Explore every episode of the podcast HR After Dark With Marcia & Meghan

Meridith Coyle has been doing what everyone else just started talking about — for 33 years. The founder of ANUE Kitchens joins Meghan for a wide-ranging conversation about building a mission-driven food business from the ground up, what it really takes to retain employees for 20-plus years, and why she believes hospitality belongs in medicine.

From losing her father and pivoting out of grad school, to franchising research, a commissary build-out, and locations from Bryn Mawr to the Jersey Shore — Meridith is growing fast and doing it on her own terms. She also gets real about reactive leadership, learning to pause, and why "grow or die" has been her business philosophy from day one.

If you lead a team, care about employee wellness, or just want to hear from someone who figured out the culture piece before it was a buzzword — this one's for you.

In this episode:

• How Meridith stumbled into food and wellness after her father's illness
• Why she believes food is medicine — and how she's bringing hospitality to healthcare
• Building a team that stays: 20-plus year employees and the culture behind it
• Hiring for character first — and what that looks like in practice
• The new ANUE commissary, Valley Forge Park, and what's coming next
• Learning to pause: Meridith's biggest leadership lesson learned the hard way
• What employers can do better to support employee wellness

🎙️ Guest: Meridith Coyle, Founder — ANUE Kitchens 🌐 https://aneukitchens.com/

HR After Dark is hosted by Meghan and Marcia of The O'Connor Group. 🔗 Learn more: https://tocgrp.com/insights/podcasts

#HRLeadership #EmployeeWellness #HospitalityBusiness #WorkplaceCulture #HealthyLiving

What does it take to rebuild a hospitality business from 10 employees back to 450 after COVID — and do it right this time? Adam Delloso, COO of Philadelphia's 12th Street Catering, joins Marcia and Meghan to talk about the leadership philosophy that's driving real growth: making decisions from love instead of fear, hiring for care over credentials, and building a culture where people rise to the top.

Adam gets real about his cancer diagnosis, work addiction, the grind that nearly cost him his family, and how he finally learned that being present — at home and at work — is the most important leadership skill of all. If you're scaling a team, navigating uncertainty, or just trying to keep your people engaged in a chaotic world, this one's for you.

In this episode:

• How 12th Street Catering went from 10 people during COVID to 450 employees today
• Why Adam makes every business decision from love — not fear
• The EOS framework and how it reshaped hiring, accountability, and culture
• Identifying and developing leaders inside a 450-person hospitality operation
• The cancer diagnosis that forced Adam to rethink everything
• Why working harder isn't the same as working smarter — and what to do instead
• Celebrating wins louder than fear in an uncertain economy

🎙️ Guest: Adam Delloso, COO — 12th Street Catering 🌐 12thstreetcatering.com

🔗 Learn more: https://tocgrp.com/insights/podcasts

What if the biggest threat to your organization's performance isn't your strategy, your technology, or your talent pipeline — but the invisible stress load your people are carrying without even knowing it?

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan sit down with Dr. Julie Lopez — serial entrepreneur, clinical expert with over 30 years in the field, and founder of the Veeva Center and Leaders Loving Life — to explore the science of the human system and what it means for today's leaders, HR teams, and organizations.

Dr. Lopez breaks down why traditional, talk-based approaches to mental health and performance improvement are too slow for the modern workplace, and how brain-based, body-based, and expressive therapeutic methods are producing faster, more lasting results. From a client who resolved five years of fertility struggles in a single month, to an entrepreneur who finally wrote his newsletter after six months of avoidance — Dr. Lopez makes the science feel real, relatable, and immediately actionable.

You'll also hear a candid conversation about the post-pandemic workplace, the hidden costs of remote and hybrid work on human connection, the neurobiology of presenteeism, and why 75% of high-performing leaders come from a background of adversity — and what that means for organizational culture.

Whether you're an HR professional, a CEO, or a people leader trying to move the needle on burnout, retention, and employee wellbeing, this episode will change how you think about your most valuable resource: your people.

🔗 Find Dr. Julie Lopez at: www.leaderslovinglife.com
📖 Grab her book Live Empowered — and access free nervous system reset resources on her site.
🌐 Learn more about The O'Connor Group: https://tocgrp.com/insights/podcasts

Most employees aren't just managing their workload — they're managing aging parents, dementia diagnoses, and a long-term care system that's increasingly broken. And most employers have no idea.

