Permission To Speak Freely
by Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough
Damon, Damo, and Tisha (active duty CPOs) share sea stories and have unfiltered conversations about current events, policies, and everyday life as a service member.
Episodes
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Episode 205 | "Stuck in Traffic"
PTSF Podcast returns with another hosts-only episode as Damo checks in from Navy Week in Delaware while Damon joins from Fallon, Nevada. The guys kick things off with Damo sharing his experience learning the Navy Ceremonial Guard’s four-man drill, then get into a discussion about healthy…
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Episode 204 | "Oiled Up Abs" (Feat. ENS Beniah Williams)
What happens when a Navy Sailor turns his passion for fitness into a business while navigating the transition from enlisted Sailor to commissioned officer? This week on Permission to Speak Freely, Damo, Aar on, and Damon welcome Ensign Beniah Williams, founder of True Fitness, for a conversation...
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Episode 203 | "Flight Lessons" (Feat. CAPT (Ret.) Barbara Bell, Ed.D)
What does it take to succeed in spaces where people believe you don't belong? In this episode of Permission to Speak Freely, Damo and Aaron welcome retired U.S. Navy Captain Dr. Barbara Bell for a conversation about perseverance, leadership, breaking barriers, and the lessons learned throughout…
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Episode 202 | "Standing in the Gap" (Feat. Captain Marcus A. Canady, USCG)
Captain Marcus A. Canady joins Damon and Damo for a conversation about leadership, connection, trust, and what it means to truly know the people you lead. The conversation centers on Canady’s concept of “Intrusive Leadership,” a leadership style built around intentional engagement with people...
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Episode 201 | "Drink the Kool-Aid?" (Feat. NC1 Corey Brennen)
This week on Permission to Speak Freely, Damon and Damo sit down with NC1 Corey Brennan for a conversation that starts with Navy recruiting and ends up going way beyond it. Corey breaks down what life is really like on recruiting duty, from competing for contracts and managing Future Sailors to...
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Episode 200 | "It's Episode 200"
200 episodes. Damn. Damo, Damon, and Aaron are all together for a milestone episode of Permission To Speak Freely. There’s no big guest and no attempt to turn Episode 200 into another Navy news show. This one is about the podcast. The guys look back at the road from recording in the house to 200...
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Episode 199.5 | "This Should Be an Episode"
Damo and Aaron are back for a guest-free episode covering Navy leadership, quality of life, money, artificial intelligence, and everything that happens when the conversation goes completely off script. The episode begins with a discussion about the latest CNO and MCPON town hall, including Sailor...
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Episode 199 | "Stepping Out on Faith" (Feat. LCDR Kris Hodge & Coby Turner)
Damo and Aaron are joined by retired YNCS Coby Turner and Lieutenant Commander Kris Hodge for a conversation about Navy leadership, career development, family, identity, and life beyond the uniform. Kris shares her journey from enlisted Sailor to Navy officer and discusses mentorship, race…
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Episode 198 | "It's Unfortunate" (Feat. ITC Raven Douglass & HMC Josh Mackey)
In this episode of Permission To Speak Freely, Damo and Aaron are joined by ITC Raven Douglass and HMC Josh Mackey for a wide-ranging conversation about Chief Season, leadership, Navy culture, and the policies shaping today’s Sailors. The crew starts with Chief initiation and debates whether the...
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Bonus | "The Green Ribbon Program" (Feat. Capt Stacy Wuthier)
Captain Stacy Wuthier, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Everett, joins Damo for a conversation about the Green Ribbon Program and how commands can create stronger support networks for Sailors. Captain Wuthier shares her journey from enlisting in the Navy and entering the nuclear power pipeline...
