Cary Burke left Big Law, joined the plaintiff’s side, and hasn’t looked back—except when his kids are jumping down the stairs in dinosaur underwear. Episode Summary: Cary made partner at Seyfarth—and then left to jump into the chaos of plaintiff-side litigation, a coworking space, and parenting two daredevil sons. We discuss that leap, what’s broken in labor law, and why Cary’s voice on LinkedIn cuts through the noise. He weighs in on Stericycle’s vibes-based enforcement, state labor boards step...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 29
CUE Inc. isn’t just a conference—it’s the go-to spot for leaders who want to build trust, truth, and transparency in employee and labor relations. In this episode of the Left To Boom Show , host Phil Wilson interviews Elizabeth Huston , the executive director of CUE Inc., a positive employee relations organization. They discuss Elizabeth's leadership journey, the importance of community and collaboration within CUE Inc., the organization's values, and the diverse membership contributing to its m...
May 30, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 28
What happens when economic pressure meets patient care? Lori King gives us the pulse check. Phil Wilson sits down with Lori King—a nurse, educator, executive, and labor relations strategist, to discuss the operational storm brewing in healthcare. From staffing ratios to legislative landmines, Lori explains how hospitals navigate a system under pressure and what it takes to keep care teams functioning while balancing budgets and burnout. This episode explores the real labor issues facing healthca...
May 10, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 27
🎤 We negotiated with a union… powered by AI. No, seriously. We ran a mock collective bargaining session using Grok AI’s voice mode on iOS. The result? A surprisingly real-feeling negotiation, complete with demands, tension, and even performance feedback for the company lead (ouch, but helpful). 🧠 Here's why this matters: ✅ Real-time training ✅ Feedback-driven learning ✅ Anywhere, anytime practice This is next-gen prep for HR and labor relations pros who want to sharpen their negotiation skills...
Apr 25, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, Phil McMann and Dave Sapenoff take us inside the room to explore the tactics and strategies behind bargaining in a first collective bargaining agreement. Building on the previous episode’s focus on preparation, this installment dives into the practical, day-to-day dynamics of sitting at the table and getting the deal done. Key topics include: Setting ground rules and managing table etiquette to ensure productive discussions. The importance of written pro...
Jan 02, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we dive into the critical groundwork for bargaining preparation with Phil McMann and Dave Sapenoff , two experienced consultants who have negotiated hundreds of labor agreements. This is the first of two episodes focusing on the bargaining process. This installment highlights the essential steps for planning and preparation. Phil and Dave share actionable insights on: Aligning leadership and setting clear goals for negotiations. Building your bargaining ...
Jan 02, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson is joined by Gail Wolfe , LRI Consulting Services, Inc ., to tackle one of the most challenging scenarios for employers: preparing for a potential strike. Together, they break down the critical steps managers must take to safeguard their operations, communicate effectively, and navigate legal complexities. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The legal groundwork for strike preparation ✅ Key stakeholders to be involved in planning ✅ How to develop robus...
Dec 16, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson is joined by Gail Wolfe from LRI Consulting Services Inc . to explore the art of developing and implementing a comprehensive project plan for collective bargaining. Whether preparing for your first negotiation or refining your approach, this episode provides practical strategies to cover every aspect of the bargaining process and meet deadlines. What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to create an effective timeline and task list ✅ Tips for coordinatin...
Dec 16, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, part of our Managing in a Unionized Environment series, host Phil Wilson sits down with Nick Kalm , founder of Reputation Partners , to explore the art and science of effective communication during collective bargaining. Effective communication is crucial at all times, but never more so than during the negotiation of a first collective bargaining agreement. Phil and Nick dive into the nuances of managing internal and external communications to ensure the...
Dec 12, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson teams up with LRI Consultant Dave Sapenoff to provide managers with a roadmap for navigating the critical first two weeks after a union election. Whether you've won or lost, maintaining the status quo and preparing for negotiations is essential to managing effectively in a unionized environment. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Defining the status quo: What it means for daily management and why it matters ✅ Immediate steps to prepare for post-electi...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 20
We’re excited to share a special episode of Labor Relations Radio ! In this episode, Phil Wilson, President of LRI Consulting Services, joins host Peter List to discuss the recent shift in labor law stemming from the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in the Siren Retail Corp. case, which overruled the longstanding Tri-Cast ruling from 1985. Phil and Peter break down what this new decision means for employers, especially around the Board's tightened standards on statements made about unio...
Nov 12, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we are joined by Amy Moor Gaylord , a seasoned attorney with over 25 years of experience in traditional labor and employment litigation. As a partner at Akerman LLP , Amy’s extensive knowledge spans industries like healthcare, higher education, not-for-profit organizations, public safety, and hospitality. From handling complex National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proceedings to leading high-stakes collective bargaining negotiations, Amy brings a wealth ...
Oct 22, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we sit down with Megan Cook , co-founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Happy Companies . Join hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort as they explore a range of topics, including the challenges of bringing together diverse work styles, the role of AI in scaling leadership coaching, and how Happy Companies uses technology to foster better employee engagement and team dynamics. Megan shares insights from her journey in business leadership, discusses...
Sep 30, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 17
🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Workplace Wars: Mastering Polarization in the Modern Office Check out the latest Left the Boom episode with Seyfarth Shaw attorney Dawn Reddy Solowey ! 🌟 🔍 What we discuss: 👉Cultural Flashpoints: Practical legal tips to maintain civility and collaboration amidst workplace conflicts. 👉DEI Debates: Tackle diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in today’s polarized environment. 👉Election-Era Tensions: Prepare for the impact of the upcoming presidential election ...
Sep 20, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of Left of Boom, hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort interview David Wimmer , a seasoned labor and employment attorney from Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer. Known for his deep expertise in California's complex labor laws, David shares his insights on the latest legal challenges employers face in the Golden State. From navigating new wage-and-hour laws to the ongoing battle over arbitration agreements, David unpacks what’s happening on the West Coast and how t...
Aug 22, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort chat with Fiona Jamison , the CEO of Spring International. Fiona brings her vast experience in improving employee experience, engagement, and organizational change. We'll kick off by learning about Fiona’s role at Spring International and her career journey. Fiona discusses leaders as mentors who made a big impact on her career. Then, we’ll discuss what makes a great day at work and how a company's environment affects d...
Aug 01, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Wondering how fractional HR services are revolutionizing the workplace? Interested in how leaders can operate more effectively? Tune in to this episode of the Left of Boom Show, where Michael VanDervort and Phil Wilson chat with Dana Wood and Tim Fatum of Envision Strategic Services to discuss the benefits and challenges of HR on demand. We will also hear how they built a successful consulting practice and share inspiring stories about leadership and career growth. Plus, get a sneak peek into Da...
Jul 17, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, Phil shares the intriguing story behind the show's name, offering listeners an inside look at its origin and significance. Following this, Phil and Michael discuss the labor law landscape, exploring the far-reaching implications of the recent Chevron decision. The discussion then shifts to the current state of the NLRB, addressing the stalled nominations and the potential impact of these vacancies. They speculate about Jennifer Abruzzo's future should th...
Jul 03, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, we welcome Jon Hyman , a seasoned employment and labor attorney with over 25 years of experience, to the Left of Boom Show. As the leader of the Employment & Labor Practice Group at Wickens Herzer Panza, Jon brings a wealth of knowledge on a range of employment and labor law issues. We dive into the hot topics of the day, starting with the Supreme Court's decision involving Starbucks and the Memphis 7. We also chat about the recent legal battles invo...
Jun 15, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of The Left Of Boom Show, we sit down with Marc Freedman, Vice President of Workplace Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to better understand how employers can prepare for the new OSHA Walkaround Standard, set to take effect on May 31st. This regulation allows employees to designate a non-employee representative to accompany OSHA inspectors during walkaround inspections, a change that carries significant implications for employers and their property rights. Under the new ru...
May 31, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort welcome Brant Menswar , an inspirational keynote speaker and best-selling author. Known for his work with major brands, Brant discusses his book " Black Sheep ," which focuses on integrating core values into leadership and decision-making. The episode explores the power of personal stories in leadership and the intersection of music, creativity, and leadership, offering transformative insights for building meaningful hu...
May 26, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this episode of The Left Of Boom Show , we invited some in-house guests – LRI chief-of-staff Danine Clay and labor consultant Amber Glesener – to candidly discuss their experiences with workers in the cannabis industry. They will address labor-specific wrinkles within an industry that faces many challenging issues: Federally, this industry is not legal but must follow federal labor law. Rapidly changing laws across state lines adds further complications. This includes states that require or e...
May 24, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this special episode of Labor Relations Radio and Labor Relations Institute’s The Left of Boom Show , Phil Wilson and Peter List team up to tackle a big topic: a recent ruling that could change the way employers talk during union-organizing campaigns. An administrative law judge (ALJ) decided that Amazon CEO Andy Jassey’s comments in 2022 interviews broke the National Labor Relations Act. This might sound like just another legal decision, but it could have huge effects on how all employers co...
May 17, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Strap in for a unique spin on The Left of Boom Show today. We’re mixing the serious world of work with the sparkle of Broadway. Think of it as your guide to thriving at work and unwinding at the theater. Mary Faulkner , the talent wizard with a knack for transforming workplaces, joins us. She’s been around the block, turning companies into places where people actually want to work, and she’s here to spill the tea on everything from why your coworkers might be feeling meh to how you can help them...
Apr 11, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Left of Boom Show. In today’s conversation, hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort explore the transformative power of corporate communications and reputation management and how these critical elements can be leveraged to cultivate an extraordinary workplace culture. Joining us is Nick Kalm , a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience working alongside a diverse array of leading corporations, non-profits, and academic organizations. A...
Apr 10, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Welcome back to The Left of Boom Show! This time, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes or breaks the workplace vibe: front-line leadership. It’s the tough but rewarding job of those who manage the teams on the ground, serving customers and keeping the wheels turning. Joining Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort is the awesome Greg Hawks , founder of Hawks Agency and guru of crafting amazing workplace cultures. Greg’s not just any guest; he’s a speaker, coach, and brain behind some ser...
Apr 09, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Laugh,Learn, Play: Transforming Leadership with Erin Diehl In this invigorating episode of The Left of Boom Show , prepare to be entertained and educated as we explore the unconventional intersection of improv comedy and leadership. Hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort are thrilled to welcome Erin Diehl, a dynamo of creativity and innovation in the professional development world. Erin, known for her infectious energy and unique approach to education and growth, brings a fresh perspective on ...
Mar 19, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Phil and Michael interview John Baldino and Robin Schooling of Humareso.
Feb 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 2
Michael VanDervort and Phil Wilson discuss the UAW strike tactics against the Detroit Big 3 with Peter List of Labor Union News .
Feb 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 1
