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As this year draws to a close, I had the privilege of sitting down with my incredible wife, Nicole, to record a very special episode of Unarmored Talk.

This one is different—it’s unstructured, raw, and straight from the heart. We share stories from the early days of our relationship, including the unforgettable moment we first met and our initial impressions of each other. We also reflect on the journey that has brought us to an incredible milestone: our upcoming 30th wedding anniversary.

Check it out and let us know what you think. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! 🎙️❤️

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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Curiosity drives self-discovery and growth, helping us align our choices with our authentic selves. In Cynthia Schwartzberg's updated book, "The Curious Voyage to Authenticity," she shares how curiosity fosters intentional living, exploring:

*Evaluating life choices
*Bridging the gap between intentions and actions
*Building healthy coping mechanisms
*Journaling for self-reflection
*Simple practices to spark curiosity

Cynthia's Website: https://cynthasis.com/

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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What if exploring alcoholic beverages was as personalized and effortless as streaming music?

Meet Mike Waskewich Jr., a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major turned entrepreneur, who, alongside his wife, created the Bar Book mobile app. In this episode of Unarmored Talk Podcast, Mike shares their journey from military service to launching an app that uses flavor-matching technology to recommend personalized cocktails, beers, and spirits.

Explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning to civilian entrepreneurship, the camaraderie among veterans in the alcohol industry, and the power of networking and mentorship. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, adaptability, and passion.

Guest Link:
https://thebarbook.app/

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
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In this episode of Unarmored Talk Podcast, Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo, a Clinical Psychologist, shares her journey through sibling loss after her brother Michael, an Army flight medic, was killed in Iraq.

Together, we explore the often-overlooked grief of surviving siblings, who are frequently overshadowed by society's focus on parental loss. Dawn reflects on how this experience reshaped her career and her insights as a therapist, as detailed in her book, Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death. Through personal stories and expert insights, this episode offers understanding and support for those navigating grief and cherishing loved ones amidst loss.

Whether you're navigating your path of sorrow or supporting someone who is, Dawn's empathetic approach and expert insights provide solace and guidance for those grappling with grief.

Guest Link:
https://drdawndiraimondo.com/

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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Traci Neal’s story is one of resilience and triumph. She's an inspiring author and professional Christian poet who opens up about her journey of embracing autism and ADHD as unique strengths rather than obstacles.

Escaping societal expectations, Traci pursued her passion for poetry, a love instilled by her mother, and transformed her life with newfound clarity after her diagnosis.

Discover how she harnessed her high energy and neurodivergence into a powerful force for creativity and success, earning recognition in the New York Times. Traci's insights into the advantages of politeness and appreciation offer a profound lesson on the transformative power of personal experiences.

Guest Link:
www.tracinealspeakerpoet.com

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
• Mario's Socials: Parade Deck
• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
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🎉 4 Years of Unarmored Talk Podcast! 🎉

Nicole and I are beyond grateful for your support over the past four years. With 130+ episodes, 12,000 downloads across 49 countries/territories and 762 cities, and 112,000 YouTube views with 7,600 watch hours, the journey has been incredible!

This year, expect fresh content, new guests, and a twist—some of them will even be interviewing me! As we celebrate personal milestones (I’m turning 50 and we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in 2025), we’re excited to keep bringing you real, 'unarmored' discussions. Stay tuned!

Support the show

• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
• Mario's Socials: Parade Deck
• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
• Email: [email protected]

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What if life’s toughest challenges could be transformed into hope and inspiration?

Meet James and Jess Ash, a resilient couple who embody strength and compassion. James, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, channels his upbringing into empowering others through self-defense, while Jess, a physician assistant and adventurer, takes on physical challenges to better understand her patients. Together, they created the Unbroken from the Ashes podcast, blending their love for adventure with a commitment to making a positive impact.

When James was diagnosed with cancer, they faced the news with courage and faith, embracing both traditional and alternative treatments, and making lifestyle changes that aligned with their values. Their journey is a testament to the power of mindset, community, and support. Gratitude became their guiding light, inspiring them to share their story and life lessons with their sons and others facing similar trials.

Join them on their journey to discover how faith, resilience, and a positive outlook can turn life’s darkest moments into opportunities for growth. Tune in and leave with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

Guest Links:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnbrokenFromtheAshes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558352377130

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
• Mario's Socials: Parade Deck
• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
• Email: [email protected]

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What happens when a distinguished Marine Corps Colonel transitions to civilian life?

In this episode of the Unarmored Talk Podcast, retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Shuster shares his journey from a 33-year military career to civilian life. He discusses the emotional and financial challenges of this transition and the importance of handling obstacles with composure.

Mark also explores the often-overlooked struggles veterans face, such as identity loss and depression, comparing past and present support systems. With practical advice on reading, networking, and building a personal support network, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating major life changes.

Video Clip: https://youtu.be/ZXkfyLCtwhI

Guest Link:
Mark Shuster’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshuster24/

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
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How do you choose between a remarkable military career and putting family first?

Keyth Pankau, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, shares his journey from serving in Fallujah with the Navy Seabees to leading humanitarian missions after Hurricane Katrina. Despite a passion for disaster response and crisis management, Keyth’s most defining moment came when he prioritized his daughter’s future over his career.

In this Unarmored Talk podcast episode, Keyth reflects on the emotional challenges of this decision and the lessons he learned about leadership, sacrifice, and identity. We explore how his faith and values provided clarity during one of the toughest choices of his life and how stepping back from the Coast Guard allowed him to embrace his role as a father. His story is one of service to his country and his family, with profound insights for anyone facing a difficult crossroads.

Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Visit Keyth's socials here: https://www.paradedeck.com/creator/8r1z5qdi

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• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
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 🤔Can Mindset Truly Transform a Life?

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Demetrius Thigpen, also known as Meech Speaks—a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, acclaimed motivational speaker, and the host of the Talkin' Crazy Podcast.

Demetrius's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, change, and the influence of effective leadership. In this episode, he candidly shares his evolution from being labeled a "shitbag Marine" to becoming a top-tier performer. His story offers profound insights into how a mindset shift can completely redefine one’s life path.

We also take a trip down memory lane, recalling our past meeting in Southern California, and dive into the unique bonds within the Marine Corps and content creation communities.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with valuable lessons on purpose, persistence, and personal transformation with Meech Speaks!

Guest Links:
-Talkin' Crazy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkin-crazy-podcast/id1456021838
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meech.speaks/
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrius-thigpen-84697922b/

Support the show

• Watch: Unarmored Talk Playlist
• Mario's Socials: Parade Deck
• Support My Nonprofit: Still Serving, Inc.
• Email: [email protected]