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by FEDChicks
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.
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- 1 weeks ago1h 4m
Work-Life Balance Is a Myth: Choose Your Imbalance Instead
Episode 12Work-Life Balance Is a Myth: Choose Your Imbalance InsteadWork-life balance for working women sounds great—until career burnout, motherhood, relationships, and the mental load make it feel impossible. For women in law enforcement and other demanding careers, unpredictable schedules and constant pressure to do it all can make “balance” seem like a cruel joke. What if the answer isn't finding perfect balance, but choosing your imbalance instead?In this episode of FEDChicks, three retired federal agents—Heather, Mary, and Clare—get candid (and occasionally salty) about the sacrifices women make to keep everything moving. Clare challenges the idea that every part of life deserves equal attention. Sometimes your career takes center stage. Sometimes it's your family, your health, your relationship—or finally, yourself.Mary shares how becoming a single mother changed her career, and why the breaking point came when she was denied an exception to a two-week work assignment despite her childcare situation as retirement approached. Heather explains why leaving a high-intensity law enforcement job for a different federal agency was one of her smartest choices. And Clare opens up about looking perfectly organized at work while feeling overwhelmed behind the scenes.We're talking about:The difference between functioning and actually feeling balancedThe “invisible shift” after work and the emotional load women carryBurnout, perfectionism, anxiety, guilt, and learning to say noWhy being the dependable one often means getting handed even moreHow motherhood, marriage, health, and career ambition compete for timeWhat retirement teaches us about priorities—and putting ourselves firstThis isn't another lecture about yoga, bubble baths, or waking up at 4:30 a.m. to journal. It's a funny, candid conversation about recognizing what matters most in this season of life—and giving yourself permission to let something else go.💬 YOUR TURN: Have you ever made a major career or personal decision to protect your work-life balance? What are you choosing to prioritize right now? Tell us in the comments.👍 If this conversation hits home, like, subscribe, and share it with a woman who's doing everything for everyone. New FEDChicks episodes every other Tuesday.🎙️ FEDChicks: Three retired federal agents, three voices, zero agency talking points.▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fedchicks/Find FEDChicks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow our FEDChicks Facebook page.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are our own and do not represent any agency or employer. This podcast is for general information and entertainment, not professional, financial, career, or medical advice.#WorkLifeBalance #WorkingWomen #Burnout #WomenInLawEnforcement #FEDChicks
- 3 weeks ago1h 9m
Clarice Starling Inspired Her FBI Career. The FBI Inspired Her Reinvention: Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles
Episode 11: Clarice Starling Inspired Her FBI Career. The FBI Inspired Her Reinvention| Shayne Buchwald-NickolesWhat happens when The Silence of the Lambs inspires a young woman to join the FBI? Twenty-one years of investigations, a few hilarious misadventures, and eventually a whole new chapter she never saw coming.Meet Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles, a retired FBI Special Agent whose fascination with Clarice Starling helped launch a career investigating violent crime, fugitives, public corruption, and more. And yes, there's a bloody-nose story behind that inspiration!Shayne joins FEDChicks for a funny, refreshingly candid conversation about life inside the FBI, the challenges of being a working mother in federal law enforcement, and discovering who you are when the badge is no longer your entire identity. From getting kicked out of undercover school to discovering a passion for writing, Shayne proves that an accomplished career in law enforcement doesn't mean you have to take yourself too seriously.In this episode:How The Silence of the Lambs and Clarice Starling inspired Shayne's FBI careerThe remarkable connection to our previous guest Mary Ann, who helped Jodie Foster prepare for her iconic roleWhy Shayne got kicked out of FBI undercover schoolThe hilarious realities of FBI work that Hollywood never showsWhat 21 years of investigating criminals taught her about human behaviorThe guilt, sacrifices, and challenges of balancing motherhood and federal law enforcementBuilding trust between the FBI and Baltimore communitiesThe challenges of retirement and adjusting to civilian workplacesFinding humor, purpose, and a new identity after federal serviceHow Shayne turned her fascination with people into a passion for writingHer first novel, Molting, and what it means to shed an old identity and embrace something new.Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, a little sangria in a moose mug, and a reminder that sometimes the best chapters of our lives are the ones we never planned. Whether you're a current or aspiring FBI agent, a woman navigating a demanding career, approaching federal retirement, or simply figuring out what's next, Shayne's story is proof that you can be serious about your work without losing your sense of humor.THE CLARICE STARLING CONNECTIONThe FBI actually featured Shayne in an article about how The Silence of the Lambs inspired women to join the Bureau!FBI — The Silence of the Lambs Business Cards:https://www.fbi.gov/history/artifacts/silence-of-the-lambsAnd the story comes full circle! A Boston Globe article features both Shayne and our Episode 7 guest Mary Ann, who helped Jodie Foster prepare for her role as Clarice. Boston Globe — Hannibal Lecter Seized the Imagination. Clarice Starling Shifted It:https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/08/opinion/clarice-starling-hannibal-lecter-silence/CONNECT WITH SHAYNE https://shaynebuchwaldnickoles.comFOLLOW FEDCHICKSYouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicksAlso available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Enjoyed this conversation? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!The views expressed are personal opinions and do not represent any government agency. Content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.#FEDChicks#FBI#ClariceStarling#SilenceOfTheLambs #WomenInLawEnforcement#FBIAgent
- Sep 29, 202645 min
Episode 10: Michele Rigby Assad: Breaking Cover, Getting Off the X & Starting Over
Episode 10: Michele Rigby Assad: Breaking Cover, Getting Off the X & Starting OverFormer CIA intelligence officer Michele Rigby Assad returns to FEDChicks for Part 2 of our conversation about life inside—and after—the CIA. This time, Michele takes us behind the story of her books Breaking Cover and Get Off the X, including the extraordinary post-CIA operation that helped nearly 150 displaced Iraqi Christians escape to a new life in Europe.But this episode is also about what happens when the career ends. Michele talks candidly about leaving the CIA, starting over when she couldn’t put most of her experience on a résumé, separating identity from a federal career, finding purpose after government service, and learning to move forward even when you don’t feel ready.For anyone approaching retirement, considering a career change, or wondering what comes after the badge, Michele’s message is simple: you don’t need the perfect next move—you just need a move that takes you forward.IN THIS EPISODE• Why Michele and her husband knew it was time to leave the CIA• Writing Breaking Cover and getting a CIA memoir through pre-publication review• The remarkable operation that helped nearly 150 Iraqi Christians relocate to Europe• What “Get Off the X” means in the CIA—and why Michele applies it to everyday life• Leaving government when your résumé can’t explain what you actually did• Why Type-A perfectionists can get stuck waiting for the “perfect” next move• Practical advice for preparing for retirement or a major career change• Why your identity can’t be entirely wrapped up in your career• Faith, courage and saying yes before you feel ready• Finding purpose and service after federal employment• What Michele would tell herself on her first day at the CIALearn more about Michele, her books, speaking and leadership coaching: MicheleRigbyAssad.comIf you missed Part 1 of our conversation with Michele, start with Episode 9:CIA Officer Michele Rigby Assad: Undercover, Underestimated & UnafraidWATCH, LISTEN & FOLLOW FEDCHICKSYouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicksApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6Instagram: @fedchicksFacebook: FEDChicksEmail: FEDChicks@gmail.comPlease like, subscribe, share and leave us a review. It helps more women in federal law enforcement—and those preparing for life after it—find FEDChicks.Three retired federal agents. Three voices. Zero agency talking points.DISCLAIMERFEDChicks 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. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.#FEDChicks #MicheleRigbyAssad #CIA #GetOffTheX #BreakingCover #FederalLawEnforcement #FederalEmployees #FederalRetirement #LifeAfterTheBadge #CareerChange #WomenInLawEnforcement
- Sep 15, 202637 min
Episode 9: CIA Officer Michele Rigby Assad: Undercover, Underestimated & Unafraid
Episode 9: CIA Officer Michele Rigby Assad: Undercover, Underestimated & UnafraidFormer CIA intelligence officer Michele Rigby Assad spent nearly a decade serving undercover, much of it in some of the most challenging parts of the Middle East. In this episode, she takes us beyond the Hollywood version of the CIA and into the real world of espionage, human intelligence, dangerous overseas assignments, and life as a woman in intelligence.Michele shares how she unexpectedly became a CIA officer, what it was really like working undercover, and how being underestimated as a woman became one of her greatest advantages.She also tells an incredible story about a dangerous encounter overseas when her CIA training kicked in and she realized she had to “get off the X”—immediately.But this conversation isn’t only about espionage.We talk about reading body language, building trust with difficult sources, navigating cultures very different from our own, working alongside her husband, and what happens when you decide to walk away from a government career that has defined nearly your entire adult life.Michele opens up about leaving the CIA before traditional retirement eligibility after years of demanding overseas assignments—and the fear of starting over when you can’t simply put much of what you’ve done on a résumé. Her message now: sometimes you have to get off the X of your own life.In this episode:• How Michele Rigby Assad became a CIA intelligence officer• What Hollywood gets wrong about the CIA• The reality of undercover intelligence work• Serving in dangerous locations in the Middle East• Working alongside her husband in the CIA• Reading body language and recognizing deception• Building trust and rapport with intelligence sources• Being underestimated as a woman—and using it as an advantage• The terrifying moment her CIA training kicked in• Why cultural knowledge matters in intelligence work• Knowing when it’s time to leave government service• Starting over when your government career doesn’t translate onto a traditional résumé• Why Michele believes we sometimes need to “get off the X”Learn more about Michele, her books, speaking, coaching, and work at MicheleRigbyAssad.com.🎧 Listen to FEDChicks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify📺 Subscribe to FEDChicks on YouTube📱 Follow @FEDChicks on Instagram📘 Follow FEDChicks on FacebookIf you enjoyed this conversation, like this video, subscribe, and leave us a comment. Tell us: What part of Michele’s story surprised you the most?Sharing and commenting helps more women in federal law enforcement—and those considering the career or navigating life after government service—find FEDChicks.Have an episode idea, want to share your story, or interested in being a guest?📧 FEDChicks@gmail.comFEDChicks: Three retired federal agents. Three voices. Zero agency talking points.This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here are our own and do not represent any agency or the federal government. Nothing we share should be considered financial, career, or retirement advice.This is FEDChicks, and this is where it gets real.#CIA #MicheleRigbyAssad #WomenInIntelligence #FederalLawEnforcement #CIAOfficer #IntelligenceOfficer #WomenInLawEnforcement #FEDChicks
- Sep 1, 20261h 8m
Episode 8: 9/11, 25 Years Later: The Day That Changed Us
Episode 8: “9/11, 25 Years Later: The Day That Changed Us”Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Heather, Mary, and Clare reflect on the day that changed America—and shaped the rest of their federal law enforcement careers.They share where they were when the attacks began, the assignments they received in the aftermath, and the moments they still carry with them. Clare recalls reporting to her ATF office with a bag packed for two weeks. Mary describes watching the second plane strike from a San Francisco hotel room before supporting the INS command center near the Pentagon. Heather remembers returning to Manhattan on September 12 and later spending a month helping the FBI pursue 9/11-related leads.The conversation also explores how September 11 transformed federal law enforcement: the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the evolution of INS and Customs into ICE and HSI, increased cooperation among agencies, expanded aviation security, and the specialized role of the former INS—now HSI—Forensic Laboratory in examining the hijackers’ travel and identity documents.This is not a complete history of September 11. These are three federal agents’ personal memories—and one small part of a much larger story.Twenty-five years later, what should “Never Forget” mean? Remembering not only the lives lost and the people who served, but also the unity, gratitude, patriotism, and shared purpose that followed.IN THIS EPISODE:• Where Heather, Mary, and Clare were on September 11• Their assignments in the immediate aftermath• Running down 9/11 investigative leads• How federal agencies and authorities changed• The INS/HSI Forensic Laboratory’s role• The images and moments they cannot forget• What “Never Forget” means 25 years laterRESOURCE:DHS Homeland Security Investigations Forensic Laboratory:https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/centers-and-labs/forensic-labPHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:World Trade Center photos by John Celardo / National ArchivesPentagon immediately after the attack. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael W. PendergrassPentagon—smoke on September 11. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Telfair BrownMUSIC ATTRIBUTION:Music licensed through Soundstripe. Codes: EJXPLRNEP9ARFWS5, N3BJMJ4Y1BD1MRXJWATCH OR LISTEN:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicksApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6CONNECT WITH FEDCHICKS:Instagram: https://instagram.com/fedchicksFacebook: https://facebook.com/FEDChicksEmail: FEDChicks@gmail.comHave an idea for an episode, want to share your story, or be a guest? We’d love to hear from you. Email us or leave a comment wherever you’re listening.This podcast 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 we share should be considered financial, career, or retirement advice.
