Across The Bar Podcast

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 46 - Swalwell & Gonzales Quit, Sam Altman Attacked & Gen Z Is Over AI

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:59:22 -0400

Employment attorney Peter Rahbar and journalist Laura Brounstein break down this week's biggest stories at the intersection of news, work, and the law. This week we cover:

🏛️ Swalwell & Gonzales resignations — two congressmen out amid serious sexual misconduct allegations; why known harassers go unreported, why colleagues look the other way, and what managers are legally obligated to do when they know
🔥 Attacks on Sam Altman's home & warehouse arson — workers are burning down warehouses on camera and attacking the homes of tech CEOs; Peter and Laura on what this signals about corporate greed, AI-cover layoffs, and a workforce pushed to the edge
🍸 The office bar is back — JP Morgan, British companies, and others are opening bars at work to lure people back; is it a morale win or a legal nightmare waiting to happen?
🤖 Gen Z hates AI — a new Axios poll shows only 22% of Gen Z is excited about AI; why the youngest workers are the most worried, and what companies and the government should be doing about it
🏆 Heroes & Zeros — the shuttering of Health magazine, a $40 Greenpoint rotisserie chicken, Coachella, and the lost art of talking to strangers

🍹 Grab a drink and join the conversation.
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Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 45 - Talking About War At Work, Wild Corporate Retreats, Crazy Bosses & Voluntold Tips!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:40:59 -0400

The world doesn't stop when you clock in — and this week, neither do we. Employment attorney Peter Rahbar and journalist Laura Brounstein tackle four topics that are impossible to ignore right now. In this episode:

⚔️ Balancing Work & War — When the headlines feel like too much, your employees feel it too. Peter and Laura discuss how managers can check in on their teams, what mental health resources employers should be offering, and how to support your people — including those with family in conflict zones — without making grand public statements.
🏕️ Corporate Retreats Gone Wrong — The WSJ story about the 2017 Plex retreat in Mexico went viral for good reason: a hotel manager who quit, a sick CEO, Navy SEALs, and yes — someone eating a tarantula. Peter and Laura share their own retreat war stories and break down what makes a retreat great vs. a total disaster (hint: it's about inclusion, not intimidation).
🙋 Voluntold — You didn't raise your hand, but suddenly you've got a new assignment and the same paycheck. Peter explains when to embrace the opportunity, when to push back, and why managers need to be careful about who they keep tapping for extra work.
🤯 What to Do When Your Boss Has Lost His Mind — No, we're not naming names. But if you're an executive watching your leader make fiscally reckless, erratic, or potentially illegal decisions, Peter walks through your real options: internal reporting channels, audit committees, whistleblower programs, and when it might just be time to walk.

🎙️ Across the Bar is your weekly drink with a lawyer and a journalist — where employment law meets real life.
New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss a round.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 44 - Pam Bondi Fired, Oracle Lays Off 30,000 by Email & Has Work Lost Its Joy?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:40:53 -0400

Employment attorney Peter Rahbar and journalist Laura Brounstein break down this week's biggest stories at the intersection of news, work, and the law — including breaking news regarding Pam Bondi. This week we cover:

🔥 Pam Bondi firing — the AG is out; what it means and why Peter thinks the Supreme Court might have something to do with it
✈️ Air Canada CEO resigns — how one massive communications failure could have triggered a clause that can cost any executive their job
⚖️ EEOC investigation of UPenn — what the agency is actually doing, why some of the reporting is misleading, and why we still have problems with it
💼 Oracle mass layoffs — 20,000–30,000 employees let go by 6 a.m. email with no notice, no goodbye, no access; why Peter says the CEOs should be the ones fired
😔 Has work lost its joy? — a Wall Street Journal piece sparks a real conversation about what companies owe their employees right now
🏆 Heroes & Zeros — Tiger Woods' body cam footage, looks-maxxing, the Artemis 2 launch, and the ad the Democrats better run

🍹 Grab a drink and join the conversation.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on the laws shaping your work and life.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 43 - White Collar Crime Prosecutions Are At A 40-Year Low & Your Boss Is Watching You

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:36:53 -0400

Employment attorney Peter Rahbar and journalist Laura Brounstein break down this week's biggest stories at the intersection of news, work and the law. This week we cover:
🏛️ White collar crime prosecutions are at a 40-year low under the Trump administration — what that means for corporate accountability and why companies should still be watching their backs
📱 Meta's rough week — a landmark court ruling finds Meta liable for harm to minors, a new eye-popping executive compensation plan is announced, and Zuckerberg lands a seat on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
👀 JPMorgan is tracking its junior investment bankers — is it really about employee wellbeing or is something else going on?
💻 Your personal life is on your work computer — why that's more dangerous than ever in the age of AI
🏆 Heroes & Zeros — airport chaos, ICE agents at LaGuardia, Chili's wins the internet and a fashion data account you need to follow

🍹 Grab a drink and join the conversation.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on the laws shaping your work and life.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 42 - Bachelorette Canceled, Don't Criticize the Atlassian CEO, Maintaining That Side Hustle & FedEx AI

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:06:53 -0400

The Bachelorette has been canceled just days before its premiere—an unprecedented move in reality TV history. On this episode of Across the Bar, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein are joined by media veteran Dan Wakeford to break down the Taylor Frankie Paul scandal and what it means for the future of the franchise, and Disney's new CEO.

We also dive into the week's biggest workplace headlines:

The "Rich Jerk" Firing: Atlassian fired a long-time engineer for criticizing the CEO on Slack. Was it legal? ⚖️

The AI Workforce: FedEx is replacing 50% of its workflows with AI agents by 2028. Is your job next? 📦🤖

The Side Hustle Survival Guide: How to build your side gig without getting fired from your 9-to-5. 💼✨

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 41 - The Battle Between Anthropic & The Pentagon, Finance Bros Acting Stupidly & Major Trouble At Noma

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:53:04 -0400

This week on The Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein discuss the continuing battle between Anthropic and the Pentagon, the regulatory battle over AI, companies moving to Texas, finance bros doing fashion shoots without permission and more trouble at Noma.

In this episode:

Anthropic v. Hegseth: Is Claude banned from the government? 🌍🛡️

The Texas Exodus: Why giants in tech and finance are ditching Delaware and California for the Lone Star State. Is it just about taxes? 🤠💼

The Finance Bros of Interview Mag: We dissect the viral "Finance Bro" feature. How can they be so dumb? 🍸📈

Noma’s Culture Crisis: René Redzepi is under fire (again). We discuss the fallout of toxic "genius" in the world’s most famous kitchen. 🍴🔥

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 40 - War on Iran’s Workplace Impact, Anthropic vs. Hegseth, the CEO Burger Bite Wars & Corporate Jargon!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:27:40 -0500

Is your office ready for the geopolitical shifts of 2026? This week on The Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein dive into the escalating conflict with Iran and what it means for international law, global operations, and workplace discourse. Plus, we look at the fallout between Anthropic and the Department of War and why the government is suddenly playing nice - or wait, not nice - with law firms.

In this episode:

The War on Iran: How global conflict impacts the "social contract" at work—from remote worker safety to sensitive internal communications. 🌍🛡️

Anthropic vs. The Department of War: The "safe" AI company is in the hot seat. Did taking a stand against the government hurt their business? 🤖⚔️

The Burger Bite War: Fast food CEOs are battling over bites. Did the McDonald's PR team let down their CEO? 🍔🔥

The Jargon Epidemic: Why "synergy" and "bandwidth" are killing productivity. Laura gives a masterclass on speaking like a human. 🚫🗣️

Law Firm U-Turn: The government blinked in its prosecution of major law firms. And then blinked back. Peter breaks down the legal pivot and what it means for firms fighting the government. ⚖️🏛️

Please watch, listen and subscribe to the latest episode of The Across the Bar Podcast!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 39 - SOTU 2026, Federal Boardroom Takeover, AI Threats to Women & Wall Street Won't Let Analysts Sleep

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:35:03 -0500

This week on the Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein talk about the latest stories impacting the workplace, including the workplace implications of the State of the Union address, the President’s latest power play—a move to influence corporate boardrooms—and a deep dive into how and why AI is negatively affecting women.

Inside the Episode:

SOTU 2026 Breakdown: We analyze the President’s speech and what it means for the workplace. 🏛️⚖️

Why AI is Bad for Women: From biased hiring algorithms to the rise of workplace deepfakes, we discuss why AI is creating a new, digital glass ceiling. 🤖👠

Government in the Boardroom: The administration wants a seat at your table. We discuss the legal implications of the government’s latest push to pick corporate board members. 💼🏢

The 8-Hour Sleep Debate: Should junior investment bankers be entitled to sleep? We tackle the latest lawsuit detailing how young analysts are really treated. 😴💰

We discuss these topics, snowball fights, the US hockey team and more! Please watch, subscribe and share the latest episode of The Across the Bar Podcast!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 38 - SCOTUS Tariff Shock, Goldman Sachs’ DEI Pivot, Speaking Up at CBS & MLBPA/WNBA Union Situations

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:38:43 -0500

This week on The Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein dive into a series of landmark decisions and scandals that are reshaping corporate America and professional sports in 2026.

Inside the Episode:

The SCOTUS Tariff Decision: We break down the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on tariffs and what it means for global supply chains and your wallet. 🏛️📈

Goldman Sachs & The DEI Retreat: Goldman has officially ditched DEI guidelines for its board. What does this say about their values? 💼⚖️

Sports Labor in Turmoil: From the MLBPA scandal to the high-stakes WNBA negotiations, we look at the power dynamics of 2026 sports unions. 🏀⚾

Employee Activism at CBS: CBS staff are pushing back—again. We discuss the latest instances of employee activism in a legacy media environment. 📺🔥

Cabinet vs. The Real World: Would the behavior we see from current cabinet officials be tolerated in the private sector? (Hint: Probably not.) 🚫💼

Please watch, subscribe and share The Across the Bar Podcast!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 37 - AI Panic: Is Your Job Next?, Salesforce CEO’s ICE Blunder & WTF Is Happening At The Washington Post

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:25:26 -0500

Is the 2026 "AI Job Panic" justified? This week on Across the Bar, employment attorney Peter Rahbar and media veteran Laura Brounstein break down the headlines that are reshaping the modern workplace.

In this episode:

The AI Panic: With mass layoffs hitting tech and media, and AI engineers spreading fear about replacing jobs, AI panic is setting in. Is this a genuine shift in the economy? We discuss the different views of how AI is impacting the workplace and what you should be doing at work.

Salesforce’s ICE Controversy: Marc Benioff’s "jokes" about ICE agents during a company kickoff in Las Vegas have sparked an internal revolt. We discuss the legal implications of a hostile environment and why "Ohana" culture is feeling like a memory. ☁️⚖️

Washington Post Bloodbath: One-third of the newsroom is gone. Sections wiped. Metro gutted. We dive into the "WTF" of it all: Why was Will Lewis at the Super Bowl during a massive public layoff, and what is Jeff Bezos actually doing with the Post? 🏛️📰

Please watch this week's episode of The Across the Bar Podcast to hear more about these topics, Bad Bunny, curling, the Super Bowl and more!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 36 - Epstein List Fallout, EEOC v. Nike and DEI, Why "Peanut Butter Raises" Fail & Pinterest's Petty CEO

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:09:08 -0500

In this episode of The Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein tackle the messy intersection of corporate ethics, compensation strategy, and the latest legal firestorms hitting major brands like Nike and Pinterest. 🏛️

Inside this week's episode:

The Epstein List & The C-Suite 💼: As names continue to surface, we discuss the legal and reputational fallout for corporate leaders. Does an entry on the list mean an automatic exit from the company?

The "Peanut Butter Raise" Trap 🥜: Employers are spreading thin raises across entire departments to avoid "tough conversations." We explain why this strategy is actually a morale killer and potentially a recipe for disaster.

EEOC vs. Nike 👟: In a landmark 2026 shift, the EEOC is taking on Nike’s DEI practices. Is this really a problem? Is it a good use of government resources? ⚖️

Pinterest’s Petty Pivot 📌: Firing employees for tracking layoffs? We break down the legality—and the long-term cultural damage—of the Pinterest CEO’s latest controversial move. 📉

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 35 - CEOs v. ICE, The EEOC Stands Up For White Men, Amazon Layoff Leaks & Gen X’s AI Advantage

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:58:22 -0500

In this episode of Across the Bar, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein break down the high-stakes legal and corporate shifts dominating the workplace in 2026. From the surprising new focus of the EEOC to the "Great AI Adaptation," we’re looking at who is winning—and who is losing—in the modern workplace.

Inside the Episode:

Corporate vs. ICE 🛡️: Corporate leaders are increasingly vocal against ICE actions. We discuss the legal risks, the PR impact, and what this means for workplace sanctuary policies.

The Layoff Wave Continues 🌊: Amazon and the Washington Post are making major cuts, again. Is the economy stalling? How will employees view these actions while Amazon is simultaneously spending $35m to market the Melania documentary.

The EEOC’s New Battleground ⚖️: In a surprising turn, the EEOC is actively litigating to protect white men under Title VII. Learn more about how this administration has reshaped this agency to carry out its agenda. 🏛️

Gen X & The AI Revolution 🤖: Gen X is in the lead in adapting to AI. We dive into the data on why the sandwich generation is the most adept at integrating AI into their workflows—and what every other generation can learn from them. 📈

Watch The Across the Bar Podcast to hear more about all of these topics and our views on the Olympics, cold plunges and more!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 34 - Goldman Sachs GC & Epstein, Duke Sues Its QB, NYC Labor Strike Wave, and When ICE Shows Up At Work

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:53:32 -0500

In this episode of Across the Bar, Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar dive into the legal firestorms kicking off 2026! ⚖️ From the C-suite to the sidelines, the "rules of engagement" are changing fast. 🔥

Inside this episode:

The Goldman Sachs Dilemma 🏦: We break down the latest drama surrounding GC Kathryn Ruemmler and the reported scrutiny over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Is this a PR crisis or a major legal liability for the bank? 🏛️

Duke Sues Its Own QB 🏈: Darian Mensah is in "transfer portal limbo" after Duke University filed an unprecedented lawsuit to enforce an NIL contract. Are there any rules in college sports? 🏟️

The Winter of Discontent 🪧: NYC is in the midst of two major union battles. We analyze the 15,000-nurse strike and the unconventional unionization battle at Breads Bakery. 🏥🥖

AI in the Office 🤖: Workplace-related AI suits are here. We discuss the legal risks of using AI for hiring and whether AI is good or bad for jobs. 💻

Know Your Rights 🛡️: If ICE shows up at your workplace, do you know the difference between a judicial warrant and an administrative one? We give you the essential legal playbook. 📋

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 33 - Yelling At Trump, OpenAI Wants Your Work Product, Raid On Free Press & How to Disagree With The Boss

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:14:56 -0500

Can you be suspended for your political views? ⚖️🇺🇸

In this week's episode of The Across the Bar Podcast, co-hosts Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein break down today's hottest workplace issues, including the legal and professional issues related to a UAW worker suspended for yelling at Donald Trump during his visit to a Ford factory, the shocking news regarding the raid of the home of a Washington Post reporter, and the minefield associated with OpenAI hiring consultants to upload their past projects for AI training. Finally, we look at Jerome Powell’s leadership style and share a masterclass on how to disagree with your boss without risking your career.

Please watch or listen, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 32 - "Hybrid Creep" & DEI Rollbacks: What’s Really Happening in the Office?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:12:15 -0500

Are you being "pushed" back into the office without a formal mandate? 🏢

In this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein pull back the curtain on the subtle (and sometimes strange) ways corporate America is changing. We explore the rise of "Hybrid Creep"—the trend of linking promotions and pay to office attendance—and why companies are suddenly scrubbing DEI language from their public-facing materials.

From the "Death of Happy Hour" to bizarre rules like requiring employees to take off their shoes, we break down what these cultural shifts mean for your career and the lack of federal oversight on corporate behavior today.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 31 - Corporate to Consultant: The Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Consulting Business!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:11:43 -0500

In this special episode of The Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Peter Rahbar and Laura Brounstein break down the essential roadmap for anyone looking to turn their expertise into a thriving business. Whether you're leaving a corporate role or scaling a side hustle, we cover the administrative, legal, and financial hurdles you need to clear to succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎯 Defining Your Niche: How to figure out exactly what your business is (and isn't).

🚀 The Launch Plan: Setting a timeline and preparing for Day 1.

⚖️ Legal & Admin Basics: Business structures, contracts, and the "boring stuff" that protects you.

💰 Pricing Your Services: Value-based vs. hourly—how to charge what you're worth.

📣 Marketing & Networking: Getting your first client and building a sustainable brand.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 30 - WH Portrait Drama, AI Recruiting Wars, Hot Mamdani Jobs & Why Ghosting Is Peak 2025

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:01:17 -0500

On this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Peter Rahbar & Laura Brounstein break down the intersection of power, politics, and the future of work—from viral White House portraits to the high-stakes AI arms race in hiring.

📸 The Vanity Fair White House Shoot: We discuss the viral, unretouched White House portraits by Christopher Anderson. Is this a new era of political transparency, or a deliberate "hit piece" using macro-photography?

💰 OpenAI Ends the Vesting Cliff: In a massive move for the AI recruiting wars, OpenAI has eliminated the traditional vesting cliff. We discuss what "Day One" equity means for the talent war and if other tech giants will be forced to follow suit.

🗽 74,000 Applications for Mamdani Jobs: Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani received a staggering 74,000 applications for his administration, with an average applicant age of just 28. We look at why young workers are flocking to local government and what this says about the 2025 job market.

👻 Professional Ghosting is Peak 2025: From "ghost jobs" that never existed to candidates vanishing before their first day, we tackle the "Ghosting Index" and why professional courtesy seems to be disappearing.

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 29 - Michigan Football Scandal, Worker Fatigue, COBRA Explained, Holiday Gifting & Women's Workplace Gap

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:24:05 -0500

On this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Peter Rahbar & Laura Brounstein dive into today's hottest workplace issues, including the Michigan football scandal, worker fatigue, explaining COBRA, the structural reasons women are falling behind in the workplace, and office holiday gifts.

0:00 Introduction

3:00 Michigan Football Scandal

8:45 Combatting Worker Fatigue and Burnout in the Office

15:55 COBRA Explained

19:00 The Women's Workplace Gap: Why Women Are Falling Behind in Careers

23:50 Holiday Gift Ethics: Rules for Bosses, Employees, and Secret Santas
Please watch, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 28 - Looking Hot for Work, Gen Z Loves the Office, IRL Interviews & Judging Your LinkedIn Posts

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:06:55 -0500

On this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Peter Rahbar & Laura Brounstein tackle the biggest buzz in the working world—from looking your best to navigating the hottest AI careers and the ever-tricky art of self-promotion.

🔥 Looking Hot for Work: We discuss the latest trends and why looking good might just boost your career (and your mood).

🧑‍💻 Gen Z Loves the Office (Seriously): Younger workers are leading the charge back to in-person. Find out why Gen Z is embracing the office and what that means for the future of hybrid work.

🤝 IRL Interview Prep: Ditch the video calls—in-person job interviews are making a comeback! We share tips on how to nail your next face-to-face meeting and land the job.