In this episode, Marcia and Meghan sit down with Bryan Adler, board-certified elder law attorney and co-founder of Rothko Law Group, to talk about what's really happening in elder care in America — and why it belongs in every HR leader's conversation about benefits, retention, and employee wellbeing.

Bryan shares why he walked away from traditional elder law to build something completely different, what the caregiving crisis actually looks like on the ground, and how employers can support employees who are quietly drowning in the sandwich generation — or something even harder. They also dig into what it means to build a mission-driven team, why your best hires aren't looking for a job, and what Bryan has learned the hard way about leading a growing firm with seven offices.

If you're an HR leader, CEO, people manager, or anyone navigating the intersection of work and family caregiving, this one will change how you think about your benefits package — and your people.

In this episode:

• Why elder care costs have nearly doubled — and what that means for your workforce
• The caregiving crisis hiding inside your employee base right now
• How employers can offer elder care resources without spending a fortune
• Early-onset dementia, the new sandwich generation, and what HR needs to understand
• Bryan's hiring philosophy: mission-driven candidates vs. job seekers
• What Bryan learned about transparency, leadership, and letting go as his firm scaled
• Long-term care insurance — what agents won't tell you and what you actually need to know

Wellness isn’t a water challenge and a prayer.

In this episode, Marcia and Meghan sit down with wellness strategist Julie Palumbo, founder of Best Whole Self, to talk about what workplace wellness looks like when it’s done right: less “check the box,” more real support that actually reduces burnout and improves performance.

Julie shares how her own health journey (including a Crohn’s diagnosis) reshaped her career, what companies are getting wrong about employee wellness, and what leaders can do to build a culture where people don’t feel guilty taking care of themselves. They also dig into modern work realities—commuting stress, blurred boundaries, “micro-shifting,” and why employees are still overwhelmed even when they’re working fewer hours.

If you’re an HR leader, CEO, or people manager trying to improve retention, productivity, and wellbeing without turning it into corporate fluff, this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• The top workplace wellness topics companies request right now
• Burnout, boundaries, and how leaders can spot when teams need support
• Why ongoing coaching beats one-off workshops
• “Micro-shifting” and the new workday reality
• The BEST framework: Balance, Energy, Strategy, Transformation
• Why preventative care is becoming a business strategy (not just a benefit)

👍 Like, subscribe, and share with the coworker who needs a wellness reset.

It’s Season 2 — and Marcia and Meghan are back with a fresh HR Reset for 2026. From “damp January” and espresso martinis to the serious stuff: what leaders actually need to focus on this year if they want to hit goals, keep great people, and avoid burnout.

They dig into the big themes shaping HR right now: why most HR teams aren’t ready for AI, how culture is getting harder to define (and easier to lose), what “skills-first hiring” really means, and why HR has a huge opportunity to move from checkbox support to true strategic advisor.

If you’re an HR leader, CEO, or people manager trying to make sense of AI, hybrid work, retention, and leadership development—this episode is your 2026 starting line.

In this episode:

• AI in HR: why companies are behind and what to do next
• Skills-first hiring and the “quiet hiring” shift
• Culture, retention, and what hybrid work breaks (and can fix)
• Why leadership development is the real bottleneck
• Transparency, communication, and “the three C’s” CEOs need now

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan sit down with David Beattie, Executive Vice President at PeopleShare, to talk candidly about leading a 50+ person team across multiple states while staying rooted in transparency, culture, and trust. David shares how his “diamond-shaped support model” flips traditional hierarchies, and how the company’s hybrid work philosophy—start the week together, end the week together—fosters team unity without sacrificing flexibility. From facing the “brutal facts” to avoiding top-performer burnout, this episode is packed with real-world leadership insights and hard-earned wisdom on building a workforce that’s both high-performing and human.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan are joined by Regina McCann Hess, Founder of Forge Wealth Management. Regina emphasizes the importance of what you keep over what you spend and shares her approach to empowering women in wealth-building. She explains how open conversations around the breakfast table about finances can help maintain healthy spending habits. Tune in to hear Regina’s expert advice on saving for retirement, college, and other financial goals.

In this exciting episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan are joined by Francesca Zampaglione, Chief Empowerment Officer of the Empowerment League. Francesca, a CPA turned stylist for executive women, now helps business leaders make transformative changes from the inside out through her company. Tune in as Francesca shares invaluable tips on how to present yourself confidently on Zoom, using style and body language to show up powerfully for yourself and your organization. Whether you’re leading a team or engaging with clients, this episode offers insights to help you elevate your presence in virtual settings.

In this exciting episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan sit down with Renee Patrone Rhinehart, Founder of Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, a nationwide company that has redefined event logistics with a team of over 30,000 gig workers.

From intimate birthday celebrations to large-scale corporate events, Party Host Helpers specializes in providing expert event staffing, ensuring every detail is taken care of. With her team spread across ten different territories, Renee has built a thriving company that is known for its flexibility, professionalism, and commitment to making events seamless for their clients.

Tune in as Renee shares her unique approach to managing a diverse, gig-based workforce and how she coaches her team to be not just skilled in logistics but also open-minded and receptive to client needs. Discover the challenges and rewards of running a business with such a vast network and learn how this model is changing the landscape of the event industry.

Whether you’re an HR professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the gig economy, this episode will give you valuable insights into scaling a business that thrives on flexible, dynamic teams.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan are joined by Beth Monroe, the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center. Founded in 1975, the WRC is an organization that brings women together to share resources. WRC offers five core programs, including a helpline, family law assistance, financial stability support, counseling, and career services, which are designed to help women and girls navigate challenging life transitions. WRC is celebrating 50 years of empowering women and building brighter futures.

To learn more about WRC, visit https://womensresourcecenter.net/

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan are joined by Colleen Bertrand, a Wellness Professional, Collaborative Consultant and Facilitator who helps leaders better engage their employees and create the conditions for sustainable effectiveness and innovation. 

They discuss how purposeful meetings—especially in-person ones—help build a strong team culture and foster sustainable effectiveness and innovation. The conversation delves into the role of integration in workplace practices, strategies to prevent burnout at all levels, and the ways disconnection can manifest within teams. 

Tune in for valuable insights on creating a connected and thriving workplace culture.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan dive into the ins and outs of The O’Connor Group’s outsourced HR model—and why it might be the missing piece for your business. 

Whether you're scaling quickly, navigating a merger, or operating without a formal HR team, they explain how a comprehensive HR assessment can pinpoint exactly what you need to support your people and protect your business.Tune in as they share real-world insights, examples of successful HR partnerships, and the top areas companies often overlook when managing people operations. 

If HR is on your radar, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

In the episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan dive into a topic that’s gaining momentum across industries: The Rise of Leadership Coaching.

Coaching has always been a valuable tool, but it’s now more in demand than ever. Leaders are seeking guidance to navigate today’s increasingly complex challenges, from managing hybrid teams to fostering innovation and resilience.

If you’re an HR leader, business owner, or aspiring coach, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Marcia and Meghan discuss why coaching is on the rise, the benefits it offers, and why this is a space to watch—and invest in.

Marcia and Meghan explore the exciting and complex world of HR in the AI era. From revolutionizing recruiting and benefits management to performance evaluations, AI is transforming HR processes. But with these advancements come ethical concerns, including bias, transparency, and privacy issues.

Together, they discuss how to balance automation with the human touch, emphasizing that AI should enhance the employee experience, not replace human interaction. They also highlight the importance of HR leaders staying proactive in ensuring ethical and effective use of AI tools.

Tune in for insights on how AI is reshaping HR and how we can navigate its challenges to create efficient, people-centered workplaces.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan explore The Evolution of Work: Adapting to Generational Shifts. With Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all sharing the workplace, understanding how to manage, communicate, and engage across generations is more important than ever.

They break down the unique values and work styles of each generation, discuss strategies for managing cross-generational teams, and share tips on attracting and retaining top talent across age groups. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or just curious about workplace dynamics, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the changing world of work.

Tune in for actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives on building a more inclusive and adaptable workforce!

On this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan sit down with Brendan Dodge, Senior Account Executive at VC3—an IT and cybersecurity company dedicated to supporting small to mid-sized businesses with the right tools and resources to stay protected. Brendan shares three essential tips business owners should focus on with their teams this year. His key reminder: "You're not too small to be hacked—you're just too small to make the headlines."

Join Marcia and Meghan in this insightful episode of HR After Dark as they welcome Stephanie D’Angelo, Founder and CEO of HerClub. Recognizing the power of golf in professional networking, Stephanie created HerClub to help women gain confidence on the course and make meaningful business connections.

With 50% of women saying that being able to talk about golf has advanced their careers, HerClub provides essential etiquette, tools, and resources to empower them in both business and golf. Stephanie talks about people management, policy and procedures, and the HR function she is working on to build her business. 

Join Marcia and Meghan in this insightful episode of HR After Dark as they dive into the best practices of onboarding. Onboarding is the first impression you make and the tone you set with your new team members.

What does your process look like? Marcia and Meghan explore how effective onboarding sets the tone for employee success. From pre-boarding tips to long-term engagement strategies, they share actionable insights to help you boost retention, productivity, and culture alignment.

Join Marcia and Meghan in this insightful episode of HR After Dark as they dive into the evolving concepts of work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

Work-life balance isn’t just a trendy phrase—it’s about building a sustainable work environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

Wellbeing goes beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and even financial wellness. A holistic approach to employee wellbeing leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Together, Marcia and Meghan explore actionable strategies for creating workplace cultures that prioritize balance and wellbeing, benefiting both employees and organizations. Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on making employee wellness more than just a check-the-box initiative.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia, and Meghan dive into the concept of embracing radical candor in the workplace, inspired by Kim Scott's book Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. The core idea is to care personally while challenging others directly.

Radical candor fosters a culture where employees at every level feel empowered to speak up. How does radical candor play out in your workplace? Tune in for practical tips on showing empathy and support to your team while fostering open communication.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia, and Meghan discuss project-based HR—an agile approach that allows businesses to tackle specific HR challenges without committing to long-term resources.

Whether you’re navigating a merger, launching a new initiative, or simply need extra support for a time-sensitive project, project-based HR delivers strategic solutions that can make all the difference.  Marcia and Meghan discuss real-world examples, benefits, and tips for leveraging this model to enhance your HR operations and boost organizational success.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan break down the rising trend of fractional HR. They explore how companies can access high-level HR expertise without the need for a full-time hire.

Learn what fractional HR is, who benefits from it, and why it’s a game changer for startups, mid-sized companies, and growing businesses alike. From its flexibility to its cost-effectiveness, tune in to discover how fractional HR can offer tailored, strategic support on your terms!

In the episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan dive into the world of Interim HR, exploring how businesses can leverage interim HR leaders to navigate critical transitions. Whether it’s filling a leadership gap, guiding your HR team through organizational changes, or driving a major initiative, interim HR pros step in to provide strategic leadership and stability.

They break down the key benefits, common misconceptions, and how to know when to bring in an interim HR expert. Tune in to learn how this flexible solution can keep your HR strategy on track, no matter what changes your business faces.

Did you know 90% of hiring members are never trained to interview?

On this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan welcome guest, Anna Papalia, CEO & Author of Interviewology. Anna shares her passion for discovering interview styles and why she left her corporate job to teach and write her book Interviewology. Are you a Charmer, Challenger, Examiner, or Harmonizer?  Whether you are a hiring manager or a job seeker, this episode will break down the importance of your interview style and profile. 

What inspires your employees? 

In the episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan welcome guest Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds. 

Raymond emphasizes the importance of career fulfillment and suggests HR leaders support their teams through informal dialogue. He encourages asking team members what excites them most about work, what changes they'd like to see, and employing the start, stop, and continue method for reflection.

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia and Meghan dive into the world of remote work and its effects on HR and business leaders. They offer advice on maintaining team engagement in a hybrid environment while keeping things enjoyable.

Additionally, they discuss the importance of effective communication, setting boundaries, and implementing policies to foster a more inclusive and flexible workplace for all.

Conflicts can arise from a variety of sources, whether it's disagreements between coworkers, misunderstandings between employees and their managers, or even conflicts stemming from organizational changes or restructuring.

When these conflicts occur, HR must step in and address them promptly and effectively.  In this episode, Marcia and Meghan share strategies HR professionals can use to resolve workplace conflicts. 

HR plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture, fostering employee engagement, and driving organizational success. 

So, in this first episode of HR After Dark, Marcia, and Meghan address some of the common misconceptions about HR and discuss why it's so important to change the narrative.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new podcast, HR After Dark, hosted by Marcia O'Connor and Meghan Popoleo!

In the world of Human Resources, staying updated on the latest insights, trends, and discussions is crucial. But why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary?

Join Marcia and Meghan as they bring a fresh perspective to the HR landscape, adding a twist to every conversation. Whether you're an HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, a business leader seeking innovative HR solutions, or simply curious about the inner workings of the modern workplace, HR After Dark is your go-to destination.

But here's the best part - HR After Dark isn't your typical HR podcast. Prepare for candid discussions, unexpected insights, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.

After all, who said HR couldn't be fun?