Best Telework Podcasts (2025)

1
The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21) 20:10

Play Pause

19h ago20:10

20:10

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates affecting federal employees and retirees from October 19–25, 2025. We discuss steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes—12.3% for Federal Employees Health Benefits participants and 11.3% for Postal Service enrollees—which far outpace the modest cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees (2.8% f…

1
Investing in connection: How Mac Mountain helps businesses build better broadband 45:16

5d ago45:16

45:16

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mac Mountain. A recently launched company that's taking a unique approach to expanding broadband by helping other businesses grow. Listen and find out how the model works and what led to this non-traditional approach to expanding access to more homes and businesses. Re…

1
Connecting the land of 10,000 lakes 27:03

6d ago27:03

27:03

Send us a text In this episode of the Connected Nation podcast, we talk with Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Broadband Office. Listen as we discuss the next steps for connecting everyone in Minnesota! Recommended links: Minnesota Broadband Office WebsiteBy Jessica Denson

1
From Alabama to the Navajo Nation: The company that's putting rural communities first 16:28

7d ago16:28

16:28

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we begin our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. We talk with Jacob Smithee, the Director of IT from a Co-op in Alabama, about the challenges of bringing high speed internet to extremely rural areas. Plus we find out what he hopes for connectivity in his state an…

1
The FED Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20) 20:21

8d ago20:21

20:21

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the critical challenges facing federal employees and retirees for the week of October 12-18, 2025. Key topics include the deepening financial crisis from the ongoing government shutdown, with hundreds of thousands missing paychecks and facing uncertainty over back pay. Military pay was protected through a…

1
Grappling with Europe's wealth gap 36:06

11d ago36:06

36:06

This episode of Eurofound Talks, published on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, looks in-depth at Europe’s wealth divide. Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound researchers Carlos Vacas and Eszter Sandor about how wealth inequality remains as intractable as ever – despite positive developments in recent years on wages and improvements…

1
E72: Top Bills Signed or Vetoed by Governor Newsom in 2025 and Katie Porter Fallout w/ Teresa Trujillo 1:01:51

12d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and his chief of staff Teresa Trujillo discuss a number of topics including the fallout from gubernatorial hopeful Katie Porter’s viral videos, an overview of the bills signed and vetoed by Governor Newsom in 2025, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Teresa Trujillo SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS: Jo…

1
The FED Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19) 20:02

15d ago20:02

20:02

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the significant changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 5–11, 2025. Key topics include the announcement of the 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season, with average premium increases of 12.3%—the second year of double-digit hikes—and notable carrier discontinua…

1
What a decade of digging into the Digital Divide and meeting those impacted by it has taught one researcher 16:30

19d ago16:30

16:30

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a special guest who has spent nearly a decade researching the Digital Divide and meeting many of those who are directly impacted by it. Find out what Dr. Christopher Ali is working on now AND the claim he says many broadband leaders need to stop making now or risk creating more har…

1
The FED Weekly 28 Sep - 4 Oct 2025 (Episode 18) 17:36

22d ago17:36

17:36

This episode of The FED Weekly covers significant developments for federal employees and retirees from September 28 to October 4, 2025. A government shutdown defined the week after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, with health care subsidies at the center of the dispute. The episode also details the massive culmination of the Trump administ…

1
E71: Housing and Homeownership w/ Debra Carlton 38:30

26d ago38:30

38:30

Assemblyman Josh Hoover is joined by Debra Carlton, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for the California Apartment Association, to discuss California’s housing landscape, the bad policies that keep prices high, and how we can restore the American dream of homeownership. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Debra Carlton, Executive Vic…

1
The father and son duo focused on helping telecom manufacturers deliver their products 16:16

28d ago16:16

16:16

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to a father and son team who rep a host of manufacturers in the broadband space. Find out how their model fills the needs of a wide range of companies, programs, and projects. Recommended links: Communications Marketing Systems - https://superrep.com/ Ken Lazear (dad) and Jake Lazear (son)…

1
The FED Weekly 21-27 Sep 2025 (Episode 17) 16:03

29d ago16:03

16:03

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap critical issues for federal employees and retirees during the week of September 21-27, 2025. The primary focus is the escalating government shutdown crisis, which has been heightened by the Senate's rejection of a House funding bill and the cancellation of key votes, raising fears of furloughs and disrupt…

1
What a Danish company now manufacturing in the US can do to help improve broadband buildouts 15:33

1M ago15:33

15:33

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we ask what the Danish can do to help build out broadband in America? I talk to a rep with Lynddahl Telecom about the product they're now manufacturing in the US to do just that. Recommended links: Lynddahl Telecom website Pete Spehr, SVP of Sales, Lynddahl Telecom America - https://www.linkedin.c…

1
The FED Weekly 14-20 Sep 2025 (Episode 16) 14:58

1M ago14:58

14:58

This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the escalating threat of a government shutdown as Congress remains deadlocked over funding bills ahead of the September 30 deadline. Lawrence explains how competing short-term funding proposals are fueling uncertainty for federal workers and retirees. President Trump’s 2026 alternative pay plan—offering …

1
Special edition: Why Wichita is about to stake its claim in the AI revolution 27:40

1M ago27:40

27:40

Send us a text On this special edition of Connected Nation, we head back to Wichita, Kansas one last time for the AI Interconnection Summit, which took place on Thursday, September 11th. This time we talk with leadership from Stevens Fiber Group and Moonshot Energy about what they do, why Kansas is on their radar, and the reason this summit was the…

1
Special edition: Two visionaries behind Kansas' digital leap 22:22

1M ago22:22

22:22

Send us a text On this special edition of Connected Nation, we head BACK to Wichita, Kansas for an AI Interconnection Summit. This time, we talk with the woman many credit with greenlighting the FIRST EVER Internet Exchange Point in Kansas and with one CEO who is going to help make it a reality. Recommended links: AI Interconnection Summit website …

1
E70: End of Session Recap and Remembering Charlie Kirk w/ Sara Hilliker 1:07:54

1M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and his Legislative Aide Sara Hilliker recap of the end of the 2025 legislative session and share their thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Sara Hilliker End of Session recap https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/09/california-legislature-end-of-session-2/ https://www.sacbee.co…

1
From metaverse to AI: what’s next for broadband? 27:40

1M ago27:40

27:40

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 as we sit down with broadband entrepreneur Scott Sampson, CEO of Blueprint Broadband and founder of Light Craft and Mac Mountain to talk about the fast-changing tech landscape. Hear how his ventures are supporting ISPs with financing, operations,…

1
Special edition: DE-CIX CEO talks AI, internet infrastructure, and innovation from Wichita 21:04

1M ago21:04

21:04

Send us a text On this special edition of Connected Nation, we head to Wichita, Kansas for a first-of-its-kind event – an AI Interconnection Summit. We begin our coverage with Ivo Ivanov - the CEO of DE-CIX - one of the world’s biggest names when it comes to internet infrastructure. Find out why he felt it was critical to travel to America’s heartl…

1
The FED Weekly 7-13 Sep 2025 (Episode 15) 17:40

1M ago17:40

17:40

This week on The FED Weekly (7-13 Sep 2025), we cover major updates affecting federal employees and retirees. Congress introduced the Claiming Age Clarity Act to simplify Social Security claiming age terms, aiming to help retirees make more intelligent decisions about when to start benefits. Another bill, the Keep Billionaires out of Social Securit…

1
Can rural America lead the next innovation boom? The Range is showing us how it can be done 36:03

2M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we are joined by the leadership at the Range, which is short for regional accelerator and new growth engine. Learn how the organization is focusing on creating incredible innovation for everything from energy and food production to workforce development and healthcare in one of the most rural plac…

1
Is Europe’s mental health still in crisis? 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

Mental health in Europe is at a critical crossroads. While some indicators have improved since the pandemic, a new Eurofound report reveals concerning trends, including an alarming halt to the decades-long decline in suicide rates. This episode of Eurofound Talks explores this complex issue, highlighting that poor mental health is disproportionatel…

1
The FED Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14) 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

This week, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program announced a historic 13.5% premium hike for 2025—significantly outpacing proposed federal pay raises and eroding purchasing power for employees and retirees. Expanded IVF and anti-obesity drug coverage are driving up costs. In retirement news, the Thrift Savings Plan topped $1 trillion…

1
E69: Appropriations Suspense Hearing, Redistricting Aftermath, and End of Session w/ Asm. Joe Patterson 1:05:44

2M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Assemblymembers Josh Hoover and Joe Patterson discuss a number of topics including their thoughts on the Legislature’s final week of session, the aftermath of the floor fight on redistricting, the recent Appropriations suspense hearing, a new lawsuit against the Assembly Speaker, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: …

1
What makes the best ISP? We talk to leadership at one of CNET’s top picks for 2024 AND 2025 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

Send us a text What makes Fort Collins’ community-owned internet one of the best ISPs in the nation? Find out from their Broadband Executive Director on this latest episode of the Connected Nation podcast. Join us as we sit down with Chad Crager to discuss how this city-built network is redefining customer service, digital inclusion, and the future…

1
The FED Weekly 24-30 Aug 2025 (Episode 13) 15:07

2M ago15:07

15:07

In this week’s episode of The FED Weekly, Lawrence covers urgent updates for federal employees and retirees. The 2025 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums are set to rise by a historic 13.5%, the most significant increase in almost 20 years, while dental and vision plan hikes are more moderate. With government funding still stalled in…

1
Attention hyperscalers, political leaders, and decision-makers: This project can help America win the AI race 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 as we sit down with Connected Nation's very own Brent Legg, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs. We discuss the one-of-a-kind Connected Nation Internet Exchange Point (IXP) joint venture with Newby Ventures and why it's so important for …

1
The FED Weekly 17-23 Aug 2025 (Episode 12) 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

This episode of The FED Weekly covers crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for August 17-23, 2025. Host Lawrence outlines the impending 2026 pay freeze, significant increases in FEHB health insurance premiums, and the removal of gender-affirming care coverage from all federal health plans starting in 2026. The “One Big Beautiful Bill”…

1
How a company with a century of experience in infrastructure is helping improve broadband 23:49

2M ago23:49

23:49

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson talks with Mike Miller, Broadband Practice Leader at HDR—a 107-year-old company that recently entered the broadband space. Discover how HDR is leveraging its Matrix model to tackle complex challenges, from Dig Once initiatives to the rapid demand for data centers nationwide. Le…

1
E68: Return of the Legislature, Telework Audit, and Redistricting w/ Joe Parra 1:03:47

2M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and longtime policy consultant Joe Parra discuss a number of topics including the signing of AB 379, a new audit on state telework, the Legislature’s least talkative lawmakers, Governor Newsom’s redistricting power play, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Joe Parra Kennedy Center Nominees ht…

1
The FED Weekly 10-16 Aug 2025 (Episode 11) 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

With Congress adjourning for the August recess, a government shutdown looms as key budget bills remain unresolved. Divided proposals over federal spending heighten uncertainty, threatening paychecks and agency services. Major union battles escalate, including terminations of collective bargaining agreements at the VA and EPA, while unions mobilize …

1
How one company delivers on the promise of "frictionless" support for heavy hitters like Google and Verizon to small providers 15:34

3M ago15:34

15:34

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, recorded live at Mountain Connect 2025 in Denver, Colorado, host Jessica Denson sits down with Osmo’s Troy Cross, Vice President of Sales, and Sadie Conley, Demand Generation Specialist. Osmo powers “frictionless support” for industry giants like AT&T, Google, and Verizon—helping customers resolve…

1
The FED Weekly 3-9 Aug 2025, Episode 10 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major updates affecting federal employees and retirees for August 3-9, 2025. Key topics include OPM’s directive to remove COVID-19 vaccine records from personnel files, new legislation to protect employee access to personnel files, and revised rules for probationary periods that make it easier to terminate new …

1
Inside the NDIA with Executive Director Angela Siefer 17:31

3M ago17:31

17:31

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 as we sit down with Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). We discuss the origins and mission of NDIA, the evolving landscape of digital equity, and how AI is shaping the next Digital Divide. Learn ab…

1
From veterans to senior citizens: This is how Colorado State University Pueblo is tackling the need for digital literacy 15:40

3M ago15:40

15:40

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 with two women from Colorado State University Pueblo—Dana Lambert, Director of Digital Equity, and Juliann Sandoval, Digital Navigator. Their program is closing the digital divide across southern Colorado by providing free laptops, broadband acce…

1
The unique approach a New Mexico county is taking to developing an open access network 19:09

3M ago19:09

19:09

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we kick off our Mountain Connect 2025 coverage from Denver, Colorado. Jessica Denson sits down with Jerry Smith, Broadband Manager for Los Alamos County, New Mexico. The conversation dives into how his county is deploying an innovative open access fiber network, partnering with a sovereign tribal …

1
The FED Weekly 27 Jul - 2 Aug 2025 (Episode 9) 14:19

3M ago14:19

14:19

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key policy updates impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 27 to August 2, 2025. Major tax changes from the Big Beautiful Bill Act, including adjustments to federal tax rates, deductions for seniors, and new credits for overtime and family leave. The episode examines President Trump’s Exec…

