Top 25 Podcasts for CHROs and HR Managers [2026]
The role of today’s CHRO and HR manager goes far beyond hiring and compliance—it’s about steering culture, driving innovation, enabling leadership, and shaping the workforce of the future. Continuous learning and exposure to diverse perspectives are essential to succeed in this dynamic environment. One of the most efficient ways to stay ahead is by tuning into industry-leading podcasts that bring fresh ideas, expert insights, and practical strategies straight to your ears. Whether you’re focused on digital transformation, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, or data-driven HR, these podcasts offer valuable lessons and real-world examples from top thinkers across the globe. In this curated list of 25 must-listen podcasts, you’ll find content tailored to the evolving demands of people leadership—perfect for your commute, coffee break, or team brainstorm prep. Dive in, subscribe, and get inspired to elevate your HR strategy and impact your organization where it matters most: its people.
Related: Top CHRO & HR Manager Interview Q&A
Top 25 Podcasts for CHROs and HR Managers [2026]
| Podcast Name | Host | Topics | Available On |
| HR Happy Hour | Steve Boese & Trish McFarlane | HR technology, leadership, workforce trends, employee experience | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Digital HR Leaders | David Green | HR analytics, digital transformation, workforce planning | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The HR Leaders Podcast | Chris Rainey | Leadership, talent management, organizational culture | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| DriveThruHR | Mike VanDervort & Robin Schooling | HR technology, compliance, workplace culture | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Workology | Jessica Miller-Merrell | HR certification, career development, diversity and inclusion | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| #WorkTrends | Meghan M. Biro | Talent management, workplace innovation, employee engagement | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Redefining HR | Lars Schmidt | Modern HR practices, organizational design, leadership | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The Talent Angle | Gartner Experts | Talent management, leadership development, organizational strategy | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| HRchat Podcast | Bill Banham | HR technology, talent management, workplace culture | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| All About HR | Neelie Verlinden | HR strategy, digital transformation, employee experience | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| HR Party of One | Sarah Hecht | HR operations, compliance, small business HR | YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Punk Rock HR | Laurie Ruettimann | Workplace culture, career development, HR innovation | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Transform Your Workplace | Brandon Laws | Employee engagement, company culture, leadership | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Let’s Fix Work | Laurie Ruettimann | Workplace culture, mental health, leadership transparency | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The Employee Cycle Podcast | Bruce Marable | HR metrics, people analytics, workforce trends | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| ReWork | 15Five | Performance management, culture building, remote teams | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| HR Works | HR Daily Advisor (BLR) | HR compliance, hiring best practices, workplace law | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| People Managing People | Tim Reitsma | Leadership, organizational development, employee experience | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The Modern People Leader | Daniel Huerta & Enrique Rubio | HR innovation, leadership, digital transformation | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The Human Capital Innovations Podcast | Dr. Jonathan H. Westover | Organizational behavior, leadership development, HR strategy | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Talent Development Hot Seat | Andy Storch | Talent development, learning & development (L&D), leadership strategy | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The People Stack Podcast | Jen Bunk | People management, HR coaching, tech team leadership | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The New Way We Work | Kate Davis (Fast Company) | Workplace trends, employee experience, remote work | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| The Future of Work with Jacob Morgan | Jacob Morgan | Leadership, employee experience, future workforce | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
| Inclusion Works | Hive Learning | Diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), workplace culture, inclusive leadership | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
1. HR Happy Hour
Host: Steve Boese & Trish McFarlane
Topics: HR technology, leadership, workforce trends, employee experience
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
HR Happy Hour is one of the longest-running and most respected podcasts in the HR world. Hosted by seasoned experts Steve Boese and Trish McFarlane, it provides an engaging, conversational platform that explores the most pressing topics in the HR space. Each episode dives into trends like HR tech innovation, employee engagement, leadership strategies, and the evolving role of people analytics. What makes the show especially useful for CHROs is its balance between strategic and tactical thinking. Guests range from CHROs and CEOs to HR tech founders and analysts, offering a wide spectrum of perspectives that can inform both vision and execution. The format is relaxed but intelligent, ensuring the content is approachable while remaining insightful. Whether discussing the future of remote work, diversity strategies, or performance measurement, HR Happy Hour consistently delivers timely insights with practical relevance. It’s a must-listen for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve without getting bogged down in theory. With over a decade of content and a reputation for spotlighting trailblazers in the field, it’s a reliable compass for those navigating the complexities of modern workforce leadership.
2. Digital HR Leaders
Host: David Green
Topics: HR analytics, digital transformation, workforce planning
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Digital HR Leaders, hosted by David Green, is the go-to podcast for CHROs serious about transforming their HR function through technology, data, and innovation. David combines deep expertise in HR analytics with thoughtful interviews featuring global HR leaders, practitioners, and academic researchers. The conversations often revolve around how organizations can implement data-driven strategies to enhance employee experience, optimize talent management, and prepare for the future of work. Each episode delivers strategic frameworks and operational takeaways, making it valuable whether you’re driving a digital HR transformation or just starting your analytics journey. This podcast is emphasis on the intersection of people, technology, and business outcomes distinguishes it. It’s not about tools alone—it’s about leveraging them to build smarter, more agile organizations. David’s methodical yet approachable tone makes even complex topics like predictive analytics or organizational network analysis accessible. The podcast is especially valuable for CHROs who want to move beyond intuition and embrace evidence-based HR decision-making. For anyone committed to modernizing their HR function in a thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful way, Digital HR Leaders is an essential listen.
3. The HR Leaders Podcast
Host: Chris Rainey
Topics: Leadership, talent management, organizational culture
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The HR Leaders Podcast, hosted by Chris Rainey, offers a masterclass in contemporary HR leadership. With each episode, Chris brings on influential HR executives, authors, and thinkers to explore the evolving responsibilities and expectations placed on HR teams and leaders today. Whether it’s driving culture change, rethinking performance management, or building inclusive workplaces, the conversations are candid and valuable. Chris is a gifted interviewer who creates space for storytelling and reflection while guiding guests to share actionable insights. The tone is empathetic, curious, and forward-thinking, making the podcast resonate with seasoned CHROs and emerging HR professionals. A notable strength is the international scope of guests, bringing global perspectives to universal challenges. Whether discussing agile HR models, internal mobility, or the war for talent, the podcast consistently connects the dots between people and business strategy. It also frequently spotlights practical examples of successful initiatives, helping listeners translate concepts into action. For HR professionals looking to sharpen their leadership edge and connect with a global HR community, The HR Leaders Podcast is both a source of inspiration and a strategic resource.
4. DriveThruHR
Host: Mike VanDervort & Robin Schooling
Topics: HR technology, compliance, workplace culture
Frequency: Multiple times per week
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
DriveThruHR is designed with the busy HR leader in mind. Hosted by Mike VanDervort and Robin Schooling, the podcast delivers compact, thought-provoking episodes—usually around 30 minutes—covering a wide array of topics from compliance and regulations to culture-building and emerging technology. What makes DriveThruHR stand out is its agility; the hosts respond quickly to timely events in the business world, often inviting expert guests for rapid-fire takes on new policies, HR trends, and organizational challenges. Their conversational tone makes the podcast feel approachable while still being packed with substance. For CHROs, the value lies in its accessibility—episodes are concise yet robust, offering real-world context and lessons without a heavy time commitment. Mike and Robin bring wit, candor, and deep industry experience, which keeps even technical subjects like policy audits or labor law updates engaging. It’s also a solid platform for staying on top of evolving workplace norms, particularly in today’s flexible and hybrid work environments. For professionals looking to stay informed on both foundational HR practices and emerging trends without wading through jargon, DriveThruHR hits the mark.
