Best Humanrecource Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 36 – Employment Law Changes Under Trump: The First 100 Days 58:03

23h ago58:03

58:03

The first 100 days of the new Trump administration have been nothing but unprecedented. From terminating federal agency heads to signing controversial executive orders to the targeting of DEI efforts, both businesses and individual workers are dealing with a lot of change—and likely navigating a lot of confusion. Prinz’s marketing manager Matt Tede…

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Ep. 35 – Mental Health & Non-Competes in Illinois 12:56

27d ago12:56

12:56

Earlier this year, an amendment to the Illinois Freedom to Work Act invalidated non-compete clauses that would make it more difficult for a veteran or first responder to obtain mental health services. Without timely access to proper mental health care, these groups are at a higher risk of developing conditions like PTSD from their line of work. Par…

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Ep. 34 – Why Did We Join an Amicus Brief Challenging an Executive Order? 20:43

2M ago20:43

20:43

After the Trump Administration issued an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, we signed on to an amicus brief in support of the firm’s lawsuit challenging the order. Since then, the administration has gone after three more firms, making collective action even more necessary to protect the rule of law. Prinz partners Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra…

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Ep. 33 – Turning Workplace Conflict into Opportunity with Amy M. Gardner 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

Business attorney Katie Rinkus welcomes Amy M. Gardner to the mic to discuss common ways they see conflict show up in the workplace. Amy is a certified Career and Career Transitions Coach and Team Development and Leadership Consultant and the co-owner of Apochromatik, which offers team and leadership development programs to help organizations resol…

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Ep. 32 – Illinois' New Employment Laws of 2025 40:58

3M ago40:58

40:58

Illinois has seen several new employment laws take effect since the beginning of 2025. Prinz’s marketing manager and employment paralegal Matt Tedeschi joins employment attorney and business counselor Katie Rinkus to recap some of the most significant changes and what they mean for both employees and employers. From minimum wage increases to an exp…

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Ep. 31 – Advance Your Job Search & Career Growth with Carmelina Piedra 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

Are you looking for a new role or hoping to advance beyond your current one? Certified Career Coach and Facilitator Carmelina Piedra joins attorney Katie Rinkus to discuss what you can do to take that next step and succeed! Carmelina offers a host of tips for those wishing to make a career transition, based on her many years of experience coaching …

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Ep. 30 – The ABCs of Business Entities 30:01

4M ago30:01

30:01

You’re starting a new venture and it’s time to finally create your business as a formal legal entity, but what kind of entity do you choose: a corporation, an LLC, something else? Business counselors Katie Rinkus and Kristen Prinz decode the major differences among sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs, providing insight into t…

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Ep. 29 – How to Avoid Misclassifying Workers 28:56

5M ago28:56

28:56

Business clients routinely ask our attorneys whether their workers are actual employees or instead function as independent contractors (ICs). Drawing upon their expertise as employment and business lawyers, Katie Rinkus and Poonam Lakhani discuss the differences between employees and ICs, and why it’s so important for businesses to properly classif…

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Ep. 28 – The Current State of Remote Work 35:39

7M ago35:39

35:39

Business attorney and advisor Katie Rinkus welcomes Corbin Beastrom to the mic to discuss the current reality of remote work. Corbin is founder of Illyrian Group, a fully remote professional search company. But there’s a plot twist: he prefers to work most days in an office setting. Katie probes Corbin’s own professional path and his current approa…

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Ep. 27 – The WNBA & Pregnancy Discrimination 20:36

8M ago20:36

20:36

Three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has sued the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, for pregnancy discrimination. Shortly after securing the Aces' first WNBA Championship and signing a two-year contract extension with the team, Hamby revealed she was pregnant. Within months of her disclosure, Hamby was told she was being traded and lo…

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Ep. 26 – Non-Compete Changes at the State Level 20:41

