Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

Oh, By The Way Ep. 9 - A Song of Fuel and Water Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

Hunting mice, new MCPON, CPO Selectees, and what the hell is going on in the Nimitz? Not just the Nimitz though, what did Brett Favre do now? Is cheating on Nia Long even a thing? Would you rather go to jail or the military? Wait, why is that even an ultimatum? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Oh, By The Way.

Intro/Outro Music: Taps (performed by Nerrio)

Follow Nerrio on socials: https://www.instagram.com/nerrio/?hl=en

Listen to 'Love and Other Drugs' by Nerrio: https://www.instagram.com/nerrio/?hl=en

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

”Icebergs” (Feat. Alana Abernethy) Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

On this episode, Damon and Damo are joined by Alana Abernethy. She is a poet, Amazon bestselling author, journalist, United States Naval Academy graduate, and just a super dope person overall. The guys met her while she was serving a Department Head tour for two different departments on their last ship. They discuss everything from dealing with major health issues while still trying to operate at the highest professional levels as possible to the relationship between a Departmental LCPO and a Department Head. These and more topics 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this Episode:

Keep up with Alana Abernethy:

Instagram:

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

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

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About Seasonal Leadership Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

Damon and Damo open this special 50th episode with a conversation about their “9/11 Stories.” The guys take a moment to celebrate their 50th Episode! Congrats on the milestone, fellas. The NFL has returned, and Damon is ecstatic about it. (Note: This episode was recorded before his team - the 49ers - lost to the Chicago Bears in game one of the season. Damo asks Damon about how he would handle a few important scenarios if they were to take place the same time as a football game. Congrats to all who heard their named called as the enter the six-week CPO Initiation period! The goats share some advice to the CPO Selectees. One of our heroes of the week, Petty Officer Charles Jackson French was just posthumously rewarded a Navy Achievement Medal this year. Does he deserve a “higher” achievement? Have the guys ever felt like they had to filter their words? What does it mean for someone to be selected but not interested in participating in the CPO Initiation? Damo recaps a Reddit thread about this topic. Do Better: “Seasonal Leadership.” These and more topics are discussed on 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this Episode

Hero of The Week: Staff Sergeant Homer L. Wise

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/homer-l-wise

Petty Officer Charles Jackson French Receives Posthumous NAM

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/421240/navy-dedicates-rescue-swimmer-training-pool-and-presents-posthumous-award-wwii-heros-family

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Think Simple: How Smart Leaders Defeat Complexity (Ken Segall)

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/think-simple-ken-segall/1122789298

Movie Review of the Week:

TV Series: The Terminal List | Ep 5| Disruption

https://www.amazon.com/Encoding/dp/B09HYNH8TK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IVKSMI586BYE&keywords=terminal+list&qid=1663022959&sprefix=terminal+list%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About ”Volunteering” For ASF (Feat. CMDCS Aaron Paul) Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Damon and Damo are joined by CMDCS Aaron Paul. They off talking about the upcoming season (of course). Not just the football season, it’s about to be some new Chiefs in the mess! Congratulations to the FY-23 Selectees! They chop it up with Aaron about his entry into the Navy and the two times that he considered separating. Another installment of the “Do Better” segment about waivers, doing “too much” to go viral, and communication. Damo asks Aaron for a non-incriminating regret of his. This leads to a conversation about CFLs and the responsibility of owning your role. DRB is discussed and the guys give their opinions on their different approaches to the process. Damo briefly discusses Navy Seal recruit, Kyle Mullen who recently passed away following “Hell Week.” You know we had to discuss Serena Williams. Congratulations on a great career. Who really should be taking out the trash? The guys discuss a recent post on social media about taking out the trash for the TRIAD. Th guys ask Aaron about lessons learned in his career and the process to become a Command Senior Enlisted Leader. These and more topics are discussed on 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this Episode

Hero of the Week: MasterChief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers - https://www.navy.mil/MEDAL-OF-HONOR-RECIPIENT-EDWARD-C-BYERS-JR/

Kyle Mullen Story - https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/09/navy-seals-kyle-mullen-death-investigation.html

Aaron’s Book Suggestions:

The Death of Expertise (Tom Nichols)

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Expertise-Campaign-Established-Knowledge/dp/0190469412

