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
The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) isn't happening in 2025 — but the need to hear from federal workers has never been greater. Michelle Amante, Senior Vice President for Government Programs at the Partnership for Public Service, returns to the podcast to unpack the OPM pause on FEVS this year and how the Partnership is ensuring federal employees still have a voice.
Michelle explains the newly la...
John Hatton, Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), returns to the podcast. John breaks down what federal employees need to know during Open Season—from steep premium increases to how to confidently evaluate changing plans without feeling overwhelmed.
He dives into NARFE's member resources, including webinars and expert guidance th...
Love welcomes back Kevin Moss, Senior Editor of Consumers' Checkbook, to the podcast to break down what's new for this year's Open Season. From premium increases and IVF coverage expansion to flexible spending accounts and hidden health plan perks, Kevin shares essential insights every federal employee needs to make smart, cost-saving healthcare decisions.
Learn why average premiums are rising 12.3% in 202...
Layoff Led to Purpose: How Kathleen Borgueta Built a Lifeline for Working Parents
When federal contractor Kathleen Borgueta received her termination letter just 11 weeks postpartum, she could have let it break her. Instead, she built Pivoting Parents—a growing community helping caregivers navigate job transitions, childcare challenges, and career reinvention.
In this episode of The Fed U...
When a government shutdown hits, it's not just politics—it's people.
Robyn Kehoe with the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) joins FedUpward to talk about the emergency microgrants, loans, and resources available to help federal employees and their families weather financial hardship.
FEEA, a nonprofit that has supported feds for nearly 40 years, is stepping up once again to...
If you've recently left government—or are thinking about it—this one's for you.
Brian Levine, former DOJ cybercrime prosecutor and founder of Former Gov, joins FedUpward to share how his growing community is helping former public servants rebuild their networks, discover new opportunities, and step confidently into their next chapter.
Brian shares his story of walking away from a high-paying c...
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...
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...
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...
"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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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:
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...
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...
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.
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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 ...
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.
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