HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story! – Details, episodes & analysis
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HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Frequency: 1 episode/12d. Total Eps: 169
Welcome to the HR Stories Podcast - where there is a lesson in every story. Our Storytellers - John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian, the Team behind HR Stories, share real-life tales about where a business made a preventable mistake. At The HR Stories Podcast, the STORIES are the teaching tool! LISTEN to the stories of those who did not heed the warning signs. LEARN from their mistakes. ACT on best practices shared by our hosts and guests. Each year, our hosts, Chuck Simikian and John Thalheimer, deliver thousands of live seminars around the country to business owners, executives, and HR professionals discussing the fundamentals of Human Resources, Leadership best practices, and legal risk reduction activities for organizations.
Each HR Story episode shares a story of where a company missed the mark, what went wrong, and how you can avoid their fate. As the Team at HR Stories, John and Chuck continue to develop and provide resources to help HR leaders, business owners, and organizations with the confidence they need to successfully handle employee issues and build strong employee practices to comply with employment laws. Both successful entrepreneurs help businesses through HR consulting, training, and coaching leaders. They have coached and trained thousands of HR Professionals, Business Owners, and Leaders to prepare them for the future.
John is the Founding Director of True Star Leadership™, which focuses on helping managers and leaders learn performance management principles. Chuck is the Founding Partner of Alliance HR Partners, which provides HR consulting and training to businesses nationwide. Together, they have over 40 years of experience navigating the challenges of HR and recently published their book, The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklist Edition. Go to https://ultimateguidetohr.com/ for more information, download a free sample, and watch their webinar on the Secret Power Behind Successful Businesses.
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See allScore global : 52%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Ep149: Q&A - Managing Emotional Responses
Episode 149
mardi 27 janvier 2026 • Duration 38:17
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- Can an employee be disciplined for misuse of intermittent FMLA?
- Can you change someone’s ADA accommodations?
- What do we have to pay for when it comes to USERRA?
- What are the biggest mistakes with handling discrimination complaints and how do you avoid retaliation?
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep148: Planning for Employment Law Changes in 2026 - Pt 2
Episode 148
mardi 20 janvier 2026 • Duration 28:27
Welcome back to part two of the Employment Law series, where the team looks at changes coming to the laws *you need to know about* in 2026. In this episode, follow along as the team provides some guidance on the following issues:
- The impact of the National Labor Relation Board reaching quorum.
- Independent Contractor classification may be in flux with the Department of Labor decisions.
- Expect changes to non-competes.
- States are doing the heavy lifting with employment law right now. Prepare your organization for tracking these changes.
- How to make sure your managers are prepared with the resources and training to avoid gaps and legal issues.
- How to avoid burnout in HR during uncertain times
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep139: Sunday Off - The Cost of Revoking a Religious Accommodation
Episode 139
mardi 21 octobre 2025 • Duration 26:58
When an employee’s request for Sundays off was approved — then revoked — it led to an EEOC case and a costly lesson in religious accommodation law. Chuck and John unpack how one scheduling change turned into a Title VII violation, what the Groff v. DeJoy decision means for employers, and how HR can avoid retaliation, document undue hardship, and protect the company from legal risk.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep57: 2023's Top 10 Listener Questions
Episode 57
vendredi 29 décembre 2023 • Duration 53:01
What a year it has been, not only in the world of HR, but for The Team at HR Stories! This year, we kicked off a new episode format called Listener Q&A where we answer questions submitted by YOU! This has been a great opportunity to discuss a variety of issues, from hygiene to employees illegally recording others. Thank you for joining us each week as we dive into stories and learn lessons along the way! Keep the questions coming in 2024 and we'll see you in the new year!
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep56: Rudolph and Kringle Inc.- Unwrapping HR Lessons at the North Pole
Episode 56
mardi 19 décembre 2023 • Duration 38:12
In this special holiday edition of the HR Stories Podcast, join John and Chuck as they delve into the enchanting yet enlightening tale of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This episode offers a whimsical exploration of serious HR topics, including workplace discrimination, ADA implications, and the responsibilities of management in fostering an inclusive environment. Through the story of Rudolf's unique challenges at Santa's workshop, listeners will uncover the nuances of employment law and the importance of proactive HR practices. This episode promises not only a festive journey but also valuable insights for HR professionals, all wrapped up in the magic of the holiday season.
In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:
- Updates on minimum exempt salary level will come in April from the EEOC. More at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act info from the EEOC coming in January
- Why people are leaving their jobs
- AI skills becoming required in the work field and how to apply AI to HR in a helpful way
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep55: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! She Was Recording Her Coworkers!
Episode 55
mardi 12 décembre 2023 • Duration 23:18
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- My new employer is sending me on training in Los Angeles. Can I bring my significant other?
- I recently discovered an employee is recording her teammates when she leaves the room to find out what they are saying about her when she is gone. Any other words of wisdom in encouraging her to stop recording?
- I have an employee who’s had some issues with micromanaging other coworkers and she’s not even a manager. What are your thoughts? How would you handle this?
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep54: No Age Limitations: Old Workers Rebel against Employer Bias
Episode 54
mardi 5 décembre 2023 • Duration 51:00
The ADEA, or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, is meant to protect older workers from disadvantages in job searching and while employed. Whether it's assumptions about technology skills or desires to see a longer tenure from a new hire, older people in the workforce face several hurdles that can result in discrimination allegations. In today's episode, Chuck and John go through three different scenarios where there were violations of the ADEA and how they could have been avoided.
In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:
- A social media post inciting hate crime and discrimination issues with the law in Michigan
- The importance of keeping up with the official sorts
- Questions that can be asked regarding service animals
- The impact of quality sleep on employees
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep53: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Mergers, Holidays, and Status Changes
Episode 53
mardi 28 novembre 2023 • Duration 18:35
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- From an HR perspective, what do we need to keep in mind during a merger?
- Which would be better received by staff - a Friday or Tuesday as a day to observe a holiday?
- If you have an employee requesting to move from full-time to part-time, do you adjust their accrual rate?
- How do you stay motivated through the challenges of the job?
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Something Illegal Brewing at Starbucks
Episode 53
mardi 21 novembre 2023 • Duration 55:16
Who ordered the Venti Peppermint Mocha Latte topped with discouraging of union activity? Anyone? In today’s story, Chuck and John ‘spill the beans’ on a an issue that ‘brewed’ among a group of employees at Starbucks. This story goes into the ripple effects that can spread when basic communication breaks down and employees have collective issues with company practices.
Updates from the Team at HR Stories:
- Holiday parties webinar
- HR Kitchen Table - open conversations to help HR professionals
In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:
- Unemployment rates changing
- Updates that can increase budgets for employers involving exempt employee classification - Important to pay attention to!
- A guide to calling in sick (https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/a-guide-to-calling-in-sick)
- Texting dangers when handling important employment matters
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Prioritize, Performance Evaluations, and PTO
mardi 14 novembre 2023 • Duration 23:03
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- As a new HR Team of One, where do I start?
- What would you do if an employee uses PTO suddenly, then silently quits? Would you pay out the time off?
- What is HR’s role in performance evaluations?
- Do owner partners count toward your total employee count?
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
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