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Saturday Night Live (Feat. OSCS William Morris and Alquin Parker)
What happens on a Saturday night when we’re bored with nothing to do? We go live. Damo and Aaron are joined on IG Live by recent guest OSCS William Morris and one of the show’s OG guests, ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, host of the “Legendary Moments” podcast. The conversation goes everywhere. Mo…
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Episode 197 | "Are You Even Listening?" (Feat. OSCS William Morris)
OSCS William Morris stops by the podcast for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the responsibility that comes with leading Sailors. The discussion covers life in Japan, making Chief while deployed, building future leaders, the value of meaningful checkout conversations, and why...
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Random Access PTSF File
This wasn't supposed to become an episode. A guest canceled at the last minute, but the guys were already rolling. Figured they'd talk for a few minutes before packing everything up. Somehow that turned into conversations about Chief Initiation, being "just an E7," Christopher Nolan, LeBron,...
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Episode 196 | "Embracing The Hate" (Feat. 2K Kenny)
The crew is joined by returning guest 2K Kenny, who is back nearly two years after his first appearance on Episode 136. With Damon away, Damo, Aaron, and Kenny begin by discussing the cost of CMC initiation events, “integrity counting” during the PRT, and the technical difference between a…
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Episode 195 | "Don't Make This Personal"
One of the biggest Navy policy changes of the year is here, and we're breaking it all down. This week, we discuss NAVADMIN 140/26 and NAVADMIN 162/26, covering the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations, grooming standards, and facial hair policy. Joining us is retired Navy Captain…
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Episode 194 | "Answering The Hard Questions" (Feat. Devin Fish)
**Listener Discretion** This episode contains discussions about suicide, mental health, prostitution, pornography, trauma, and religious faith that may be difficult for some listeners. This week, the guys sit down with Army veteran and author Devin Fish, whose memoir, Answering the Hard…
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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...
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Episode 192 | “I Should’ve Read The 1420” (Feat. LCDR Jeffrey "Migs" Migdal)
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by LCDR Jeff “Migs” Migdal. Jeff is a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, prior-enlisted Sailor, and longtime commissioning mentor who has helped countless Sailors navigate the path from enlisted service to the officer ranks. The conversation begins with Jeff sharing…
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Episode 191 | "Seafood Newburg" (Feat. CS1 Hudson Burns)
Damon is out this week, but the show rolls on as Damo, Aaron, and CS1 Burns sit down for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Navy policy changes and leadership lessons to deployment experiences, career growth, and why Seafood Newburg somehow became part of the discussion. We...
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Episode 190 | "Sorry To Bother You"
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…
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Episode 189 | "Palette Cleanser"
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...
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Episode 188 | "You Were Never There" (Feat. Nikki Lozano)
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...
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Bonus | "This is Our Reality"
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…
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Episode 187 | "Out The Mud" (Feat. CDR Desmond Walker & CDR Frank "Siri" Bonner)
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...
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Episode 186 | "Submit an ETP" (Feat. Capt. Charles Harmon & NCC Joey Sawyer)
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,...
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Bonus | "Letters to Myself" (Feat. Dr. John P. Cordle)
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...
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Episode 185 | "Submariner or Submariner?" (Feat. CMDCM Jacob Green)
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…
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[Reflash] FLTMPS Stalkers x "Press 100 Now!" (Feat. ABCM [Ret.] Alquin Parker)
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...
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Episode 184 | "Your First Dirtbag" (Feat. AZ2 Makel Jackson)
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...
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Episode 183 | "A Whole Situation" (Feat. CMDCM Aquinor Hollingsworth)
About our Guest: Master Chief Hollingsworth, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 October 1998 after graduating from Alcee Fortier High School in 1998. She attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Cryptologic Technician...
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Episode 182 | "I Deleted Uber"
No Aaron. No guest. No worries. Damon and Damo were built for an impromptu episode. LOL. Damo starts by reflecting on an event he held with a small group of Sailors at his command. Somehow, that leads to a conversation about restricted barracks. Are those even still a thing? Damo has been working...
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Episode 181 | "Don't Be Weird" (Feat. CDR Charles Ferguson)
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by CDR Charles Ferguson. CDR Ferguson is an active duty Navy Chaplain and the author of the book Presidential Seclusion. The episode begins with the hosts sharing their thoughts about recording the podcast during Operation Epic Fury. They discuss how the conflict...
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Episode 180 | "I've Been To One of Your Rodeos" (Feat. NC1 Alex Sewell)
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by NC1 Alex Sewell. Damo opens with smoke for Aaron over the lack of coverage on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson before the guys take a moment to honor his legacy and impact. They also give flowers to retired CSCM William Foster for the run of the “Don’t…
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Episode 179 | "Cleared"
The episode opens with a lighthearted conversation about Valentine’s Day plans before shifting to the Super Bowl, which, despite best efforts, felt underwhelming. The commercials did not deliver either, but the halftime show definitely sparked discussion. With J. Cole releasing his…
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Episode 178 | "The One About EOOWs"
Coming off of a major winter storm on the East Coast, Damon and Damo get a bit nostalgic. Enjoy. 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 PTSF Theme Music:...
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Episode 177 | "I Was a Good Sailor, I Promise" (Feat. Madison Farr)
Joined by Madison Farr, Damon and Damo sit down for a wide-ranging conversation on accountability, leadership, and the lasting effects of how Sailors are treated after mistakes. The episode opens with a brief check-in and an apology for a previous error before Madison shares her experiences in…
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Episode 176 | "Pure Nightmare Fuel" (Feat. Frank Rice Jr.)
About our Guest: Frank Rice Jr. is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and founder of FJR Films, blending over two decades of military leadership with cinematic artistry. A U.S. Navy veteran and Tyler Perry Dreamers Collective Top 100 Finalist, Frank has collaborated with a range of production...
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Episode 175 | "BCA Challenged" (Feat. ITCS Troy Johnson)
***PLEASE READ** **CORRECTIONS** Correction 1: “Weight measurements are required for ALL SAILORS regardless of Step-1 outcome.” - From PRP Guide-4. (Dec 2025) Correction 2: “Waist measurements are to be measured at the umbilicus (belly button) from the right side of the body, keeping the tape...
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Episode 174 | "You Can't Make This Shit Up" (Feat. Marc Tinaz, CDR, USN, Ret)
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…
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Episode 173 | "When the Door Opens" (Feat. April Beldo-Lilley, FLTCM Ret.)
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...
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Episode 172 | "The Quick and Dirty"
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...
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Episode 171 | "That's When It Happened" (Feat. OSC Kenneth Batchler)
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...
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Bonus Episode | Generalization Vs Generalization
Aye, no long talk! Just check out this bonus episode. We love y'all and appreciate your continued support. Music featured: “Gotta Do It” by Big K.R.I.T. Courtesy of Big K.R.I.T. / Multi Alumni / EMPIRE All rights belong to the original artist.
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Episode 170 | "I'm Here to Double Down"
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...
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Episode 169 | "I Will Break You!!"
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...
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Episode 168 | "The Greats Know The Greats" (Feat. AOCM Ret. Tyese Pressley)
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...
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Episode 167 | "Apolitical?"
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…
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Episode 166 | "Somethin' To Say"
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...
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Episode 165 | "The Pursuit of Excellence"
As I was prepping these episode notes, I got a call about a matter concerning my Sailors that I needed to address. With that said, enjoy these ChatGPT-generated notes and enjoy this episode. You'll see very early in the episode that we put our hearts into it. - Damo Episode Description: This...
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Episode 164 | "What's a Vibe?" (Feat. Charles Johnson)
This episode starts with the epitome of locker room talk, as Damo questions whether his latest decision at the gym means he’s getting old. Damon recaps his experience listening to Episode 163, and the guys catch up on their weeks. Admiral Alvin Holsey recently announced his retirement in a story...
About this show
Damon, Damo, and Tisha (active duty CPOs) share sea stories and have unfiltered conversations about current events, policies, and everyday life as a service member.
Hosted by
Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough
Categories