Best HR Podcasts for Human Resources Professionals

HR professionals are constantly looking for ways to stay current and grow in their roles. Podcasts offer a flexible way to learn, whether during a commute or between meetings. 

In fact, a recent study shows 74% of podcast listeners tune in to learn something new. That’s why audio content is such a strong fit for busy professionals. 

But here’s the thing:

You can only learn from the best HR podcasts.

That’s exactly what we’ll review here: the top HR podcasts of 2025, grouped by your goals and interests. From leadership development to workplace culture, you’ll find options that bring valuable insight.

Pro tip: If you're considering building your own podcast for lead generation or brand growth, Content Allies can help you create a high-quality show from start to finish.

Why HR Podcasts Are a Must-Have Resource for HR Professionals

In a role where priorities shift quickly and regulations change often, finding ways to stay current can be a challenge. 

Podcasts give HR professionals a way to keep learning while staying productive. Whether you're commuting, walking, or between meetings, a well-curated podcast delivers relevant knowledge directly to you. 

That kind of flexibility matters, especially considering that only 64% of HR professionals feel confident in translating strategy and applying financial data in their role.

HR podcasts feature experienced practitioners, researchers, and consultants who share strategies and updates. Episodes can focus on tools, labor laws, employee engagement, DEI programs, or performance management. 

Of course, the best podcasts do it through a strategic lens.

And for HR leaders managing both people strategy and compliance, this format offers continuous value.

As the workplace changes, podcasts help you: 

• Build leadership skills

• Explore new technologies

• Strengthen company culture 

… all without stepping away from your day-to-day work.

Best HR Podcasts 2025: Here's What You Should Be Listening to Right Now

Without further ado, let’s see the best human resource podcasts you can follow starting today:

1. Punk Rock HR

Punk Rock HR brings a sharp, unfiltered voice to the HR podcast landscape. Hosted by Laurie Ruettimann, this show delivers compelling interviews with thought leaders, authors, and workplace innovators who are reshaping the way organizations think about culture, leadership, and employee experience.

Episodes dive into topics such as emotional intelligence, DEI, trauma-informed care, and performance management.

You can find guests from top firms like Mercer, WebMD, and Globalization Partner, but we really appreciate the tone, which is bold but insightful.

As a podcast production agency ourselves, we realize the importance of good interview questions. 

And this show’s offering fresh commentary for HR professionals tired of traditional frameworks. The data proves we’re not the only ones who like it: with over 14,000 listeners per episode and a global reach, it's become a favorite for progressive HR leaders.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR professionals interested in transformative thinking, workplace authenticity, and real-world leadership practices.

2. WorkLife

WorkLife is hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant and explores what it means to build a better relationship with work. What we like most about this show is its thought-provoking conversations with researchers, executives, and creatives.

If you watch carefully, you’ll notice how this podcast challenges ingrained assumptions about productivity, motivation, and collaboration.

In fact, each episode combines behavioral science with storytelling.

You’ll hear more on topics such as empathy, inclusion, mental health, and leadership development. 

And there are more than 439,000 listeners per episode, so this podcast has genuinely become a trusted source of insight.  Many HR professionals interested in reshaping workplace culture listen to it for its evidence-backed ideas.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: People and culture professionals seeking to improve team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety.

3. HR Besties

HR Besties has a nice, fresh take on workplace culture. We really appreciate how well it combines its candid HR insights with what can only be described as unapologetic humor.

It’s hosted by Leigh Henderson, Jamie Jackson, and Ashley Herd, and you’ll notice that it serves a dual goal: therapy and strategy for professionals managing real issues inside HR departments.

There’s a wide range of topics, too.

You’ll never get bored with episodes ranging from layoffs, performance reviews, and salary transparency to Gen Z culture clashes and the return-to-office debate. There are also weekly "staff meetings" and Friday "happy hours," so the show mimics the energy of a real team that tells it like it is. 

Heads up:

The language is explicit, but the commentary is grounded and useful. We, much like a lot of other listeners, appreciate the validating tone, practical lessons, and moments of levity that make complex challenges easier to face.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR managers and generalists who want real talk on workplace chaos, with advice that is equal parts funny and functional.

4. The Chad & Cheese Podcast

The Chad & Cheese Podcast doesn’t hold back. It’s hosted by industry veterans Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman, so it’s no wonder that this show takes an unfiltered, even explicit look at recruiting, HR tech, and workforce trends. 

We like how the tone is irreverent and sarcastic, but the insights are sharp. That means you’ll always get the real story behind market moves and vendor hype. And you’ll get it in an interesting way, too.

Recent episodes tackle AI in hiring, gig economy shifts, workplace compliance, and recruiting tech shakeups. The hosts call out weak strategies and celebrate smart innovation, making it clear they are not here to please everyone. 

Basically, this HR podcast is fast-paced, loud, and loaded with opinions that cut through the noise.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: Talent acquisition pros, HR tech buyers, and staffing leaders who want blunt, informed commentary on what’s working in hiring and workforce strategy.

5. HR Leaders

HR Leaders is a twice-weekly show hosted by Chris Rainey.

Here, you’ll be hearing conversations with Chief People Officers, CHROs, and industry experts who shape the future of work. In fact, the guest lineup includes executives from companies like Philip Morris International, Workhuman, and ADP, delivering insights rooted in global practice.

Each episode highlights trends in leadership, workforce transformation, and people strategy.

You’ll get lots of actionable ideas from some of the most progressive organizations worldwide. If you’re looking to start your own thought leadership podcast, that’s exactly the kind of show you want to use as an example.

Plus, it has 814 episodes and over 33,000 monthly listens, so it’s clear the podcast has become a staple in the industry. Many HR professionals listen to stay informed on topics like AI in HR, skills-based hiring, people analytics, and organizational culture. 

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: Senior HR leaders and business strategists focused on leadership, innovation, and enterprise-level people strategy.

Thinking About Launching Your Own HR Podcast?

If you're inspired by the podcasts on this list and wondering how to start one of your own, we can help. At Content Allies, we specialize in launching and scaling podcasts for B2B brands. From concept to content, we build shows that attract your ideal audience, position you as a thought leader, and drive measurable ROI.

Whether you're a consultant, tech vendor, or HR services firm, a podcast can become your most powerful lead generation tool. Let us handle the production so you can focus on sharing your expertise. Learn more at www.contentallies.com

6. Workology

Workology is a long-running podcast hosted by Jessica Miller-Merrell, and we like how it focuses on the changing demands of modern HR. 

This is also a long-standing show, with over 430 episodes and a wide listener base, so it’s clear that professionals like you find it relevant. 

After all, it is a go-to resource for topics ranging from payroll systems and inclusive hiring to AI governance and employee well-being.

You’ll see many great guests, too.

The invited HR consultants, policy advisors, and workplace experts bring their practical experience to some complex issues you’re facing in the real HR world. 

That’s why the podcast also appeals to professionals preparing for HR certifications. It’s really interesting for these young HR to see how workforce trends connect to both strategic and operational roles. Besides, Workology also tackles timely topics like second-chance hiring, workplace mental health, and accessibility in tech.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR professionals looking for compliance-heavy topics, workforce development strategies, and training aligned with certification prep.

7. The Inclusive AF Podcast

The Inclusive AF Podcast is hosted by Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton, two DEI leaders with decades of combined experience in HR, tech, and culture transformation. 

We appreciate them because they can really, though they have a deep expertise, too.

And the way they explore the nuanced work of building truly inclusive environments, is really inspiring.

We bet you’ll love hearing the mix of personal stories, industry interviews, and practical strategies. Topics include inclusive hiring, equity in leadership, AI and bias, and even how to recognize systemic barriers in organizational culture. 

Don’t expect anything preachy, either, because the tone is casual but unflinching. 

The hosts make room for uncomfortable conversations but they know how to keep the experience engaging and accessible.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: DEI champions and HR professionals ready to challenge surface-level inclusion efforts and rethink culture from the inside out.

8. TalentCulture #WorkTrends

TalentCulture #WorkTrends is hosted by Meghan M. Biro and focuses on the future of work through the lens of HR tech, leadership, and employee experience. 

Again, this is a very reputable podcast, seeing that it has over 490 episodes and 4,900 monthly listens.

We recommend it for its expert interviews on workplace innovation, hiring practices, and emerging workforce challenges.

We also noticed the show attracts business leaders, HR professionals, and tech vendors. Basically, it’s a dynamic resource for cross-functional insight. 

In fact, past episodes cover ethical AI, soft skills, frontline hiring, and performance strategy. The podcast also hosts live Twitter chats to extend the conversation beyond the audio stream.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR leaders and talent strategists interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and employee experience.

9. HR Happy Hour Network

HR Happy Hour Network is one of the longest-running and most downloaded podcast series in the HR space. Hosted by Steve Boese and Trish Steed, the show covers a wide range of workforce topics, including HR technology, employee well-being, leadership, diversity, and AI.

With 856 episodes and over 11,000 monthly listens, this twice-weekly podcast is especially valuable for HR professionals working at the intersection of people, strategy, and tech. The show blends industry insight with timely themes such as responsible AI, Gen Z trends, and year-end performance planning.

And here’s our favorite part:

It frequently features executives from companies like Atlassian, Cisco, and Harper College. 

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR leaders and people strategists looking for broad coverage of workplace trends and technologies, with expert interviews and cross-industry relevance.

10. It's About Payroll

It’s About Payroll is hosted by payroll veterans Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan III, who bring over 40 years of combined experience to the mic. So you could say that this weekly show is genuinely dedicated to elevating the payroll profession and attracting new talent into the industry.

Even better, the tone is both educational and mission-driven.

We like the episode topics, too. They feature genuinely candid conversations around payroll audits, earned wage access, compliance, real-time pay, and AI's growing role in payroll systems. 

And they don’t make things boring.

That’s because the hosts spotlight diverse guests, from fintech founders to compliance leaders. So you have a lot to learn from their perspectives that connect payroll to broader issues of leadership, culture, and financial wellness.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: Payroll professionals, HR operations managers, and finance leads who want grounded advice with an eye on industry evolution.

Ready to launch your own podcast?

If you’re looking to reach HR leaders, share expertise, or generate leads, a podcast beats whitepapers and webinars every time. At Content Allies, we produce B2B podcasts that build authority and drive pipeline. From guest booking to editing and distribution, we handle it all so you can focus on great conversations. Let’s talk.

“In our first 12 months, we landed nine new clients, spending just two hours a week on interviews. Content Allies did the rest.”— Sagemark Case Study

11. Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources

Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources is hosted by Traci Chernoff, a seasoned HR leader and Senior Director of Employee Engagement. The podcast has over 250 episodes so far, so it already has a solid tradition in the market.

What we like most about it is that it explores what it truly means to humanize HR through real conversations about leadership, compliance, emotional intelligence, and employee well-being.

That empathy is combined really well with practical insight.

You’ll see many interesting guests from companies like Cigna and Essential HR talking about mental health in the workplace, hiring across borders, and navigating high-conflict personalities.

And we love that all topics are grounded in real experience. 

With 6,100 monthly listens and a growing subscriber base, it is especially popular among HR managers and engagement specialists.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR professionals who want actionable insights on people-first practices and human-centered leadership strategies.

12. The Modern People Leader

The Modern People Leader is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by Daniel and Stephen, two HR pros who focus on how work is evolving. 

Again, we picked a long-standing show, which proved its relevance through nearly 280 episodes and 3,600 monthly listens.

You’ll hear very interesting topics, too, ranging from emerging strategies in talent management to employee experience and organizational culture.

Recent guests include CPOs from Box, LVMH, and BNY, who offer their deep dives into things like distributed operating models, early careers programs, and the intersection of AI and HR.

The podcast balances interviews with firsthand insight really well. That’s why we recommend it for mid to senior-level HR leaders looking to stay sharp in this changing HR space.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR leaders and people operations professionals seeking forward-thinking ideas and executive-level perspective.

13. Honest HR

Honest HR is produced by SHRM and hosted by Nicole Belyna and Monique Akanbi. This weekly podcast tackles real-world challenges, too.

You’ll hear from some really interesting personalities, who are HR professionals on the front lines. 

Plus, you’ll appreciate how well these people offer subject-matter expertise and up-to-date compliance advice, while also using storytelling to make this info stick.

Throughout the 150+ episodes, the show features expert guests discussing everything from workplace politics and mental health to employee engagement and second-chance hiring. It’s also tied closely to SHRM’s larger initiatives, giving listeners a pulse on legal trends, diversity efforts, and emerging workforce expectations.

It’s no wonder this podcast has about 4,700 monthly listens.

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR generalists and compliance-driven professionals looking for relatable, practical content grounded in real experience.

14. HR unConfidential

HR unConfidential offers behind-the-scenes insight into what really happens in HR. 

So, how can you make sure it really offers valuable information?

That’s because it’s hosted by Gina and Turiya, two experienced HR professionals with over 30 years of combined experience. So you’ll get the neat storytelling along with the very insightful practical advice. 

It really shows that the hosts take their podcast scripting seriously.

The podcast has 91 episodes so far, so you have a wide library to browse if it makes you curious. In fact, the show covers topics like burnout, AI, DEI, workplace wellness, and design thinking in HR. 

1,000 monthly listeners agree that it’s worth their time. 

That’s because they can hear unfiltered conversations with guests ranging from CHROs to talent advisors. We genuinely like their grounded takes on everything from employee engagement to psychological safety. 

Start here:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Best for: HR professionals who want honest conversations about workplace realities, without the jargon

What HR Podcasts Will You Tune In On Next?

HR podcasts are a smart, time-efficient way to stay sharp, learn from experts, and explore new strategies. 

Whether you're focused on culture, compliance, or leadership, there's a show here for you. 

Start with one episode that fits your goals and see where it leads.

Want to launch your own HR podcast? Content Allies can help you build a show that drives real results.

FAQs

What are the 5 P's in HR?
The 5 P's stand for People, Performance, Processes, Policies, and Practices. These areas form the foundation for managing human capital within an organization.

What are the 7 main areas of HR?
The seven main areas include recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, training and development, workplace safety, and overall HR strategy.

How can HR podcasts help improve my human resources skills?
They provide ongoing learning through expert interviews, case studies, and real-world discussions you can listen to during your commute or workday.

Where can I find popular HR podcasts for professionals?
You can browse curated lists like this one or search platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for top-ranked HR shows.