Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! This week on This Week at Work, we sit down with Sam Goodwin: one of the few to visit all 193 countries. In 2019, Sam’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was abducted in Syria and falsely accused of being a spy. Now a speaker, author, and expert on resilience, Sam shares how his experience taught him to lead through chaos, embrace uncertainty, and find purpose in the most unlikely places.  Don’t forget to register for AAIM’s Payroll Tax Update on December 12th! Your best defense against future payroll errors.  Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/ Timestamps: 00:36 – Welcome, Preview of today's guest Sam Goodwin 03:01 – Lawyer on the Clock: The Layoff Explosion & What It Means  05:36 – The Hidden Talent Mismatch Problem in the Hiring Market  08:29 – Major Shift at the EEOC: Religious Discrimination Under the Microscope  11:06 – Enforcement Is Back: DEI Programs Face Legal Heat  14:39 – Meet Sam Goodwin: Athlete, Traveler, Author of “Saving Sam”  16:31 – Sam’s Arrest in Syria  20:22 – Surviving Solitary & Life in a Syrian Prison Cell  24:04 – Sam on what led him to Hockey, Faith & Mindset after captivity  28:50 – Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: Sam’s Three-Step Framework  

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! In this episode, Phil and Burt welcome Lauren Patel to explore the urgent need for “Double Fluency” - the ability to not only engage with AI, but also to strengthen the uniquely human skills that AI can’t replicate. Drawing from the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, they break down what HR and business leaders must do now to prepare their teams for a future where fluency in both tech and soft skills defines success.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Are You Training Your Team to Think With AI?01:33 – Phil and Burt Debate Robots and “Optimus” at Home03:25 – Why Phil’s Waiting for Elon Musk’s Optimus Robot05:28 – Lauren’s First Reaction to Seeing “Neo” the Robot07:32 – Lawyer on the Clock: The Home Depot Dress-Code Case10:10 – What Counts as “Protected Activity” at Work?17:23 – Starbucks Union Pins and the Future of Dress Codes21:02 – Aaime’s HR Updates: Payroll and Leadership Training22:24 – Double Fluency: Balancing Tech and Human Skills36:21 – Government Reopens: What It Means for Employers Remember to sign up for AAIM’s payroll tax update that can save your company from any payroll mistakes in the future! Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! When employees miss the mark, it’s often not about skill — it’s about clarity. In this week’s episode, Tanya Zion from AAIM joins Phil and Burt to unpack how the “why” behind decisions gets lost between leadership and employees. Discover how HR can help leaders bridge that gap, so every message connects, every action aligns, and every team moves with purpose. Timestamps: 01:34 – Welcome and Burt's Win in Court04:45 – The New Trends of Helicopter Parents 05:43 – Lawyer on the Clock14:00 – Supreme Court Showdown Ahead15:30 – Starbucks Strike Brewing17:00 – Goodbye to the Penny21:00 – Aaime Hart with AAIM's 39th Annual Payroll Tax and Fringe Benefits Update 23:00 – Communication Breakdown at Work33:50 – The Power of Purpose Remember to sign up for AAIM’s payroll tax update that can save your company from any payroll mistakes in the future! Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! Many HR professionals feel stuck in administrative roles. This episode of This Week at Work features Phil and Burt with Kris Gfell (Business Manager at AAIM) to explore how HR professionals can evolve from operational tasks to business leadership. The discussion will cover current HR challenges, organizational needs, and essential skills. Plus - don’t miss the critical payroll tax update that could cost your company if you’re not ahead of it. Become a member today! Click the link below:https://aaimea.org/membership/ Timestamps: 01:27 – Halloween Jokes and Payroll Update02:44 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC Power Shift08:00 – Government Shutdown Costs Businesses09:12 – Fed Rate Cuts and AI Layoffs13:00 – Fun with NEO: The $20K Office Robot20:23 – Guest Chris Gfell on HR Strategy22:40 – How HR Becomes a Strategic Partner33:06 – Closing: Embracing Change in HR

Episode 349: New research shows women’s earnings are falling further behind - but the reasons go beyond bias. With return-to-office mandates, childcare costs, and promotion patterns, Phil, Burt, and fan favorite Mikey Mac unpack what’s really driving women’s declining pay. They’ll also share what employers can do right now to close the gap, retain key talent, and build trust through fair compensation strategies. Timestamps: 00:08 – Opening Topic:  women earn $0.81 for every dollar men earn.01:32 – Government Shutdown: how the NLRB and EEOC slowdowns are affecting employers.02:54 – Special Guest Returns: Compensation expert Mikey Mac joins the show.04:29 – Lawyer on the Clock: Thrive Inc. case expanding NLRB remedies for unfair labor practices.08:19 – Federal judge strikes down Biden-era protections under the Affordable Care Act.11:01 – HR Reminder: Illinois’ personnel file access law and why employers must stay compliant.16:51 – Main Discussion: Phil and Mike dive into the gender pay gap and why it’s widening again.19:01 – Companies offering “return-to-office” pay incentives and how it may worsen pay inequity.23:08 – Families spend up to 24% of income on daycare, influencing women at work. 26:12 – Should pay be based on competency or tenure? The panel debates what’s fair and legal.33:31 – Payroll tax and fringe benefit updates for 2026 and how to join AAIM’s December sessions.

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! This Thursday on This Week at Work, we’re joined by KVJ, founder of Tough Day, the AI workplace advisor reshaping the way managers manage. From the conference circuit to the C-suite, there’s a growing realization: AI isn’t just about automation - it’s about elevation. Phil shares his CEO Conference wake-up call, KVJ breaks down how Tuffy helps managers lead in real time, and Burt explores the legal and human side of AI in the workplace. If you think AI is a “someday” tool - you’re already behind. 00:08 – Phil fires up on AI’s impact on management00:50 – Burt’s workplace news: “Artificial Labor” in the Senate01:48 – Blues talk and catching up with Phil & Burt03:16 – Previewing today’s guest on AI innovation04:37 – Meet KVJ: Founder of Tough Day and “Tuffy”07:10 – How Tuffy helps managers handle real workplace issues17:30 – Behind the scenes: “Wizard of Oz” testing20:05 – Lawyer on the Clock: “Well… that depends.”31:02 – The “Aloha Spirit” story that boosted adoption34:35 – How to learn more about Tuffy + episode close

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! We’re breaking down the implications of the October 1st government shutdown with special guest, D.C. insider Jim Plunkett. What does this mean for E-Verify, immigration processes, labor agency operations, and your compliance deadlines? With uncertainty on Capitol Hill, HR leaders can’t afford to wait. Tune in for expert guidance, practical solutions, and a few laughs to carry you through the chaos. Timestamps: 0:00 – Show intro: Phil, Burt, and Nick kick things off3:10 – Guest introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington D.C.3:42 – Lawyer on the Clock: Burt breaks down an Eighth Circuit case on drug testing and at-will employment8:16 – Senate confirms key Trump-era appointees at the EEOC, Wage & Hour, and OSHA11:00 – AI and the future of work: Bernie Sanders’ “artificial labor” warning and the 32-hour workweek debate15:27 – Introducing next week’s guest on AI, Katherine Von Jahn16:15 – Jim Plunkett’s update from D.C.: Inside the government shutdown18:11 – What could force Congress to act—military pay, TSA, and market pressure20:08 – Key political standoff: healthcare subsidies vs. funding extension25:43 – The H-1B visa reentry fee controversy and legal challenges28:04 – Who’s still working? USPS, federal workers, and unemployment pay31:22 – E-Verify shutdown: What employers still must do32:57 – EEOC dynamics: How the lone Democrat could stall GOP momentum

Send in your questions to hrask.orgor leave your questions in the chat! Are today's HR professionals being promoted faster than they're prepared? In this week’s episode of This Week at Work, Phil and Burt tackle a pressing question: What does it really take to move from an entry-level HR role to an executive position? With rapid promotions and shrinking knowledge banks, HR leaders must now develop faster and smarter than ever. Tune in for real talk, legal insights, and actionable strategies for climbing the HR ladder with confidence and competence. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to This Week at Work00:09 – Why HR leaders often feel unprepared01:42 – Developing your career and leadership readiness04:09 – Are leaders born or made?04:58 – Lawyer on the Clock: Government shutdown & workplace impact07:25 – How the shutdown affects NLRB, EEOC & DOL13:20 – TSA, travel, and essential functions during the shutdown19:26 – Boeing negotiations, unions, and leadership lessons25:01 – Risks of promoting too quickly in HR29:55 – How emerging HR leaders can prepare for executive roles

