Hanna & Mick Flabbergasted by Tone-Deaf CEO

In this episode of HR After Hours, hosts Hannah Hampton and Mick dive into two major cultural moments: a deeply inappropriate joke made by Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff at a Vegas conference, where he mocked ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in a keynote speech, and a viral Olympic scandal involving a biathlete who publicly confessed to cheating during an interview. The hosts express outrage over Benioff’s tone-deafness, especially given Salesforce’s controversial government contracts with ICE and the company’s reliance on H-1B visa workers—many of whom are now fearing retaliation. They critique the broader cultural trend of constant negativity and 'doomscrolling,' emphasizing the mental toll of relentless news consumption. In response, they launch a new segment called 'After Hours Obsessions,' spotlighting positive, immersive experiences. Hannah shares her current obsession with the animated series *Primal*, a visually stunning, dialogue-light show about a Neanderthal and his T-Rex companion, which she praises for its emotional depth, world-building, and need for full attention. Mick joins in, revealing his own growing fascination with the show’s creator, Genndy Tartakovsky, and the community around it. The episode ends on a hopeful note, advocating for intentional disconnection from digital overload and reconnection through meaningful, emotionally resonant media.