Page 38 - FDCC_February2026_Flyer

FDCC PILLARS
“FedSpeaks” Podcasts
The Communications Tool that
Informs, Inspires and Connects Us
by Jill Pedigo Hall
I joined the FDCC
community in
October 2023 and
soon thereafter got
an email from Alan
Rutkin and Sean
Jill Pedigo Hall
Griffin offering to
“make me famous,”
or to at least introduce me to
the broader FDCC membership
though a new member podcast. I
joined Alan and Sean in a January
podcast and quickly learned that no
preparation had been needed. We
simply talked about our lives, and
things that can’t be found on a bio.
Our fun and wide ranging
conversation, touched upon my
former bread business, and the love
of Sean and I have for the Packers
and Brewers among other topics.
In a short twenty minutes, I was
welcomed, engaged and FDCC’s
promise of fellowship was made
real.
Alan and Sean started new member
podcasts in 2023. Fast forward
to 2025 and the Membership
Communication Committee (MCC)
is keeping their vision alive. Like
my experience, new member
podcasts aim to reach beyond what
can be read in members’ bios.
We talk about hobbies, interests and
exploits, and help to create personal
and professional connections
between established members
and newer members. Established
members who take a listen can
learn about new members around
the country. That new member may
have expertise you need or you may
be inspired to reach out to the new
member at the next event to get to
know them better.
The new member podcast is just
one example of how MCC creates
and encourages members to
utilize podcasts to inform, foster
connection and exchange new
ideas, scholarship and creativity.
34 February 2026 | Federation Flyer www.thefederation.org