The Rational Workforce

Let's face it - some people are just addicted to getting offended by everything, whether it impacts them or not. BUT... I think they're increasingly in the minority. Everywhere you look - politics, entertainment, pop culture - there are signs that Outrage, Inc. may be on the way out. This episode takes a look at some of the early indicators that, despite the odds, joy, hope, and levelheadedness just might be staging a comeback. Smart workplaces (and the HR pros who support them) will see the tide turning and react accordingly. Those who don't... well... from Bud Light to Target, we've seen how misreading cultural cues can hurt a business. No one is talking about abandoning principles, but a more rational approach just might win the day. 00:01 - Intro 02:24 - Jennifer Sey and the consequences of speaking up @ work 03:51 - Joy is staging a comeback 04:21 - Signs of rationality in politics 06:57 - Sports figures aren't taking the outrage bait 09:26 - Entertainment is trending away from the woke 13:34 - Using -ists and -isms as sword and shield 14:43 - A fork in the road: outrage fatigue @ work 21:06 - Closing

Let's face it - some people are just addicted to getting offended by everything, whether it impacts them or not. BUT... I think they're increasingly in the minority. Everywhere you look - politics, entertainment, pop culture - there are signs that Outrage, Inc. may be on the way out. This episode takes a look at some of the early indicators that, despite the odds, joy, hope, and levelheadedness just might be staging a comeback. Smart workplaces (and the HR pros who support them) will see the tide turning and react accordingly. Those who don't... well... from Bud Light to Target, we've seen how misreading cultural cues can hurt a business. No one is talking about abandoning principles, but a more rational approach just might win the day.

Tired of AI ghosting your job applications and being treated like garbage during your job search? In 2026, workers are fighting back! Some major class-action lawsuits against HR tech vendors, exposing hidden biases and secret scoring that reject qualified candidates (especially over 40) without a fair shot. Discover how these cases could level the playing field, why employers are scrambling, and real options like going independent to reclaim your career power. 00:01 - Introduction 01:51 - Corporate America & The Courts 02:35 - Workday Class Action Suit 04:01 - Worktech AI Systems 101 04:41 - Workday Class Action Suit (Continued) 05:58 - Eightfold.ai Class Action Suit 08:16 - What This Means for Job Seekers 08:59 - The Employer/Tech Provider Blame Game 10:00 - What This Means for HR & Employers 11:36 - How AI (and HR) Stacks the Decks Against Workers 15:02 - How YOU Can Fight Back 18:18 - Wrapping Up

2025 is now in the rear-view mirror, and not a moment too soon. It has been a rough year for the workforce, but I think 2026 will mark a turning point. There are plenty of changes still looming on the horizon, but employers and HR may have overplayed their hand on multiple fronts. This is the year when I think workers have an amazing opportunity to step up, speak up, and show up in a way that will put them back into the drivers' seat. 0:01 - Intro 1:43 - Prediction 1: AI Hangover 5:45 - Prediction 2: Outrage Fatigue 13:33 - Prediction 3: HR's Year of Reckoning 20:01 - Prediction 4: Humanity + Authenticity WIns 24:29 - Prediction 5: The Rise of the "Disruption Natives" 29:29 - Outro

What happens when you mix EPCOT, a college grad, a Gen X dad, and a whole lot of unsolicited opinions about work, life, and figuring things out? You get this video. We took a father-daughter day trip to EPCOT (because where else do you have deep conversations about burnout, ambition, and impostor syndrome?), and decided to flip the script on our usual content. This one’s a little different from the usual Rational Workforce videos. Less “expert analysis,” more “real talk on a park bench.” ➡️ She’s 22. Newly employed. Optimistic. Sharp. Slightly skeptical. ➡️ I’m… not 22. Slightly more jaded. Still hopeful. Definitely opinionated. We wandered through World Showcase and asked each other one question per country — no scripts, no rehearsals, just two generations trying to understand each other (and the world of work) a little better. If you’ve ever had a tough conversation with your kid (or your parent) about what work really means — or if you’ve ever wished someone had those conversations with you — this one’s for you. Leave a comment with your favorite question, a hot take, or something you wish your boss/mentor/parent/kid would understand.

Why are brands torching their identities in the name of progress? In this episode of The Rational Workforce, we unpack the Sydney Sweeney/AEO campaign, Cracker Barrel’s botched rebrand, and the rise of outrage marketing. Who benefits? Who pays? And what does it say about the state of DEI, branding, and the workforce caught in the middle?

We all feel it: The sting of being overlooked. The rush to defend ourselves. The quiet resentment after a meeting or message that just didn’t sit right. But here’s the hard truth: Not every reaction points to injustice. Sometimes it’s not them... it’s your ego. Today's episode presents a practical framework to help you decode what you’re feeling at work and why. It’s not therapy and it’s not fluff. It’s discernment for leaders, job seekers, and anyone who’s ever left a meeting replaying every word. If you want to lead with clarity, grow with humility, or just stop sabotaging your own progress, start here. 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - The Ego & Your Mojo: A Personal Story 2:20 - Fighting FOMO: The Power of Stepping Away 4:15 - My Background & My Journey as a Tech Exec 5:00 - Tips for Navigating Stages of Your Carer 7:15 - Tips for Job Seekers 9:16 - Parting Advice

In a legal settlement that feels like it has been a long time coming, actress Gina Carano and Disney seem to have settled their differences. In today's episode, we give you a quick recap of the news and the events that got us here, and discuss how this could have broader implications for workers everywhere.

How did layoffs become the new executive flex? In this episode of The Rational Workforce, we unpack a disturbing new trend: corporate leaders turning mass layoffs into bragging rights. What used to be a last resort is now a flex... and workers are paying the price. From the Wall Street Journal’s coverage of C-suite callousness to a look back at some amazing examples of REAL leadership, this is a brutally honest exploration of what happens when corporate loyalty becomes a one-way street. We’ll break down: - Why some CEOs treat layoffs like trophies - The staggering cost of employee disengagement - What today’s workforce actually wants from employers - How independents and small businesses can seize this moment If you’re tired of the corporate doublespeak, tired of leadership without humanity, and ready to build or support something better, this one’s for you. 🔗 WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/layoff-business-strategy-reduce-staff-11796d66?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1 🔗 Marc's day job: https://kickmotor.com/ 🔗 Merch for the weary worker: https://therationalworkforce-shop.fourthwall.com/

Stephen Colbert isn’t losing his show because of politics. He’s losing it because declining viewership and $40M in losses don’t lie. (But sure, let’s blame Trump.) In this episode, we torch elite bubble logic, examine who actually pays the price when shows fail, and remind the overpaid and underperforming: welcome to the real world. Viewer discretion advised (especially if your safe space has WiFi).

The Coldplay Kiss Cam moment has been clipped, memed, stitched, dunked-on, and dissected to death, so I’m not here to recap it. I am here to ask a more uncomfortable question: Why did it go this viral, this fast, and with this much venom? Here’s the hard truth: Most workers don’t exactly see the C-suite as sympathetic figures, so when a CEO and CHRO get caught (literally) in an ethics breach, it doesn’t just go viral… it turns into bloodsport. But there’s a second layer no one wants to talk about: HR has spent the past decade marketing itself as the ethical backbone of the workplace. The culture police. The guardians of values. So when HR is caught out - when they cross lines they punish others for - it feels especially gross. And yes, even other HR folks are piling on… ignoring the hypocrisy of that move. This isn’t just workplace gossip. It’s a mirror. Let’s take a hard look at what it reflects back.

1300 State Department layoffs = media meltdown. 9,000 Microsoft + 10,000 Intel cuts = crickets. Why does the media weep for bureaucrats while ignoring tens of thousands of private sector workers getting the axe? Why are layoffs only tragic when it fits a narrative? In this episode of The Rational Workforce, we break down: - The media’s double standard on layoffs - The shady history of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center - Why millions of Americans aren’t buying the outrage - And why this "welcome to the real world" moment was long overdue No spin. No gaslighting. Just hard numbers and honest talk. If you’re tired of the corporate-political echo chamber, you’re in the right place.

