FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

Episodes

October 8, 2025 9 mins

POPVOX Foundation’s Departure Dialogues Give Former Feds a Voice

Anne Meeker from the POPVOX Foundation joins the FedUpward Podcast to talk about the Departure Dialogues Project—a unique initiative empowering former federal employees to share candid feedback that can help shape better laws and policies.

The POPVOX Foundation, led by former congressional staffers, focuses on strengthening...

Mark as Played

Building the Future Workforce: Skills-Based Hiring and GovHR Innovations

Michelle Amante, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Partnership for Public Service returns to the FedUpward podcast, joined by Blair Corcoran de Castillo from Opportunity@Work. 

We dive into what’s ahead for the second annual GovHR Conference, taking place September 16–18 both in Washington, D.C. and vi...

Mark as Played

Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan is here to share essential tips for making smarter insurance choices, navigating open season, and preparing for retirement. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, understand Medicare decisions, and use tools like the Checkbook Guide and OPM plan comparison to save money and boost your coverage.

00:00 – Intro

00:49 – Tammy Flanagan on Planning for Open Season...

Mark as Played

“Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do.” 

In this inspiring episode of the Fed Upward Podcast, host Love Rutledge sits down with returning guest Dr. Nola Haynes—a longtime federal employee, academic, and media voice—to discuss how federal employees can navigate uncertain times, build a personal brand, and thrive in a post-DEI backlash environment.

Whether you're stepping out of public servi...

Mark as Played

David Spirk on Scaling What Works and Cutting What Doesn’t

David Spirk, a Marine Corps veteran and Senior Counselor at Palantir, joins FedUpward to talk about driving real transformation in government. He discusses how to operationalize data, the trap of failing programs, and what efficiency should actually mean in federal service. David joined the FedUpward Podcast during the annual conference hoste...

Mark as Played

Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know

What actually happens when a federal employee files an EEOC complaint? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Mickman, a former EEOC Administrative Judge who’s seen it all—from inside the agency to now representing employees in private practice.

We cover the basics of the EEOC process, why return-to-office mandates are triggering a s...

Mark as Played

Former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security Milancy Harris joins FedUpward at Globally’s Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit to talk candidly about her career across intelligence, counterterrorism, and policy roles—and what it really takes to lead in government today.

From navigating bureaucracy to developing talent and fostering public-private understanding, Harris shares clear-eyed ...

Mark as Played

Globally’s Vision for the Next Generation of Leaders with Josh Marcuse

Live from the Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit, Love Rutledge sits down with Josh Marcuse, co-founder of Globally, to discuss the power of mission-aligned careers, tri-sector leadership, and how to scale authentic communities of impact.

00:49 – Meet Globally co-founder Josh Marcuse: From DoD to Google 

03...

Mark as Played
May 20, 2025 9 mins

Free UMGC Career Expo for Feds on June 16

Join me in welcoming back Justin Hasty from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to the podcast as he shares how federal employees can take charge of their careers—no matter where they’re starting from.

Whether you’re concerned about job security or simply looking to grow your skill, UMGC offers:

Mark as Played

Questions Every Fed Should Ask Right Now

Hi Friends -  I’m back after a short break to reconnect with all of you during Public Service Recognition Week. This episode is a call for reflection and an invitation to ponder where we are as federal employees right now. With so much change happening across the federal workforce, these are the questions to ponder:

Why did you join public service...

Mark as Played

Northeastern University Arlington is Meeting the Moment for the Federal Workforce 

This week, we welcome Jamie Jones Miller, Dean and CEO of Northeastern University Arlington, back to the show as the federal workforce faces historic shifts. Before her inaugural role at Northeastern University Arlington, Jamie spent over 20 years in the defense industry, from Capitol Hill to the DoD. The national secu...

Mark as Played
March 9, 2025 11 mins

How MindfulFED is Creating Connection Amid Changes

Change is hard. And right now, the federal workforce is undergoing a major shift. But one government-wide community is offering an anchor in the storm. Longtime federal employee, writer, and meditation facilitator Alex Snider joins the show to share more about MindfulFED, the first-ever government-wide mindfulness community he co-created. 

Read more

Mark as Played

We welcome back Dr. Patrick Malone, Director of the Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University. Dr. Malone shares insights on leadership development for federal employees, highlighting Key’s executive programs, coaching resources, and the importance of emotional intelligence in public service.

With the recent executive order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute, many federal employees ...

Mark as Played

Despite hiring freezes across the federal government, there are agencies still looking to fill roles with the next generation of top talent. Love Rutledge sits down with Pat Tamburrino, Jr. to discuss NobleReach, a nonprofit organization helping agencies streamline hiring by connecting them with highly qualified candidates. Learn how this innovative program is making federal service more accessible and efficient.

Mark as Played

Cadie Hopkins on Amplifying the Stories of Women in the Intel Community

Cadie Hopkins, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media, joins the podcast to discuss their mission to amplify the stories of women in the intelligence community. Cadie shares the journey behind their podcasts, Iron Butterfly and Women in the Arena, as well as an upcoming documentary featuring trailblazing women in public service. Her ...

Mark as Played

Certified financial planner Brian Sigwart joined me on the podcast to discuss the elimination of the windfall provision, whichi limited CSRS employee social security benefits. (If you're a FERS employee, this won't impact you.) He also explains what you should be thinking about as we kick off a new calendar year (update your TSP contributions folks). Catch up contributions for folks of specific ages changed this year. You cna get m...

Mark as Played

FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RIGHTS: NOW AND LOOKING AHEAD

Kevin Shehan, employment law attorney specializing in federal employee rights and issues, joined me on the podcast to discuss the topics in the news (changes from the VA Accountabilty and Whistleblower Portection Act of 2017, Schedule F and DOGE), as well as your currrent rights as a federal employee.

Please note: this episode is not an ad, is not legal advice, and is NOT an endorsemen...

Mark as Played

Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer at WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies), joins Love to discuss the life and disability insurance benefits exclusively offered to current and former Civilian Federal Employees. Hear the updates on their products, giveback program, and the history behind this legacy non-profit organization.

To learn more about ...

Mark as Played

Join Love on this episode of the FedUpward podcast as she chats with Shawn Welsh, Founder and Co-Host of the VET S.O.S. podcast. A retired Army veteran with over 20 years of intelligence experience, Shawn shares his journey from military service to content creation and the founding of VET S.O.S.

Mark as Played
November 16, 2024 17 mins

John Hatton, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) joined me on the podcast to discuss what NARFE is, does and how it can help you. He also discussed the ups and downs of this year's FEHB open season.

 

https://www.narfe.org/membership-who-can-join/?utm_source=7M6&utm_campaign=NARFE_GoogleAds_Join_Search_09262023&gad_source=1 

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

    My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.