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

July 2, 2025 26 mins

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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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:

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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...

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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...

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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

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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 ...

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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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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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.

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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 

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Kevin Moss of Consumers'Checkbook is on the show to talk about the major changes in health insurance options. It's open season, y'all! Even if you love your plan, shop around.  Open Season ends on December 9th. 

His organization offers an amazing calculator that can help you make the best choice for your family. Listeners of the podcast get a discount using the code FedUpward to get 20% this already well-priced tool!

Find the calcu...

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Virginia Blaser, former senior Department of State official, walks feds through her tips for managing the performance appraisal cycle. She literally wrote the book on questions to ask employees throughout the year to help them develop and achieve their goals. You can find it here.

Wa...

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Working with folks 20 years older, 20 years younger and all ages in between? Dr. Russell Robinson of American University's Key Executive Leadership Program and Amplified Research  

talks about working with SO MANY different generations of folks. Listen to Russ' wisdom and how you can learn more at Key.

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Robyn Kehoe, executive director for the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund joined me on the podcast to discuss how FEEA supports federal employees in need of disaster relief assistance. FEEA provides small grants to feds who need immediate cash infusions to get shelter, beds, clthing, etc. Get more dteails about applying and donating here:

https://feea.org/our-programs/disaster-relief/

Robyn also covers the other great ...

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Meet Sean Michael Newhouse. He's a reporter for GovExec and put out videos recently about the Hatch Act that are far more entertaining than our normal annual training. You can catch that content here. In this episode, he explains the basics of the Hatch Act and what it's like working for GovExec.

Learn more about his GovExec work at this link. And here's his latest story.

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