The Tryptophan Myth: Why People Are REALLY Exhausted at Work

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort speak with Deb Muller, founder and CEO of HR Acuity, about the evolving landscape of employee relations as we approach 2026. The conversation covers key trends in employee relations, the impact of AI on HR functions, the importance of trust and risk management, and the mental health challenges faced by employee relations teams. Deb emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, implement effective governance around AI, and prioritize employee well-being. The episode concludes with practical advice for smaller organizations and insights into the future of HR practices. Join the free empowER community here. Employee Relations resources here. Takeaways Employee relations is evolving with new challenges and complexities. Trust is essential for mitigating risk in organizations. AI is becoming an integral part of HR processes. Smaller organizations can implement fundamental ER practices without large teams. Mental health and burnout are significant concerns for ER teams. Data-driven approaches can help measure trust and risk effectively. Organizations need to create safe channels for employee feedback. The complexity of cases is increasing, requiring more strategic handling. Governance around AI is crucial for responsible implementation in HR. Investing in employee relations can lead to better organizational outcomes.

In this “Snackable HR” episode, Robin unpacks the real reason your team is running on empty before December even starts - and it's not the tryptophan. She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something “mysterious” and instead to start seeing people as humans who need more than a long weekend to recover from a year like this one.

Does AI free up HR to focus on strategy? Host Michael VanDervort welcomes Jessie Roberts, Head of People Business Partners at Nextdoor, for a conversation about the intersection of HR and technology. Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on strategic work or merely replaces one set of administrative tasks with another. The discussion highlights AI’s potential to deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights, enhancing decision-making and strengthening the strategic role of HR teams. Takeaways AI can make HR more strategic if used correctly. Access to real-time analytics is a game-changer for HR. Having an HR analytics person can significantly improve data-driven decision-making. AI can help HR teams focus on more strategic initiatives. The right use of technology can alleviate administrative burdens. Real-time insights can lead to better HR strategies. AI acts as a supportive teammate in HR functions. Data-driven HR practices can enhance overall effectiveness. The integration of analytics in HR is essential for modern practices. AI tools should be leveraged to maximize HR potential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR and Guest Introduction 00:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

On this episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling talks with Kristen Kavanaugh, co-author of Courage Over Fear and co-founder of The Agency Initiative.   Kristen shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR leadership at Tesla, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to authenticity, agency, and growth. The conversation explores the book’s core ideas: courage as small but powerful 5% shifts, the “Agency Loop” framework, and finding ways to lead with values even in polarized or high-pressure environments. Kristen also reflects on the challenges and future of DEI, urging leaders to step into courageous action within their spheres of influence. The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for building resilience, authenticity, and human connection at work

In this host-only episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort dig into the latest 2025 U.S. jobs report that reveals virtually zero net job growth and the ripple effects of economic uncertainty on talent strategy. They unpack the simmering Starbucks union impasse and the optics of leadership’s return-to-office workaround as a lens on culture and credibility. And then the conversation pivots to a forward-looking challenge for HR pros: transform yourself, stay relevant amid tech/AI shifts and consolidation, and don’t let disruption become stagnation.  The episode is topped off with a celebratory nod to Humareso’s 13th anniversary!

In this episode of Drive Thru HR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome Clay Martin, the owner of Isla Talent, who specializes in recruiting from Puerto Rico. Clay shares his unique journey from the Peace Corps to establishing a recruiting firm that addresses labor shortages in the U.S. by connecting employers with skilled workers from Puerto Rico. The conversation delves into the challenges of traditional visa programs, the benefits of hiring from Puerto Rico, and the importance of building trust and communication with both employers and employees. Clay emphasizes the human aspect of recruitment and the need for genuine engagement in the hiring process.

In this conversation, Michael VanDervort and John Hyman discuss various topics related to labor relations, the current crisis within the NLRB, and the implications of political actions on workplace rights. They examine the challenges faced by unions, the significance of employee rights, and the necessity of thoughtful responses to workplace threats. The discussion also touches on the political landscape in the U.S. Takeaways The NLRB is currently facing an authority crisis due to a lack of quorum. Political gridlock is hindering the appointment of new board members. Employers must be cautious about how they regulate employee communications regarding union organizing. Workplace investigations into threats should be taken seriously and handled with care. Overreacting to potential workplace violence is often safer than underreacting. Political issues, such as transgender rights, are becoming increasingly relevant in workplace discussions. The current political climate is seen as performative and troubling by many. There is a growing concern about authoritarianism in the U.S. and its impact on democracy. The importance of compassion and empathy in discussions about workplace rights is emphasized. The conversation highlights the need for vigilance in protecting employee rights amidst political changes.

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to discuss the importance of durable skills in the hiring process and organizational culture. Caitlin explains how durable skills, such as innovation and communication, are more predictive of job success than traditional skills. The conversation also covers the need for organizations to align their culture with strategy, the significance of cultural dexterity, and how companies can future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI. ***** Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and Co-founder of Plum, is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. With Plum, business leaders gain access to vital talent data that aligns employees with roles where they’ll flourish, setting the stage for the entire business to thrive.

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity, discussing the evolution of employee relations, the importance of talent development, and the role of technology in HR. They explore the significance of communities like empowER in improving HR practices, the necessity of continuous learning, how HR tech has changed employee relations, and the adaptability of HR professionals across various industries. The conversation ends with a fun speed round of HR-related questions, emphasizing the human aspect of HR and the employee experience.

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael turns the mic on his longtime co-host, Robin Schooling, about her brand-new book, Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There. What unfolds is part interview, part therapy session, and part HR real-talk manifesto. Robin shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing a book that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the HR trenches. From the lonely moments to the WTF ones, Real HR is about cutting through the corporate noise and saying the quiet parts out loud. Michael and Robin talk about why empathy matters (like, actually matters), how storytelling makes us better HR humans, and why HR pros must stop waiting for permission to lead with their values. Oh, and they also talk about burnout. (Because, duh, it’s HR.) TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) Takeaways: Real HR is messy, human, and long overdue. Writing a book is like doing HR: it’s hard, personal, and not for the faint of heart. Storytelling isn’t fluff - it’s how people learn and connect. Tech is a tool, not a substitute for empathy. Burnout is rampant; community and reflection are survival gear. Robin’s not done writing. Stay tuned. Grab your coffee, your sense of humor, and maybe a stress ball - this one’s for anyone who’s ever been “voluntold” to fix the unfixable