Inside the Shutdown: Federal Workers, AI Gaps, and a Nation on Pause
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
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28:30
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28:30
The Smell of Shutdown: What Really Happens When Government Stops
Former GAO Managing Director Chris Mihm joins the show to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown — now on day seven. Mihm, now an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, shares stories from shutdowns past that blend humor and hard-earned wisdom. From the unforgettable “refrigerator incident” after the 2018–2019 shutdown — when the stench of forgotten lunches greeted returning employees — to his unique experience representing GAO overseas during the 2013 lapse in appropriations, Mihm’s anecdotes reveal that not every shutdown implication is mission critical… but some are unforgettable.Beyond the stories, Mihm discusses the real operational and human challenges that arise when the government grinds to a halt. They explore the complexity of managing mission backlogs, maintaining communication with furloughed staff, and leading teams through uncertainty — all while following the strict rules that prohibit most federal employees from working during a lapse in appropriations. Mihm outlines key lessons learned from GAO’s studies of previous shutdowns, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication, empathy from managers, and thoughtful planning for the inevitable restart.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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15:47
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15:47
After the Shutdown: How Federal Leaders Can Reboot, Reconnect, and Rebuild
On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Julie Dunne, now principal at Monument Advocacy, joins the show to share leadership strategies for navigating the return to work once the government reopens. Dunne compares the uncertainty of the current moment to the early days of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of stepping back, identifying top priorities, and leading with clear, proactive communication.You’ll hear how federal leaders can motivate and support their teams during the transition back to full operations — from reestablishing coordination and prioritization through daily stand-up meetings, to managing the emotional and logistical challenges that come with restarting work after a pause. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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11:19
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11:19
Shutdown Day 3: What Federal Employees Need to Know About Their TSP
On Day 3 of the government shutdown, there is at least one area where federal employees can find reassurance—the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remains fully operational. In this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, James Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how TSP participants are protected during a lapse in appropriations. From automatic loan payment adjustments to reliable call center support, Kaplan details the steps the TSP has taken to ensure participants don’t need to take additional action during the shutdown.You’ll also hear about recent improvements, including streamlined customer service, safeguards for those with loans, and the growing popularity of Roth contributions. These updates underscore how the TSP is continuing to evolve to better serve federal employees and retirees, even in uncertain times.Throughout the shutdown, Fed Gov Today will bring you daily insights from leaders who have managed through past closures and restarts—helping you prepare for what’s ahead. Be sure to subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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8:21
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8:21
Shutdown 2025: What's Closed, What's Open, and What Comes Next
On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the federal government shutdown officially begins — and with it come questions about what’s closed, what’s open, and what federal leaders can do to prepare for the return to business. Former Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord and Gov Navigators CEO Robert Shea, a former OMB leader, discuss the immediate impacts on agencies, employees, and taxpayers, and why communication and leadership are more critical than ever. Former GSA leaders Sonny Hashmi and Jim Williams join Francis to examine the operational realities of a shutdown, from cybersecurity and acquisition backlogs to the challenges of keeping federal missions on track with reduced staff and resources. Together, they unpack the human, managerial, and operational toll of a shutdown — and the lessons leaders must apply to navigate the crisis and prepare for what comes next.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
Veteran host Francis Rose gives Federal government decision-makers news and information about management, workforce, IT, and acquisition, to help those leaders do their jobs better.
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