🚨 Code Red at OpenAI & Hottest AI Jobs: After a dramatic week in tech, we break down what the latest shake-ups at OpenAI mean for the industry and which AI careers are booming right now.

📈 Judging Your LinkedIn Posts: How much self-promotion is too much? We discuss the fine line between personal branding and oversharing, and how to make your posts count.

Please watch, subscribe and share this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast with your friends and colleagues!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 27 - Workplace AI Ambassadors, How to Communicate Layoffs, and Holiday Party Dos & Don'ts!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:32:08 -0500

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar tackle three essential workplace topics that every leader and employee needs to navigate this season.
📰 This Week's Topics:
🤖 Workplace AI Ambassadors Rise - Companies like ServiceNow are identifying 1,000 high performers to serve as internal AI influencers who train colleagues on AI adoption. How organizations are using peer-to-peer AI champions, what makes an effective AI ambassador program, and why this approach works better than traditional training.
📉 How to Communicate Layoffs with Empathy - Are we really laying off workers by text message? Research shows poorly handled layoffs result in 31% increased turnover and 74% productivity decline among remaining employees Best practices for delivering difficult news, supporting both departing and staying employees, and maintaining trust during workforce reductions in the AI era.
🎉 Holiday Party Dos & Don'ts 2025 - Should you have a holiday party? YES! Essential etiquette rules, legal pitfalls to avoid, alcohol tips, and how to ensure your office party builds culture instead of creating HR nightmares.

Join us for expert analysis on this pre-Thanksgiving edition of the Across the Bar Podcast and get the insight for a strong finish to 2025!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 26 - Epstein E-Mails, Lawyers Behaving Badly, Condé Nast Firings, and Nike Axes Wellness Week

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:36:38 -0500

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar unpack four explosive workplace scandals that are dominating headlines and sparking critical conversations about accountability and culture. This week's topics include:
📋 Epstein E-mails Released - The new Epstein e-mail release and their workplace implications. What corporate leaders need to know about associations, reputational risk, and due diligence.
⚖️ Attorneys Behaving Badly - Kirkland & Ellis attorneys are getting training on how to be nicer to adversaries. How workplace culture could enable bad behavior in the legal industry and elsewhere.
🔥 Condé Nast Union Battle Explodes - Four union employees were fired after confronting HR chief, sparking federal labor complaints. What this high-profile retaliation case means for employee rights, union organizing, and HR accountability.
🧘 Nike Cancels Wellness Week - Why major companies are scaling back employee wellness programs, mental health initiatives, and what this signals about shifting workplace priorities and cost-cutting measures.
👩 NYT's "Women Ruin Workplace?" Backlash - The New York Times podcast controversy asking if women ruined the workplace sparks massive outrage. Analyzing the gender politics, workplace feminism debates, and what went so spectacularly wrong.

Please watch, share and subscribe to the Across the Bar Podcast!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 25 - What the Mamdani Win Means for the Workplace, the Rise of Male ERGs & Chipotle's Economic Warning

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:06:44 -0500

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar explore the critical workplace trends that reveal where work culture and the economy are headed.
📰 This Week's Topics:
🗳️ Mamdani and your Workplace - What the election of NYC's new mayor Zohran Mamdani means for your workplace, and whether companies will really leave NYC.
👥 Male Affinity Groups Emerge - The surprising rise of men's vulnerability groups in workplaces. Why companies are creating safe spaces for men and what it means for workplace culture and DEI initiatives.
🌯 Chipotle as Economic Canary - How Chipotle's struggles reveal deeper economic warning signs as customers aged 25-35 pull back spending. What this bellwether brand tells us about consumer confidence, wage pressures, and the two-speed economy affecting your workplace.

Please listen to the Across the Bar Podcast as we discuss these topics and other issues impacting your workplace! Please watch, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 24 - A Guide to Layoffs for Managers, AI Performance Reviews, & Is Texting During Meetings a Bad Idea?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:52:13 -0400

In this Halloween episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar discuss the latest issues impacting the workplace, including:
😔 What If You're Asked to Lay Off Your Team? - Navigating the emotional burden of conducting layoffs as a manager, how to have difficult termination conversations, and other basics you should know as a manager
🤖 Should Managers Use AI for Performance Reviews? - Should managers be using artificial intelligence to write employee evaluations, maintaining authenticity in feedback, and balancing efficiency with personalization
📱 Is Texting During Meetings OK? - Meeting etiquette debate: when multitasking is acceptable, setting professional boundaries, and respecting workplace communication norms
👩‍💼 Why Are Women Leaving the Workforce? - Understanding the female workforce exodus, childcare challenges, pay equity issues, and what companies can do to retain women employees
🏛️ Government Shutdown Fallout - How federal shutdowns impact workers, contractors, and the broader economy, plus lessons for workplace stability

