Primal HR Podcast

Terry Smith & Leslie Lulham
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS

Primal HR is a bold, no-BS podcast about the real human side of work. Hosted by longtime HR leader Terry Smith and people strategist Leslie Lulham, Primal HR cuts through corporate jargon to tackle what’s actually happening in today’s workplaces — from return-to-office mandates and toxic culture to leadership failures, employee burnout, and the future of work. Each episode blends sharp insight, real stories, and practical advice for HR professionals, managers, and employees who care about building workplaces that actually work for people. No fluff. No performative HR. Just honest conversations about leadership, culture, and the decisions that shape our working lives. If you’re tired of sanitized corporate talk and want real perspectives on HR, leadership, and workplace culture — this is your podcast.

  1. APR 10

    HR Unfiltered: Workplace Pet Peeves & Rapid Fire Questions

    What happens when HR professionals drop the script and just have some fun? In this season one finale, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham take a break from traditional HR topics and dive into a candid, fast paced conversation that highlights the human side of work. This episode features a mix of workplace insights, personal stories, and rapid fire questions that reveal how HR leaders really think about common workplace experiences. From return to office debates to meeting overload and workplace pet peeves, Terry and Leslie share honest takes shaped by years of experience in human resources. The conversation also explores the everyday realities of work, including how people decompress after stressful days, what makes meetings productive or frustrating, and the small habits that can make a big difference in workplace culture. Along the way, they reflect on early career experiences and how those paths shaped their approach to leadership and HR. The episode wraps with a rapid fire round covering everything from communication preferences to workplace values like trust, transparency, and boundaries. It is a light, engaging way to close out the season while still offering meaningful insights into how HR professionals think and operate. If you want a more personal look at the people behind Primal HR, this episode delivers a mix of humor, perspective, and real world workplace commentary. Key topics:The human side of HR and workplace cultureReturn to office perspectives and workplace flexibilityMeetings vs emails and workplace communication stylesCommon workplace pet peeves and habitsStress management and reset routines at workEarly career experiences and career pathsHR perspectives on trust, transparency, and boundariesStay ConnectedWebsite: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    18 min

  2. APR 9 ·  BONUS

    Workday AI Hiring Bias and ATS Risks: A Primal HR HOT TAKE

    Is artificial intelligence shaping hiring decisions more than companies realize? In this Primal HR HOT TAKE, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down a major legal case involving Workday and what it could mean for the future of hiring. The conversation centers on a lawsuit alleging that AI driven applicant tracking systems may be screening out candidates, particularly older applicants, without meaningful human review. The case raises serious questions about whether AI tools are influencing hiring decisions in ways that could create bias or discrimination. Terry walks through the details of the case, including claims that job applications were rejected within minutes, suggesting automated decision making. The discussion expands beyond one company to examine the broader use of AI in recruiting platforms, including applicant tracking systems used by thousands of organizations worldwide. This Primal HR HOT TAKE also highlights why this issue matters for job seekers and employers alike. With millions of candidates applying through systems powered by AI, even small biases in algorithms could have widespread impact across industries and geographies. Terry and Leslie also share practical steps job seekers can take to reduce potential bias in the hiring process. These include removing graduation dates, avoiding photos on resumes, and focusing on recent, relevant experience to limit signals that could trigger age related filtering. If you are applying for jobs or managing hiring processes, this Primal HR HOT TAKE offers a timely and important look at how AI is changing recruitment and what risks to watch closely as the technology evolves. Key topics:AI bias in hiring and applicant tracking systemsWorkday lawsuit and implications for HR technologyRisks of automated resume screeningAge discrimination and protected classes in hiringHow AI is shaping modern recruitment processesResume tips to reduce bias in AI screening systemsWhy HR leaders should monitor AI hiring tools closelyStay ConnectedWebsite: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    9 min

