• Our mission is to shift the focus from policy discussions to the people responsible for implementing these policies and the constraints they are facing in their mission to execute the law effectively.

    At FEDtalk, we engage in in-depth conversations with a diverse range of leaders, both established and emerging, who are deeply committed to the successful administration of the law. Each episode seeks to address a different aspect of developing a professional, accountable, and capable federal workforce, the backbone of effective policy implementation.

    We proudly position Shaw Bransford & Roth as a leading voice in the ongoing transformation of public service. Our podcast delves into critical discussions about how the civil service and government itself must evolve to better serve the American people and sustain the equitable administration of the law amidst challenges to the structural, legal, and political framework of government.

    FEDtalk provides a platform for thought-provoking insights into the administration of public policy and the continuously shifting legal foundations of the civil service. If you have a keen interest in the intricacies of government and the vital role of its workforce, FEDtalk offers you a professional and comprehensive resource for staying informed and engaged. Join us as we explore the essential connections between individuals and policies, with the ultimate goal of achieving a more efficient, responsive, and equitable government that serves the American people.

  • Partner (non-attorney) at Shaw Bransford & Roth

    Jason has worked at the firm’s government affairs practice since 2012. Jason has served as Director of the government affairs practice since 2015.

    Jason is a known conversation-starter in the federal community. He has dedicated his career to advancing good government initiatives through legislative and organizational representation to clients of the firm’s government affairs practice.

    Jason is frequently quoted in the media discussing legislative and executive actions impacting the functioning of the federal workforce and efficiency of the federal government. These media engagements include regular interviews with the Washington Post, CNN, Politico, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg BNA, PBS, Federal News Network, Government Executive, Federal Times, E&E News, FCW, and Government Matters TV.

    He is a frequent speaker at trainings, conferences, and events. He has designed and managed a variety of professional development events, including the Presidential Rank Awards (PRA) Leadership Summit. The PRA Leadership Summit attracts over 500 federal and industry executives annually for panel discussions on the future of federal work and human capital management. Jason coordinates the conversations with federal leaders, plans the panel discussions, and arranges sponsorship and development opportunities through the Summit.

    Jason serves as editor-in-chief of the FEDagent and FEDmanager newsletters. He created the FEDforum–a single platform within the publications that unites voices from across the federal community and elevates organizational priorities.

    On FEDtalk, Jason aims to bring together unique and novel perspectives on existing issues from current change-makers in the federal government. Jason is motivated by concern that we need new voices and new ideas to solve longstanding problems facing the federal workforce. He is well connected with the next generation of public service leaders and seeks to create a space where these leaders can come discuss the people behind the execution of government work.

All Episodes

FEDtalk
Presidential Transition considerations for Acquisition community
Presidential Transition considerations for Acquisition community

In this episode of FEDtalk, host Jason Briefel interviews Troy Cribb, Director of Policy at the Partnership for Public Service, about the presidential transition and its impact on the federal and contractor acquisition workforce. They discuss the importance of the acquisition function in government, the preparations agencies are making for the transition, and the key dates and deadlines involved. Cribb shares insights from her experience working in government and at the General Services Administration (GSA), emphasizing the need for comprehensive briefings and education for incoming appointees.

Career Pathways: Navigating Public vs. Private Sectors
Career Pathways: Navigating Public vs. Private Sectors

In this episode of Fed Talk, Jason Briefel interviews Helene Bumbalo, Associate Director of Graduate Professional Development at VCU, about career counseling. Helene discusses her unique career path, the challenges VCU students face, the impact of AI on job applications, and strategies for connecting students with federal agencies.

Honoring National Police Week and Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) 
Honoring National Police Week and Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) 

In this episode of FEDtalk, hosts Natalia Castro and Jason Briefel are joined by Catrina Bonus and Jessie Lane from Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) to discuss National Police Week and the 25th anniversary of WIFLE. They talk about the history and mission of WIFLE, which is dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in federal law enforcement.

What the Flux is Going on in the Federal Government?
What the Flux is Going on in the Federal Government?

In this episode, the hosts Jason Briefel and Natalia Castro recap Season One of FEDtalk and discuss key considerations for the federal government moving forward. They explore the concept of the federal government in flux, highlighting the impact of technology and the need for adaptability. They also discuss the evolution of federal power and the importance of capacity issues across the branches of government.

Executive Power Over Employees
Executive Power Over Employees

In this episode of FEDtalk, the hosts are joined by author and lawyer Philip K. Howard to discuss executive power over employees and the impact of public employee unions. They explore the constitutional context of executive power, including the Take Care Clause and the Guarantee Clause. The importance of accountability and elections in a democratic government is emphasized.

Enhancing Congressional Oversight
Enhancing Congressional Oversight

This episode of FEDtalk focuses on congressional oversight and its function in the constitutional system. The guests, Tim Stretten from the Project on Government Oversight’s (POGO) Congressional Oversight Initiative and Elise Bean from the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, discuss the importance of effective oversight, the challenges faced in conducting oversight, and the role of training and assistance for congressional staff.

Judicial Capacity: Are the Courts Ready & Able to Navigate Big Change?
Judicial Capacity: Are the Courts Ready & Able to Navigate Big Change?

In this episode of FEDtalk, Natalia Castro and Jason Briefel discuss major issues impacting the federal judiciary with guest Ben Robinson, Chair of the Federal Bar Association's Government Relations Committee.

Agency 'Independence'
Agency 'Independence'

In this episode of FEDtalk, Natalia Castro and Jason Briefel discuss agency independence in the executive branch with Adam White, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Co-Director of the C. Boyden Gray Center for the Study of the Administrative State.

Congress as First Branch, Once Again
Congress as First Branch, Once Again

In this episode of FEDtalk, the focus is on Congress as the first branch of the federal government. The conversation begins with an introduction and a discussion about the current state of Congress and its functioning.

Federal Government in Flux
Federal Government in Flux

On this season of FEDtalk, we will be covering big issues affecting the three branches of the federal government. On the first episode, Max Stier, CEO and President of the Partnership for Public Service, sets the stage with a review of major issues affecting Congress and the Executive Branch.

The Top Federal Employment Cases of 2023
The Top Federal Employment Cases of 2023

In 2023, the Courts considered big questions in federal personnel law–from applying the correct legal standards for personnel actions to determining the scope of personal liability for employees. FEDtalk sits down with federal employment attorneys to learn more.

Reintroducing FEDtalk
Reintroducing FEDtalk

Since 1992 FEDtalk has provided timely insights, collaborative discussions, and key resources for the federal community. Tune in to hear what is in store for the next generation of the FEDtalk podcast.

Season 01: Federal Government in Flux

Featured

The Top Federal Employment Cases of 2023

This episode of FEDtalk explores the top federal employment cases of 2023. The conversation covers a range of topics, including religious accommodations in the workplace, the correct legal standards for discrimination claims, and the proper application of Bivens litigation. The hosts and guests discuss these cases' impact on federal employees and agencies and the broader implications for trust and accountability in the federal government. This episode of FEDtalk explores various aspects of employee removal processes, the consequences of incorrect legal standards, the importance of upholding individual rights, transparency and accountability in federal agencies, limitations on agency authority, and challenges to unconstitutional agency structures.

Listen and Subscribe on Your Favorite Platforms

FEDtalk explores current issues of importance to federal employees and those interested in the federal sector. From federal agencies to Capitol Hill, we bring in experts from across the federal community to bring listeners inside the issues. If you’re interested in pitching a topic or joining as a guest, email our producer Natalia Castro at ncastro@shawbransford.com.

Listen to the entire archive on Federal News Network