1
The national Digital Divide Award goes to... 23:47

3M ago23:47

23:47

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap up our coverage from the 2025 Broadband Communities Summit in Houston, Texas. Telecommunications legal expert Philip Macres breaks down the new BEAD rules—what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s uncertain—as states prepare for fast-moving deadlines and funding decisions. Then we sit down with …

1
The exhibit booth no one wanted to miss at the 2025 Broadband Communities Summit 12:42

3M ago12:42

12:42

Send us a text In this special bonus episode of Connected Nation, we take you straight to the heart of the action on the exhibit floor at the Broadband Communities Summit. Join us as we explore the buzz around Interduct.com — the booth everyone was talking about. Discover why it captured so much attention. Recommended Links: Innerduct Website…

1
The FED Weekly 20-26 Jul 2025 (Episode 8) 18:20

3M ago18:20

18:20

This is your essential briefing for the week of 20-26 July 2025. It has been a watershed week for the federal civil service. A landmark Supreme Court decision has fully unleashed the administration's workforce reduction plans, and a stunning court filing has revealed exactly which offices are in the crosshairs. Meanwhile, the massive "One Big Beaut…

1
Assessing telehealth attitudes and usage in Northwest Colorado 11:57

3M ago11:57

11:57

Send us a text On this episode, we’re reporting from the Broadband Communities Summit in Houston, Texas, where we sit down with Molly Weiner, Director of Local and Regional Planning for Connected Nation. Molly shares insights from a new telehealth study focused on seven rural counties in northwest Colorado, conducted in partnership with Colorado’s …

1
BONUS EPISODE: Building open networks for others to own across the country 12:22

3M ago12:22

12:22

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we've got some bonus coverage from the Broadband Community Summit. We talk with Drew Pappas from Bonfire Infrastructure Group on how they help communities, coops, Tribes, and others build open networks across the country. Recommended links: Bonfire Website Guest's LinkedIn - Drew Pappas…

1
The FED Weekly 13-19 Jul 2025 (Episode 7) 20:13

3M ago20:13

20:13

This week, the foundations of the federal civil service experienced seismic shocks. A landmark Supreme Court decision effectively dismantled long-standing job protections, unleashing a wave of workforce reduction actions across multiple agencies. Simultaneously, the administration advanced a legal theory of "at-will" employment and created new hiri…

1
This company is the Internet Service Provider of Internet Service Providers 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with two representatives from Cogent Communications. We discuss the evolution of data centers, talk about Cogent's work globally, and find out what it's like being the Internet Service Provider of Internet Service Providers. Recommended links: Cogent website Guests' LinkedIn: Jeff Rein…

1
E67: New Minority Leader, Newsom’s Trip to South Carolina, and a New Legislator Interview w/ Asm. Leticia Castillo 43:07

4M ago43:07

43:07

Assemblymembers Josh Hoover and Leticia Castillo discuss a number of topics including Leticia’s journey to the Legislature, whether or not Josh should run a marathon, a leadership change in the Assembly, how charter schools are thriving despite harmful state policies, California’s new housing agency, Governor Newsom’s presidential soft launch in So…

1
The FED Weekly 6-12 July 2025 (Episode 6) 20:56

4M ago20:56

20:56

The second week of July 2025 brought seismic shifts to the U.S. federal workforce, marked by a coordinated effort to reshape the civil service. A landmark Supreme Court ruling on July 8 cleared the way for the administration to proceed with mass layoffs, known as Reductions-in-Force (RIFs), across the government. President Trump signed the "One Big…

1
DirecTV's big changes and the company that's creating what connects us 23:22

4M ago23:22

23:22

Send us a text In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson continues coverage from the 2025 Broadband Communities Summit in Houston. First, she sits down with Dawn Intili of DirecTV, who breaks down how the company is reshaping its services for the modern streaming era and expanding into multifamily dwellings with flexible, cost-effect…

1
The FED Weekly 29 Jun - 5 Jul 2025 (Episode 5) 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

During the week of June 29 to July 5, 2025, major federal legislative developments preserved key benefits for current and retired federal employees. The Senate version of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” removed all proposed cuts to pensions and health benefits previously included in the House version, including elimination of the FERS supplem…

1
Where civil rights and digital access meet 28:43

4M ago28:43

28:43

Send us a text In this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Communities Summit in Houston, Texas. Jessica Denson speaks with Tyler Dempsey and Shelby Smith of Sonar Software about what sets their OSS/BSS platform apart in a rapidly changing industry—and why launching their new podcast “Bandwidth” is part of build…