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Opioid dependence doesn't always begin with addiction. Sometimes, it begins with a medical diagnosis, surgery, or a prescription intended to relieve pain.

In this episode of Unarmored Talk Podcast, I sit down with Steele C. Smith III to discuss his journey from life-threatening illness and prescribed morphine to opioid dependence and recovery.

Steele shares how pain medication affected his physical health, emotional well-being, and sense of self. I also reflect on my personal experience with morphine and oxycodone after surviving sepsis.

Together, we explore the warning signs of opioid dependence, the challenges of withdrawal and recovery, and alternative approaches to pain management, including cannabis.

This conversation isn't about judgment. It's about awareness, understanding, and recognizing when pain relief becomes dependence.

If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others discover Unarmored Talk Podcast.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Welcome Back and What's Ahead
00:00:50 - A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
00:02:20 - What Opioids Really Take Away
00:04:35 - ICU Pain Relief and the Button
00:07:40 - The Moment Addiction Shows Itself
00:10:50 - Soul, Self, and Spiritual Grounding
00:14:25 - Cannabis, the Nervous System, and Relief
00:16:55 - Next Episodes and Closing Blessing

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless.

Safety Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences and perspectives for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing medications, stopping opioids, or exploring alternative pain treatments. Never discontinue prescribed opioids abruptly without medical guidance.

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• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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From Marine officer to civilian—who are you beyond the rank?

Retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Victor de la Flor, creator of The Green Logbook, joins Unarmored Talk to discuss trading military structure, responsibility, and identity for an uncertain civilian chapter. We explore redefining success beyond rank and salary, finding purpose, and building new routines after service.

His reminder for officers preparing to transition: It is going to be okay.

Subscribe, share with someone preparing to leave the military, and tell us: How did you redefine success after service?

CONNECT WITH VICTOR

YouTube | LinkedIn | Apple Podcasts

CHAPTERS

00:05 – Meet Victor
01:03 – New Jersey to the Marines
02:47 – Redefining Success
03:56 – Identity Without the Uniform
06:03 – The Green Logbook’s Purpose
09:37 – Creating Without a Crowd
12:18 – Purpose and Daily Routine
14:24 – What’s Next for Victor
17:53 – Advice Before Getting Out
19:20 – Connect With Victor and Closing

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Who are you when the things you built your identity around are gone?

In part one of “Pain, Opioids, and the Search for Another Way,” Mario P. Fields joins entrepreneur Steele C. Smith III for a conversation about illness, loss, faith, and identity.

Steele shares his account of seeking relief through cannabis, facing incarceration, and learning to separate his worth from his possessions. Together, they explore what hardship reveals—and why people matter more than property.

Connect with Steele C. Smith III:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idrasil/

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome & Series Setup
00:46 When Things Become a God
01:01 Illness & a Turning Point
01:30 Raid, Prison & Facing 25 Years
03:04 Living With Less
04:12 Lessons From His Dad
05:57 Character Under Pressure
07:07 Facing Uncertainty
08:39 Closing Prayer & What’s Next

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Have you ever told yourself you’re too old to try something new?

At 69, Doug Davidson stepped outside his comfort zone, attended a casting call surrounded by people decades younger, and was selected to model for Kenneth Barlis, whom you may recognize from Season 19 of Project Runway.

Doug returns to Unarmored Talk with Mario P. Fields to discuss overcoming self-doubt, embracing what makes you different, and finding the courage to start again. We also explore staying active, healthy relationships, and his next steps in modeling.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome and Courage Without an Age Limit
2:11 Clarity and the Return to Modeling
4:52 Casting Call Confidence and Surprising Calm
8:30 Self-Doubt and Starting Before You Feel Ready
10:34 Thriving at 69 and Healthy Relationships
12:05 What’s Next: Modeling Opportunities and Wisdom
16:30 Connect With Doug and Final Signoff

CONNECT WITH DOUG DAVIDSON
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougdavidson22

DOUG’S BOOK
Power from the Heart: A Collection of Inspiring Stories and Insights That Will Ignite Your Soul

Paperback:
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/power-from-the-heart-a-collection-of-inspiring-stories-and-insights-that-will-ignite-your-soul/29635256/

Audiobook — narrated by Doug (Audible UK):
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Power-from-the-Heart-Audiobook/B099X15GCV

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless.

Follow Unarmored Talk, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to take that first step.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Are you prepared to hear “no”—or hear nothing at all—from civilian employers after years of successful military service?

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Hoover, a soon-to-be retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant with 25 years of service, for an unarmored conversation about the realities of transitioning into the civilian workforce.

Tom shares his firsthand experience with job rejection, being ghosted by employers, and learning not to let either define his value. We discuss the importance of patience, networking, translating military experience into civilian language, improving resumes for ATS systems, and continuing to move forward when the hiring process doesn’t go as expected.

Most importantly, we talk about the mental side of transition and why service members should prepare themselves not only for their next career—but also for the rejection and uncertainty that may come along the way.

If you’re preparing to leave the military, already transitioning, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode, share it with a transitioning service member or veteran, and subscribe to Unarmored Talk for more conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life.

CONNECT WITH TOM HOOVER

🔗 Guest Link: Tom Hoover | LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
00:58 – Tom’s Air Force Story & Family
02:03 – SkillBridge & Helping Veterans Transition
03:24 – When the Job Email Says No
09:55 – Applying Widely & Handling Silence
11:15 – Networking Without Asking for a Job
13:38 – Advice to Younger Service Members
17:17 – Where to Find Tom & Closing

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit.

God bless.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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What happens when your mind says, “keep going,” but your body says, “you’re done”?

You can be disciplined, prepared, and relentless—and still hit a wall you can’t outwork.

In this episode of Unarmored Talk, U.S. Army veteran Derik Robinson gets unarmored about resilience, identity, and the hidden cost of constantly pushing through.

From a sink-or-swim upbringing to military leadership, Derik built his life around grit and perseverance. But after an injury, a grueling ruck march, deployment, and ultimately a medical board, he was forced to rethink what success and failure really mean.

What is the end result you want—and is the path you’re taking sustainable enough to get you there?

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome & Why Resilience Matters
01:21 – Who Derik Is & Contact Info
02:10 – Growing Up: Sink or Swim
05:14 – Training Injury & Ruck March Collapse
09:01 – Losing Control & Redefining Failure
11:49 – Deploying Anyway—Then Everything Breaks
16:53 – Advice for Sustainable Success
19:17 – Final Thanks & Mental Fitness

If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who always pushes through.

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit.
God bless.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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What happens when the schoolyard bully grows up and enters the workforce?

In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Joseph Musse II, author of Bullies: They’re Not Just in Schoolyards Anymore, to explore how bullying follows us into adulthood—showing up in workplaces through intimidation, manipulation, humor, authority, and the pressure to constantly overdeliver.

Joseph gets unarmored about his own past, including admitting he once bullied others, and how those experiences helped him recognize similar behaviors later in his career. We unpack boundaries, identity, control, the power of saying “no,” and recognizing when dedication to your job starts costing you your peace.

🎙️ Whether you work in corporate America, government, the military, education, healthcare, the trades, or anywhere in between, this conversation is for you.

CHAPTERS
0:00 — Welcome And The Big Question
1:20 — Share The Show And Meet Joseph
2:12 — A Life Built On Skill And Faith
5:36 — From Teen Bully To Self-Reflection
10:25 — Getting Bullied In Corporate Life
13:36 — Guilt Trips, Subtle Threats, Control
24:31 — Boundaries, Balance, Saying No
27:39 — The Blueprint To Becoming Unbullyable
34:47 — Consequences, Purpose, And The Mirror

CONNECT WITH JOSEPH MUSSE II
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmusse

 📚 Get Joseph’s Books:

Bullies: They’re Not Just in Schoolyards Anymore!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015CYHD80?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_2V3AAPJ7Q88DHBQ44JVH&bestFormat=true

Bullies: The Blueprint to Becoming Unbullyable - https://www.amazon.com/BULLIES-Blueprint-Unbullyable-Joseph-Musse-ebook/dp/B0HD1L5KFC

SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Unarmored Talk and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay unarmored. Stay authentic. Stay mentally fit. God bless.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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When was the last time you realized that you—not your team—were part of the leadership problem?

That realization can be painful, but it can also begin your most important growth.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa DeVore, United States Air Force veteran and author of Pawprints on Leadership, shares how she confronted a low-empathy leadership moment and chose to grow from it.

We discuss how authoritarian leadership models can cause us to prioritize rules and results over people, why reflection and apology matter, and how emotional intelligence and active listening make us better leaders.

Lisa also explores the importance of followership and the lessons she learned from Bailey, her service dog—including the powerful truth that sometimes the person leading us has no title or words, just greater awareness.

Subscribe to Unarmored Talk, share this episode with someone who leads others, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show.

Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless.

Connect with Dr. Lisa DeVore

Book — Pawprints on Leadership: [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0G2L2VZ89?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_SAMWGJ2YXEZ7DBNCB1PP&bestFormat=true]

LinkedIn: [Dr. Lisa DeVore, PMP, SSM | LinkedIn]

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome and Guest Introduction
02:49 — Lisa’s Air Force-to-Space Force Path
04:21 — Owning a Low-Empathy Leadership Moment
07:15 — How Authoritarian Models Shaped Her
08:41 — Why a Trusted Teammate Stayed
12:51 — Followership as a Leadership Skill
16:32 — Letting Bailey Lead When It Matters
18:29 — Pause, Observe, and Give Yourself Grace
20:01 — Where to Find Lisa and Final Sendoff

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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What happens when the funniest military memories also carry the deepest meaning?

I’m joined by my friend and fellow Marine, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker, to discuss his self-published book, Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories.

Adam shares his five-year writing plan, why he chose self-publishing, and how he made military stories accessible to Marines and their families. We also discuss building the right creative team and his hilarious boot camp “moment of truth.”

Chapters:

0:00 – Welcome and Adam Walker’s Story
2:25 – Getting the Book and Finding Adam
3:20 – Building a Five-Year Writing Plan
7:00 – Self-Publishing Without Losing Control
10:32 – Boot Camp Truth and the Candy Bar
12:50 – Writing for Marines and Families
16:10 – Cover Design and the Creative Team
18:39 – Trust Your Gut and Wrap-Up

Purchase Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories:
Amazon.com: Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories: 9798218924157: Walker, Adam: Books

Watch now, share your favorite military memory in the comments, and subscribe to Unarmored Talk for more authentic conversations.

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself?

In this episode, I am joined by Amber Houghton, a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and founder of Elite Performance Strategies. Together, we explore the leadership trap—the tendency to spend so much time caring for others that we lose sight of ourselves.

Amber shares how military service, leadership, retirement, divorce, and personal transition challenged her identity and taught her the importance of resilience, healthy boundaries, and self-care. Whether you're a leader, parent, caregiver, veteran, or someone others depend on, this conversation offers practical insights to help you care for others without abandoning yourself.

👇 Chapters:

0:00 Welcome And Meet Amber Houghton
1:45 A Rough Start And A 28-Year Career
6:08 When The Strong One Falls Apart
8:22 Divorce, Blame, And The Cost Of Armor
11:16 The Helper Addiction And The Boundary Wake-Up
14:38 Enforcing Boundaries With Kindness
17:00 Ask Better Questions Before You Help
19:35 Do Not Abandon Yourself
21:11 Connection Over Isolation And Closing

If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who always puts others first, and let us know in the comments:

What's one boundary you're working to strengthen?

Connect with Amber 👉 Amber Houghton | LinkedIn

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: [email protected]