PODCAST · society
The Step Sergeant Podcast
by Timothy Hunsaker, Erik Hunter, Naseem Johnson
Real stories from both sides of the enlistment desk. From unexpected MEPS mishaps and unforgettable first impressions to hard truths and personal reflections, we cover it all. Whether it's a recruit who joined on a whim or a recruiter juggling quotas and chaos, every story reveals something real about the journey into military life. Honest conversations, Unfiltered opinions. Stories you won’t hear in a briefing. Subscribe now and hear the side of service no one talks about but everyone remembers
Episodes
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Pepsi Naval Fleet, Geriatric Slayer, DEFAC Upgrade
In this episode of The Step Sergeant Podcast we talk about how Pepsi co had a deal with the Soviet Union in the 1900's where they exchanged Vodka for Pepsi and then actually trades a decommissioned naval fleet to Pepsi in exchange for Pepsi! As always we get into Promote or Demote and have some...
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Death by Molasses, Icy Hot Jerk Off, Itchy Condoms
In this episode of the Step Sergeant Podcast, we have a story that takes us back to the early 1900's when there was a horrible molasses disaster in Boston resulting in hundreds injured and 21 dead. With the questions how soon is to soon to make jokes about something like this? We then jump into...
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Wild Airport runs, The Honey Pack mix, Tech Vs AGR
In this episode we have two incredible guests that join us while to tell us about their military experiences and what lead them to becoming recruiters. In this episode we also talk about Federal Tech jobs and AGR jobs. we then switch it up and tell wild stories about things that we have had…
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MSG KP, Return Fire with a Chub and GTA 6
In this episode of the Step Sergeant Podcast, we have our very first guest on the show MSG KP. We change things up a bit and start with a brief interview of MSG KP and his career and opinions on various topics. Then jump into Promote or Demote with some great stories shared by listeners. After…
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Money, DS Stories and Media news
In this episode we talk about Money and what you would do if you find a wallet VS just cash on the ground that is unclaimed. We also get into some great Promote or Demote stories and hit some interesting topics in the news round.
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Life Auction, MEPS Mistake, New Mil Medical
In this episode we talk about an interesting story about a man that wanted a fresh start, so he auctioned his whole life, House, Cars, Jet ski, Job and friends. We also get into some fun promote or demote stories and talk about crazy MEPS mistakes. Then take things to the news round to learn…
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Aussie Bird Army, Poop Ninja and The Broad Abroad
In this episode we start with a story from 1931 in Australia involving the farms, the Australian Army and Emu. We then jump right into Promote or Demote with lots of fun stories. Which then takes us to our news round with some wild and hood rat news for your listening or viewing pleasure.
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The Cobra Effect, Farts and Waterboarding at basic
In this episode of The Step Sergeant Podcast we talk about The Cobra effect and how it got its name. We also have some great Promote or Demote stories like The Duffle bag Relay Gone Wrong, Fart Sniffer, Waterboarding at Basic and much more. For our news round we talk about start up companies vs...
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First SGT Encounter, Bad Lube, Life changing Tweet
In this episode we enjoy a wild deployment story from a listener that talks about how he helped out his First Sergeant with a personal matter. Got some great Promote or Demote stories and an interesting news round that include a OF model and a twitter post that went viral.
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Cold war saves, Whopper with cheese and drones
in this episode we start with a story from the cold war and then get straight into Promote or Demote to talk about promises made that were not kept to standard by your Drill plus some others and then talk all about drones and the new uses the US Military is testing them for.
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Leech Dick, Lick n Stick Chem Light and Tree Rights
In this episode we talk about if it is your employer's responsibility to provide you with fulfillment or if a paycheck is enough. We share some great Promote or Demote stories and have a discussion about trees, how they benefits humanity and if they should have rights like people and animals.
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Expensive Games, The Clue Tree and A Battle Llama
From talk about a game that cost way to much money and is honestly just a flex. To Drill Sergeants and Drill Instructors doing their thing. We also have a Cadet that is a "True Shitbag" and A Llama that attacks a First Sergeant.
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McDonald Monopoly, Peacocks on Post and Beards
In this episode you will hear a story about McDonalds old Monopoly game with the opportunity to win up to a million dollars. With all the random rabbit holes of the conversation, We then talk about the random animals Soldiers have had while on deployments. We then jump to our news round and talk...
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Those Only In Military Conversations
In this episode we hear about wild stories from a lottery winning community to coping with humor while on deployments or searching the aftermath of an explosion to find specific body parts as part of a ongoing bet and so much more from religion to other political things.
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Note to Pre-Bootcamp Self, Hot loads and More
In this episode we talk about what we would say in a letter or a message to ourselves before we went to boot camp and also talk about what others would have said. Sparks hilarious conversation about missed opportunities and more. Hot loads in the news round and a wild promote or demote stories.
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Military job Proficiency Evals?
Should every military branch have job proficiency evaluations? In this episode, we debate whether service members should regularly prove they can still perform the core skills of their MOS, AFSC, or rating. We discuss readiness, promotions, standards, accountability, and how proficiency testing...
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Challenges of initial entry training
In this episode, we break down the real challenges of Initial Entry Training, from the shock of leaving civilian life to the mental and physical stress of adapting to military culture. Veterans and service members share stories about boot camp, reception, discipline, lack of sleep, homesickness,...
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Military Brochure VS Reality
In this episode we talk about when we realized the Military was not the brochure and why we still stay in even after this realization. We also give some funny stories from promote or demote and talk about how the Coast Guard is initiating a fitness test.
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Patience, Tolerance and Aphrodisiac
Does the military actually make you more patient… or does it just force you to become more tolerant? In this hilarious and thought-provoking episode of the Step Sergeant Podcast, we break down the difference between patience, tolerance, and surviving military life without completely losing your...
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Funny Stories and Military Promotion SNAFU
In this episode, we dive into funny military stories and promotion SNAFUs that prove things don’t always go as planned in the chain of command. From paperwork errors and last-minute changes to unexpected promotion mishaps, we break down the moments where military promotions went sideways. Expect…
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Does Rank Equal Competence
Does rank actually equal competence in the military? In this episode, we break down one of the most debated topics in military leadership and culture. From junior enlisted learning on the fly to senior leaders making tough calls, we explore the gap between rank, experience, and real-world...
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Military Skills That Lead to Civilian Careers
I this episode we talk about all the skills a variety of Military jobs give you and how they actually help you get that Civilian career your looking for when you get out of the Military. In this episode we also talk about the age change for all new Army recruits, changes to requirements for drug...
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Creative Military Punishments
Not all punishment in the military involves pushups sometimes it gets a lot more creative. In this episode, we break down the most creative military punishments service members have seen or experienced. From bizarre corrective training to unforgettable “learning experiences,” these moments walk…
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Funniest Thing A Higher-up Ever Said With A Straight Face
In this episode, we dive into the funniest things a higher up ever said with a straight face, featuring real military stories, leadership moments, and unforgettable quotes that had everyone trying not to laugh.
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Harmless Military Pranks
Every unit has them the harmless pranks and unofficial traditions that every new guy or girl walks straight into. In this episode, we break down the funniest military initiation pranks, classic boot mistakes, and the time-honored ways units welcome new members into the fold. From ridiculous…
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Dear Civilians
In this episode, we talk about the one thing service members wish their civilian friends truly understood. From unspoken trust and dark humor to shared struggle and everyday realities, this is the side of military life that’s hard to explain but impossible to forget.
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Writing Essay's In The Military
In the military, sometimes the punishment isn’t pushups… it’s writing an essay. In this episode, we talk about the classic corrective training method of writing essays in the military the ones about discipline, accountability, respect, and whatever topic leadership decided you needed to reflect…
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Best Ways To Get Out Of Work
Everyone in the military has at least one story about the best ways to get out of work whether it was perfectly timed appointments, disappearing during motor pool Monday, volunteering for the “right” detail, or mastering the art of looking busy. In this episode, we break down the funniest and…
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Biggest Military Regret
Every service member has at least one moment they wish they could go back and handle differently. In this episode, we talk about the biggest military regrets the missed opportunities, the chances not taken, the words not said, and the decisions that stuck long after the uniform came off. From...
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Best Military Nicknames
Nicknames in the military aren’t chosen… they’re earned. And sometimes unfortunately permanent. In this episode, we break down the best military nicknames the legendary ones, the brutally honest ones, and the ones that stuck for all the wrong reasons. From boot camp and the barracks to…
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Dumbest Reason You Had To Do Pushups
Everyone in the military has done pushups but the real question is why. In this episode, we break down the dumbest, most ridiculous, and completely pointless reasons service members had to do pushups. From someone else messing up, to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, to leadership just...
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Military Habits You Can’t Break After Service
Our military service may end, but the habits never leave. In this episode, we dive into the weird military habits veterans and service members still have long after serving from walking too fast everywhere, sitting with your back to the wall, scanning exits, eating like you’re still on a 5-minute...
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A Military Rule That Exists Because Someone, Somewhere Messed It Up
Every rule in the military exists for a reason… and usually that reason is someone absolutely screwed it up. In this episode, we break down the most ridiculous, over-specific military rules, regulations, and policies that clearly came from one legendary mistake. From uniform rules that make no...
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Military Traditions That Make No Sense But We Still Defend Them
Some military traditions make absolutely no sense… and we will defend them anyway. In this episode, we break down the most confusing, outdated, and questionable military traditions. From rituals passed down “because that’s how it’s always been” to customs that sound insane to civilians but feel...
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Weirdest Skill the Military Accidentally Taught You
The military teaches you a lot leadership, discipline, teamwork… and some extremely strange skills you never signed up for. In this episode, we break down the weirdest skills the military accidentally taught service members. From sleeping anywhere, eating an entire meal in under two minutes, and...
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The Weirdest Things That Became Normal After Joining the Military
The military has a way of turning the strangest things into everyday life and it happens way faster than anyone expects. In this episode, we talk about the weirdest things that became completely normal after joining the military. From group living and strange schedules to yelling, waiting, field...
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Terrible Military Advice: The Worst ‘Helpful’ Tips
The military is full of advice, some of it life-changing… and some of it absolutely useless. In this episode, we break down the worst military advice service members were ever given, the kind that was meant to be helpful but only made things harder, more confusing, or straight-up hilarious. From...
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Confidently Wrong
Every unit has that moment when someone says something with absolute confidence… and it’s completely wrong. In this episode, we’re breaking down the most confidently incorrect statements ever heard in uniform, from bad gear advice and wild regulations to leadership myths, barracks science, and...
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Drill Sergeant Quotes We’ll Never Forget
If you served, there are certain things your drill sergeant or instructor said that you never actually forgot; they just live rent-free in your head forever. In this episode, we break down the most unforgettable drill sergeant phrases from boot camp and initial training — the ones that still pop...
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Enlistment Fears The Truth Behind What Recruits Worry About
Before you ever step on the bus to MEPS or ship to basic, your mind does a full ruck match. This episode dives into the biggest fears people had before joining the military. The funny ones, the dramatic ones, and the ones every recruit secretly googles at 2 am. From "What if I can't make it…
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Hilarious Military Moments & The Best Soldier Excuses
In this episode of the Step Sergeant Podcast, we dive into the wild, creative, and absolutely ridiculous excuses soldiers and service members have come up with to avoid formations, PT, tasks, details, or explaining why they suddenly disappeared for 3 hours on a “quick errand.” From “my alarm…
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Embrace The Suck
In this episode of the Step Sergeant Podcast, we break down the most painfully accurate, brutally honest, and unintentionally hilarious phrases that define military life. From the legendary “Hurry up and wait” to the eternal “Embrace the suck,” we’re talking about the lines every service member…
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Biggest Shock After Joining the Military
Everyone’s got that one moment when they realized the military wasn’t quite what the recruiter made it sound like. For some, it was the first 0430 wake-up. For others — it was finding out how much “hurry up and wait” really means. In this episode, we dive into the biggest shocks people had after...
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1st Day at MEPS Doc Camel Clutching My...
Everybody remembers their first day at MEPS. You walk in thinking it’s just paperwork and a physical — and walk out wondering if you accidentally joined a reality show called “Hurry Up and Wait.” In this episode, we’re breaking down what that first day at MEPS is really like — the nerves, the...
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Recruiter Myths & Boot Camp Rumors That Won't Die
Every generation of Soldiers has heard them the wild recruiter myths, the ridiculous boot camp rumors, and the tall tales that get passed down like sacred doctrine. In this episode, we’re calling out the myths that just won’t die: 👉 “Drill sergeants can’t touch you anymore.” 👉 “You’ll get...
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Butt Booty Naked
In this episode, we dive into the raw, unfiltered initiation into recruiter life: discipline meeting chaos, rookie nerves, grey-zone decisions, and the heavy weight of “what do I do now?” We share our opinions on that wild appointment. Whether you’ve served in the station trenches or just know...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real stories from both sides of the enlistment desk. From unexpected MEPS mishaps and unforgettable first impressions to hard truths and personal reflections, we cover it all. Whether it's a recruit who joined on a whim or a recruiter juggling quotas and chaos, every story reveals something real about the journey into military life. Honest conversations, Unfiltered opinions. Stories you won’t hear in a briefing. Subscribe now and hear the side of service no one talks about but everyone remembers
HOSTED BY
Timothy Hunsaker, Erik Hunter, Naseem Johnson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Step Sergeant Podcast have?
The Step Sergeant Podcast currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Step Sergeant Podcast about?
Real stories from both sides of the enlistment desk. From unexpected MEPS mishaps and unforgettable first impressions to hard truths and personal reflections, we cover it all. Whether it's a recruit who joined on a whim or a recruiter juggling quotas and chaos, every story reveals something real...
How often does The Step Sergeant Podcast release new episodes?
The Step Sergeant Podcast has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Step Sergeant Podcast?
You can listen to The Step Sergeant Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Step Sergeant Podcast?
The Step Sergeant Podcast is created and hosted by Timothy Hunsaker, Erik Hunter, Naseem Johnson.
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