PODCAST · education
Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini
by Chris & Gini Helms
Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. This content is for educational purposes only this content and any guests, hosts or entities are not a referral source. You have the right to choose your own doctor. "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #Conversations Just so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays
Episodes
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(Chats 10-7-26) The Woodshed Edition – Debunking Supervisor Lies & Know Your Rights
The Woodshed Edition – Debunking Supervisor Lies & Know Your Rights Welcome back to another episode of the Breaking OWCP podcast with Chris and Gini. In this installment of "Woodshed Night," the hosts take federal supervisors and management to task for spreading misinformation, denying valid…
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(Chats 9-30-26) Epic Q&A, CA-16 Secrets, and Fighting Federal Management
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast, where Chris and Gini break down the barriers of federal workers' comp to get you the help you deserve. In this comprehensive Q&A episode, the hosts dive deep into listener questions, tackle frustrating management tactics, and outline the exact steps...
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Chats (9-23-26) Breaking OWCP: What an Approved or Denied Claim Actually Means
Welcome back to Wednesday night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the crucial differences between approved and denied federal workers' compensation claims. With a focus on strict deadlines, the importance of detailed medical narratives, and the appeals...
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(Chats 9-16-26) The 3-Year Rule: Busted Myths & Timelines for Filing Your OWCP Claim
In this episode of "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats," Chris and Gini break down the critical differences between an approved and denied federal workers' compensation claim. They start by busting a major myth circulating among federal employees and management: you actually have three years to file your...
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(Chats 9-9-26) Breaking OWCP: The Ultimate Guide to CA-7 Forms and Getting Paid
In this episode of the Breaking OWCP podcast, hosts Chris and Gini break down the critical steps for filing CA-7 claims for compensation. They provide federal employees with a comprehensive guide on navigating Leave Without Pay (LWOP), dealing with supervisor delays, and ensuring all medical...
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Breaking Down OWCP Vocational Rehab & The Shadrick Formula
Episode Summary: Fresh off their trip to the Bureau of Prisons National Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Chris and Gini dive into a highly requested topic: OWCP Vocational Rehab. If you are a federal employee unable to return to your original job due to an accepted injury, this episode breaks down...
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How to Protect Your Federal Job While on OWCP Workers' Comp
In this episode of "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats," Chris and Gini tackle a highly requested topic: how to protect your federal job when you are out of work due to a work-related injury. They discuss the hidden consequences of being out of work for extended periods and emphasize that the OWCP…
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(Chats 8-6-26) The Ultimate Second Opinion Survival Guide for Federal Workers
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast! In this episode of Wednesday Night OWCP Chats, Chris and Gini tackle one of the most frustrating aspects of federal workers' compensation: the second opinion exam. If you are worried that an OWCP-appointed doctor is going to ruin your case, this episode…
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(Chats 7-29-26) Outsmarting Bad Supervisors & Mastering Your OWCP Claim
Welcome back to Wednesday Night OWCP Chats! After a six-week hiatus (thanks to a rogue camera and some traveling), America’s OWCP Couple, Chris and Gini, are finally back. In this episode, Chris dives into the ultimate strategy for handling supervisors who refuse to follow the rules: Document...
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(Chats 6-3-26) How to File a Federal Workers Comp Claim: CA-16, COP & Beating Bad Management
Are you risking your federal workers' comp benefits just to keep the peace at work? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini break down "Thing #25" from their Volume 4 guide: Forget Your Supervisor’s Feelings. Management's primary job is to process your paperwork and get out of the way…
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(Chats 5-27-26) Q&A: Beating Injury Stigmas, Navigating CA Forms, & Leveraging Your Union
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast! In this episode, Chris and Gini open the floor for a live Q&A, tackling the most pressing federal workers' compensation questions. We break down exactly why federal employees should never let management intimidate them out of filing an injury claim,...
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(Chats 7-10-19) | Federal Workers Comp: Denied Claims, Reconsiderations, and the 3-Year Filing Deadline
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP Podcast! This week, Chris and Gini are tackling some of the most common and stressful hurdles in federal workers comp: closed claims, denied claims, and dealing with old or pre-existing injuries. If you’ve recently received a denial letter, do not give up! Chris...
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(Chats 4-29-26) | How to Fight Back When Management Ignores OWCP Rules
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP Podcast! This week, Chris and Gini are broadcasting live from Atlanta, Georgia, to tackle one of the most frustrating challenges federal employees face: what do you do when management willfully ignores OWCP rules, laws, and regulations? If you’ve ever had a...
