Episode Summary Blowing the whistle on corporate misconduct is not just a legal decision—it’s a deeply personal one with lasting consequences. In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller explores the hidden realities whistleblowers face, including career risks, financial uncertainty, emotional strain, and retaliation in the workplace.

Stephen Teller shares strategies for protecting identity, coping with stress, documenting violations, and safeguarding one’s future while pursuing what is right. He explains how whistleblower cases unfold, what retaliation typically looks like, and why it’s crucial to strike a balance between pursuing justice and maintaining personal well-being.

This episode offers vital guidance for anyone considering whistleblowing—or already living with its consequences.

Key Timestamps

01:05 – The personal and professional toll of becoming a whistleblower 03:15 – Confidentiality in whistleblower cases and early protection strategies 05:00 – Using LLCs and partnerships to protect identity 07:30 – Coping with stress: financial planning, medical leave, and emotional support 09:45 – What workplace retaliation really looks like versus Hollywood portrayals 11:15 – The importance of documentation and what employees should avoid collecting 13:20 – How an attorney protects whistleblowers during the process 15:40 – The lengthy timeline of whistleblower cases and how to cope with it 17:50 – Final thoughts from Stephen Teller on resilience and integrity

False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.

Episode Summary Being “managed out” of a job is one of the most confusing and isolating experiences an employee can face. In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, whistleblower and employment attorney Stephen Teller explains what it means to be managed out, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps employees can take to protect their careers.

Stephen Teller shares practical strategies for navigating unfair performance improvement plans, understanding when employer actions might cross into illegal territory, and how to delay or improve the outcome of a forced separation. He also offers guidance on when to consult a lawyer, how medical leave can play a role, and why documenting your experience is crucial.

If you’ve ever felt targeted at work, this episode provides clarity, resources, and a roadmap for reclaiming control of your future.

00:52 – What it means to be managed out of a job 02:05 – Recognizing when performance improvement plans are unfair 03:40 – Why companies push employees out despite strong past performance 05:10 – When poor treatment at work is illegal versus unfair 07:15 – Practical strategies for delaying or surviving out-management 09:25 – How to talk to a doctor about workplace stress and medical leave 12:45 – The right time to contact an employment attorney 14:10 – Why many employees never seek legal help and what they miss 15:00 – Final thoughts and advice for employees facing forced exits

False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.

In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller dives deep into what truly makes a strong Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud case. While flashy purchases like trucks or equipment might raise eyebrows, Stephen explains why the strongest cases come from eligibility violations, misuse of funds, and insider knowledge. From marijuana businesses to private clubs, Stephen breaks down which companies were outright ineligible, how oversight gaps allowed fraud to slip through, and what whistleblowers need to know before stepping forward.

This conversation provides valuable insight into PPP loan abuse, False Claims Act filings, whistleblower protections, and how both businesses and individuals can navigate these high-stakes cases.

0:45 – What a strong PPP fraud case really looks like 2:30 – Which businesses were ineligible for PPP loans under federal rules 5:00 – How some ineligible businesses still managed to get PPP funding 7:10 – The government’s backlog of False Claims Act cases 9:30 – Evidence whistleblowers need to establish a strong case 12:45 – Options for employees who suspect PPP fraud 14:30 – Why it’s better for businesses to self-report mistakes before being caught

False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.