Why HR Professionals Need More Than Just Policies and Guidelines
Being an HR leader today isn’t just about knowing employment laws or writing up policies. It’s about navigating the messy, human side of work—figuring out how to manage shifting workplace dynamics, engage employees, and build inclusive cultures that actually work in practice, not just in a handbook.
That’s why podcasts are such powerful resources. They’re not just another HR textbook or webinar filled with corporate jargon—they’re conversations. They give you access to the unfiltered insights of experts, executives, and industry disruptors who’ve been in the trenches. They help HR pros stay sharp, rethink outdated practices, and even add a little humor to the job.
This list covers a range of voices—not just traditional HR blueprints, but also bold thinkers, workplace satirists, and industry outsiders offering fresh perspectives. Because HR is about more than compliance—it’s about people.
The Best HR Podcasts to Follow in 2025
Why Listen: Laurie Ruettimann isn’t afraid to call out the nonsense in HR and leadership. She takes a straight-talking, no-fluff approach to conversations about workplace culture, employee well-being, and career growth.
- Features candid interviews with HR disruptors, authors, and executives.
- Covers everything from burnout to modern management challenges.
- Offers an unfiltered mix of expert insights and humor.
About the Host: Laurie is a former HR leader turned writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. CNN named her one of America’s top career advisors, and her work has been featured in The New Yorker, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
Why Listen: Adam Grant is a leading workplace thinker who makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about work.
- Explores how top organizations foster creativity, trust, and innovation.
- Covers topics like burnout, motivation, and how to fix bad meetings.
- Blends research with real-world examples and actionable advice.
About the Host: Adam is Wharton’s top-rated professor, the #2 most influential management thinker in the world, and a New York Times bestselling author. His TED Talks have over 35 million views.
Why Listen: A refreshing mix of real talk, humor, and expert advice from three HR pros who aren’t afraid to say what everyone else is thinking.
- Covers everything from toxic workplaces to hiring disasters.
- Tackles HR challenges with honesty, warmth, and humor.
- Hosted by three HR influencers with deep industry experience.
About the Hosts: Leigh Henderson helps professionals escape toxic work environments, Jamie Jackson brings HR humor with her viral memes, and Ashley Herd uses her legal and HR leadership background to give managers the tools they actually need.
Why Listen: If you’re tired of HR fluff and corporate buzzwords, Chad & Cheese deliver raw, unfiltered takes on recruiting, HR tech, and workplace trends. This isn’t your typical HR podcast—they’re blunt, funny, and not afraid to call out bad ideas in the industry.
- Breaks down hiring trends, workplace tech, and talent acquisition with sharp humor.
- Features no-nonsense interviews with HR leaders, disruptors, and tech founders.
- A must-listen for anyone who wants the real talk—no sugarcoating.
About the Hosts: Chad Sowash is a former Army drill sergeant turned recruitment expert who has spent decades helping Fortune 500 companies hire smarter. Joel Cheesman has been in the HR tech game since the ‘90s, building multiple businesses and offering a no-BS perspective on the industry.
Why Listen: This podcast brings you behind the scenes with top CHROs, executives, and industry experts who are shaping the future of work. It’s packed with strategic insights that HR professionals at every level can apply.
- Covers digital transformation, DEI, leadership development, and workforce innovation.
- Features executives from companies like Microsoft, Unilever, and Coca-Cola.
- Provides actionable advice on navigating the evolving HR landscape.
About the Host: Chris Rainey is the co-founder and CEO of HR Leaders, a media platform dedicated to preparing HR professionals for the future of work. His extensive industry experience and access to top leaders make this podcast a must-listen for HR decision-makers.
Why Listen: A practical, resource-packed podcast for HR professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends and sharpen their skills. Workology delivers expert interviews, case studies, and real-world advice on topics that matter.
- Covers HR strategy, compliance, recruitment, retention, and leadership.
- Offers HR certification prep and professional development tools.
- Features insights from top executives, consultants, and industry disruptors.
About the Host: Jessica Miller-Merrell is an HR veteran and founder of Workology, a platform dedicated to helping HR professionals grow. She’s been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Economist and is a recognized thought leader in HR innovation and leadership.
7. The Inclusive AF Podcast
Hosts: Jackie Ferguson & Katie Van Horn
Website: https://www.inclusiveafpodcast.com
Why Listen: This podcast tackles diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) with real, unfiltered conversations. Jackie and Katie go beyond surface-level DEI discussions, offering actionable strategies and personal stories that make inclusion more than just a corporate buzzword.
- Covers topics like allyship, bias in hiring, and creating inclusive workplaces.
- Features candid conversations with industry leaders, DEI practitioners, and workplace advocates.
- Provides practical steps for HR and business leaders to embed DEIB into their organizations.
About the Hosts: Jackie Ferguson is a certified diversity executive and speaker passionate about driving real change in workplace culture. Katie Van Horn is an experienced HR and DEI leader who has worked with organizations to build equitable and inclusive talent strategies. Together, they bring honesty, expertise, and a little humor to the complex world of inclusion at work.
Why Listen: If you want to stay ahead of the latest HR and workplace trends, #WorkTrends is a must-listen. Meghan M. Biro brings together thought leaders, executives, and innovators to discuss the biggest shifts in talent management, leadership, and the employee experience.
- Covers hiring, retention, workplace culture, and the future of work.
- Features expert guests from top companies and industry think tanks.
- Focuses on practical strategies for HR professionals to drive meaningful change.
About the Host: Meghan M. Biro is a globally recognized talent management strategist, speaker, and analyst. She has worked with brands like Microsoft and IBM, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, SHRM, and other major outlets.
Why Listen: As the longest-running HR podcast, HR Happy Hour covers everything from HR technology to talent strategy with a mix of expert insights and engaging discussions.
- Explores HR tech innovations and how they impact talent management.
- Features executives, HR leaders, and product developers from top HR tech companies.
- Offers a mix of serious industry discussions and fun, casual conversations.
About the Hosts: Steve Boese is the co-chair of the HR Technology Conference and a leading HR tech strategist. Trish Steed is an experienced HR executive and advisor who helps bridge the gap between HR professionals and the technology solutions shaping the industry.
10. It’s About Payroll
Hosts: Brian Escobar & Walter William Duncan III
Website: https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io
Why Listen: Payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s about compliance, strategy, and how compensation impacts the overall employee experience. Brian and Walter take an everyday HR function and bring it to life with expert discussions on the latest payroll trends, challenges, and innovations.
- Covers topics like AI in payroll, wage theft, and gig work.
- Explores the surprising ways payroll affects employee retention and satisfaction.
- Provides insights from two payroll veterans with over 40 years of combined experience.
About the Hosts: Brian Escobar is a payroll, HR, and finance expert with over two decades of experience across industries like education, real estate, and technology. He specializes in system implementation, process improvement, and data validation. Walter William Duncan III, a U.S. Navy veteran, has spent 20+ years optimizing payroll and HR processes for startups, major corporations, and Department of Defense agencies. Together, they bring deep payroll expertise and fresh perspectives to an often-overlooked but critical area of HR.
Why Listen: A brutally honest, laugh-out-loud podcast that takes on the absurdities of corporate life. Whether they’re breaking down ridiculous office etiquette, role-playing awkward workplace scenarios, or debating the worst kinds of coworkers, Ross and Natalie bring a fresh, comedic spin to the modern workplace.
- Features audience-submitted work horror stories, satirical takes on corporate culture, and industry hot takes.
- Tackles career struggles, bad bosses, and the ever-changing expectations of professional life.
- A must-listen if you want to laugh at (or survive) the daily grind.
About the Hosts: Ross “Corp” Pomerantz is a former Silicon Valley sales pro turned workplace satirist who built a massive following for his brutally honest takes on corporate culture. Natalie Marie, better known as “Corporate Natalie,” skyrocketed on social media with her hilarious depictions of remote work and corporate chaos. Together, they bring humor and relatability to the struggles of the modern professional.
12. Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources
Host: Traci Chernoff
Website: https://hrtraci.com/podcast
Why Listen: This podcast cuts through the bureaucracy of HR and focuses on what really matters—people. Traci Chernoff brings a refreshingly human-centered approach to leadership, workplace culture, and employee experience.
- Discusses how HR can be both strategic and people-first.
- Covers topics like psychological safety, leadership authenticity, and employee retention.
- A go-to resource for HR professionals who want to make an impact.
About the Host: Traci Chernoff is a seasoned HR leader with experience across startups and Fortune 500 companies. She’s passionate about reshaping HR as a function that empowers employees rather than just enforcing rules.
13. The Modern People Leader
Hosts: Daniel Huerta & Stephen Huerta
Website: https://www.modernpeopleleader.com
Why Listen: This podcast dives deep into the evolving world of HR, leadership, and people operations. Daniel and Stephen bring in top HR executives, thought leaders, and industry disruptors to discuss the challenges and innovations shaping the future of work.
- Covers HR transformation, people analytics, and leadership development.
- Features conversations with CHROs and talent leaders from top organizations.
- Focuses on practical, forward-thinking HR strategies that drive impact.
About the Hosts: Daniel Huerta and Stephen Huerta are passionate about the intersection of people and business. With backgrounds in HR tech and leadership development, they provide fresh perspectives on modern workplace challenges, bringing together top industry minds to share insights on how HR can be a strategic driver of success.
14. Honest HR
Host: Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi & Wendy Fong
Website: https://honest-hr.simplecast.com
Why Listen: Produced by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Honest HR is a go-to podcast for HR professionals looking for candid, insightful, and actionable conversations about today’s workplace. The hosts tackle the complexities of HR with an open and honest approach, covering both the strategic and day-to-day challenges of managing people.
- Discusses HR best practices, compliance, and the evolving world of work.
- Features expert interviews with thought leaders and HR professionals.
- Covers real-life case studies and practical HR solutions.
About the Hosts: Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong bring deep HR expertise, covering everything from employment law and compliance to talent strategy and workplace culture. As part of SHRM’s knowledge team, they provide research-backed insights and real-world examples to help HR professionals navigate their roles with confidence.
Why Listen: HR professionals often find themselves caught between legal compliance, employee relations, and workplace drama. The Job Judge Podcast provides a no-nonsense breakdown of real workplace issues, employment law, and HR best practices. Karen Michael brings her legal expertise to hot-button topics, offering valuable insights for HR pros, managers, and employees navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
- Covers employment law, HR compliance, and workplace conflicts.
- Explains legal risks and best practices for handling employee disputes.
- Provides practical insights on creating fair and legally sound workplace policies.
About the Host: Karen Michael is an employment attorney, HR consultant, and former corporate counsel with decades of experience advising organizations on workplace law and best practices. Known for her clear, no-fluff approach, she helps businesses and HR professionals navigate the legal side of managing people while maintaining a positive work environment.
Where to Start: The Best Podcasts Based on Your HR Goals
- For leadership insights: WorkLife, HR Leaders, The Modern People Leader
- For recruitment strategies: Chad & Cheese, Workology
- For workplace culture and employee engagement: HR Besties, Bringing the Human Back to HR, The Inclusive AF Podcast
- For HR tech and innovation: HR Happy Hour, #WorkTrends, It’s About Payroll
- For humor and unfiltered takes: Punk Rock HR, Demoted, The Job Judge Podcast
- For navigating workplace laws and compliance: Honest HR, The Job Judge Podcast
Bonus: Discover Even More HR Podcasts
Looking for even more HR content? Check out WRKdefined, a network featuring top HR voices, workplace strategists, and fresh new perspectives in the industry.
Why These Podcasts Deserve a Spot in Your Rotation
HR isn’t just about policies and handbooks—it’s about people. And the best HR professionals never stop learning.
These podcasts go beyond the basics. They challenge conventional thinking, introduce new strategies, and sometimes just make you laugh at the absurdity of corporate life. Whether you’re looking for fresh hiring strategies, leadership lessons, or just some entertainment on your commute, there’s something on this list for you.
So, plug in, hit play, and start leveling up your HR game.
