The HR Life Podcast
The HR Life Podcast is a show about the work-life experience of those of us in Human Resources and business leadership. This long-form podcast is a conversation, casual, and not always the corporate line. Hosts and guests touch on everything from serious or even controversial topics to the absurdity of modern American business practices. Your hosts are Tony Benjamin, owner and founder of The Grange Strategic HR Consulting, and Steven J. Smith, Author of The Hiring Tree: Laws of Applicant Attraction and all-around important guy. Guests include the best minds in the HR world. Join the show weekly.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 70 minutes
- Episodes
- 14
- Years Active
- 2025
EP 12 The Undeniable Halo of Matt Hilbig
The guys talk to Matt Hilbig from OMC, Inc about the state of HR from the perspective of the job seeker. The discussion covers the current labor market, bad behavior by both candidates and recruiter…
EP 11 Your Religious Uncle Robot and Josh Brecheisen
The guys sit down and talk to Josh Brecheisen about working in HR while being religious, recruiting, how to become the best version of yourself and the future of AI in helping people find jobs. Josh…
EP 10 - Swipe Right if You Think I'm Cute and The Empty Red Seat (w/Rizzo)
The guys leave the Red Seat empty for an episode and talk the lawsuit against Workday and the implications for AI use in recruiting. They discuss how you can protect your company and what to ask ven…
EP 9 Xavier Cugnon Isn't Jaded, But Tony Is... and A Giant Cat
The guys speak to Xavier "X" Cugnon about veterans, the skills they bring to the private sector, how employers can ask about a veteran's story, and the transition from military to civilian life. Oh..…
EP 8 Of Course Steve Knows Kate Thompson's Boss
Tony and Steve talk to Kate Thompson for a fresh take on HR. Tony rambles on about perfume, and Kate drops some fantastic wisdom. They talk about the benefit of being required to solve problems, sel…
EP 7 - Delivery on Duty With Rachel Child
In this episode, the guys talk to Rachel Child about her story, how she got into HR, the effect of firing a lot of people on a young practitioner, the generational differences between older and young…
Bonus Ep Viva La Kiss Cam (With Bonus Track)
In this episode the guys tackle breaking news with the Red Seat empty. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special treat. Weird Al, you're welcome to cover the song.
Learn more about Steven…
EP 6 - Handbooks, Cops, and Taking Minutes With Priscilla Wadman
We'd love your reactions, comments, and ideas for future episodes. Contact us at [email protected].
In this Episode we talk to Priscilla Wadman about her story and how she got into HR, her…
EP 5 - The Empty Red Seat and Origin Stories
The podcast now has its own email so you can tell us how much you LOVE the podcast. Contact us at [email protected].
In this episode the guys leave the "Red Seat" empty, recapping the firs…
EP 4 From Dolphins and Dogs to DEI With Katey Connell - The HR Life Podcast
Katey Connell is a force for transformation—on stage, in the workplace, and through her podcast, Become Alive. A dynamic Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at an advertising agency, Katey is known for…
EP 3 - None of These Guys are Playing in the NBA Finals with Jeremie Brecheisen - The HR Life Podcast
Steve and Tony talk to Jeremie about data and Human Resources, the current state of Human Resources, the Business Partner model of Corporate HR, global views of HR, and when engagement trumps talent.…
EP 2 - The Mega Big Deal Star Wars People and Tony With Beca Mark - The HR Life Podcast
An interview with Beca Mark, Owner and CEO of MegaStar HR joins the podcast. In this episode we we discuss the current state of HR, eliminating the conflict with CFO's and finance, The Role of Human…
Ep 1 - Strategic is a Dirty Word? - With Karisa Stahle - The HR Life Podcast
In this, our inaugural episode, we talk to Karisa Stahle, VP of Human Resources at Verde, and Chair of Utah's annual Work Elevated Conference, sponsored by Utah SHRM and GBS Benefits. She is a resul…
Ep 0.5 An Introduction - Are we recording?
A quick introduction to your hosts, Tony Benjamin and Steven Smith. The first full episode drops on June 17, 2025.