Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

Episode 95 | ”What’s Happening Brother?” Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

First off, Merry Christmas!

The guys kick off this special holiday episode with Christmas vibes! From a holiday song to discussing their Christmas memories as they’ve transitioned from junior enlisted to senior enlisted Sailors. Oh my, how time changes things. Damon and Damo reminisce about their grandmothers who are no longer here. Remember, to cherish your family and cherish these moments. The guys play a round of “All I Want For Christmas.” A lot of new movies have premiered that are worth a little conversation about. Are there any good ones? Are there any really bad movies that were recently released? The rapper, Scarface just did a Tiny Desk concert, accompanied by Mike Dean that provided another classic hip-hop moment for Mr. Brad Jordan. A listener asked for thoughts on why people commit acts of stolen valor. Damo asked if he was wrong about a particular decision he made (or didn’t make) on his last duty day. Go Navy, Beat Army - but we gotta win one? What happened to eNAVFIT? On a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, military housing, BAH, and military came up. The guys decided to address the commentary from that conversation. Damon asks Damo what is his “first take” as a brand new father. Is Navy Federal favoring White applicants over African American applicants for home loans? Do we have time for some end-of-the-year “Do Betters”? What’s this story about a Soldiers on Fort Carson not being able to make appointments before 0900? An update from the last episode regarding the Squadron Commodore of PHIBRON 5 clears up a lot of speculation. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Restricted Hours on Fort Carson - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/29/fort-carson-officer-restricts-hours-mental-health-care-and-other-services-make-time-physical.html

PHIBRON 5 Commodore fired - https://coronadotimes.com/news/2023/12/06/navy-squadron-commodore-fired-after-thanksgiving-eve-dui-hit-and-run/

Second Drill Sergeant found dead in 8 days - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/18/second-fort-jackson-drill-sergeant-found-dead-base-month.html?utm_content=buffercc952&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR2JVyRkFLIxmUX3YGUF9nyg7dKUKg0FC4lgQ69l6i8ccUI1UD8vx18GI6o_aem_AcThacBMkKI2gDCUcJDcDJ8xIWWtq8WVsj1RDmBL4aDgxxtug_ssstropS4mabo5rdc

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Talk Like Ted (Carmine Gallo) - https://www.carminegallo.com/books/talk-like-ted/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Intro Music:

Artist: Robin Thicke

Song: Merry Little Christmas

Album: A ROC Christmas

Label: Roc Nation Records LLC

IMPORTANT:

The holidays aren’t happy for everyone. It’s okay if you aren’t feeling your greatest this season. Please remember that if you are thinking about harming yourself or others, reach out and talk about it. The following are resources if you are considering self-harm or having suicidal ideations:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741

Contains an excerpt of The Joe Budden Podcast, Patreon exclusive episode, “Freezer Burn.”

Oh, By the Way Ep. 13 - Liberty Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

After discussing scams and their warning signs, Damon, Damo, and Tisha debate whether the glorification of liberty can potentially hurt the outlook of Sailors.
If you want to watch/hear full episodes of Permission To Speak Freely, check out our merchandise, or connect with us on social media, please visit our website.
https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Episode 94 | ”Back In My Navy” Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Tish went to go see the new Beyoncé movie. Of course, Damo has some pressure for her fandom. It’s commissioning ceremony season. Congratulations to everyone making their transitions! What’s a food you love that you weren’t introduced to until you joined the military? Damon shows up a little late and fires off from the jump! How old is too old for ‘Big Mama’ to be in the kitchen? Our President just celebrated his 81st birthday. The guys are all cheers but Tisha has some thoughts. Damo puts his B.O.O.K. on an indefinite pause. The trio catches up on each other’s weeks. Damo takes a moment to talk to the social media critics. This transitions into a conversation about a recent incident between the entertainer, T.I. and his son, King. The Navy is testing the idea of letting recruits use cell phones during basic training. Is this a good or a bad thing? Why are troops lying about their service to get girls? An update on Al Pacino and his “baby mama.” The Amphibious Squadron 5 Commodore was fired and the general public doesn’t know why. But, they definitely have a bunch of assumptions. Ivan Snook feels like mustangs shouldn’t exist. Is there any validity to his thoughts? Do Better: Damon doesn’t have a “Do Better” as he is finally appreciative of the Navy Lodge. Damo’s “do better” is him. He speaks about his lack of information for what he needs to do directly after having the baby. Damon discusses the Senior Enlisted Marketplace grading criteria and how he really feels about it. Why is the cell phone carrier required for leave requests? Damo expresses his current struggles with getting qualified on his ship. A few questions from Sailors about MAP, Evals, and a previous episode. These and more topics are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Recruits allowed cellphone usage in boot camp: https://m.facebook.com/story.php/?id=100064746698772&story_fbid=

