Curious what happens when the heart of hospitality meets the pulse of technology? Welcome to Human at the Counter, the podcast where we explore the sweet spot between serving people and embracing innovation. I’m Elizabeth Riede, your host, who’s brewed a career from Starbucks to university dining halls. This show is for everyone in and around the service industry, from operators and managers, to tech enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good chat about how we can keep our work both human and high-tech. Join us for stories, laughs, and plenty of practical insights on blending technology with the timeless art of, to borrow a phrase, unreasonable hospitality. If you’re in the business of serving others and you’re curious about the future of our industry, you’ll feel right at home here.
Human at the Counter
Claim This Podcastby Elizabeth Riede
Podcast Overview
Curious what happens when the heart of hospitality meets the pulse of technology? Welcome to Human at the Counter, the podcast where we explore the sweet spot between serving people and embracing innovation. I’m Elizabeth Riede, your host, who’s brewed a career from Starbucks to university dining halls. This show is for everyone in and around the service industry, from operators and managers, to tech enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good chat about how we can keep our work both human and high-tech. Join us for stories, laughs, and plenty of practical insights on blending technology with the timeless art of, to borrow a phrase, unreasonable hospitality. If you’re in the business of serving others and you’re curious about the future of our industry, you’ll feel right at home here.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/17/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Human at the Counter
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Recent Episodes
March 13, 2026
Now Hiring: Humans & Algorithms
<p><b>Episode 7 – Now Hiring: Humans & Algorithms (with Jon Riede)</b></p><p>What happens when the first handshake in a job interview isn’t with a person—but an algorithm?</p><p>In this episode of <i>Human at the Counter</i>, Elizabeth explores the growing role of AI in hiring—from résumé screening and automated video interviews to the promise of reducing bias and expanding candidate pools. But as organizations adopt these tools, a bigger question emerges: <b>Are we making better hiring decisions—or just faster ones?</b></p><p>Elizabeth sits down with technology and talent expert Jon Riede to unpack the good, the bad, and the slightly creepy side of AI-powered hiring. Together they explore how leaders can balance efficiency with judgment, and why culture still depends on the human behind the interview.</p>
March 9, 2026
Bytes, Bites, and Campus Intelligence: AI Across Higher Education
<p>Artificial Intelligence isn't a future conversation, it's already shaping how we staff, advise, forecast, and serve. </p><p></p><p>In this episode of, Elizabeth sits down with Appalachian State University CIO Keith Werner and Deputy CIO/Deputy COO Tom Van Guilder to explore what responsible AI leadership looks like in high education and why it matters across hospitality and service industries. </p><p></p><p>From predictive analytics to policy guardrails, they unpack the tension between efficiency and equity, proactive support and the risks and rewards of being "creepy helpful" </p><p></p><p>Because AI can optimize operations. But trust? That still requires humans. </p>
March 9, 2026
The Supervisor Sandwich (with a side of AI)
<p>In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with hospitality leader Jon Webster to talk about the messy middle of supervising - where data meets humanity., AI meets real-life constraints, and supervisors somehow keep everything (and everyone) from falling apart. </p><p></p><p>It's a conversation for anyone who's ever been the peanut butter holding two slices of organizational expectations together - and for the technologists building tools for people running at full tilt. </p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is Human at the Counter?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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