Across the Bar provides you with the workplace insights that you need on today's trending employment stories! Please watch, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 23 - Is a 7am Meeting Too Early, Are 100-Hour Weeks For Real, Political Talk at Work & JPMorgan's Tower

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:24:27 -0400

Join hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar on Across the Bar Podcast as we dive into this week's biggest workplace news:
⏰ Is 7am Too Early for Meetings? - The heated debate over early morning work meetings, employee burnout from scheduling conflicts, and setting healthy workplace boundaries
💼 100-Hour Workweeks Exposed - Are extreme work hours for real? Breaking down 996, 100-hour work weeks and toxic hustle culture, whether work-life balance can exist, and the reality of corporate work expectations
🗣️ Political Speech at Work Dangers - Why discussing politics in the workplace is risky, navigating controversial conversations with coworkers, and protecting your career from political fallout
🏢 JPMorgan's NYC Tower Opens - Inside JPMorgan Chase's massive new headquarters building in New York City and what it signals about return to office policies and corporate real estate

Join us for expert analysis on the latest workplace trends! Please watch, subscribe and share!!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 22 - NYC Offices Are Back, Protect Yourself in the M&A Boom, CEO PJ Privileges & Stay Interviews

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:15:40 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar dive into the pivotal workplace trends shaping the future of work and corporate America.
📰 This Week's Topics include:
🏢 NYC Office Comeback - Manhattan office leasing hits highest volume since 2019 with 23.2 million square feet leased. What this surge really says about RTO policies, AI replacing jobs, and what CEOs think about Mamdani.
🤝 Surviving the M&A Boom - Essential strategies to protect your career and position during a mergers or acquisition. We tell you the contract provisions that you should be negotiating for.
✈️ CEO Private Jet Hypocrisy - Executive private flight spending jumped 19% while companies cut costs and lay off workers. We discuss the double standards in corporate cost-cutting and what executives should be thinking about before they book their next flight.
💬 Stay Interview Revolution - The retention strategy seeing a 40% increase in adoption. Learn how stay interviews work, why they're more effective than exit interviews, and how to implement them at your company.

Join us for expert analysis on the latest workplace trends! Please watch, subscribe and share!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 21 - Beating AI Resume Bots, White Collar Unions, CBS Changes & the Real Costs of the Government Shutdown

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:09:40 -0400

🏛️ The Real Costs of the Government Shutdown For Workers - The real economic impact of federal shutdowns on workers, contractors, small businesses, and the broader employment market
🤖 Beat AI Resume Bots - Is it a smart idea to play games with AI resume bots to get past automated hiring tools
✊ White Collar Union Movement - Why professional workers are unionizing, and what collective bargaining means for your career
📺 CBS Leadership Shakeup - Breaking down the new executive changes at CBS and what leadership transitions mean for media industry jobs

Get the workplace insights you need on today's trending employment stories! Please listen, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 20 - Government Shutdown Effects, AI Lies & Would You Work for Elon Musk?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:35:11 -0400

Join hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar on the Across the Bar Podcast as we dive into this week's biggest workplace news:

🏛️ Government Shutdown Impact - How the federal government shutdown is affecting workers, contractors, and the broader employment market

🤖 AI Lies - Why companies are falsely claiming that AI is responsible for layoffs and a slowdown in hiring

💼 Would You Work for Elon Musk? - The bad boss dilemma: red flags of toxic leadership, working for difficult CEOs, and whether it's ok to take a job with a bad boss

Get the workplace insights you need on today's trending employment stories! Please listen, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 19 - Chaos at Work: Kimmel Suspension Fallout, Return-to-Office Failures and H-1B Visa Panic

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:54:07 -0400

Join hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar on the Across the Bar Podcast as we dive into this week's biggest workplace news:
📺 Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Drama - Breaking down the late-night host suspension controversy - why it happened and what it means for free speech
🏢 Return to Office Mandate Failures - Why RTO policies are crashing and burning, plus why hybrid policies may be the best policy for your workplace
🛂 H-1B Visa Fiasco - The latest immigration visa chaos affecting tech workers, employers, and the ongoing skilled worker shortage

Get the workplace insights that leaders should have from today's trending employment stories. Please listen, subscribe and share!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 18 - Workplace Boundaries: Charlie Kirk Related Firings, Two Speed Economy & Networking at the Sauna

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:00:09 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar tackle the critical workplace issues dominating headlines and boardrooms across America.
📰 This Week's Topics include:
🗣️ Workplace Free Speech Crisis - Employees getting fired over Charlie Kirk-related comments and the ongoing debate about political expression at work (note: recording occurred just before the Jimmy Kimmel Suspension)
🧖‍♂️ Sauna Networking - The hot new trend of conducting business meetings and networking in saunas and whether it is advisable for you
💰 Two-Speed Economy Impact - Amazon and BofA increased base pay for their minimum wage workers and how economic inequality is creating different workplace experiences for different workers
🧠 Mental Health Priorities - The urgent need to address workplace mental health issues and actionable solutions for employers
Join us for in-depth analysis of these topics and more. Whether you're in HR, management, or navigating today's complex workplace culture, this episode addresses the conversations happening in every office today. Please listen, subscribe and share with your colleagues!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 17 - DIML Work Videos, Musk's INSANE (BUT UNLIKELY) $1T Pay, Nestlé Mess & Hyundai Gets Raided

