Instant is transforming the way people get paid. From earned wage access, digital tipping to virtual and physical paycards, we offer everything in one, easy to use platform so your employees can choose how, when and where they get paid.
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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:
SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Host Tal Clark talks with Kevin O’Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. Kevin shares his journey from accountant to VP, insights from a decade in the industry and how Ultra Steak is modernizing payroll, IT, and operations.
SEPTEMBER 17, 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.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Host Tal Clark continues his conversation with Kevin O’Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. They explore how digital tipping, pay-at-the-table tech, and electronic payments boost restaurant efficiency, employee satisfaction, and safety.
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.
October 29, 2025
President and CRO of AllianceHCM Matt Umholtz shares his journey working in high-end kitchens to becoming a payroll and HR tech leader. He highlights key industry challenges such as labor and food costs, turnover rates, and the importance of specialization in multi-unit restaurant operations.
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:
Tal Clark interviews Dr. Martin Armstrong, VP of Payroll of Shared Services. They discuss Martin’s extensive career in payroll, his journey from the Navy to becoming a recognized leader in the industry, and the technological advancements that have transformed payroll practices. They also touch on the benefits of modern payroll solutions like earned wage access and robotic process automation. Martin shares his insights on the future of payroll and offers advice for payroll practitioners looking to advance their careers.
All Episodes:
In this debut episode, restaurant veteran David Alvarado joins Instant CEO Tal Clark to explore how digital tip payouts are replacing outdated cash methods—streamlining operations and supporting employee wellbeing.
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.
Host Tal Clark talks with Kevin O’Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. Kevin shares his journey from accountant to VP, insights from a decade in the industry and how Ultra Steak is modernizing payroll, IT, and operations.
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.
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.
PDQ Chicken CEO Kep Sweeney joins Instant Financial’s podcast to discuss leadership, workforce management & how QSR brands can navigate restaurant challenges.
In this episode, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ Restaurants as they delve into the business environment of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, discussing the handling and implications of tips, employee compensation, the free market, and industry trends.
In episode 6 President and CRO of AllianceHCM Matt Umholtz shares his journey working in high-end kitchens to becoming a payroll and HR tech leader. He highlights key industry challenges such as labor and food costs, turnover rates, and the importance of specialization in multi-unit restaurant operations.
Ep. 04 Payroll's Past, Present & Future with Dr Martin Armstrong
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.
Host Tal Clark talks with Kevin O’Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. Kevin shares his journey from accountant to VP, insights from a decade in the industry and how Ultra Steak is modernizing payroll, IT, and operations.
Host Tal Clark continues his conversation with Kevin O’Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. They explore how digital tipping, pay-at-the-table tech, and electronic payments boost restaurant efficiency, employee satisfaction, and safety.
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.
Ep. 01 Exploring Innovations in Restaurant Industry Payroll
In this debut episode, restaurant veteran David Alvarado joins Instant CEO Tal Clark to explore how digital tip payouts are replacing outdated cash methods—streamlining operations and supporting employee wellbeing.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?
To inquire about becoming a guest on a future episode, tell us a little about yourself by filling out the form below:
