Episode 193 | "Are You Taking Notes?" (Feat. NCC Que Nelson)

We were definitely UA last week, and we're sorry about that. This week, the guys are back—minus Damon—but joined by NCC Quintavious Nelson (aka Que Nels) to catch up on everything that's happened across the Navy over the past few weeks.   Damo kicks things off with his latest gripe: having to shave every single day. The conversation quickly shifts into the time Que got the pod in trouble around Christmas, which naturally leads into a discussion about his relationship with social media and life as an influencer.   The crew shares their Father's Day After-Action Reports before Damo asks what the big deal is about Love Island? That opens the door to a rabbit hole about the TV shows everyone's watching right now.   Aaron talks about launching his "Standard Bearer" run challenge and reflects on attending his final Corpsman Ball. The release of the E-5 and E-6 advancement results sparks another conversation as Sailors wonder where the BBA results are. That leads Damo to share his thoughts on why some Sailors feel they aren't given enough time to truly learn so many new Navy policies—and what could be done to fix it.   Since it's Men's Mental Health Month, the guys discuss whether it's actually being taken seriously. They also debate whether Barack Obama should have responded after an MMA fighter publicly insulted his wife. Que shares a personal sea story about an experience that completely changed his perspective on mental health.   Damo reminds everyone that Permission to Speak Freely has always been a lifestyle podcast—not just a leadership show. Que then dives deeper into his journey as a social media influencer and what he's learned along the way.   Other topics include: Why some of y'all were way too excited about those tropical uniforms? The tragic death of a 21-year-old woman who was thrown from a bungee jump attraction by staff, and whether it was truly an accident. Questions surrounding the recent shooting death aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. A Navy service member stationed in Virginia is being charged after a missing Louisiana teenager was found connected to him in Norfolk. General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. in this week's Highlighting Our Heroes segment. NAVADMIN 140/26 and the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations for facial hair. The Navy's new selection board feedback process, beginning with the latest Chief Petty Officer board, and whether the feedback will actually satisfy those who receive it. Que is asking Aaron and Damo for their thoughts on Career Summary Letters. Aaron discusses stereotypes often assigned to leaders who aren't married. What's really going on with the growing popularity of run clubs? This week's Do Better segment covers: Stop underestimating senior leadership. Establish an ETP task force. Build morale within the Career Counselor community. To wrap things up, Que gives a firsthand review of Project Compass and leaves listeners with an important message about the power of connection. All this and much more on this week's episode of Permission to Speak Freely.       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]     Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast     Stay connected with NCC Que Nelson: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@que_nels?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/que_nels?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qnelsonuint         Links and more from this Episode:   E5/E6 Advancement Results - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/EnlistedCareerAdmin/Advancement/EnlistedResults/Cycle%20271%20AC%20E5_E6%20Quotas.pdf?ver=dyGNaH7uZFB10zh3DBMo3g%3D%3D   Men’s Mental Health - https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mens-health-month/   Woman Dead after Bungee incident - https://www.nbcnews.com/world/south-america/three-instructors-charged-bridge-jumping-death-woman-not-secured-rope-rcna350192   Navy Tropical Uniforms - https://nara.getarchive.net/topics/tropical+white/navy+uniforms   Shooting Death Onboard USS JFK -  https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/06/08/navy-investigating-shooting-death-of-sailor-aboard-uss-john-f-kennedy/   Missing Louisana Teen Found - https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/virginia-navy-norfolk-charged-teen-found-virginia-beach/291-d42d35b9-e7c9-4fa2-bf5e-e3394e760711   NAVADMIN 140/26 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26140.pdf?ver=k-7zlZ6LnqhlJUb9A8mBjA%3d%3d       Hero of the Week: General Daniel Chappie James Jr. - https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106647/daniel-james-jr/       Pick of the Week: Celestine Propechy (James Redfield) - https://miravalshop.com/products/the-celestine-prophecy       PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0