What The Hell Just Happened?!
You don’t know what you don’t know. And, when it comes to HR and employment laws, most employers are SHOCKED by what they learn from talking to CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards for just ten minutes. But Paul’s a busy man. And, though he would love nothing more than to talk one-on-one with each and every business owner and manager interested in learning about HR compliance, team management strategies, and how to protect their businesses, there’s only so much Paul to go around. So, we’ve got the next best thing for you - Introducing ”What the Hell Just Happened?” In this new podcast, Paul sits down with a different HR expert from his Solution Center team each week to discuss the burning HR questions facing you now, and to offer expert insights on important HR considerations you didn’t know you didn’t know.
Episodes

Feb 18, 2025
Feb 18, 2025
37 min
This episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! dives into the compliance around immigration and I-9 forms so you are prepared should you have a visit to your workplace from ICE. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Tiana Starke, as they discuss the importance of documentation around the right to work in the United States. This week, episode 102 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about the I-9 and E-Verify documentation requirements of employers.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
I-9 Webinar on E-Verify
I-9 Readiness Blog by CEDR
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Tiana Starke to share the importance of staying compliant with I-9 forms and E-Verify, should you be in a state that requires that, and actionable steps you can take to correct your errors if you have not been completing these processes up until now.
Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke also discuss:
Ensuring I-9 compliance, including what is expected of you as an employer and how to set up a new hire for success in completing this form correctly and on time.
Understanding who is required to use E-Verify and what you need to know to complete this part of the onboarding process.
How to correct past mistakes (and when not to), and how to move forward in compliance.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
33 min
When it comes to HR issues, we understand how tricky the situations can feel. Ultimately, you want to manage your team effectively and efficiently - but what happens when the situations are just a little too tough to handle on your own? You ask Paul. On today’s podcast episode, Paul answers three questions from our community about tough HR situations they are experiencing right now. This week, episode 101 of What the Hell Just Happened we tackle tough HR questions facing small private healthcare offices.
Want to ask Paul a question? Send us an email at: podcast@wthjusthappened.com
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards shares how to address an employee being harassed by patients and actionable steps you can take to have clear dress code policies to prevent the “just rolled out of bed” look from your team.
Paul Edwards also discusses:
The importance of having a clear handbook policy that outlines how employees can report harassment.
How you can set standards for employee appearance.
Whether you can accept a team member’s resignation early, or if you have to honor the two weeks notice they give you.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Jan 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
40 min
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss the importance of being proactive in managing your HR responsibilities. Join them as they discuss the need for company-provided emails and phones, the Hollywood mishaps that led to this lawsuit, and how this applies to your small practice. This week, episode 100 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about Lively’s HR Nightmare - and how to avoid it in your own practice.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by guest CeCe Wilson to share the importance of not retaliating on employees who bring up issues in the workplace, and actionable steps you can take to ensure you have a system in place to handle employee complaints and concerns.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss:
The crucial need for all businesses, regardless of the size or number of employees, to have clear HR policies and procedures in place, including an employee handbook.
The need for a clear and concise procedure for handling complaints and concerns from employees - from complaint through investigation.
The responsibility of employers for creating a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
43 min
Our 100th episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! discusses the shocking truth about DIY handbooks and why borrowing an employee handbook from another practice can lead to legal ramifications. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Kimberlee Polansky, as they discuss the importance of properly written employee handbooks for your small privately owned practice. This week, episode 100 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about your secret weapon as a business owner or manager: the employee handbook.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Kimberlee Polansky to share the importance of having a well written handbook provided by experts, and actionable steps you can take to ensure all your employees follow the policies and procedures laid out in your handbook.
Paul Edwards and Kimberlee Polansky also discuss:
The legal ramifications of a poorly made employee handbook.
How employee handbooks can help protect you from costly mistakes.
Why you need to not just have a handbook, but actually understand each policy in and out so you can effectively enforce it.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Dec 24, 2024
Dec 24, 2024
25 min
This episode examines three common HR issues facing small businesses and offers practical guidance for navigating employee requests, religious expression in the workplace, and office relationships. Join Paul Edwards as he discusses three of your burning HR questions. This week, episode 99 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about Ask Paul Anything questions from podcast listeners..
Check out Lodmell & Lodmell.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards shares three of your tough HR questions, and actionable steps you can take to set clear and legal boundaries for open religious practices in the office.
Paul Edwards also discusses:
Establishing clear employee dating policies, and how to deal with employees who are matching on online dating apps.
How to handle employees asking for adjusted schedule changes to accommodate school drop off and pick up schedules.
