Welcome to
The podcast where we explore the intersection of payroll innovation, fintech disruption, and the future of work.
Hosted by Tal Clark, a fintech industry veteran and CEO of Instant, this series dives into the trends transforming how America’s hourly workforce gets paid—from earned wage access and digital payroll to the evolving role of employers in driving financial wellness.
Each episode features expert insights from HR leaders, fintech pioneers, enterprise employers, and industry analysts who are shaping what’s next in financial services. Whether you’re in payroll, human resources, or financial tech, Instant Payments delivers the conversations that matter to those powering real-time pay.
The podcast where we explore the intersection of payroll innovation, fintech disruption, and the future of work.
Hosted by Tal Clark, a fintech industry veteran and CEO of Instant, this series dives into the trends transforming how America’s hourly workforce gets paid—from earned wage access and digital payroll to the evolving role of employers in driving financial wellness.
Each episode features expert insights from HR leaders, fintech pioneers, enterprise employers, and industry analysts who are shaping what’s next in financial services. Whether you’re in payroll, human resources, or financial tech, Instant Payments delivers the conversations that matter to those powering real-time pay.
Latest Episodes:
October 08, 2025
Host Tal Clark talks with Kep Sweeney, Wall Street analyst come CEO of PDQ Chicken. Kep provides insights into the quick-service restaurant space and how businesses can navigate market pressures.
AUGUST 23, 2025
Join host Tal Clark as he talks with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, about the journey from creating the iconic Bloomin’ Onion to building a restaurant empire rooted in culture and people-first values.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
In part 2 of the Ultra Steak episode, Kevin O’Bold shares real-world insights on transitioning from cash to digital, optimizing labor, customizing tip pools, and the future of technology in the hospitality industry.
September 24, 2025
Dr. Martin Armstrong, VP of Payroll Shared Services, shares his journey from the Navy to payroll leadership, exploring modern payroll technology, earned wage access, and career advice for payroll professionals.
Meet Tal Clark
Chief Executive Officer at Instant Financial and host of Instant Payments
Tal Clark is the driving force behind Instant Financial’s mission to improve financial wellness for frontline workers. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, payments, and payroll innovation, Tal brings unmatched insight to the evolving world of payments. As CEO of Instant, he’s helped make on-demand pay a mainstream benefit—delivering meaningful impact for millions of employees and the businesses that depend on them. Before Instant, Tal led transformative initiatives at First Data (now Fiserv) and helped launch Money Network, the first platform to deliver electronic pay solutions to all employees. On this podcast, he sits down with innovators, leaders, and change-makers shaping the future of pay and financial wellness.
Watch our Latest Episode:
Ep. 05 Restaurant Industry Market Analysis with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ and former Wall Street Analyst
Tal Clark interviews Kep Sweeney who has an extensive background in the restaurant industry, from working as an executive chef to transitioning to an analyst role on Wall Street and ultimately leading PDQ restaurants. The discussion covers PDQ’s business model, its focus on quality, workforce management, and current challenges in the restaurant industry.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?
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Want to Learn more about Instant?
Visit instant.co or schedule a quick call with a member of our team by clicking the button below.