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 families.

Robyn shares how FEEA has stepped up during times of crisis, including distributing over $1 million in microgrants to furloughed federal workers, and why building community through initiatives like Feds in Motion is more important than ever.

Whether you're looking to improve your health, connect with others, or support the federal workforce, this episode highlights how small, everyday actions can create lasting impact.

Learn more: https://feea.org/ Join me on the FedUpward Podcast team! Shoot me an email ([email protected]) for our team password to get registered.

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 are non-negotiable (even with friends)

• Privacy concerns when using your home address

• Succession planning and operating agreements

Whether you're considering a pivot or were pushed into one, this episode offers practical, protective guidance to help you launch smart.

Connect with Rebecca at: thegellerlawgroup.com

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 here.

But the ripple effects don't stop there.

Audrey explains how Schedule P/C could dramatically expand who qualifies as a "covered branch official" under the Lobbying Disclosure Act — potentially requiring small businesses, consultants, and government contractors to register as lobbyists simply for communicating with certain federal employees about contracts, grants, permits, or loans.

Together, they discuss:

• How Schedule P/C differs from Schedule F

• Why civil service protections exist in the first place

• What it means to lose Merit Systems Protection Board appeal rights

• How businesses may face new lobbying registration burdens

• Why this change could create a chilling effect within federal agencies

Whether you're a federal employee, government contractor, consultant, or small business owner working with the federal government, this conversation breaks down what's happening — and why it matters now.

Learn more about Integrity Matters here: https://integritymatters.org/

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 moments of joy through in-person gatherings, wellness events, and cross-agency networking.

The conversation explore how community can counter isolation and fear and what it means to sustain pride in public service during challenging times.

Learn more, explore upcoming events, and access the transgender veteran toolkit at outinnationalsecurity.org.

Contact: [email protected]

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 was a few days ago) offering federal employees context, clarity, and insight into what these funding battles could mean for agencies, pay, benefits, and workforce stability. John also shares how NARFE supports federal employees through advocacy, education, and resources during uncertain times.

Listen now!

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 procurement, IT, and cultural constraints that make reform harder than it needs to be. They also discuss their newly released report, built in weeks (not years), and why the voices of "doers" are missing from most reform conversations.

Listeners will learn:

• Why efficiency reforms often fail without operational input

• The four foundational barriers holding government back

• How federal employees can help shape better outcomes for the public

• Where to read the report and get involved

Read the report and learn more at https://wethedoers.org

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 core FEVS methodology while addressing new realities like AI, resources, and shifting leadership.

Listeners will hear:

• Why FEVS was paused for 2025

• What's included in the Partnership's alternative survey

• How confidentiality is protected

• How to participate before December 19

• New resources the Partnership is offering, including Fed Support webinars and the "Government for a New Era" initiative

The survey closes December 19.

Make your voice heard, take the survey here: https://ourpublicservice.org/public-service-viewpoint-survey/

Visit their website: https://ourpublicservice.org/read-watch-listen/

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 halt on RIFs, appropriations updates, and what federal workers should expect as another budget deadline approaches.

If you want clarity on your benefits and what's ahead for the federal workforce, this episode is a must-listen.

Join NARFE: https://members.narfe.org/

Connect with Love:

• Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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' Checkbook Health Plan Comparison Tool—available to many agencies and individual users—to find the best value for your health coverage.

Plus, he offers practical tips for saving money through FSAs, supplemental benefits, and wellness incentives—because while the numbers may not be cheerful, informed choices can make a big difference.

Use promo code FEDUPWARD at guidetohealthplans.org for 20% off access to Consumers' Checkbook Health Plan Comparison Tool, and tune in to stay ahead of Open Season changes that could impact your wallet and wellbeing.

https://www.checkbook.org/

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!

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 pivotingparents.com 👉 Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenborgueta/

#FedUpward #FederalEmployees #WorkingParents #CareerTransitions #PivotingParents

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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!