Black background with white text reading "DWTC" and a white horizontal line with the words "Don't Waste the Chaos" underneath.

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.

Headshot of Missouri podcast host Kerri M. Roberts with microphone for Don't Waste the Chaos

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
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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

All Episodes, Guest Episodes Kerri Roberts All Episodes, Guest Episodes Kerri Roberts

Episode 41: Top Branding Tips from a Culture-Driven Agency CEO

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of branding with Kristen Graham Brown, the innovative Founder and CEO of Hoot Design Company. For over 14 years, Kristen has led her culture-driven branding agency in transforming how businesses present themselves, crafting powerful brand identities that not only stand out but also drive cultural shifts. Kristen walks us through her journey, shares the core principles behind her disruptive branding philosophy, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at her client process—from start to finish. We’ll also discuss the common mistakes companies make when it comes to branding, how to avoid them, and how Hoot’s approach has successfully revamped brands in a big way.

Plus, you’ll hear about the role of AI in shaping the future of branding and her thoughts on how to measure a brand campaign's success.   Whether you’re a business owner, a marketing professional, or just curious about the powerful role branding plays in shaping culture, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

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Episode 39: Transform Your Workplace Culture

In this episode, our host Kerri M. Roberts interviews Brandi Spurling, founder of Sage Culture Co. Brandi’s unique approach to leadership and workplace culture stems from her master’s in strategic leadership combined with her background in theatre and stand-up comedy. She’s the perfect blend of insightful and entertaining, making her a dynamic keynote speaker on organizational culture.

In this episode, Brandi shares her journey to founding Sage Culture Co. and her passion for transforming employee culture. We dive deep into the key elements that define a strong workplace environment, the leadership role in shaping culture, and practical strategies to create a thriving team. Whether you’re an HR professional or a business leader, you’ll walk away with actionable advice and a renewed perspective on building empowered teams.

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Episode 37: A Parent's Guide to Guilt, Shame & How to Heal

In this emotionally impactful episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the deep, often hidden struggles that working parents face: guilt and shame. Our guest, Karen Brooks, brings over 20 years of experience working with at-risk youth, survivors of sexual assault, and now, as a life coach for adolescent girls. We unpack the origins of working parent guilt, how it affects relationships with children, and what strategies can help parents reclaim peace and balance. If you’re a working parent or want to better understand the emotional toll it can take, this episode is filled with insight, compassion, and actionable advice to help you move forward with self-compassion.

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Episode 35: Networking Like a Pro

In this episode, host Kerri Roberts interviews David Clithero, a VP at a leading bank, about his career journey and his personal philosophy on networking. They discuss the importance of building and sustaining meaningful relationships, the balance of giving and receiving, and the impact of networking on both professional and personal life. David shares strategies for networking, such as being involved in the community, showing up consistently, and being a good listener. He also emphasizes the value of being present and helpful, and the importance of long-term relationships in achieving significant goals.

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Episode 33: Paytient: Solving the Healthcare Affordability Crisis

On this episode, Kerri dives deep into employee benefits with a focus on healthcare expenses. Our guest is Brian Whorley, the founder and CEO of Paytient, a company that’s transforming the way employees manage medical expenses.

In this episode, Brian shares the story behind his journey from working in a non-profit hospital to founding Paytient. He discusses what inspired him to create an alternative model for managing healthcare costs, a model that is now making waves across various industries. We explore how Paytient's approach is impacting the landscape of employee benefits, integrating with traditional insurance plans, and providing significant advantages for both employees and employers.

Brian also delves into the challenges and market hesitations he's faced and how his team has successfully navigated them. You'll hear real-life success stories that showcase the difference Paytient has made for companies and their employees.

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Episode 26: Mastering Workplace Health: Insights from an Ergonomics Expert

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by Paul Krewson, Founder + CEO of Peak Ergonomics. They dive into the critical topic of health and safety for professionals, both on the worksite and at home. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for ergonomics and early intervention, holding several certifications in the field. We discuss the inspiration behind Peak Ergonomics, the impact of early intervention programs, and the growing importance of ergonomic setups in remote work environments.

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Episode 21: Youthful Wisdom from Generation Z/Gen Alpha

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by a member of Generation Z (born in 2012) to share insights on how it feels to have working parents, what it's like to move from the city to the country, feelings on cell phones for kids, and how to hire your child into your business for tax shelters and future financial success for your kids.

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Episode 17- Streamlining HR & Payroll Processes with Tech.

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, the challenges faced by HR and payroll departments and how modern software solutions address these challenges. She is joined by Josh Robinson, President and second-generation owner of CheckmateHCM, which is an HR/Payroll Tech company focused on user experience and personalized customer service.

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Episode 13: Optimizing Your Employee Benefits Strategy: Navigating Choices, Trends & Partnerships

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by guests Lexi Stiles and Sarah Hudson to discuss recent trends in the employee benefits space, particularly regarding insurance carriers' approaches and strategies. The conversation then shifts to the different benefit plan options, including fully insured, self-funded, and partially self-funded plans, and the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as what type of employers may want to engage with these plan options.

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Episode 11: Sculpting Success: Insights from a med spa CEO

In this episode, Kerri interviews Beth Donaldson, the founder + CEO of SkinBe Med Spa. They discuss Beth's personal narrative of starting a business and overcoming adversity, strategies for longevity and success in the aesthetics industry, trends and innovations, and Kerri's secrets about her personal transformation including what products and services have helped her lose 55 pounds and turn back the hands of time.

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Episode 8: Real Estate Investments

In this episode, Kerri interviews Terry Roberts, a 25+ year real estate and mortgage powerhouse, to discuss primary and secondary home purchases as well as investment options. He shares how he get started in real estate, tips on how to choose a good lender for one of the largest purchases of your life and brings some insider information on the home buy process, whether its for a primary or secondary home, or even an investment property.

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Episode 7: HR/Payroll Software for Small Business

In this episode, our host Kerri Roberts interviews Cody Cummings, Sr. Business Consultant with Tesseon, about HR & payroll software for small businesses. Tesseon is a payroll & HR compliance services company that brings your payroll and HR operations into one platform. Key features of their system are hiring, onboarding, employee tracking, payroll, benefits administration, and expense management, but most of all, Tesseon puts great customer service at the top of their list.

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