Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star

About Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star

Step into the spotlight with Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star! This podcast takes you behind the scenes of HR innovation, leadership, and talent strategy. Hosted by Jay Arnold, SPHR, a former musician turned HR leader, who spent years chasing the dream of being an actual rock star before finding his rhythm in HR. Tune in for expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies to help you shake up the status quo, amplify your impact, and transform the workplace. So, grab your pass, turn up the volume, and let’s rock the future of work together! Let’s make some noise!

Publisher

WRKdefined Podcast Network

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Apr 2025

Latest episode

30 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2025

   From the Stage to the Still: Greg Sobol on Music, Tequila, and Building a Brand

   Greg Sobol discusses his transition from musician to tequila entrepreneur, Tekiah Tequila, exploring the challenges, inspiration, and the role of community in building his brand in this interview.

2. 

   28 Jun 2025

   Future-Proofing HR, a conversation with James Reid

   Employment attorney James Reid explores the evolving employment law landscape and proactive HR strategies in a conversation with the host about adapting to new regulations and building employer-employee trust in this interview.

3. 

   26 Jun 2025

   The $27 Millionaire: Resilience, Community, and Creating Opportunity with Mario Kelly

   Entrepreneur Mario Kelly recounts his journey from homelessness to millionaire, highlighting resilience, community support, and creating opportunities through staffing, AI, and education in this interview.

4. 

   26 Jun 2025

   From Corporate to Consultant: Navigating Global HR with Anna Potter

   Anna Potter explores global mobility challenges and transitioning to consulting, sharing insights on networking and effective communication in international relocations in an interview.

5. 

   25 Jun 2025

   People, Performance & Perspective: A Conversation with Marvin Figaro

   Marvin Figaro shares his talent acquisition background and stresses equity in the workplace, focusing on modern practices and the evolving role of HR in this interview.

6. 

   25 Jun 2025

   Culture, Connection, and Career: A Conversation with Seth McColley

   Seth McColley discusses his HR career with host Jay, covering leadership, employee engagement, and the impact of AI, in this interview.

7. 

   25 Jun 2025

   Beyond Perks: The Strategic Role of a Benefits Broker with Laura Van Houtte

   Host Jay Arnold interviews Laura Van Houtte about the strategic role of benefits brokers, healthcare legislation, and mental health support to highlight HR's role in employee support.

8. 

   24 Jun 2025

   AI in Hiring: Game-Changer or Hiring Hazard? With Steven Rothberg

   Steven Rothberg, founder of College Recruiter, examines the evolution of recruitment and the potential risks and rewards of artificial intelligence in hiring processes, emphasizing the critical need for human oversight in this interview.

9. 

   22 Jun 2025

   Tim Sackett Unplugged: The Leadership Playbook for Great Talent

   Talent Acquisition expert Tim Sackett shares his recruiting journey, discusses AI's impact, and stresses personal touches for candidate experience, offering career growth advice in this interview.

10. 

    18 Jun 2025

    Immigration compliance is cool now with Roman Zelichenko

    Roman Zelichenko discusses the transformation of global mobility through innovation and building Laborless, a visa compliance platform, in this interview episode.

11. 

    16 Jun 2025

    The Voice of the Brand: Why Story Still Wins featuring Frank Buscemi

    Frank Buscemi discusses his transition from musician to marketing leader and the importance of storytelling, community, and trust in business with host Jay Kuhnie in this interview.

12. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Unpacking Employee Relocation: Turning Mobility into a Strategic Advantage with Chris Kline

    Relocation expert Chris Kline explores the complexities of employee relocation, stressing transparency and support, while offering HR leaders advice on vendor selection in this interview.

13. 

