trends & Pivoting 32:00 - The Mental Game of Business & Success 38:00 - The Role of Confidence & Commitment 45:00 - Overcoming Setbacks & Navigating Change 50:00 - Social Media Challenges & Haters 55:00 - Recruiting, Market Trends & Career Advice 1:00:00 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways *JOE's BIO* After beginning his career as a professional poker player in 2005, winning several titles and competing in both the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, Sebok ceased playing full-time in 2009 to make his shift into media and business. He did so effectively, helping spearhead poker’s first televised media reporting program, as well as several of poker’s most popular radio programs across the globe. Sebok joined the recruiting and talent acquisition ranks in 2015 and won awards while at the largest creative recruiting agency in North America before transitioning to work in-house and build several entire teams from scratch. His additional experience in marketing, sales, and operations further strengthens his robust proficiency in understanding clients’ open positions and what is required to staff them both effectively and expeditiously. You can find Joe on LinkedIn at Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m
  8. #113- Automation, Culture & The Future of Staffing: A Deep Dive with Paul Champaneria

    12/05/2025

    #113- Automation, Culture & The Future of Staffing: A Deep Dive with Paul Champaneria

    SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark welcomes Paul Champaneria, SaaS veteran, staffing agency founder, and the mind behind CallMantra, a purpose-built calling and texting platform for recruiters. Paul’s story is a masterclass in organic innovation: he didn’t set out to create recruiting tech. He just needed a better way to scale his own internal team. What started with solving hiring inefficiencies in his software companies led to the creation of a high-performing staffing agency. From there, Paul built CallMantra, a system that now helps recruiters increase connection rates by 40%, reduce manual work, and deliver better candidate experiences, faster. Paul unpacks how his team retained talent for over a decade, the tech stack philosophy that makes it possible, and why smaller agencies have a massive opportunity if they lean into automation the right way. He also gives a glimpse into the future, think AI voicebots that sound like you and submit candidate write-ups automatically. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or a 100-person firm, this episode is packed with insight and practical direction. PAUL'S BIO Paul Champaneria is the founder of Expert Hiring, a high-performance staffing agency, and the creator of CallMantra, a communications platform designed exclusively for recruiters. He began his career building software companies in the 1990s, including TeleCenter and Focal Point, before organically stepping into staffing through internal hiring needs. His blend of SaaS experience and recruiter empathy led him to develop tools that solve real-world workflow bottlenecks. Paul is known for running lean, culture-forward teams that retain top talent for over a decade. He attributes that success to trust, autonomy, and arming his people with world-class tools. When he’s not building tech or scaling businesses, Paul recharges with daily meditation and workouts, and stays grounded by avoiding the noise of social media. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulchampaneria/ and check out https://www.callmantra.co/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Digital Recruiter Podcast, where we dive deep into the recruiting world and share valuable insights and strategies for success in the digital landscape. Join our host, Clark Willcox, as he interviews industry experts, thought leaders, experienced recruiters, and agency owners to uncover what’s working, what’s not, and what’s on the horizon in the ever-evolving field of recruitment. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just starting out, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead of the curve and maximizing your recruiting efforts. Tune in and level up your recruitment game with us. For more information about us visit click on HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

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