

HR BESTIES
HR Besties
Get ready to mix business and bullsh*t with the HR Besties - your favorite watercooler crew! Join Leigh Henderson (@hrmanifesto), Jamie Jackson (@humorous_resources and @millennial_misery), and Ashley Herd (@managermethod) for the staff meeting you actually WANT to attend. We have a full agenda to discuss every Wednesday and don’t worry, we’ll stick to your hard stop. On Fridays, you’re invited to meet up with us for Happy Hour to celebrate surviving another week of work!Visit our website at www.hrbesties.com and follow us on the socials (@hrbestiespod) for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes fun!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2025 • 35min
HR Besties: The Secret Life of the Overemployed
The hosts explore the wild world of over-employment, starting with a jaw-dropping story of a brothel operated from a company warehouse. They tackle cringe-worthy corporate terms like 'moonlighting' and discuss the financial pressures prompting job stacking in today's gig economy. A viral case of an engineer juggling multiple tech roles sparks a conversation about burnout risks and employer surveillance. The discussion emphasizes transparency in side hustles, while encouraging managers to support their employees' ambitions—all sprinkled with humor and relatable tales.

Nov 12, 2025 • 36min
HR Besties: When Layoffs are the new normal: shifting trends and culture
The discussion dives into the rising trend of layoffs and their emotional impact on employees. Hosts highlight the importance of respectful approaches, especially in remote settings. They explore how AI is reshaping job landscapes, creating both challenges and opportunities. The panel debates whether companies have a moral obligation to retain talent amidst automation. Alternatives to layoffs from past economic downturns offer strategic insights, emphasizing a thoughtful approach to workforce management. Personal stories and practical advice round out the conversation.

8 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 41min
HR Besties Happy Hour: Troubling Updates on SHRM
Hosts dive into the SHRM lawsuit, revealing allegations of race discrimination and wrongful termination. They discuss the implications of Section 1981 and explore contentious discovery disputes, including the shock of producing exit interview recordings. The conversation highlights common workplace failings brought to light by legal actions and the importance of following HR best practices. With a surprising connection to social justice protests, they emphasize the need for accountability in HR practices. It's a juicy and enlightening analysis for all HR professionals!

Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
HR Besties: Questies for the Besties
Today’s agenda:
Swish swish
Cringe corporate speak: fireside chat
Hot topic: answering questies sent by our fellow Besties
Receiving feedback: is it all worth listening to?
Keeping your social media activity on the DL
How to deal with the negative feedback
So your work bestie got promoted... what now?
What are some mistakes that we've made and how did we recover?
Questions/Comments
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 2025 • 32min
HR Besties: Culture of fear
Today’s agenda:
Word cloud
Cringe corporate speak: don't throw the baby out with the bathwater
Hot topic: all things fear-based work culture and actions you can take
What are some signs that an organization has a culture of fear?
Lack of psychological safety and fear of speaking up
It doesn't have to be outright hostile to be toxic
Reaping the benefits of employees who enjoy their work environment
Questions/Comments
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2025 • 34min
HR Besties: When your Work Bestie is the only thing keeping you employed
Today’s agenda:
Spilling more SHRM tea
Cringe corporate speak: push the envelope
Hot topic: all things work besties and celebrating National Work Besties Day!
Why we love our workplace partners in crime
How to find and support your work bestie
Showing appreciation for our office besties can go a long way
Emotional Support People
FYI, October 18 is our HR Besties Podcast anniversary!
Questions/Comments
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2025 • 32min
HR Besties Happy Hour: What's Going on in SHRM's World?
Thanks for joining us for a mid-week Happy Hour, Besties! Whew, did we ever need it...
In this Happy Hour:
Dishing the latest on SHRM
But don't forget your (almost) free canvas tote bag!
If not SHRM, then who?
Sharing a heart-wrenching story from a listener Bestie
The F word (flexibility)
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday and Friday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 1, 2025 • 31min
HR Besties: AI Anxiety
Today’s agenda:
Hey big boy
Cringe corporate speak: I know just enough to be dangerous
Hot topic: all about AI anxiety: what does AI in the workforce mean for your job, your company and your future
What is driving the anxiety around AI in the workplace?
How to manage AI stress at work
Normalizing conversations and open discussions about AI within an organization is important to help manage AI fear and hesitancy
Treating AI as an enforcement, not a replacement
Cautiously embracing AI as a tool instead of fearing it
Questions/Comments
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 29min
HR Besties: Remote Doesn't Mean Flexible Anymore
The hosts tackle remote work's transformation from flexibility to surveillance, questioning if the culture truly supports it. They share cringe-worthy corporate jargon, like 'getting granular,' while recounting their chaotic early remote experiences during COVID. Discussions highlight Gen Z's desire for hybrid work for better social interaction. They stress the significance of trust between leaders and employees, the need for boundaries, and the belief that remote work alone can't solve burnout or cultural issues.

16 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
HR Besties: Opting out of Leadership
Explore the rising trend of employees opting out of leadership roles in pursuit of better work-life balance. Discover the humorous takes on cringe-worthy corporate jargon and personal connections within the workplace. Learn about the challenges faced by middle managers navigating between team support and corporate demands. The discussion highlights how evolving workplace cultures prompt a re-evaluation of traditional leadership aspirations, focusing more on personal fulfillment and the desire for supportive environments.