- Aug 18, 202655 min
Episode 7: She Helped Jodie Foster Become Clarice Starling-But That Was Just the Beginning
Episode 7: She Helped Jodie Foster Become Clarice Starling — But That Was Just the BeginningWhat happens when a young FBI agent gets called into her boss’s office and is told she’s been selected to help with a movie?For Mary Ann, that movie turned out to be The Silence of the Lambs.Early in her FBI career, Mary Ann was chosen to work with the filmmakers and spent time with Jodie Foster at Quantico, helping give her a glimpse into the life, mindset and day-to-day work of a young FBI agent as Foster prepared to play Clarice Starling.But that was just one chapter.In this episode, Mary Ann joins Heather, Mary and Clare to look back on a remarkable FBI career that included undercover work connected to former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, surveillance during the Monica Lewinsky investigation, VICAP, international assignments, the investigation of Americans killed by Somali pirates, and more than 20 years as a firearms instructor—including three years teaching new agents at Quantico.She also takes us back to what it was like to be a woman in the FBI in the 1980s: skirt suits, high heels, revolvers, paper maps, pagers and eventually one computer shared by an entire squad.But some of the most powerful moments in this conversation have nothing to do with famous cases.Mary Ann opens up about losing fellow agents, the lasting effects of trauma, responding to the Pentagon after 9/11, the role faith played throughout her career, mentoring the next generation, knowing when it was time to retire, and learning to build an identity and a life beyond the job.Her advice to young women entering law enforcement is simple: you’re not a “female agent.” You’re an agent. Be yourself, walk with dignity and humility, keep learning, recognize opportunities when they come—and never underestimate the importance of treating people well.It’s an episode about Hollywood and history, but even more than that, it’s about service, resilience, relationships, gratitude and choosing to be a person of joy.🎙️ FEDChicksThree retired federal agents. Real women. Real life. Real talk.▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicks📸 Instagram: @fedchicks📘 Facebook: FEDChicks📧 Email: FEDChicks@gmail.com🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyDisclaimer: The opinions and experiences shared on FEDChicks are personal and do not represent any federal agency or the U.S. government. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, career or retirement advice.This is FEDChicks, and this is where it gets real.
- Aug 4, 202634 min
Episode 6: Don't Love Your Agency Too Much-What No One Tells You Before Becoming an Agent-Part 2
EPISODE 6: DON’T LOVE YOUR AGENCY TOO MUCHWhat No One Tells You Before Becoming a Federal Agent — Part 2Becoming a federal agent is only the beginning. Building a long career without losing your identity, relationships, or sense of balance is the harder part.In Part 2 of “What No One Tells You Before Becoming a Federal Agent,” Heather, Mary, and Clare share the lessons they learned about career choices, office culture, leadership, reputation, work-life balance, and life beyond the badge. They discuss why new agents should avoid limiting themselves too early, why professional relationships matter, and how worrying about everyone’s opinion can drain energy from the work that actually matters.The FEDChicks also get honest about office gossip, keeping your personal life private, unexpected career paths, retirement, and the reality that an agency will replace your position and keep moving. Your contribution still matters—but your job should never become your entire identity.Plus: slippery worksite raids, unsuccessful foot chases, a suspect with a wooden leg, a forgotten courthouse firearm, and one very practical surveillance tip.IN THIS EPISODE:• Finding balance in a demanding law enforcement career• Exploring assignments without pigeonholing yourself• Reputation, relationships, promotions, and office politics• Protecting your privacy and avoiding toxic gossip• Developing an identity beyond the badge• Why your agency’s mission continues after you leave• Advice the hosts would give themselves on day oneCONNECT WITH FEDCHICKS:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fedchicksApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6Instagram: https://instagram.com/fedchicksFacebook: https://facebook.com/FEDChicksEmail: FEDChicks@gmail.comDISCLAIMER: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.
- Jul 21, 202629 min
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/@fedchicksApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fedchicks/id1896920829Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033xmMo1DDcIFczh0zq4S6Instagram: https://instagram.com/fedchicksFacebook: https://facebook.com/FEDChicksPlease 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.
About FEDChicks
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.
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