Lying about your career to get a date is crazy: https://www.navytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2023/12/01/why-some-troops-consider-military-service-a-red-flag-on-dating-apps/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_nt&fbclid=IwAR2vhplFm_D1LndCvSh9nbr05Nu744o9WUysD1Dr7mdAsoDI6rHQRla54IE_aem_Acd2_h_O9VE-Tr4hXK1r1ekmUvDckDhM0lmT545QUHsNYNLJvjlW8_FkJFJGLhheVYE

(Need Damon) Saw Pacino got hit with Child Support: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/al-pacino-agreed-pay-girlfriend-134809121.html

Amphibious Squadron 5 Commodore Fired: https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/12/02/navy-fires-amphibious-squadron-5-commodore/

Critics are saying that the Extremism training was a check in the box: https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/extremism-disinformation/2023/11/30/extremism-stand-down-checked-a-box-with-no-lasting-result-critics-say/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_mct&fbclid=IwAR0hRx368iSYV6nZIkN2YwRExDz6rehX0ibmQb5-71L6wVB0qNYv5eJRlEQ_aem_AdWXx7f2LdtGLQT9UEb1IkJU_bGqpyVmxuqLV06f9zsL8aY6VRzpNxJs3C5odD-4y7g

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Red Rising (Pierce Brown) - https://www.amazon.com/Red-Rising-Book-ebook/dp/B00CVS2J80/ref=sr_1_1?nodl=1&adgrpid=1239149915018541&hvadid=77447036270080&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=67036&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-77447104447034%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=20628_13426635&keywords=red+rising&qid=1701611709&sr=8-1&dplnkId=1f54d726-874a-4901-bba4-cd27b7c89676

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 93 | ”Another Feather in the Cap” Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Congratulations are in order for all of our newly promoted Shipmates!

Since this is the episode before Thanksgiving that won’t be heard until after, the guys and Tish discuss thanksgiving plans that will be memories by the time you hear this. What would it take for you to eat thanksgiving dinner on your ship if you’re not on duty or a member of the Triad? Shout out to the duty sections holding it down and standing the watch during the holidays. Should single Sailors stand duty on Christmas to let their shipmates with children have the day with their families? How much would a “drug deal” like that cost though? With the release of NAVADMIN 277/23, the suspension of high-year tenure is now indefinite. Damo addresses UH Barracks residents stealing from unmanned NEX Micro Mart self check out machines. Somehow this turns into a DRB conversation. The trio discusses President Biden’s recent visit to Norfolk Naval Base. The Navy has been doing a lot better with respecting people’s time while on leave. However, what are some of the reasons why you would want to be bothered while on leave? Is the Safety and Occupational Health manual being phased out? The Navy seeks to raise the allowable limits of accidental whale collisions. The Army is trying to get the people that they kicked out due to refusing the COVID vaccine back. They ain’t coming back y’all. Do Better: Damon - People claiming that veterans will no longer receive a pension because of BRS. Damo - Meta trying to force the Threads app on us. The guys get into the things they are thankful for. Tish reflects on what she appreciates. Damo asks Tish to stand on statements that she made in the last episode. The team discusses getting leadership getting Sailors accolades for their own satisfaction and bragging rights. What’s the hardest trait to work against when it comes to mentorship and development. These and more topics are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

NAVADMIN 277/23: HIGH YEAR TENURE PLUS PILOT INDEFINITE EXTENSION - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2023/NAV23277.txt?ver=NhANfDPuNb2RTARGubq3gQ%3d%3d

Army Recruiting Down Bad - https://www.businessinsider.com/us-army-invites-back-vaccine-refusing-soldiers-amid-recruitment-crisis-2023-11?amp

