201. Creating Organic Federal Employee Networks with Iron Butterfly Media
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Release Date: 01/20/2025
227. FEEA Supports Feds' Fitness and Finances - Sign up for Feds in Motion today
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, I sit down with Robyn Kehoe from the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) to explore how the Feds in Motion Challenge blends fitness, community, and meaningful support for the federal workforce. The challenge encourages participants to complete 37 miles in 37 days—walking, running, biking, or moving however they choose. But beyond the fitness goal, it serves as FEEA’s largest annual fundraiser, helping fuel programs that provide emergency financial assistance, no-interest loans, and scholarships for federal employees and their...
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226. Fed to Founder: Legal Must-Knows Before You Launch
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Thinking about starting a business after federal service ... or maybe while you're still a fed? In this episode of FedUpward, Love sits down with Rebecca Geller, founder of The Geller Law Group, to talk through the legal realities federal employees need to understand before launching a consulting firm or small business. They cover: Why forming an LLC matters (and why not to sign contracts as an individual) County and local business license requirements in the DMV Trademark mistakes that can lead to lawsuits Federal ethics considerations if you’re still employed Why contracts...
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225. Merit Protections and Small Business Relationships at Risk? Breaking Down the New Schedule P/C
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
A major shift in federal workforce policy just became final — and its implications reach far beyond HR paperwork. Audrey Roofeh, founder of Integrity Matters, joins FedUpward to unpack the newly finalized Schedule P/C rule from the Office of Personnel Management. The rule creates a new category of federal employees who no longer have traditional civil service tenure protections — expanding the number of “at-will” positions across government. Learn more about the policy . But the ripple effects don’t stop there. Audrey explains how Schedule P/C could dramatically expand who qualifies...
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224. Community, Courage, and Federal Service: Inside Out in National Security’s 2026 Work
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Federal service is changing—and for many LGBTQ+ federal employees, the loss of employee resource groups, shifting policies, and declining morale have made community harder to find than ever. Luke Schleusener (he/him), CEO and co-founder of Out in National Security, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization is stepping in to support LGBTQIA+ professionals across the national security and public-sector workforce. The organization is a growing hub for community following the dissolution of federal employee resource groups. Out in National Security offers connection, advocacy, and...
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223. Appropriations in Flux: Shutdown Risks, CRs, and What Feds Need to Know
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Congressional funding negotiations are anything but straightforward—and the stakes for federal employees couldn’t be higher. We welcome John Hatton of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) back to the podcast to break down where federal appropriations stand. We unpack continuing resolutions, stalled funding bills, Homeland Security complications, and the real possibility of another government shutdown—plus how unexpected factors like weather and congressional scheduling can further delay decisions. This conversation is very much “as of today,” (which...
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222. We the Doers: Inside the Push to Fix Government from the Inside Out
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
What happens when federal leaders stop waiting for permission to fix what’s broken? On this episode of the FedUpward podcast, host Love Rutledge is joined by Maureen Klovers and April Mohr Harding, co-founders of We the Doers, a new movement created by current and former federal executives determined to reform government where policy meets reality. Drawing on decades of experience across agencies like Treasury, USDA, IRS, and the intelligence community, Maureen and April break down the real barriers to effective government—from broken budget cycles and outdated performance metrics to...
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221. FEVS Is Paused — Your Voice Doesn’t Have to Be: The New 2025 Federal Workforce Survey
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 launched Public Service Viewpoint Survey, why employee feedback is mission-critical in a transitional year, and how the Partnership designed a shorter, 23-question survey that mirrors...
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220. Final Days of Open Season: How Premiums, Shutdowns & RIFs Affect You
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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 that help employees and retirees make informed decisions that could save thousands annually. John also unpacks the latest developments from Capitol Hill: back pay assurances, the temporary...
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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...
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