201. Creating Organic Federal Employee Networks with Iron Butterfly Media
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Release Date: 01/20/2025
219. Navigating 2026 Open Season: Health Plan Changes Every Fed Should Know
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 2026, how GLP-1 medications and healthcare utilization are impacting costs, and what benefit adjustments could affect out-of-pocket spending. Kevin also explains how to use Consumers’...
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218. Pivoting Parents: How a former Federal Contractor's Layoff led to Purpose
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 Upward Podcast, Kathleen talks about the power of community, the realities of caregiving while job-hunting, and why federal parents need holistic support now more than ever. 👉 Visit 👉 Connect with...
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217. Micro Grants and More - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 provide direct relief during the shutdown—alongside scholarships, emergency loans, and year-round programs that serve the federal workforce. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to apply for...
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216. Transitioning Feds -- Build Your Next Chapter with Former Gov
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 consulting job to build something meaningful—a platform designed by and for people who’ve served. From free memberships and networking events to practical career resources, he’s creating a...
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215. POPVOX Foundation’s Departure Dialogues Give Former Feds a Voice
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 the policymaking “feedback loop” between Congress, the executive branch, and constituents. With Departure Dialogues, they’re creating a safe and constructive platform where departing feds can...
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214. Building the Future Workforce: Skills-Based Hiring and GovHR Innovations
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 virtually. Learn how government agencies are embracing skills-based hiring, supporting non-traditional talent pipelines like STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes), and leveraging AI and data tools...
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213. Are You Missing Out on Better Federal Benefits? Advice from Tammy Flanagan
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 Early 03:32 – Tools to Compare and Choose the Right Federal Health Plan 05:55 – Common Mistakes Feds Make with Insurance and Medicare 09:15 – What to Know About Health Coverage in Early...
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212. Reinventing Life After Federal Service: Dr. Nola Haynes on Owning the Pivot
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
“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 service, considering your next pivot, or just curious how to carry your mission into a new space, Dr. Haynes offers candid advice and deep wisdom—along with a reminder to always show up...
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211. David Spirk on Scaling What Works and Cutting What Doesn’t
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 hosted by Globally, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating communities of emerging leaders who are committed to addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time. 00:00 – Meet...
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210. Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 surge in accommodation issues, and how long federal EEO cases really take. Hear important distinctions between DEI policy and what’s actually enforceable under federal law. 00:00 – Intro: Meet Courtney...
info_outlineCadie 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 story reflects a commitment to bring together federal employees to mentor, sponsor and support one another. How could you do the same wherever you work?
Tune in to learn about their grassroots efforts, impactful storytelling, and how they’re busting myths about the intelligence community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about mentorship, community, and the power of authentic voices in public service!
For more on Iron Butterfly Media click here: www.ironbutterflymedia.com
Helpful Resources:
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Subscribe to Iron Butterfly: www.ironbutterflymedia.com/the-iron-butterfly-podcast
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Subscribe to The Women in the Arena: www.ironbutterflymedia.com/the-women-in-the-arena
- Donate to support the documentary production: https://donorbox.org/iron-butterfly-foundation-2024-eoy-fundraising-campaign
Connect with Love:
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
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Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast)
Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward