Fed Gov Today

This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it, and what truly matters for senior leaders in the U.S. government—understanding the Constitution, the law, and the unique responsibilities of American civil service…Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the broader industrial base.From experimental pilots to life-or-death missions, Shanahan stresses the importance of rapid experimentation, rigorous testing, and government-led evaluation before AI is integrated into critical operations. He also explores the challenges smaller tech companies face against the dominant players in the frontier AI model space, and the risks of government lock-in as introductory pricing gives way to long-term contracts.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you will learn why the IRS is pulling the plug on its long-troubled taxpayer self-service kiosks. Eleina Monroe, Chief of Staff for Inspections and Evaluations at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), reveals how more than half of the 100 kiosks in 37 field offices were out of service—some for over a year—due to outdated trackball navigation, unrepairable parts, and vague contractor requirements. Monroe explains that a lack of contract oversight and missing performance standards left taxpayers without functional tools, despite a $500,000-a-year maintenance contract. With roughly 7,500 taxpayer sessions in FY 2024, demand for in-office self-service options remains strong, especially for those without internet access.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis sits down with retired Foreign Service officer Don Kilburg to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the world of diplomacy. Drawing from his new book, AI Use Cases for Diplomats, Kilburg outlines why he believes AI isn’t just a helpful tool but a responsibility for global leaders to embrace. He discusses his 100 practical AI use cases for diplomats, designed as both a field manual and a vision for the future, and explains why AI and diplomacy must evolve together to address global challenges. From bridging international understanding to setting ethical guardrails, Kilburg makes the case for diplomats to lead in shaping AI’s role on the world stage.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Colonel Mac McHenry, US Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) and senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Unit, joins the show to discuss why Chief Technology Officers in government are struggling to drive innovation—despite being tasked as strategic visionaries. Drawing from his recent RealClearDefense article, “The Toothless Technologist,” Mac explains how the government imported the CTO model from the private sector but failed to give it the operational influence needed to be effective. You’ll hear a candid breakdown of how federal acquisition and organizational silos are holding back tech progress—and how a simple two-step solution could change everything. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis welcomes Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explain how the TSP prioritizes spending less—not more—in order to keep more dollars invested directly in your account. Kaplan details how the agency’s consistent track record of executing below budget reflects a fiduciary mindset focused on maximizing long-term value for you and other federal employees and retirees. You’ll hear how the TSP is using participant feedback, new technology, and a culture of constant improvement to streamline operations—from cutting call times to deploying AI that helps customer service reps spend more time solving your issues and less time on paperwork. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

This episode explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber capabilities are redefining both frontline and back-office military operations. Mike Black, retired Air Force Colonel and Vice President for Defense at AFCEA International, joins Francis to share insights from AFCEA events around the globe—including what’s trending, what’s urgent, and what the joint force is prioritizing in this rapidly evolving landscape.Listeners will learn how the Department of Defense is adapting to these challenges through initiatives like SWIFT (Software Fast Track), signed into action just three months ago, and already changing the game. The episode also previews the upcoming TechNet Augusta conference, highlighting keynote speakers from Army Cyber Command and the Cyber Center of Excellence. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.