    20 May 2025

    HR Elevated: Insights from Brad Voorhees

    Summary: In this episode of Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star, I sit down with Brad Voorhees, Owner & Advisor at ScaleTX, a firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses scale effectively through strategic HR counsel. With a deep understanding of what it takes to build sustainable people practices, Brad brings a grounded and insightful perspective to the ever-evolving role of HR in business growth. Brad also serves as President of Detroit SHRM, where he's a visible and influential leader in the Metro Detroit HR community. From building practical HR strategies to leading with purpose, Brad shares real-world wisdom, common pitfalls for growing businesses, and the future of human resources in a scaling environment. Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or just passionate about organizational development, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Connect with Brad here: LinkedIn ScaleTx Detroit SHRM Keywords HR, human resources, Scale TX, Detroit SHRM, consulting, small business, networking, career development, employee engagement, industry trends Music Credit: Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Everything · Blind Shame All N Compass ℗ 2004 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: https://backstagepassthehrrockstar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/backstagepassthehrrockstar https://www.facebook.com/BackstagePassHRRockStar https://www.youtube.com/@UCL2DfgoYO_Yb6ryV9bkX9Iw 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

14. 

    6 May 2025

    The 12 Elements of Trust: A New Blueprint for Leadership with Emil Everett

    Summary: In this conversation, Jay Arnold speaks with Emil Everett, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of 'Leading with Trust.' They explore the importance of trust in leadership, the 12 elements contributing to building trust, and how organizations can navigate challenges in the post-COVID job market. Emil shares real-world examples of trust transforming teams and offers insights on rebuilding trust after it has been broken. The discussion emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence and setting people up for success in leadership roles. Connect with Emil Here: https://www.thinknewamsterdam.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileverett/ Pick up the book on Amazon! https://tinyurl.com/yuzycxuw Keywords: Leadership, trust, HR, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, trust-building, management skills, professional development, trust in the workplace, leadership training Music Credit: Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Everything · Blind Shame All N Compass ℗ 2004 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: https://backstagepassthehrrockstar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/backstagepassthehrrockstar https://www.facebook.com/BackstagePassHRRockStar https://www.youtube.com/@UCL2DfgoYO_Yb6ryV9bkX9Iw 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

15. 

    22 Apr 2025

    HR, Lawsuits & Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Backstage Pass with Jon Hyman

    In this episode, we dive into the critical role of employment law in today’s workplace, especially for small to mid-sized businesses without in-house legal teams. We unpack common pitfalls around wage and hour laws, the rising challenges of remote work and AI, and why proactive legal advice is a must. Plus, we explore how memorable legal cases can teach invaluable lessons and highlight resources like the Ohio Employer Law Blog for HR professionals. Tune in for practical insights on staying compliant and creating a balanced, risk-aware workplace. Jon Hyman - Employment/Labor Lawyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhyman/ https://www.wickenslaw.com/ Ohio Employer Blog https://www.ohioemployerlawblog.com/ Keywords: Employment Law, HR compliance, wage and hour laws, remote work, AI in HR, legal mistakes, Ohio Employer Law Blog, HR advice, legal cases, workplace culture Music Credit: Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Everything · Blind Shame All N Compass ℗ 2004 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: https://backstagepassthehrrockstar.com/ 📸 Instagram: @backstagepassthehrrockstar 📘 Facebook: Join the Community 🎥 YouTube: Subscribe for More 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

16. 

    15 Apr 2025

    Military Discipline Meets HR & Project Management: Strategies for Success with Misty Moreno

    In this conversation, Jay and Misty discuss the transition from military to civilian life, focusing on the challenges veterans face in the job market, particularly in project management and HR. Misty shares her journey, leadership lessons learned from the military, and insights into current trends in HR and talent development. They emphasize the importance of transferable skills, the need for empathy in leadership, and the evolving work landscape, including the rise of 1099 employees. Misty also provides practical advice for veterans looking to enter project management and highlights the significance of understanding one's fears and navigating them effectively. Connect with Misty Moreno on LinkedIn or Vets2pm Recommended Book & Leadership Methods - Cy Wakeman https://realitybasedleadership.com/ Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, and Turn Excuses into Results Keywords: veterans, project management, HR, career transition, leadership, talent development, military experience, civilian workforce, transferable skills, job market Music Credit: Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Everything · Blind Shame All N Compass ℗ 2004 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: www.thehrrockstar.com 📸 Instagram: @backstagepassthehrrockstar 📘 Facebook: Join the Community 🎥 YouTube: Subscribe for More 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

17. 