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Episode 345: A shrinking workforce and the rapid rise of AI has been one of the biggest topics shaking up HR and every industry today. Will automation truly step in for the millions of workers that are projected to lose in the coming decades or will it just create bigger gaps in skills and opportunity? In this episode, we get our hands dirty in the data, explore what it means for employers, and tackle the questions HR pros are already asking. Timestamps:  0:00 – Welcome and Intro  2:37 – AI Displacing Workers  3:51 – Phil on how AI will affect us and our times  7:26 – Developing "Assistants" via AI – Phil's View  9:56 – AI in the Legal World & Filling the Talent Gap  12:14 – AI Generation vs Smartphone Growth & Internet Era  14:46 – Days Before AI: How Far We've Come  16:12 – AI Addressing Labor Gaps  18:06 – Fields Impacted by AI  23:02 – Laughs with AI Robots  24:06 – Lawyer on the Clock  24:16 – H-1B Visa Holders Entering the US  30:06 – Government Shutdown & Mass Firings  33:54 – Wrap Up  

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Download the key takeaways from this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/rpzccu99 For REAL this time! Last week we were unable to get to the topic we’ve been wanting to discuss, but tomorrow we’re diving in head first! AI is reshaping society and the workplace at lightning speed, but is it also making us less sharp, less aware, maybe even “stupid”? Burt and Phil get back to tackling whether AI is dumbing us down, which jobs are safe… for now, and just how close we might be to the Singularity. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Show Kickoff02:00 – Employment Law Update Recap03:00 – Is AI making us smarter or dumber?06:00 – “Map Amnesia” and technology dependence08:30 – Jobs most at risk of AI displacement12:00 – Skill erosion & critical thinking concerns15:00 – Generational gaps in AI reliance18:45 – Pop culture warnings: Terminator, Matrix & Singularity24:10 – Lawyer on the Clock: Walmart FCRA Lawsuit27:50 – Women leaving the workforce & job market shifts35:00 – Key takeaways & upcoming workshop

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/rpzccu99 In episode 343, Phil and Burt reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and how recent tragedies, from school shootings to political violence, affect today’s workplace. We also take a dive into AI and leadership. A Future So Dull, You Gotta Wear Google Goggles? Artificial intelligence is transforming society and the workplace at breakneck speed. But there is evidence that AI is also making us less strategic, less situationally aware, even “stupid”? Burt and Phil wrestle with whether AI is making us less intelligent, which jobs are resilient to AI (for now), and understanding how close we might be to the Singularity. Timestamps:  00:00 – Reflecting on 9/11 and current events02:05 – Tragedies impacting today’s workplace04:30 – Division in America vs. unity after 9/1107:15 – How leaders can guide sensitive conversations10:35 – Respectful dialogue vs. conflict at work13:15 – Building pride and belonging in company culture15:45 – Why culture matters more than ever in the age of AI18:15 – Viewer comment: “Divided States of America”21:26 – Lawyer on the Clock: Muldrow case & workplace impact29:00 – Closing thoughts: hugs, leadership, and what’s next

Send in your questions to hrask.orgDownload all the key takeaways from this episode down below:https://tinyurl.com/bdf9v66d   Episode 342: We all have daily tasks that keep things running, but we’re quickly approaching a time when AI can handle some of the everyday loads. Discover how YOU can lead more strategically by focusing on what truly needs a human touch and what doesn’t. Phil and special guest Lauren Patel reveal a smarter way to prioritize using the Eisenhower Matrix, now enhanced with AI and automation. Timestamps:  0:00 – Welcome & AI Time-Saving Insights 1:21 – Meet Lauren Patel: AI Power User & Show Favorite 3:01 – Using AI in Everyday Life (Weeds, Trips, and Homework) 5:05 – AI vs. AI: Candidates vs. Recruiters 7:15 – Meet Amy Hart: Trusted AI for HR Professionals 9:30 – The No-AI Policy Dilemma in Organizations 14:01 – How HR Pros Can Start with AI: The Eisenhower Matrix 22:01 – Recruiting with AI: Job Ads, Resumes & Vendor Transparency 25:57 – AI in Crisis Management & HR Fires 32:10 – Insight on AI from Burt & Upcoming Events #AIinHR #EisenhowerMatrix #WorkSmarter #HRLeadership #HRStrategy #ProductivityTools #HRTech #AutomationInHR #TimeManagement #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #HRInnovation #AIProductivity #TaskManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #AAIM #AAIMEA #ThisWeekAtWork

Be sure to download our "READY. AAIM. PHIRE!" takeaway sheet for all the key insights from this episode. Click the link below: https://tinyurl.com/mpbarn29  AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming how we work - but are they doing more harm than good? This week, Phil and Burt unpack the growing trend of overusing and over trusting AI in the workplace. From fabricated facts to blind faith in chatbots, we’ll explore the risks that come with leaning too heavily on artificial intelligence. Are your employees using AI as a helpful assistant - or hiding behind it? Tune in for real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps every employer should take to stay protected. 00:00 – Welcome & opening remarks01:25 – Live from SHRM Conference in Orlando03:20 – Why AI “hallucinates” and how Amy Hart helps04:50 – Playing the Reliable, Reasonable, or Ridiculous AI game07:10 – Unlimited PTO: pros and cons08:34 – Asking older employees about retirement11:21 – Should remote workers get more PTO?13:20 – Lawyer on the Clock: THC in the workplace18:19 – Cracker Barrel logo backlash and DEI debate24:30 – Illinois AI discrimination law 31:12 – Ready, Aim, Fire key takeaways download32:07 – Upcoming Employment Law Update events

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.Download the key takeaways from this episode:https://tinyurl.com/3ms864kf  This week on episode 340, Burt is joined by D.C. insider and legal strategist Jim Plunkett to unpack the DOJ’s latest guidance on DEI - and why it’s sending shockwaves through HR and compliance departments nationwide. From Title VII implications to the surprising use of the False Claims Act, we’re breaking down what the feds are watching and how HR can stay compliant without compromising company values. Tune in and get your questions answered! Timestamps:  00:00 – Opening: Welcome to Episode 34000:43 – What This Week at Work Delivers for HR & Leaders01:35 – Guest Introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington, D.C.03:09 – Lawyer on the Clock: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ruling in Texas08:29 – Fifth Circuit decision shakes up NLRB authority16:21 – Transition to DOJ guidance on DEI practices17:22 – DOJ guidance explained: Who it applies to and why it matters23:07 – The False Claims Act as an enforcement tool26:59 – Four red-flag DEI practices employers must avoid30:59 – Closing thoughts: Compliance, Title VII, and what’s next in DC

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.Download the key takeaways from this episode:https://tinyurl.com/vtx2du4a  Phil and Burt unpack the essential best practices for using AI in HR - and why not all AI tools are created equal. We’ll spotlight Aaime Hart, AAIM’s AI-Driven HR advisor. She’s loaded with real employer survey data, compliance resources, and the expertise of AAIM Employers’ Association and their partners. From asking the right questions to protecting confidentiality and blending AI insights with human judgment, we’ll give you the insider’s guide to making AI a valuable partner for your workplace. 00:01:01 – Introduction: Phil Brandt opens the show with big AI usage stats00:02:03 – Catching up: Travel, SHRM events, and upcoming law update00:05:49 – Why this year’s Employment Law Update is bigger than ever00:08:02 – Lawyer on the Clock: DOJ’s sweeping new DEI guidance00:16:25 – Crypto in your 401(k)? Big changes ahead00:21:05 – Meet AAIME Hart: AI HR assistant for safer workplace answers00:28:28 – Protecting confidentiality when using AI00:30:18 – State and local variations: Why specificity matters00:33:36 – Is ChatGPT making us stupid? Overreliance & the GPS analogy00:35:56 – How to use AAIME Hart & register for the Employment Law Update

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.Click the link below to download your key takeaways from this episode:https://tinyurl.com/mv96xx68 Boeing’s union strike is making national headlines but what does it mean for the rest of us? Phil and Burt unpack the strike, share lessons from inside the negotiation room, and explore how employers can build trust, improve morale, and stay union-optional. Whether you're unionized or not, this episode is a must-listen for HR pros and business leaders alike. 00:00 – Intro & Teaser: Boeing Strike & Unions01:04 – Live from Missouri SHRM Conference03:52 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC, NLRB, & Political Gridlock09:50 – Illinois’ New Paid Nursing Break Law12:32 – Court Revives Religious Rights vs. Gender Identity Case19:08 – Burning Questions: Are You Missing Union Red Flags?21:46 – Forced Overtime: A Unionization Trigger?25:59 – How Unionization Impacts Business Costs27:36 – Supervisor Training: The Ultimate Union Prevention Tool

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org. Be sure to download your key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/bdhwt9m3 This week on This Week at Work, Phil and Burt dive into Missouri’s evolving paid sick leave situation—where laws were passed, rolled out, and then quickly rolled back. They unpack how HR leaders can manage unused leave, protect morale, and build flexible policies that hold up when legislation shifts. Even if you're outside Missouri, the lessons here are universal. Don't miss this essential conversation for every HR professional. Timestamps: 0:00 – Missouri’s Paid Sick Leave: Passed, Implemented, Repealed 0:47 – HR Chaos: Now What Happens to All Those Policy Changes? 2:46 – Meet AAIME Hart: AI-Powered HR Assistant in Action 4:04 – Prison to Programmer: Can You Really Work Remotely From Jail? 8:19 – The Legal Fallout of Missouri Prop A Repeal 9:17 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC Sued Over LGBTQIA+ Protections 14:13 – DOL’s Self-Audit Program Returns: What It Means for Employers 17:13 – Prop A Breakdown: What’s Changing for Missouri Employers 23:04 – August 28th Deadline: What Happens to Accrued Sick Time? 31:04 – Employment Law Update Preview & Registration Detai

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org. Download our "READY. AAIM. PHIRE!" takeaway sheet for all the key insights from this episode. Click the link below: https://tinyurl.com/3zs43mhu On This Week at Work, we’re exploring how to integrate AI - and Aaime Hart - into an everyday workflow that benefits your organization. Lauren demos how Aaime can unlock powerful insights from exit interview data, and we unpack why leaders must take ownership of both their organization’s AI strategy and their personal conduct, especially in light of the recent CEO/HR dating scandal. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to This Week at Work00:46 – AI Strategy: From Tools to Transformation01:41 – Recapping AI & HR Week with Lauren Patel03:13 – Meet AAIME Hart: Safe AI for HR Professionals05:16 – Hot Topic: Coldplay Scandal & Leadership Ethics07:22 – Creative Ways HR is Using AI Today09:58 – Transforming Exit Interviews with AI15:08 – The Real Story Behind "Training" Feedback24:10 – From Data to Action: AAIME’s Turnover Reduction Plan26:06 – One-Pager for Leadership: AI-Powered Insights

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org. This week, we share the results from AAIM's phase 1 of “trying it”. because in doing so, we found a real opportunity to align AI with our services. Introducing Aaime Hart - an HR chatbot built on reliable sources our members already trust. She will actually help YOU align AI with YOUR COMPANY. #aaimehart Timestamps:  0:00 – Welcome to AI & HR Week: Phase 2 – Align It 1:35 – AI vs. AI: Who's Really Hiring Who? 3:25 – Candidates Using Bots to Apply & Interview 5:15 – The Ethics of AI-Powered Applicants 6:22 – Meet Aaime Hart: AI Built for HR Pros 9:50 – How Aaime Hart’s Sources Make Her Trustworthy 12:15 – Aaime’s Strengths, Limits, and Safe Use Tips 14:40 – Demo 1: Create an HR Audit Checklist with Amy 17:45 – Demo 2: Build a High-Potential Employee Plan 22:00 – Create Justifications, Find Training & Go Strategic Get Key Takeaways From This Episode: tinyurl.com/2rhs4k9f

Send your burning questions to hrask.org Join us for a special episode where we dive into the evolving relationship between HR and AI. You’ll get a fast-paced preview of what’s ahead during AI in HR Week, along with expert insights on how AI is transforming hiring practices, reshaping compliance strategies, and helping leaders make smarter, more strategic decisions. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already integrating it into your workflow, this episode will show you how to use AI with HR, not instead of it. Learn how to lead the way in an era where technology can enhance, not replace, the human side of HR.   Timestamps: 2:51 – Welcome Back: Why AI Is Changing the HR Landscape 4:45 – AI Across Generations: Lessons from an 80-Year-Old 7:12 – AI Tools for HR Pros: GREE Launch Teaser 11:42 – Phil’s Phired Up 16:22 – Burning Questions 21:53 – Lawyer on the Clock 24:43 – Microsoft Saves $500M, Slashes Jobs with AI 29:05 – Trade Schools on the Rise Among Gen Z & Alpha 33:22 – Upskilling or Replaced? White Collar Risks Ahead 36:01 – Wrap Up: Try It, Align It, and Get Ready for What’s Next   Click the link to download key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/33ty9pf6   #AIinHR #ThisWeekAtWork #FutureOfHR #HRAutomation #AILeadership #HRLeadership #HRTech #AIinHRWeek #HRInsights #AIDoesNotReplaceHR #LeadershipDevelopment #HRStrategy #WorkplaceCulture #AAIMEA #OrganizationalChange #HR