The Chad & Cheese Podcast

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. 

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Joel and Chad discuss various topics including their experiences with Chipotle and the implementation of Paradox, the impressive growth of their podcast as highlighted by Spotify's year-end wrap-up, the rise of social commerce particularly through TikTok, and the potential for LinkedIn to enhance job applications through video content. They also touch on LinkedIn's recent layoffs and speculate on the future of ERE and its SourceCon conference. In this conversation, Chad and Joel reflect on the evolution of the recruitment industry, particularly focusing on the ERE conference and its decline. They discuss the changing landscape of sourcing, the competitive dynamics between Rippling and Deel, and the implications of AI in healthcare. The conversation also touches on Walmart's recent shift in DEI policies and the booming success of OnlyFans as a content platform. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Weather Check 02:45 - Chipotle Experience and Paradox Implementation 04:19 - Spotify Year-End Wrap-Up and Podcast Growth 06:33 - Demographics and Audience Engagement 07:55 -Social Commerce and TikTok Shopping 10:04 - LinkedIn's Potential in Video Job Applications 15:50 - LinkedIn Layoffs and Future Outlook 18:01 - Gossip on ERE and SourceCon 18:34 - Nostalgia for ERE: The Rise and Fall 22:34 - The Evolution of Sourcing and SourceCon 30:29 - Rippling vs. Deel: The Competitive Landscape 33:14 - AI in Healthcare: The Future of Diagnosis 38:26 - Walmart's Shift in DEI Policies 45:32 - OnlyFans: The New Frontier of Content Creation

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.

Brace yourselves: The Chad & Cheese Podcast is back, this time with retired Lieutenant General Russell L. Honoré—who proves you can train and lead half a million troops and drop some epic truth bombs on HR, AI, and America’s obsession with cheap stuff. In this spicy episode, we cover: HR Meets Boot Camp: General Honoré schools us on why leading people isn’t about asking, “You’re good, right?” and walking off like a clueless middle manager. Robots Can’t Cook Gumbo: Automation might make life easier, but it’s not making you a killer bowl of Cajun deliciousness—or fixing that flat tire you’re whining about. Recruitment Woes: From the Army’s “12 teeth rule” (yes, you read that right) to recruiting Gen Z kids glued to their phones, the General doesn’t hold back on what needs fixing. Boomers vs. Gen Z: Growing up poor meant fixing TVs with tinfoil and watching The Lone Ranger without a picture. Now? Kids need a new flat screen if the remote has dust on it. Mental Health Wake-Up Call: Spoiler alert: If your employee mentions seeing floating elephants, maybe don’t just tell them to get back to work. Sprinkled with Honoré’s signature wit, biting honesty, and a dose of “adapt-or-die” wisdom, this episode delivers laughs, snark, and some much-needed perspective on leadership in a rapidly changing world. Strap in, folks—it’s time to break things (figuratively) and rebuild smarter. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: HR’s Most Dangerous Podcast 01:21 - Leadership Lessons from the Army 02:25 - The Art of Listening to Troops 03:20 - Managing Half a Million Troops 08:33 - Automation’s Impact on Society 12:05 - The Changing Economy and Workforce 15:16 - Adapt or Die: Breaking What’s Not Broken 17:04 - Recruiting Challenges: Then vs. Now 20:36 - Addressing Mental Health in Leadership 22:12 - Closing Thoughts: People Over Profits

John Graham, Shaker’s VP of Employer Brand Strategy, hit RecFest USA with a mic drop on recruitment marketing and employer branding as we careen into 2025. His talk? A mix of AI hype, DEI drama, and a reality check for those clinging to the idea of "jobs for life" like it's still 1985. Graham’s big reveal: employer branding is less about forever and more about for now, pivoting to a launchpad for career development instead of a golden handshake into retirement. He also dove into AI, calling it both the hero and potential villain of recruitment. Sure, it’s reshaping strategies faster than you can say "algorithmic bias," but Graham threw some shade on humanity, pointing out that we’re not exactly bias-free either. His advice? Play nice with AI but keep an eye on it—like a toddler with scissors. DEI got a spotlight too, but not without acknowledging the current rebrand it’s enduring thanks to political tug-of-wars and corporate-level ghosting. He tied it all up with a forecast for 2024 tech trends: automation, AI, and video storytelling are set to dominate, but the focus will still be on keeping things human-centered. (Spoiler: robots are cool, but people still like people.) And if that wasn’t enough, Graham’s closer was basically a call-to-action to stalk—er, network with—Shaker online. Updated website, LinkedIn, the works. Because nothing says "modern employer branding" like a shameless plug.

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, hosts Joel and Chad celebrate Thanksgiving with humor and insights, introducing the concept of 'jive turkeys' in the recruiting world. Discussions around their personal Thanksgiving experiences, define what a jive turkey is, and highlight notable HR Jive Turkeys of 2024. The episode also features guest insights from Emi Beredugo, Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze, and Maureen Clough aka Mo. So, grab a turkey leg, some stuffing, a beer, and get ready for fun, insights, and JIVE TURKEYS! Who earned a Jive Turkey? You gotta listen to find out. Chapters 00:00 - Thanksgiving Greetings and Context 03:02 - Jive Turkey Episode Introduction 07:00 - Defining Jive Turkey 11:05 - Jive Turkeys of 2024: Art Zeile 15:00 - Jive Turkeys of 2024: ZipRecruiter 20:55 - Guest Insights: Emmy Beredugo 22:25 - Introduction and Light Banter 25:00 - The Importance of Continuous Learning 25:59 - Critique of Corporate Diversity Efforts 34:04 -Economic Implications of Mass Deportation 40:56 -The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The boys sit down with Chloé Rada, Senior Director of Talent Attraction at ZoomInfo, a title so fancy it barely fits on a business card. With over two decades of experience (read: she’s seen it all), Chloé’s here to school us on how to build an employer brand that doesn’t scream “we’re trying too hard.” Chloé talks about her mission to snag top-tier engineering talent while rolling out international internship programs—because apparently ZoomInfo doesn’t have enough geniuses yet. She champions trial-and-error innovation, which is HR speak for “we might mess up, but hey, it’ll be memorable.” From aligning employer branding with people ops to navigating the workplace vibes during global chaos, she’s got hot takes and strategies that actually work. Oh, and she’s planning to revamp the tech stack by 2025, proving that even in HR, you gotta stay one software update ahead of the competition. Chloé also drops pro tips like leveraging employee advocacy, video storytelling, and LinkedIn (yes, LinkedIn—again) to network like a boss. If you’re ready to rethink talent attraction or just want to hear someone blend HR insights with a healthy dose of wit, this episode’s for you.

From the SmartRecruiters booth at the HR Tech conference, the guys interviewed Stefan Premdas, who transitioned from a background in biomedical engineering to HR, focusing on talent operations and recruitment at various firms before joining sweetgreen. Stefan discussed the evolving HR landscape, introducing the concept of "people experience" and how his team at sweetgreen manages the entire employee lifecycle with an emphasis on integration. He highlighted sweetgreen's approach to employee engagement and retention, leveraging automation not only to improve customer service but also to enhance recruitment efficiency and candidate experience. Stefan touched on retention strategies for recruiters, focusing on providing clear paths for future career growth, and announced upcoming initiatives like a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition exercise aimed at solidifying sweetgreen's brand identity. He also addressed the natural diversity within sweetgreen's workforce, the current state of automation in their operations, and future expansion plans. Key technology tools like their Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and video interview systems were also mentioned, underscoring the tech-driven approach at sweetgreen.