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:53:03 -0400

Join hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar on The Across the Bar Podcast as we dive into this week's biggest workplace news:
💰 Elon Musk's Epic Payday - Breaking down his record-breaking $1 trillion pay package and what it says about executive compensation
🚔 Hyundai ICE Raid - The shocking ICE raid at Hyundai facilities
📱 DIML Videos Take Over - Why Day in My Life (DIML) work videos are going viral on TikTok and LinkedIn, and what employers think
🍫 Nestlé CEO Scandal - The latest corporate drama involving the Nestlé CEO affair scandal rocking corporate leadership

Get the workplace insights you need on today's trending employment stories! The Across the Bar Podcast is your go-to source for workplace news and employment trends. Please watch, share and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 16 - New Vogue Editor Chloe Malle, Bring Your Burner Phones and the Latest CEO Affair Scandal!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:10:55 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, hosts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar break down four major workplace stories shaking up the professional world, including:

👑 New Vogue Editor - Chloe Malle's appointment as the new Vogue editor and what it means for fashion industry leadership
📱 Burner Phones for US Travel - Foreign companies and governments are telling staff to use burner phones when traveling to the US amid growing surveillance concerns
⚖️ Federal Union Fallout - The Trump administration's decision to terminate federal union contracts and its impact on government workers' rights
💼 CEO Scandal - Nestlé CEO's dismissal following revelations of a workplace affair and the broader implications for executive accountability

Join us for expert analysis on workplace politics, leadership changes, international business security, labor relations, and corporate governance. Whether you're in HR, management, or just interested in workplace trends, this episode covers the stories everyone will be talking about this week. Please watch, subscribe and share!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 15 - Win Your First Day at Work, JPMorgan Union Drama and the Intel-US Deal!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:48:43 -0400

In this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, workplace experts Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar break down the hottest workplace trends and career tips! 🎯
What We Cover:
🌟 New Job Success - Proven strategies for making an outstanding first impression at your new job!
🏦 JPMorgan Union Drama - Inside scoop on the new union organizing efforts at Wall Street's biggest bank
💰 Intel's Government Deal - What lessons should other CEOs from the government's move to take a 10% stake in Intel
⏰ Early Bird Trend - The growing workplace movement where employees start earlier to leave earlier (and whether it actually works!)

Whether you're starting a new position, navigating workplace changes, or staying on top of corporate news, this episode delivers the latest workplace and culture trends. Watch, subscribe, and share with your colleagues!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 14 - How AI Can Get You Fired, Quiet Cracking and CEOs Gone Wild!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:48:18 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Peter and Laura discuss the latest issues in the workplace, including how AI can get you fired, whether Quiet Cracking is actually a trend worth talking about, CEOs gone wild at AT&T and elsewhere, and whether the VP of PTO takes too much vacation! Please watch, subscribe and share with your colleagues!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 13 - In-Person Interviews, Moms Exit the Workforce Again!, Sydney Sweeney & Food52

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:42:50 -0400

What was old is new again. In this episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar discuss why in-person interviews are back, why working mothers are being pushed out of the workplace - again, the continuing Sydney Sweeney controversy, and expenses gone wild at Food52! Please listen and subscribe!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 12 - Summer of Chaos: Workplace Violence, CEO Comms Fails & Negotiating Severance

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:07:22 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Peter and Laura discuss a summer filled with chaos in the workplace, including how executives should respond to NYC office shooting, CEOs failing in their communications about job cuts while their employees demand fairness, whether executives can trust their GCs and how to negotiate your severance offer.

Across the Bar, Episode 11 - Workplace Chaos: When Colleagues Bite, Bosses Ask You to Lie & AI Gets Woke!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:50:28 -0400

In this week's episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Peter and Laura discuss the hot workplace issues of the summer, including how to leave a good impression at the end of your summer internship (hint: don't bite your colleagues!), what you should do if your boss asks you to lie, the administration's latest moves to eliminate worker protections and "WokeAI", and whether you should get a Neurolink implant. Special thanks to Clifford Lane for our new theme song, and please please please donate to Workout Against Caner at https://tinyurl.com/2rhdj7az !

Across the Bar, Episode 10 - Scandal, Sabbaticals & AI Resumes: Inside the Coldplay CEO Mess & Work Today.

Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:03:59 -0400

Should CEOs (or Human Resources) have romantic relationships with anyone in their company? Of course not! In this week’s episode of the Across the Bar Podcast, Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar "embrace" the Coldplay CEO situation, talk about sabbaticals, the four-day workweek, the death of the one page resume and whether companies actually want to have employees stay for the long term. Of course we also have a few words on the Epstein birthday letter and Stephen Colbert! Please watch/listen and subscribe!

Across The Bar, Episode 9 - Linda Yaccarino, Grok AI, Layoffs & the Epstein List We Don’t Have!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:13:28 -0400

This week on Across the Bar, we break down the chaos behind corporate exits, AI spirals, and billionaire power moves. Laura and Peter dig into Linda Yaccarino’s departure from X, Grok’s racist outbursts, and the recruiting wars colliding with layoffs at banks and private equity firms. Plus: how interns should handle layoff news, Bezos-buying rumors, and Bill Ackman's latest ego play!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 8 - Will Caitlin Clark Get Paid, Mamdani Lessons & a PTO Scam!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:38:37 -0400

How the news and pop culture are changing the workplace every day, with top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar and top comms strategist and workplace expert Laura Brounstein.
Is “unlimited PTO” a workplace scam? And what does Caitlin Clark’s $75K salary really mean for women’s sports?

This week on Across the Bar, Laura and Peter cover:

Condé Nast workers fighting back during NYC’s heat wave
The truth behind unlimited vacation policies
What every boss can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s political upset
WNBA contracts, collective bargaining, and how power shifts fast
Plus: Heroes & Zeros—from Brad Pitt and F1 to SCOTUS and Paramount

Perfect post–July 4th catch-up for anyone navigating work, politics, and power.

00:00 – Summer mode + rosé rules
01:40 – Unlimited PTO: benefit or scam?
02:45 – Condé Nast pushback during NYC heat wave
06:00 – What bosses can learn from NYC’s mayoral primary
08:10 – Mamdani’s win: IRL organizing + digital reach
12:20 – Caitlin Clark’s $75K WNBA contract and collective bargaining
16:13 – Heroes & Zeros

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 7 - Dating Burnout, the Bezos Wedding & Wintour's Succession Plan?

Laura Brounstein and Peter Rahbar — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:06:08 -0400

Welcome to the Across the Bar Podcast, where workplace culture expert Laura Brounstein and top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar discuss what executives should be learning from today's top news stories. In this episode, Laura and Peter talk about the Infinite Workday, AI Fright and Riches, the Bezos Wedding, Anna Wintour's succession plan and much much more! Please watch, subscribe and rate!

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 6 - Do I Have To Tell My Boss I'm On Love Island? Or Doing A Panel?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:34:28 -0400

So, do you have to tell your boss if you're on a panel- or a reality show? In this episode of Across The Bar, top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar and workplace and comms expert Laura Brounstein cover that as well as Terry Moran, the rise of workplace activism and the NYC mayor's race.

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 5 - Hire a Grad! Use an Em Dash!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:55:10 -0400

In episode 5 of the Across the Bar Podcast, workplace culture expert and journalist Laura Brounstein and top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar discuss the most relevant issues impacting leaders and executives today, including implications of ICE raids, Alex Cooper's harassment allegations, hiring recent graduates and our Heroes & Zeroes of the week!

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 4 - No Bare Feet At The Office!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:14:21 -0400

Top employment attorney Peter Rahbar and award-winning journalist and workplace expert Laura Brounstein talk through the ways that the week's news and moments are shaping and changing workplace culture, norms and laws.
This week they get into office etiquette, AI and layoffs, Elon Musk and Mountainhead!

Across the Bar Podcast, Episode 3 - Don't Date Your Coworkers!

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 27 May 2025 21:55:27 -0400

Top employment attorney Peter Rahbar and workplace culture expert and journalist Laura Brounstein talk through the events, lawsuits, policies, and political chaos shaping how we work, lead, and live.
With sharp insight, real-world takeaways, and a sense of humor, it’s essential listening for founders, execs, employees and anyone trying to make sense of work right now.
This week we cover workplace romance gone wrong, safety at the office and AI at work.
Also, we introduce cocktails to the mix!

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 2 - Is AI Taking Over Your Job?

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Tue, 20 May 2025 15:39:27 -0400

In this episode of Across the Bar, Laura and Peter unpack the ethics of high-profile gifts — including planes from foreign governments with questionable ties — and what that means for corporate policy. They break down Florida’s latest move on noncompetes, the growing use of NDAs (including which ones Laura can break), and how AI may be quietly shifting power away from employees.

They also get into what to do when your boss asks you to cross a line (No, Mr. Diddy, I will not buy three tons of baby oil), and why you should hire an intern this summer.

Across The Bar Podcast, Episode 1 - Don’t Be Like The Blue Origin Astronauts

Laura Brounstein & Peter Rahbar — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:57:51 -0400

Across The Bar is where real life headlines meet the world of work. Each week, award-winning journalist Laura Brounstein and top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar break down how headlines, lawsuits, and political chaos are reshaping your rights at work—and what to do about it.