Ever made a hire that went sideways? Maybe the interview crashed and burned, or the “perfect fit” turned into a nightmare on day one? You’re not alone. Welcome to The Bad Hire — the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the hilarious, shocking, and sometimes painful realities of hiring gone wrong.

In this very first episode, host Ken Monroe introduces the idea behind the show and shares why these stories matter. Recruiters, HR leaders, and talent pros know that behind every bad hire is a lesson — and usually a story worth retelling. From funny missteps to tragic outcomes, these experiences reveal the human side of hiring and remind us that even the best in the business sometimes get it wrong.

But this podcast isn’t just about listening — it’s about sharing. We want your bad hire stories. Whether it’s a disastrous interview, a candidate who shocked you in unexpected ways, or an employee who just didn’t work out, your experience could be featured on an upcoming episode.

And here’s the twist: we’re running a contest. At the end of the season, the best submitted story will win $10,000. All you have to do is head to thebadhire.com, check out the submission guidelines, and send in your story.

So, tune in, laugh (or cringe) along with us, and maybe even cash in on that unforgettable hiring tale you’ll never forget.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The inspiration behind The Bad Hire podcast

• Why recruiters and talent acquisition pros bond over “bad hire” stories

• The range of stories you’ll hear this season — funny, sad, and everything in between

• How you can submit your own story for a chance to win $10,000

Got a story? Submit it at thebadhire.com.

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share The Bad Hire — it helps more people discover the show. Connect with Ken on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going