Damon, Damo, and Tisha (active duty CPOs) share sea stories and have unfiltered conversations about current events, policies, and everyday life as a service mem...
Episode 135 | "Adapt or Die" (Feat. LCDR James Ball)
We are joined by “The People SUPPO,” LCDR James Ball. Damo opens up by admitting a mistake he made in our previous episode. Are sneakers the key to leadership? Damo vents a bit about frustrations stemming from recent events and why he doesn’t talk about politics. Politics vs. Humanity becomes a topic of the conversation. Damo shares his thoughts about Elon Musk. Congratulations to NSA Annapolis for winning the Regional Installation Excellence award for Naval District Washington for the second year in a row! Rest in peace to ENAVFIT; it’s been a short and horrible run. Is Wi-Fi beneficial for morale on deployments? President Trump promised to bring back troops removed due to Covid, but will they want to return? LCDR Ball talks about why he joined and his early years as an enlisted Sailor in the Navy. He speaks about the three people that he wanted to show that he can be successful. James compares Carrier life to Cruiser life and reflects on his favorite command. He details his fitness journey from beginning to work out to competing in and winning multiple bodybuilding competitions. He talks about diet during and meals after competitions. JB outlines his retirement plans. Damo reflects on his past weight loss journey. Damo asked LCDR Ball about his leadership philosophy, as he shares his own. LCDR details his worst experience as a leader. James gives his “Do Better.” 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 and more from the episode:
DEI - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/
Telework - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/
Regional Installation Excellence - https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/News/News-Detail/Article/4040183/nsa-annapolis-wins-2024-ndw-installation-excellence-award-moves-to-navy-wide-co/
NAVFIT Modernization - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2025/NAV25012.txt?ver=w5vO8IUh_Bmw9R2mpWoTmg%3d%3d
Troops Released due to Covid Offered to Return - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/20/trump-promises-to-bring-back-troops-booted-for-refusing-covid-vaccine/
Book of the Week:
Damo - Good Energy (Casey Means, MD/ Calley Means) https://www.caseymeans.com/goodenergy
LCDR Ball - The Motive (Patrick Lencioni) https://www.tablegroup.com/product/themotive/
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0
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2:35:30
Episode 134 | "A Preponderance of Evidence" (Feat. Paul Kingsbury)
Paul Kingsbury is back. This time, he’s filling in as a guest host. He starts by asking Damo about what’s currently happening in the Navy. He asks about Culture of Excellence 2.0. An indoor inauguration is a rare occurrence in our nation’s history. The cast talk discusses its significance and the expectations for Carrie Underwood’s ‘America The Beautiful’ performance. Lloyd Austin says farewell from the SecDef role. We solute his accomplishments, but Damo has some issues with something that he did during his tenure. What should we know about Pete Hegseth? Two new aircraft carriers have been announced: The USS George W. Bush and the USS Bill Clinton. People have jokes already. Are Aircraft Carriers becoming obsolete due to recent advancements in technology? The cast highlights the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments. They also discuss how his form of leadership can be impactful in the present day. The crew dives into ALNAV 001/25, what it means for sexual harassment reporting and the impact these changes have on Commanders, victims, and offenders. Where will PTSF land if TikTok is banned? Damo has an issue with social media food critics. Why don’t people speak out about toxic leaders during investigations even though they all know what’s going on? Damo plugs the ‘Childcare Aware’ program. A Commanding Officer was recently fired - do we need to know why? 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 and more from the episode:
Legendary 30 - https://legendary30.com/
Women’s Wellness on the Waterfront - [email protected]
Inauguration Day - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inauguration-schedule-2025/
Farewell Remarks by SecDef - https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4033764/farewell-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-as-delivered/
Navy Names New Carriers - https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/4029358/navy-names-2-future-carriers-after-presidents/
ALNAV 001/25 - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2025/ALN25001.txt?ver=MYJcz_3gHkpNvolkmRQT9A%3d%3d
Childcare Aware - https://www.childcareaware.org/
Book of the Week:
Why We Can’t Wait (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0
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2:17:55
Episode 133 | "The Universal Language" (Feat. MUCS Jeremy "JB" Bustillos)
MUCS Jeremy “JB” Bustillos joins Damo and Tish. He’s a 27-year Senior Chief Petty Officer whose outside Navy accomplishments include tours in multiple major arenas, including Madison Square Garden and a No. 1 selling Blues album. Coming off of a season to celebrate, there are always those we must also mourn. Fire in LA and snow in the northeast; the team covers some of the major weather stories of the season. What would you put in your “emergency preparedness kit”? Where were you during the “Great Toilet Paper War” of 2020? Some Bidet stuff starts, but Damo quickly exits the conversation. Should temporary housing be available for Sailors who receive BAH but need to look for housing after they report to a command? Damo urges leaders to stop holding mandatory events on holidays. ALNAV 001/25 was recently released. We will discuss changes in a bit more length in our next episode. JB clears up some misconceptions about advancement in the MU rating. Is it difficult to crossrate to become a Navy musician? What instruments have Damo played in his life? Does Tisha have a musical background? How’s MU A-School? What jobs do Navy Musicians pursue after they retire? Do musicians get in trouble for making mistakes during performances? How do MUs compete for evaluations? Tish and JB discuss their favorite personal music moments. JB talks about a few of his “worst days” as a Navy musician. Damo asks JB about his accomplishments outside of his military uniform. JB expounds on his career path and talks about his family of seven. He speaks about the most impactful commands he’s been to in his 27-year career. How long does it take an MU to make Chief? Will the Senior Enlisted Marketplace be beneficial for Navy musicians? Damo talks about whether he has any plans when it comes to music. JB joins the #DoBetter segment.
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 and more from the episode
Jeremy “JB” Bustillos’ Social Media & More:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jbharpnsax/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica/
Navy.mil - https://www.c7f.navy.mil/band/band-leadership/assistant-director/
Jeremy’s Podcast ‘Same As It Ever Was’ - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/same-as-it-ever-was/id1504319945
Book of the Week:
Lead Like Lasso (Marnie Stockman, Ed.D & Nick Coniglio) - https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0
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2:41:40
Episode 132 | "A NAVADMIN to Unwrap..."
Shout to all of our followers and supporters. Thank you for a great year! Damon and Damo are back to close out the year. The guys catch up on their respective holidays. In dire need of advice, Damo brings up relationship dynamics to Damon. Right before Christmas, news of a government shutdown had some people concerned. Damon is finally convinced about life outside of this planet. NAVADMIN 255/24 was released before the holidays. This one is about Billet-Based Advancements - the guys take a deep dive. He may also believe that AI is going to take over the world. What the hell is going on in the Red Sea when it comes to these friendly fire incidents? Do you know what to do if you see a drone flying over your installation? The USS George Washington is taking precautionary measures when it comes to alcohol following a few deaths in a matter of days. Tom Cruise was awarded a top honor from the US Navy for his contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps. The guys switch gears and discuss Kendrick Lamar’s recently released surprise album, ‘GNX.’ How were those Christmas games on Netflix? The guys give Beyonce her flowers. The guys discuss taking chances, not giving tips, and what they would tell a younger version of themselves if they had the opportunity. Damon questions if the military is failing in our approaches to suicide prevention. Damo reads a listener’s #DoBetter and Damon provides one of his own. The guys have a special movie review for this episode. Y’all remember those? 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 and more from the episode
Government Shutdown Update: https://nlihc.org/resource/congress-passes-funding-deal-and-disaster-aid-package-prevent-government-shutdown
NAVADMIN 255/24 (Billet-Based Advancements): https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24255.txt?ver=iAry9Hr5TRS54TXRA3yDSA%3d%3d
BBA NAVADMIN Fact Sheet: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/FACT_SHEETS/Fact_Sheet_NAV_255_24.pdf?ver=5uaM6idbLELqyWwL1fE5ng%3d%3d
BBA Handbook: dvidshub.net/r/bm8asv
Uss Gettysburg https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/2-navy-pilots-shot-red-sea-friendly-fire/story?id=117025025
Drone Incursions. https://www.twz.com/news-features/multiple-drone-incursions-reported-over-marine-corps-base-camp-pendleton
Alcohol is banned on the GW. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/12/04/alcohol-banned-for-uss-george-washington-crew-following-sailor-deaths/
Tom Cruise Gets Top US Navy Honor https://apnews.com/article/tom-cruise-top-gun-navy-honor-britain-973f508e7d1359f5f473a6697c3e5984
Movie Review
The Six Triple Eight (Tyler Perry) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81590591
Book of the Week
Black Veteran Entrepreneur (Mike Steadman/ Alana Abernethy) - https://www.amazon.com/Black-Veteran-Entrepreneur-Validate-Greatness-ebook/dp/B0BHV5799B
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0
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2:56:38
Episode 131 | "Slow Pulling the Exam Pack"
Damo is delighted with his recent experience with sleep therapy. Damon just finished INSURV on his Aircraft Carrier. Damo gets back in his “tin foil” bag and brings up aliens again to Damon. Damo talks about receiving his first DEOCS. Damon and Damo discuss how they spent Thanksgiving. The guys discuss what they are thankful for this year in the Navy. What is the “worst” rank in the Navy? Have you seen that graphic going around about upcoming changes in the Navy? The guys discuss these changes and why they waited so long to bring the topic up. NAVADMIN 242/24 was released, marking a major change to the Navy’s PFA process. The Pentagon recently dropped 51 disqualifying conditions. The latest annual suicide list has been released by the DoD. AFFF is being sunset due to its toxic nature. NFCU is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Another Chief was caught stealing military equipment. How can Chiefs that steal retain respect at their commands? Damon has a question about the concept of “change” and what that looks like for a servicemember. The guys discuss their weekly approaches to leadership. The guys share the latest #DoBetter from a listener along with a few of their own. Damo finally finished “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and is here to share his review. 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 and more from the episode:
Drake vs. The Industry https://apnews.com/article/drake-lawsuit-umg-d36b719ed62009c01f09d949b1032c25
Aliens in the Ocean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCCVK1i0TjE&ab_channel=WACHFOX
New PRT Navadmin: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24242.txt?ver=1_AQJjkprVGMF2v-ZMok9Q%3d%3d
Pentagon Drops 51 Disqualifying Conditions https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/10/31/pentagon-drops-51-disqualifying-conditions-as-part-of-recruiting-push/
Houthis Attacking Destroyers https://news.usni.org/2024/11/12/houthis-attack-two-u-s-destroyers-leaving-the-red-sea-pentagon-says
2025 DoD Suicide Report Released https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3964785/department-of-defense-releases-its-annual-report-on-suicide-in-the-military-for/#:~:text=In%20CY%202023%2C%20523%20Service,have%20gradually%20increased%20since%202011
Rest Well Sgt. Sarah Roque: Why are we killing each other? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sergeant-death-sarah-roque-soldier-charged-murder-missouri-fort-leonard-wood/
Body Of Missing 23-Year-Old Army Sergeant Found In Dumpster, Believed To Be Homicide https://www.wideopencountry.com/body-of-missing-23-year-old-army-sergeant-found-in-dumpster-believed-to-be-homicide/
Removal of AFFF https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-18/pfas-firefighting-foam-military-japan-15884315.html
Navy Fed fined 95 million for illegal overdraft fees https://www.pymnts.com/bank-regulation/2024/navy-federal-credit-union-fined-95-million-for-illegal-overdraft-fees/
Chief Caught Stealing https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/chief-petty-officer-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-military-equipment-and-selling-it-online/291-7aa2bb23-4127-48e8-9685-cfe795c85bec
‘Nah’ to ‘Rah’ is crazy - Marine recruit says nah to ‘rah,’ flees boot camp, gets captured https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/11/12/marine-recruit-says-nah-to-rah-flees-boot-camp-gets-captured/
Book of the Week:
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (James Hornfisher) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/82865/the-last-stand-of-the-tin-can-sailors-by-james-d-hornfischer/
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0
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.
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