8M ago20:41

20:41

While the Federal Trade Commission’s non-compete ban languishes in litigation limbo, various states are continuing to modify their regulation of non-competes. Employment attorneys and business counselors Amit Bindra and Katie Rinkus discuss a variety of recent state-level changes taking place nationwide, from Maine to California. Tune in for a run-…

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Ep. 25 – Is the NBA Trade Secret Case Valid or an Intentional Foul? 26:06

9M ago26:06

26:06

In an unusual turn of events, the New York Knicks filed a lawsuit against the Toronto Raptors in August 2023, right before the start of the NBA season. The Knicks alleged theft of confidential and proprietary information after the Raptors hired a former Knicks employee. Now a court has ordered the dispute to go to private arbitration. Amit Bindra a…

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Ep. 24 – Courts Disagree Over the FTC Non-Compete Ban (Non-Competes V) 21:54

9M ago21:54

21:54

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) effectively banned non-compete agreements nationwide, a rule set to take effect on September 4, 2024. Yet two federal courts have arrived at opposing conclusions as to whether the FTC has the authority to enact the ban, and one of the courts will only make a definitive ruling in late August, days before the rule i…

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Ep. 23 - What Should Be in an Independent Contractor Agreement? 34:36

11M ago34:36

34:36

Business attorneys Katie Rinkus and Amit Bindra will tell you all you need to know about independent contractor agreements in this episode. They begin by distinguishing between employees and independent contractors, or “1099” workers, and the dangers of misclassifying workers. Then they dive into the main provisions to be included in a 1099 agreeme…

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Ep. 22 – Dom’s, Foxtrot, and The WARN Act 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

Employment attorney Kristin Hendriksen draws on her experience in a past life in restaurant operations to discuss the WARN Act and recent business closures with Matt Tedeschi, an employment paralegal and Marketing Manager at the firm. Kristin and Matt explain what the WARN Act is and why it was passed before discussing the sudden shuttering of all …

1
Ep. 21 – Did the FTC Just Ban Non-Competes? (Non-Competes IV) 27:27

1y ago27:27

27:27

In a sweeping action, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published its final rule on non-competes, effectively banning them completely. Both individuals and businesses are wondering what this means for them currently and in the future. Employment attorneys and business counselors Amit Bindra and Rebecca Chmielewski examine what is likely t…

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Ep. 20 – What Is a PLLC…and Does My Business Need to Be One? 22:53

1y ago22:53

22:53

Some states require that certain business entities register as a PLLC (or professional limited liability company) and not simply as an LLC (limited liability company). Business and employment attorneys Katie Rinkus and Rebecca Chmielewski discuss the distinction between LLCs and PLLCs and the requirements for forming a PLLC under Illinois law. They…

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Ep. 19 – 10 Essentials When Hiring Your First Employee 36:48

1y ago36:48

36:48

Employment attorneys and business counselors Katie Rinkus and Poonam Lakhani discuss the top 10 essential things to know or do when hiring your first employee. From how to conduct a background check to when to use a confidentiality agreement or register with state agencies, Katie and Poonam cover the gamut of concerns that business owners encounter…

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Ep. 18 – An Introduction to Culture Audits (Investigations III) 38:41

1+ y ago38:41

38:41

Seasoned workplace investigators Kristen Prinz and Christina Hynes Mesco discuss one of their favorite topics: culture audits! They discuss how audits can help prevent workplace problems before they arise, enabling organizations to avoid the costs of poor company culture: legal liability, legal fees, and lost productivity. More than that, culture a…

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Ep. 17 – Disrupting Workplace Discrimination 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Kristen Prinz welcomes to the mic Chiquita Hall-Jackson, a lawyer, DEI consultant, and community advocate known as the “Discrimination Disrupter.” Chiquita strives to dismantle systems of bias, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace, and is recently the author of We Gon’ Be Alright: A Black Executive's Guide to Navigating Workplace Dynamics. …

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Ep. 16 – Non-Compete Bans (Non-Competes III) 17:41

