On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about the latest developments in accounting technology, including Accrual's acquisition of Puzzle and the growing convergence of tax and CAS services. They also explore how AI is reshaping professional education and the need to develop and test real-world skills, while discussing AI governance, empathy, the concept of "reverse centaurs," and why accounting professionals must learn to use AI as a tool rather than become tools for AI.

Current events —

• Accrual to Acquire Puzzle
• 4 State Societies Combined forces to launch Five Storm Systems.

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Rocky Horror Picture Show
• Wonder Woman

Excellent Thing We Learned —

• Empathy is "feeling with people"
• Centaurs and reverse centaurs

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• 10 Ways Your Writing May Look AI-Generated

Thank you to our show sponsor Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out GetCanopy.com

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Randy Crabtree about his next chapter after retiring from Tri-Merit, his continued work supporting the accounting profession, and his passion for addressing burnout, mental health, and leadership. They discuss how AI can give accountants more freedom to focus on relationships and meaningful work but only if firms resist the temptation to simply fill newfound efficiency with more work. Randy and Heather also explore vulnerable leadership, curiosity, empathy, and the importance of understanding your strengths and passions to build a more fulfilling career and a stronger profession.

About Randy Crabtree
Randy Crabtree, CPA, is President of The Brainstorm Group and founder and host of The Unique CPA podcast and the Bridging the Gap conference. The Brainstorm Group is Randy Crabtree's speaking and advisory practice. Randy delivers keynotes and workshops at conferences and events across the accounting profession, and works directly with firms to build healthier cultures, prevent burnout, and create workplaces where people can thrive. He also advises companies that serve the accounting profession, helping them understand the industry and connect with the firms they support.

• Learn more about The Brainstorm Group
• Connect with Randy on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! The next generation firm, AI-powered human lead. Puzzle replaces manual QuickBooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss major changes shaping the accounting profession, including the growing influence of private equity, market consolidation, and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset regardless of the size of your firm. They also explore the concept of "crappification" in software, and what accountants can learn from the unsung role meteorologists played in D-Day.

Current events —

• Top 50 Women in Accounting
• H.I.G. Capital just became HBK's first institutional investor

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• House of the Dragon
• Pressure

Excellent Thing We Learned —

• Ensh*tification is an actual word, with a very specifically defined meaning

Member Spotlight —

• Laura Solt of Solt Bookkeeping and Advisory

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• I Found My Wife with a Sales Pipeline by Camden Bean

Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger, accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping and month-end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit digits.com to get started today.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast