Best Merit Based Protections Podcasts (2025)

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Merit & Mission: Navigating the New Federal Hiring Landscape Episode 1: A New Day in Federal Hiring 10:13

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2d ago10:13

10:13

The federal hiring process is undergoing a transformation, and it’s more than a policy change; it’s a values shift. In this episode, we delve into the core of the new Merit Hiring Plan and its significance for faith-driven applicants. Discover how the government is refocusing on skill, service, and constitutional commitment and what that means for …

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The FED Weekly 22-28 June (Episode 4) 15:03

5d ago15:03

15:03

Welcome to the FED Weekly, the go-to podcast for current and retired U.S. federal employees who need to stay informed on the issues that matter most. In a rapidly changing political landscape, we deliver concise, weekly updates on the legislative, executive, and agency-level actions that have a direct impact on your professional life and financial …

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Who Gets Merit Based Scholarships At Private Colleges? 9:42

11d ago9:42

9:42

Wondering which students and families actually get merit-based scholarships and grants at private colleges? We have the data. Parents of college-bound children who are considering high-cost private non-profit colleges often wonder how to qualify for institutional financial aid. These grants and scholarships may or may not really be based on merit, …

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The FED Weekly 15-21 June 2025 (Episode 3) 16:04

11d ago16:04

16:04

The FED Weekly: June 15–21, 2025 report highlights significant developments impacting federal employees and retirees. A major focus is the Senate’s draft of a budget reconciliation bill that preserves controversial measures requiring new federal employees to either pay a higher retirement contribution or forfeit civil service protections. While som…

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The FED Weekly 8-14 June 2025 (Episode 2) 23:44

11d ago23:44

23:44

Welcome to the Federal Workforce Roundup, the go-to podcast for current and retired U.S. federal employees who need to stay informed on the issues that matter most. In a rapidly changing political landscape, we deliver concise, weekly updates on the legislative, executive, and agency-level actions that have a direct impact on your professional life…

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The FED Weekly 1-7 June 2025 (Episode 1) 21:02

12d ago21:02

21:02

The first week of June 2025 brought several important developments for the federal community. Below is a roundup of key news affecting U.S. federal employees and retirees, organized by category for clarity.By Dave Faulk

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Student Loan Forgiveness Due To Disability: What To Know 12:55

16d ago12:55

12:55

When your student loans are discharged due to disability, you may be limited in whether you can work or go to school for a period of time. Otherwise, your student loans may be reinstated. This can be an especially difficult issue to navigate if your loans are discharged while you're attending school, or plan to. And it can happen even if you never …

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Understanding Federal Reasonable Accommodation: Empowering Employees with Disabilities 14:09

26d ago14:09

14:09

In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re diving into the essential topic of reasonable accommodation in the federal workplace. What does it mean? Who qualifies? And how can faith, compassion, and leadership come together to create more inclusive work environments? With insights from both OPM and EEOC guidance, we unpack the legal framework, real-world…

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Take It Down: Protecting Our Families in the Digital Age 7:02

1M ago7:02

7:02

In this episode of Off-Balance, we delve into the newly signed Take It Down Act, a bipartisan law designed to combat the spread of nonconsensual intimate images and AI-generated deepfakes. This groundbreaking legislation holds offenders accountable and empowers victims with tools to reclaim their privacy online. Join us as we unpack what the law me…

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When Parents Are Jealous: Healing the Wounds of Generational Envy 15:56

1M ago15:56

15:56

What happens when your growth, success, or faith journey stirs up something uncomfortable in your parent, something that looks a lot like jealousy? In this candid and compassionate episode, we delve into the often-unspoken reality of parental jealousy. Whether it's subtle criticism, emotional distance, or dismissive remarks, many adults quietly wre…

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From Client to Customer: Why Every Service-Based Entrepreneur Needs a Product 12:54

1M ago12:54

12:54

Not everyone can afford your high-ticket service, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become a valuable customer. In this episode of Off-Balance, we explore why every service-based entrepreneur should consider offering a product, like a book, an ebook, or a journal, to serve a wider audience and create an additional stream of income. You'll learn how …

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Trade School Loan Forgiveness Programs 7:01

1M ago7:01

7:01

By The College Investor

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Must-Ask Questions About College Costs: Protecting Your Investment 9:41

1M ago9:41

9:41

Paying for college isn’t just about covering tuition. It’s about understanding what happens when life takes a turn and what protections exist if it does. Each year, families across the country commit thousands of dollars toward college without fully understanding the terms behind the payment. If a student gets sick or has to take a leave during the…

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When the Job Shifts: Faith, Family, and Finding Purpose After Federal Uncertainty 15:39

2M ago15:39

15:39

What happens when the job you thought was secure suddenly isn’t? In this heartfelt and practical episode, we unpack how to navigate the emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges of job instability especially in federal or long-term government roles. Whether you’ve experienced a reduction in force (RIF), early retirement, or are facing unexpect…

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Which Payments And Periods Count For PSLF? 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

After years of payments, pauses, and paperwork, many public service workers are confused on what payments and time periods may count for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). However, there are also more options to have qualifying periods count - thanks to the PSLF buyback program. If you've been stuck in the SAVE forbearance, served in the milit…

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Common Dorm Room Disasters That Could Cost You Big 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

College move-in day is filled with excitement, but new students often learn quickly that shared living spaces come with unexpected risks. And if you’re not careful, even small accidents can be expensive. From laptop spills to missing laundry, a range of common mishaps can cause financial stress. In partnership with GradGuard, we’re going to highlig…

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Bouncing Back: Finding Hope After Loss 17:35

2M ago17:35

17:35

Loss comes in many forms: a job, a relationship, a loved one, and each can leave us feeling shaken, heartbroken, and unsure of what’s next. In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re creating space to talk honestly about what it means to bounce back after loss. Through a biblical lens and personal reflection, we’ll explore how to move forward with faith…

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Quick Update On What's Happening With Student Loans 10:31

2M ago10:31

10:31

Robert was on MoneyLife with Chuck Jaffe this week talking about the current status of student loans. Tune in to hear Robert's thoughts on what's going on with student loans today.By The College Investor

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How To Legally Reduce Your IDR Payment (And Avoid Fraud) 9:40

2M ago9:40

9:40

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans provide affordable monthly student loan payments by basing the payments on a portion of the borrower’s discretionary income, as opposed to the amount they owe. Generally, IDR plans will yield lower student loan payments when the borrower’s total student loan debt exceeds their annual income. However, there are wa…

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Getting Comfortable With Making Others Uncomfortable 10:34

2M ago10:34

10:34

Most of us avoid making others uncomfortable—even when it costs us our peace. In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re diving into why it’s so hard to set boundaries and speak up, especially when faith, family, and business values are on the line. I’ll share a personal story about a small boundary that caused big frustration and unpack why discomfort …

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Can You Appeal A Financial Aid Award After Admissions? 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

Many families assume that once a student accepts admission to a college, the financial aid offer is final. In most cases, that’s true. Schools often budget tightly and expect students to commit based on the information already provided. But there are exceptions. Appealing a financial aid award after committing to a school is uncommon, but not impos…

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Congress Unveils Plan To Change Student Loan Repayment Plans 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

The latest reconciliation bill set for review in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce proposes some of the most extensive changes to higher education funding and student loans in decades. This is the papered proposal, it's NOT law yet. If enacted, the legislation would limit federal borrowing, end Parent PLUS loans, change repayment o…

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Everyone’s Not Going to Like You — And That’s Okay 21:40

2M ago21:40

21:40

In a world obsessed with approval, it’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing — especially when you’re juggling faith, family, and business. But here’s the truth: everyone’s not going to like you, and that’s okay. In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re having a heart-to-heart about what it really means to release the pressure to be liked, st…

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The Best Ways To Pay Off Student Loans Faster 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

Student loan debt is not fun to have. While it may have been necessary to pay for school, now that you’re graduated, it’s time to think about ways to pay off your student loans faster. If you’re looking at your repayment plan options - even the shortest term is usually around 10 years. That can seem like forever! At the same time, looking at these …

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Key Life Skills For Incoming College Freshman 11:48

2M ago11:48

11:48

As families juggle decisions about housing, orientation dates, and class schedules, one area that often gets overlooked is life skills. The transition from high school to college is one of the biggest changes a teenager will face. And while some schools may offer a session study habits, far fewer address what it takes to function day to day. The co…

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What Happens To Financial Aid If You Take A Gap Year 8:27

3M ago8:27

8:27

With the stock market fluctuating and new tariffs raising concerns about family finances, some families are re-thinking the college decision (at least in the short term). While it might not be off the table, taking a gap year or deferring enrollment is an option for some. But what happens to financial aid if my child takes a gap year? While taking …

Merit Based Protections Podcasts

1
The FED Weekly

Dave Faulk

1
The College Investor Audio Show

The College Investor

1
Off-Balance

Dr. Brooks Demming

1
Merit & Mission: Navigating the New Federal Hiring Landscape Episode 1: A New Day in Federal Hiring 10:13

1
The FED Weekly 22-28 June (Episode 4) 15:03

1
Who Gets Merit Based Scholarships At Private Colleges? 9:42

1
The FED Weekly 15-21 June 2025 (Episode 3) 16:04

1
The FED Weekly 8-14 June 2025 (Episode 2) 23:44

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The FED Weekly 1-7 June 2025 (Episode 1) 21:02

1
Student Loan Forgiveness Due To Disability: What To Know 12:55

1
Understanding Federal Reasonable Accommodation: Empowering Employees with Disabilities 14:09

1
Take It Down: Protecting Our Families in the Digital Age 7:02

1
When Parents Are Jealous: Healing the Wounds of Generational Envy 15:56

1
From Client to Customer: Why Every Service-Based Entrepreneur Needs a Product 12:54

1
Trade School Loan Forgiveness Programs 7:01

1
Must-Ask Questions About College Costs: Protecting Your Investment 9:41

1
When the Job Shifts: Faith, Family, and Finding Purpose After Federal Uncertainty 15:39

1
Which Payments And Periods Count For PSLF? 8:29

1
Common Dorm Room Disasters That Could Cost You Big 8:24

1
Bouncing Back: Finding Hope After Loss 17:35

1
Quick Update On What's Happening With Student Loans 10:31

1
How To Legally Reduce Your IDR Payment (And Avoid Fraud) 9:40

1
Getting Comfortable With Making Others Uncomfortable 10:34

1
Can You Appeal A Financial Aid Award After Admissions? 6:26

1
Congress Unveils Plan To Change Student Loan Repayment Plans 15:11

1
Everyone’s Not Going to Like You — And That’s Okay 21:40

1
The Best Ways To Pay Off Student Loans Faster 13:45

1
Key Life Skills For Incoming College Freshman 11:48

1
What Happens To Financial Aid If You Take A Gap Year 8:27