As leave laws evolve and workplace expectations shift, employers need information that is not only accurate but easy to digest. And, hey, can you also make it fun? Yes. Yes we can.

In summer 2025, TPG launched Absence Minded, a monthly podcast that offers practical, real-world insight on the complex leave and disability environment in a format that fits the way people actually work and learn today.

Meet Our Hosts
Christine Hinnerichs, director of client services, and Brycie Wasson, consultant, pair expert total absence management (TAM) commentary with a conversational style that makes these complex topics more approachable. Both draw on years of hands-on experience in administering leave programs, advising employers, and interpreting regulatory changes. Their back-and-forth creates a natural listening experience while still giving HR leaders and employers the practical takeaways they need.

The two colleagues’ friendship is a major component of what makes the show work. “Christine and I just seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly,” says Brycie. “I am so grateful that a higher power plopped her into my life path. . . . She is solution-oriented, organized, and perhaps the funniest person I know. . . . She and I and our Practice Leader Patty Borst have all worked towards a common goal of building something valuable for our clients. Through the turbulence of growth, the challenges of operational redesign, the joys of creative thinking and stretching, and the disappointments of the occasional ‘well, that didn’t work,’ the bonds we have formed along the way are palpable.”

As to their easy on-air chemistry, Christine says, “I don’t know if I should admit this, but Brycie and I don’t do much prep work when we share a stage [at industry events] or platform. We don’t need to – we naturally play off each other’s insights to make the content educational and fun. We balance each other out – where I have weakness, she has strength, and vice versa. . . . We regularly go head-to-head on the interpretation of a regulation or case law – while we don’t always agree, we listen and respect each other and laugh at the end of it.”

Along with our 15-person TAM division’s consulting services, written guides, quarterly compliance newsletters, webinars, and more, Absence Minded gives both clients and prospects a new, more flexible way to keep up with the latest in PFML, FMLA, ADA, disability programs, and the ongoing challenges of administering both regulatory and company leave. Whether commuting, walking, or between meetings, listeners get the same expert insights TPG is known for – delivered in a format that fits their day.

Real-World Topics & Timely Insights
As of this publication, we’re five episodes in, with more to follow. Topics are often taken from actual client situations that Brycie, Christine, and their co-workers have managed. For example, the show’s launch episode breaks down new PFML and taxation rules across multiple states – a topic that normally requires reading through layers of legislative updates. Other episodes delve into themes from industry conferences, recent legal rulings, and new trends shaping program design.

“We can take topics that are really complex and serve them up in an easy-to-digest manner,” says Brycie. “We really value some of the great, intensive industry resources out there, including the invaluable days-long conferences that our industry hosts on the topics we love. But many of those resources require significant investments in time and dollars. The podcast provides opportunities to grow knowledge and expertise without having to take our listeners out of commission from serving their clients, claimants, employees, or stakeholders.”

Because the team records, produces, and publishes frequently, listeners get timely updates without waiting for quarterly newsletters or annual trainings. It’s a faster, more flexible way to stay in tune with what’s happening in the field. If new legislation is released, Brycie and Christine can join in a quick recording session so the production staff can get the information out with expediency.

The shorter format also makes the content more approachable. Tune in for 20 minutes, learn something new, and apply it immediately. That balance of depth and ease is a breath of fresh air in an industry besieged by constant information flow.

“We love what we do and enjoy sharing that passion through insights and education. Our topics are shaped by client trends and important legislative updates, with the goal of delivering valuable, relevant perspectives – along with a laugh or two along the way,” Christine says. “One of the reasons I was so excited to take [the podcast] on was because it gives Brycie and I the opportunity to regularly work together. When I started with TPG six years ago, I was the fourth person on the team; Brycie and I worked every client together. We are now a practice of 15 and through the progression of our careers, we do not have the opportunity to work together as regularly. Because I love partnering with Brycie, especially on presentations, the podcast was such an exciting opportunity.”

An Added-Value For Clients
Beyond sharing information, Absence Minded is about strengthening the relationship between TPG and the colleagues we serve. Listeners get to hear directly from the experts who support their programs, helping build trust and familiarity long before they reach out for help.

“My number one goal is to share advice and guidance in a way that is relatable and bite-sized,” Brycie explains. “I love how flexible this format is and that when something BIG hits, we can easily be on the front lines and sharing our thoughts, right there in our listeners’ pockets! This format was a great way to offer our audience a chance to learn new trends and ideas right alongside us and hear about relevant topics in a more informal setting. It makes us feel like we are with them, experiencing these topics with them. We feel closer and more connected to our clients and colleagues.”

Christine has a slightly different take on her end goal. “It’s to become rich and famous, obviously,” she laughs. “In all seriousness, we recognize this space is very niche and don’t have any grandiose plans about deals coming our way (but if that is an option, call me).”

The two’s informed-yet-witty take on the real-world stories and timely updates shared within the podcast is an authentic and immediate way to share knowledge – one that reflects TPG’s broader approach to service: open, proactive, and centered on what employers need.

Become an Absence Minded Fan!
Listen to all episodes here: thepartnersgroup.com/absence-minded-podcast/

The show is also available through major platforms like Apple and Spotify, making it simple for leaders, HR teams, and benefits professionals to listen, subscribe, and stay current.

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Reach Out to Christine and Brycie
If you have a topic or problem that you’d like to ask our hosts to discuss on a future episode (or just want to tell them how much you enjoy the show), contact them directly at bwasson@tpgrp.com and chinnerichs@tpgrp.com.

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