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 92 | ”Well, Technically” (Feat. YN2 Alonzo Robinson) Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, the trio are joined by active-duty Yeoman Second Class Petty Officer Alonzo “Lonzo” Robinson for a conversation about culture and some differences between Senior and junior enlisted Sailors. Veteran’s Day deals are briefly covered. Congratulations to all Sailors of the Year, but why is Damo so tight? A discussion around the privileges of rank comes up. Should rank have its privileges? YN2 discusses his observations regarding if junior Sailors trust senior leadership. This leads to a conversation about “old school” discipline. Damo asks what are junior Sailors looking for from Senior Leadership. The dynamics of providing correction and being corrected are explored. Lonzo details the negative connotation associated with the phrase, “let’s pull out the instruction.” Were you actually singled out or did you single yourself out? What’s a “Well, Technically” person and how can they impact standards? Lonzo’s “Do Better”: FCPOs that wait until the very last minute to get their records together. Damon asks Lonzo about the cultures that he’s experience during his time in the Navy. Tisha gets a personal with YN2, learning about his life and the reasons why he chose to join the military. YN2 discussed the regulation that he would get rid of if he had the ability to. Detailing Marketplace Assignment Policy (DMAP) is discussed as well as the 30 month time-in-service policy. YN2 turns the tables around and asks Damon, Damo, and Tisha some questions. Damo shares his internal conflict when it comes to initiative vs opportunity. Lonzo asks the podcast what can junior Sailors do for them. The "evaluation conversation" is revisited again. These and more topics are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Keep up with YN2 Robinson on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itslonzo_playa/

Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 91 | ”Sea Daddy” Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

It’s our 3-Year Anniversary! No shots this time but please celebrate with us. 3 years of sea stories and poop tales. The trio begins the episode discussing their most memorable moments of the year. They also talk through some of their favorite episodes and least favorite moments. They discuss the expectations vs the reality of hosting a podcast that is primarily based on military topics. Let’s take a moment to appreciate our listeners and viewers. Flavor Flav sang the national anthem at a recent NBA game. Who had the best National anthem anyway? Do women in leadership hold a higher standard on their subordinates who are also women? Damo asks Damon and Tisha if having children changed their approach to dealing with Sailors who are having issues with their kids. How are single parents valued? Damon makes a major announcement. Be careful out there, this world is crazy. Teslas, toilets and toilet paper are talked about in this week’s do better segment. The army apologized for sending out last minute recruiting orders. A coastguard Chief gets busted for bad “group chat” etiquette. Have you ever been asked to do favors for friends based off your rating / MOS? These and more topics are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 90 | ”I Ain’t Scared” Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Damo and Tisha show up on this Halloween episode. They get right to it starting with a brand new #DoBetter segment. Both of these are focused on the Khaki Ball. Damo had to learn him something about Air Department on the Carrier and give them their flowers. During a recent trip to the Airport, Tisha finds out that she’s been “cut off” from her active duty perks. The USS Carney downed 3 land attack missiles from Yemen. The US Navy has just promoted its first female Senior Chief Mortician. Have you ever felt like your ship was haunted? Tish and Damo discuss the scariest movies they’ve ever seen. Another NAVADMIN about Senior enlisted billets is released, but what’s the difference between this one and the last one? Have you ever used the CO suggestion box? The duo discusses dealing with stinky Sailors. Damo discusses rapper Jeezy’s childhood as a military brat. Courting as an E1 is discussed. These and more topics are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

-USS CARNEY downed 3 land attack missiles from Yemen. https://news.usni.org/2023/10/19/u-s-destroyer-used-sm-2s-to-down-3-land-attack-missiles-launched-from-yemen-says-pentagon?fbclid=IwAR1DcWdFhClkiH-AidqbvH2t7OX5J5oDxzgnFdqaT644UNfQr0Yw74ggkDk_aem_AVxvpXrhGzK6ZjHJbTJtaJBz6piMhYRiOQ8aLZTFWmd14s95nevdYyeS3Bj5B3HHuk&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

-First female Senior Chief Mortician: Jessica Zugzda. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/10/24/navy-promotes-first-female-mortician-to-senior-chiefpettyofficerfbclid=IwAR1Jk2GjsZQXhOzgMLgTyRP2aTQbKueU7oS0hPS27EiVhxBpoXK2XFtF5w_aem_AWHJMhT9TNeYSZnJjeSNoCVVo7N8DB9qHIRqeLqT3XNUGoU8BoDLP9k_-G_W9ciJ968&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

