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 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!