  3. APR 9

    Fractional vs In-House HR: What You Need to Know

    Should your company hire an in-house HR leader or work with a fractional HR consultant? Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down the differences, costs, and real world use cases to help businesses make the right decision. For many small businesses and startups, hiring a full-time HR leader may not be necessary or financially practical. Fractional HR offers an alternative, giving companies access to experienced HR professionals for a few hours a week at a fraction of the cost. Terry and Leslie explain how this model works and why it is often a strong fit for growing organizations. This episode explores the key benefits of fractional HR, including cost savings, flexibility, and access to experienced professionals who have worked across multiple industries and company sizes. With that broader perspective, fractional HR leaders can often provide more objective and impartial guidance than someone embedded in the organization full time. The conversation also outlines when in-house HR makes more sense. Larger organizations and companies scaling quickly may need dedicated internal teams to manage complex operations, compliance, and employee experience at scale. Terry and Leslie discuss how senior HR leaders typically operate and why they are not always the right fit for early stage companies building systems from scratch. They also highlight a common mistake: hiring senior level HR talent too early. Many experienced executives are not focused on building foundational systems like handbooks, hiring processes, and HR infrastructure. Fractional HR can fill that gap, helping companies establish strong foundations before scaling. If you are building a company, managing growth, or trying to decide how to structure your HR function, this episode offers a practical guide to choosing between fractional and in-house HR leadership. Key topics:Fractional HR vs in-house HR explainedCost comparison of fractional HR and full-time HR hiresWhy startups and small businesses benefit from fractional HRWhen to hire in-house HR leadershipThe role of senior HR leaders in scaling organizationsBuilding HR systems, processes, and company cultureHow fractional HR provides objective and outside perspectiveStay ConnectedWebsite:https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    14 min

  4. APR 8

    What HR Really Does With Exit Surveys

    Do exit interviews actually matter, or are they just a formality on the way out the door? Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down how exit interviews and exit surveys really work and why honest feedback can make a difference. Exit interviews are designed to capture feedback from employees who are leaving an organization. In theory, they offer a valuable opportunity for HR teams to understand what is working, what is not, and where improvements are needed. In reality, many employees hold back, often out of fear of burning bridges or concern about how their feedback might be used. This episode explores why that hesitation exists and why most of those fears are unfounded. Terry and Leslie explain that HR teams are not looking to retaliate or share negative feedback with future employers. Instead, they are looking for actionable insights that can help improve the workplace for current and future employees. The conversation also highlights the growing role of exit surveys as an alternative to face to face interviews. Anonymous surveys can make it easier for employees to be honest and provide more candid feedback. Terry and Leslie share how organizations actually use this information, including examples of feedback that triggered immediate action and meaningful change. They also discuss strategies that can improve the quality of feedback, including building trust with employees before they leave and following up months later when perspectives may be clearer. The episode closes with a broader career insight, encouraging listeners to think carefully about whether they are leaving a role to escape a problem or to pursue a better opportunity. If you have ever wondered whether exit interviews are worth your time, this episode offers a practical and honest look at how HR teams use that feedback and why it matters. Key topics:What exit interviews and exit surveys are used forWhy employees hold back feedback when leaving a jobCommon myths about HR and exit interview confidentialityBenefits of anonymous exit surveysHow HR teams use exit feedback to improve organizationsThe value of post employment follow up surveysCareer insight, running away from a job vs running toward an opportunityStay ConnectedWebsite: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    13 min

  5. APR 7

    Is HR the Villain? The Truth About HR’s Role in the Workplace

    Why does HR have a reputation as the villain in the workplace? Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down where that perception comes from and what HR professionals are actually responsible for behind the scenes. HR teams are often the ones delivering difficult conversations, including performance feedback, policy enforcement, and employee terminations. These moments shape how employees view HR, but they are only a small part of the job. Most HR professionals do not enjoy these conversations and often carry the emotional weight long after they end. This episode explores the reality of HR work that employees rarely see. That includes advocating for employees in leadership discussions, pushing back on executive decisions, and sometimes being overruled despite recommending a better path. Terry and Leslie also discuss the emotional toll of handling sensitive workplace issues and the challenge of operating within strict confidentiality rules. The conversation also highlights a common contradiction. HR is criticized for delivering hard news, but also questioned when creating positive employee experiences like events, recognition, and team culture initiatives. From difficult conversations to company celebrations, HR often operates in a no win perception cycle. If you have ever wondered what HR really does, this episode offers a clear and honest look at the role. It is a human centered function focused on people, communication, and balancing employee needs with business realities. Key topics:Why HR is seen as the villain in the workplaceWhat HR professionals actually do day to dayHow HR handles difficult conversations and terminationsBehind the scenes HR advocacy for employeesHR’s role in working with executive leadershipConfidentiality challenges in human resourcesBalancing employee experience with company policyStay Connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    16 min