This week on The Chad and Cheese Podcast: It's a world of layoffs, aliens, and bad burgers as Chad brags about sunny Portugal while Joel freezes in the Midwest. From AI pimps hustling Instagram to job board dinosaurs facing extinction, the duo dives into an Acquisition Palooza that proves even startups can have a midlife crisis. Plus, they tackle the age-old question: How much Shake Shack can you eat at 30,000 feet? Spoiler: Not enough. Strap in for hot takes, cool beers, and the slow but inevitable collapse of humanity—now with a side of influencer drama! Takeaways The hosts share their contrasting experiences of weather and lifestyle. Current events are overwhelming, with a mix of serious and absurd news. Boxing has transformed into a scripted entertainment spectacle. The hosts reminisce about the authenticity of past boxing matches. Industry shout outs highlight the interconnectedness of recruitment platforms. Fantasy football updates reveal competitive dynamics among the hosts. Layoffs in the recruitment industry signal ongoing challenges. LinkUp's acquisition showcases the importance of real-time job data. Adzuna's acquisition aims to enhance social media recruitment capabilities. The conversation reflects on the future of recruitment advertising amidst automation. Adzuna should consider acquiring Flockety to enhance its influencer marketing capabilities. The job board industry is evolving, with a shift towards programmatic advertising and social media engagement. Companies must adapt to the changing landscape of job postings to remain competitive. JobGet's acquisition of Snagajob could revitalize the hourly worker market. Recruiter.com's acquisition of BountyJobs raises questions about the future of recruitment services. AI-driven digital employees are becoming essential in addressing the cybersecurity talent shortage. The proliferation of AI-generated influencers poses significant challenges for genuine content creators. Legislative action is needed to combat the rise of deep fake technology on social media. The recruitment industry is experiencing a wave of consolidation and strategic acquisitions. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements in recruitment and marketing. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Current Events 03:00 - Reflections on Boxing and Entertainment 06:03 - Shout Outs and Industry News 10:03 -Fantasy Football Update 12:01 -Layoffs and Industry Changes 15:58 -Acquisition Palooza: LinkUp and Adzuna 28:32 -The Rise of Influencer-Centric Platforms 29:52 -The Evolution of Job Boards and Programmatic Advertising 33:16 -Adzuna's Strategic Shift and Industry Challenges 34:01 -JobGet Acquires Snagajob: A New Era for Hourly Workers 42:09 -Recruiter.com Acquires BountyJobs: A Strategic Move? 47:04 - AI in Cybersecurity: The Future of Digital Employees 52:00 -The Impact of AI-Generated Influencers on Social Media

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.

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Dean Da Costa joins Chad & Cheese to share fresh recruitment advice. He urges recruiters to challenge norms, verify AI-generated data, and focus on the human touch. Da Costa emphasizes personal branding, as candidates often research recruiters, and suggests exploring platforms beyond LinkedIn to reach diverse talent. He highlights the irreplaceable value of genuine interactions over automation and advocates for a supportive, knowledge-sharing recruiter community.

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, the boys hosted a session with Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX, who shared insights into leveraging employee referrals for recruitment. With 20,000 employees, ResultsCX has seen tremendous success by generating over 400,000 referrals in two years, highlighting referrals as a potent yet often underutilized recruitment strategy. Patti emphasized that continuous improvement and innovation in their referral program, named ReferCX, not only reduces hiring costs but also enhances candidate quality and company culture. The program's effectiveness is boosted by integrating marketing strategies at launch and robust backend technology to handle referral tracking and bonus calculations. The company has implemented a tiered incentive system linked to employee retention and uses a leaderboard to boost engagement without extra costs. The referral initiative extends beyond immediate hires, creating a pool of future candidates, and is integrated into the company's onboarding process through a mobile app. This program, accounting for 25-30% of hires, focuses on internal culture but plans to explore external referrals and enhance gamification. The success of ReferCX is measured through clear goals, tracking, and employee feedback, demonstrating its significant impact on both employee satisfaction and retention.

This week, the boys are joined by Lieven from House of HR to discuss various topics including layoffs in the industry, the impact of AI on startups, social media regulations for youth, and recent innovations in recruitment. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by companies in the current economic climate, as well as insights into quarterly earnings reports from major players in the recruitment space. The conversation delves into the dynamics of job platforms, particularly focusing on the power struggles between major players like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Plenty of talking about the innovations brought by AI tools in recruitment, the challenges faced by ZipRecruiter, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions in the industry. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on the workforce, investment trends in HR tech, and a comparison of two startups, Toothio and SocialCrowd, showcasing the evolving landscape of recruitment and staffing. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 03:02 - The Impact of AI on Startups 06:00 - Social Media Regulations and Youth 09:03 - Innovations in Recruitment 14:51 - Layoffs and Economic Challenges 17:48 - Quarterly Earnings Reports and Market Trends 27:35 - The Power Dynamics of Job Platforms 29:08 - Innovations in Recruitment: The Rise of AI Tools 30:52 - The Struggles of ZipRecruiter 34:42 - The Future of Recruitment: Mergers and Acquisitions 36:44 - AI in the Workforce: Opportunities and Challenges 48:30 - Investment Trends in HR Tech 53:08 - Startups to Watch: Toothio vs. Social Crowd