FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Hosted by Love Rutledge

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Episodes

200

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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!

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60 recent

August 6, 2026Episode 23219 min

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 WUSA9's Larry Miller to discuss the human side of today's federal workforce. From navigating career disruptions and identity shifts to finding new purpose after public service, we discuss what I've learned through six years of interviewing federal employees and the organizations supporting them. We also explore the need for civil service modernization, the challenges facing recruitment, and why community matters now more than ever. Whether you're a current federal employee, recently transitioned out of government, or simply interested in the future of public service, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective, practical resources, and a reminder that no one has to navigate these changes alone. Subscribe to Larry Miller's YouTube channel: youtube.com/@larrymillerd/videos Federal Fallout reporting on WUSA9: wusa9.com/federal-fallout 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!

July 17, 2026Episode 23424 min

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 employee performance, discipline, and removals. But what do these changes actually mean for federal employees and supervisors? You need to know so you can comment officially via the Federal Register by August 3, 2026. Former MSPB executive Raymond Limon joins the FedUpward podcast to break down the proposed rule and explain why it has sparked concern across the federal workforce. They discuss the potential elimination of the long-standing Douglas Factors, the legal framework that has guided disciplinary decisions for more than four decades, and what their removal could mean for consistency, due process, and agency accountability. The conversation also explores the proposal's requirement for 30-day Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), annual supervisory training, and the broader implications of OPM and MSPB issuing joint regulations. Ray explains how these changes could affect managers, employees, and the future independence of the MSPB, especially in light of recent Supreme Court decisions. So listen for some much needed context to understand one of the most consequential federal workforce proposals in years—and why participating in the public comment process matters. Read the Douglas Factors: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/reference-materials/douglas-factors/ The proposed rule: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13445.pdf Check out Ray's website: https://www.meritserviceadvocates.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!

June 30, 2026Episode 23019 min

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 Leadership Program at American University. In this episode of FedUpward, Bob reflects on his remarkable career, the leadership principles that continue to influence thousands of federal managers, and why trust, vulnerability, and relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Bob also shares the deeply personal story behind his transition to writing poetry after retirement, discussing how childhood experiences, leadership, and self-reflection inspired his new collection, "What Lives in Me." Whether you're an aspiring supervisor, an experienced executive, or simply interested in personal growth, this conversation offers timeless lessons about leadership, resilience, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ger your copy of "What Lives in Me" - https://finishinglinepress.com/product/what-lives-in-me-by-robert-m-tobias Key Executive Leadership Program at American University - https://www.american.edu/spa/key/mpagpt.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!

June 18, 2026Episode 23218 min

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, Director of Mentoring for the National Association of Future Federal Executives (NAFFE), to discuss the resources, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities available to aspiring federal executives. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from starting as a GS-1 student employee to serving nearly 39 years in federal government before transitioning into entrepreneurship and executive mentoring. The conversation explores how NAFFE helps federal employees prepare for SES careers through mentoring, ECQ mastery training, resume development, and structured interview preparation. Kelly also explains the evolving SES application process, the role of the Qualifications Review Board (QRB), and practical advice for federal professionals looking to advance into executive leadership positions. Whether you're a GS-11 planning your next promotion or a GS-15 considering the SES, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the path to executive leadership. Learn more about the National Association of Future Federal Executives at https://naffee.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.

June 2, 2026Episode 23123 min

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? Raymond Limon returns to the FedUpward podcast for a timely conversation about the challenges facing today's federal workforce. After more than 30 years in federal service—including leadership roles at OPM, the State Department, the Department of the Interior, and the MSPB—Limon discusses why he launched Merit Service Advocates and what federal employees need to know as workplace policies continue to evolve. The discussion explores the purpose of the merit-based civil service system, the impact of workforce restructuring efforts, concerns surrounding federal hiring and workforce protections, and the resources employees can use to stay informed. Limon also offers practical advice for federal employees navigating uncertainty, discusses potential reforms to federal hiring and appeals processes, and explains why resilience, professional development, and public service remain as important as ever. Whether you're a current federal employee, retiree, supervisor, or simply interested in the future of the federal workforce, this episode provides valuable context from someone who has spent decades shaping and defending the systems that support public service. Find out more about his work here. 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!

May 4, 2026Episode 2276 min

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 ways to engage: Partnership for Public Service (PSRW resources): https://ourpublicservice.org FormerGov (career support & events): https://formergov.com Whether you're currently serving or exploring your next chapter, this episode is a reminder of the mission behind the work—and why it still matters. 🎧 Listen now and take a moment to reconnect with your "why."

April 9, 2026Episode 22812 min

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 episode of FedUpward. I sit down with Isabella Ulloa, founder of the Public Service Alliance, to unpack what the data is showing—and why it should concern everyone. Drawing on her experience at the Department of Homeland Security, Ulloa explains how threats have surged over the past decade, increasingly targeting not just officials, but their families. The conversation explores the growing gap in protections for public servants and the real-world consequences: burnout, resignations, and a chilling effect on civic participation. Ulloa also introduces the Public Service Alliance's approach to solving the problem—from a first-of-its-kind marketplace offering vetted security and support resources, to advocacy efforts aimed at driving policy change and awareness. A standout initiative, the "security map," uses aggregated data and storytelling to visualize the scale of the issue across all 50 states. This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—highlighting how public servants can better protect themselves, and why addressing this issue is critical to the future of public service itself. Learn more: https://thepublicservicealliance.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!

March 26, 2026Episode 2278 min

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 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 (love@fedupward.com) 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!

March 2, 2026Episode 22622 min

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, 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!

February 18, 2026Episode 22514 min

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 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!

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