FEDTalk

This week’s FEDtalk show features attorneys from the law firm of Shaw Bransford & Roth (SBR) to discuss personnel issues and trends emerging from the pandemic era. The pandemic caused an immediate shift in both legal investigations and the federal workforce. As a result, many previously routine procedures and protocols had to adapt to a “new normal.” Attorneys from the firm discuss which pandemic-era reforms are here to stay and how investigations into personnel disputes will be changed by the new processes. The group also discusses the changing nature of the federal workforce, and how the onset of new workplace flexibilities has changed the landscape of personnel disputes. SBR Senior Attorney James Heelan hosts the program with SBR Partner Conor Dirks and Associate Attorney Michael Sgarlat. The show airs live on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

This week’s FEDtalk show spotlights the Department of Justice’s post-pandemic reentry plans. As DOJ strives to reach a “new normal,” groups representing Department attorneys discuss how telework availability is impacting employee morale, recruitment, and retention. Joining from the DOJ Gender Equality Network is President Stacey Young and Vice President Melanie Krebs-Pilotti. Young and Krebs-Pilotti are also co-founders of the organization. Also joining the program from the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys is Vice President Adam Hanna. All three guests are current DOJ attorneys, although they join entirely in their capacities as association representatives. The show airs live on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) honors the efforts of government employees at the local, state, and federal levels for making #GovPossible. Over the course of this past week, local and national events celebrated government service, educated the public about civil service, and honored outstanding employees. These exhibitions of talent and service offer the public a glimpse into public service—the good, the bad, and the ugly. This week on FEDtalk, host Jason Briefel discusses the importance of public service recognition with Loren DeJonge Schulman, Vice President of Research, Evaluation, and Modernizing Government; Rachel Klein-Kircher, Director; and Jordan LaPier, Senior Communications Manager at the Partnership for Public Service (PPS). Among the resources available to celebrate PSRW, the Partnership has offered a celebration toolkit, social media templates, and a number of audience guides tailored toward teachers, federal agencies, and Capitol Hill officials to highlight the value of federal workers.

President Biden released the administration’s FY 2023 budget request last month. The request included a proposed pay raise for federal employees and a bump in funding for every cabinet level department. But what does the budget request really mean for federal agencies? This week’s FEDtalk guests break down exactly that and address key concerns about the Congressional appropriations process. Joining host Natalia Castro for the conversation is Dan Schuman of Demand Progress; Marc Goldwein of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget; and William Hoagland from the Bipartisan Policy Center. The show airs live on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

While the pandemic may be winding down, virtual and hybrid events may be here to stay. Many believe that agencies and organizations should be embracing virtual and hybrid events in the long term to increase accessibility. This week on FEDtalk, the panel will discuss the keys to making an event successful and the value of incorporating virtual and hybrid formats. Host Tony Vergnetti of FEDS Protection discuses the topic with Steven Mandurano, Communications and Marketing Director for the Senior Executives Association (SEA) and Consultant for the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association (FEIAA); Kandis Boyd, Vice President of FEIAA; Ryan Changcoco, Marketing Consultant for SEA; and Lisa Spinelli, Senior Content Manager at Association for Talent Development. The show airs live on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

Women place an equal amount of value on their lives as men, but the gap in life insurance coverage persists even as income and domestic responsibilities evolve. By in large, women tend to carry less coverage than their male counterparts. An LIMRA consumer study conducted in 2021 found that only 47 percent of women have life insurance coverage, compared to 58 percent of men. This week on FEDtalk, the panel discusses life insurance considerations, trends in access to coverage, and the future of benefits. Host Jason Briefel joins Alison Salka, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at LIMRA, and Shane Canfield, CEO of WAEPA. LIMRA connects the financial services industry worldwide through research, consulting, and professional development that provides people with access to data, thought leadership, and solutions. Formed by and for federal employees, WAEPA is a nonprofit association that offers affordable Group Term Life Insurance coverage. The show airs live on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

This week on FEDtalk, celebrate 20 years of advancing African American leadership within the senior ranks of the federal government. Guests from the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) join the podcast to discuss their 20th anniversary event and the AAFEA programs that promote career enhancing opportunities and the development of critical skills. Host Natalia Castro welcomes Tyra Dent AAFEA President to discuss the organization’s history and future. AAFEA provides various professional development opportunities as well as social events to support and advance African Americans in federal employment. The show airs live on Friday, March 11, 2021, at 11:00 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

With a compelling storyline of acquisition support in a ground mission to Mars, Management Concepts launches an experiential, cohort-based program designed for new acquisition professionals. On the next episode of FEDtalk, Management Concepts reveals Career Gateway: Acquisition. Host Jason Briefel discusses government acquisition and Management Concept’s approach with Robert Daugherty, the organization’s Acquisition & Contracting Product Management Director. Management Concepts provides career development, performance improvement, and human capital management solutions to the public sector. For more than 40 years, Management Concepts has worked with state, local, and the federal government to assist individuals, teams, and organizations in reaching their objectives. The show airs live on Friday, February 25, 2021, at 11:00 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.

