HR Stew

Looking back, the warning signs always seem obvious. But in the moment? It's surprisingly easy to explain them away. In this episode of HR Stew, Regina and Holly share real stories about the interview moments, hiring decisions, and workplace experiences that should have set off alarm bells, but… didn't. From candidates who oversold themselves to employees who slowly revealed their true col...

Employees want transparency and leaders want trust. But somewhere between open communication and complete oversharing, things can get messy fast. In this episode of HR Stew, hosts Regina and Holly tackle one of the most complicated balancing acts in leadership and HR: workplace transparency. How much should employees really know about layoffs, company finances, leadership disagreements, promotions...

They close the biggest deals, hit every target, and look like a dream on paper. But behind the scenes, they may be creating tension, damaging morale, and pushing others out the door. In this episode of HR Stew , Regina and Holly take on the complicated reality of toxic high performers and the uncomfortable question many organizations eventually face: how much bad behavior is too much when someone...

For years, workplace conversations have focused on protecting employees (and for good reason). But what happens when the employee is actually in the wrong? In this episode of HR Stew, Regina and Holly tackle one of the most uncomfortable topics in HR: accountability. From the rise of workplace complaints and policy loopholes to managers who are afraid to discipline and employees who confuse discom...

You nailed the interview… so why is the offer taking forever? And what really happens behind the scenes before that offer letter hits your inbox? In this episode of HR Stew, Regina break down the job offer process from the HR side, from internal approvals and compensation alignment to background checks, budget changes, and the dreaded last-minute rescinded offer. They share real stories of offers...

In this episode of HR Stew, host Holly and Regina discuss one of the most complicated parts of workplace culture: relationships. From best friend coworkers to hired family members and even workplace romances, the team explores when personal connections can be a strength and when they risk crossing the line into favoritism, drama, or even full-blown nepotism. If you've ever wondered how to navi...

From AI acceleration to sweeping legal shifts and deeply personal journeys, 2025 was a year that changed everything. In this episode of HR Stew, hosts Regina and Holly reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past year in both business and life. Dive into: The biggest workplace wins (and cringes) involving AI, policy shake-ups and what they mean for 2026, & A candid discussion on boundar...

As the season of thanks rolls in, HR Stew is serving up a full plate of appreciation, and yes, a few awkward moments too. In this episode, Regina and Holly explore the many flavors of workplace thanks, from micro-appreciations in hybrid teams to public shout-outs and cold, hard cash. What makes gratitude meaningful vs. what makes it fall flat? When does a bonus boost morale, and when does it feel...

Empathy is essential in the workplace, but what happens when it’s taken too far? In this episode, we unpack the dual nature of empathy in HR and leadership. From the power of emotional intelligence to the risk of burnout, favoritism, and blurred boundaries, we explore how good intentions can go sideways without the right balance. Join Holly and Regina as they share real-world stories, ask tough qu...

The school year is back in full swing, and so are the challenges that come with balancing work and parenting. In this episode, we unpack the realities of being a working parent, from drop-offs and daycare dilemmas to the emotional balancing act many caregivers face. Whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just someone who works alongside caregivers, this episode offers insight, perspective, and som...

In this sun-soaked episode of HR Stew , we're diving into the not-so-relaxing side of time off. From envy-inducing PTO emails to mysterious “working remotely” situations, we explore how vacation time becomes a workplace minefield. Join us as we unpack quiet vacationing, chaotic scheduling, unlimited PTO myths, and some unforgettable out-of-office disasters.

From awkward small talk to open bar regrets, summer work events can go from team-building to HR horror story in no time. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of workplace social events—those company picnics, happy hours, and offsite parties that are meant to build culture, but sometimes lead to chaos. Join hosts Holly & Regina, along with special guest Barbara Campbell, HR Business Par...

Bullying isn’t just for the playground—it happens in today’s workplaces, too. In this episode of HR Stew , we’re joined by HR Compliance Coordinator and SHRM-CP Sean Hansen to talk about how workplace bullying shows up, why it often goes unchecked, and what HR and leadership should be doing about it. From exclusion and gaslighting to flat-out verbal abuse, we break down real stories, red flags, an...

Buckle up, HR travelers! In this nostalgic and hilarious episode of HR Stew, we fire up the time machine and take a trip through the evolution of Human Resources—from paper files to AI recruiting and remote work. Hosts Regina and Holly compare the workplace of the past to today’s modern office, tackling everything from dress codes and hiring practices to team-building retreats and wellness perks....

In this episode of HR Stew , we’re decoding the secret language of HR—those polished, professional phrases that sometimes have a hidden reality. From job postings to performance reviews to corporate culture buzzwords, we’re pulling back the curtain on what HR says and what’s often really going on behind the scenes. Joined by special guest Shelby Evans, we break down phrases like “We’re looking for...

Disclaimer: This episode of HR Stew – '2024 in Review' was recorded in early January 2025, prior to Executive Order 14173, titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, which was issued on January 21, 2025. Discussions related to SHRM’s removal of the ‘E’ from DEI and broader DEI trends reflect the landscape at the time of recording and may not fully account f...

The holidays are here, and with them come the traditions, celebrations, and occasional awkward moments unique to the workplace. In this festive episode of HR Stew , we explore the best and worst of holiday office dynamics. From thoughtful gift-giving and the chaos of white elephant exchanges to the dos and don’ts of holiday parties, we unpack it all. Join hosts Regina & Holly accompanied by sp...

Warning: This episode includes discussion of – domestic violence and violence involving children. Listener discretion advised. -- In this special Halloween edition of HR Stew, we dive into real-life workplace horror stories that are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. From terrifying threats to mysterious disappearances, these stories show that sometimes the scariest place is the office. J...

In this episode of HR Stew, we’re turning up the heat and talking about workplace sabotage! Joined by special guest Sanquenetta Russell, MBA, PHR, SHRBP, we dive into jaw-dropping stories of employees and managers going too far—whether it’s spreading rumors, deleting important files, or quietly undermining co-workers. We break down what motivates this behavior, how to spot it, and what you can do...

Warning: This episode discusses topics that some listeners may find distressing, including addiction and death of a child. In this episode of HR Stew, we delve into the rarely discussed yet critical issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the workplace. Our special guest, Chelsey Moore, an experienced HR Business Partner, joins hosts Regina and Holly to explore the emotional and psycholo...

Thinking about quitting your job? You're not alone! 4.5 million people quit a job every month in the US. Join hosts Regina and Holly as they explore the wild world of resignations with Vida HR's Director, Compliance & Policy, Debra Fowler. From hilarious farewells to shocking confrontations, we share memorable stories and valuable advice on handling your exit with grace—or making a spl...

Join us on HR Stew as we dive into the tumultuous world of employer lawsuits with special guest Faith Atkins, a veteran HR expert and Director, Employee Relations at Vida HR . From handling tricky discrimination claims to the pitfalls of personal involvement in employee issues, Faith shares invaluable insights and cautionary tales. Listen in for real-world scenarios, expert advice, and a few surpr...

In this episode of HR Stew, hosts Regina and Holly are joined by Sean Hansen, SHRM-CP, to explore the intricate world of workplace dress codes. From the influence of attire on professionalism to memorable encounters with dress code violations, they discuss the nuances of workplace attire and its impact on the professional ecosystem. Join them as they untangle the threads of dress codes and share t...

Join HR Stew hosts Regina Dyerly SHRBP, PHR, Holly Nehls, SHRM-CP, and Shelby Evans, CDR, as they dive into the evolving landscape of remote work. From hybrid coffee-badge culture to stress levels, productivity insights, and the hidden tax implications of relocating, this episode explores the nuanced challenges and benefits of remote and hybrid work arrangements in today's workplace.

What Religion can't use Windows or Apple OS? We are discussing every HR leader’s favorite topic: Politics and Religion at work! In this episode, hosts Regina Dyerly-SHRBP, PHR; Holly Nehls-SHRM-CP; and Shelby Evans-CDR, discuss the challenges of navigating discussions around politics and religion in the workplace. Using complicated and sometime perplexing real-world questions and examples, our...