
Punk Rock HR
Welcome to the Punk Rock HR Podcast, hosted by the influential and unconventional Laurie Ruettimann. This podcast breaks away from the traditional constraints of the HR world to bring you candid and compelling conversations with some of the most disruptive and innovative minds in the business. Each episode, Laurie dives deep into critical topics surrounding the real world of work, exploring the modern workplace's nuances, and challenging the status quo of HR.Guests range from renowned thought leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs to HR professionals and individuals who have reshaped the way we approach work and organizational culture. Punk Rock HR is not your usual HR talk. It’s a blend of insight, wit, and irreverence, aiming to bring a fresh, unfiltered perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce.Whether you’re an HR professional looking to revamp your approach, a leader trying to understand the people side of the business better, or just someone interested in the dynamics of the modern workplace, this podcast is your ticket to engaging discussions and actionable insights. Expect energizing conversations, guests with big ideas, and a punk rock twist, with episodes released every Monday.Follow the Punk Rock HR Podcast to keep your finger on the pulse of work, leadership, and human resources. Your journey towards a more progressive and enlightened workspace starts here!
Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2022 • 25min
#194: What the Heck is with SHRM? with Joey Price and Lars Schmidt
In this episode, we discuss that tweet, the future of work and human resources, and where an association like SHRM fits into the evolving HR space. This conversation is between three friends who are passionate about human resources and the esteemed institution SHRM. That said, we get real about the reverence and disappointment that we hold for them.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:https://laurieruettimann.com/what-is-with-shrm-joey-price-lars-schmidt

Feb 14, 2022 • 26min
#193: Recruiter Mercedes Johnson Tells Her Side of the Story
I'm joined by recruiter Mercedes Johnson in today's episode, who recently went viral on Twitter for a post about salary negotiation. Mercedes and I discuss the post, her intent and what she actually said, how she's been treated since and what she wants everyone to know. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:https://laurieruettimann.com/recruiter-mercedes-johnson-story

Feb 7, 2022 • 24min
#192: Making an Impact with Angela R. Howard
My guest in today’s episode is cultural anthropologist, organizational psychologist, consultant, author, and podcaster Angela R. Howard. Tune in as we discuss what making an impact means to her, how traditional paradigms affect impact, and how her work is driving significant change.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:https://laurieruettimann.com/making-an-impact-angela-r-howard

Feb 2, 2022 • 24min
Bonus: Introducing SPOTLYFE with Josh Schwede and Scott Fowle
I’m pleased to announce that my guests today are Josh Schwede and Scott Fowle. They have started a company called SPOTLYFE, which is software that puts people first in organizations. It is a neat tool that gives workflow and rigor around what you need to accomplish during the workday and ensures that it aligns with your values while giving you a unique framework to communicate with your manager.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:https://laurieruettimann.com/introducing-spotlyfe-josh-schwede-scott-fowle/

Jan 31, 2022 • 22min
#191: Take Control of Your Mental Wellbeing with Dr. Nick Taylor
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is Dr. Nick Taylor, founder, and CEO of Unmind. Today’s conversation talks about how to empower your employees with evidence-based digital tools that manage and improve their mental wellbeing, the role of leadership and what wellbeing is, and whether or not there is an optimal way to operate in the world.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/take-control-of-your-mental-wellbeing-with-dr-nick-taylor

Jan 24, 2022 • 30min
#190: Ethical AI and the Future of Work with Ted Nielsen
My guest in today’s episode is Ted Nielsen, vice president of product management at UKG. Tune in as we converse about all kinds of things, from classic languages and individual motivations to ethical AI and the future of work.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/ethical-ai-the-future-of-work-with-ted-nielsen

Jan 17, 2022 • 27min
#189: The Reverse Mullet with Bret Starr
In this episode, Bret Starr, founder and CEO of The Starr Conspiracy, talks about the distinction between HR and work, the future of human resources, and how adopting the “reverse mullet” concept can increase your employee’s overall happiness.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

Jan 10, 2022 • 26min
#188: Fix Work at a Higher Level with Kristy McCann Flynn
In this week's episode of Punk Rock HR, Kristy McCann Flynn shares her career journey, the exact moment she decided enough is enough in HR and why she felt compelled to go on an entrepreneurial journey to fix work at a higher level.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

Jan 3, 2022 • 27min
#187: Creating a New Model For Your Life with Minda Harts
In this week’s episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m joined by best-selling author and repeat guest, Minda Harts. We are discussing her struggles within a broken work system, her efforts to fight against that and how she’s giving a voice to those who haven’t been heard in the past.Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

Dec 23, 2021 • 8min
#186: How To Flourish in Your Career During Middle Age
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m focusing on middle age and your career. Most importantly, anyone who is middle-aged can be a career-focused individual and stay on the good side of management while maintaining their dignity and fueling their soul.