    15 Apr 2025

    Embracing New Talent and Technology in Today's Workforce with Dr. Lee Meadows

    In this episode of Backstage Pass with the HR Rock Star, host Jay Arnold, SPHR has an in-depth conversation with HR Leader Dr. Lee Meadows. Dr. Meadows shares his journey in the HR field, discussing the evolution of HR practices, the challenges leaders face today, and the importance of understanding generational differences in the workplace. He emphasizes the need for HR professionals to adapt to the changing landscape of work, including the rise of remote and hybrid models and the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Dr. Meadows also provides valuable career advice for aspiring HR professionals, encouraging them to recognize their knowledge and assert their role within organizations. Keywords: HR, leadership, career development, generational differences, remote work, DEI, talent management, organizational culture, career mobility, workplace trends Connect with Dr. Lee Meadows on LinkedIn Check out his book here or on Amazon Music Credit: Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Everything · Blind Shame All N Compass ℗ 2004 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: www.thehrrockstar.com 📸 Instagram: @backstagepassthehrrockstar 📘 Facebook: Join the Community 🎥 YouTube: Subscribe for More 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

18. 

    15 Apr 2025

    HR Immigration 101: Empowering Businesses with Global Talent & Future Reform with Immigration attorney Colleen Molner

    In this episode of Backstage Pass with the HR Rock Star, host Jay Arnold and Immigration attorney Colleen Molner delve into the complexities of HR immigration. They discuss various employment-based visas, including the H-1B, H-2B, TN, L1, E2, and E3 visas, and explore the implications of immigration policies on businesses and workforce culture. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding visa types, compliance, and the challenges faced by employers in navigating immigration law. From the complexities of U.S. immigration law, discussing various visa categories, employment authorization documents, and the green card sponsorship process. They explore the national interest waiver, the differences between consular processing and USCIS filing, and the importance of preparing for immigration audits. The conversation also touched on potential reforms in immigration law and the unique visa requirements for artists and athletes. In this engaging conversation, they discuss personal milestones, including graduations and concerts, while exploring the impact of music on their lives. They delve into travel aspirations, particularly Colleen's love for Italy and Germany, and the importance of cultural connections. The discussion shifts to innovative solutions for immigration, particularly addressing the nursing shortage and the potential for reality TV to highlight immigration stories. Keywords: HR immigration, employment-based visas, H-1B, TN visa, immigration law, business immigration, visa process, compliance, immigration attorney, global workforce, visa categories, EAD, green card, national interest waiver, consular processing, immigration audits, immigration reform, artist visas, employment-based immigration, immigration, travel, music, personal stories, healthcare, visa, cultural connections, family, concert experiences, reality TV Visa Waiver Program https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html Japanese Metal Legends LOUDNESS Turned Away at US Border Italian Band Denied Entry to the U.S., Jailed, and Then Deported Official Band Statement Three More SXSW-Bound Bands Denied Entry Into The U.S. Employment Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: www.thehrrockstar.com 📸 Instagram: @backstagepassthehrrockstar 📘 Facebook: Join the Community 🎥 YouTube: Subscribe for More 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

19. 

    15 Apr 2025

    Trailer: Welcome to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast!

    Welcome to the debut episode of Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! In this short intro, host Jay Arnold, SPHR gives you a sneak peek at what to expect from the show—expert insights, leadership strategies, and the latest trends in HR, talent, and workplace culture. Whether you're an HR pro, a business leader, or just passionate about shaping the future of work, this podcast is your all-access pass to game-changing conversations with industry rock stars. Hit subscribe and get ready to amplify your impact! www.thehrrockstar.com 🎸 Thanks for tuning in to Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast! 🎸 Stay connected and join the conversation: 🌐 Website: www.thehrrockstar.com 📸 Instagram: @backstagepassthehrrockstar 📘 Facebook: Join the Community 🎥 YouTube: Subscribe for More 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow HR rock stars! 🎶🔥

Who has been a guest on Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Greg Sobol
• James Reid
• Mario Kelly
• Anna Potter
• Marvin Figaro

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

70,849

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32