Why you may not want to “just say no” to employee requests, even if legally you can.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Dec 10, 2024
Dec 10, 2024
18 min
This episode provides valuable insights into the often misunderstood concept of at-will employment, from the actual power it gives both employers and employees, to the history of how it came to be. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Divya Pillai, as they discuss the importance of documentation and 1:1s with employees in at-will states. This week, episode 98 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about the limitations of at-will for employers.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Divya Pillai to share the importance of staying compliant with timekeeping errors by employees, and actionable steps you can take to avoid common timekeeping pitfalls.
Paul Edwards and Divya Pillai also discuss:
Clarity on at-will employment - what it is and what it is not.
Understanding the limitations and legal aspects of at-will employment that many employers don’t realize.
Real-world examples of how providing no reason for a termination can cause more damage than providing a reason at termination.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Nov 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
28 min
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has employees and wants to avoid a timekeeping nightmare! Using a real-life example of a hospital system that had to pay a huge settlement, you'll learn how simple mistakes like rounding time clock punches incorrectly can have major consequences. We'll also break down how to use timekeeping software effectively (and legally!) so you can protect your business and treat your employees fairly. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Tiana Starke, as they discuss how common timekeeping blunders can really add up. This week, episode 96 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about timekeeping compliance concerns and how to avoid them.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Tiana Starke to share the importance of staying compliant with timekeeping errors by employees, and actionable steps you can take to avoid common timekeeping pitfalls.
Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke also discuss:
Case Study: How one large hospital lost a lot of money by common timekeeping errors that could have been avoided.
FLSA Compliance and regulations you may be accidentally breaking
How to address timekeeping concerns with your employees, and what NOT to say
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Nov 12, 2024
Nov 12, 2024
25 min
Do you have an employee that’s hindering growth and innovation in your practice? This podcast explores the concept of “blockers” -- those employees who, often unintentionally, stifle progress and demoralize teams. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Michelle Richard, as they discuss how to turn blockers on your team into champions of change. This week, episode 95 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to manage employees resistant to change.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Michelle Richard to share the importance of recognizing and addressing “blockers” in your dental practice, and actionable steps you can take to turn those individuals into supporters of your practice's growth and innovation.
Paul Edwards and Michelle Richard also discuss:
How to identify blockers on your team, based on key common characteristics and behaviors.
Blockers can severely hinder growth and innovation, but when overcome and managed correctly, they can be the champions of change in your practice.
Various ways in which you can manage blockers, and why the way you want to approach them may not be the best for your practice.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Nov 5, 2024
Nov 5, 2024
28 min
It’s Election Day, and your team members may have a lot on their minds - including the political choices of their coworkers. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Jeff Dorfman, as they discuss the political tensions we are seeing in workplaces across the country, and why this is just the start of the political tensions at work. This week, episode 94 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to handle workplace political tension.
Join CEDR’s newsletter and gain access to the latest HR news, advice and education.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Jeff Dorfman to share the importance of handling political tension the correct (legal) way in the office, and actionable steps you can take to manage the tension between employees without breaking the law.
Paul Edwards and Jeff Dorfman also discuss:
The prevalence of political tension in the workplace, and why you should care about the political tension within your team.
Why private practice owners and managers are not obligated to uphold freedom of speech like the government - and yet there are ways you could get in trouble for telling employees not to talk about certain topics in the workplace.
Examples of practical approaches to managing political discussions, from minor issues to tension that affects patient care.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Oct 29, 2024
Oct 29, 2024
32 min
It’s Halloween week and we have monsters lurking in dental practices all over the nation - and we want to help you stop them! Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Britt Lanza, as they dissect the gory details of the Timekeeping Zombies eating away at your time and brains, the Work Conflict Werewolves who shift when things get stressful, and the Emotional Vampires who can’t possibly see the silver lining of anything. This week, episode 93 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to approach managing different types of monsters in your office for business success.
You can check out Time Keeping with CEDR here.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Britt Lanza to share the importance of knowing what monsters you may be dealing with in the office and actionable steps you can take to manage these monsters so their behavior doesn’t cost the office more time and money than it needs to.
Paul Edwards and Britt Lanza also discuss:
Timekeeping Zombies; what they are, the dollars you’re wasting by not handling them correctly, and how best to hold these employees accountable so they stop creating payroll issues.
Workplace Conflict Werewolves; how to identify them, what they do to the overall work culture, and how to rein them in so they can help with change or stressful situations instead of making these problems worse on the team.
Emotional Vampires; how they suck the good out of your practice and the only way to “kill” them for good.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook




