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Spillin' The HR Tea

Bradford Studio

Unfiltered HR Conversations with Tina and Laura
Tina and Laura have over 60 years combined experience in the HR Industry with professional (and Unprofessional) Companies. More details will be shared about these hosts once they retire and can't be held accountable!

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  • 11 episodes
  • Avg 22 min
  • English
  • S1 · E8
    August 11 · 24 min

    The HR Confessional: Handling the Weight of the Loneliest Profession | Episode 10

    Is Human Resources truly the loneliest profession? In our landmark 10th episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina reflect on their combined 60 years of experience to discuss the emotional burden of the "HR Confessional." From losing office friendships over confidential data to carrying the "excess emotion" of an entire organization, the duo explores the psychological toll of being the company's emotional support humans. We dive deep into imposter syndrome, the difficult transition from "doer" to strategic executive, and the art of mentorship—specifically how to "let go" and let your team shine. Whether you're a rookie struggling with your first termination or a veteran navigating senior leadership synergy, this finale offers the transparency and humor you need to remember that you aren't a robot, and you aren't alone.For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E9
    July 28 · 17 min

    Interview Horror Stories: McDonald’s, Wine Jokes, and Helicopter Parents | Episode 9

    Ever wonder what it’s like to sit on the other side of the hiring process? In this episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina dive into the bizarre world of job interviewing. From candidates eating McDonald's during a video call to the ultimate wine-related "dumb-dumb" moment during a restaurant hiring fair, we reveal the red flags every recruiter sees. We also tackle the rise of helicopter parents in the professional world—from moms setting up interviews for their adult children to parents asking, "Where's my money?" for their child’s final paycheck. Finally, the duo shares inspiring stories of career progression, including how to spot an "up-and-comer" who is a perfect cultural fit despite having zero experience. If you've ever dealt with a workplace interview or need a laugh about corporate culture, pull up a chair. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E8
    July 14 · 30 min

    Leadership Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the "Honey" | Episode 8

    What makes a leader truly inspirational, and what makes one absolutely toxic? In this episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina explore the vast spectrum of leadership styles and the lasting impact they have on workplace culture. From the "Safety Culture" leaders who encourage creativity and trust to the "Head Honchos" who belittle employees in front of the entire staff, this conversation dives into the heart of effective management. The duo shares personal stories from their 30-year careers, including the shock of being called "honey" in a male-dominated construction meeting and the rare synergy of an executive team that truly trusted each other. We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the five dysfunctions of a team, and why HR is often on an island of its own. Whether you're an aspiring executive or a manager dealing with a difficult team dynamic, this episode offers a humorous and insightful look at the leadership lessons that shape a successful career. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E7
    June 30 · 25 min

    HR Confidential: Animal Urine, Video Busted, and The Art of the Lie | Episode 7

    Why do people lie right to HR's face, even when there's video proof? In this episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina explore the hilarious and often baffling world of workplace liars. From an employee who claimed he didn't punch a hole in the wall while watching the security footage of the incident to a candidate who submitted non-human specimen for a pre-employment drug screening, the stories prove that truth is often stranger than fiction. The duo also discusses the "acceptable lies" that save professional relationships—like a coworker ignoring a massive wardrobe malfunction—and the serious impact of dishonesty in investigations. We dive into sleeping on the job with a full pillow and blanket setup, time theft via creative clock-outs, and why integrity is the foundation of the employer-employee relationship. If you've ever dealt with a workplace investigation or just want to hear how "Mike from IT" saved the day, this episode is for you. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E6
    June 16 · 26 min

    HR Unfiltered: Bathroom Scandals, Office Vaping, and Dress Code Disasters | Episode 6

    Have you ever sat in your office and wondered, "How is this actually my job?" In this episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina reveal the most unbelievable things they’ve had to say out loud to employees. From the bizarre logistics of managing workplace vaping in a drug-free environment to the literal "Stop having sex!" shout heard 'round the office, no topic is off-limits.The duo explores the common sense gap in modern office culture, discussing the pitfalls of reply-all email fights, the "generations" of professional dress codes, and why you should never document an applicant’s physical characteristics on an interview sheet. Whether you're dealing with body odor issues, flip-flop policies, or just need a laugh about the absurdity of human resources, this episode is your ultimate emotional support guide.For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E5
    June 2 · 26 min

    The Terminator: 06/06/06, Firing the Boss, and the 36-Hour Work Week | Episode 5

    Have you ever had one of those days where the world seems to be testing your limits? In this episode of Spillin' the HR Tea, Laura and Tina recount the chaotic "days when everything happened at once." Tina shares the eerie story of June 6, 2006, where she navigated six different terminations in a single shift, while Laura details the time she had to kick the company President out of a layoff meeting for being an antagonist. The conversation pivots to the systemic chaos of the 2020 pandemic, comparing the healthcare industry's massive furloughs with the construction industry's sudden boom. We discuss the transition to remote work, the rise of "mean customers," and the innovative decision to implement a 36-hour work week to combat employee burnout. Whether you're an HR veteran or a manager looking for better recruiting tools, this episode is packed with leadership lessons on empathy, truth-telling, and organizational pivot strategies. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E4
    May 19 · 31 min

    Workplace Romance Gone Wrong: Stockroom Secrets and the "Love Contract" | Episode 4

    Can a workplace romance survive the stockroom? In this episode of Spillin' the HRT, Laura and Tina dive into the messy, often litigious world of workplace dating. From investigations into "non-relationship" stockroom encounters to a massive sexual harassment lawsuit involving a regional manager and adult toys, the duo explores what happens when professional boundaries completely dissolve. The hosts discuss the legal realities of hostile work environments, the difficulty of protecting employees from retaliation, and the innovative (and controversial) use of a "Love Contract" to shield organizations from liability. Whether you met your spouse at the office or you're navigating a HR nightmare, this episode offers a humorous but sobering look at the risks of dipping your pen in the company ink. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • S1 · E3
    May 6 · 22 min

    Episode 3 | HR Rookie Mistakes: Salary Leaks, Empathy Traps, and Resignation Meltdowns

    What happens when an HR professional accidentally emails the entire company's salary list to the biggest chatterbox in the office? In this episode of Spillin' the HRTea, Laura and Tina get honest about the rookie mistakes that shaped their 30-year careers. From the dangers of being an HR empath to the fallout of a scathing, company-wide resignation email, this episode is a masterclass in professional growth and workplace boundaries. We explore why neutrality in investigations is vital, how to handle "barging into" executive offices, and why you should never, ever hit "Send All" when you're angry. Whether you're in management, payroll, or just starting your career, these stories of office culture and leadership lessons will remind you that every mistake is just a step toward becoming a better human at work. For more information visit https://www.spillinthehrtea.com/

  • March 19 · 1 min

    Spillin' The HR Tea Trailer

    Welcome to Spillin' The HR Tea, the podcast that peels back the layers of corporate "speak" to find the human heart within. From recruitment challenges to the struggles of managing daily operations, we discuss real-life scenarios and spill the real tea on what happens in workplaces today, the stuff you NEVER hear about. Tina and Laura bring over 60 years of combined experience in the HR industry, working with both professional (and unprofessional) companies. More details about these hosts will be shared once they retire and can’t be held accountable! Stay connected with us—follow Spillin’ The HR Tea on social media, listen to full episodes on your favorite podcast platforms, and visit our website for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. www.spillinthehrtea.com

Showing 1–11 of 11 episodes