FEDChicks

FEDChicks
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Three retired federal agents. Three voices. Zero agency talking points. From career advice and retirement conversations to unforgettable investigations and the stories behind the cases, FEDChicks explores life on both sides of the badge.  FEDChicks is a life podcast with federal law enforcement as the backdrop. Hosted by Heather, Mary, and Clare, each episode explores careers, retirement, leadership, true crime, current events, and life beyond the badge—with humor, honesty, and zero sugarcoating. From unforgettable investigations and behind-the-scenes case stories to candid conversations about career transitions, identity, and purpose, FEDChicks delivers real women, real life, and real talk. New episodes every other week.

Episodes

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 5: What No One Tells You Before Becoming a Federal Agent

    What do three retired federal agents wish they knew before the job, the academy, the badge, and the endless paperwork? In Episode 5, Heather, Mary, and Clare talk about FLETC, fitness, long hours, surveillance, leadership, people skills, women in federal law enforcement, and the lessons that only come with time. Real talk, real laughs, and zero agency talking points from the women of FEDChicks.  From figuring out how to conceal a duty weapon in work clothes to realizing how much of the job is waiting, this conversation is full of practical advice, honest reflection, and the kind of FEDChicks humor that only comes from surviving the job and laughing about it later. In this episode: What they thought the job would be — and what they were completely wrong aboutThe paperwork, waiting, long hours, surveillance, and “hurry up and wait” reality of federal investigationsWhy fitness matters before FLETC, especially runningThe confidence, officer presence, and people skills that only come with timeBeing women in a male-dominated field without losing yourself or setting yourself up to be “one of the guys”Why leadership does not always mean becoming a supervisorThe importance of choosing your battles, reading the room, and trusting your gutWhy you should write things down, take the pictures, and remember the momentsWhat training prepared them for — and what life in the field had to teach them the hard wayKey takeaway: You can prepare for the academy, the long hours, the cases, and the physical side of the job — but some of the most important lessons come from experience: learning how to talk to people, protect your time, handle yourself with confidence, and remember that the job is what you do, not all of who you are. Have an idea for an episode, want to share your story, or want to be a guest? Email us at FEDChicks@gmail.com or leave us a comment wherever you’re listening. Listen, watch, and follow FEDChicks: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fedchicks Facebook: https://facebook.com/FEDChicks Please like, subscribe, follow, share, and leave us a review. It really helps other women in federal law enforcement find the show. Disclaimer: FEDChicks is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own and do not represent any agency or the federal government. Nothing shared should be considered financial, legal, career, or retirement advice.

  2. Jul 7

    Episode 4: Happy Hour with Retirement Expert Tammy Flanagan-Pensions, Prosecco and Planning Ahead

    Our first guest is here! In this episode of FEDChicks, we sit down with Tammy Flanagan, founder of Retire Federal and one of the nation's leading experts on federal retirement benefits. Over cocktails and plenty of laughs, Tammy answers some of the biggest retirement questions facing federal employees and law enforcement officers. Whether you're years away from retirement or getting ready to submit your paperwork, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you time, money, and stress. In this episode: • Should law enforcement retire as soon as they're eligible? • Understanding the FERS Supplement and earnings test • When to leave your money in the TSP—and when to consider other options • FEGLI basics and common life insurance mistakes • Survivor annuities vs. life insurance • Tax planning tips retirees often overlook • A real-life story of a retiree who recovered $117,000 after an overlooked retirement calculation • Why working with a retirement specialist can make a huge difference Resources Mentioned Tammy Flanagan / Retire Federal Website: https://www.retirefederal.com Email: info@retirefederal.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetireFederal Investor Education: https://www.investor.gov Connect with FEDChicks YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fedchicks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FEDChicks Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6 Email: FEDChicks@gmail.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague. Your support helps more federal employees find the show. Disclaimer: FEDChicks is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions expressed are our own and do not represent any government agency or the federal government. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered financial, legal, career, or retirement advice. Please consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

  3. Jun 23

    Episode 3: Life After the Badge: Retirement, Identity & Reinvention

    Life After the Badge: Retirement, Identity & Reinvention Retirement is one of the biggest transitions in a federal law enforcement career—but almost nobody talks about what it's really like. In this episode, Heather, Mary, and Clare share their personal retirement journeys, from countdown calendars and retirement seminars to unexpected emotions, identity shifts, and figuring out what comes next. Whether you're five years away from retirement, six months away, or just starting your federal career, this conversation is full of lessons we wish we'd known sooner.  In This Episode How all three hosts approached retirement differently.Why Clare took advantage of the Deferred Retirement Program (DRP).Why Mary retired sooner than she originally planned.Heather's "25 and out" retirement strategy.TSP, Roth TSP, FSA, HSA, sick leave, annual leave, and retirement planning lessons.The importance of verifying your SF-50s and service records before retirement.Why having something to retire to matters more than having something to retire from.The emotional reality of leaving behind a career that defined so much of your life.Retire To Something One of the most common themes in retirement research—and one echoed throughout this episode—is the importance of having a purpose after retirement. Whether that's: FamilyTravelVolunteeringA second careerA small businessA podcastOr finally watching Breaking BadHaving something to look forward to makes the transition easier.  Resources Mentioned Tammy Flanagan / Retire Federal www.retirefederal.com  Chris Barfield / Barfield Financial www.BarfieldFinancial.comDan Jamison's Federal Retirement Guide www.FERSGuide.comFederal Employee Retirement System (FERS)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) www.FSAFeds.govHealth Savings Accounts (HSA) www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/health-savings-accounts/Connect with FEDChicks YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6 Instagram: @fedchicks Facebook: FEDChicks Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed on FEDChicks are our own and do not represent any government agency or the federal government. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, retirement, career, legal, or tax advice. Please consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.