Willful Blindness (Margaret Heffernan)

https://www.amazon.com/Willful-Blindness-Ignore-Obvious-Peril/dp/0802777961

Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Holiday)

http://egoistheenemy.com/

We Return Fighting (National Museum of African American History) (Edited by Kinshasa Holman Conwill)

https://www.amazon.com/We-Return-Fighting-Shaping-Identity/dp/1588346722

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson)

Steve Jobs: Isaacson, Walter: 9781501127625: Amazon.com: Books

Movie Review of the Week:

TV Series: The Terminal List | Ep 4 | Detachment

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HYNH8TK/?ref=DVM_US_DL_SL_GO_AST_TLIST22_mkw_sM0XZ351s-dc&mrntrk=pcrid__slid__pgrid_1239149879340397_pgeo_90209_x__ptid_kwd-77447083494618:loc-190

The One About Throwing Hands At Waffle House Aug 28, 2022

Show notes

In this jam-packed episode, Damon and Damo recap their weeks and Damo owes a few people some apologies. A question from a listener leads to a very inspired conversation about being competitive within your rank (peer) group. Salute to Captain Kimberly Johnson Jones, the first African-American woman to assume the duties as Reactor Officer of a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. The brother of a marine killed during the evacuation of Afghanistan committed suicide at annual memorial of the passing of his brother. What’s one change that the Navy has made that you wish they didn’t? Damo has an interesting “Do Better” segment. Y’all already know we had to talk about this $115k giveaway. Let’s take a deeper dive into A2P. This leads to a conversation about college tuition assistance which leads to a conversation about De’reek Banks (a modern day “Robin Hood”?) The Marine Corps is doing away with “tape” for calculating BCA and modernizing the process using advanced technology. Damon and Damo discuss hospitality and greeting strangers. Damo brings up a thought about the criteria to be an Officer in the Navy and contemplates the value of a degree when it comes to ability to lead. These and more topics are discussed on 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More from this Episode

Hero of the Week:

PO1 Charles Jackson French - https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/people-african-american-history/charles-jackson-french-1919-1956/

Brother of Marine Killed Commits Suicide - https://www.foxla.com/news/brother-of-marine-killed-in-afghanistan-withdrawal-commits-suicide-at-memorial-for-fallen-service-member

Dine, Dash, and Helo Trash - https://www.foxnews.com/us/brother-marine-killed-afghanistan-withdrawal-commits-suicide-memorial-service-fallen-soldier

$115,000 Incentives for Veterans - https://www.wtkr.com/news/u-s-navy-offers-more-than-100k-in-bonuses-loan-repayment-for-future-sailors-prior-servicemembers

Senior Enlisted Advance-To-Position Pilot Program (NAVADMIN 178/22) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2022/NAV22178.txt?ver=1LkpP-DwDANeMZ7Q5gg4EA%3d%3d

Marines Modernizing Body Fat Computation Standards - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/08/23/corps-will-stop-punishing-marines-based-tape-test-start-using-modern-scanners-measure-body-fat.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2nSZ_TqLlREtkCjLBrLNLNVZDSuW1opio5ENuTGYUgzoZZ1nR38HxOd1c#Echobox=1661279961

Student Loans/Disabled Vet Scam - https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/georgia-man-student-loan-disabled-veterans-scam

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action (Simon Sinek)

https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

Movie Review of the Week:

TV Series: The Terminal List | Ep 3 | Consolidation

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HYNH8TK/?ref=DVM_US_DL_SL_GO_AST_TLIST22_mkw_sM0XZ351s-dc&mrntrk=pcrid__slid__pgrid_1239149879340397_pgeo_90209_x__ptid_kwd-77447083494618:loc-190

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About Acronyms (Feat. Virginia Cruse, LPC NCC) Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

We have some exciting news! Virginia is giving away a FREE audiobook copy of ‘The Soldier's Guide to PTSD’ to everyone who joins her newsletter. Here's the link to GET YOURS NOW!: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oia1vyk3pm

Virginia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor specializing in Military Issues and Combat-Related Trauma. She provides crisis intervention and evidence-based treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Moral Injury, Depression, Combat Operational Stress, and other diagnoses. Virginia is a certified clinician in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy and has 20+ years’ experience serving Active Duty Military, Veterans, Military retirees and family members. She is a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) and active American Group Psychotherapy Association member. Virginia is an Army Reserve Officer, Combat Veteran, and published re-searcher. She has one amazing husband, Jay, and one terrible dog, Peanut.

