The HR Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

The HR Life Podcast

Tony Benjamin

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 50

The HR Life Podcast is a show about the work-life experience of those of us in Human Resources and business leadership. This long-form podcast is a conversation, casual, and not always the corporate line. Hosts and guests touch on everything from serious or even controversial topics to the absurdity of modern American business practices. Your hosts are Tony Benjamin, owner and founder of The Grange Strategic HR Consulting, and Steven J. Smith, Author of The Hiring Tree: Laws of Applicant Attraction and all-around important guy. Guests include the best minds in the HR world. Join the show weekly.

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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - management
16/05/2026
#82
🇺🇸 USA - management
15/05/2026
#67
🇺🇸 USA - management
15/04/2026
#95
🇨🇦 Canada - management
24/01/2026
#83
🇺🇸 USA - management
19/06/2025
#70
🇺🇸 USA - management
18/06/2025
#67
🇺🇸 USA - management
15/06/2025
#95
🇺🇸 USA - management
14/06/2025
#70
🇺🇸 USA - management
13/06/2025
#54
🇺🇸 USA - management
12/06/2025
#58

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

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https://thehiringtreebook.com/
77 shares
https://www.thegrangellc.com/
76 shares
https://www.megastarhr.com/
57 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelm-child/
3 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joylynn-jeppson-a87149142/
3 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisa-stahle-mba-shrm-cp-23395950/
2 shares

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+compassion+advantage+book&amp
4 shares
https://amzn.to/4pNZ5CZ
2 shares
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVSGY2R9/?bestFormat=true&amp
2 shares

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 73%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

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Ep 0.5 An Introduction - Are we recording?

Episode 1

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 01:40

A quick introduction to your hosts, Tony Benjamin and Steven Smith. The first full episode drops on June 17, 2025.

EP - 32 Dentist Elves, SHRM's Mistakes, Lawsuit Politics, and Clydesdales In the Empty Red Seat

Episode 32

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 01:21:49

In this episode the guys lay out SHRM's dirty laundry for everybody to see. They discuss the $11.5M case specifics, the rumored toxic work environment at national SHRM, and how politics play into it all. It needs to be said. They mention the HR Besties podcast and critique their takes and the attempts of some to take down SHRM and its local affiliates.

Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/
Learn more about our sponsor MegastarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/
Learn more about the books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast
This podcast supports Pucks for Autism. Learn more at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/

The podcast notes that no parakeets were harmed in the recording of this podcast, they volunteered their voices to contribute to the sunny nature of the episode.

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EP 31 The Very Cool Sexy Subject of I9's with Karisa Stahle

Episode 31

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 01:05:21

The guys talk to Karisa Stahle about I9's, 1099 Employees, and how to do audits during an incredibly difficult time. The guys check in with Karisa on the state HR, talk AI a little, and talk about how to go about an I9 audit. Where to start and how to keep everybody calm when you let them know you need to redo some paperwork.

Learn more about Karisa Stahle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisa-stahle-mba-shrm-cp-23395950/
Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/
Learn more about our sponsor, MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/
Learn more about the books referenced on the Podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast

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EP 22 Eating the Otter Pops, Setting Up The New HR Department, Big Deal Recruiting, and Why People Leave

Episode 22

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 01:42:21

In this episode Tony and Steve attack how to take over a dysfunctional HR department or start a department of one. They coin a new phrase, "Eat the Otterpops", discuss how to build recruiting on a solid foundation, and have a lot of fun along the way. Steve gives some incredible new insights into what demotivates employees with some new research from iSolved, and explains why employees refer their friends to work for the company. Nothing or nobody is out of bounds in this episode.

Link to the iSolved Research the guys discuss: https://www.isolvedhcm.com/resource-center/collateral/sapient-insights-group-survey-voice-of-the-customer-payroll-systems-2024-2025

Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/
Learn more about our Sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/
A link to the books we've referenced on the podcast: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast
The guys encourage support of The Thrive Life Project: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

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EP 21 Who Defends HR on 6 Mile with Claire Lizear?

