Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

”The Hard Way” (Feat. Dean Howell) Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

Damon and Damo are joined by active-duty Command Master Chief and host of ‘The Rising Son’ podcast, Dean Howell. The guys kick it off with a conversation about Dean’s upbringing. From a Harvard University “recruit” to a Navy Recruiting Office, Damo asks Dean what made him “Choose Navy.” This turned out to be an excellent choice as Dean made Master Chief in 15 years. He also spent the greater part of his military career in Japan, where he met his wife and raised his three daughters. Dean is an advocate for Service members maximizing on their talents while still serving our country. The guys discuss alcoholism in the Navy. With Dean being on the tail end of a “75 Hard” challenge, discipline and challenging yourself to fight temptations is a reoccurring theme. How the hell does someone make Master Chief in 15 Years? What the heck does it mean to be in the “right place at the right time”? Why does Damo hate that expression so much? The guys discuss where the Command Master Chief falls in the command’s organization structure. You may be surprised by this. Is the Senior Enlisted Advisor community a separate entity than the CPO Mess? How’s the state of the CPO Mess right now? What can we do to fix some of the negative thoughts about the CPO Mess? Damon wants to know how Dean approaches his Chief’s Mess on Day 1. Dean discusses one of the craziest things that he’s seen as a Command Master Chief. The life of a podcaster is explored. The guys talk the power of “thinking big” and taking risks. Dean dishes some detail on the book that he’s currently working on, ‘H.O.L.D. F.A.S.T.’ which he intends to release later this year. Is the Navy pay system “all jacked up”? How does a CMDCM feel about “CMDCM pay”? Do Command Master Chiefs make enough money? There is so much more in this episode. Make sure you listen until the very end! Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Links and more from this episode:

To Keep up with Dean Howell and The Rising Son podcast - https://linktr.ee/risingsonpodcast

Keep up with PTSF Podcast social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” (Produced by Lim0)

[BONUS EPISODE] ”Destructive Criticism” Mar 12, 2023

Show notes

Seems like we’ve been doing a lot of random things. We hope you’ve been enjoying some of the extra content. Damon is back from vacation and fired up to get back in the gym. Damo is on a pescatarian diet so he’s gonna need some motivation from all of us because he’s struggling already. Tisha had some things to take care of, but the guys have a special announcement to make. Was Damon really almost abducted in Fort Lauderdale, or was it some kind of “ride share” hustle going on? What’s going on in FL? Damon shares his vacation experience. The guys discuss “post leave energy.” What kind of “leave person” are you? Do you need time to adjust or are you giving it 100% on the day you return from an extended leave period. How do you accept criticism? Does the messenger matter sometimes? 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.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

PTSF “Theme Music” (Produced by Lim0)

[BONUS EPISODE] ”Can We Talk About Battle Stations?” (Feat. ITSN Mario A. Litano) Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Tisha and Damo are joined by ITSN Mario A. Litano. ITSN Litano is a recent graduate from the Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. They ask him what made him decide to join the military as a 39-year old married man with children and an already established lifestyle. He discusses his day-to-day experiences while serving as a recruit during the pandemic. Of course, Tisha and Damo wanted to compare boot camp experiences and discusse differences between now and when they went through. These and more topics are discussed on this bonus episode. Enjoy!

Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

[BONUS EPISODE] ”There’s Always A Backstory” Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

Damon is on vacation so Tisha and Damo are holding it down in this bonus episode of "Permission To Speak Freely."

Recently a screenshot of a conversation between a GM1 who appears to be his LCPO surfaced on the internet. GM1 is asking for a "sick day" because he didn't get any sleep due to having to take care of his sick daughter while his wife was taking care of the newborn. Chief wasn't having any of it and told GM1 that he needs to be at work tomorrow. Tisha and Damo read through the text thread and have a "deep dive" conversation about the whole scenario. Stay tuned until the end, there may or may not be an appearance from a very special guest!

Stay tuned until the end, there may or may not be an appearance from a very special guest! Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

”The Harder You Fall” Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

The gang kicks off this episode with a quick “Wellness Check.” It’s been a while since the team connected so Damon, Damo, and Tisha all get caught up on each other’s Valentine’s Days. The NAVADMINs for CMDCM and CMDCS and CWO/LDO were released. Congrats to everyone that was selected. The Army’s “first full time rap artists just started basic training” but what do we think about it? Can you be a stripper and/or have an OnlyFans account if you’re in the Military? This leads to a story about a Command Master Chief that stepped down from his role after receiving some backlash for trying to be just a little too cool. More objects have been seen in the sky. Are we taking these reports seriously? The DoD released a warning against poppy seed intake due to traces of codeine in multiple servicemember’s urinalysis results. Is “physical fitness” in the Navy becoming less of a priority than ever before? NAVADMIN 042/23 is discussed. A larger conversation about leadership responsibility, personal responsibility, and overall health gets a deep dive. Another discuss about “EPs,” Damo plays “Devil’s Advocate” on a few takes. How far away are we from an African American and/or woman Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. The crew discusses maintaining personal relationships with your family while being in the Military. These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this episode:

Army’s First Full Time Rappers

https://coffeeordie.com/army-rap-artists-basic/

Navy Stripper

CMC Told Sailors to “Clap..”

