Joined by Marc Tinaz, retired Limited Duty Officer Commander, the guys sit down for a wide-ranging conversation shaped by 33 years of Navy service and leadership across multiple eras. Marc reflects on how often the Navy has changed during his career, from uniforms and culture to expectations placed on leaders. The discussion explores the stressors of the retirement process, how senior leaders cope with bad news, and what it means to understand your role as a Command Master Chief fully. Throughout the episode, New Year’s resolutions surface naturally as the conversation touches on the value of awards, fairness versus leadership authority, and how decisions made in uniform stay with you long after the moment passes. Damo shares his NCM story, while Marc talks about his upbringing, early Navy journey, and the experiences that shaped how he leads. The guys also discuss difficult leadership realities, including CACO duty, drinking culture, behavioral health challenges, addressing negative trends, and the long-term effects of deployments, including Marc’s time in Iraq. They talk through why some experiences are rarely shared, how certain decisions become burned into memory, and what leadership looks like when you’re carrying those moments forward. Marc reflects on working with NASA, the highlight of his time as a Chief, the hardest transition he faced, and the best advice he’s received along the way. The episode closes with the Do Better segment, bringing the conversation back to leadership, responsibility, and growth on and off the uniform. These and More Topics 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]

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Marc’s Pick of the Week: No Higher Honor (Bradley Peniston)- https://www.navybook.com/no-higher-honor/

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Happy New Year to all of our viewers, listeners, and supporters.

The guys start the year off joined by April Beldo-Lilley, retired Fleet Master Chief of the U.S. Navy. April discusses her transition from uniformed service, her early upbringing, and the influence of her father. She discusses her decision to join the Navy, her early years in uniform, and key moments that shaped her career, including becoming Chief and realizing that the Navy would become a long-term profession. She reflects on serving as a Command Master Chief, including challenging moments, and offers the guys perspective on managing time and controlling their narratives. April also discusses reporting to an aircraft carrier during RCOH and her experiences leading in that environment. The conversation covers her time as Fleet Master Chief, including initiatives such as the eTablet and Sailor 2025, as well as discussions around multicultural committees, DACOWITS, and Chief Petty Officer board feedback. April shares her perspective on observing leaders she previously worked with later face public scrutiny, speaking from the standpoint of experience and proximity rather than speculation. The episode closes with a discussion of legacy, continued work beyond the Navy, and life after retirement, including marriage.

April’s Pick of the Week: The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins) - https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/

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We had to pull up on y’all this Christmas, but please don’t call this a Christmas special. Damo finds himself in yet another sticky situation, this time it’s with Aaron. Before the results came out, the quotas were released, leaving many Sailors pissed about the low numbers. The guys discuss the disgust and what Billet-Based Advancement has to do with all of this. The Navy recently announced “The Trump Class,” complete with rail guns and laser beams. President Trump was feeling generous this holiday season and gave us two days off and “warrior dividends.” Oh yeah, what the hell are the Patriot Games? Why are people up in arms about the new PFA policy? Be careful what boots you’re stepping in, come Jan 1st, you may be out of regs. Jake Paul took a beating, and Sailors may be fixing their own trouble calls in the barracks soon. The guys try to take a deep dive into the new Sailor of the Year grading sheet. What are your “isms?” Debra Newton was arrested last week, or was her name Sharon? One Navy Sailor was arrested for killing his two roommates, who were also Sailors, in Jacksonville, FL. In our ‘Do Better’ segment, Damo wants some leaders to find some motivation, while Damon wants people to “train and explain.” The guys wrap with entertainment picks of the year. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

Pick of the Week: The War of Art (Steven Pressfield) https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/

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Damon and Aaron are joined by OSC Kenneth Batchler for a conversation centered on his firsthand experience aboard the USS John S. McCain during the 2017 collision. Ken walks through the environment leading up to the incident, including operational tempo, fatigue, and the conditions present in the hours before the collision. The discussion covers what the moment of impact felt like from the deckplate, the immediate emotional response onboard, and how training and watchstanding took over once it became clear this was not a drill. Ken explains the purpose of General Quarters training, what was first heard over the 1MC, and how gaps in training, manning, and experience influenced the situation. The conversation moves into the after-action report, the challenges of forward-deployed operations, service in Japan, and the loss of shipmates. Damon and Aaron explore how the collision changed perspectives on training, accountability, and leadership, as well as how the USS John S. McCain became a reference point for future discussions on readiness. Later segments examine pre-collision versus post-collision operations, watch rotations, fatigue, training on new systems, and questions surrounding accountability. The episode also addresses mental health support after the collision, how the incident was portrayed publicly, whether leaders felt more empowered to speak up, and how the Navy changed following the 2017 collisions. The episode concludes with rapid-fire OS questions, discussion on the unique challenges faced by Operations Specialists, reflections on whether the collision would have occurred with today’s systems, and Ken’s #DoBetter message. These and more topics 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]

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Aye, no long talk! Just check out this bonus episode. We love y'all and appreciate your continued support.

Music featured:

The crew returns from the holiday break with a full plate of stories, starting with Thanksgiving hangovers and Aaron’s crockpot rebuttal that finally closes the loop from the last episode. The team moves into this week’s Do Better, covering everything from the need for a computer access POAM for CMCs to Damon’s latest run-in with the high-school system. They break down a recent article on the USS Truman and the importance of realistic observations in after-action reports before Damo steps in to double down on the FaceTime conversation. The guys discuss what it is, what it isn’t, and why some people get it all the way wrong. From there, the crew shifts into real life: friendships as adults, Damo gives his thoughts on ‘The Bump Serum’, and they discuss how the Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. could change the entire streaming landscape. They close the first half of the show by comparing their Apple and Spotify Wrapped lists and debating who really had the top artists of the year. Damo wraps with his Pick of the Week before the episode transitions into a deeper, more personal segment—Damon sitting down to interview Damo in one of the most honest conversations the show has ever had. These and more topics 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]

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Fresh off Thanksgiving, the episode opens with a full holiday recap as Country Living releases its Top 10 Thanksgiving foods list. The team compares those dishes to what actually hit the table this year, talks about holiday routines, family visits, and what everyone watched over the break. The conversation expands into Thanksgiving vs. Christmas, holiday phone etiquette, and moments from the past year in the Navy that inspired gratitude. The hosts also share their “Win for the Week.” The episode transitions into major headlines: an Airman indicted for plotting to take over an island in Haiti and enslave its population, a Fort Hood OBGYN under investigation for more than 3,000 cases of sexual assault, and the dismissal of the Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy after only a few months in the position. This leads to a broader discussion on whether the public should be told why commanding officers are relieved. Another Stolen Valor case also comes up, involving an individual who earned significant money by fabricating military service. The conversation continues with a tribute to Sarah Beckstrom and a discussion regarding the recent attack on a National Guardsman in Washington, D.C. “Hero of the Week” highlights Army Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson Jr. The team then examines what it means to “chase rank,” how those motivations show up across the force, and several historical examples tied to the concept of “just following orders.” This connects to a conversation about navigating negativity on social media, prompted by a recent incident. To close, the episode covers rules and expectations that many unknowingly break, followed by the long-awaited “Top 5 GOATs.” Additional topics include changes across the Navy over the years, commentary on literacy in the digital era, and a Senior Enlisted Marketplace issue before wrapping with each host’s “Do Better” points for the week. These and more topics 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]

Links and more from this episode:

Hero of the Week: Chief Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson Jr. - https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/hugh-thompson-lai-massacre/

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Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AOCM (Ret.) Tyese ‘Ty’ Pressley, founder of the ‘Goat Locker Hall of Fame’ and ‘At Ease Podcast.’ The conversation starts with a follow-up to a listener regarding “elevating problems.” After Ty breaks down his history of assignments, the guys don’t hesitate to get into Ty’s organization, the ‘Goat Locker Hall of Fame,’ and some of the drama that has surrounded it as it gets more popular. Ty discusses the early days of the GLHOF and his inspiration behind the idea. What has been done to make the GLHOF a legitimate organization, and is there an interest in collaboration with other Chief Mess organizations? Damo asks Ty if he thinks there is a disconnect between active duty servicemembers and vets? Ty discusses the ‘At Ease’ Podcast and his inspiration behind starting it. Damon questions whether the element of “teaching” has changed throughout the years. Ty lists his “Top 5 Goats.” Taking a page from the ‘At Ease Podcast,’ Damo asks Ty for his “legendary moment.” Damo highlights this week’s Hero of the Week: John William Finn. You know, Damo wasn’t gonna let Ty pass through without a question about Philly. Ty contributes to our “Do Better” segment of the week. The guys discuss trying to authentically grow your podcast without trying to rage-bait people into paying attention. 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]

To keep up with Tyese and ‘At Ease Podcast’

Tyese’s Social Media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyese-pressley-b3b56bb4/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tyese.pressley

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ese_215/

At Ease Podcast:

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ateasepodcast

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

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090148276014&mibextid=LQQJ4d&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Hero of the Week:

Lt. John William Finn - https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-w-finn

Picks of the Week:

At Ease Podcast - Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ateasepodcast

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The guys open by clearing up a discrepancy from the last show before getting into the recent Brooks Brothers cancellation and catching up on what’s been happening in their lives. They recognize the Marine Corps Birthday, welcome back a government employee returning after the shutdown, and show love for Damon’s birthday. The conversation shifts into how people battle personal demons and what leaders often miss when they only look at the surface. The team discusses whether commands should “roll out the red carpet” for inspectors and what people misunderstand about what a Command Master Chief actually does. Damo states that leadership can’t be treated like a task. Aaron brings back a concept from Relentless involving toxic perfection, leading into a discussion about sacrifice and success. Damon touches on the Navy’s reported 99% retention rate for FY25. Aaron’s “Do Better” of the week is Be More Informed, which sets up a deeper debate between Damo and Aaron about whether everyone needs to care about politics.

What does it mean to be “apolitical”? The guys discuss. The 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]

Picks of the Week:

• Damo: Pluribus (Apple TV+)

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The crew is back and covering everything from government shutdown rumors to backlash about the bump serum. Damo gives his two-week review of Charles Johnson’s “The Bump Serum,” and the team unveils their “Don’t Come to the All Hands” lists. The hosts catch up on life since the last episode and recognize Veterans Day before diving into the latest news on USS Nimitz and the questions surrounding extended deployments—including whether Sailors should get liberty back after standing holiday duty. They discuss the sudden retirement of another 3-Star General, the rumor that 168 commissaries may be closing, and Damo introduces a new segment: “Win for the Week.” The guys also react to the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, debate whether MCPON Honea received his due flowers, and unpack retired FLTCM Paul Kingsbury’s launch of the National Chief Petty Officer Association. Other topics include counseling Sailors over social media conduct, Damon’s Hero of the Week—Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, Aaron’s perspective on Warrior Ethos, and celebrating five years of Permission to Speak Freely. Damo shows love for Damon and Aaron’s picks in the No Limit vs. Cash Money Verzuz, reflects on a couple of movies he watched, and reacts to someone asking whether he uses ChatGPT. The 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]

Picks of the Week:

The Culture Code (Daniel Coyle) -  https://danielcoyle.com/the-culture-code/

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