1+ y ago17:41

17:41

Employment attorney Amit Bindra unpacks two recent attempts to ban non-competes. Starting with the successful legal ban in Minnesota, Amit explains why the prohibition is novel and addresses certain exemptions under the new law. He then turns to the state legislature’s attempt at banning non-competes in New York, highlighting the proposed law’s exe…

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Ep. 15 – New Illinois Employment Laws of 2024 17:22

1+ y ago17:22

17:22

Employment attorney and business counselor Poonam Lakhani joins marketing manager and paralegal Matt Tedeschi to address the most significant new employment laws taking effect in Illinois in 2024. From minimum wage increases and new paid leave requirements to increased employer liability for workplace sexual assault, the new year will see the evolu…

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Ep. 14 – Workplace Leave Policies 35:44

1+ y ago35:44

35:44

Employment attorney and business counselor Poonam Lakhani discusses various types of workplace leave with marketing manager and paralegal Matt Tedeschi. They address recent trends in leave requirements as well as compliance challenges for businesses across jurisdictions. Poonam and Matt particularly focus on new paid time off laws in Illinois and C…

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Ep. 13 – How Can You Throw a Safe and Appropriate Holiday Party? 35:29

1+ y ago35:29

35:29

Does your business want to throw a holiday party but you’re afraid of potential shenanigans…and the liability that might result from them? In this episode geared toward employers, Marketing Manager and paralegal Matt Tedeschi welcomes Laura Feldman, plaintiff’s employment attorney and specialist on workplace sexual assault, to discuss what every em…

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Ep. 12 – The Corporate Transparency Act and Your Business 20:37

1+ y ago20:37

20:37

Managing Partner Kristen Prinz and transactional attorney Katie Rinkus discuss the Corporate Transparency Act, a new federal law requiring all companies to report information related to company ownership. Although the law’s intent was to combat the creation of shell companies, Kristen and Katie discuss what this means for your business: who can see…

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Ep. 11 – Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace 36:32

1+ y ago36:32

36:32

This episode focuses on the mental health benefits that workplaces can provide to workers. Kristen Prinz welcomes to the mic Sarah Malavenda, a trained psychotherapist and the Co-Founder & COO of Samata Health, and Angelia Salgado, the firm’s Operations Manager who recently earned an M.A. in mental health counseling. Kristen, Sarah, and Angelia dis…

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Ep. 10 – The Delaware Trilogy of Non-Compete Cases (Non-Competes II) 31:56

1+ y ago31:56

31:56

Prinz Partner Amit Bindra elucidates three recent rulings of the Delaware Chancery Court, one of the nation’s foremost non-compete courts. Two of the decisions involved business acquisitions, while a third addressed forfeiture clauses. Notably, the Court refused to enforce non-compete agreements in all three of these cases. Find out why in this epi…

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Ep. 9 – The Basics of a Workplace Investigation (Investigations II) 35:36

1+ y ago35:36

35:36

What would you do if an employee reported that a colleague kissed her without her permission at the company holiday party? Our attorneys say: investigate! From their experience as employment attorneys and workplace investigators, Kristen Prinz and Christina Hynes Mesco outline the nuts and bolts of conducting a workplace investigation in this episo…

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Ep. 8 – The Lizzo Lawsuit and Employment Law 49:05

1+ y ago49:05

49:05

Allegations from former dancers that Lizzo created a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment and even false imprisonment have rocked the singer and body positivity icon’s image, leaving many of her fans stunned. Employment attorney Christina Hynes Mesco and paralegal Allison Wolcott clarify the situation and explain what it can re…

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Ep. 7 – Should Your Business Have an Unlimited PTO Policy? 33:57

2y ago33:57

33:57

Prinz attorney Poonam Lakhani and Laura Lefkow-Hynes discuss all things unlimited PTO in this episode! Reflecting on the trend in corporate America to increasingly offer unlimited PTO, Poonam and Laura address both the benefits and pitfalls of an unlimited PTO policy. Businesses must think through and balance various considerations before drafting …

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Ep. 6 - Health Insurance and Employment 38:08

2y ago38:08

38:08

Kristen Prinz welcomes Alexandra Eidenberg, president and founder of The Insurance People, an award-winning insurance agency specializing in employee benefits, individual health insurance, and Medicare. Kristen and Alexandra discuss the variety of ways that health insurance can be related to one’s employment, touching upon employer plans, individua…

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Ep. 5 – What Are Non-Competes and Why Do They Matter? (Non-Competes I) 39:31

2y ago39:31

39:31

Prinz Partner Amit Bindra unpacks everything you’ve ever wanted to know about non-competes: what a non-competition agreement is, where employees are likely to see them, and how long they typically last. Amit also addresses how non-competes are related to other restrictive provisions, such as non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, and the …

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Ep. 4 - What Are Workplace Investigations and Why Do They Matter? (Investigations I) 29:54

2y ago29:54

29:54

You might have heard in the news of workplace investigations underway at any number of companies that have been struck with controversy. Kristen Prinz and Christina Hynes Mesco are both employment attorneys and experienced workplace investigators. In this episode, they delve into what exactly a workplace investigation is, what sort of matters might…

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Ep. 3 - Hair Discrimination 26:09

2y ago26:09

26:09

In this episode, Paralegal Supervisor Christina Martinez tackles the topic of hair discrimination with Matt Tedeschi, Marketing Manager and an employment paralegal at the firm. Basing their discussion on a blog post Christina wrote and her subsequent interview with WGN Radio 720, they address a new law that bans hair discrimination in Illinois, inc…

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Ep. 2 - Why Should You Care about Employment Law? 26:34

2y ago26:34

26:34

Prinz attorneys and business counselors Kristen Prinz, Amit Bindra, and Christina Hynes Mesco hold an animated conversation on why you should care about employment law. They point out that employees themselves are concerned with what the law says, knowing and implementing the law can protect employers against liability, and compliance helps to impr…

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Ep. 1 - Podcast Re-Launch 12:23

2y ago12:23

12:23

The signature podcast of The Prinz Law Firm has been rebranded and rebooted! Now known as “Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges,” this podcast will continue to discuss leading issues in employment law, human resources, business planning, and career growth. In this first episode, partners Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra discuss th…

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Episode 7: How to Get an Attorney to Take Your Case (from the People Who Screen Their Calls) 51:08

3+ y ago51:08

51:08

In this episode of Tales from Around the Watercooler, Prinz staff describe how callers can best ensure their legal matters gets to an attorney. Paralegal (and former Intake Specialist) Marcet Crockett and current Intake Specialist Grace Moore discuss the process of handling communications with potential new clients at the firm. They provide listene…

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Episode 6: Political and Social Discussions in the Workplace 27:08

3+ y ago27:08

27:08

In this episode, Kristen chats with two of The Prinz Law Firm’s Associate Attorneys, Poonam Lakhani and Elizabeth Hanford. They discuss a recent policy implemented by the tech company Basecamp that banned employees from discussing political and social issues in the workplace. Our attorneys explore the legality of regulating conversations at work an…

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Episode 5: COVID-19 & Employee Privacy 28:40

4y ago28:40

28:40

In this episode, Kristen chats with Poonam Lakhani, one of The Prinz Law Firm’s associate attorneys, about how COVID-19 intersects with workplace privacy. Kristen & Poonam discuss whether businesses can require employees to get vaccinated, if an employer can ask about vaccine status, and workplace safety measures during the vaccine rollout. Kristen…

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Episode 4: What is VESSA and Why Is It Important? 20:08

4y ago20:08

20:08

In this episode, Kristen sits down with one of the firm’s associate attorneys, Laura Lefkow-Hynes, to discuss a little-known but crucial law in Illinois named the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). VESSA allows workers facing domestic violence to take time off of work, among other provisions. Kristen & Laura take a deep-dive into th…

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Episode 3: “Profit First,” with Mike Michalowicz 28:53

