Hiring to Firing Podcast

Croissants, Contracts, and Compliance: When US Work Habits Meet French Law

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond [https://www.troutman.com/professionals/tracey-e-diamond/] and Emily Schifter [https://www.troutman.com/professionals/emily-e-schifter/] revisit the series Emily in Paris to explore what happens when American work habits meet French employment law. Joined by guest Fabienne Haas, a partner at the leading French law firm August Debouzy, they unpack the cultural and legal challenges an American "Emily" might face in Paris — from strict limits on after-hours emails and mandatory vacation, to France's approach to overtime, layoffs, and the use of contractors and employers of record, offering a candid comparison to the more flexible, at-will U.S. system. The conversation also takes on romance in the "City of Love," privacy expectations, and France's robust harassment and investigation requirements. Tune in to hear how multinational employers can avoid missteps, manage cross-border workforces, and adapt their U.S. playbook before it collides with French law. Troutman Pepper Locke's Labor + Employment Practice Group [https://www.troutman.com/services/practices/labor-and-employment/] provides comprehensive thought leadership through various channels. We regularly issue advisories that offer timely insights into the evolving employment law landscape, and maintain the HiringToFiring.Law Blog [https://www.hiringtofiring.law/], a resource spotlighting best practices for employers. Our Hiring to Firing Podcast [https://www.troutman.com/podcast/hiring-to-firing-podcast/], hosted by Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter, delves into pressing labor and employment law topics, drawing unique parallels from pop culture, hit shows, and movies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Punchlines to Prejudice: Confronting Antisemitism in the Workplace

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter use a dark comic sketch from Inside Amy Schumer as a starting point for a serious conversation about antisemitism in the workplace. Joined by Andrew Goretsky, senior regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Philadelphia, they unpack how antisemitic stereotypes, microaggressions, and overt hostility show up on the job, and explore recent ADL research on discrimination against Jewish and Israeli job applicants. The discussion also examines the evolving legal landscape under Title VII, the impact of AI-driven hiring tools on protected groups, and practical steps employers can take to build workplaces that are safer and more inclusive for all employees. Tune in for a thoughtful, candid look at how organizations can recognize, prevent, and respond to antisemitism at work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Perms, Pay Equity, and the Power of Experts

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by Paul White, a partner at Resolution Economics, to demystify the world of expert witnesses in employment matters. Using memorable clips from My Cousin Vinny, Legally Blonde, and The Big Short, they explore what it really means to be an “expert,” how courts evaluate expert qualifications and methodologies, and the tactics attorneys use to challenge or bolster expert testimony. The conversation examines the crucial role experts play in damages calculations, wage and hour disputes, discrimination and pay equity audits, and emerging AI bias reviews, while highlighting why clear, accessible storytelling is just as important as technical rigor. Tune in to learn how employers and their counsel can partner effectively with experts to turn complex data into practical guidance, manage risk, and control litigation and consulting costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hot Flashes, Cold Policies: Legal and Benefit Strategies for Menopause

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter confront a workplace issue that affects millions but is often ignored: menopause. Joined by psychotherapist, former attorney, and author Lauren Tetenbaum and employee benefits partner Lydia Parker, they discuss how perimenopause and menopause impact employees' health and workplace performance, and the stigma that keeps many suffering in silence. The conversation explores emerging legal developments and benefit strategies that support employees through this life stage, including specialized care, plan design considerations, and new protections. Tune in to learn how employers can move beyond taboo, retain experienced talent, and create a more inclusive workplace for those navigating menopause. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before You Front the Funds: Benefits and Pitfalls of Earned Wage Access Tools

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by their Troutman Pepper Locke colleague, Carlin McCrory, co-host of the Payment Pros podcast. Together, they explore the emerging world of earned wage access (EWA), or on-demand pay, through the lens of the entrepreneurial reality TV show Shark Tank. The conversation examines the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's shifting approach, rapidly developing (and sometimes conflicting) state laws, and the wage and hour and payroll challenges that can arise when employees access their pay early. They also discuss how EWA can be a powerful recruitment and retention tool, the risks of turning a benefit into a "loan in sheep's clothing," and practical steps HR and in-house counsel can take when vetting vendors or considering in-house EWA programs. Tune in to see if EWA is the kind of pitch your HR "sharks" should back — or one that ought to be met with, "And for that reason, I'm out." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.