Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

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**Permission To Speak Freely – Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough**

Damon and Damo (active duty Command Master Chiefs) share sea stories and have unfiltered conversations about current events, policies, and everyday life as a service member.

Latest Episodes:

Random Access PTSF File Aug 01, 2026

Show notes

This wasn't supposed to become an episode.

A guest canceled at the last minute, but the guys were already rolling.

Figured they'd talk for a few minutes before packing everything up.

Somehow that turned into conversations about Chief Initiation, being "just an E7," Christopher Nolan, LeBron, podcast chemistry, PFB, and a whole lot more.

It wasn't planned.

It wasn't polished.

It just felt too good to delete.

Episode 196 | "Embracing The Hate" (Feat. 2K Kenny) Jul 19, 2026

Show notes

The crew is joined by returning guest 2K Kenny, who is back nearly two years after his first appearance on Episode 136. With Damon away, Damo, Aaron, and Kenny begin by discussing the cost of CMC initiation events, “integrity counting” during the PRT, and the technical difference between a Sailor’s rate, rating, and paygrade. The conversation also covers the importance of acknowledging people, lessons from suicide-intervention training, and why something as simple as saying hello can carry more weight than we realize. The crew then catches up on everything Kenny has accomplished since his first appearance. He discusses making second class, earning his ESWS qualification, enduring repeated deployment extensions, and turning the realities of sea duty into music that connects with Sailors. Kenny explains how he learned to embrace being called corny, respond to criticism with confidence, and lean further into the creativity that made him stand out. The conversation moves through vintage Navy uniforms, content days, guerrilla marketing, getting recognized around base—and while driving Uber—and the growing community of Sailors creating their own lanes through social media. Kenny also opens up about his family, his evolving relationships with his parents, and the responsibility that came with growing up as the oldest of ten children. He reflects on the leader he wants to become, the sponsor who made his arrival in Hawaii memorable, and the importance of correcting Sailors while still advocating for them. From opening for Trey Songz and growing his streaming audience to removing music that no longer represented him, strengthening his faith, studying harmonies, and pursuing an opportunity to perform at Fleet Week, Kenny shares how his goals have matured without losing the passion that started everything. Along the way, the crew debates the Navy’s most respected rates, revisits Love & Basketball, explores the stories behind Kenny’s music, and offers a few ideas for where his sound could go next.

Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with us: 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/

PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 195 | "Don't Make This Personal" Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

One of the biggest Navy policy changes of the year is here, and we're breaking it all down. This week, we discuss NAVADMIN 140/26 and NAVADMIN 162/26, covering the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations, grooming standards, and facial hair policy. Joining us is retired Navy Captain Dr. John Cordle, who explains what Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is, how it's commonly treated, who it affects, and what these changes could mean for Sailors and the Fleet. We also discuss barracks and BAH challenges for first-term Sailors, Congress looking into the hard fouls on Caitlin Clark, Reserve Chief selection results, truth in reporting, a Navy Senior Chief charged with child pornography, and honor the life of CMDR Gabriel Edwards. Plus, we respond to listener comments, discuss what went wrong with Damo's Instagram story, talk about joining the military later in life, Aaron's first official PTSF DRB, Damon's apartment search for his son, Damo's retirement trip to Norfolk, this week's Do Better segment, and our Picks of the Week.

Referenced Resources:

• NAVADMIN 140/26 – Updated Guidance on Grooming Standards and Religious Liberty

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26140.pdf

• NAVADMIN 162/26 – Facial Hair Groom Standards Update

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26162.pdf

Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Intrusive Leadership (Marcus A. Canady) - https://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/21/interior.aspx?sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=6893

Turn the Ship Around - (L. David Marquet) - https://davidmarquet.com/books/turn-the-ship-around-book/

The Captain Class (Sam Walker) - https://www.bysamwalker.com/the-captain-class

PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 194 | "Answering The Hard Questions" (Feat. Devin Fish) Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

**Listener Discretion** This episode contains discussions about suicide, mental health, prostitution, pornography, trauma, and religious faith that may be difficult for some listeners.