Episode 21

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 01:17:18

Claire Lizear joins the podcast from 6 Mile to talk HR burnout, the trap that many HR professionals find themselves in, who HR should report to, how she screens applicants, and of course, horror stories. All this with Claire's fiery sense of humor and incredible insight. Tony shares a favorite harassment complaint. Claire explains what 8 Mile, 6 Mile, and 5 Mile are near Detroit and we find out that Steve is a recording star.
Viva La Kiss Cam: https://youtu.be/OW5WDT40-Ow

Claire Lizear, SHRM-SCP, is an experienced HR leader with a passion for creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed. Known for her thoughtful approach to employee relations and her ability to bring clarity to complex situations, she’s helped leaders and teams grow through change with empathy and accountability. When she’s not in HR mode, Claire gives her time to Pucks for Autism, a volunteer effort that combines her love of hockey with her commitment to community and inclusion.

Find out more about Claire at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clizear/

Nobody cried during the recording of the episode.

Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://pucksforautism.com/
A link to our incredible sponsor: https://www.megastarhr.com/
Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/
A list of the books mentioned on the podcast can be found here: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast
Steve and Tony encourage you to support The Thrive Life Project at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

EP 20 Perfectionist Rock Stars a Plenty with Alison Avila

Episode 20

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 • Duration 01:16:17

Alison Avila joins the guys to test the theory that no matter what intro Tony gives about Steve, it will turn out to be true. They also discuss perfectionism in HR Pro's, nicknamed horror stories, and why some staffing companies succeed when others don't.

Alison is the Director of Human Resources at Your Employment Solutions (YES), a Utah-based staffing agency where she has led HR strategy and growth since 2013. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Human Resources from Utah State University, she’s spent her entire professional career in the staffing industry, helping YES grow from a single office to a multi-state operation with over 60 staff and 8,000+ W2'd employees annually. A long-time SHRM volunteer and current Utah SHRM State Council Treasurer, Alison is passionate about compliance, human psychology, and the evolving intersection of law, leadership, and technology in the workplace.

You can learn more about Alison at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-avila-mshr-shrm-scp-csp-2829062b/ and https://www.youremploymentsolutions.com/about-yes/corporate-leadership/
Learn more about Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steven "Big Deal Smith" at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/

Links to books we discuss on the podcast: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast

Thank you to our sponsor MegaStarHR: https://www.megastarhr.com/
Please support The Thrive Life Project: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

This podcast was recorded without the use of slave labor and microplastics added to food.

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EP 19 Vision, Mission, and Shoulder Grogu

Episode 19

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • Duration 01:27:23

The guys talk Steve's missing Star Wars ornaments and Vision Mission Values with the Empty Red Seat. Why your vision, mission, and values form a critical component in your recruiting, onboarding, and engagement. This discussion is the central focus of Tony’s consulting services and the bleeding edge recruiting techniques that Steve presents at conferences around the country and in his book.

Why is your mission changeable? What are values and why are they valuable? AND… how does that relate to football? Baseball? Basketball?

Learn more about Tony “Two Weeks’ Notice” Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/

Learn more about Steven “Big Deal” Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/

Email the podcast at thehrlifepodcast@gmail.com Let us know how worried you are about Steve's ornaments and how the podcast has impacted you.

To help you write the perfect Vision, Mission, Values look for this book: The Culture Engine on Amazon https://shorturl.at/4UTjp ... Or reach out to the guys.

No feelings or animals were hurt in the recording of this podcast.

Support our sponsor at: megastarhr.com
We encourage you to support the Thrive Life Project at: www.thrivelifeproject.org

EP 18 The Layoff Stayed in Vegas, From the Couch to the Superbowl with Steve Jaffe

Episode 18

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 • Duration 01:15:49

The guys talk to Steve Jaffe, author of the book The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. The discussion moves from statistics of the increasing numbers of people caught in layoffs, to some of the pitfalls of using an ATS fully screen applicants. Recovering from being caught in a layoff is a journey and this episode looks at it from 100 different angles including HR’s.

