A top-rated HR + leadership podcast with 80%+ listener retention.
A top-rated HR + leadership podcast with 80%+ listener retention.
Hosted by Kerri M. Roberts, this is where bold business leadership meets real life.
New episodes weekly. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Why Leaders Tune In
Our listeners aren’t casual scrollers - they’re CEOs, founders, HR leaders, and entrepreneurs who crave real talk, not fluff.
– 41K+ new views in just 4 months
– 30K+ binge-worthy, engaged views
– 80%+ episode retention (industry-beating)
– 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts
– Recognized as one of the fastest-growing HR + leadership podcasts
It’s the podcast leaders binge on the weekend - and bring up in meetings on Monday.

Kerri’s Most-Streamed Episodes
Tap to watch or listen now:
Scroll down to explore all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Kerri’s Favorite Tools & Resources
“These are the tools that help me live fully and lead confidently — in business and at home.” – Kerri
Discover the curated picks from Kerri’s Boss’s Best and Lifestyle Love List — the exact tools, resources, and favorites she uses every day. Some links are affiliate links, meaning Kerri may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support her work and maybe find something that helps you thrive too. Click on the icons below to check it out.

Want to Be a Guest?
Don’t Waste the Chaos was built on the belief that our hardest seasons can become our greatest teachers.
We feature bold leaders, HR pros, and entrepreneurs who bring raw, real stories of:
Leadership & business growth
Resilience, rebuilding, and clarity
Faith, purpose, and meaning
Think Your Story Can Handle the Chaos?
Stay in the Loop
Get new episodes, tools, and honest reflections delivered to your inbox.
Subscribers also receive:
Early access to new episodes
Exclusive bonus content
First looks at Kerri’s books, retreats, and events
Weekly tips for business + life
Explore the Archive:
Episode 84: From Spotlight to Substance
Denise Tallcott spent years in the spotlight as a successful radio host -until life shifted, and so did her definition of success. In this conversation, she shares the hard-won wisdom behind her platform Working Moms Redefined: reclaiming her voice, embracing motherhood without losing herself, and reframing chaos as proof of a full, meaningful life.
Episode 83: Build the Business, Don’t Break the People
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with Emily Holdman, Managing Director at Permanent Equity, to unpack what it means to lead through complexity with conviction and care. Emily shares how her “people-first” approach, paired with a long-term investment philosophy, shapes decisions that prioritize clarity over speed. From rethinking “safety” in times of change to applying the principle of “do no harm” in business, she offers a masterclass in steady leadership that builds trust, resilience, and lasting impact.
Episode 80: From Trailer Park to Millionaire to Walking Away From It All
We had everything people say they want…money, careers, private school, big house, country club. Then we gave it up.
In this episode, we’re sharing what no one tells you about burnout, success, marriage, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away from everything you’ve built… to protect the life you actually want. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just quietly wondering if there's more to life than the grind…this one's for you.
Episode 79: Most CEOs Wouldn't Dare Build A Business Like This
What does it look like when a CEO unapologetically breaks the mold? In this powerful conversation, Kerri Roberts sits down with Kristin Graham Brown of Hoot Design Company to unpack the bold decisions behind building a values-first creative agency. From 12-week paid maternity leave and reversing gender expectations to personal branding in the age of AI, Kristin shares the blueprint for leading with both strength and soul. If you're ready to rethink how business should be done, this episode is your permission slip.
Episode 75: The Real Reason Women Struggle to Sell (and How To Fix It)
What if selling didn’t feel heavy, fake, or forced? In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with Andee Hart, former corporate sales leader and founder of She Sells Differently for a conversation every woman in business needs to hear.
Together, they unpack the hidden fears that keep women playing small, how to rebuild confidence when stepping out on your own, and why showing up consistently matters more than having it all figured out.
Whether you're wrestling with imposter syndrome, navigating a pivot, or learning to lead with faith, this episode will encourage you to sell with soul and lead with clarity.
Episode 72: Healing Hustle Culture with Nervous System Work and Intuition
"Leadership doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins with alignment."
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with intuitive coach Kelly Howe to explore how tuning into your inner frequency can transform the way you lead. From balancing masculine and feminine energy to using EFT (tapping) to shift fear and self-doubt, this conversation blends practical insight with soulful wisdom for purpose-driven leaders.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, misaligned, or simply craving more peace in how you show up—this is your invitation to come back home to what matters most.
Episode 70: How to Turn Overwhelm into Sustainable Leadership
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts chats with strategic consultant Amanda Quick about how entrepreneurs can move from burnout to empowered leadership. They explore practical strategies for simplifying operations, effective delegation, and creating SOPs that reduce overwhelm and boost clarity.
Amanda also shares insights on recognizing burnout, leading with emotional awareness, and the mindset shifts needed to let go of control. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a team, this conversation is packed with tools to help you grow your business sustainably—without burning out.
Episode 67: Real Talk for Moms Reentering the Workforce
In this episode, Kerri Roberts discusses the challenges and triumphs of women transitioning back into the workforce after being stay-at-home moms. Joined by Britne O’Brien and Paige Mulligan, they share their personal experiences, the emotional rollercoaster of re-entering the job market, and the importance of finding balance between work and family life. They emphasize the need for self-confidence, grace, and the understanding that it's okay to ask for help and not please everyone. The conversation highlights the realities of remote work and the necessity of setting boundaries to maintain mental health and well-being. In this conversation, Kerri Roberts and her guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of women navigating their careers while balancing motherhood. They explore themes of confidence in the workplace, the importance of self-discovery during career transitions, and the strategies they employ to manage the chaos of work and family life. The discussion also touches on the humorous moments that arise from working remotely and the evolving perceptions of work-life balance among younger generations.