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/05/07/navy-leader-who-told-sailors-clap-were-strip-club-has-resigned.html

DOD Poppy Seed Warning

https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/21/2003164614/-1/-1/1/POPPY-SEEDS-WARNING-MEMO-SIGNED-CONTACT-REDACTED.PDF

NAVADMIN 04/23: Physical Fitness Assessment Failure Reset

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2023/NAV23042.txt?ver=ydPsZ-hLizh4e4PjLGBCWQ%3D%3D

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Rick Rubin)

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

Oh, By The Way Ep. 10 - Leadership Vs. Followers (Feat. SMSgt Kyle Reed) Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

It's no disclaimer in the beginning of this episode. That means "It's UP"!

No, please handle us with care and grace and everything that you would normally handle us with, please. It's "Oh, By The Way." This means we don't do too much explaining about what the episode is about. Just know that this is an organic conversation about leadership with a friend and fellow servicemember; SMSgt Kyle Reed.

Some topics covered in this episode:

- CMSAF Joanne S. Bass.

- Shooting on Post at intruders.

- Social Media Trolls.

- The President picking his nose in a car is used as an analogy for some strange reason.

- ...Leadership. (yeah, that's in this one for sure).

Nuff Said. Enjoy.

But first, here is yet another shameless plug for our socials:

Permission to Speak Freely - Socials: linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

”Flowers” (Feat. Alana M. Abernethy) Feb 18, 2023

Show notes

Entrepreneur/Author/Writer Alana M. Abernethy joins the show again. This makes her our first official “Repeat Guest,” which is another first for Alana! She discusses her life now from where she was the last time we spoke. She talks about her reason for traveling and the joy of being able to travel with zero restrictions. She reflects on an incident with negative criticism due to the title of her recently release book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur,” in which she co-wrote with Mike Steadman. She also talks about the “most important” message that she believes this book conveys. “Muting your femininity” gets a deep dive from Tisha and Alana. Alana reflects on being falsely accused of having a sexual relationship with a junior Enlisted Sailor (by that Sailor). Alana breaks down her Valentine’s Day plans for this year. What is Imposter Syndrome? How’s life with two mother figures? What does treating women unfairly look like? Damo asks Alana about a particular time in which she was accused of giving an African American women a position in her department “just because she was a black woman.” How should Tish have taken that “The People’s Champ” comment? She’s on her own with the “Mafia” talk, huh? A discussion on culture and the importance of establishing connections with people whom you might not naturally gravitate towards. How does it feel to be asked to be the spokesperson for all African Americans? These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this episode:

Keep up with Alana Abernethy:

Get the book Now!

Black Veteran Entrepreneur (Authors: Mike Steadman and Alana Abernethy)

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Veteran-Entrepreneur-Validate-Greatness-ebook/dp/B0BHV5799B

Alana’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alanamabernethy/

Alana’s Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/alanamabernethy

Alana's Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Alana-M.-Abernethy/e/B0865T9T1C%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Listen to ‘Permission To Speak Freely” Episode 51: “Icebergs” (Feat. Alana Abernethy) now (well whenever you finish this one).

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

Additional Music Featured on this Episode:
Song: Best Part
Performed by: Daniel Ceaser (Feat. H.E.R.)
Album: Freudian
Label: Golden Child Recording
Distributed by: Tunecore

”Intrepidity” Feb 11, 2023

Show notes

It’s time for us to ban together and take a stand! Are you with us? Well come on, we’re going to the highest levels of government to make the “day after the Super Bowl” an official “Day Off.” Damo reflects on his time as “acting” Command Master Chief as the his new CMDCM has officially checked into the command. An interaction with a Civilian Supervisor leads Damo to ask what everyone’s thoughts are on Senior Leadership receiving recognition and awards. Tisha experienced the “AirBNB guest from hell.” Kids can say some hurtful things at times. Damon and Tisha share their experiences. Things somehow get really gross for no reason. Let’s switch it up and talk about Valentine’s Day plans. Tisha provides clear guidance on how to know if you are a “Boat Boo.” Listen up. What was the whole deal with that Chinese spy balloon anyway? The trio discusses what they believe people tend to get wrong about each of them. Damo takes a deeper dive into the Hero of the Week, Sergeant Dwight H. Johnson who suffered from post traumatic stress after engaging in courageous acts in Vietnam. Damon highlights an unsung hero from the Civil Rights Movement. These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this episode:

Chinese Spy Balloon

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-spy-balloon-shot-down-over-atlantic-taller-than-statue-of-liberty/

Hero of the Week: Sergeant Dwight Hal Johnson

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/dwight-h-johnson

Damon’s Black History Highlight: Bayard Rustin

https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/rustin-bayard

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Power of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment (Eckhart Tolle)

https://learn.eckharttolle.com/the-power-of-now/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5Bsearch%5D&utm_term=the%20power%20of%20now&gclid=CjwKCAiA85efBhBbEiwAD7oLQN-mPC1xt3oyhaKj9eqDaFJ7dVxc5TU12pGCG2C8Jm4l_ydx5-RWDhoCOLoQAvD_BwE

Movie of the Week:

TV Show: Echo 3 (Episode 4) - Upriver

https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/upriver/umc.cmc.22kh3kkr3qe2ockiz1exqk0pq?showId=umc.cmc.mzqa5sj4m2i80g51cgu04i3j

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

”Information Overload” Feb 04, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever been in the head on the toilet - never mind, let’s not even get into that one. It’s only right to start this episode with a #DoBetter. Damo has smoke for Amazon giving away janky products. Damon want’s electric vehicles to be available for purchase. Medical is going for the “Do Better Record,” causing Tisha all kinds of problems while dealing with one of her children’s medical issue. The three discussed Air Force General Mike Minihan’s statements about potential war with China that went viral and made the Shade Room. A marine in Japan who refused the COVID-19 vaccine is in the brig facing new allegation. Did she do anything wrong? Is whatever she did considered “Brig-worthy”? Why are we so behind on technology? Is there a such thing as too much information? Don’t you hate when you “ask the Chief” and the Chief tells you to “Go figure it out.” The PTSF Crew gives their versions of “advice” to young Sailors. Damo introduces a game called “Pick One” These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this episode:

Air Force General Predicts War in 2025 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-air-force-general-predicts-war-china-2025-memo-rcna67967

Marine Who Refused Vaccine in Brig https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-01-23/marine-arnett-iwakuni-japan-vaccine-8866784.html

Intro Music Produced by Lim0

”U Gotta Stand On That” Jan 29, 2023

Show notes

Damon, Damo, and Tisha are back with more shenanigans, top stories, and most importantly; ownership. The fellas reflect on why they chose not to release a recent interview with a guest. Damon’s issue with the price of eggs leads Tisha to ask who would stay in the military if they won the Mega Millions. MCPON Honea hosted an AMA on Reddit last week. Super cool idea, but how did it go? Damo asks Damon to take accountability for something he said in last week’s episode, Damo apologizes for something he said a few episodes ago that he learned was insensitive to women; Tisha gives her feedback. Navy Seal Lieutenant Michael E. Thornton is highlighted as the ‘Hero of the Week.’ Do Better: eNAVFIT and NMCI. What would you do if you were the only person a Sailor trusts? Damon has a resolution for all smokers and dippers. You have to hear this! How far will you go to honor your deceased spouse? Three active duty Marines are charged in January 6 riots. 12 weeks of leave across the board as NAVADMIN 008/23 announced the expansion of the military parental leave policy. Army Officer Caron Nazario gets less than $4k in a million dollar lawsuit against the police wrongly assaulted him. The trio discusses brutality, race, police, and the murder of Tyre Nichols. These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Hero of the Week: Lt. Michael Edwin Thornton https://achievement.org/achiever/lt-michael-e-thorntonusn#:~:text=In%20the%20words%20of%20his,of%20the%20U.S%20Naval%20Service.%E2%80%9D

Links and More from this episode:

MCPON Reddit AMA (Damo) https://www.reddit.com/r/navy/comments/10g73jx/mcpon_honea_ask_me_anything_jan_20_2023_starting/

Man brings wife back as living doll https://nypost.com/2023/01/05/i-brought-my-dead-wife-back-to-life-for-3k/

3 Active Duty Marines are charged in January 6 riots www.npr.org2023/01/21/1150565969/jan-6-capitol-attack-marines-charged

Expansion of Military Parental Leave Program https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2023/NAV23008.txt?ver=jHAMug-P7GWQs1pM85GoEg%3d%3d

Caron Nazario gets $3,685 in million dollar lawsuit https://abcnews.go.com/US/caron-nazario-army-lieutenant-pepper-sprayed-police-awarded/story?id=96491296

Tyre Nichols death https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/27/us/tyre-nichols-memphis-friday/index.html

Book of the Week:

What Happened To You? (Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry) https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-You-Understanding-Resilience/dp/1250223180

Movie of the Week: