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 future.
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Dave Faulk Podcasts
Welcome to the Weekly Briefing, the definitive podcast for staying informed on the most significant news and policy changes affecting U.S. service members, military retirees, veterans, and their families. Each episode delivers a concise, comprehensive roundup of the latest developments from the Department of Defense, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Seth Andrews, a former Christian broadcaster and believer for 30 years, ultimately escaped the bonds of superstitious thinking to embrace the more satisfying explanations that science provides. A professional video producer and host of one of the most popular atheist communities on the internet, Seth Andrews brings a polished format, a relaxed environment and a rage-free challenge to the religious beliefs that defined his youth. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/po ...
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MIL News Weekly 19-25 October 2025 (Episode 21)
18:06
18:06
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18:06This episode of MIL News Weekly, covering October 19–25, 2025, highlights major issues affecting the military and veteran community. The ongoing federal government shutdown has created unprecedented financial uncertainty, with active-duty, Reserve, and civilian personnel facing missed paychecks, and stopgap measures sparking legal controversy. The …
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The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21)
20:10
20:10
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20:10This 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…
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In our lives, there are "root people" and "surface people." What have you learned about your friends and family in the time of Trump? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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Artist and activist Glenda Jordan broke free from Christian purity culture. Today she works with Recovering From Religion. Enjoy this conversation about her puritan past and poly present. VIDEO of this interview Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…
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MIL News Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20)
14:56
14:56
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14:56This episode of MIL News Weekly covers essential updates from October 12–18, 2025, focusing on the impact of the federal funding lapse on the military community. Active and Reserve service members faced delayed pay due to the shutdown, with financial institutions stepping in to offer support, while Coast Guard pay was safeguarded by special legisla…
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The FED Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20)
20:21
20:21
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20:21In 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…
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At the recent California Freethought Day, Seth Andrews engaged a street preacher who had come to save the world. The audio is messy. Sorry for the background noise. VIDEO of the second exchange with a bicycle preacher. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…
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It's our annual October tradition. A nice distraction, and some spooky fun. Enjoy! Watch the Brown Mansion Ghost Hunt Video Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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MIL News Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19)
17:11
17:11
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17:11This week’s episode covers the ongoing effects of the 2025 government shutdown on military personnel, with active duty and Reservists continuing to serve without pay until Congress finalizes appropriations. The Senate passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, but pay will remain delayed until an appropriations bill passes. Key policy upda…
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The FED Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19)
20:02
20:02
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20:02This 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…
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A Completely Inoffensive Podcast That Won't Anger YouTube
1:09:44
1:09:44
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1:09:44Social media platforms are getting REALLY picky. How do we speak about issues without using words? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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Miniskirts in the Sky (and other strange history)
1:06:25
1:06:25
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1:06:25By The Thinking Atheist
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MIL News Weekly 28 Sep - 4 Oct 2025 (Episode 18)
16:02
16:02
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16:02Here are major updates impacting military families, retirees, and veterans. Key changes include the extension of TRICARE Reserve Select survivor benefits to three years, easing the financial burden for Reserve families. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) proposes a 3.8% military pay raise, increased family separation allowance, a fo…
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The FED Weekly 28 Sep - 4 Oct 2025 (Episode 18)
17:36
17:36
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17:36This 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…
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Israel, Palestine, Liberty, and the Left (with Jasmin Faulk)
54:22
54:22
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54:22Jasmin Faulk is an ex-Muslim human rights activist with an insider's perspective on Islam, the war on women, and the often awkward perspectives of the West. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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MIL News Weekly 21-27 Sep 2025 (Episode 17)
20:05
20:05
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20:05This episode of MIL News Weekly covers critical military and veteran updates for September 21–27, 2025. The main story is the looming government shutdown and its impact on military pay, with a focus on the reintroduction of the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act to ensure uninterrupted pay for service members and key civilian defense personnel. The epis…
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The FED Weekly 21-27 Sep 2025 (Episode 17)
16:03
16:03
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16:03In 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…
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Science communicator Dave Farina is back to talk about the charlatans and idiots. Buckle up. VIDEO of this conversation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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MIL News Weekly 14-20 Sep 2025 (Episode 16)
16:54
16:54
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16:54The top story is President Trump’s executive order restoring the Department of War as a secondary name for the Department of Defense, signaling a shift in national military philosophy. Congress is debating this change while also working on the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, with amendments focusing on casualty assistance, moving allowance…
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The FED Weekly 14-20 Sep 2025 (Episode 16)
14:58
14:58
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14:58This 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 …
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Let's talk about the Jimmy Kimmel thing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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Your First Car! (and whatever you want to talk about)
1:26:49
1:26:49
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1:26:49Today's topics are chosen by our callers, with each prefaced by the question: What was your first car? A little fun peppered into all of the serious issues of the day. Enjoy! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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MIL News Weekly 7-13 Sep 2025 (Episode 15)
16:34
16:34
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16:34This episode of MIL News Weekly covers key developments affecting the military and veteran community for September 7–13, 2025. Highlights include the House passing the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, featuring a 3.8% military pay raise and several controversial amendments related to TRICARE and authorizations for the use of force. Bipart…
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The FED Weekly 7-13 Sep 2025 (Episode 15)
17:40
17:40
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17:40This 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…
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Well before a suspect was named and arrested, right-wingers (including President Trump) were blaming The Left and using Charlie Kirk's assassination to excuse a new Civil War against their political opponents. VIDEO of this presentation. Seth's recent SUBSTACK on the Charlie Kirk murder Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/p…
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It's a Scary Time to Be a Scientist (with Dr. Kenneth Miller)
1:09:55
1:09:55
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1:09:55Dr. Kenneth Miller is an American cell biologist, molecular biologist, and Professor Emeritus of Biology at Brown University. He has thoughts about the Trump administration's war on vaccines, public safety, and the scientific community. VIDEO of this discussion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist-…
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MIL News Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14)
17:48
17:48
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17:48This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major military and veteran developments between August 31 and September 6, 2025. Key topics include U.S. global military operations in Europe and the Caribbean, force modernization efforts like the M1E3 Abrams tank program, and domestic readiness exercises. The episode highlights ongoing challenges in military…
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The FED Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14)
18:40
18:40
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18:40This 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…
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How Do We Explain This When the Aliens Land?
45:44
45:44
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45:44If extraterrestrials arrived tomorrow, how would we explain the insanity infecting our country (and world)? From the stage at the Nashville NANOCON event, Seth Andrews took that journey. SPEECH VIDEO Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…
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This episode covers key military and veteran developments, focusing on the National Guard’s armed deployment in Washington, D.C., amid federal-local tensions and potential expansion to Chicago. The Department of Defense announced the establishment of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to combat drone threats, reflecting a broader shift toward modern …
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The FED Weekly 24-30 Aug 2025 (Episode 13)
15:07
15:07
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15:07In 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…
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April Ajoy is a Christian. She's also a humanist activist on the front lines against harmful fundamentalism and Christian nationalism. An atheist and a Christian are allies? Go figure. VIDEO INTERVIEW: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…
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MIL News Weekly 17-23 Aug 2025 (Episode 12)
13:56
13:56
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13:56In this episode of MIL News Weekly, Miles and Edward cover key developments impacting military personnel, veterans, and their families from August 17-23, 2025. Significant highlights include the administration’s expanded deployment of National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement in Washington, D.C., and the controversial federalization of the…
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The FED Weekly 17-23 Aug 2025 (Episode 12)
17:47
17:47
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17:47This 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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Laptops, Lords, and Lovers: Will AI Make or Break Us? (with Forrest and Erika)
46:28
46:28
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46:28Buckle up. Educators and activists Forrest Valkai and Erika (Gutsick Gibbon) showed up for a chat about AI, fossils, "the Monad," and more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist
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