Episode 65: Whole Foods, Holistic Wellness & Small Changes
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kalle LeMone, owner of Nourish Cafe & Market in Columbia, Missouri - a hub for those seeking real, healing food and toxin-free living. Kalle shares her powerful personal health journey, overcoming 18 years of amenorrhea and reclaiming her fertility through food, lifestyle shifts, and holistic wellness. Her experience not only transformed her life but also inspired her to create a space where others could access nutrient-dense meals and trustworthy products. Together, we dive into overlooked superfoods, practical wellness habits, the future of holistic health, and how even small, intentional choices can lead to radical transformation. Whether you're just beginning your wellness journey or looking for ways to go deeper, this episode is packed with encouragement, real talk, and actionable takeaways.
Episode 63: Essential Employee Benefits for 2025
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with Jesse Sitze, a strategic benefits advisor at Caravus, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing business owners and HR leaders today: employee benefits. With nearly 13 years of experience, Jesse specializes in crafting strategic and cost-effective benefit solutions that mix traditional coverage with innovative non-insurance options.
Episode 61: Leadership Strategies for Modern Higher Education Institutions
"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and being willing to grow." In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, host Kerri Roberts sits down with Dr. Sue Thomas, the 17th president of Truman State University, to discuss leadership, risk-taking, and the evolving role of higher education. They dive into the challenges women face in leadership, the power of self-reflection, and why authenticity is key to success. Plus, they explore how AI and lifelong learning are shaping the future of work and education.
Episode 59: How to Know When It’s the Right Time to Expand Your Team
Kerri Roberts and Stevie Aylsworth break down modern recruitment strategies by exploring how to balance speed with intentionality. Their conversation highlights the importance of aligning candidate goals with company needs, leveraging behavioral assessments, and timing hiring decisions to foster growth in a post-COVID landscape.
Episode 57: The Biggest Hiring Mistakes Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts interviews George Zimny, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Producify X. They discuss the evolution of recruitment, effective strategies for sourcing candidates, common mistakes in hiring, and how small businesses can compete with larger corporations. George shares insights on building scalable recruitment strategies and highlights a success story from his company. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human connection in recruitment and the need for businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Episode 56: Stress, Anxiety & Building Resilience
In this episode, Kerri Roberts and Karen Brooks delve into the critical differences between stress and anxiety, exploring how they manifest in our lives and the impact of societal changes, particularly technology, on mental health. They discuss the importance of resilience, the contagious nature of emotions, and practical tips for managing stress and anxiety within families. Karen emphasizes the need for open communication and modeling healthy coping mechanisms to foster resilience in children and adults alike. In this conversation, Karen and Kerri explore the complexities of anxiety, the importance of addressing it rather than avoiding it, and practical methods for managing anxiety, including the DARE method. They discuss the impact of technology on mental health, particularly the phenomenon of dopamine addiction, and emphasize the need for open communication and modeling healthy coping mechanisms in families and workplaces. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration and support.
Episode 53: The HR Myths Holding Your Business Back
Tara Parris, Fractional CHRO at Salt & Light Advisors, joins Don’t Waste the Chaos to challenge outdated HR stereotypes and share actionable insights. Discover how HR can be a strategic business partner, balance employee advocacy with business goals, and stay passionate in an emotionally demanding field. Whether you're an HR professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to transform your perspective on HR.
Episode 51: What It Takes to Turn a Small Agency into a Major Player
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and scaling insurance agencies. Our guest, Jeff Turner, brings decades of experience in building, growing, and transforming businesses, turning a small startup into one of the top 20 U.S. acquirers in just three years.
We explore the strategies behind successful acquisitions, what business owners need to do to maximize valuation, and how to navigate the challenges of cultural integration. Whether you’re preparing your business for sale, planning to acquire another company, or simply curious about what it takes to scale to $200M+ in revenue, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Episode 49: Mastering Communication, Professionalism, and Business Acumen for the Next Generation
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we tackle a topic on the minds of many employers: how to help young professionals overcome challenges with soft skills, communication, professionalism, and business acumen. Whether you’re a young professional eager to grow or a manager looking to build a stronger, more capable team, this episode is packed with practical advice for unlocking potential and bridging the skills gap in the workplace.
Episode 48: Leveraging EFT for Peak Performance in Business
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kelly Howe explains how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) helps leaders overcome imposter syndrome, manage stress, and show up authentically in their roles. With her unique blend of modern psychology and ancient healing practices, Kelly offers practical tools to transform emotional roadblocks into stepping stones for success.
Whether you’re preparing for a big pitch or battling burnout, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with purpose and confidence.
Episode 45: Emotional Intelligence & its Role in Transformational Leadership
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, we dive into the unique and powerful life lessons learned from the experiences of veterans and military spouses. These lessons—shaped by resilience, adaptability, and deep community ties—are not just relevant for those who have served but are invaluable for anyone looking to lead a more fulfilled and prepared life. Join us as we uncover these often overlooked insights and discuss how they can transform the way we approach challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
Episode 43: Nutrition Tips for Busy Professionals
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri sits down with Hannah Holzum, a registered dietitian, founder of Wholesome Nutrition Co, wife, and mom of three. Hannah specializes in helping busy moms and businesswomen shed the need for dieting by integrating healthy, sustainable habits into their routines. In their conversation, Kerri and Hannah dive into why food is more than just fuel—it’s a tool to help you show up as your most confident, successful self. They explore the impact of nutrition on productivity, common nutritional pitfalls for busy professionals, and how business owners can set an example of wellness in the workplace. Whether you’re a business owner or a busy mom, this episode offers practical, effective ways to prioritize nutrition without compromising your time.