The Background Screening Collective is your go-to podcast for the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the background check industry. Hosted by Izabel Stapleton, alongside co-hosts Meghan Martinsen and Robin Schaffer, we bring you insights from a wholesaler’s perspective. As entrepreneurs passionate about background screening, we’ll dive into industry innovations, business strategies, and the realities of running a successful screening business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, join us as we explore the future of background checks.
The Background Screening Collective | S2 Ep 3: Screening Insights with Scott Paler
How often do you get to pick a lawyer's brain for free? Scott Paler, attorney at DeWitt LLP, made it easy. He's spent years at the intersection of background screening law and real-world compliance. We sat down with Scott to talk through what's actually keeping compliance teams up at night in 2026 — indemnification clauses that quietly shift liability, record matching done wrong, a state regulatory patchwork that never quite lines up, and an AI wave moving faster than the legal frameworks meant to contain it.Join our LinkedIn community and share this episode with someone navigating compliance this year.
23 Mar 2026
The Background Screening Collective | S2 Ep 1: Rebecca Harris takes on New York
What happens when you show up to work one day and access to the records you've been pulling for 15 years is just gone? That's exactly what happened to Rebecca Harris, CEO of Diligent Data. Nobody would tell her why. Every other company in the industry told her to let it go. She didn't. Rebecca spent months reading New York judicial code, working with her attorney, and finding the legal argument the courts had no way to fight back against. The result was a memo sent to every court in the state restoring access across the board. We are sitting down with her two years later to hear the whole story.Join our LinkedIn community and share this episode with someone who would like to hear it.
29 Jan 2026
2026: A Year of New Beginnings
In this episode of The Background Screening Collective, Jaime, Izzy, Robin, and Rebecca kick off Season 2 with a look back at 2025 and a look ahead at what's to come. The group reflects on AI's growing role in the industry, the hesitance toward innovation that still holds some companies back, and shares a few personal stories from the past year. They also dig into their hopes and predictions for 2026, including the conferences on their radar, the importance of genuine networking, and why human trafficking awareness deserves more attention in the screening world. New year, new format, new faces.
19 Nov 2025
Episode 8 – Preparing for the PBSA Annual Conference with Andrew Cashman
Andrew Cashman, VP of SPI Researchers, discusses preparations for the PBSA Annual Conference with Meghan, Izzy, and Robin, emphasizing effective networking and engagement strategies in this interview.
11 Sept 2025
Episode 7 – Screening Since 9/11: A Conversation with Bruce Berg
Bruce Berg, a veteran entrepreneur, discusses with host [Host Name] how 9/11 reshaped background screening and explores future industry innovations and consolidation.
28 Aug 2025
Episode 6: A Conversation with Perry Morgan
Host [Host Name] interviews Perry Morgan, a seasoned screening industry consultant, about navigating technological evolution and shaping industry standards.
30 Jul 2025
Episode 5 - Human Trafficking Awareness with Kim Kurey
Kim Kurey from ANEW Life International discusses human trafficking prevention, offering guidance to Consumer Reporting Agencies on recognizing red flags and supporting survivors in this interview.
21 May 2025
Episode 4: AI in Marketing with John Lawrence
In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we shift gears to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing strategies in the background screening industry. Our guest, John Lawrence of Arrowleaf, brings deep expertise at the intersection of AI, branding, and optimization. We unpack how AI tools are being used to streamline content creation, personalize outreach, and help small and mid-sized firms show up like industry leaders.
John shares practical, real-world examples of how screening companies can build AI into their marketing stack today. We also discuss what teams need to prioritize to stay competitive, from automation to analytics, and how to balance innovation with authenticity. Whether you are just starting to explore AI or looking to level up, this episode offers forward-thinking insights and tactical takeaways to help you grow smarter.
7 May 2025
Episode 3 - AI in Operations with Wade Hudson
In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we dive into the growing role of artificial intelligence in background screening operations. Joined by industry leaders who are actively testing and implementing AI tools, we unpack how automation is reshaping workflows - from data extraction and document review to error reduction and turnaround time. Our guest Wade Hudson share real-world use cases, lessons learned from early adoption, and what human oversight still matters most. We also explore the ethical considerations, compliance implications, and the skills operations teams will need to stay competitive in an AI-enhanced future. Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode offers actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
20 Mar 2025
Episode 2 - Compliance with Melissa Foiles
In this episode of The Background Screening Collective Podcast, we’re joined by compliance expert and PBSA board member, Melissa Foiles, who shares invaluable insights into the background screening industry. Melissa breaks down compliance from both micro and macro perspectives, explaining what “scope” really means, how smaller companies can stay ahead of regulatory changes, and much more. We also explore the differences in approach between Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and wholesalers, key federal changes coming in 2025, and how to maximize your experience at PBSA's Mid-Year Conference. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this episode is one you won't want to miss
20 Feb 2025
Episode 1 - Introduction to The Background Screening Collective
Welcome to the very first episode of The Background Screening Collective! In this kickoff episode, we dive into our "why"—what drives us to be a part of the background check industry and why it matters now more than ever. Join Izabel Stapleton, Meghan Martinsen, and Robin Schaffer as we have a candid discussion about the high-priority issues shaping our industry and the key areas we need to align on to survive (and thrive) in 2025. Whether you're a fellow industry professional or just curious about the world of background screening, this episode sets the stage for everything to come.
19 Feb 2025
Sneak Peek - The Background Screening Collective Teaser
Here's a sneak peek of our first episode dropping Thursday February, 20th at 2pm EST. Join us as we dig into our “why” for working in this industry and a frank discussion of high priority issues we need to align on in order to survive 2025!
Who has been a guest on The Background Screening Collective
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Andrew Cashman
Bruce Berg
Perry Morgan
Kim Kurey
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
645
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
41
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
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