  6. FEB 17

    AI in HR: Guardrails, Bias, and the Risks We Can’t Ignore

    In this episode of Primal HR, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham dig deeper into the risks and blind spots of artificial intelligence in the workplace and why HR leaders must approach AI with caution. While AI tools can be powerful, they lack human context, cultural understanding, and nuance. Terry and Leslie discuss how bias shows up in prompts and outputs, why AI sometimes fabricates convincing but false information, and how convenience can quietly replace critical thinking. They also emphasize the urgent need for guardrails: company policies, training, and clear expectations about what should never be entered into AI systems, including PII, confidential employee data, and trade secrets. A candid conversation about balancing innovation with responsibility. Key topics: Bias and hallucinations in AIWhy AI lacks human context and nuanceOverreliance and complacency risksPII, confidential data, and trade secretsNeed for AI policies and trainingHR’s role in responsible AI adoption Primal HR Podcast Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    19 min

  7. FEB 17

    AI in HR: Smart Uses, Real Risks

    In this episode of Primal HR, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore how artificial intelligence is actually being used in HR and where teams need to slow down and proceed with caution. AI can dramatically speed up work like writing job descriptions, drafting policies, analyzing HR data, researching compensation, and creating employee communications. But it also comes with real risks, including hallucinated outputs, privacy concerns, and overreliance on tools that still require human judgment. Terry and Leslie share practical ways HR professionals can use AI as a productivity partner while protecting sensitive information, maintaining data hygiene, and avoiding common pitfalls. A grounded, no-hype conversation about using AI responsibly in the HR space. Key topics: Real-world AI use cases in HRWriting job descriptions with AIHR analytics and compensation analysisPrompting and proofreading best practicesData privacy and PII risksWhere HR should slow down on AI adoption Primal HR Podcast Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    18 min

  8. FEB 17

    The Loneliness Epidemic at Work: Why “Squishy HR” Is a Business Imperative

    In this episode of Primal HR, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham tackle one of the most widespread and least openly discussed challenges in today’s workplace: loneliness and mental health. Loneliness affects every generation in different ways and has a direct impact on productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Terry and Leslie explore why this issue accelerated during the pandemic, how remote and hybrid work can increase isolation, and what leaders and HR teams can do to intentionally build connection and community. They also break down what Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are, how loneliness shows up physically and emotionally, and why supporting mental health at work is not just compassionate, it’s a business imperative. A candid, human conversation about caring for the whole person at work. Key topics: Loneliness as a workplace epidemicMental health across generationsRemote work and isolationWhat EAPs are and how they helpBuilding community and belongingWhy mental health drives productivity Primal HR Podcast Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: primalhrpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Primal HR is a bold, no-BS podcast about the real human side of work. Hosted by longtime HR leader Terry Smith and people strategist Leslie Lulham, Primal HR cuts through corporate jargon to tackle what’s actually happening in today’s workplaces — from return-to-office mandates and toxic culture to leadership failures, employee burnout, and the future of work. Each episode blends sharp insight, real stories, and practical advice for HR professionals, managers, and employees who care about building workplaces that actually work for people. No fluff. No performative HR. Just honest conversations about leadership, culture, and the decisions that shape our working lives. If you’re tired of sanitized corporate talk and want real perspectives on HR, leadership, and workplace culture — this is your podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Terry Smith & Leslie Lulham
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Terry Smith & Leslie Lulham
  • Show Website
    Primal HR Podcast