From AI acceleration to sweeping legal shifts and deeply personal journeys, 2025 was a year that changed everything. In this episode of HR Stew, hosts Regina and Holly reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past year in both business and life.

Dive into: The biggest workplace wins (and cringes) involving AI, policy shake-ups and what they mean for 2026, & A candid discussion on boundaries, burnout, and redefining productivity.

Join us for an honest and insightful wrap-up of a transformative year, with laughs, vulnerability, and a look ahead at what’s next in HR and beyond.

As the season of thanks rolls in, HR Stew is serving up a full plate of appreciation, and yes, a few awkward moments too. In this episode, Regina and Holly explore the many flavors of workplace thanks, from micro-appreciations in hybrid teams to public shout-outs and cold, hard cash.

What makes gratitude meaningful vs. what makes it fall flat? When does a bonus boost morale, and when does it feel like a bribe? And is it ever okay for a manager’s spouse to call in about a write-up? Whether you're a Chief Pickle, a PTO enthusiast, or someone who just wants to feel seen, this episode digs into the power of authentic recognition and how it shapes company culture.

Empathy is essential in the workplace, but what happens when it’s taken too far? In this episode, we unpack the dual nature of empathy in HR and leadership. From the power of emotional intelligence to the risk of burnout, favoritism, and blurred boundaries, we explore how good intentions can go sideways without the right balance. Join Holly and Regina as they share real-world stories, ask tough questions, and discuss how to lead with heart and clarity.

The school year is back in full swing, and so are the challenges that come with balancing work and parenting. In this episode, we unpack the realities of being a working parent, from drop-offs and daycare dilemmas to the emotional balancing act many caregivers face.

Whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just someone who works alongside caregivers, this episode offers insight, perspective, and some much-needed validation.

In this sun-soaked episode of HR Stew, we're diving into the not-so-relaxing side of time off. From envy-inducing PTO emails to mysterious “working remotely” situations, we explore how vacation time becomes a workplace minefield. Join us as we unpack quiet vacationing, chaotic scheduling, unlimited PTO myths, and some unforgettable out-of-office disasters.

From awkward small talk to open bar regrets, summer work events can go from team-building to HR horror story in no time. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of workplace social events—those company picnics, happy hours, and offsite parties that are meant to build culture, but sometimes lead to chaos.

Join hosts Holly & Regina, along with special guest Barbara Campbell, HR Business Partner at Vida HR, as they share funny stories, real-world advice, and answers to the questions HR professionals wish employees would ask before they hit the dance floor.

Bullying isn’t just for the playground—it happens in today’s workplaces, too. In this episode of HR Stew, we’re joined by HR Compliance Coordinator and SHRM-CP Sean Hansen to talk about how workplace bullying shows up, why it often goes unchecked, and what HR and leadership should be doing about it. From exclusion and gaslighting to flat-out verbal abuse, we break down real stories, red flags, and the gray areas that employees and managers often struggle to navigate. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of toxic behavior—or wondered where the line is between "difficult" and "dangerous"—this episode is for you.

Buckle up, HR travelers! In this nostalgic and hilarious episode of HR Stew, we fire up the time machine and take a trip through the evolution of Human Resources—from paper files to AI recruiting and remote work. Hosts Regina and Holly compare the workplace of the past to today’s modern office, tackling everything from dress codes and hiring practices to team-building retreats and wellness perks. Which was better: faxed resumes or filtered inboxes? Offsite retreats or virtual trivia? Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a few smoky flashbacks you won't believe were once totally normal.