Permission To Speak Freely

• Episode 139 | "Leave With Something" (Feat. David Sledge, CWO5, Ret.)

  In this episode of Permission to Speak Freely, Damon, Damo, and Tisha sit down with retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) David Sledge to discuss his 33-year military career. Sledge shares insights into his journey from an E-1 to CWO5, the challenges of transitioning from enlisted to officer, and the mentorship that shaped his leadership style. He also dives into writing books, having a sense of purpose, and raising a family of entrepreneurs. The conversation covers military transitions, leadership lessons, and the evolving culture of the Navy. David reflects on major historical moments like the Rodney King riots, 9/11, and George Floyd’s impact on the military community. They also discuss the struggles of military families, raising children in the service, and how loyalty can sometimes hold service members back from greater opportunities.  About our guest: David Sledge is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) who honorably served in the United States Navy for over three decades, culminating his service in 2023.   Early Life and Education   Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, David’s strong work ethic was influenced by his parents. His mother, Marie Simon Sledge, worked for the state of Alabama for 30 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication and hard work. His father, Nahuman Sledge, Sr., exemplified dedication and perseverance throughout his career as a truck driver from 1969 to 2016.   Military Career   David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1990, embarking on a career that spanned over three decades. He advanced through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5), a testament to his leadership, adaptability, and relentless commitment to excellence. His assignments included serving on multiple ships and at numerous training schools, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise.   Post-Retirement Endeavors   Following his retirement, David founded the Sledge Leadership Group, where he dedicates his time to empowering others through various initiatives and creative endeavors. His passion lies in supporting veterans and making a positive impact on their lives.   Authorship   David is an accomplished author, having published several books that reflect his vast knowledge, experiences, and insights: - Embrace Blessings: Trusting the Process and Finding Purpose - Embrace the Power of Greetings: A Journey of Connection and Inspiration - Leadership Alchemy: Forging Great Leaders - Navigating Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Stress Management, Independent Living Skills, Relationships, Leadership, and Motivation   His work continues to inspire both military professionals and civilians alike, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.   Contact Information •Website: Sledge Collective •LinkedIn: David Sledge •Instagram: greet_one_meet_one_teach_one •Facebook: David Sledge   Additional Credits: PTSF Theme Music Produced by Lim0     Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

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• [Bonus] "You Must Be on Your Period" (Feat. Alana Abernethy, YNCS Ashley Williams, and LCDR Joi Dillard-Houston)

  In this special episode of Permission to Speak Freely, host Tisha is joined by Retired LCDR Alana Abernethy, YNCS Ashley Williams, and LCDR Joi Dillard-Houston for a powerful discussion on women’s health in the military. Despite its importance, women’s health remains a taboo topic, often leading to misinformation, dismissal, and a lack of support. The panel dives into why education on women’s health is lacking, sharing personal struggles with uterine fibroids, miscarriages, and dismissive healthcare experiences. They discuss how generational silence around reproductive health has left many women unprepared and unheard, especially in the military. The episode also explores the challenges of navigating motherhood while serving, advocating for yourself and fellow Sailors, and how male and female leaders can do better. The conversation shifts to holistic approaches, touching on The Period Repair Manual, The Moon Cycle, and the impact of coming off hormonal birth control. Alana shares details about her initiative, Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront, providing resources for women seeking to control their health.     🔹 Key topics covered: •Why women’s health remains a taboo topic •The disconnect between policy and real-life military experiences •The silent epidemic of uterine fibroids •Generational trauma & why families don’t talk about reproductive health •How leadership can better support women’s health needs •The lack of research in women’s medicine & alternative approaches •The experience of coming off hormonal birth control •Alana’s Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront initiative   💡 Resources Mentioned: •The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden https://www.larabriden.com/period-repair-manual/ •The Moon Cycle by Devon Loftus & Jenna Radomski https://devonloftuswrites.com/the-moon-cycle-cookbook   🔗 Connect with Alana: •Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront: https://www.womensholisticcare.com/womens-wellness-for-the-waterfront •Evergreen: https://www.womensholisticcare.com/ • Linktree: linktr.ee/alanaabernethy     🎶 Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” – Produced by Lim0     📌 Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

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• Episode 138 | "What Did You Do Last Week?"

  Damon and Damo are back with another packed episode, diving into some of the biggest stories making waves. They kick things off with a moment of respect for Angie Stone before jumping into the controversial outcome of Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ latest fight. Was it really a loss? The guys break down the fight, the backlash, and what it means for Tank’s future—especially with retirement talk already in the mix. On the military front, leadership transparency takes center stage. Are top military officials failing to communicate the reasons behind major decisions? The guys discuss why clear communication is critical for service members and how secrecy can impact morale. The episode also explores reports that China is developing “super soldiers”, raising concerns about the future of warfare and whether enhanced soldiers could become a reality. The transgender military ban is back in the news as policy changes continue to impact service members. Meanwhile, the guys question how long military podcasts and social media content will be allowed, with increasing restrictions on active-duty personnel sharing their perspectives online. They also dive into leadership culture, discussing whether calling someone “boss” is a term of respect or just reinforcing unnecessary hierarchy. These topics and more are covered in this episode of Permission To Speak Freely.     📢 Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more great content.     💬 Want your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode? Email us at [email protected]     Links and more from this episode:   What Did You Do Last Week Emails https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-what-did-you-do-last-week-goes-out-some-federal-workers/ Trump Zelensky Oval Office Clash https://time.com/7263376/trump-zelensky-oval-office-clash-us-lawmakers-react/ DoD Social Media Scrub https://defensescoop.com/2025/02/27/dod-memo-scrub-dei-content-across-websites-social-media-sean-parnell/ Transgender Troops Prepare for Military Ban https://www.newsweek.com/transgender-military-trump-hegseth-pentagon-defense-ban-2037930 LDO/CWO Results https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2025/NAV25041.txt?ver=RRmMbnSX7Cx8T2VylUNBhw%3d%3d Gene Hackman RIP https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/us/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-santa-fe/index.html Healthcare Flexible Spending Account https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/ Angie Stone RIP https://apnews.com/article/angie-stone-singer-tributes-d5df19e384b03f1fd4094e11321ff4ed Gervonta “Tank” Davis Fight Controversy Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Fight Ends in Controversy China’s Development of “Super Soldiers” China Conducts Tests to Create Enhanced Soldiers     🎶 Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” – Produced by Lim0     📌 Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

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• Episode 137 | "No Time To Waste" (Feat. Coby Turner)

  Damon’s back. Coby pops in. We start with the firing of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We also discuss the DoD letting go of 5,400 probationary employees and share thoughts on the story of a veteran with four tours who got laid off—real situations with real impact. Plus, we’re breaking down the Deferred Resignation Program and what that means for those still serving. We switch gears to discuss the EMPLOY Program for Sailors who can’t deploy but still have value to bring and the latest on expanded VA GI Bill benefits—great info for anyone thinking about their next steps. Damon also opens up about what it was like stepping in as acting CMC—sharing honest lessons on consistency, staying motivated, and how to truly connect with your team, no matter where they come from. Damon was surprised about the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, and the guys discussed Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. We dive into the concept of  “playing the game” in the Navy, whether Sailors should prep their own packages, and how often folks might choose money over personal values—tough but necessary talks. In our “Do Better” segment, we’re setting the record straight on what Ombudsmen are (and aren’t) supposed to do and calling out some corrosion maintenance issues that definitely need some attention. We wrap things up with a quick review of our Book of the Week, “The Cure for Burnout” by Emily Ballesteros, dropping some key tips on avoiding burnout when the pressure is on. These topics and more are covered in this episode of ‘Permission to Speak Freely.’   Check out the links for all the stories we talked about: CNO and Chairman of Joint Chiefs Fired DoD to Fire 5,400 Probationary Employees Veteran with Four Tours Laid Off Deferred Resignation Program Details EMPLOY Program Overview VA Benefits Expansion       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at [email protected]       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Book of the Week: The Cure For Burnout (Emily Ballesteros) - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721779/the-cure-for-burnout-by-emily-ballesteros/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

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• Episode 136 | Heartbreak Songs and Underways (Feat. 2K Kenny)

  RS3 Kendrick Wright, better known as 2K Kenny, checks into the show with Damo and Tisha. He discusses life as a young Retail Services Specialist (RS) stationed in 6th on a Fleet Forward-Deployed Naval Forces ship. He speaks on developing in his role as a barber on the ship and what rate he would have if he weren’t an RS. 2K Kenny talks about the inspiration behind his latest EP, “Pretty Brown Eyes.” He discusses why he decided to join the Navy and what made him choose his rate. Kenny reminisces about growing up in Texas in a family of 10. Kenny asks Damo why he stopped making music. Kenny discusses what started his music journey and the early support of his father. He discusses the marriage between his career in the Navy and his career as a musician. He explains why he calls the military a “cheat code.” He speaks about performing and opening up for Trey Songz. How is 2K Kenny able to record entire EPs while underway? What’s the difference between the in-port and underway writing/song creation processes? How bad are weekend days? Kenny asks Tisha and Damo about what having “rank” feels like. Why does Kenny put so much into care his music videos? The pod discusses the power of “solitude.” 2K discusses his plans to release a gospel project. Kenny gives his superbowl halftime show performance predictions. Damo introduced a new game to Kenny. He gives his current musical influences. Tisha introduces a game, too. Kenny details the growth between his last two projects. What are Kenny’s thoughts about headlining a music concert on his ship?Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.   To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at [email protected]   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Links to follow 2K Kenny: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ofPPFgZgYPtLajjoLtOx6?si=f26HTx2KSFGfxoZG-Ibw4A Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/2k-kenny/1518348938 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqp0kj5XZBAMfb24k_KJbg/community TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2kkenny1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kkenny/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kkenny/     Book of the Week: The Four Agreements (don Miguel Ruiz) - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

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