5. Workology
Host: Jessica Miller-Merrell
Topics: HR certification, career development, diversity and inclusion
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Workology, hosted by Jessica Miller-Merrell, is a dynamic and inclusive HR podcast that provides valuable career guidance and tactical insights for professionals at all levels. It covers a wide range of topics—from preparing for SHRM or HRCI certifications to building inclusive recruitment strategies and leveraging HR tech for better outcomes. Jessica’s engaging style and ability to connect with both corporate executives and early-career HR professionals makes the show widely relatable. What sets Workology apart is its strong emphasis on professional development and upskilling—there are specific episodes tailored for job seekers, HR managers, and executive leaders. Jessica also brings in guests from different sectors, ensuring diverse perspectives that reflect the multidimensional nature of HR today. The show is particularly valuable for CHROs committed to building learning organizations and developing internal talent pipelines. It also covers timely and sensitive topics like DEI, pay equity, and mental health at work, always offering practical steps alongside thought leadership. Workology is more than a podcast—it’s a toolkit for HR practitioners navigating the ever-changing demands of workforce management and leadership.
6. #WorkTrends
Host: Meghan M. Biro
Topics: Talent management, workplace innovation, employee engagement
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
#WorkTrends, hosted by Meghan M. Biro, delivers weekly conversations that spotlight the dynamic shifts happening in the world of work. Focused on people-first leadership, innovation, and engagement, the podcast features HR leaders, tech innovators, and business strategists who unpack how modern workforces are evolving—and what it takes to lead them effectively. Meghan’s style is crisp and conversational, making complex topics digestible without losing depth. A key strength of the show is its blend of strategic foresight and tactical application. Whether exploring AI in recruitment, fostering belonging at scale, or reimagining performance reviews, each episode presents visionary and implementable ideas. For CHROs, #WorkTrends serves as a weekly pulse check on emerging workplace trends, offering predictions and solutions. Meghan’s background in HR tech and branding adds a unique lens, emphasizing aligning employee experience with brand values. If you’re leading people in an environment of constant change and innovation, this podcast will help you stay rooted in empathy while scaling results.
Related: How can CHROs create a high-performance culture?
7. Redefining HR
Host: Lars Schmidt
Topics: Modern HR practices, organizational design, leadership
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Redefining HR, hosted by Lars Schmidt, is a thought-provoking podcast that pushes the boundaries of what HR can—and should—be. Aimed at progressive people leaders, this show sheds light on the new playbook for modern HR by featuring trailblazers from organizations like HubSpot, Reddit, and Microsoft. Lars’ conversations revolve around modern organizational design, agile HR, inclusive leadership, and employee-centric innovation. What makes Redefining HR a standout resource is its aspirational tone—each episode encourages listeners to challenge norms, experiment boldly, and lead with authenticity. The podcast doesn’t shy away from complex conversations about dismantling outdated practices, measuring employee sentiment, or fostering systemic inclusion. Instead, it tackles them head-on, offering examples of successful change agents and practical advice on navigating resistance. For CHROs and HR leaders in high-growth or mission-driven organizations, this podcast acts as both inspiration and instruction manual. It’s especially useful for those seeking to evolve their HR strategy from compliance-focused to culture-focused, while still anchoring decisions in business outcomes. Redefining HR is essential listening for anyone determined to shape the future of work.
8. The Talent Angle
Host: Gartner Experts
Topics: Talent management, leadership development, organizational strategy
Frequency: Bi-weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The Talent Angle, powered by Gartner, is a highly respected podcast that offers strategic insights at the intersection of leadership, culture, and talent optimization. Hosted by a rotating group of Gartner analysts and thought leaders, each episode provides an evidence-based, research-heavy exploration of how companies can develop better leaders, manage talent in transformative ways, and align people strategy with business growth. The conversations are enriched by guests including CHROs, management professors, bestselling authors, and innovation experts. What truly distinguishes The Talent Angle is its analytical rigor—it’s not focused on surface-level advice, but rather on deconstructing what truly drives high-performing organizations. CHROs and HR managers will appreciate its focus on practical frameworks that can be implemented across large, complex organizations. Episodes cover leadership modeling, behavioral economics, change management, and the future of learning, all tied back to data and case studies. The production quality is top-tier, and the content is refreshingly devoid of fluff—making it perfect for senior HR professionals who want to move beyond opinion into research-backed, strategic execution. For those tasked with shaping enterprise-level talent strategies, The Talent Angle delivers the insights needed to lead at scale with confidence and foresight.
9. HRchat Podcast
Host: Bill Banham
Topics: HR technology, talent management, workplace culture
Frequency: Multiple times per week
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The HRchat Podcast, hosted by Bill Banham, is a fast-paced and content-rich series offering valuable interviews with HR influencers, technologists, and business leaders. With episodes ranging between 15–25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy CHROs and HR managers looking for timely, digestible insights on current challenges and emerging opportunities in the HR space. Topics include the use of AI in recruitment, culture transformation, DEI strategies, upskilling, and remote leadership. The show features a global lineup of guests, providing international perspectives on how HR is adapting to digital transformation and evolving employee expectations. What sets this podcast apart is its frequency and topical relevance—it often features commentary on current events or industry shifts, helping HR professionals stay agile and well-informed. Bill’s interviewing style is engaging and efficient, often extracting clear takeaways within minutes. While episodes are short, they pack a punch in terms of depth and relevance, making them easy to integrate into a daily commute or coffee break. For HR leaders who need a regular feed of ideas and expert perspectives to inspire innovation, improve policy, or better align HR with business strategy, HRchat Podcast is an invaluable listen.
10. All About HR
Host: Neelie Verlinden
Topics: HR strategy, digital transformation, employee experience
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
All About HR, hosted by Neelie Verlinden and produced by AIHR (Academy to Innovate HR), is a forward-thinking podcast crafted for HR professionals navigating rapid transformation. Each episode features candid, strategic conversations with HR leaders, futurists, and industry pioneers tackling big topics like people analytics, hybrid work, and HR’s role in digital disruption. Neelie’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through as she leads insightful discussions about how HR can become more agile, data-driven, and business-aligned. A standout feature is the podcast’s focus on practical innovation—guests don’t just talk theory; they share real-life experiments, tools, and lessons learned from within their organizations. For CHROs, this podcast acts as a strategic radar for what’s next in HR, while also offering implementable strategies for today. Whether it’s about leveraging AI for better decision-making, reimagining learning and development, or elevating the employee journey, All About HR is rooted in modern solutions for modern challenges. Its sleek production and forward-looking perspective make it essential listening for HR professionals leading transformation at scale. It’s especially useful for those who want to bridge the gap between traditional HR responsibilities and next-gen leadership expectations.
11. HR Party of One
Host: Sarah Hecht
Topics: HR operations, compliance, small business HR
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
HR Party of One is a uniquely tailored podcast that addresses the realities of being a solo HR practitioner or managing a lean HR function within small to midsize organizations. Hosted by Sarah Hecht, the podcast is practical, empathetic, and loaded with bite-sized insights perfect for those juggling compliance, recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations with limited support. Sarah draws from real-world HR scenarios to guide listeners through everything from crafting job descriptions and implementing employee handbooks to navigating performance reviews and legal updates. What’s especially compelling is the hands-on, resource-focused nature of the episodes—many come with downloadable templates, checklists, or how-to guides. For CHROs working in startups or growth-stage companies, this podcast provides operational gold. It’s ideal for building scalable HR systems and ensuring compliance without sacrificing employee experience. Sarah’s friendly tone and accessible advice make HR Party of One feel like a mentoring session rather than a lecture. It’s a rare podcast that blends practical administration with strategic foresight, making it a valuable resource for HR leaders in high-demand, low-resource environments. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning existing systems, this show offers reliable guidance every step of the way.
12. Punk Rock HR
Host: Laurie Ruettimann
Topics: Workplace culture, career development, HR innovation
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Punk Rock HR, hosted by Laurie Ruettimann, is a fearless and refreshingly candid podcast that breaks down the human experience of work with honesty and edge. Laurie brings decades of HR experience, combined with a journalist’s curiosity and a storyteller’s wit, to explore everything from career purpose and leadership failures to workplace equity and mental health. The show frequently features entrepreneurs, authors, HR executives, and even celebrities, each offering perspectives on how work is evolving and what needs to change. What makes Punk Rock HR stand out is its emotional intelligence—Laurie isn’t afraid to tackle tough conversations about burnout, bias, grief, and the flawed systems underpinning many organizations. Yet she always balances critique with humor and hope. For CHROs and HR managers striving to lead more authentically, this podcast is a welcome reminder that vulnerability, creativity, and disruption all have a place in leadership. It’s particularly impactful for those seeking to humanize their workplace, embrace empathy, and champion change not just from policy—but from the heart. Punk Rock HR is not just about fixing broken processes; it’s about redefining what work should be in a modern, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Related: CHROs and Mental Health
13. Transform Your Workplace
Host: Brandon Laws
Topics: Employee engagement, company culture, leadership
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Transform Your Workplace, hosted by Brandon Laws, is a refreshing and pragmatic podcast that zeroes in on making work environments more dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing. Through thoughtful conversations with HR leaders, executives, and business authors, the show consistently delivers actionable advice on enhancing employee engagement, cultivating leadership, and shaping a modern workplace culture. What sets this podcast apart is its balanced approach to both strategy and execution—Brandon ensures each episode provides not only visionary insights but also concrete tools and frameworks. Listeners will find episodes discussing building psychological safety, fostering authentic leadership, and adopting people-first strategies that align with business goals. The show often dives into case studies and personal experiences, giving real-world context to complex issues. Whether you aim to revamp your onboarding process, redesign performance reviews, or simply elevate your team’s morale, this podcast offers value for CHROs and HR professionals. Brandon’s engaging style and ability to simplify nuanced HR themes make it especially accessible and inspiring for modern people leaders looking to make meaningful changes.
14. Let’s Fix Work
Host: Laurie Ruettimann
Topics: Workplace culture, mental health, leadership transparency
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Let’s Fix Work, hosted by Laurie Ruettimann—also known for Punk Rock HR—is a bold and introspective podcast addressing modern work life’s emotional and ethical dimensions. This show is not your typical HR dialogue. Instead, it dives into what makes work meaningful, toxic, or transformational. Laurie combines her HR experience with storytelling prowess to explore topics like burnout, leadership transparency, mental health, and the human experience in corporate settings. The podcast’s fusion of professional guidance with personal reflection makes it uniquely compelling. Guests range from authors and activists to business leaders and HR innovators, bringing fresh perspectives on what needs to change in today’s work culture. This podcast provides a vital mirror and compass for CHROs navigating remote work dynamics, employee well-being, or the need for more empathetic leadership. Its tone is candid, often humorous, and unflinchingly honest—making it both an educational and emotional listen. It’s a must for leaders seeking to reimagine workspaces that genuinely serve people.
15. The Employee Cycle Podcast
Host: Bruce Marable
Topics: HR metrics, people analytics, workforce trends
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The Employee Cycle Podcast, hosted by Bruce Marable, offers a data-driven lens on HR leadership, equipping CHROs and HR managers with tools to make more informed, evidence-based decisions. Each episode brings on HR leaders and people analytics professionals to discuss how companies can use metrics to improve retention, recruitment, performance, and organizational culture. This podcast stands out because of its laser focus on turning HR from a reactive function into a strategic powerhouse. Discussions often revolve around key performance indicators (KPIs) for HR, aligning data with business goals, and the evolving expectations of the workforce. Bruce’s insightful interviews uncover how leading organizations leverage technology and dashboards to visualize HR trends and take proactive action. This podcast strikes the perfect balance for HR leaders interested in embracing analytics without getting bogged down in technical jargon. It makes people data accessible, actionable, and deeply relevant. Listeners walk away with practical examples and frameworks for enhancing their HR strategies through analytics—essential for any HR professional looking to lead in a modern, data-centric workplace.
16. ReWork
Host: 15Five
Topics: Performance management, culture building, remote teams
Frequency: Bi-weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
ReWork, powered by performance management company 15Five, is a podcast that focuses on reinventing how businesses think about work, performance, and culture. Through compelling interviews with HR leaders, organizational psychologists, and business executives, ReWork encourages listeners to challenge outdated management principles and explore new models for leading teams. The podcast covers subjects like continuous performance feedback, emotional intelligence at work, and managing distributed teams. Each episode provides a blueprint for building a workplace that prioritizes both people and performance. For CHROs who are navigating hybrid work environments or looking to improve organizational agility, ReWork offers forward-thinking content grounded in psychological research and real-world examples. The emphasis on human-centric leadership, particularly around employee well-being and personal development, aligns with the future of HR strategy. The podcast’s crisp production and well-structured episodes make it both enlightening and enjoyable to listen to. It’s ideal for HR professionals eager to stay at the forefront of workplace transformation while balancing the human and operational aspects of leadership.
17. HR Works
Host: HR Daily Advisor (BLR)
Topics: HR compliance, hiring best practices, workplace law
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
HR Works, hosted by the team behind HR Daily Advisor, is a podcast specifically tailored to HR professionals managing complex compliance and legal environments. With a heavy focus on practical policy-making and risk mitigation, this podcast is an essential resource for CHROs dealing with employee handbooks, labor laws, or union discussions. Each episode features legal experts, consultants, or seasoned HR leaders sharing the latest updates on laws like the FMLA, ADA, or EEOC regulations. But HR Works goes beyond just legal updates—it connects the dots between regulatory compliance and real business impact. Listeners can expect episodes on how to navigate workplace investigations, avoid discrimination lawsuits, or build equitable hiring practices. The tone is direct and educational, making even dense legal topics digestible. For CHROs aiming to keep their organizations legally sound while still maintaining a vibrant company culture, HR Works provides a reliable and consistent source of knowledge. It’s especially useful for those working in highly regulated industries or scaling companies where HR infrastructure must evolve rapidly.
18. People Managing People
Host: Tim Reitsma
Topics: Leadership, organizational development, employee experience
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
People Managing People is a podcast that challenges the traditional approach to people management and focuses on creating more intentional, people-first workplaces. Hosted by Tim Reitsma, the show explores leadership beyond hierarchy—highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and inclusion in building resilient teams. Each episode features leaders from diverse industries who share stories of transformation, innovation, and failures that taught them valuable lessons. Topics range from purpose-driven leadership and building trust in hybrid teams to scalable strategies for cultivating employee happiness and retention. What makes this podcast a gem for CHROs is its blend of philosophical and practical insights—it’s as much about why we lead as it is about how. Tim’s calm demeanor and thought-provoking questions create space for guests to go deep, making each episode a reflective journey. The podcast also emphasizes systems thinking, making it a solid choice for HR leaders managing change in complex organizations. If you’re leading through uncertainty or looking to inspire a shift in company culture, this podcast will equip you with both the mindset and methodologies.
Related: How can CHROs lead a digital detox initiatives?
19. The Modern People Leader
Host: Daniel Huerta & Enrique Rubio
Topics: HR innovation, leadership, digital transformation
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The Modern People Leader podcast is an inspiring exploration of what it means to lead people in a digital-first, post-pandemic workplace. Hosted by Daniel Huerta and Enrique Rubio, each episode is packed with engaging conversations with top HR minds about the challenges and breakthroughs in people leadership. From fostering DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) to digitizing performance management, this podcast touches on the critical initiatives reshaping HR as a strategic business function. The hosts bring a blend of energy and insight that keeps episodes moving swiftly while offering rich takeaways. Listeners gain access to discussions on transforming HR into a product-oriented function, applying agile practices to HR, and aligning people strategy with corporate innovation. The tone is forward-thinking, optimistic, and deeply aligned with modern leadership principles. This podcast provides a compass and a community for CHROs aiming to push the envelope on people strategy and bring HR closer to business transformation. It’s perfect for leaders who aren’t just reacting to trends but actively shaping the work’s future.
20. The Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast
Host: Dr. Jonathan H. Westover
Topics: Organizational behavior, leadership development, HR strategy
Frequency: Daily
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jonathan H. Westover, stands out for its sheer volume, variety, and scholarly approach to HR and leadership topics. With new episodes released almost daily, the podcast is a treasure trove of insights on organizational behavior, leadership development, corporate ethics, and human capital strategy. Each episode features expert interviews or solo explorations into themes like employee motivation, remote work structures, leadership agility, and ethical HR practices. Dr. Westover’s academic background adds depth to the discussions, bridging research and practice seamlessly. What makes this podcast invaluable for CHROs is its ability to take big-picture concepts—like the psychological contract or transformational leadership—and relate them directly to daily business challenges. It’s common to find episodes grounded in recent studies, paired with expert commentary on applying findings in real-life HR contexts. With its expansive scope and consistent quality, the HCI Podcast is an ongoing education resource and a strategic sounding board for HR leaders striving to elevate their impact in the C-suite.
21. Talent Development Hot Seat
Host: Andy Storch
Topics: Talent development, learning & development (L&D), leadership strategy
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Talent Development Hot Seat, hosted by Andy Storch, is a vibrant, thought-provoking podcast designed to help talent leaders align learning and development initiatives with organizational success. Andy interviews L&D professionals, CLOs, and CHROs from global companies, discussing how they’re developing talent in meaningful, measurable ways. Each episode explores the latest in leadership development programs, learning tech, upskilling strategies, and building a learning culture across distributed teams. Andy’s approach is energetic and deeply curious—he asks the kind of questions that challenge listeners to think critically about how they’re supporting talent from hire to retire. Particularly valuable for HR leaders is the show’s emphasis on strategic L&D alignment with business objectives, helping bridge the gap between training efforts and tangible outcomes. Topics like measuring ROI in L&D, coaching culture, and creating agile development paths are addressed with clarity and depth. For CHROs seeking to enhance talent pipelines, drive employee engagement through learning, or prepare leaders for tomorrow’s challenges, this podcast provides practical tools, fresh frameworks, and case studies from leading organizations. It’s more than just an L&D podcast—it’s a blueprint for building future-ready workforces.
22. The People Stack Podcast
Host: Jen Bunk
Topics: People management, HR coaching, tech team leadership
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The People Stack Podcast, hosted by executive coach Jen Bunk, focuses on building strong, scalable leadership within technical teams—but its insights extend broadly across all HR and people management functions. The podcast emphasizes how to coach managers and team leads to become inspiring, emotionally intelligent leaders—an area often overlooked in traditional HR models. Jen’s coaching background brings a unique spin: the episodes are packed with real-world advice on having difficult conversations, leading with empathy, navigating career transitions, and building influence across departments. Though originally tailored to tech, the episodes offer universal frameworks for dealing with burnout, imposter syndrome, and team conflict—critical issues for CHROs and HR managers in every industry. Jen’s tone is motivational yet pragmatic, often guiding listeners through mindset shifts that can have tangible effects on leadership effectiveness. For HR leaders designing coaching programs, building people-first strategies, or mentoring the next generation of managers, this podcast provides not only structure but also inspiration. The People Stack is particularly valuable for organizations scaling fast, where leadership maturity must catch up with rapid growth.
23. The New Way We Work
Host: Fast Company (Kate Davis)
Topics: Workplace trends, employee experience, remote work
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The New Way We Work, hosted by Fast Company’s Kate Davis, is a forward-looking podcast that analyzes how work, culture, and business are being reshaped in the post-pandemic era. The show focuses on the shifting nature of the workplace—from hybrid and remote models to the rise of employee activism and the demand for mental health support. With a journalistic lens and storytelling finesse, each episode delivers data-rich commentary paired with real-world stories from employees, managers, and policy experts. The podcast is especially relevant for CHROs and HR professionals seeking a macro view of how socio-economic and technological forces are redefining work. Topics include flexible scheduling, inclusive hiring, automation’s impact on human roles, and dismantling outdated corporate norms. What makes it stand out is its cultural relevance—it’s timely, empathetic, and grounded in lived employee experiences. Kate’s balanced and reflective style makes difficult subjects—like toxic management or gender pay gaps—feel accessible without diluting their complexity. For HR leaders steering workforce transformation or looking to rebuild trust and flexibility into organizational DNA, this podcast is an invaluable resource and mirror to the evolving expectations of modern employees.
24. The Future of Work with Jacob Morgan
Host: Jacob Morgan
Topics: Leadership, employee experience, future workforce
Frequency: Weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
The Future of Work with Jacob Morgan explores the mega-trends and shifting paradigms that will shape workplaces over the next decade. A best-selling author and futurist, Jacob brings a visionary perspective to the podcast, interviewing global CEOs, CHROs, and academics to forecast where work, leadership, and culture are headed. Episodes tackle themes like automation, intergenerational dynamics, hybrid leadership models, and creating meaningful employee experiences. What makes this podcast particularly compelling for CHROs is its wide-angle view—Jacob doesn’t just look at what’s happening now, but what’s coming and how leaders can prepare. He breaks down complex macro trends like digital transformation, workforce globalization, and ethical AI into tangible insights. Guests share high-level strategy alongside case studies from companies leading the charge on innovation. For HR executives charged with building long-term resilience, adaptability, and innovation into the organization, The Future of Work is a strategic companion. It helps reframe people strategy not just in terms of HR metrics, but as the engine behind sustainable competitive advantage. This is the podcast to listen to when you’re rethinking everything from leadership pipelines to the employee value proposition.
25. Inclusion Works
Host: Hive Learning
Topics: Diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), workplace culture, inclusive leadership
Frequency: Bi-weekly
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Summary:
Inclusion Works, produced by Hive Learning, is a focused and impactful podcast aimed at helping organizations build more inclusive, equitable, and psychologically safe workplaces. Each episode features conversations with DEI experts, change-makers, and corporate leaders who are putting inclusion into action at scale. The podcast doesn’t just highlight why inclusion matters—it dives into the how, offering tested strategies and frameworks for embedding DEI into recruitment, leadership development, policy, and day-to-day operations. It’s an indispensable resource for CHROs navigating cultural transformation or seeking to operationalize equity across departments. What makes this show especially valuable is its combination of empathy and execution—episodes address microaggressions, allyship, and belonging in a practical, solutions-oriented tone. Inclusion Works also brings global perspectives, ensuring relevance across diverse workplace contexts. For organizations committed to fostering cultures where everyone thrives, this podcast delivers the inspiration, guidance, and accountability tools necessary for real progress. It’s ideal for HR leaders who want to move beyond compliance and tokenism, and instead build sustainable, values-driven inclusion from the ground up.
Related: How can CHROs address employee financial wellness?
Closing Thoughts
In an era where the HR function is both a strategic driver and cultural steward, staying informed is non-negotiable. These 25 podcasts offer a window into the minds of visionary leaders, disruptors, and HR innovators shaping the future of work. Whether you’re seeking tactical solutions or big-picture inspiration, there’s something here for every CHRO and HR leader. Start listening—and leading—with greater clarity, empathy, and purpose.