This week, the guys sit down with Army veteran and author Devin Fish, whose memoir, Answering the Hard Questions, takes readers through a life marked by poverty, constant change, broken relationships, self-hatred, and ultimately, redemption. Devin opens up about growing up in Rockford, Illinois, moving from school to school, joining the Army to escape his circumstances, and the experiences that forced him to confront some of the darkest moments of his life. The conversation explores mental health, loneliness, romance scams, pornography, prostitution, faith, identity, and what it really takes to rebuild yourself after believing you're beyond saving. The guys also dive into the creative process behind writing a deeply personal memoir, the discipline required to tell your story honestly, and why helping just one person can make sharing your story worth it. Whether you've ever struggled with purpose, questioned your faith, battled your own inner voice, or simply wondered how someone finds hope after years of self-destruction, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Stay connected with Devin Fish:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devin.fish.79

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fish

Picks of the Week:

Answering the Hard Questions (Devin Fish) - https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fish

A Man at Arms (Steven Pressfield) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393540979?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 193 | "Are You Taking Notes?" (Feat. NCC Que Nelson) Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

We were definitely UA last week, and we're sorry about that. This week, the guys are back—minus Damon—but joined by NCC Quintavious Nelson (aka Que Nels) to catch up on everything that's happened across the Navy over the past few weeks.

Damo kicks things off with his latest gripe: having to shave every single day. The conversation quickly shifts into the time Que got the pod in trouble around Christmas, which naturally leads into a discussion about his relationship with social media and life as an influencer.

The crew shares their Father's Day After-Action Reports before Damo asks what the big deal is about Love Island? That opens the door to a rabbit hole about the TV shows everyone's watching right now.

Aaron talks about launching his "Standard Bearer" run challenge and reflects on attending his final Corpsman Ball. The release of the E-5 and E-6 advancement results sparks another conversation as Sailors wonder where the BBA results are. That leads Damo to share his thoughts on why some Sailors feel they aren't given enough time to truly learn so many new Navy policies—and what could be done to fix it.

Since it's Men's Mental Health Month, the guys discuss whether it's actually being taken seriously. They also debate whether Barack Obama should have responded after an MMA fighter publicly insulted his wife. Que shares a personal sea story about an experience that completely changed his perspective on mental health.

Damo reminds everyone that Permission to Speak Freely has always been a lifestyle podcast—not just a leadership show. Que then dives deeper into his journey as a social media influencer and what he's learned along the way.

Other topics include:

Why some of y'all were way too excited about those tropical uniforms?
The tragic death of a 21-year-old woman who was thrown from a bungee jump attraction by staff, and whether it was truly an accident.
Questions surrounding the recent shooting death aboard the USS John F. Kennedy.
A Navy service member stationed in Virginia is being charged after a missing Louisiana teenager was found connected to him in Norfolk.
General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. in this week's Highlighting Our Heroes segment.
NAVADMIN 140/26 and the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations for facial hair.
The Navy's new selection board feedback process, beginning with the latest Chief Petty Officer board, and whether the feedback will actually satisfy those who receive it.
Que is asking Aaron and Damo for their thoughts on Career Summary Letters.
Aaron discusses stereotypes often assigned to leaders who aren't married.
What's really going on with the growing popularity of run clubs?

This week's Do Better segment covers:

Stop underestimating senior leadership.
Establish an ETP task force.
Build morale within the Career Counselor community.

To wrap things up, Que gives a firsthand review of Project Compass and leaves listeners with an important message about the power of connection. All this and much more on this week's episode of Permission to Speak Freely.

Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Stay connected with NCC Que Nelson:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@que_nels?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/que_nels?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qnelsonuint

Links and more from this Episode:

E5/E6 Advancement Results - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/EnlistedCareerAdmin/Advancement/EnlistedResults/Cycle%20271%20AC%20E5_E6%20Quotas.pdf?ver=dyGNaH7uZFB10zh3DBMo3g%3D%3D

Men’s Mental Health - https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mens-health-month/

Woman Dead after Bungee incident - https://www.nbcnews.com/world/south-america/three-instructors-charged-bridge-jumping-death-woman-not-secured-rope-rcna350192

Navy Tropical Uniforms - https://nara.getarchive.net/topics/tropical+white/navy+uniforms

Shooting Death Onboard USS JFK - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/06/08/navy-investigating-shooting-death-of-sailor-aboard-uss-john-f-kennedy/

Missing Louisana Teen Found - https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/virginia-navy-norfolk-charged-teen-found-virginia-beach/291-d42d35b9-e7c9-4fa2-bf5e-e3394e760711

NAVADMIN 140/26 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26140.pdf?ver=k-7zlZ6LnqhlJUb9A8mBjA%3d%3d

Hero of the Week:

General Daniel Chappie James Jr. - https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106647/daniel-james-jr/

Pick of the Week:

Celestine Propechy (James Redfield) - https://miravalshop.com/products/the-celestine-prophecy

PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 192 | “I Should’ve Read The 1420” (Feat. LCDR Jeffrey "Migs" Migdal) Jun 14, 2026

Show notes

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by LCDR Jeff “Migs” Migdal. Jeff is a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, prior-enlisted Sailor, and longtime commissioning mentor who has helped countless Sailors navigate the path from enlisted service to the officer ranks. The conversation begins with Jeff sharing his journey from joining the Navy as an undesignated Airman to eventually earning a commission after multiple application attempts. He discusses the lessons he learned along the way, including how setbacks, preparation, and persistence shaped his career. The group explores common misconceptions about officer programs and why being eligible does not necessarily make someone competitive. Jeff provides insight into the commissioning process, discussing OCS, LDO, STA-21, motivational statements, appraisal interviews, OAR scores, and the importance of understanding program authorizations before submitting a package. The hosts examine the role mentorship plays in professional development and discuss the difference between mentors who guide and individuals who expect others to do the work for them.

The discussion also turns to social media, information sharing, and how technology has changed the way Sailors seek career advice. Jeff explains why many applicants fail before their package ever reaches a selection board, while Damo reflects on lessons learned from his own experiences pursuing advancement and career opportunities. Later in the episode, the conversation broadens into leadership, standards, and accountability. The hosts discuss the importance of correcting Sailors, maintaining good order and discipline, and why seemingly small standards can have a larger impact on organizational culture. Damo introduces his “Get the Fries Right” analogy as the group explores the relationship between attention to detail and effective leadership. The episode closes with reflections on service, mentorship, and the responsibility leaders have to help others succeed. Jeff shares why he has dedicated so much time to helping future officers, while the hosts discuss the importance of preparation, ownership, and personal accountability. Jeff also shares the advice he would give any Sailor considering a commission and explains why, in the end, nobody is going to do it for you. These topics and more are covered in this episode.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 191 | "Seafood Newburg" (Feat. CS1 Hudson Burns) Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

Damon is out this week, but the show rolls on as Damo, Aaron, and CS1 Burns sit down for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Navy policy changes and leadership lessons to deployment experiences, career growth, and why Seafood Newburg somehow became part of the discussion. We discuss LTB reviews, Master Chief pay, recruiting concerns surrounding Genesis, the Murph, the new UFC event fitness requirements, PRT alternate cardio, bad day chits, the CNO's recent email on grooming standards, the absence of women selected for Admiral, the relief of an entire triad in Japan, the Warrior Toughness rollout, and changes to evaluations at terminal paygrades. CS1 Burns shares stories about growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, dealing with the loss of a close friend in high school, his first deployment in Japan, how his views changed as he advanced in rank, and some of the most important leadership lessons he's learned throughout his career. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on radical candor, relationships between Chiefs and First Classes, why leaders should defer to expertise, why different doesn't mean wrong, why failure is sometimes necessary for growth, and this week's Do Better segment featuring a Sailor bypassing the process, a gas station "federal crime" investigation, and a few leadership lessons along the way. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

Resources & Links

No Women Promoted to Admiral
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-women-promotion-2026/

Entire Triad Relieved in Japan
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/06/04/navy-fires-leadership-trio-of-ship-repair-facility-in-japan/

Warrior Toughness Rollout (NAVADMIN 134/26)
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26134.pdf

Periodic Evaluation Changes / Terminal Paygrade (NAVADMIN 132/26)
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26132.pdf

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande
https://a.co/d/07S3X6hL

Leadership Strategy and Tactics – Jocko Willink
https://echelonfront.com/leadership-books/leadership-strategy-and-tactics/

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 190 | "Sorry To Bother You" May 25, 2026

Show notes

The guys are back with no guest and plenty to discuss. Damo recaps his recent trip and shares a few new Navy terms he picked up along the way before the conversation shifts to television, film, social media, and the impact online culture is having on military leadership. They discuss Black cinema, mental health resources, Warrior Toughness, Human Performance Optimization, E-8 and E-9 results, Memorial Day plans, and the latest developments in Admiral Robert Burke’s bribery case. The episode also features a Do Better segment, Picks of the Week, and listener questions covering disconnected leadership, driving change within organizations, and investing energy where it matters most. To close things out, Damo puts Damon and Aaron in the hot seat with a series of personal questions that lead to honest conversations about buying into the Navy, career setbacks, staying beyond 20 years, life after service, family sacrifices, and the moments they wish they could get back.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Damo: Start with Yourself (Emma Grede) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/start-with-yourself-emma-grede/1148547712

Damon: Kobe Bryant & The Mamba Mentality (Alex Karadzin) https://www.audible.com/pd/Kobe-Bryant-The-Mamba-Mentality-Audiobook/B0DJCJ6GGC

Aaron: Remi Adeleke | One54 Africa Podcast https://youtu.be/GZu-2l4V29k?si=Nt3jEt-b2ulGfW-s

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Episode 189 | "Palette Cleanser" May 17, 2026

Show notes

This episode of Permission to Speak Freely Podcast is dedicated to retired Command Master Chief Shay Robbie Farnsworth. Her influence helped shape careers, strengthen Sailors, and remind people what real leadership looks like. She poured into others, stayed connected long after transferring, and remained someone whose guidance and support never stopped mattering. We honor her life, legacy, service, and the countless people she impacted throughout her career and beyond.

Fair winds and following seas, Command Master Chief Farnsworth.

No guest pod. Let’s go.

Damo starts with smoke for Tyra, Aaron, and Damon (kind of). The guys talk about the realities of podcasting, not making any money from it, and why there’s still no donation button. Iceman season is officially here, so the crew takes time to review the album while revisiting old debates about Kobe Bryant and whether Drake belongs in the top five music artists conversation.

The conversation moves into the Kevin Hart roast, whether comedy should still be considered a sacred space, and what happens when culture changes faster than the jokes. The guys also finally catch up on life outside the podcast. Damo talks about heading back to California with the family, Damon gets flowers for his squadron’s recent accomplishments, and the crew shouts out Charles Johnson for taking another major step with the launch of the Bump Serum.

Other conversations include:
- jewelry in uniform
- SCPO/MCPO results
- the viral barracks fight video
- cars stopping for colors
- the abrupt exit of John Phelan from the SECNAV office
- Ombudsman of the Year recipients
- Project Compass
- changes to CPO initiation
- SAFETALK and ASIST requirements
- executive orders regarding psychedelics
- President Trump’s trip to China
- Damon’s random leadership questions
- Damo introducing a new game

The episode also features a deeper leadership discussion after a retired Master Chief asks how senior leaders are expected to promote policies they may not personally agree with. Later, the guys respond directly to a listener frustrated with the podcast’s coverage of toxic Chiefs and leadership accountability.

Highlighting Our Heroes returns with recognition of J. Paul Reason, while the crew also discusses the legacy of Medgar Evers during Picks of the Week.

Aaron brings back his “Quote of the Week,” has a #DoBetter for Damo, and much more is discussed throughout Episode 189.

Episode 188 | "You Were Never There" (Feat. Nikki Lozano) May 10, 2026

Show notes

Retired NCCS Nikki Lozano joins the guys for one of the most personal and powerful conversations the podcast has ever had. Nikki reflects on her early days as a Personnelman (PN), the differences between the early 2000s Navy and today’s Navy, and what it was like to be one of the first women assigned to an all-male ship. Before the Navy, she opens up about growing up in Utah in a trailer park, navigating an abusive household, the complicated lessons she learned from her father, and the mindset that ultimately pushed her toward military service. The conversation moves through battle stations, Norfolk memories, life aboard USS Cole, leadership after the attack, and Nikki’s firsthand account of the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack. She also speaks candidly about PTSD, sexual abuse, physical abuse, trauma at follow-on commands, and the way those experiences permanently changed how she viewed drills, leadership, and survival. As the episode continues, Nikki discusses motherhood, the conversation with her daughter that ultimately led to her retirement decision, life after the Navy, becoming a realtor in the Hampton Roads area, and the healing journey that inspired her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing. The crew also talks veteran storytelling, whether more veterans should lead recruiting efforts, the importance of transparency from leadership, and how stories can help people feel seen, understood, and less alone. These and many more topics are discussed in this episode.

About Our Guest:

Retired Navy Senior Chief Nikki Lozano served over 21 years in the United States Navy, beginning her career as a Personnelman (PN) before later converting to Navy Counselor (NCC). She was also a crew member aboard USS Cole (DDG 67) during the terrorist attack on October 12, 2000. Her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing, explores many of those experiences in greater depth and was written to help encourage broader conversations surrounding resilience, recovery, and personal growth. Today, Nikki continues serving her community as a realtor in the Hampton Roads area while advocating for honest conversations surrounding healing and life after service.

Purchase Nikki’s Book:

Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing
https://square.link/u/jNgLZLPw

Upcoming Events:

Grit and Grind Meet & Greet with Nikki Lozano
📍 201 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
📅 May 15, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

For more information: