FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

237. Federal Firing: Can It Be Fast and Fair?

What does it actually take to remove a federal employee for serious performance or conduct issues—and can the process be improved without sacrificing due process? We we

236. How to Translate Your Federal Experience Into Your Next Career - FedsForward

Federal service builds a unique set of skills—but figuring out how those skills translate to your next opportunity isn't always easy. Karen Lee, founder of FedsForward,

235. The Future of Federal Service: Resilience, Identity & the Workforce in Transition

The federal workforce has changed dramatically over the past two years—but what do those changes mean for the people behind the mission? In this special episode, I join

234. Proposed OPM Rule Could Rewrite Federal Employee Discipline: What Every Fed Needs to Know

A proposed rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) could significantly reshape how federal agencies handle employ

233. Federal Leadership Teaching Legend Bob Tobias Reflects on Leadership, Labor, and Life After Service

For decades, Bob Tobias has helped shape the federal workforce—from fighting landmark legal battles on behalf of federal employees to founding the renowned Key Executive

232. National Association of Future Federal Executives - Breaking Into the SES with Kelly Foster

What does it take to reach the Senior Executive Service (SES) in today's federal workforce? In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Foster, Direct

231. Are Federal Workforce Protections Still a Thing?

What happens when one of the government's leading experts on federal employment law and human capital management steps away from public service—and into advocacy? Raymo

229. Public Service Recognition Week 2026

Public Service Recognition Week is here—and it's a moment to reflect on the impact of federal service. I share resources, events (there's one tomorrow!), and practical

228. The Rising Threats Facing Public Servants

Violent threats against public servants aren't isolated incidents anymore—they're escalating nationwide, impacting federal, state, and local officials alike. In this epis

227. FEEA Supports Feds' Fitness and Finances - Sign up for Feds in Motion today

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 Cha

226. Fed to Founder: Legal Must-Knows Before You Launch

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, founde

225. Merit Protections and Small Business Relationships at Risk? Breaking Down the New Schedule P/C

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 Fed

224. Community, Courage, and Federal Service: Inside Out in National Security's 2026 Work

Federal service is changing—and for many LGBTQ+ federal employees, the loss of employee resource groups, shifting policies, and declining morale have made community harde

223. Appropriations in Flux: Shutdown Risks, CRs, and What Feds Need to Know

Congressional funding negotiations are anything but straightforward—and the stakes for federal employees couldn't be higher. We welcome John Hatton of the National Acti

222. We the Doers: Inside the Push to Fix Government from the Inside Out

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 Kl

221. FEVS Is Paused — Your Voice Doesn't Have to Be: The New 2025 Federal Workforce Survey

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 Pre

220. Final Days of Open Season: How Premiums, Shutdowns & RIFs Affect You

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 w

219. Navigating 2026 Open Season: Health Plan Changes Every Fed Should Know

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

218. Pivoting Parents: How a former Federal Contractor's Layoff led to Purpose

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

217. Micro Grants and More - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

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