How does a government shutdown really impact security clearance holders and applicants? In this timely episode, Lindy Kyzer sits down with security clearance and employment law expert John Berry to break down the real-world consequences beyond the headlines. From delayed investigations and paused adjudications to furlough fears and continuous vetting confusion, we explore how shutdowns can ripple through every stage of the clearance process. Can your clearance be at risk if you’re not being paid? What if you’re an applicant waiting on paperwork or a contractor stuck in limbo? John brings his legal insight and decades of experience representing federal employees and contractors, while Lindy adds perspective from the cleared workforce and industry trends. We cover:How shutdowns disrupt clearance processing and timelinesWhat applicants should do if their investigation stallsFinancial stress, furloughs, and reporting requirementsPractical advice to protect your career during government uncertainty Whether you’re active duty, a contractor, federal employee, or just clearance-curious, this episode gives you the clarity and action steps you need to stay prepared no matter what happens in Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal hiring is never simple. And right now, it’s changing faster than ever. From new incentives for law enforcement and the growing demand for IT talent, to changes like the two-page USAJobs resume rule, the landscape can feel overwhelming. On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer sits down with federal jobs coach Armand Curet to break it all down. They’ll unpack the latest on hiring freezes, agency-specific trends, and the myths that stop great candidates from landing government roles. Whether you’re a veteran, a career-changer, or just curious about what it takes to work for the federal government, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and get clarity on your next steps. And if you’re looking for even more insight into federal careers, don’t miss FedWork, the new resource from ClearanceJobs designed to help you navigate federal hiring, applications, and career growth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity join Vice President of Marketing at ClearanceJobs Eric Pecinovsky as we take you inside ClearanceJobs Connect. This event brings together recruiters, government leaders, and industry experts to talk about the most pressing issues facing the cleared community, from hiring trends and workforce challenges to innovation and leadership in national security. This is the fifth year of Connect, and in this episode we’ll share highlights from the conversations, key takeaways from the sessions, and some behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes this event such a unique gathering point for the cleared community. So whether you were with us in the room or you’re catching up after the fact, settle in—we’re bringing you the best of ClearanceJobs Connect. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jill Hamilton Content Director, ClearanceJobs, joins Lindy Kyzer to discuss a brand new book that discusses the history and the current realities of the Clearance process. In Trust Me: A Guide to Secrets, Lindy Kyzer tackles the wonky security clearance process in one readable resource for applicants and professionals alike. A recent Reddit post from a young applicant illustrates the stakes. The individual admitted to years of marijuana use but confessed they had already told their recruiter “no drug usage.” Unsure of how to move forward, they turned online for advice—and found the internet urging them to lie. Kyzer’s book and her broader message address exactly why that’s the wrong path. Trust vs. Fear of Disqualification For many applicants, the biggest fear is that one mistake will end their career before it begins. That fear leads to a troubling temptation: lying on the forms or to an investigator. Kyzer stresses that this fear is misplaced. The clearance process is built to account for human imperfection through something called the 'whole person' concept. What matters most is whether an individual demonstrates honesty and growth, not whether they lived without flaws. Internet Advice vs. Official Guidance The Reddit post is a case study in the dangers of relying on unofficial advice. Seventy-five percent of commenters told the applicant to lie—directly contradicting what security professionals and adjudicators would say. Kyzer points out that this disconnect is one reason she wrote Trust Me. By elevating authoritative voices and demystifying clearance rules, the book seeks to drown out the misinformation that thrives online. Marijuana and Modern Policy Marijuana remains one of the most confusing issues in the clearance world. State laws have shifted, but federal rules still apply. The applicant in this case had been marijuana-free since October, raising the question: is that enough? Kyzer emphasizes that adjudicators look for patterns, recency, and demonstrated change. While past use is not automatically disqualifying, dishonesty about that use almost always is. Building Long-Term Trust in the Clearance System The broader takeaway is clear: applicants don’t fully trust the system to be fair, and yet the system itself rests entirely on trustworthiness. Kyzer argues that closing that gap will require more than rulebooks; it will take proactive communication from recruiters, transparency from investigators, and cultural reinforcement from agencies. When honesty feels like the safer choice, both individuals and the national security community benefit. Weigh in: Looking for a place to share your own federal stories or career advice? Visit us at FedWork, a brand new Internet forum designed for federal employees and those interested in federal work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindy Kyzer and defense innovation leader Noam Oz—former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX—join the show today for a candid discussion on how to cut through bureaucracy and deliver solutions at the speed of relevance. From outdated procedures to entrenched cultural norms, federal acquisition has long faced challenges in moving innovation from idea to implementation. They’ll explore how rapid prototyping, operator engagement, and smart risk management can transform acquisition outcomes, and why cultivating enduring industry-government partnerships is key to sustaining innovation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Steven Gaffney, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, renowned leadership expert, and author of Unconditional Power. Known for helping Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and military organizations build Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT®), Steven shares powerful insights on unlocking team potential, fostering candid communication, and overcoming leadership challenges in today’s workforce. From breaking down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about high performance, to offering actionable tips for encouraging honesty and accountability, Steven reveals the mindset shifts that transform struggling teams into thriving ones. He also reflects on the unique challenges of leading in the government and national security space, and what leaders must do to maintain performance despite ongoing workforce pressures. If you’re a leader—or aspire to be one—this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration for building teams that consistently deliver, no matter the environment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Sabra Horne, a passionate advocate for innovation and intrapreneurship within the federal government. Drawing from her extensive experience working across both government and industry, Sabra unpacks the complex barriers that hold back innovation inside federal agencies, especially when it comes to empowering the people who make change happen. Sabra reminds us that true transformation isn’t just about new tech. It’s about people. She shares candid insights on why the human side of innovation is so often overlooked, and what shifts must occur in leadership, culture, and workforce development to make real, sustainable change possible. For federal employees who dream of driving change from within, Sabra offers practical advice on how to be an effective intrapreneur in bureaucratic environments that can sometimes feel resistant to fresh ideas. We also explore success stories where government agencies have gotten innovation right, highlighting what happens when leadership and workforce are fully aligned behind a mission. Finally, Sabra shares her vision for reimagining how government hires and grows talent to support innovation, and what steps agencies can take starting tomorrow to build a more agile, empowered, and forward-thinking workforce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for an insider’s look at how Tru-Vetting is reshaping the personnel security landscape. In this episode, we explore the driving force behind Tru-Vetting’s founding, its alignment with Trusted Workforce 2.0, and how its technology eases the burden on overworked FSOs while keeping compliance front and center. Hear firsthand how modern tools can enhance insider threat detection, continuous vetting, and risk management — and learn from early adopters about real-world success stories proving that better vetting makes for a stronger, more resilient workforce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s really happening with Trusted Workforce 2.0? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Alyssa Czyz, Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss GAO’s recently released report on the federal government’s personnel vetting reform initiative, Trusted Workforce 2.0. Czyz breaks down the GAO study, its key findings, and what they reveal about the current state of implementation across the federal personnel security enterprise. From the promise of Continuous Vetting to the persistent delays with NBIS, she provides an expert look at where progress is real—and where it's still pending. We explore: What’s working—and what’s stalling—in the implementation of Trusted Workforce reforms. Why some core initiatives, like the Personnel Vetting Management Standards, remain unimplemented. How GAO assessed confidence in NBIS as the central IT system supporting background investigations. Whether Continuous Vetting can overcome its overshadowed status to become the cornerstone of a modern vetting model. Whether you're a policy wonk, FSO, or national security hiring lead, this conversation offers rare clarity into one of the government’s most ambitious—but still evolving—reform efforts. 🎧 Tune in to learn where Trusted Workforce is heading—and what it’ll take to get there. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iron Butterfly Podcast continues to tell the untold stories of women serving in the Intelligence Community. Cadie Hopkins and Megan Jaffer join the show to discuss their latest endeavor - a full length documentary highlighting never before told stories of women serving in the IC. Iron Butterfly continues to champion belief, authenticity, and love, and the importance of platforms for women to share their stories and experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A number of intelligence community professionals now find themselves looking for their next opportunity. Unfortunately, the transition out of the IC and into the private sector doesn't come with a guidebook. That's why Alison Bouwmeester wrote the book Mission: Career Transition. After spending 28 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, she took on the new task of helping others to find their next opportunity after government service. She outlines dos and don'ts, including why it's important to get as much resume detail cleared before you start looking as possible, why contracting can offer a softer landing, and how to activate your networks to land opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