4y ago28:53

28:53

In this episode, Mike Michalowicz, innovative entrepreneur and author of seven books, sits down with Kristen to discuss what is perhaps his most impactful work, Profit First. Mike shares the heartbreaking story that eventually led him to write this book as well as how the principle of “profit first” can facilitate positive change in a business. Kri…

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Episode 2: Non-Competes, with Amit Bindra 19:07

4y ago19:07

19:07

In this episode, Kristen and fellow Prinz Law Firm Partner Amit Bindra do a deep dive into non-compete agreements. Amit has significant experience litigating these matters and is also the author of a bill currently pending in the Illinois legislature: H.B. 789 and its counterpart, S.B. 3430. In this episode, Amit educates us on what non-competes re…

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Episode 1 – Wrongful Termination 22:37

4y ago22:37

22:37

In this episode, Kristen announces the re-launch of Tales From Around The Water Cooler as it centers even more on workplace stories and employment law. Kristen and fellow Prinz Law Firm attorney Christina Hynes Mesco dive into a dynamic discussion of the meaning of the well-known phrase “wrongful termination.” They provide specific anecdotes from t…

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Episode 49: The Nuanced Issues of Women in the Workplace, with Alison Gaddis 45:04

4+ y ago45:04

45:04

On this week’s episode of Tales Around the Water Cooler, Kristen sits down with Senior User Experience Designer and longtime friend Alison Gaddis. They run the gamut of topics regarding their careers, beginning with their very first job together at Coconut’s Music and Movies. Kristen and Alison share their experiences as two women in leadership rol…

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Ep 48 - Navigating A Job and Everyday Life in These Uncertain Times with Amy M. Gardner 31:41

4+ y ago31:41

31:41

In this episode of “Tales from Around the Water Cooler,” Amy M. Gardner, certified Career and Career Transitions Coach, shares her advice for navigating work in the midst of everyday life during these uncertain times. She shares personal testimony of switching careers after a life-changing German Marshall Fellowship and offers guidance on how to tr…

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EP 47 - Starting A New Business in A Pandemic 39:04

4+ y ago39:04

39:04

Kristen sits down with Derek Drake, CEO and co-founder of Ditto Foods LLC., to talk food, farming, and entrepreneurship. Ditto Foods, which provides high-quality produce grown in a controlled environment to communities and customers, is a new startup. They discuss the difficulties of starting a new business in a pandemic, and the factors in Derek’s…

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ATWC EP46 - Networking and Entrepreneurship During a Pandemic with Megan Burke 38:00

4+ y ago38:00

38:00

Founder of networking advisory company keepwith® Megan Burke recently joined Kristen to discuss networking and entrepreneurship during a pandemic. As a networking consultant, Megan’s start-up has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, but the launch of a new digital service and other leaps forward have paradoxically led to unprecedented growth for keep…

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ATWC EP45 - Harassment Training with Kristen Prinz & Christina Hynes Mesco 42:09

4+ y ago42:09

42:09

The past several years have revealed just how widespread the problem of harassment in the workplace is. In this episode of Tales From Around The Water Cooler, Kristen Prinz and Christina Hynes Mesco of The Prinz Law Firm have a frank discussion about anti-harassment trainings in the workplace. The duo breaks down what constitutes harassment and how…

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ATWC EP. 44 Business Consulting in Different Cultures with Carter Crockett, Ph.D. 37:08

4+ y ago37:08

37:08

Show Notes: Carter Crockett calls in from Kigali, Rwanda, where he owns and manages a Karisimbi Business Partners, the first consulting firm in the country paid by business leaders to help with strategic decisions, often by providing business plans, market research, feasibility studies and more. He and Kristen discuss how one ends up doing social e…

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Ep 43 - Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability with Marcy Twete 42:15

5y ago42:15

42:15

Kristen talks work and life with Marcy Twete, founder of her own consulting business and expert in corporate responsibility and sustainability. From the failure of her first venture into entrepreneurship to the success she found through networking in a new city, fearlessness and ambition have played important roles in Marcy’s journey to where she i…

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