The Background Screening Collective

How often do you get to pick a lawyer's brain for free? Scott Paler, attorney at DeWitt LLP, made it easy. He's spent years at the intersection of background screening law and real-world compliance. We sat down with Scott to talk through what's actually keeping compliance teams up at night in 2026 — indemnification clauses that quietly shift liability, record matching done wrong, a state regulatory patchwork that never quite lines up, and an AI wave moving faster than the legal frameworks meant to contain it.Join our LinkedIn community and share this episode with someone navigating compliance this year.

What happens when you show up to work one day and access to the records you've been pulling for 15 years is just gone? That's exactly what happened to Rebecca Harris, CEO of Diligent Data. Nobody would tell her why. Every other company in the industry told her to let it go. She didn't. Rebecca spent months reading New York judicial code, working with her attorney, and finding the legal argument the courts had no way to fight back against. The result was a memo sent to every court in the state restoring access across the board. We are sitting down with her two years later to hear the whole story.Join our LinkedIn community and share this episode with someone who would like to hear it.

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective, Jaime, Izzy, Robin, and Rebecca kick off Season 2 with a look back at 2025 and a look ahead at what's to come. The group reflects on AI's growing role in the industry, the hesitance toward innovation that still holds some companies back, and shares a few personal stories from the past year. They also dig into their hopes and predictions for 2026, including the conferences on their radar, the importance of genuine networking, and why human trafficking awareness deserves more attention in the screening world. New year, new format, new faces.

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective, Meghan, Izzy, and Robin sit down with Andrew Cashman, VP of SPI Researchers, to talk all things PBSA prep. The group shares insights on how to make the most of the conference, from the power of hello to turning surface-level networking into meaningful partnerships.They also cover how to stand out, be memorable, and keep your energy up through the events (and yes, why you shouldn’t drink too much).Want to get involved? PBSA is looking for volunteers: https://www.thepbsa.org/get-involved-with-pbsa/volunteer-program/

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective, we welcome Bruce Berg, a veteran entrepreneur and key figure in shaping modern background screening who began his career before the turn of the millennium. Bruce reflects on how the events of 9/11 reshaped the industry and shares his perspective on the forces driving change today. The conversation ranges from whether consumer reporting agencies need to become true one stop shops to the likelihood of consolidation and dominance by a few major players, and explores the broader innovations, market pressures, and evolving expectations that will define the next era of background screening.

In this episode, we sit down with Perry Morgan, a seasoned consultant whose career has been deeply rooted in the screening industry. As an early adopter of emerging technologies and practices, he has witnessed the evolution of the field, navigated its challenges, embraced innovation, and played a role in shaping industry standards. Drawing from decades of experience, Perry shares stories from his journey, the lessons he learned on the front lines of change, and the insights he now provides to organizations seeking guidance in an ever-shifting landscape.Whether you’re a professional in the screening space, an industry newcomer, or simply curious about how innovation drives transformation in complex sectors, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the mindset of someone who has not only kept pace with change but helped push it forward.

In this two-part episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and World Refugee Day with two important conversations.Part 1 features Kim Kurey from ANEW Life International, who shares her journey into advocacy and human trafficking prevention. Kim offers practical guidance for Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) on recognizing red flags, supporting survivors, and responsibly handling sensitive records. We also cover available resources and why trauma-informed approaches matter.Part 2 is a short, moving conversation with Marzia, a refugee from Afghanistan. In just a few minutes, she powerfully illustrates the emotional toll of displacement, the experience of waiting in limbo, and the reality that many refugees have no real choice. Her story reminds us that behind every form or record, there is a human story.This episode is a call to listen more closely, lead with empathy, and remember that ethical screening means acknowledging the lived experiences behind the data.

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we shift gears to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing strategies in the background screening industry. Our guest, John Lawrence of Arrowleaf, brings deep expertise at the intersection of AI, branding, and optimization. We unpack how AI tools are being used to streamline content creation, personalize outreach, and help small and mid-sized firms show up like industry leaders.John shares practical, real-world examples of how screening companies can build AI into their marketing stack today. We also discuss what teams need to prioritize to stay competitive, from automation to analytics, and how to balance innovation with authenticity. Whether you are just starting to explore AI or looking to level up, this episode offers forward-thinking insights and tactical takeaways to help you grow smarter.

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we dive into the growing role of artificial intelligence in background screening operations. Joined by industry leaders who are actively testing and implementing AI tools, we unpack how automation is reshaping workflows - from data extraction and document review to error reduction and turnaround time. Our guest Wade Hudson share real-world use cases, lessons learned from early adoption, and what human oversight still matters most. We also explore the ethical considerations, compliance implications, and the skills operations teams will need to stay competitive in an AI-enhanced future. Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode offers actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we’re joined by compliance expert and PBSA board member, Melissa Foiles, who shares invaluable insights into the background screening industry. Melissa breaks down compliance from both micro and macro perspectives, explaining what “scope” really means, how smaller companies can stay ahead of regulatory changes, and much more. We also explore the differences in approach between Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and wholesalers, key federal changes coming in 2025, and how to maximize your experience at PBSA's Mid-Year Conference. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this episode is one you won't want to miss

Welcome to the very first episode of The Background Screening Collective! In this kickoff episode, we dive into our "why"—what drives us to be a part of the background check industry and why it matters now more than ever. Join Izabel Stapleton, Meghan Martinsen, and Robin Schaffer as we have a candid discussion about the high-priority issues shaping our industry and the key areas we need to align on to survive (and thrive) in 2025. Whether you're a fellow industry professional or just curious about the world of background screening, this episode sets the stage for everything to come.

Here's a sneak peek of our first episode dropping Thursday February, 20th at 2pm EST.  Join us as we dig into our “why” for working in this industry and a frank discussion of high priority issues we need to align on in order to survive 2025!