  4. Jun 23

    Episode 2: Case Files and Close Calls: Our Favorite Moments from the Field

    Case Files & Close Calls: Our Favorite Moments from the Field In this episode of FEDChicks, Heather, Mary, and Clare swap some of the funniest, most memorable, and occasionally mortifying stories from their years in federal law enforcement. From undercover marriages and helicopter mishaps to mistaken arrests and celebrity encounters, these are the moments that remind us why we loved the job—and why we can laugh about it now.  In This Episode Mary shares the story of a major narcotics investigation—and the unforgettable comment a detainee made during an arrest.Clare recounts a surveillance mission that ended with an emergency helicopter landing.Heather learns the hard way why you should always lock your government computer before leaving for lunch.The squad-room pranks that taught all of us important lessons.A foot chase through Baltimore that ended with an arrest... of the wrong guy.The day Heather sent a woman reporting alien harassment to the FBI—because she meant actual aliens.Mary's Secret Service detail during a presidential campaign and the time she denied access to Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio.An unexpected encounter with the future members of Maroon 5 before they became famous.Stories of suspects, witnesses, and defendants who remembered kindness long after their cases were over.Clare's experience working aspects of the Beltway Sniper investigation.Mary reveals how she became an undercover bride in a marriage fraud investigation and ended up married to a Russian national for the case.Why treating people with dignity—even when they're being arrested—can leave a lasting impact.Memorable Moments "Nice job, Clare. Wrong guy." One of the most memorable foot pursuits of Clare's career ends with a successful tackle—and a case of mistaken identity. The Undercover Wedding Mary goes undercover as a bride to expose a marriage fraud scheme and discovers that undercover work can be stranger than fiction. The Unlocked Computer Lesson Heather receives an email that nearly gives her a heart attack after a supervisor decides to teach a workplace security lesson. Celebrities and Credentials Mary learns that even Hollywood stars have to follow security protocols. Kindness Matters Several stories highlight something often overlooked in law enforcement: treating people with respect can make a difference long after the investigation ends. Connect with FEDChicks Follow FEDChicks for more stories, laughs, career lessons, and behind-the-scenes conversations from three retired federal agents. YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6 Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed on FEDChicks are our own and do not represent any government agency or the federal government. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, career, or retirement advice.

  5. Jun 23

    Episode 1: Badges, Bios and Bubbles

    Badges, Bios & Bubbles Welcome to the very first episode of FEDChicks—the podcast where three retired federal agents share real stories, honest conversations, and absolutely zero agency talking points. In this inaugural episode, Heather, Mary, and Clare introduce themselves, share how they found their way into federal law enforcement, and explain how a late-night conversation in Savannah turned into a podcast.  In This Episode The story behind the name FEDChicks and how the podcast was born during a nostalgic trip to Savannah, Georgia.Why this isn't a "war stories" podcast—and what listeners can expect instead.How three women from different agencies and different career paths all started in the former INS.Heather's journey from psychology major to federal agent and eventually the SSA Office of Inspector General.Mary's unexpected path from nursing school to a 27-year federal law enforcement career.Clare's career evolution from INS to ATF, including roles as investigator, negotiator, recruiter, public affairs officer, and digital forensics examiner.The hilarious story of how Mary and Clare met after unknowingly sharing a desk at the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.How 9/11 reshaped federal law enforcement careers, agencies, and identities.Retirement reflections from all three hosts and how differently each experienced leaving the job.A preview of future topics, including retirement, federal careers, current events, true crime, leadership, and life after the badge.Meet the Hosts Heather Former Special Agent with the former INS and later the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.Served 25 years in federal law enforcement.Worked all over the country.Retired in 2022 after achieving her long-held goal of retiring at 25 years of service. Mary Started as a nursing major before discovering criminal justice.Joined INS through an internship and became an agent first with INS and later with Homeland Security Investigations.Served her entire 27-year federal agent career in Baltimore.Recently retired after balancing the demands of federal service and single motherhood. Clare Began as an INS intern in 1995 before becoming an agent in 1996.Later joined ATF, where she built a diverse career spanning investigations, recruiting, public affairs, negotiations, and digital forensics.Retired after 29 years of federal service.  Connect with FEDChicks Follow, subscribe, and join the conversation: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6 I Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed on FEDChicks are solely those of the hosts and do not represent any government agency or the federal government. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, career, retirement, or professional advice.

  6. Trailer

    Trailer

    In this trailer, meet Heather, Mary, and Clare—three retired federal agents with decades of experience, plenty of stories, and absolutely zero agency talking points. From careers and retirement to true crime, current events, and life beyond the badge, FEDChicks is a life podcast with federal law enforcement as the backdrop. Real women. Real life. Real talk. Subscribe now and join us when FEDChicks launches on June 23, 2026.

Trailer

5
out of 5
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About

Three retired federal agents. Three voices. Zero agency talking points. From career advice and retirement conversations to unforgettable investigations and the stories behind the cases, FEDChicks explores life on both sides of the badge.  FEDChicks is a life podcast with federal law enforcement as the backdrop. Hosted by Heather, Mary, and Clare, each episode explores careers, retirement, leadership, true crime, current events, and life beyond the badge—with humor, honesty, and zero sugarcoating. From unforgettable investigations and behind-the-scenes case stories to candid conversations about career transitions, identity, and purpose, FEDChicks delivers real women, real life, and real talk. New episodes every other week.

Information

  • Creator
    FEDChicks
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 FEDChicks
  • Show Website
    FEDChicks

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