Born and raised in sunny San Diego, Steve began his writing journey at San Diego State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication. After a 25-year career in advertising and marketing—including work on the iconic “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” advertising campaign—he has returned to his writing roots. Throughout his career, Steve has built a reputation for creativity, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of human experiences. These qualities shape his approach to both his work and life, infusing his writing with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to connect with others. Steve resides in Altadena, California, with his wife, two children, and a perpetually shedding dog. When he’s not writing or consulting as a marketing expert, you can find him chasing waves along the coast or carving fresh powder on the slopes—always seeking balance and adventure in his professional and personal life. Steve’s journey continues to be a testament to resilience, innovation, and the belief that sharing authentic experiences can inspire growth and lead to a deeper understanding of who we truly are.

Find Steve Jaffe’s book at: https://amzn.to/4pNZ5CZ

Learn more about Steve Jaffe at: https://thestevejaffe.com/

Learn More About Steven “Big Deal Smith” at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/

Learn More About Tony “Two Weeks’ Notice” Benjamin at:

EP 17 Free Bird, The Work Elevated Conference, and Mullets

Episode 17

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 • Duration 02:01:49

Recorded live at The Work Elevated Conference, this episode will shock you into a smile. After another brilliant introduction, the guys talk to both organizers and attendees at the conference. Rachel Child joins the podcast again and talks about working at the conference, Karisa Stahle then talks about turning over the reigns to Joylynn Jepson who also joined and promised to first release the theme of next year’s conference exclusively on the podcast. Attendee Carl McCain talks to the guys about winning a TV at last year’s conference along with what he learned about being kind to others (in addition to the thrill of talking to Steve and Tony). Sterling Barker sits in the Red Seat from Utah SHRM, talks about serving and why he does it. Then, Scott Key, the breakout networker of the conference joins and talks about his experience attending while looking for work.

Warning: This episode contains light humor and lacks a lot of boring employee handbook knowledge. Listeners should be prepared for humor, sarcasm, and a little background noise. Some listeners may experience uncontrollable smiling, laughter, and a desire to attend next year’s conference.

Learn more about Rachel Child at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelm-child/
Learn more about Joylynn Jeppson at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joylynn-jeppson-a87149142/
Learn more about Karisa Stahle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisa-stahle-shrm-cp-23395950/
Learn more about Carl McCain at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-mccain-ab309614/
Learn more about Sterling Barker at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-l-barker-mshr-phr-shrm-cp-031bb32/
Learn more about Scott Key at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-key-3297b0193/

Learn More about Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/

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EP 16 Illegal Lizards, Divine Recruiting and Melissa Musgrave

Episode 16

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 • Duration 01:32:24

Steve admits his troubled past selling lizards and the guys talk recruiting, interviewing, and the state of HR with Melissa Musgrave. Melissa shares her experience "recruiting Jesus" and some other fun stories. The guys take a few minutes and discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Melissa believes people are the capital, and growth is the return. Founder of Melissa Musgrave People Collective, where she helps leaders, professionals, and organizations unlock clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. With over 20 years in HR strategy and leadership—including as Chief People Officer for an aerospace startup and Head of Employment at Airbus Americas—she knows what it takes to scale teams, build resilient cultures, and deliver business outcomes through people. My career has spanned hiring 10,000+ professionals, leading high-growth organizations through scale-up and transformation, and guiding executives at critical leadership inflection points. She partners with leaders navigating career transitions, burnout recovery, or next-level growth, teams building trust, alignment, and performance, and organizations scaling sustainably through HR strategy and fractional leadership

Learn more about Melissa at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamusgrave/
Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/
Learn about Steven "Big Deal" Smith: at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/

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The HR Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

The HR Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other46

LinkedIn25

Amazon3

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other46

LinkedIn25

Amazon3