Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

The Fan Room - 2021 w/ Angelene McCullough Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

**THIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 1 JANUARY 2021**

Andamo sits down with his wife, Angelene, to discuss all things 2021. They talk about early pain and late victories. They also discuss their top movies, tv shows, and albums (or artists, or songs, or whatever) of the year.

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

The Fan Room - Music w/ Gregory Davidson Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

** THIS EPISODE WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED 1 JANUARY 2022**

Welcome to the Fan Room! In this inaugural episode of "The Fan Room," Andamo "Damo" McCullough sits down with an old friend and fellow music lover, Gregory Davidson. The two discuss music, the Navy, and Greg's life on the road as a sound engineer.

More Information from this episode:

Gregory Davidson's Social Media Profile:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GregDavidson...

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/gdm2020/

The Fan Room - Impact w/ Steven Pierre Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

**PLEASE READ**

New episodes of 'Permission To Speak Freely' will be available soon. In the meantime, we are absorbing all of 'The Fan Room' into all of our PTSF channels. Please enjoy the episodes.

**THIS EPISODE WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED 21 MARCH 2022**

Damo sits with friend and Navy veteran, Steven Pierre. The two discuss "High Year Tenure" and the impact that it had on multiple Sailor's careers. Steven gives a line by line detail on his transition from a Sailor to a civilian from 30 days prior to separation up until today. He talks about being in jail while on terminal leave and how that time had an impact on the rest of the decisions that he made in life. Both of them coming from rough upbringings, they discuss transitioning to become a leader in the Navy and beyond. The two discuss general "impact" and what it means to spread seeds and watch them blossom. These and more topics are discussed in this episode of the Fan Room.

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

Episode 87 | Ballad of John and ”Day-Mo” (Feat. John Quillin) Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Damo and Tisha are joined by retired ABFC, John Quillin. John was one of Damo’s facilitators when he attended his course to be a Command Navy Leader Development Facilitator. John discusses many elements from the Naval Leadership and Ethics command including some of the major exercises and content from the Leader Development courses. Whats the difference between a safe space and a brave space? What’s the importance of understanding the difference between leadership training and leader development? Damo reflects on his experience leading the mandatory “extremist” training. The “George Floyd” era in the Navy is discussed through the perspectives of John and Damo. The term “liberal” is defined. Does everyone have “bias”? A lot of terms from the course were put into real world scenarios going on in our military today. The classic question of “what happens when it gets real” is asked again? John speaks about his blog “Good Enough Dad” and what it means to be good enough. 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:

John’s Social Media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quillin-8911249a/

John’s Book Recommendations:

The Project 1619: A New Origin Story (Nicole Hannah-Jones) - https://www.amazon.com/1619-Project-New-Origin-Story/dp/0593230574

Start With Why (Simon Sinek) - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

Leaders Eat Last (Simon Sinek) - https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 86 | ”Pop-A-Lock” *Fixed Audio* Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

There is no such thing as a podcast without a Beyoncé debate. Here is ours. Are we ready for a Fleet Week in Miami? Should an E2 be driving around in a Tesla? The trio discusses some of the most toxic Navy eras that they can remember. Damon and Tisha debate if Cecily Aguilar’s 30-year sentence was fair or unfair. Damo asks if anyone has ever supported a command sports team. Are there any benefits to going outside of your rate for a package review? The team talks negative stereotypes about their rates and departments. Do Better: Damon - discusses his sleep doctor. Tisha - SoFi or ticket master. “Favoritism” is discussed. Is it once a Chief, always a Chief, right? Is the connection between the CPO Mess and the Wardroom in need of a boost? 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 85 | ”What Do I Do With My Hands?” Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Tisha is actually a part of this episode. It’s just very hard to hear her. CPO Initiation season is officially upon us and Damon discusses feeling disconnected from season events due to his job schedule. Football season is upon us as well! Damon is finally picking Master Chief billets. He explains why he wouldn’t want to serve on the same ship as his son. Do Better: Damo - (1) his ability to shine his boots. (2) Your bad experience is not the Navy experience. Damon - Stop questioning the process. Damo reveals why he removed about 15 minutes for the last episode. Fact: Our young Sailors are survivors. Damo reviews a “Navy centric” app that he recently discovered. Damo recalls his “blackout” experience in Millington, questioning the military’s preparedness when unforeseen circumstances arise. Damon questions the amount of “red tape” that comes into play when you’re trying to make changes. The guys clarify some information from our last episode about enclosures for the “Letter to the Board” submission to ESSB. Rumor Mill for the first time on the pod! Let’s hear what’s the people are talking about on these deckplates. Should CMDCMs get more money? Do they even deserve it? Can an LCPO have 51% of the decision making process in his/her division? The concept of “disconnect” is explored going both up and down the chain of command. The guys address the MCPONs current focus on Chief Petty Officers and the CPO Initiation. 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:

MCPON CPO Initiation Introduction Letter -https://media.defense.gov/2023/Aug/16/2003282009/-1/-1/1/CPO%20INTRODUCTION%20TO%20INITIATION%20LETTER.PDF

MCPON Targeting Hazing to Combat Leadership Problems -https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/29/navys-top-enlisted-sailor-targeting-hazing-combat-leadership-problems.html

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 84 | PRESS ”100” NOW! (Feat. CMDCS Aaron Paul) Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Congratulations to all the CPO Selectees! Remember, you only get ONE season so soak it up and take advantage of the opportunity.

Damon and Damo are joined once again by CMDCS Aaron Paul. Damo and Aaron were both members of the current CPO Selection boards and they are here to tell the tale. Damo’s visit to Millington started out pretty eventful as a storm caused a blackout on the base and all over town. He rushed through the story as he recaps his time in Memphis, highlight restaurants, and the foods that he ate. The guys then get into sitting the Selection board, breaking down the process to the best of their recollection. They discuss their pros and cons regarding the Selection Board Process. What should you be thinking about as you’re planning for your next evaluation report? Is the Career Summary Letter necessary to be submitted with your LTB? Should you split your LTB to give the panel member an easier grading process? “Sustained Superior Performance” vs “Early Promote;” Damo asks Aaron for his opinion of which one holds more weight. Who made Chief within 5 years of going through Mast and being awarded a punishment? Is the “5 Year Penalty Box” a myth? Damon asks if is it possible to give feedback to every “Non-Select.” These topics and more 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:

Board Life Pt. II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgif0zvzKfo

Board Life Pt. II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlHtztMpnJQ

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Oh, By the Way Ep. 12 - The Double Back Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Tisha and Damo hold down this episode, covering a wide range of topics, to include what to expect from our next episode. The cat’s out the bag as Damo confesses that he sat this year’s CPO Selection board and cannot wait to talk about it next week. A Virginia Beach Sailor recently hit the jackpot for 1.8 million. What would you do if you were in his shoes? The power of embracing new initiatives is discussed. Damo asks Tisha how her military experiences have impacted her personality. This leads to a conversation about past jobs and experiences. Tisha brings up the fact that there are people out there married military members for benefits. Why are there so many rumors of infidelity in military households? Well, because unfortunately in a lot of cases, it’s true. Tisha admits that she struggles with tardiness and it trying her best to “do better.” Damo admits that he gets nervous when people that he knows check out the podcast for the first time. The duo speaks about professionalism when it comes to initially greeting senior leadership. Is it over for “technical expertise”?

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

Episode 83 | ”Wow, That’s Crazy!” Aug 13, 2023

Show notes

Tisha is back off of her vacation so the gang is in full form! To celebrate the 50th birthday of Hip Hop, the trio discusses their favorite eras of the music genre. There was a big time riverboat fight in Alabama that everyone is discussing. Is the “ball cap toss” a universal sign of distress? What is your worst (non-casualty related) fear on a Navy Vessel? Damon asks everyone what’s the thing that they sacrifice as they strive to be good leaders. Damo discusses his experience after reaching out to a Facebook group for Electrician’s Mates. Barracks room inspections are pretty interesting, especially when you find plastic bags over smoke detectors. Tisha catches the guys up on what she’s been doing on her break. She also talks about her next moves as she’s officially entering the world as a retired military veteran. A few of last week’s topics are revisited to include IET vs. duty section watches, southern cooking, and Damo’s statement about Chief Petty Officers being “middle management.” Is leadership a “role” or a “mindset”? Big salute to Admiral Lisa Franchetti on her selection as our new Chief of Naval Operations! “The Brandon Act” and the importance of having conversations regarding mental health is discussed. President Biden signed historic order moving prosecution of military sexual assault outside chain of command. With all these Unions being formed, what do we think about military unions? What in the world is going on in Fort Cavazos… now? Damo reviews the “Shellback” application that can be found in the Navy App Locker. Do Better: Damo - Not leveraging his Sailor’s work lists to do favors for fellow Chiefs. Tisha - TMO not understanding the “moving” assignment. Damon - People blindsiding him by tasking his people without reaching out to him first. Was Damo wrong for how he handled a situation with a Sailor during his RA duty? Damon asks are we seeing an end to the CPO Season. PTSF introduces another term, “Gatekeeper.” What is a gatekeeper and why gatekeepers can have a negative impact on their division. Should we be letting our people try to “work us out of our jobs?” These topics and more 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:

First Woman CNO https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2023/07/franchetti-chosen-become-first-woman-lead-navy/388748/

The Brandon Act https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3455609/department-of-navy-implements-brandon-act/

Prosecution of Military Sexual Assault Outside of the Chain of Command https://apple.news/AE093F-TwQ8Gg6c2fgq6q7w

With all of these unions being formed, what are you thoughts on military unions https://www.gao.gov/assets/fpcd-77-55.pdf

Fort Cavazos Soldiers Without Access to Proper Food for Months https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/08/fort-cavazos-soldiers-have-been-without-proper-access-food-months.html

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Revisit: You Owe You (Eric Thomas, PhD) - https://www.amazon.com/You-Owe-Ignite-Power-Purpose/dp/0593234987

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 82 | ”Is Everything Beta?” Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Welp, Football is back! It’s definitely an exciting time of the year for Damon. Another Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) to start of the episode. What do you think is the best command coin?Have you ever wondered what’s it’s like to stand Resident Advisor (RA) watch in the barracks? What does it mean to let “power go to your head” in an organization as structured as the Navy? The term “micromanagement” is discussed. An update on a NAVADMIN that was released and discussed last week. Damo shares his “profound” story. How’s life treating you on that Aircraft Carrier? “Day After Duty” is discussed. Do you prefer “IET” or the normal duty section? Is the era of remote work coming to an end? Who cooks better - People from up north or people from the south? This initiates an age old conversation about who makes the best burger. Two US Navy Sailors were arrested for allegedly spying for China. Is battlestations supposed to be a secret? Damon discusses the woes of aging and trying to stay fit. Do Better: Taking leave to get out of getting underway (Damon), dropping NAVADMINs and programs without much context (Damo). The guys get into a few non-Navy topics, including writing down your goals and most surprising tv or film moment. Words of Wisdom: “The Command will survive without you.” An encounter with an old shipmate leads to a conversation about legacy and leaving a lasting impact on people. The MCPON publishes another “Call to Action,” this one is about Professional and Character development. These topics and more 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:

MCPON’s Call to Action: Professional and Character Development - https://www.navy.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=J-6EPo1JU7A%3d&portalid=1

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)- https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0