Fight Like Hell!

Latest Episodes:

Route adjustments: Part 2 Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Ron Osborne, Assistant to the President for Administrative Affairs, to continue our discussion on route adjustments. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the process so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare. Plus, don’t miss updates on the newly released December 2025 JCAM, Shut Down Hunger, Advocate Continuing Education (ACE) training, and more.

Watch full episodes of the Fight Like Hell Podcast at nalc.org/podcast

More info about route adjustments can be found here: https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/city-delivery/route-adjustments

ICYMI - Highlights from the 2025 national rap session are now available at nalc.org/2025rap.

Have questions you'd like answered on the podcast? Email social@nalc.org.

Route adjustments Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

The latest episode of the Fight Like Hell podcast includes an important reminder to check out the NALC Health Benefit Plan before Open Season ends on Monday! Then, stick around for our discussion with Assistant to the President for Administrative Affairs Ron Osborne about route adjustments—what they are, how to prepare, and more.

The 2024 Convention presentation on Route Adjustments is available in the Members Only portal under "2024 National Convention." Click here to log in.

More info about route adjustments can be found here.

ICYMI - Highlights from the 2025 national rap session are now available at nalc.org/2025rap.

Have questions you'd like answered on the podcast? Email social@nalc.org.

Go to nalc.org/podcasts to watch this episode and more from the Fight Like Hell podcast.

00:00:39 - Route inspection intro

00:02:16 - Executive Council and collective bargaining subcommittees prepare for post-rap session meeting

00:04:45 - Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) representation

00:09:50 - Open Season ends on Monday, 12/8! Go to nalchbp.org to check out the NALC Health Benefit Plan

00:12:30 - Introducing Ron Osborne

00:15:17 - Route adjustments discussion

Emergency Response Team member roundtable Nov 30, 2025

Show notes

NALC's Emergency Response Team (ERT) deploys specially trained letter carriers to assist other members following traumatic events. In this episode, hear directly from four of our ERT members: Brooke Bollom, Bismarck, ND Branch 957; Rei Santiago, Elizabeth, NJ Branch 67; John Collins, Zanesville, OH Branch 63; Wayne Green, Winston-Salem, NC Branch 461
Links:
https://fsafeds.gov/
https://nalchbp.org/
00:01:00 - Peak season
00:04:00 - National Rap Session recap
00:06:30 - Open Season
00:09:22 - Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
00:13:58 - Roundtable with ERT members

Post-Rap Session roundtable with Branch Presidents Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

The 2025 National Rap Session provided a valuable opportunity for leaders from across the country to exchange ideas, discuss critical issues facing letter carriers, and take part in an important part of our union’s ongoing collective bargaining preparation. On this Special Edition National Rap Session episode, we hear from several more Branch Presidents about their experience and participation in this year’s Rap Session. Thank you to Amy Lee-Cole, East St. Louis, IL Branch 319; Kelli Robles, Centennial Branch 5996, Aurora, CO; Troy Vaughn, Oriole Branch 176; and Chuck Walls, Omaha, NE Branch 5 for joining us on the pod!

ICYMI - Check out Saturday’s Special Edition episode from Day 1 in Cleveland, OH and other highlights from Cleveland, OH: nalc.org/2025rap Have questions you'd like answered on the podcast? Email social@nalc.org.

Full video episodes of the Fight Like Hell podcast are available to watch at nalc.org/podcast. Keep up with NALC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads!

Happy Thanksgiving + a look into Flushing, NY Branch 294's blood drive Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

This week’s Thanksgiving episode highlights how letter carriers give back to their communities. President of Flushing, NY Branch 294 Phil Kahn and letter carrier Andy Fontanetta join the pod to discuss the history and success of their branch’s blood drive and offer tips for any branch interested in holding a similar event.

00:01:55 - Peak season
00:06:08 - Overtime exclusion period
00:08:35 - Open Season and the NALC Health Benefit Plan
00:12:30 - Postal Service Fiscal Year 2025 financial results
00:20:29 - National Rap Session
00:25:03 - Phil Kahn and Andy Fontantetta on Branch 294's blood drives

National Rap Session roundtable with branch presidents Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

Tonight we're delivering a special episode of the Fight Like Hell podcast—direct from the 2025 National Rap Session in Cleveland, OH! Hear from Rich McLehose, Long Island Merged Branch 6000; Jenilee Jackson, Fort Collins, CO Branch 849; and Jose Romero, Albuquerque, NM Branch 504 as we review some highlights from today's workshops featuring collective-bargaining subcommittees.

Watch the full episode at nalc.org/podcast.

Have questions you'd like answered on the podcast? Email social@nalc.org. Keep up with NALC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads!

Retirement Basics Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

There’s a lot to consider when planning for retirement, and the best time to start preparing is right now! This week, we’re joined by Director of Retired Members Dan Toth to break down the ins and outs of navigating retirement preparation at any stage of your letter carrier career. Watch now or tune in wherever you get your podcasts: nalc.org/podcast

00:01:24 Region 2 Rap Session

00:02:54 Cincinnati Branch 43 Veterans Day & Retirees Breakfast

00:04:34 Executive Council and bargaining subcommittees prepare for the 2025 National Rap Session

00:05:50 Interpretive disputes update

00:07:16 Memorial for former Manchester, NH Branch 44 President Yankee

00:09:08 Open Season

00:11:28 Ask the Mailbag: Penalty overtime exclusion period

00:14:50 Retirement basics with Director of Retired Members Dan Toth

November 2025 Postal Record Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Listen to the November 2025 edition of The Postal Record. Browse the digital issue here.

Veterans Day 2025 Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re proud to feature NALC members who have served in our nation’s military or are currently on active duty in honor of Veterans Day! Tune in to hear overviews of essential topics and resources for our fellow veteran letter carriers. Our sincere thanks go out to our special guests and to all our veteran members for their service to our nation. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts! Info about NALC Veterans Group and the Veterans Group Guide are both available at nalc.org/veterans.

00:00:50 – Committee of Presidents

00:03:56 — NALC Health Benefit Plan Seminar and Open Season

00:09:17 — Bargaining Subcommittee Updates 00:10:50 — 2025 National Rap Session 00:13:50 — "Shut Down Hunger" Food Drive 00:20:20 — Introduction to Veterans Day Episode

00:25:01 — Nora Stamper | Seattle, WA Branch 79 | Marines | Veterans’ Preference—Discipline Process and the Merit Systems Protection Board

00:39:12 — Troy Saunders | Baltimore, MD Branch 176 | Marines | Buying Back Your Military Time, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Website, the Buy Back Estimator, and Annual Leave Accrual

00:47:27 — Artegus Felder | Montgomery, AL Branch 106 | Army | The Hoover Executive Order 5396, MOU 00165, and Wounded Warrior Leave

00:55:56 — Carman Montgomery | Mobile, AL Branch 469 | Active Duty Air Force | Military Leave and Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

01:07:02 — Charles Bundy | Chicago, IL Branch 11 | Navy | ID.me Virtual ID, Veteran License, State and County Benefits, DMV Plates and Stickers, and the NALC Veterans Group

01:14:04 — Shane Davis | Jonesboro, AR Branch 1138 | Navy | On-the-Job Injuries—OWCP/DVA Dual Coverage, Veterans and Mental Health

01:27:53 — (In English and Spanish) Christopher Cotto-Sanchez | San Juan, PR Branch 869 | Army | DD 214 Requests and the Veterans Affairs App

NALC Health Benefit Plan Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

NALC Health Benefit Plan Director Stephanie Stewart joins the podcast to discuss the Plan, Open Season, and what's new in 2026. Reminder: Open Season dates are Nov. 10 - Dec. 8.

Questions about the Plan? Visit nalchbp.org, call 888-636-NALC (6252), or contact your branch's health benefit representative.

00:15:00 - Interview with NALC Health Benefit Plan Director Stephanie Stewart 00:17:19 - History of the Plan
00:20:00 - What is Open Season?
00:23:00 - Current structure of the Plan
00:27:07 - Decision to for the Plan to only serve postal employees
00:33:00 - Plan's provider network
00:36:50 - Plan's prescription drug coverage
00:39:18 - Plan's 2026 premiums
00:43:24 - What's new in 2026?
00:48:44 - Current health and wellness programs
00:55:00 - Plan's customer service and extended phone hours
01:00:00 - Branch health benefit representatives

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