The guys are back with no guest and plenty to discuss. Damo recaps his recent trip and shares a few new Navy terms he picked up along the way before the conversation shifts to television, film, social media, and the impact online culture is having on military leadership. They discuss Black cinema, mental health resources, Warrior Toughness, Human Performance Optimization, E-8 and E-9 results, Memorial Day plans, and the latest developments in Admiral Robert Burke’s bribery case. The episode also features a Do Better segment, Picks of the Week, and listener questions covering disconnected leadership, driving change within organizations, and investing energy where it matters most. To close things out, Damo puts Damon and Aaron in the hot seat with a series of personal questions that lead to honest conversations about buying into the Navy, career setbacks, staying beyond 20 years, life after service, family sacrifices, and the moments they wish they could get back.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Damo: Start with Yourself (Emma Grede) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/start-with-yourself-emma-grede/1148547712

Damon: Kobe Bryant & The Mamba Mentality  (Alex Karadzin) https://www.audible.com/pd/Kobe-Bryant-The-Mamba-Mentality-Audiobook/B0DJCJ6GGC

Aaron: Remi Adeleke | One54 Africa Podcast https://youtu.be/GZu-2l4V29k?si=Nt3jEt-b2ulGfW-s

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This episode of Permission to Speak Freely Podcast is dedicated to retired Command Master Chief Shay Robbie Farnsworth. Her influence helped shape careers, strengthen Sailors, and remind people what real leadership looks like. She poured into others, stayed connected long after transferring, and remained someone whose guidance and support never stopped mattering. We honor her life, legacy, service, and the countless people she impacted throughout her career and beyond.

Fair winds and following seas, Command Master Chief Farnsworth.

No guest pod. Let’s go.

Damo starts with smoke for Tyra, Aaron, and Damon (kind of). The guys talk about the realities of podcasting, not making any money from it, and why there’s still no donation button. Iceman season is officially here, so the crew takes time to review the album while revisiting old debates about Kobe Bryant and whether Drake belongs in the top five music artists conversation.

The conversation moves into the Kevin Hart roast, whether comedy should still be considered a sacred space, and what happens when culture changes faster than the jokes. The guys also finally catch up on life outside the podcast. Damo talks about heading back to California with the family, Damon gets flowers for his squadron’s recent accomplishments, and the crew shouts out Charles Johnson for taking another major step with the launch of the Bump Serum.

Other conversations include:

The episode also features a deeper leadership discussion after a retired Master Chief asks how senior leaders are expected to promote policies they may not personally agree with. Later, the guys respond directly to a listener frustrated with the podcast’s coverage of toxic Chiefs and leadership accountability.

Highlighting Our Heroes returns with recognition of J. Paul Reason, while the crew also discusses the legacy of Medgar Evers during Picks of the Week.

Aaron brings back his “Quote of the Week,” has a #DoBetter for Damo, and much more is discussed throughout Episode 189.

Retired NCCS Nikki Lozano joins the guys for one of the most personal and powerful conversations the podcast has ever had. Nikki reflects on her early days as a Personnelman (PN), the differences between the early 2000s Navy and today’s Navy, and what it was like to be one of the first women assigned to an all-male ship. Before the Navy, she opens up about growing up in Utah in a trailer park, navigating an abusive household, the complicated lessons she learned from her father, and the mindset that ultimately pushed her toward military service. The conversation moves through battle stations, Norfolk memories, life aboard USS Cole, leadership after the attack, and Nikki’s firsthand account of the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack. She also speaks candidly about PTSD, sexual abuse, physical abuse, trauma at follow-on commands, and the way those experiences permanently changed how she viewed drills, leadership, and survival. As the episode continues, Nikki discusses motherhood, the conversation with her daughter that ultimately led to her retirement decision, life after the Navy, becoming a realtor in the Hampton Roads area, and the healing journey that inspired her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing. The crew also talks veteran storytelling, whether more veterans should lead recruiting efforts, the importance of transparency from leadership, and how stories can help people feel seen, understood, and less alone. These and many more topics are discussed in this episode.

About Our Guest:

Retired Navy Senior Chief Nikki Lozano served over 21 years in the United States Navy, beginning her career as a Personnelman (PN) before later converting to Navy Counselor (NCC). She was also a crew member aboard USS Cole (DDG 67) during the terrorist attack on October 12, 2000. Her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing, explores many of those experiences in greater depth and was written to help encourage broader conversations surrounding resilience, recovery, and personal growth. Today, Nikki continues serving her community as a realtor in the Hampton Roads area while advocating for honest conversations surrounding healing and life after service.

Purchase Nikki’s Book:

Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing

Upcoming Events:

Grit and Grind Meet & Greet with Nikki Lozano

For more information:

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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Command Master Chief Aquinor “Kedia” Hollingsworth is back! This time, she and MC1 Tyra Watson lead an episode with Command Master Chiefs Jacelyne “Jay” Augustin and Stephanie “Cocoa” Canteen, guiding a conversation centered on leadership, personal growth, and the realities that come with carrying responsibility at the highest enlisted level. The episode opens with a discussion on leadership identity and the expectations that come with the role, including the pressure to consistently show up, maintain standards, and lead in environments where perception, respect, and credibility are constantly being evaluated. From there, the conversation moves into the balance between authority and approachability, breaking down how leaders decide when to hold the line versus when to give grace through real-world examples of accountability, mentorship, and decision-making. Kedia and Tyra steer the discussion into the experiences that shape leadership, including upbringing, independence, trust, and the process of unlearning habits that no longer serve them. The group shares how confidence is built through competence, how mentorship plays a role in growth, and how leaders develop others while continuing to evolve themselves.

The conversation then shifts into personal experiences, including navigating divorce, motherhood, and the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with leadership demands. The group speaks on leading while dealing with personal struggles, the importance of asking for support, and the resources they relied on during difficult periods. As the episode continues, Kedia and Tyra guide a deeper look into leadership philosophy and impact, focusing on developing Chiefs, aligning with command priorities, and taking ownership of mission success while still prioritizing people. The discussion also covers how leaders want to be remembered, emphasizing fairness, care, competence, and leaving organizations better than they found them. The episode closes with a shared message on authenticity, encouraging leaders to show up as themselves, stay grounded in who they are beyond the uniform, and continue growing through both success and failure.  These and more topics are discussed in this episode.

Guest CMC Bios:

CMDCM Aquinor “Kedia” Hollingsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquinor-hollingsworth-a4a48162/?isSelfProfile=false

CMDCM Jacelyne “Jay” Augustin - https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2003137648/

CMDCM Stephanie “Cocoa” Canteen - https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Shipyards/Norfolk/Leadership/Command-Master-Chief/

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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Damo, Damon, and Aaron are joined by Commander Desmond Walker and Commander Frank “Siri” Bonner for a conversation that moves from everyday Navy life into deeper discussions on leadership, pressure, and personal growth. The episode opens with a light debate before the group gets into real-world leadership challenges, including communication breakdowns around a last-minute barracks town hall and the expectations that come with coordinating across commands. That conversation leads into a broader discussion on standards and perception, sparked by a viral photo that had the Navy talking. From there, Commander Walker reflects on his recent deployment, sharing insight on crew endurance, shared sacrifice, and how leadership decisions early on can shape performance later. The group builds on that by discussing what makes a Sailor stand out, shifting into a deeper conversation on resiliency, ownership, and growth over time. The conversation continues with a debate on Enlisted Leadership Development (ELD), questioning whether Sailors lack access to resources or simply aren’t using what’s available. Different perspectives emerge on leadership responsibility, authority, and when to step in versus when to let people figure things out. As the episode progresses, the tone becomes more personal. The group reflects on pressure, influence, and the idea of the “alternative Sailor,” highlighting how small moments and mentorship can change someone’s path. Commander Bonner’s “Gangster of the Week” adds a powerful moment centered on resilience and growth. The episode closes with a conversation on ethics, leadership boundaries, and how leaders show up outside the uniform. Commander Walker speaks candidly about balancing career demands with family and the importance of acknowledging both success and failure along the way. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Cover photograph taken by William Cotton of 901 Photography -

https://www.instagram.com/william_cotton_photography?igsh=MTN6aXluNHM2aHZ6bw==

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Capt. Charles R. Harmon, Branch Head of Enlisted Plans and Policy (OPNAV N132), joins the Permission to Speak Freely Podcast for a conversation on SEM, billet-based advancement, and what Sailors are experiencing across the fleet.

The discussion moves through how the system is designed to work, where confusion is coming from, and how decisions are being made at the command and detailer level. Questions from the fleet drive the conversation, touching on ETPs, marketplace dynamics, command involvement, and the gap between policy and understanding.

When Capt. Harmon leaves, Career Counselor Chief Joey Sawyer, also known as “Fat Chief,” continues the conversation with a look at the newly released Decision Guide Memorandum 007 and what it could mean for technical standards, command involvement, and how Sailors approach their careers. They also get into email signature etiquette. Do you really need all your collateral duties in your signature? The conversation continues with Joey sharing his approach to discipline, time management, and using small pockets of time to stay consistent, along with how he communicates complex information in a way Sailors can actually use. Respective “Do Betters” are shared.  These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Resources for this Episode:

Billet-Based Advancement (MyNavyHr) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Enlisted/Billet-Based-Advancement/

Senior Enlisted Marketplace (MyNavyHr) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Enlisted/Senior-Enlisted-Marketplace/

BBA Handbook 3.0 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Enlisted/DetailingMarketplace/BBA%20Handbook%203-0.pdf?ver=dH_5cVh2sPIXHomd8SAiwA%3D%3D

Advancement Manual - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/Instructions/BUPERS/BUPERSINST%201430.16.pdf

MyNavyHR:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mynavyhr/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR/

Joey Sawyer, aka “Fat Chief”:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fat_chief_usn/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Fat-Chief-61573142126612/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7k2A6OPj001XWkQND99KA

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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Retired Navy Captain and author of Letters to Myself, John Cordle joins the show to talk through leadership, experience, and the perspective behind his book.

Damo sits down one-on-one with Cordle, a former Commanding Officer and long-time surface warfare officer, to get into the lessons that come from time in the Navy, the realities of decision-making, and how those experiences shaped what he chose to put on paper. The conversation moves through leadership at different levels, how mindset shifts over time, and the challenge of turning real-world experience into something others can learn from. They also get into what the book is built around, the themes it focuses on, and who it’s written for—giving listeners a clearer picture of what they can expect when they pick it up.

Buy a copy of the book now: https://stonetowerpress.com/shop-2/authors/john-cordle/letters-to-myself/

To attend the book singing in Annapolis at Old Fox Books - https://www.facebook.com/events/1328250259143019/?ref_source=NEWS_FEED

Connect with Dr. Cordle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordlejp/

About our Guest:

Master Chief Green was born in Westerly, RI, and raised in Woodbine, GA. He graduated from Camden County High School in 2004. He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in March 2006 as a Culinary Specialist. He is a graduate of the United States Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Master Chief’s sea duty assignments include USS Annapolis (SSN 760), USS Virginia (SSN 774), USS Greeneville (SSN 772). In October 2022, he reported to USS Hampton (SSN 767) as Chief of the Boat. During that COB tour, he completed a Western Pacific Deployment, two SOUTCOMs, ICE CAMP 2024, and a change of homeport from San Diego to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His shore duty assignments include Enlisted Aide to the Director of Naval Reactors, Lead Instructor for Navy Food Management Team New London, and Lead Culinary Specialist Commander Submarine Forces. Master Chief Green is currently the Command Master Chief for Submarine Readiness Squadron 32. Master Chief Green’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit citations.

About the Episode:

CMDCM Jacob Green joins the show for a real look beneath the surface of submarine life. The guys dive straight into what it actually means to live and lead in a world with no sunlight, limited communication, and nowhere to go but each other. From the pressure of those first 12 months onboard to earning your dolphins, Jake breaks down the grind, the expectations, and the culture that defines the submarine force. They get into everything from daily life underway, food operations, and damage control to the mental toll of long deployments with little to no contact back home. Conversations shift between leadership at the highest levels, building trust in tight spaces, and how sailors adapt when privacy doesn’t exist, and every role matters. Along the way, the episode moves naturally between submarine life and broader Navy experiences. The crew trades stories and perspectives, including surface-side experiences like UNREPs and mail call during COVID deployments, adding contrast to just how different life can be across platforms. Jake shares his personal journey from high school athlete to submarine life, his first deployment experience, how he ended up on his first boat, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation also touches on advancements in submarine technology, morale underway, and the realities of quality of life both at sea and ashore. From leadership philosophies to the small moments that keep sailors going, this episode captures the full spectrum of what it means to serve. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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This Reflash is a double feature.

Two conversations brought back together in one episode, centered on accountability, perception, and how Sailors navigate the system. Featuring ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, the discussion takes a deep dive into the CPO selection board process and the decisions that shape a career.

From how board members are selected to what should be included in your package, the conversation breaks down the process in a way that’s direct and practical. The team also explores what really matters when preparing for advancement. Sustained superior performance versus early promote, the role of the career summary letter, and whether common beliefs like the “five year penalty box” actually hold weight.

They also get into the reality of sitting a selection board, offering perspective on how records are viewed, how decisions are made, and what Sailors should be thinking about long before their package is submitted.

This isn’t just about making Chief. It’s about understanding the process, challenging assumptions, and being intentional about how you show up on paper and in practice.

Two episodes. One conversation that still matters.

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AZ2 Makel Jackson, a listener-turned-guest and active duty Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrator. The episode kicks off with Damo discussing question submissions for an upcoming episode, board eligible results, a discussion on Maintenance Master Chiefs, and military vs. civilian education. The hosts then dive into Makel’s background, tracing his journey from the south side of Chicago to Houston and ultimately to the Navy. They debate pizza, discuss what drew him to enlist, and break down his boot camp and A School experiences. The conversation turns to his biggest misconception about the fleet, his first dirtbag encounter, and what it really means to “play the game.” Makel shares the first moral lesson he learned at his first command and reflects on how mentorship shaped his early career. The group discusses Full Power Navy and how Makel navigated the decision to stay or separate. Damon asks about balancing being liked versus being respected as Makel prepares to transition to sea duty. The crew explores whether junior Sailors correct each other for uniform infractions, debate which host would be the toughest at DRB, and unpack what kills morale the fastest. Makel shares his take on the biggest problem the Navy is facing and the best thing about serving. The conversation also covers Navy bucket lists, whether new accession Sailors expect too much when it comes to quality of life, and what actually motivates Sailors today. The group discusses good leadership, the Chief’s Mess, and the unique structure of leadership in aviation squadrons. The episode closes with Makel’s #DoBetter, his Hero of the Week, and his picks for favorite episode and favorite guest. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Damo - Immortal Valor (Robert Child) https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/immortal-valor-9781472852847/

AZ2 Jackson - Tommy G’s YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@tommygmcgee?si=jdi-_Ycp_szWJJQQ

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