In 2021, there were significant court decisions that impacted the federal workforce—are you up to date on how the new precedents impact the federal workforce and personnel law? The Attorneys of Shaw Bransford & Roth join FEDtalk to provide an overview of the ten most important cases and break down their relevance to federal employees. Host James Heelan–Senior Counsel at Shaw Bransford & Roth–joins the program with colleagues Conor Dirks and Michael Sgarlat. Dirks is a Partner at Shaw Bransford & Roth, and Sgarlat is an Associate Attorney. The Attorneys speak from a combined three decades of experience representing federal employees in federal district and appellate courts, and administrative forums. Heelan, Sgarlat, and Dirks also author weekly case law updates for the firm’s two free e-newsletters, FEDmanager and FEDagent. The show airs live on Friday, February 11, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk, FEDmanager, and FEDagent are produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Subscribe today to the free FEDmanager and FEDagent newsletters to stay up to date with the latest legal developments impacting the federal community.

Set yourself up for success this tax season with the latest episode of FEDtalk. This week’s show will provide insight into the upcoming tax season with administration officials and industry professionals. Join host Natalia Castro as the panelists consider issues facing the Internal Revenue Service, changes in tax law, and tips and considerations for filing taxes this season. FEDtalk guests include Chad Hooper, Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association; Nina Tross, Liaison for Tax and Advocacy at the National Society of Tax Professionals; Scott Artman, Executive Director of the National Association of Tax Professionals; and Larry Gray, Government Liaison of the National Association of Tax Professionals. The show airs live on Friday, January 28, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).

The FEDforum is an initiative at the show’s sister newsletter–FEDagent–to unite voices across the federal law enforcement community. This partnership among law enforcement associations establishes a space for federal agents, officers, prosecutors, and supporters, to share their association’s initiatives, legislative agenda, and events, with the FEDagent audience. Host Natalia Castro welcomes a conversation on what’s to come in 2022 among FEDforum partners Steve Wasserman, National President of the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA); Sara Slone, Communications Director of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.); and Shelley Jones, Executive Director of Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation (SBS). The show airs live on Friday, January 14, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).

The FEDforum is an initiative at the show’s sister newsletter – FEDmanager – to unite voices across the federal community. This partnership among federal workforce organizations is a space for federal employee groups to share their organizations’ initiatives, insights, and activities with the FEDmanager audience. Join a discussion on federal employee associations and what’s to come in 2022 among FEDforum partners. Host Jason Briefel welcomes Brenna Isman, Director of Academy Studies at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA); Chad Hooper, Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association (PMA); Alice Mercer, National Chair of Blacks In Government (BIG); and Joseph Annelli, Executive Vice President at the National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV). The show airs live on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).

Beyond unprecedented global changes, a lot can change for you and your family in a year. Federal open season provides you the opportunity to select plans that fit your life best. Open season insiders offer federal employees advice on potential switches to protect against worst-case scenarios for you and your family. Join host Debra Roth in exploring open season with Joan Melanson, Director of Education and Outreach at FedPoint, and Jay Fritz, Program Analysis and Systems Support of Federal Employee Insurance Operations at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). FedPoint serves the federal and uniformed services markets as an administrator of both the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program and BENEFEDS under the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) supervision. Alternatively, OPM acts as a host for open season, providing the resources you need to make informed decisions about your benefits. The show airs live on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).

In the midst of the current pandemic, are there any telehealth services that are particularly important to you? Does your health plan limit the number of doctor's visits you can make? What services are not covered by your plan? A global pandemic may make shopping for health insurance more essential than ever during open season. Learn about the resources you need to make an informed decision about your health, dental, vision, or flexible spending account benefits during this open season from guests from FedPoint and WAEPA. Join host Jason Briefel in exploring your options with Joan Melanson, Director of Education and Outreach at FedPoint and Shane Canfield, CEO of WAEPA. FedPoint serves the federal and uniformed services markets as administrator of both the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program and BENEFEDS under the supervision of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Formed by federal employees, WAEPA offers affordable Group Term Life Insurance coverage exclusively to civilian federal employees. The show airs live on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).

Human rights violations of the past and present remain a priority for federal law enforcement. A panel of guests from the Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) discuss the various disciplines that form the center, the resources at their disposal to safeguard human rights and thwart war crimes, and their work to prevent these crimes domestically and abroad. Warning: this show contains graphic descriptions of human rights abuses including but not limited to Nazi war crimes, genocide, gender-based violence, and torture. If you find this discussion troubling, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information services in English and Spanish. Join host Natalia Castro in discussing the intricacies of human rights issues with Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center Program Manager Suzanne Priest, HSI Section Chief Lisa Fraser, and Associate Legal Advisor in the Human Rights Violator Law Division Kathryn Finley. HSI is the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) largest international investigative force, and responsible for investigating global crime and threats that seek to exploit domestic customs and immigration laws as well as international trade, travel, and financial transactions. The HRVWCC prevents known or suspected violators of these crimes from entering the United States, facilitates their removal in already inside, and works to prosecute and prevent these crimes from occurring globally. Fraser, Finley, and Priest work on a team combatting crimes against women including female genital mutilation (FGM), while promoting education and outreach on the issue. The show will discuss HRVWCC’s work to investigate, remove, and prosecute human rights violators and war criminals. In the second half, the program takes an inside look at the pervasive problem of FGM and how the HRVWCC works with partners to prevent this form of gender-based violence. If you have information about an individual who is suspected of assisting with female genital mutilation please contact the ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423, the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or email the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center at hrv.ice@ice.dhs.gov. Tip lines are staffed around the clock and tips may be submitted anonymously. The show airs live on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 11:00 am ET on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).