HR After Dark Podcast

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)

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 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with the HR friend who needs a reset.

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.