Best Telework Podcasts (2025)

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

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12d 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…

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

9m ago15:07

15:07

By Dave Faulk

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

5d ago25:30

25:30

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 the future of c…

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

7d 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”…

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

12d ago23:49

23:49

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. Learn why open ac…

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

15d 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 …

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

19d ago15:34

15:34

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 device issues …

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

21d 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 …

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Inside the NDIA with Executive Director Angela Siefer 17:31

25d ago17:31

17:31

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 about the importa…

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

26d ago15:40

15:40

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 access, and persona…

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

27d ago19:09

19:09

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 nation, and imp…

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

29d 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…

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

1M ago23:47

23:47

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 Megan Steckly, …

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

1M ago12:42

12:42

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…

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

1M 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…

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Assessing telehealth attitudes and usage in Northwest Colorado 11:57

1M ago11:57

11:57

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 eHealth Innovat…

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

1M ago12:22

12:22

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…

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

1M 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…

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

2M ago24:16

24:16

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 Reinis and Craig Gr…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M ago23:22

23:22

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-effective options. Th…

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

2M 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…

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Where civil rights and digital access meet 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

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 building stronger co…

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E66: CEQA Reform Bill, Gas Tax Hike, and Country Music w/ Teresa Trujillo 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and his chief of staff Teresa Trujillo discuss a number of topics including the passage of a major CEQA reform bill, Newsom’s delicate embrace of the “abundance” movement, another gas tax increase, what’s good in country music, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Teresa Trujillo Gov. Newsom c…

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

2M 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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The evolution of working conditions in Europe 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

This episode examines the evolving landscape of Europeanworking conditions, situated at the nexus of profound technological transformation. Mary McCaughey speaks with Barbara Gerstenberger, Eurofound's Head of Unit for Working Life, who leverages insights from the 35-year history of the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS). This survey series …

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You never know who you'll meet at the Broadband Communities Summit 14:21

2M ago14:21

14:21

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage live from the Broadband Community Summit in Houston, Texas. We talk with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation for Connected Nation about the summit and the topic she's focused on. But as you'll hear, things didn't quite go as we'd planned. I like to call this …

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From Middle Mile to high stakes in the High Court: MCNC's leadership tackles connectivity in a unique way 21:37

2M ago21:37

21:37

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Community Summit, and we talk with the president and CEO of MCNC, about its role connecting schools and healthcare facilities across North Carolina. We also talk about the importance of middle mile infrastructure and the high stakes of an upcoming court decision. Recom…

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Why the SHLB Coalition's defense of the USF impacts us all 14:19

2M ago14:19

14:19

Today we begin our in-depth coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit taking place in Houston, Texas. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the SHLB Coalition about what's happening this week to critical funding that's used to connect our nation's schools and libraries. UPDATE: On June 27, the Sup…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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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Meet “The Energy Expert” who says she can help revitalize your remote workforce 37:25

3M ago37:25

37:25

Why does workplace energy matter — and how can we build it? Dana Spencer, known as “The Energy Expert,” joins us to share how she’s helping organizations revitalize employee productivity, morale, and team dynamics using her Five S framework. From remote work boundaries to self-awareness and the power of a simple smile, this episode will leave you f…

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E65: Budget Passage, New Pro Tem, and LA Unrest w/ Asm. Heath Flora 50:28

3M ago50:28

50:28

Assemblymembers Josh Hoover and Heath Flora discuss a number of topics including the formation of the new Capital Caucus, a brief overview of the recently passed state budget framework, the new Senate pro tem, federal action that will suspend California’s gas car ban, Governor Newsom’s lawsuit frenzy, the unrest going on in LA, and other stories of…

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Broadband leaders gather in Houston just weeks after BEAD's new rules are released 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with a representative from the Broadband Communities Summit about the topics and speakers attendees can expect in Houston, Texas — and why now is a critical time to come together. Find out what Brad Randall has to say about the new BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) rules—and how Total Telec…

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From 10 employees to 1,000: Nextlink Internet's story of radical, organic growth 1:02:24

3M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink Internet, to explore how this Texas-based provider is leading the charge in expanding broadband across 12 states—serving some of the country’s most rural and underserved communities. Baker shares the extraordinary origin story of Nextlink, explains what “radical, orga…

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How proposed changes to E-rate could impact America's kids 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re diving into proposed changes to the federal E-rate program — and what those changes could mean for schools, libraries, and the millions of students who rely on internet access to learn. Our guest, Mark Colwell, Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom, brings years of experience in federal and s…

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E64: Suspense Hearing, Cost Drivers, and CARB Clash w/ Chris Micheli 52:21

3M ago52:21

52:21

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and longtime Capitol insider Chris Micheli discuss a number of topics including the appropriations suspense hearing, the Legislature’s absent affordability agenda, the US Senate vote to overturn California’s gas car ban, a committee clash with CARB, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Chris M…

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Before the storm: What ISPs can do as we enter hurricane season 1:03:06

3M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Hurricane season is here — and it’s expected to be one of the most active on record. In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with three industry leaders who know exactly what it takes to keep people online before, during, and after a disaster. Together, they unpack real lessons from 2024’s devastating Hurricane Helene, including how to pre…

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E63: Breaking Down the May Revise Budget w/ Tom Sheehy 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and budget expert Tom Sheehy discuss a number of topics including the Governor’s May Revise budget, a legislative victory for protecting minors, LA’s $30 minimum wage proposal, a Democratic gubernatorial hopeful’s thoughts on high-speed rail, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohost: Tom Sheehy, Sh…

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History in the making: Connected Nation breaks ground on Kansas’s first Internet Exchange Point 43:21

3M ago43:21

43:21

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you to Wichita, Kansas for an historic event – the groundbreaking of the first Internet Exchange Point in the state. We talk with those who have been working toward this moment for years – about what an Internet Exchange Point is, why it’s important to individuals, businesses, and communities, AND the ef…

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The simple step small ISPs should be taking to grow their business 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson revisits with Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband and AireBeam, to discuss the outsized impact that small and medium-sized internet service providers (ISPs) can have on closing the Digital Divide. From strategic builds in underserved communities to innovative fiber solutions in mobile home parks, Be…

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E62: Protecting Minors and Improving Literacy w/ Asm. Jeff Gonzalez 40:00

4M ago40:00

40:00

Assemblymembers Josh Hoover and Jeff Gonzalez discuss a number of topics including a bill that will further increase the cost of fuel in California, legislation that will impact solar customers, improving literacy in our state, defending school choice, protecting 16 and 17 year olds from being purchased for sex, and other stories of the week. Host:…

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How are minimum wage levels changing in Europe? 35:07

4M ago35:07

35:07

In this episode Mary McCaughey sits down with Eurofound expert Carlos Vacas Soriano to explore how minimum wages have changed in Europe over the past year, as well as the implications of these shifts. Listeners are invited to dive into the intricacies of Europe's minimum wage dynamics and the factors driving these changes. The conversation also she…

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A digitally inclusive journey: Meet the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award winner 21:37

4M ago21:37

21:37

What do YOU think motivates some people to put their own needs aside to help others? We talked with one extraordinary teenager who is taking action to the close the Digital Divide – by helping both senior citizens and those dealing with homelessness. On this episode of Connected Nation, we head to Birmingham, Alabama to meet the 2025 National Stude…

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AT&T’s commitment to digital learning at all ages 11:52

4M ago11:52

11:52

On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap up our coverage of the Connected America conference with a powerful conversation about bridging the Digital Divide. Host Jessica Denson is joined by Viviana Cohuo, Lead Project Manager for AT&T’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. They dive into AT&T’s nationwide efforts to build digital skills throug…

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E61: Refinery Closures, AI Chatbots, and Katy Perry’s Space Ride 50:42

4M ago50:42

50:42

Assemblyman Josh Hoover and his team discuss a number of topics including the impacts of another refinery closure in California, a new effort to unionize ride share drivers, AI chatbots, the future of Cap and Trade, new polling from Politico, Katy Perry’s trip to space, and other stories of the week. Host: Assemblyman Josh Hoover Cohosts: Sara Hill…

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The Copper Countdown: What landline retirement means for you 38:19

5M ago38:19

38:19

The retirement of copper landlines is accelerating — and many businesses aren’t ready. On this episode of Connected Nation, guest host Grant Ahlbrand speaks with Max Silber, Vice President of Mobility and IoT at MetTel, to explore why this shift is happening now, what it means for essential services and businesses, and how digital solutions can del…

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Investing in our future: Sustaining K-12 digital access 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

On this episode of Connected Nation, we tackle a topic impacting millions of students across the country — how to sustain digital access in K-12 education. As federal programs end, only 27% of states are ready to keep kids connected. Jessica Denson talks with Pam Lloyd, Ph.D., Strategic Advisor at Connected Nation, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Proj…