-NAVADMIN 254/23 (Senior Enlisted Billet Optimization): https://forum.navyadvancement.com/topic/9375-fy24-senior-enlisted-assignment-optimization/

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Adversity For Sale: Ya Gotta Believe (Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins) - https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9781400236251/adversity-for-sale/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 89 | ”Crockett and Tubbs” Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

No Tisha on this one as Damon and Damo start this episode talking about RA duty. Damo has an update on the five year old feedback report that he’s been dealing with. The two discusses their most embarrassing moments as Chiefs, that happened in front of junior Sailors. It’s about time to finally address why you always see Chiefs hanging out at the places that they tell you to stay away from. Do Better - Damon: Taskers with unrealistic timelines. Government travel cards with unrealistic timelines. Damon gets personal when discussing his source of pride. Should SKED, OMMS and RADM be prerequisites to making Chief. A Navy Chief attacks his girlfriend at his promotion dinner. Is the Navy headed in the right direction with mandatory leadership training as a prerequisite before being promoted. The guys answer a question from a listener about CSEL packages and their experiences with the process. The guys finally discuss the relationship between the CPO Mess and the Wardroom. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Florida Navy Chief Punches Girlfriend - https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-navy-chief-drunkenly-punches-girlfriend-3-times-at-his-own-promotion-dinner-deputies-say

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Dichotomy of Leadership (Jocko Willink and Leif Babin) - https://echelonfront.com/books/dichotomy-of-leadership/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 88 | ”Come Outside!” Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Damon and Damo start this episode making excuses for why they haven’t released an episode for a while. Tisha joins the episode a little late and adds value to the “excuse” conversation. Happy 248th birthday to the Navy! Rest well to all the Sailors we lost on the USS Cole on 12 Oct 2000. What the hell did Will Smith do to get him in the eternal dog house? Tisha has been doing some very interesting things in her free time. The trio talks about it. Damo talks about the plight of being new at a command when social events are going down. He also takes back his shoutout of the ‘Chow Call” app. Damon takes 60 seconds (or more) to talk about football. Simone Biles is back in the news for being the GOAT! Damo comes to the realization that his greatest weapon is Microsoft Outlook. Have you seen the one TikTok video? You know, where the Sailor is blatantly violating the Electrical Safety program. What are the rates/department that you do not want any smoke with? Is there any better access than the access to qualify people in RADM? The Navy will miss its recruiting goals all around the board this year, with active duty numbers being approximately 7,000 less than our goal. Tisha celebrates 100% disability. Do Better: Damon - The heads at the NGIS and Navy Lodge. Damo - Adults with immature restroom habits. Tisha - a personal do better regarding a realtor in the San Diego area. How important is it to discuss big global news stories with your division? Damo questions the necessity of celebrities to speak out after every issue. A comment from the last episode sparks a conversation. What’s really going on with the Senior Enlisted Marketplace? Is “trust but verify” a dead figure of speech? A lot of comments were left under the CNOs video post about Suicide Prevention awareness. What exactly is it that we can do to help decrease ideations and suicides? A barrage of random questions ensues. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this Episode:

Chow Call Website - https://www.chowcall.net/glue/landing

Navy To Miss Recruiting Goals - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/09/14/navy-will-miss-recruiting-goals-by-7000-sailors-this-year/?

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Tuesday’s With Morrie (Mitch Albom) - https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Morrie-Greatest-Lesson-Anniversary/dp/076790592X

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

The Fan Room - Pizza w/ Wesley Pinkney Oct 14, 2023

Show notes

** Originally released 23 February 2022**

On this episode, Damo sits down with one of his longtime friends and business partner, Wesley Pinkney. Wesley Pinkney is a retired Navy Chief with a really interesting story. He talks about it all from what made him join the Navy, how he was able to retire in only 13 years, and his inspiration behind the Pizza Restaurant in which he founded and owns; Plank Owner Pizza Bar. The two served at three commands together so they quickly breeze through shipboard shenanigans, wax poetic about getting fired from K-Mart, and how hard it was to go to high school when Bow Wow was running the game. There is so much more in this episode, but of course, they talk pizza! If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to review, like, subscribe, comment, and share.

All social media for the Fan Room: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this episode:

Plank Owner Pizza:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/plankownerpizza?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/plankownerpizza

Email (For serious inquiries only) - info@plankownerpizza.com

Wesley Pinkney: IG - https://instagram.com/wespink86?utm_medium=copy_link