Episodes

  • Why Job Searching Feels Random

    Why Job Searching Feels Random
    Jan 21 2026
    In this episode, host Mark Lane reconnects with Mickey Brown, a content strategist navigating an extended job search in a difficult and unpredictable job market. You will learn how layoffs, limited job openings, and automated hiring systems continue to impact candidates, why doing everything “right” does not always lead to results, and how temporary or part-time work can support mental health while searching for the next opportunity. Connect with Mickey Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-brown Key takeaways The job market has not significantly improved for many job seekers AI tools and applicant tracking systems add complexity to hiring Well-qualified candidates can still be overlooked Hiring outcomes often involve randomness and luck Authenticity and algorithm optimization send mixed signals Layoffs increase competition for fewer roles Temporary work can reduce stress during unemployment Mental health should be prioritized during job searches Letting go of ego can open new opportunities Resilience is essential in today’s hiring landscape Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Mickey Brown 01:30 Mickey’s ongoing job search 02:51 Current job market realities 04:55 How AI affects hiring 07:15 Lessons learned about the process 08:38 Advice for job seekers Keywords job search hiring process AI tools applicant tracking system mental health job market employment challenges career advice unemployment career resilience
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    9 mins
  • How AI Is Changing Career Development

    How AI Is Changing Career Development
    Jan 17 2026
    This episode features Chris Shannon, a senior training and development professional focused on building high impact learning programs, leadership development, and upskilling teams for the future. You will learn how AI is changing both hiring and learning and development, what recruiters often miss behind a resume, and how professionals can position their skills so they stay competitive in a fast moving job market. Contact Email: chris.shannon@mac.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-christopher-shannon-8500765 Key takeaways AI is changing how companies evaluate talent Learning and development plays a bigger role in hiring decisions Upskilling increases long term career security Leadership development improves employability Resumes do not capture full potential Continuous learning helps professionals stay relevant Recruiters often miss transferable skills Clear career narratives improve hiring outcomes Technology is reshaping workforce development Adaptability is a career advantage Timestamps 00:00 Chris’s background in learning and development 00:40 How AI affects hiring and training 01:30 Why upskilling matters 02:20 Leadership and career growth 03:10 What recruiters should understand 04:00 What gives Chris hope Keywords career development AI hiring learning and development leadership skills upskilling job search workforce training professional growth hiring process future of work
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    9 mins
  • How Creative Job Seekers Get Noticed

    How Creative Job Seekers Get Noticed
    Jan 17 2026
    This episode features Rebecca Gale Peaire, a creative and strategic professional navigating today’s AI-powered hiring systems. You will learn how creative job seekers can communicate their value when resumes are filtered by software, how to highlight unique skills that algorithms miss, and how to position yourself so hiring managers see the person behind the application. 🚀 Connect with Rebecca: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebeccagale2 🌐 Portfolio: rgale4292.weebly.com Key takeaways Creative professionals must explain their value beyond keywords AI screening often hides strong candidates from recruiters Personal branding helps employers remember you Storytelling makes your experience easier to understand Portfolios show what resumes cannot Confidence matters when the process feels impersonal Clear messaging increases interview opportunities Authenticity helps candidates stand out Hiring managers look for problem solvers, not just resumes Your creativity is a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 Rebecca’s background and career path 00:30 How AI filters creative candidates 01:15 Showcasing skills beyond resumes 02:00 What makes Rebecca stand out 02:45 Advice for hiring managers 03:30 What gives her hope Keywords job search creative careers AI hiring personal branding portfolio marketing careers communications jobs hiring process career growth job applications
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    6 mins
  • How Creativity Beats Resume Filters

    How Creativity Beats Resume Filters
    Jan 17 2026
    This episode features Melissa Brodsky, a creative content and communications professional with deep experience in digital strategy, editorial development, and brand storytelling. You will learn how AI has shaped her job search experience, why recruiters often miss key strengths behind the résumé, and how communicating value beyond keywords can help creative professionals stand out and be seen by real decision-makers.ContactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabethbrodskyPortfolio: https://melissabrodsky.journoportfolio.comEmail: mbrodsky329@gmail.comMobile: 248-633-6668Key takeawaysStorytelling helps employers understand real valueAI screening often misses creative and transferable skillsResumes alone do not capture full capabilityPortfolios show impact better than keywordsCreativity is a competitive advantage in hiringClear messaging improves recruiter understandingPersonal branding increases visibilityAuthenticity builds trust in the hiring processAutomation changes how candidates must present themselvesHuman connection still matters in hiring decisionsTimestamps00:00 Melissa’s background and career00:45 How AI impacted her job search01:35 Communicating value beyond keywords02:25 Creativity versus automation03:10 What recruiters often miss04:00 Final thoughts and hopeKeywordsjob searchAI hiringstorytellingcreative careerspersonal brandingdigital strategyportfoliocommunications jobshiring processcareer growth
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    13 mins
  • How to Stand Out Beyond Keywords

    How to Stand Out Beyond Keywords
    Jan 17 2026
    This episode features Julie Pippert, a communications and marketing strategist with deep expertise in storytelling, content strategy, and brand engagement. Julie shares her job search journey with insight and candor, reflecting on how AI is reshaping hiring, how creativity still cuts through, and why staying authentic matters more than ever. You will learn how to communicate your value beyond keywords, how to stay resilient when applications disappear into automated systems, and how to position yourself so real people actually see what you bring to the table.👤 Connect with Julie:🔗 linkedin.com/in/juliepippert Key takeawaysMost resumes are filtered by software before a human ever reviews themStorytelling helps employers understand your real valueCreativity is a competitive advantage in hiringPersonal branding makes you easier to recognize and rememberAutomation often misses transferable skillsBeing authentic helps you stand out from generic applicantsNetworking creates opportunities outside of ATS systemsConfidence helps when the process feels impersonalRejection is not a reflection of your worthYour career path can evolve in unexpected waysTimestamps00:00 Julie’s career and background00:34 How automation affects hiring01:18 Why storytelling matters02:05 Standing out beyond keywords02:52 What Julie wants recruiters to know03:40 What gives her hopeKeywordsjob searchstorytellingcareer growthpersonal brandinghiring processAI in recruitmentcreativityresume optimizationprofessional identitycareer resilience
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    8 mins
  • Staying Resilient During Career Transitions

    Staying Resilient During Career Transitions
    Jan 16 2026
    This episode features Luis Aguilar, a professional with a strong background in operations and leadership who shares how he has navigated his job search with resilience and purpose. You will learn how AI has reshaped the hiring process, how to stay motivated during career transitions, and why recruiters often miss strong candidates when they focus only on skills instead of the full professional story behind the résumé. Luis’ Profile linkedin.com/in/aguilarluis1979 Key takeaways AI systems influence how candidates are evaluated Leadership experience is often undervalued in hiring Resilience helps manage uncertainty during transitions Motivation supports long job searches Stories provide context that resumes alone cannot Operations skills transfer across industries Hiring processes often overlook human potential Clear communication improves visibility with employers Purpose strengthens career decision-making Adaptability is a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 Luis’s background in operations and leadership 00:35 How AI has reshaped hiring 01:20 Staying motivated through transitions 02:10 What recruiters often miss 02:55 What gives Luis purpose and hope Keywords job search career transitions AI hiring leadership skills operations management resilience hiring process professional growth personal branding career development
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    5 mins
  • Turning Crisis Into Career Strength

    Turning Crisis Into Career Strength
    Jan 16 2026
    This episode features Mindi Vestal, Ph.D., a crisis intervention specialist, advocate, and change-maker who shares her job search journey and the emotional realities of navigating today’s hiring process. You will learn how resilience, empathy, and lived experience can become professional strengths, how the modern job search impacts mental and emotional health, and how turning crisis into growth can shape both careers and workplaces.Key takeawaysThe job search process can take a significant emotional tollResilience helps professionals move forward after setbacksEmpathy is a valuable workplace skillCrisis experience builds leadership and perspectiveEmotional intelligence supports long-term career growthHiring systems often overlook human depthPersonal growth can come from professional uncertaintyAdvocacy skills translate across roles and industriesStrength and compassion can coexist in leadershipHuman-centered workplaces benefit everyone👤 Connect with Mindi:🔗 linkedin.com/in/mindi-vestal-ph-d-23a487212Timestamps00:00 Mindi’s background and mission00:40 The emotional impact of job searching01:25 Navigating crisis and change02:15 Turning adversity into growth03:05 What employers often overlook03:50 Encouragement for job seekersKeywordsjob searchcareer resilienceemotional intelligencecrisis interventionempathy at workmental healthhiring processprofessional growthhuman-centered leadershipcareer transitions
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    5 mins
  • How AI Governance Shapes Hiring

    How AI Governance Shapes Hiring
    Jan 16 2026
    This episode features Terry Dickerson, a director of AI governance and business operations who shares his job search experience in a rapidly evolving AI-driven hiring landscape. You will learn how AI can both help and hinder job seekers, why ethical AI governance is becoming a critical business priority, and how leaders can position themselves for transformation-focused roles as demand for governance expertise grows.Key takeawaysAI affects how resumes are interpreted by different systemsAI governance roles are increasing across industriesEthical considerations are becoming central to AI deploymentTransformation leadership is in demand at senior levelsLinkedIn profiles provide deeper insight than resumes aloneJob seekers must balance ATS optimization with clarityGovernance helps manage operational and ethical AI risksRecruiters benefit from understanding governance skill setsThought leadership builds credibility in emerging fieldsAI governance skills will continue to grow in demandConnect with Terry:🔗 linkedin.com/in/terry-dickersonTimestamps00:00 Job searching in AI governance01:35 How AI impacts hiring decisions04:00 Standing out beyond resume filters05:38 Optimism for AI governance careersKeywordsAI governancejob searchtransformation leadershipresume tipshiring advicejob market trendsethical AIrecruitment strategiesLinkedIn profilesjob seekers
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    8 mins