HR has a perception problem — and it’s not entirely unfair, but it’s also not the full story.

In this episode of HR Wine Bar, we discuss HR’s PR problem with current Human Resources Association of the Midlands President, Bryn Reed.

We unpack what people think HR does, why employees and leaders often feel the way they do about HR, and how trust is lost before HR ever gets in the room. We talk honestly about the impossible expectations placed on the function, the pressure to be all things to all people, and the toll that takes on credibility, energy, and mental health.

We also explore what is within HR’s control. From the language we use, to how we frame decisions, to how leadership either amplifies or undermines HR’s role, this conversation focuses on practical tools to rebuild trust without abandoning compliance or care. We touch briefly on broader industry tensions, including recent SHRM controversies and member backlash, as context for why the profession feels particularly exposed right now — but we keep the focus on constructive paths forward.

This is a mix of validation and action: acknowledging the frustration many HR professionals feel, while offering concrete ways to shift the narrative through clarity, consistency, and courage. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mischaracterized, or stuck defending work that matters, this episode is for you.

Cheers to HR!

Podcast produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

HR pros know documentation is where things can go beautifully right… or disastrously wrong. In this episode, Jamie Mohrman and Amy Luckenbill unpack how to turn emotional reactions into factual notes, how to document behavior without judgment, and how to help managers stop writing investigative poetry disguised as performance feedback. If you’ve ever inherited a file that made you whisper “oh no…” under your breath, this episode is for you. Pour a glass, sharpen your pencil, and let’s talk about documentation with less tea and more truth.

Cheers to HR!

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

From sticky notes to half-baked emails, bad documentation has a way of coming back to haunt us — usually when it matters most. In this episode, Jamie Mohrman and Amy Luckenbill laugh through the worst documentation fails, share rewrites that actually protect HR and employees, and coach managers on how to write facts instead of feelings. It’s the episode that proves good notes are better than good intentions — and way more reliable than your memory.

Cheers to HR!

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

There’s nothing quite like the headache of cracking open a handbook that desperately needs a rewrite. In this episode, Jamie Mohrman and Amy Luckenbill commiserate over jargon-filled policies, call out the worst offenders, and show you how to turn them into clear, people-friendly guidance. Think of it as the hair of the dog for HR — less legalese, more clarity, and just enough wine to make the edits go down easy.

Correction to Amy's email address - amy@hrhelix.com
Jamie is at jamie@zellehr.com
That Midwestern Mom - https://www.youtube.com/@MidwesternMom-u4u
AirMason - www.airmason.com

Cheers to HR!

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

Every HR pro needs a Professional Circle of Trust (PCT) — the crew you can text after a tough termination, call for a sanity check, or lean on when leadership doesn’t get it.

In this episode, we dig into why HR can’t be a one-person show, how to build your own circle, and the power of mentors, peers, and diverse perspectives. Hosts Amy Luckenbill and Jamie Mohrman bring practical tips, a little bar banter, and a shoutout to their local SHRM Chapter, Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM.)

They prove that HR is always better with backup — and yes, they are totally down with PCT. 🎶

Cheers to HR!

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

In this episode of HR Wine Bar, hosts Amy Luckenbill and Jamie Mohrman discuss how employment law is changing faster than a quick draw in an old saloon, and HR pros are taking the bullet. We explore the dramatic swings shaping our profession, what happens when you don’t keep up, and how to stay on top of shifting rules. This is your survival guide to HR’s version of the Wild West — with a glass of Chianti in hand.

Email staff@hram.org for training courses on the Healthy Family Workplaces Act, in effect 10/01/2025.

Cheers to HR!

Referenced information in this episode:

https://www.hram.org
https://www.mystaff.com/
https://www.theemployerhandbook.com/
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USEEOC/subscriber/new
https://www.dol.gov/index.php/newsroom/newsletter
https://dol.nebraska.gov/
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd
https://www.bls.gov/
https://nebraskaexaminer.com/
https://https://www.mbj.com/

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)

In this opening episode of HR Wine Bar, hosts Amy Luckenbill and Jamie Mohrman share their paths into HR, the lessons that shaped them, and why community matters in a field that can often feel lonely. They discuss early career stories, memorable HR moments, and the realities of navigating compliance, strategy, and workplace relationships. The episode also introduces the connection between HR Wine Bar, Human Resource Association of the Midlands (Omaha/Council Bluffs metro,) and SHRM, and previews topics listeners can expect in future episodes. It is an honest and welcoming conversation that sets the tone for a podcast built on insight, support, and a little humor.

Cheers to HR!

Produced by Todd Studer (Loess Hills Media)
Jingle recorded by Mad Honey
Jingle produced by Kyle Knapp (Dry Creek Studio)