Intel’s cutting 10,000 jobs. Microsoft just axed 9,000 more. The Wall Street Journal says work-life balance is “overrated,” and companies everywhere are hiring for burnout hours like it’s 2019. In this episode of The Rational Workforce, I break down why your boss is suddenly allergic to “mental health days,” how the job market turned into a ghost town, and why it pays (literally) to stay sharp — even if it means grinding harder than you want. We’ll cover the brutal truth of at-will employment, the scams hiding inside unlimited PTO, and how to build a career (and life) that doesn’t revolve around your boss’s bottom line. If you’re hunting for a job, worried about getting laid off, or just feeling stuck in the grind, this one’s for you.

Celebrities get PR teams. Regular workers get pink slips. In this episode of The Rational Workforce, we explore why the same off-the-clock behavior leads to drastically different outcomes depending on who you are — and who’s watching. We unpack the real-life stories of: • A tech exec allegedly caught keying a Tesla • A state worker who damaged six cars and kept his job • Hollywood stars who posted controversial content — and either got fired, protected, or quietly coached It’s not just about the posts. It’s about politics, identity, public pressure, and the brand math behind every HR decision. If you’ve ever wondered whether workplace fairness is real or just a vibe, this episode’s for you. For more insights into the (often) confusing world of work, hit my playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsFzRBE4sP62aonQ8AlFhymgGHC3lty8B&si=khPxE-nVtjlig2L9

They laid you off. Now they want you back. Today we’re diving into the Wall Street Journal’s latest gem: “The Company That Laid You Off Wants You Back. What Do You Say?” Short answer? “It depends.” Long answer? Hit play. We’re breaking down the financial, emotional, and ethical dynamics of returning to a company that just kicked you to the curb. From power imbalances to pension pipe dreams, we’ll talk about: - When going back makes sense (yes, it sometimes does) - Why most people shouldn’t - How to keep your dignity if you do - And what this trend says about corporate culture today PLUS: A bonus section on going solo & why consulting might be your ticket out of this whole mess. Let me know: Have you ever gone back to a company that laid you off? Would you? Why or why not? Let’s talk in the comments. Subscribe for more real talk about the working world, with just enough sarcasm to keep us sane.

For years, we told young people: work hard, stay out of trouble, pick a practical major... and the jobs will follow. But the world of work changed, and nobody updated the manual. In this video, we dig into why the deck feels stacked against Gen Z, how AI is reshaping the entry-level job market before new grads even get a chance to compete, and why this isn’t just “kids today” being lazy or entitled. It’s the system itself that's been quietly rewritten. We’ll break down: - Why entry-level jobs are disappearing - How AI is already taking over human tasks (and internships) - What older generations miss about today’s career realities - What needs to change if we want work to be worth it again If you’ve ever wondered why the younger workforce feels disengaged - or you’re entering the workforce yourself and wondering if you’re crazy for noticing the red flags - you’re not alone. This isn’t about giving up. It’s about waking up. Subscribe for more brutally honest takes on work, culture, and the future of the workforce. Like, share, and hit the bell to keep the conversation going.

Meet the employee every company regrets: the narcissist who puts their career on the line and drags the brand right down with it. This time, it’s Rachel Zegler and Disney’s Snow White mess. A $400M disaster in the making, leaving workers, theaters, and toy shelves screwed. Click to see how one rogue voice can ruin it for everyone.

Your Desk, Their Dogma It started with the elections. It kicked-up a notch during the inauguration. But the Trump/Zelenskyy meeting finally broke them. An ASTOUNDING number of HR pros, executives, and managers openly voiced their disdain for Trump and his supporters... so how are conservatives supposed to get a fair shake at those companies if they don't pass the political purity test? In an environment where we've been told for decades that it's critical to remove bias from the workplace, it sure does seem like some forms of bias are actually encouraged.

Mass federal layoffs. Media outrage. Musk’s five-bullet accountability demand. Is this long-overdue efficiency—or something more? In this episode of The Rational Workforce, we break down the real impact of these cuts, the private sector reality no one’s talking about, and why America’s $36 TRILLION debt means the pain isn’t over. 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Federal terminations recap 03:16 - Media response 04:50 - Private sector layoffs 09:40 - The "Five Bullets" controversy 12:32 - How we got here: poor leadership and the deficit 17:35 - Impact to the private sector going forward

Promises made. Promises kept. Whether you love it or hate it, Trump hit the Oval Office with a head full of steam and a stack of Executive Orders. Several of those EOs will impact Federal workers, and, by extension, set some precedent for the private sector as well. In today's episode, we take a look at Return to Work and DEI policies and how Trump's changes could impact you.

The recent US Presidential Election was an utterly polarizing event. Most people are either completely elated or utterly depressed, and the level of unhinged venting on LinkedIn was pretty astounding. If you lean right, you might want to watch your back at the office.

The 2024 US Presidential campaign has featured plot twists, trash talking, and more coverage than any in recent memory. The way Trump and Harris are playing the media game in the final stretch of the election is something to behold... particularly when you look at how much new media (namely podcasts) is changing the game. Something fascinating is happening within the electorate, too. The usual election year mid-slinging seems to be having little effect and once silent supporters of both candidates are finding their voice. In today's episode, we break down how all of this could impact your world of work and what business leaders need to do to prepare.

After years of being pressured to take stands on - and funnel millions of dollars into - all manner of social causes, employers appear to be stepping away from their role as activists in droves... and that's a really good thing. Employees are ready to make work all about work again, and there's a mounting pile of evidence showing that it's not just good for business, it's good for the mental well-being of workers, too. The big question: will it stick or are employers just hitting pause until after the elections?

A recent NYT article detailed that folks who work in the Human Resources sector are feeling stressed, burned out, and unappreciated. In other words, they're experiencing the same emotions that most rank-and-file workers (like us) have been dealing with for years. It's a tough gig for sure, but name one position that hasn't come under fire lately. We're all feeling the pinch. In today's episode, we take a look at some of the challenges and complaints, as well as explore how they can help to bridge the gap and make the workplace better for everyone.

Something has been wrong for a while. You could just feel it in your gut. The media and the government were telling you "all is well." They said the economy is strong and the job market is even stronger. But you knew better. You knew every time you went to the grocery store, or filled your gas tank, or clicked "send" on the 100th job application that something wasn't lining up. Then the jobs report came out and all hell broke loose. In today's episode, we take a look at some of workplace-related challenges tied to the recent market panic, how the gamesmanship of employers contributed to the problem, and what you can do about it. 00:01 - Introduction 00:35 - Recent employment news recap 01:15 - The warning signs: layoffs & job search hell 02:15 - "Ghost Jobs" and poor corporate behavior 02:47 - Employers & dehumanizing workers 03:42 - The erosion of corporate culture 05:05 - True leadership: companies that put workers first 06:46 - Myopic employers and the pundits who love them 07:35 - HR: part of the problem & part of the solution 09:23 - Looking out for yourself 10:39 - Conclusion

Twisters is yet another example of how much fun movies can be when you focus on the film and not on "the message."

In the wake of the attempt on Donald Trump's life, political and social leaders are calling on all Americans to tone down the rhetoric, end divisiveness, and get back to a place of mutual respect and understanding. That's a wonderful sentiment, but just days earlier, it was business as usual: anyone who didn't share the same opinion or world view was an enemy. We're all praying that calmer heads prevail and that we're all able to get to that state of grace, but we have to be realists - it will take time and a "show, don't tell" approach from all sides of the issue. Some things have been popping up in the workplace and in the HR sector that show signs of frustration across the board, and it's time to take a different approach to bringing some harmony back to the workplace. Today's episode takes a look at what happened in PA, how the reaction of American citizens is emblematic of a larger sense of pain and frustration, and how employers can address the issue head-on. No opening jingle. No silly videos edited into today's episode. Just a serious conversation about a very serious topic. Thanks so much for tuning in, folks. God bless.

If you're one of the thousands of frustrated job seekers who can't even get a response from employers, today's video will shed a bit of light on the problem.

Do you feel like "you're with us or against us" has become the default position at work, in public, and at home? Do you get the feeling that creating division is a feature, not a bug? If so, you're far from alone. There are a lot of forces out there keeping people divided, but there are also some individuals and organizations that are trying to turn the tide.

Whether you think Gina Carano was unfairly singled-out due to her political views or her termination was justified, the legal action she and Elon Musk have brought against Lucasfilm/Disney could have a big impact on the American worker. Today's episode unpacks the issue from an employee's perspective and how a favorable ruling for Carano could provide workers with an extra layer of protection against wrongful termination.

Shortly after Google rolled out its Gemini Artificial Intelligence image generator, it became clear that it had a glaring problem: an absolute aversion to - as Fox Business described "showing pictures and achievements of white people." An unfortunate glitch or was it built-in? If you look at the Twitter/X history of the person helming the project for Google... well... watch today's video and judge for yourself.

There's a lot of hype surrounding AI's arrival in the workplace, and HR is leading the way in championing all the wonderful ways it can revolutionize the world of work. To be fair, there's also a lot of chatter around how AI can be used fairly and ethically at work... but there's a catch or two. First, as we've seen ESG unfold over the past few years, does it really feel fair and equitable to everyone? I think we have a long way to go (and lots of things to fix) before letting an AI execute ESG-infused edicts at scale. Secondly - and most importantly - it seems that AI has some inherent biases at its core. The real power is seated with those who gatekeep what can and can't be used to train the AI. Check out today's clip for a deeper dive, but if you want to cut right to the chase with an example of AI's bias, jump to the 3:58 mark. As always, would love to hear your comments, so please leave 'em below.

For some folks, the Christmas season can be a tough time of year. Doubly so when you're out of work. I know so many people - either directly or through social media - who are really struggling this year. It breaks my heart. If you're looking for a job and getting frustrated by a lack of response or an endless array of generic "sorry, not sorry" letters from employers, I just wanted to share a Bible verse that I hope will give you a bit of hope. If you're not religious, that's 100% okay. Give it a listen with an open heart and see if it brings you some peace. I hope it does. Most of us have been on the wrong side of a layoff at one point or another, so above all else, know that you're not alone. If you're there now and want to share some thoughts - or if you have some advice to share - please leave it in the comments below. And if you're an employer looking for help, how about leaving a link to your job opening. Let's get a Christmas miracle going for someone. Keep the faith, folks. Keep the faith.

Like Bud Light and their distributors, poor decisions at one company often has a trickle-down effect that impacts others. And - true to form - it's usually not the executives paying the price. Today's episode looks at the connection between brands, merch, and storytelling.

"What I see all over the place is people who care about looking good while doing evil." That's what Elon said after the infamous f-bomb line, but the substance behind this quote is largely ignored by the media. Today's episode takes a look at a few of the companies that stopped advertising on X and sees if they're as virtuous as they appear or if they just care about looking good vs. doing good. 0:00 - Intro 3:40 - Disney 12:35 - Apple 16:28 - IBM ========= Article sources from video DISNEY: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/disney-bob-iger-pulling-ads-202712222.html?guccounter=1 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/100m-disney-settlement-signals-end-animators-anti-poaching-fight-970887/#! https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/03/marvel-disney-visual-effects-artists-speak-out https://insidethemagic.net/2022/04/disney-cast-members-underpaid-pay-gap-study-finds-ab1/ https://nypost.com/2022/01/24/disney-heiress-blasts-company-over-pay-inequality-documentary/ https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/9/9/21427978/mulan-disney-controversy-explained-uighurs-xinjiang https://variety.com/2015/film/news/star-wars-china-poster-controversy-john-boyega-1201653494/ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/opinion/little-mermaid-poster-shows-disney-wants-it-both-ways-on-diversity-and-inclusion APPLE: https://www.wired.com/2011/02/ff-joelinchina/ https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/apple-accused-of-illegally-keeping-benefits-from-union-workers https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/11/apple-discriminated-against-us-citizens-in-hiring-doj-says/ https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51413724 https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/06/15/apples-app-store-again-hit-over-lgbtq-app-censorship IBM: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-02-12/ibm-age-discrimination-millennial-dinobabies https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appeals-court-affirms-that-ibm-fired-manager-for-reporting-racial-discrimination-and-upholds-multi-million-dollar-award-301599702.html https://www.theregister.com/2022/03/28/ibm_equality_lawsuit/

@FilmThreat scooped info from anonymous sources about a decaying corporate culture. Bob Iger claims that "quantity over quality" is to blame for poor performance. In a recent filing, Disney hinted their pursuit of ESG goals could be damaging the brand. Is Disney moving from being woke to waking up? Is the House of Mouse on the path to recovery? Check out today's episode, then share your thoughts in the comments.

You've heard all this nonsense before, right? The media makes headlines like this because it drives clicks. HR teams think like this because it makes it easier to throw people into categories & deal with the category instead of dealing with individuals. Social media influencers pick up on the narrative and run with it... which creates more headlines and starts the process all over again. Today's video unpacks why this is happening, dispels some of the myths, and highlights how you can stay above the fight.

According to a new WSJ article, the term "feedback" is too distressing for today's modern workforce. Let me repeat: workers aren't experiencing anxiety about the feedback they receive. The very notion of feedback is stressing them out, so some HR and business leaders are looking for a rebrand. I wish I was kidding. Combine that with the moves some companies are taking to leverage AI as a means of proving more support to employees and the workplace is feeling more dystopian by the day. We break it all down in this episode. Thanks for tuning-in.

How can a labor union claim to support the human rights of workers while celebrating an atrocity? How can a group of college students sign an "open letter" in support of a terrorist group be surprised when employers decide they don't want to hire such people upon graduation? The simple answer is that these groups have largely been able to say anything they want without fear of reprisal. But in the wake of the terror attacks in Israel, these groups are starting to learn that their "freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequence" mantra can cut both ways.

A couple of weeks ago, every media outlet in the USA was fawning over the latest jobs report. The party line: Jobs are abundant. The economy is booming. Bidenomics rocks! Reality: - 70% of the recent job gains were in government, healthcare, and hospitality - Unemployment for college grads is actually rising - IT sector unemployment rate is 4.3% (up from 3.8%) - Competition is incredibly fierce for each white collar job opening True to form, the media is telling a story that's only half the picture. The simple fact of the matter is that, for white collar / knowledge workers, you're not really in the driver's seat anymore. (But there are things you can do to improve your chances.) We break it all down in today's video.

Is AI going to be a game-changer in the workplace? Absolutely. Is it going to completely replace workers? Highly unlikely. For the past year or so, tech analysts and industry gurus have been making wild claims about the sweeping changes AI will bring to the workplace and a click-bait addicted media has been all to happy to parrot the talking points. When you get right down to it, though, AI is still more promise than progress. Today's episode takes a look at the latest hype coming out of the year-end tech conferences, how those expectations stack up to reality, and how you can best prepare for the ways AI might impact your gig. ARTICLES REFERENCED IN TODAY'S VIDEO: WSJ - https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech-leaders-say-ai-will-change-what-it-means-to-have-a-job-2dd556fb?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1 Pew Research - https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/08/29/facts-about-american-workers/ Diginomica - https://diginomica.com/hr-technology-conference-hits-and-misses-part-one HR Executive - https://hrexecutive.com/how-4-leading-chros-are-turning-to-generative-ai-to-boost-hr-efficiency/

As brands like Target, Bud Light, and Disney are still reeling from cratering financial performance, investors, consumers, and employees are beginning to realize that being an "activist brand" can be a double-edged sword. So how about getting back to basics? How about judging companies on the quality of their goods and services or the soundness of its business model? EIG (Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Growth) investing offers a common sense alternative to the ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) scores and paper tiger activism that have become popular in the past several years... and it's gaining traction. We break it down it today's episode.

For the past couple of years, some really noteworthy brands have been lecturing you on civil rights, social rights, and human rights. Now, in the wake of true affronts to human rights, why have these brands suddenly gone dark? They were all too happy to baselessly call anyone who disagreed with their policies an "-ist" or "-phobe," but now when they have an opportunity to put their considerable brand out there in a more meaningful way... crickets. Just something I have to get off my chest.

After seeing a massive spike in investment and attention during the past few years, enthusiasm for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) programs seems to be cooling, if not outright reversing. In a year when organizations such as Target, Disney, and Bud Light are learning that vocal social statements can sometimes lead to negative financial statements, many are questioning the value of these programs. Or, at the very least, question if they're even coming close to hitting their intended goals. In today's video, we check out some recent articles, look at some primary research we've commissioned, and I'll share a few personal experiences on this (what is often considered to be a) third-rail topic. ====== 0:00 - Intro 0:38 - ESG & DEI definitions & backgrounds 1:40 - Recent articles highlighting shortfalls 2:21 - Our own research 6:48 - Personal observations 11:33 - Closing

If you're one of the small business owners who survived COVID, you're not out of the woods yet. This economy (that, by the way, doesn't feel like a booming miracle of post-pandemic recovery as the media leads you to believe) just might take you down. But don't worry... your tax dollars are going to good use supporting businesses in the Ukraine. (Among other things.) 60 Minutes had a very interesting expose on the many ways U.S. dollars - YOUR tax dollars - are being deployed in Ukraine. And if that wasn't baffling enough... the Canadian government (and Zelenskyy) just give a former Nazi pilot a standing ovation. You can't make this stuff up, folks. We break it all down today.

Well, I thought someone was finally paying attention to the thousands of rank-and-file workers in Hollywood's ecosystem. Seeing Barrymore and Maher take a stand and go back to work sans writers give me a glimmer of hope. "It's time to get back to work," Maher said. Then some people complained. Barrymore & Maher caved. And their staff was back to worrying about making ends meet. Anyone else see a pattern here? Today's episode breaks it all down.

For several weeks, Rachel Zegler has been taking heat for year+ old comments about the original source material for her upcoming film, Snow White. Her comments about this film and some older comments that have resurfaced paint her in a less-than-flattering light, and she alone is responsible for that. However, for all the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, actors are still - ultimately - just workers doing a job. So, some of the responsibility for the current dumpster fire must also fall on Disney's shoulders. In today's episode, we unpack five factors contributing to the absolute mess that the Snow White reboot has become. 2:56 Remake Fatigue 6:07 Societal Shifts 8:07 Disney Burnout 10:59 Material & Marketing 15:41 Better Guidance

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a feature headlined "And Just Like That, Sex Talk Comes to the Office." Um... no. Don't let this become a thing. I know the line between sharing and over-sharing blurs with each passing day, but some lines don't need to be crossed. This is one of 'em. Ugh. I can just hear the HR/horror stories queuing up. ================================== Here's a link to the original article: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/workplace/sex-talk-at-work-fcc8a5c8?page=2

0:00 Welcome 0:48 Businesses take care of themselves 1:42 Why "the house always wins" 3:12 Employers and "Quiet Cutting" 6:46 The lopsided Employee/Employer relationship 8:12 "Earning out" of your job 9:46 Sales pros given great new "opportunities" 11:42 The modern workplace and my decision to opt-out 13:17 Why more Americans are self-employed 14:20 The benefits of betting on yourself 17:25 Thank you and see you next time! ====== Despite the shenanigans played by brands like Bud Light and other ESG darlings, companies exist to make money. Period. Full stop. And there's nothing wrong with that. Growing companies create opportunities for workers and empower individuals to earn a living, take care of their families, and find purpose. All wonderful things. But sometimes - perhaps more often than we like - companies prioritize profits over people. No matter how much they profess to be a "people-first culture," no matter how much they claim to care about you personally, if they have to make cuts... well, that warm fuzzy stuff takes a back seat to economics. Layoffs suck. Executives making stupid decisions that impact employees sucks even more. But the lowest of the low is when companies pull a bait-and-switch with employees and act like they're doing you a favor. That's what happens when companies decide to "quiet cut" it's workforce, a dynamic that the Wall Street Journal recently highlighted. Today's video digs into this phenomenon and we talk about how you can protect yourself from it happening to you. Thanks for stopping by and helping the channel to grow. We appreciate you! P.S. - Just a quick note... I accidentally say "quiet quitting" at the 3:37 mark, but I meant "quiet cutting." Clearly I need more coffee. Sorry about that!

Hero or villain? Saint or sinner? Within the span of a week, Oliver Anthony went from virtually unknown to folk hero to political target... but that's the way the media works today, isn't it? Build 'em up. Tear 'em down. Move on to the next target. It's all bulls**t. Here's what's helped me to survive the past few years: - ignore the media - don't let them tell you how to think - if you really want to know what's going on, talk to people The comments section from one of my recent videos covering "Rich Men North of Richmond" gave me hope. In today's video, I highlight some of the 300+ comments this video received. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts. Keep 'em coming.