FedUp with Ron Speakman

In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Wakeman, a dedicated advocate and candidate for Vice President of the NRLCA to discuss her campaign and plans for a more transparent and effective union. From updating the NRLCA Magazine to improving training for RCAs, Kristin is dedicated to ensuring that every member is equipped for success. Listen in to hear her strategy for building a union where trust and communication are key.

In today's episode, we sit down with Bill Mea, a dedicated 26-year Rural Carrier with the USPS and a longstanding NRLCA union dues-paying member, who is now running for the position of President of the NRLCA. With over two decades as a local officer, Bill has dedicated his career to advocating for union members. In this candid campaign conversation, we dive into Bill's mission as a presidential candidate, where his goals include eliminating pay tables 2 & 4, fixing RRECS, and taking a stand against the hostile and toxic work environments fostered by management. Bill also shares his personal motivations for running, his vision for restoring trust and faith in the NRLCA, and why he believes he’s the right person to lead the union in a new direction. Additionally, hear Bill Mea like never before, as he opens up about his background, his plans for the future, and his commitment to educating and protecting the craft. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of Rural Carriers and the NRLCA.

In today's episode, hear Tyler give us an update on his “Build a Fighting NALC” movement, including how many branches and state associations have passed open bargaining resolutions. In addition, Tyler and I talk about the lack of leadership and representation within the NALC, his mission statement, the interim coordinating committee that is being formed, how a rank and file movement approach is essential for the members of the NALC, and his five point plan that is at the center of this movement currently. You will also hear us talk statistics and inflation, how pissed off the membership is, and about the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) and how that movement ties in with the Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) movement. You will even hear some disagreements in this episode; nonetheless, it’s the engaging and informative conversation that makes for a great show for anyone listening, especially right before the NALC Convention taking place in Boston this coming week. 

In today's episode, we welcome Rich Ray to the show as we delve into a wide range of topics crucial to every city letter carrier. From the Concerned Letter Carriers and Build a Fighting NALC movements, to unity, division, and the passion and anger driving change, we cover it all. We discuss critical issues such as heat and safety, the value of employee witness statements, and why training, education, and information are essential for effective union representation. Rich and I also explore the PS Form 1564-A, the city letter carrier pay scale, and the importance of being actively involved in the union and making your voice heard. With a mix of serious discussion and entertaining banter, this episode promises to be both informative and engaging. Don't miss this lively conversation with Rich Ray, where there's never a dull moment and always something new to learn.

Today's guest, James Brennan, is an NRLCA dues-paying member and USPS Rural Carrier from the state of Michigan. Starting as a Rural Carrier Associate in April 2017, he became a regular Rural Carrier in November of 2020 and was elected as a steward in 2021. Since then, he has filed numerous grievances on contractual and disciplinary issues, successfully settling all but one with monetary compensation. Frustrated by the mistreatment from management and the union, as well as the misinformation spreading on social media, he joined the "United We Scan Podcast" to help and inform his brothers and sisters across the country, and is now running for the national position of Director of Steward Operations within the NRLCA. Join us for an in-depth conversation and campaign talk about his journey and efforts to bring positive change to the NRLCA for all members. 

In today’s episode, we have a conversation regarding OPM Federal Disability Retirement with Erik Blowers (owner and managing attorney) and Rachel Klink (associate attorney) of IFW Law Group, a national law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal services for injured federal employees across the United States. With offices in both Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, IFW Law Group is a solid, proven practice with the experience, talent, professionalism, and confidence needed to provide quality representation that us federal employees deserve. Whether it be an OWCP compensation issue or assistance with a schedule award, third party liability claims, or OPM federal disability retirement, this law firm has you covered. 

*  To learn more about IFW Law Group, please visit their website or give them a call at:  

Website:  https://ifwlawgroup.com/     Phone:  704-607-8870

In today’s episode, City Letter Carrier and NALC activist, Tyler Vasseur, gives us an update regarding the “Build a Fighting NALC” movement (which revolves around open bargaining resolutions) including how much it has grown, and how many branches across the country are getting involved since our interview last month. We also have a thought-provoking conversation about a topic that is bound to make people fired up, but is one that needs to be talked about nonetheless. Hear this and more in this constructive discussion, tying in with the movement focusing around open communication and transparency, as well as better and safer working conditions and better wages. 

* To join the fight, obtain more info, or attend future Zoom meetings, please send an email to Tyler Vasseur at:

 [email protected]

Our guest today is a City Letter Carrier and active member of the NALC who is starting a movement revolving around open bargaining resolutions, open communication, transparency, and accountability with regards to our leadership within the NALC. Their main objective is to organize the membership and build a much stronger NALC, and one that will fight for better working conditions, better wages, and better representation. Hear my guest and I talk about this and more, including their monthly Zoom meetings that address these open bargaining resolutions being presented, discussed, and passed from different local branches all over this country.

* To join the fight, obtain more info, or attend future Zoom meetings, please send an email to Tyler Vasseur at:

 [email protected]

My guest today, Dr. Robert Kustin, is the CEO of Fed-Hurt, which treats the injuries of all Federal Employees, and whose sole mission is to create the largest provider network to help and treat all federal employees, from hurt to help. In this important and informational episode, Dr. Kustin discusses his journey to helping injured federal employees, why he created Fed-Hurt, and what makes his company different from others out there, including how their strict compliance measures and training ensure that all offices are receiving the same up-to-date and accurate information. He shares how his offices work with the federal employee and help guide them through the claims process as well as how to vet other OWCP providers and the importance of doing so. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with a doctor who truly cares about getting us the help we need and deserve!

*  To learn more about Fed-Hurt, please visit their website or give them a call at:  

Website:  https://4fedhurt.com/     (Toll Free) Phone:  (833) 433-3487     (Direct) Phone:  (954) 430-8000

In this short, but necessary episode, I talk about what I consider to be an obstacle for all of us, that being the federal employee (ourselves), and I give a simple three-step process we can use to overcome that obstacle. We are all in this fight together, and we need to continue to not only support one another, but also light a fire under each other’s asses from time to time. So consider this your obstacle course to prepare you for future engagement with the opposition. And I want to be clear that I mean no disrespect with this episode, and I feel for those out there who may be scared to speak up. But tough love with active listening and discipline creates accountability and a more unified front line. Knowledge is power, so let’s start educating ourselves more today to better prepare for future encounters with anyone who is mistreating us in the toxic and hostile environments we all face.