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We spend too much time at work for it to be a miserable experience! Join JoDee Curtis and Susan White as they discuss human resources and leadership topics with a goal of creating work environments where people can find their joy. If you want to learn about important workplace topics with a splash of joy (and earn SHRM credit!) this is the show for you.
Episodes

Jul 14, 2025
Jul 14, 2025
38 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the importance of business etiquette and cultural training with Pamela Eyring, president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington.
Topics include:
- How skills learned from protocol and business etiquette are central to building relationships and advancing your career
- When lack of protocol leads to confusion, conflict, and missed opportunities
- The value of protocol in today's fast-paced, informal work culture
- How formalizing etiquette practices impacts culture, leadership, and external reputation
In this episode's listener question, we're asked about the differences and similarities of in-house recruiters and recruiting staffing firms. In the news, we discuss the link between employee well-being and productivity.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-225-why-business-etiquette-matters/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-225-why-business-etiquette-matters/
To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on July 14, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Jun 30, 2025
Jun 30, 2025
38 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss Generation Z in the workplace with five Gen Z professionals: Anna Park, Kyle Curtis, Liam Hogan, Mary Gillett, and Ben Holdcraft.
Topics include:
- What motivates our Gen Zers at work
- How these Gen Zers like to be communicated with
- The things that annoy these Gen Zers in the workplace
- What brings them joy at work
- What other generations can do to help Gen Z employees bring their best selves to work
- Surprises and takeaways we found in our conversations with Gen Zers
In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to help a bad boss change their leadership style if they're not open to feedback or suggestions. In the news, a cocktail server is bringing a lawsuit against her former employer after they terminated her for not wearing high heels to work, despite her request for accommodation due to plantar fasciitis.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-224-gen-z-at-work/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-224-gen-z-at-work/
To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 30, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Jun 16, 2025
Jun 16, 2025
40 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the upcoming anthology book, "Joy@Work: When Women Lead" with three of the authors - MeChelle Callen, Kerrie Weinzapfel, and our own JoDee Curtis.
Topics include:
- Eliminating "just" from your vocabulary
- Owning your superpowers
- Turning endings into positive steps forward
In this episode's listener question, we're asked how in-house recruiters can be better partners to the business. In the news, fully remote workers are the most likely to be engaged at work, but less likely to be thriving in their lives.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-223-joy-at-work/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-223-joy-at-work/
To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 16, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/
![[Rebroadcast] Generational Diversity (with Lindsay Boccardo)](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/1548759/JoyPowered-Podcast-Cover-Art_300x300.png)
Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
38 min
This week we're rerunning a 2023 episode on a topic we often get suggestions about: different generations in the workplace!
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss generational diversity at work with coach/speaker Lindsay Boccardo.
Topics include:
- What's different with Gen Z compared to Millennials
- What employers are doing to continue to evolve with the needs of newer employees
- What organizations can do to retain more seasoned leaders
- How coaching skills help bring generationally diverse teams together
- How Lindsay's perspective has changed regarding generations at work, culture, and employee engagement
- What people do in this area that sucks the joy out of work
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-161-generational-diversity/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-161-generational-diversity/
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
21 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk about mental health challenges in the workplace with Kourtney McCauliff.
Topics include:
- The statistics on mental health at work
- The business case for mental health
- Mental health-friendly cultures
- Recognizing and responding to mental health challenges in the workplace
- How to reduce the stigma and build awareness
- Mental Health First Aid training
In this episode's listener question, we're asked about reasons for pursuing an encore career. In the news, we discuss the top 10 most injured professions.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-221-recognizing-and-responding-to-mental-health-challenges/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-221-recognizing-and-responding-to-mental-health-challenges/
To get 0.25 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on May 19, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
35 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk about using artificial intelligence in human resources with Josh Tanenbaum, Managing Parter at Rebalance Capital.
Topics include:
- How organizations are leveraging AI effectively in traditional HR functions
- What AI can replace in HR (and what it will never replace)
- Organizations leading the way in adapting to and integrating AI in HR
- Advice for advocating for higher usage of AI in HR at your organization
- Risk mitigation tactics
In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to respectfully cut an interview short when you learn early on that it's not a good fit. In the news, the average workday in the United States is now 8 hours and 44 minutes, 36 minutes shorter than it was prior to 2022.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-220-how-hr-leaders-should-be-thinking-about-ai/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-220-how-hr-leaders-should-be-thinking-about-ai/
To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on May 5, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Apr 21, 2025
Apr 21, 2025
41 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan share their advice on employee relations.
Topics include:
- The benefits of strong employee relations
- Key skills for employee relations professionals
- The four foundational elements of employee relations
- Common employee relations issues and how the response should vary by industry and workforce
- How employers can protect themselves from retaliation allegations
- How to handle an employee saying they're recording the conversation when you asked them not to
- What to do when you find out an employee making allegations is the one at fault
In this episode's listener question, we're asked about curbing someone who talks too much in a meeting when you're their peer. In the news, we discuss ideas for employee appreciation.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-219-the-foundations-of-employee-relations/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-219-the-foundations-of-employee-relations/
To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on April 21, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Apr 7, 2025
Apr 7, 2025
22 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the increasing emphasis on active and experiential learning methodologies with instructional designer Beth Haggenjos.
Topics include:
- Shifts in the landscape of education
- What experiential learning is and why it's crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their training programs
- What active learning entails and how it can be effectively implemented
- What makes eLearning effective and engaging
- How to stay updated on the latest educational technologies
- Trends shaping the future of instructional design and eLearning
In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to tell an employer you've recently been diagnosed as neurodivergent. In the news, employee engagement in the US fell to its lowest level in a decade in 2024.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-218-the-power-of-experiential-and-active-learning/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-218-the-power-of-experiential-and-active-learning/
To get 0.25 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on April 7, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Mar 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025
28 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss employee loyalty with author and speaker Kathy Parry.
Topics include:
- Generational differences regarding workplace loyalty
- How to acknowledge and celebrate your team
- Building loyalty to increase retention
- Helping team members understand their purpose
In this episode's listener question, we're asked about promoting unity and collaboration in a politically charged environment. In the news, Gallup recently released their Global Leadership Report.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-217-building-loyalty-in-your-team/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-217-building-loyalty-in-your-team/
To get 0.50 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on March 24, 2026)
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
42 min
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss some interesting discrimination cases that have occurred throughout the US over the last year with employment attorney Gina Carrillo.
Topics include:
- Leibas vs. Dart, a case about ADA accommodations
- Muldrow vs. City of St. Louis, regarding adverse actions under Title VII
- Amos vs. Lampo Group, which deals with reverse religious discrimination
- Young vs. Colorado Department of Corrections, a case related to DEI programs
- Okonowsky vs. Garland, about harassment via social media
- What business and HR leaders can take away from these cases
In this episode's listener question, we're asked for our thoughts on quiet firing. In the news, we discuss a trend toward unionization in banking.
Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-216-behind-the-curtain-of-eeo-cases/
A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-216-behind-the-curtain-of-eeo-cases/
Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered
Connect with us:
@JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered
@JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered
Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/