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(Chats 4-15-26) |10 Mistakes Ruining Your OWCP Claim (And How to Avoid Them)
Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast with Chris and Gini! If you are a federal employee dealing with a work-related injury, the process of securing your benefits can feel like navigating a minefield. In this episode, Chris and Gini break down the most common unforced errors that ruin federal...
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(Chats 4-8-26) - Mastering the CA-1 Form: Deadlines, CA-16 Rules & Continuation of Pay
After a massive cross-country tour training union chapters from APWU to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Chris and Gini are back to break down exactly how to navigate a traumatic workplace injury. In this episode, they provide a comprehensive masterclass on the CA-1 form. From…
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(Chats 6-19-19) How to Change Your OWCP Doctor & File a Stress Claim
Broadcasting live from the Florida Rural Letter Carriers convention in Daytona, Chris and Gini drop a massive "game-changer" for federal employees trapped in the OWCP denial black hole. If you are stuck with a doctor who refuses to write proper narratives or can't get your claim accepted, this...
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(Chats 6-12-19) OWCP Q&A: Your Federal Workers' Comp Questions Answered
In this Q&A-style episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris tackles a rapid-fire series of real questions from federal employees navigating the frustrating world of workers' compensation. From the critical importance of the CA-16 form for emergency care to strategies for escaping the "black hole" of a bad...
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(Chats 6-5-19) - Stop Getting Denied: The Federal Employee’s Guide to the CA-10
In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini break down the critical steps every federal employee must take to get their workers' compensation claims accepted. From demystifying the CA-10 form to the harsh realities of choosing the wrong initial physician, this chat is a masterclass in...
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(Chats - 5-22-19) How to Fight Back When Supervisors Block Your Federal Work Injury
Are you a federal employee struggling to get your work injury reported? This week on Wednesday Night OWCP Chats, Chris and Gini get fired up about one of the biggest roadblocks federal workers face: supervisors illegally impeding injury claims. From hiding forms to forcing you into the wrong...
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(Chats 5-15-19) The Specialist Trap: Why Your Orthopedic Surgeon is Getting You Denied
Chris and Gini explain the "nearly impossible" challenge of changing doctors once a specialist is chosen and why an OWCP-trained doctor should always be your first call. They also discuss how to handle auto accidents in government vehicles (LLVs) and the strategy of using third-party lawsuits to...
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(Chats 5-1-19) Secrets of the Claims Examiner: Expert Strategies for Approval
Chris and Gini discuss the internal "reprogramming" of their new expert staff to help listeners understand what CEs look for in a narrative. The episode covers the "Five Pillars of a Narrative Report," the rules for travel reimbursement, and a checklist for protecting your job using the CA-17...
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(Chats 4-17-19) - The Woodshed: Filing Claims Without Fear
1. Why Claims Get Denied: The Doctor Problem Chris identifies six categories of medical professionals who frequently (and often unintentionally) cause federal claims to be denied because they lack OWCP-specific training: Family Practice Doctors: Don't understand the complex narrative…
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(Chats 3-4-26) - 10 Years of Federal Workers' Comp Advocacy: The Anniversary Special
Episode Overview In this special 10th-anniversary episode, Chris and Gini celebrate a decade of helping federal employees navigate the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). They reflect on the growth of their community and address the most significant hurdle facing injured workers…
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(Chats 4-3-19) How to Force Your Agency to Process Your OWCP Forms and Honor Your Restrictions
Are you tired of supervisors "losing" your paperwork, denying your medical restrictions, or flat-out refusing to give you the forms you need to file a work injury? In this highly charged episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini break down three of the most critical forms in the federal workers'...
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(Chats 4-24-19) The Hidden CA-10 Form, How to Get Your Bills Paid (CA-16), and the Truth About MMI
What if there was a form that existed for 32 years, specifically designed to tell federal employees exactly what to do when they get hurt—yet almost no one has ever seen it? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris dives deep into his favorite topic: The CA-10 Form. Chris explains why the CA-10 is...
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(Chats 3-27-19) Retiring Soon? Why You Must File Your OWCP Claim Now + How to Fix a Denial
Is your OWCP claim denied? Don't panic—and more importantly, don't just click "Appeal." In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini reveal why the standard appeal process often fails and why the Request for Reconsideration is your actual path to approval. Chris shares a specific "speed...
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(Chats 3-20-19) CA-1 vs. CA-2: Which Form to File & Why Using Health Insurance Kills Your OWCP Claim
Live from Las Vegas, Chris and Gini dive into the technical—but critical—foundations of filing a federal injury claim. If you have ever been confused about whether your injury counts as a "traumatic injury" or an "occupational disease," filing the wrong paperwork can sink your case before it...
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(Chats 2-27-19) Is Your Supervisor Breaking the Law? 20 CFR Regulations & Impeding a FECA Claim
Are you one of the 12 out of 13 federal employees whose work injury claim gets denied? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris from Federal Injury Centers tackles the #2 reason claims fail: Management giving employees a hard time. If your supervisor is refusing to help, claiming they "don't have...
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(Chats- 2-13-19) - Q&A Special: CA-17 Refusals, The OSHA Strategy, and Finding the Right Doctor
Q&A Special: CA-17 Refusals, The OSHA Strategy, and Finding the Right Doctor In this interactive Q&A episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini return from opening the new Montgomery, AL office to play a game of "Stump Chris" with listener questions. If you have ever been confused about who fills…
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(Chats 2-6-19) - Supervisor Responsibilities: CA-1, CA-17, and the "4-Hour Rule" for CA-16s
In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini tackle the rampant issue of supervisor intimidation and the mishandling of federal workers' comp forms. If you have been told that a Nurse Case Manager can force you to leave a doctor’s office, or if your supervisor is refusing to provide you with…
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(CHATS 2-2-19) - OWCP Rights: Can Management Deny Your Choice of Doctor?
Are you a federal or postal employee being told you cannot see a specific doctor for your injury? In this episode of OWCP Wednesday Night Chats, we tackle the wave of misleading letters from management threatening to deny CA-7s and CA-17s based on your medical provider. We break down the legal...
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Federal Workers Compensation Made Simple: OWCP Expert Advice You Need to Know
Join Chris and Gini for their final Wednesday Night OWCP Chat of 2025! For nearly 10 years, this dynamic duo has been helping federal employees navigate the complex Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) system—completely free. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to File OWCP Claims...
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Behind the Woodshed: 20 OWCP Rules Supervisors Break (And How to Fight Back)
In this eye-opening episode, federal workers' compensation experts Chris and Gini expose the top 20 OWCP violations that supervisors commit daily—and how federal employees can protect their rights. What You'll Learn: Why supervisors fail to provide CA-16 forms within the required 4 hours Your…
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OWCP Claims Guide: How to Win Federal Workers' Compensation Benefits
Chris and Gini host their final Wednesday night OWCP chat before a two-week break, covering essential workers' compensation topics in a Q&A format. They discuss claim approvals, denials, common supervisor violations, and upcoming training opportunities. Key Announcements National OWCP Convention:...
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Federal Workers' Comp Claims: Why Only 6.78% Get Approved & How to Win Your OWCP Case
Episode Overview Chris and Gini reveal shocking new statistics about federal workers' compensation claims and provide essential guidance for getting your OWCP claim approved. Learn why acceptance rates have dropped dramatically and what you can do about it. Key Topics Covered: 🚨 Breaking News:...
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Essential Forms Guide - OWCP 957, 915, and CA-7 Explained
Join Chris and Gini for another informative OWCP chat as they break down three critical forms every federal employee should know about. Fresh from successful training sessions in Detroit and Phoenix with Mail Handlers unions, they share essential insights about travel reimbursement, medical...
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Federal Employee Retirement Masterclass: Complete Guide to TSP, Disability Benefits & Retirement Planning
🎯 Key Topics Covered: TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Strategy: • Which TSP funds to choose (G, F, C, S, I funds explained) • Traditional vs Roth contributions • Why to avoid mutual funds with high fees • Early withdrawal rules (55+ separation from service) • Rolling TSP to IRA for better flexibility...
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The CA-10 Crisis (Live 10/20/23)
Chris and Gini broadcast live from the Federal Injury Center in Greenville, South Carolina during Patient Appreciation Week, revealing the shocking truth about federal workers' compensation claims and providing actionable solutions. Key Topics Covered: • The Hidden Crisis: Only 14% of federal...
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From OWCP Claims to Compound Interest: Building Wealth While Your Money Sleeps
Chris and Gini return after a month-long hiatus to share personal challenges and introduce financial expert Gail Ames, who reveals game-changing investment strategies for federal employees and everyday people. Learn how to make your money work while you sleep and protect yourself from market...
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OWCP Claims Process Explained: Complete Guide for Federal Employees (2025)
Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris and Gini, featuring special guests Jennifer and Emmy from Federal Injury Centers. This episode provides an inside look at what happens when you call a Federal Injury Center's office for the first time and walks through the complete OWCP claims process. Featured...
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10 Biggest OWCP Lies Debunked: Federal Workers' Compensation Myths Exposed
Chris and Gini debunk the 10 most common OWCP lies federal employees hear from supervisors and HR, revealing the truth about workers' compensation rights and processes. The 10 OWCP Lies Debunked Lie #1: Must Use OWCP Panel Doctor Truth: You can choose ANY doctor. Search "OWCP injury doctor [your...
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Union Presidents Don't Know This Critical Form - And Neither Do You
## Episode: Union Presidents Don't Know This Critical Form - And Neither Do You **Hosts:** Chris Gini & Gini Helms ### Key Timestamps: - **[00:06:00]** - The shocking CA-10 revelation at the National Presidents Convention - **[00:12:00]** - Can management retaliate for filing OWCP claims? -...
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The 30-Day Secret: Why Federal Supervisors Don't Want You to Know About Limited Duty Right
Chris reveals the shocking truth about limited duty assignments that could save your federal career. Discover the 30-day rule supervisors hope you never learn about, why "signing under protest" isn't in the regulations, and how to protect yourself from workplace bullying tactics. 🎯 Key Topics...
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TSA Vice President Reveals 23 Years of Sacrifice and Zero Plane Attacks
TSA Vice President Reveals 23 Years of Sacrifice and Zero Plane Attacks In this powerful episode of Breaking OWCP Gini welcomes Thomas, TSA Union Vice President for New York & New Jersey. He shares what it’s really like behind the X-ray machine—from protecting the skies with a flawless 23-year...
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USPS Injury Claims, COP Rules, and Union Rights Explained | Live OWCP Q&A at APWU Seminar
In this live episode from the APWU Spring Seminar in Fort Myers, Florida, Chris, Gini, Ian Williams (President of Mid Florida APWU), and union leader Victor break down the most pressing OWCP and USPS injury claim issues facing federal employees today. Whether you're a new USPS worker or a…
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Navigating OWCP Second Opinion Exams: Your Rights, Rules, and Tips
In this episode of Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris & Gini, the hosts dive deep into OWCP second opinion doctor visits – a critical step that up to 90% of federal injury claimants face. They explain the federal laws (FECA and regulations) that require injured employees to attend these exams,...
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OWCP Explained: FCEs, MMI, and Schedule Awards Demystified
Description: In this episode Chris and Gini break down three critical topics every injured federal employee must understand: FCEs (Functional Capacity Evaluations) MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) Schedule Awards They explain, in simple terms, what each means, how it impacts your OWCP case, and...
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Understanding Schedule Awards and MMI: Your OWCP Rights Explained
In this informative episode of Breaking OWCP With Chris & Gini, we dive deep into the critical topics of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and Schedule Awards for federal employees with work-related injuries. Learn how these important OWCP benefits work, when you qualify, and how to navigate the...
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Postal Service Privatization Fears: The Truth from Union Leader Rich Ray
"Postal Service Privatization Fears: The Truth from Union Leader Rich Ray" Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rich Ray, Second Vice President of Branch 41 (Brooklyn and Staten Island Letter Carriers), to address the growing concerns about postal service...
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Behind the Woodshed: What Supervisors Get Wrong About OWCP (And How to Fight Back)
Behind the Woodshed: What Supervisors Get Wrong About OWCP (And How to Fight Back) Welcome to another epic "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini!" This week, we take supervisors behind the woodshed and break down the most common mistakes and violations happening inside federal agencies…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP.
This content is for educational purposes only this content and any guests, hosts or entities are not a referral source. You have the right to choose your own doctor.
"Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #Conversations
Just so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays
HOSTED BY
Chris & Gini Helms
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini have?
Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini currently has 113 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini about?
Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. This content is for educational purposes only this content and any guests, hosts or entities are not a referral source. You have the right to choose your own doctor. "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where...
How often does Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini release new episodes?
Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini publishes regularly with 113 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini?
You can listen to Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini?
Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini is created and hosted by Chris & Gini Helms.
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