Everyone has a bad boss story — and we’re here to talk about them. Hosted by HR consultant Sheri Bender and co-host Kate Bray, Bad Boss Files digs into real-life workplace disasters, toxic leadership moments, and cringeworthy management missteps. Each episode dissects what went wrong, what could’ve been done differently, and whether the behavior was coachable, trainable… or just a straight-up red flag. You’ll hear anonymous stories, HR insights, and conversations that blend humor, reflection, and practical advice. Submit your story: pulsehrsolutions.com/badboss
Bad Boss Files: Lessons From The Worst
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5.0(2 reviews)
16 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Everyone has a bad boss story — and we’re here to talk about them. Hosted by HR consultant Sheri Bender and co-host Kate Bray, Bad Boss Files digs into real-life workplace disasters, toxic leadership moments, and cringeworthy management missteps. Each episode dissects what went wrong, what could’ve been done differently, and whether the behavior was coachable, trainable… or just a straight-up red flag. You’ll hear anonymous stories, HR insights, and conversations that blend humor, reflection, and practical advice. Submit your story: pulsehrsolutions.com/badboss
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/1/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 16, 2026
Whiplash Feedback
<p>In this listener story, a People Ops leader at a startup is told to be more “aggressive” but when she applies that feedback, she’s publicly shut down and later dismissed by her manager. With unclear expectations, mixed messages, and a toxic, male-dominated leadership dynamic, her confidence takes a hit and she ultimately leaves after six months.</p><p>This episode highlights how poor leadership, vague feedback, and lack of support drive great employees away and what both leaders and employees can do differently.</p><p><br></p><p>#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #LeadershipMatters #WorkplaceCulture #ToxicLeadership #WomenInLeadership</p><p><br></p><p></p>
June 2, 2026
IC vs W2
<p>In this episode, we unpack a real-world story that highlights a growing issue in today’s workplace: employee misclassification. What happens when someone is labeled as an independent contractor but treated like an employee?</p><p>We walk through the experience of a worker who initially loved their role, only to discover over time that they were responsible for their own taxes, received no benefits, had limited flexibility, and were still being micromanaged like a traditional employee. The result? Financial strain, confusion, and a growing sense of being taken advantage of.</p><p>This conversation breaks down the key differences between employees and independent contractors, why proper classification matters, and the real risks for both workers and employers when it’s done incorrectly. We also touch on non-competes, legal exposure, and what both employees and business owners should do if something doesn’t feel right.</p><p>Whether you’re a leader, business owner, or employee, this episode is a powerful reminder that compliance isn’t just about checking a box it directly impacts people’s livelihoods, trust, and workplace culture.</p><p><br></p><p>#HRCompliance #IndependentContractor #EmployeeRights #WorkplaceCulture<br>#LeadershipMatters #BadBossFiles #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions</p>
May 19, 2026
The Bully Boss
<p>In this episode, we share a real story about a department manager dealing with a toxic, bullying boss in a retail environment. Over time, the manager faced constant criticism, public humiliation, and unfair treatment especially around serious health issues that required ongoing medical care. Instead of support, the boss used intimidation, made inappropriate comments, and even shared private information with others.</p><p>The situation escalated to the point where the employee stopped attending important medical appointments just to avoid conflict at work. Despite strong performance and dedication, their ideas were dismissed while others received credit. Even after the boss was promoted, the behavior continued.</p><p>We unpack the impact this kind of leadership has not just on performance, but on mental health, workplace culture, and retention. We also discuss what should have happened, including HR involvement, legal protections like ADA and FMLA, and the importance of respectful, compliant leadership.</p><p>This episode is a powerful reminder: one bad manager can break trust, damage culture, and ultimately drive good employees away.</p><p>#BadBossFiles #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #ToxicWorkplace #WorkplaceCulture #HRTruths #EmployeeExperience #BadLeadership</p>
16 total episodes available
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- What is Bad Boss Files: Lessons From The Worst?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Information about guest appearances is not available.
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