Episodes - HR Happy Hour

Our shows

The HR Happy Hour Network is made up of the HR Happy Hour show, At Work in America, The Workplace Minute, H3 LIVE vlog, HR Means Business, The Play by Play, and System of Record.

All podcast episodes

You can listen to the latest shows here, or you can subscribe by searching for 'HR Happy Hour' on Apple Podcast, Stitcher Radio, Google Podcast, or your favorite podcast app.

Meta, Google, and the Skilled Trades Talent Crisis Behind the AI Boom

In this episode, Steve examines the exploding demand for AI-related construction, the state of skilled labor in the United States, the details of these new workforce initiatives, and the growing tension between data center expansion and community concerns. We also explore what other employers can learn from these investments as labor shortages continue to affect industries across the economy.

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The World Cup of Business

Join this episode of The Play By Play, where hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer walk through an engaging and humorous simulation of the World Cup of Business, where major tech companies compete in a virtual tournament filled with strategic moves, AI-powered tactics, and industry insights.

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When AI Gets the Budget and Workers Get the Bill

As companies rush to invest billions in artificial intelligence, a troubling pattern is beginning to emerge. In several recent cases, organizations have openly acknowledged that the money funding AI initiatives is coming directly from employee compensation, benefits, and workforce investments.

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Workplace Movie Hall of Fame – Devil Wears Prada 2

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are back with another workplace movie hall of fame episode! They explore the themes of the new ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ movie, its reflection on the modern workplace, AI’s impact, and gender dynamics in leadership.

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The Future of Work is Older Than You Think

Think the future of work only belongs to the young? Think again. Steve breaks down the latest AARP data on older workers, the shifting retirement landscape, and why age inclusion is the ultimate competitive advantage.

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Tokenmaxxing and the AI Spending Reckoning

What is tokenmaxxing? Steve breaks down why companies like Amazon and Uber are facing an AI spending reckoning, soaring token costs, and low ROI.

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Making AI Matter: Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Hiring

In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn hosts Matt Alder to discuss the current state and future of AI in HR.

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Progress Under Pressure: Pride at Work in 2026

In this episode of The Workplace Minute, Steve explores the evolution of LGBTQ+ inclusion on the job, balancing real progress with modern social tensions.

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Revolutionizing Women’s Health in the Workplace

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucy Rx, to explore why women’s health is becoming a critical workforce and business conversation.

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The EEOC Wants to End Workforce Demographic Reporting. What Happens Next?

In this episode of Workplace Minute, Steve examines the history of EEO workforce reporting, the EEOC’s changing enforcement philosophy, the potential impact on employers and HR leaders, and why responsible organizations should continue measuring opportunity, fairness, and workforce outcomes regardless of government mandates.

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