Primal HR Podcast

Can a single workplace incident reveal bigger cracks in how organizations hire, onboard, and support their people?In this Primal HR Hot Take, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham react to a warehouse fire allegedly set by a contractor just three weeks into the job and unpack what it means for HR leaders.What we get into: • Contractor accountability and third party hiring • Gaps in onboarding and communication• Early warning signs and employee support • Why access to EAPs and resources matters more than everShort episode. Real reaction.Read the story that inspired this episode: https://www.ohioemployerlawblog.com/2026/04/when-workplace-frustration-becomes-five.htmlStay connected: Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

Is artificial intelligence shaping hiring decisions more than companies realize?In this Primal HR Hot Take, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham react to a major legal case involving Workday and what it could mean for the future of hiring.What we get into:• How AI is used in applicant tracking systems• The risks of automated resume screening• Bias and discrimination concerns• What job seekers and employers should watchShort episode. Real reaction.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

What happens when HR professionals drop the script and just have some fun?In this season one finale, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham take a step back from traditional topics and have a candid, fast-paced conversation about the real human side of work.What we get into:• Workplace pet peeves and everyday habits• Return to office perspectives• Meetings, communication, and what works• Personal stories and career reflectionsShort conversation. Real talk.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

Should you hire an in-house HR leader or bring in fractional support?In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down how each approach works and when it makes the most sense, especially for growing companies.What we get into:• The difference between fractional and in-house HR• Cost and flexibility considerations• When each model makes sense• Common mistakes when hiring HR too earlyShort conversation. Practical insight.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

HR often gets labeled the villain.\In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham unpack where that perception comes from and what HR is actually doing behind the scenes.What we get into:• Why HR has that reputation• The tough conversations HR handles• The work employees do not see• The balance between people and businessShort conversation. Honest look.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

AI can be powerful, but it comes with real risks.In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham take a closer look at where AI falls short and why HR leaders need to move thoughtfully when bringing these tools into the workplace.What we get into:• How bias and false outputs show up in AI• Why AI lacks context and nuance• The risks of overreliance• Why guardrails, policies, and training matterShort conversation. Real talk.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

AI is already showing up in HR workflows.In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore how teams are actually using AI, where it can help, and where caution matters most.What we get into:• Real-world AI use cases in HR• Writing and analysis with AI tools• Common risks and limitations• How to use AI responsiblyShort conversation. Practical takeaways.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

Loneliness is showing up in the workplace more than we talk about.In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore how isolation and mental health are impacting employees, and what leaders and HR teams can do to build real connection and support.What we get into:• Why loneliness is rising at work• The impact of remote and hybrid environments• What EAPs are and how they help• How connection and community improve performanceShort conversation. Important topic.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

Networking does not have to feel awkward or transactional.In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down how to build real connections in a way that feels natural, human, and actually effective.What we get into:• Why most outreach gets ignored• How to start real conversations• Human-first LinkedIn outreach• Common networking mistakes to avoidShort conversation. Real talk.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

The job market isn’t what it used to be. Applying online is not enough anymore.In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham break down what is really happening behind the scenes, from overwhelmed recruiters to AI-driven screening, and why networking still matters more than ever.What we get into:• Why online applications are not working• How hiring actually happens today• The role of referrals and relationships• How to stand out in a crowded marketShort conversation. Real talk.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

A major HR organization is facing a major credibility moment.In this Primal HR Hot Take, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham react to SHRM’s $11.5 million lawsuit and what it reveals about leadership, culture, and accountability inside the very organization meant to set the standard.What we get into:• The details behind the lawsuit• The gap between standards and reality• Leadership accountability and culture breakdown• What this means for HR credibility going forwardShort episode. Real reaction.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

Beyond the headlines and frustration around return-to-office mandates, what actually works?In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham shift the conversation toward practical solutions — from flexibility and commuter support to workplace policies that put people first.What we get into:• What makes RTO more sustainable• The role of flexibility in workplace policy• How companies can better support employees• Real-world ideas that actually improve the experienceShort conversation. Practical takeaways.Stay connected:Website: https://primalhrpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore why return-to-office mandates are failing, how they impact employee experience, and what HR leaders need to consider when shaping RTO policies that actually work.Duration: 00:16:24Stay ConnectedWebsite: primalhrpodcast.comLinkedIn: @primalhrpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Here's the updated version:Welcome to the Primal HR pilot! Hosts Terry Smith (HR leader) and Leslie Lulham (People First strategist) introduce the show's mission: honest conversations about HR, leadership, and workplace culture—without the corporate mask.In this episode, you'll hear what "Primal HR" means, why HR often gets a bad reputation, and who this podcast is for: HR professionals, managers, and anyone navigating workplace challenges. Terry and Leslie explain their approach to pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes when work gets complicated.Topics covered: • What "Primal HR" means and why it matters • Why HR is often misunderstood • The emotional reality of HR work • What listeners can expect: 15-20 minute episodes on real workplace issues • Coming next: Return to Office (RTO) mandatesConnect with us: Website: primalhrpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Instagram & Facebook: @PrimalHRPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcastReal people. Real talk. Real HR.