n this episode, we're joined by Elisabeth Baker-Pham, partner at KCNF, for an in-depth conversation on a big change coming to the federal security clearance process. Elisabeth breaks down the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire, or PVQ — a major update aimed at simplifying and streamlining the clearance application journey. What does the PVQ mean for applicants? Why are forms like the SF-85, SF-85P, and SF-86 getting consolidated? And what revisions are being made to key questions? Elisabeth walks us through what you need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every day there seems to be new guidance going out to the federal workforce, sometimes with mandates that conflict with local agency communication. How can federal workers stay on top of the policy deluge? Kevin Shehan, owner and founder of Shehan Legal and a former civil servant joins the show to discuss recent hot topics, from the 'five things' email to the firing of employees on probationary periods. And he ends the show with a bright spot - all of the changes today may end up enabling more federal workers to enter service in the long run, as the government shifts from a lifelong service model to technical and project sprints. Federal workers are also invited to join ClearanceJobs' free federal forum Fedwork.net to trade advice, stories, and news articles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the midst of massive restructuring across the federal government, federal workers may be wondering how to cope with the massive changes. Jill Hamilton, senior editor of ClearanceJobs joins the program to talk about the influx of news and changes. For federal workers in the national security space it's important to follow specific agency guidance and not get caught up in negative headlines. For federal workers looking for another spot for water cooler talk, commentary, and job opportunities, ClearanceJobs recently launched FedWork.net. The federal forum had been in the works since Federal Soup shuddered its pages. The hope is it can be another resource, in addition to the many out there, to help federal workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtualization and big data aren't new - but the government's use of these technologies in different ways largely is. Jared Shepard, President and CEO of Hypori comes on the show to discuss how the U.S. government and industry are both working together to make their security posture stronger - and more accessible. He also discusses his nonprofit Warriors Ethos. In the second half of the show Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss the modern job search process - and the pros and cons of the controversial trend of comparing your job search to online dating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author and former CIA operative Michele Rigby Assad joins the show to discuss her book 'Get Off the X'. It's Assad's second book, and shares stories from the CIA that can help you face your hurdles, find your purpose and live authentically. In the second half of the show, Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss how legal run-ins could affect your clearance eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently announced the new National Security Data and Policy Institute, a first of its kind partnership enabled by the support of congress and now housed at the University of Virginia. Charles Luftig, Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities joins us on the show to discuss the new initiative and how it exemplifies the current focus areas of the IC.  The institute allows new opportunities for experts across industry, government, and the non-profit sector to bring emerging ideas around data and security into the IC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy 20th anniversary of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) to all who celebrate! Despite being signed into law 20 years ago, many of the key provisions related to the security clearance process are still issues today, including: Slow security clearance processing times Lack of reciprocity Need for better technology/security clearance systems of record Trust across IC agencies and government departments when it comes to investigation quality/transfer of trust Trusted Workforce 2.0 aims to assist in many of these categories - but as policy becomes practice, will agencies step up to make sure progress happens? Jill Hamilton and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss key reform efforts that have been a work in progress for the past 20 years- and where they are today. In the second half of the show, Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer discuss how to avoid making yourself a target for adversaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.