Damon and Damo sit with Virginia and discuss PTSD, suicide, evidence based treatments, hallucinations, and believing that you can survive. These and more topics are discussed on 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More for Virginia Cruse:

Website: www.thesoldiersblog.com

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/5d67884cb98c/stay-connected

Facebook: @thesoldiersguide

Instagram: @the_soldiers_guide

Twitter: @soldierguide

The Soldier's Guide to PTSD: https://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Guide-PTSD-Reclaiming-Your-ebook/dp/B08VRD2Y8X

The Soldier's Guide to PTSD Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1734806702/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

Acknowledge & Heal: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1M8QKSR

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Soldier’s Guide To PTSD: How to No-Shit Reclaim Your Life (Virginia Cruse LPC, NCC) https://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Guide-PTSD-Reclaiming-Your-ebook/dp/B08VRD2Y8X

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About Sailors with No ******* Money (Feat. PSC Soledad Arcefuentes) Aug 07, 2022

Show notes

Damon and Damo are joined on this episode by PSC Soledad “Sol” Arcefuentes. Sol and Damo met at the Senior Enlisted Academy, and she came to kick it with the fellas and talk some Navy stuff. Damon opens the episode with a personal story about his son, who is now out of boot camp and stationed at his first command. Damon talks about assisting him during his travel as he is in a school for his rating. Damo recognizes his first ship, USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), as she was decommissioned on 4 August 2022. What is monkeypox? We don’t have the answers, but we have a whole lot of questions. Is it too early to be concerned about this? How would you want to go out, zombie apocalypse or Robot takeover? The word “soft” gets thrown around a lot in today’s time. The trio discuss the word. Should a Warrant Officer sit in on a CPO ranking board? The commissary is testing out a doorstep deliver service. Sounds cool. Condolences to the family of Seaman David L. Spearman who died at sea this earlier this month. Since Sol is a PSC, Damo felt it was only right to bring up pay issues. How is it that a service member can go four months without pay? Damon talks Senior Enlisted Advance To Position and the Senior Enlisted Optimization Plan. This turns into a conversation about impact statements. A Navy Lieutenant is serving 3 years in a Japanese prison due to a traffic accident that left two dead. He was diagnosed to have passed out due to a medical condition. Should he be serving time? The topic of ownership comes up. These and more topics are discussed on 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 our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More Information From This Episode:

Hero of The Week: Harriet Tubman https://www.history.com/news/harriet-tubman-combaheeferryraidcivilwar#:~:text=But%20Harriet%20Tubman%20fought%20the,as%20the%20Combahee%20Ferry%20Raid

Commissary Delivery Pilot Program https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2022/08/05/commissary-home-delivery-test-a-hit-with-customers-officials-say/

Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/08/04/navy-identifies-arleigh-burke-sailor-who-died-falling-overboard-in-baltic-sea/utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_navytimes&fbclid=IwAR3Sq6KTPbE8M8lFU50Bf_TOtKobNM39bymk6zHE6j5o-uI4gzRPcrHjhSY

Do Better: DFAC - Army (Dining Facility) Food (299th Battalion) https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2022/08/03/in-prison-or-the-dfac-soldiers-complain-about-base-food/

Sailor Pay Issues https://federalnewsnetwork.com/navy/2022/07/navy-to-put-some-urgency-into-fixing-growing-problems-with-sailor-pay/

Senior Enlisted Optimization Plan https://navadmin-viewer.github.io/view-message/?type=NAVADMIN&year=2022&number=156

Senior Enlisted Advancement to position 178/22

Navy LT imprisoned in Japan https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/world/wife-navy-lieutenant-imprisoned-japan-reveals-young-childs-response.amp

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in The Workplace (Gary Chapman and Paul White)

https://www.appreciationatwork.com/5-languages-appreciation-workplace-improve-employee-engagement/

Review of the Week:

The Terminal List | EP 2 | Encoding

https://www.amazon.com/The-Terminal-List-Season-1/dp/B09HYNH8TK/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=c4b83ea3-f698-4c29-bfcb-d6cfd04f3592

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About Getting Orders to Norfolk Jul 30, 2022

Show notes

So what is this episode really about? Who knows? Damon is working on Evals. Damo is ranting about what he would rant about if he could go about ranting without Damon which causes Damon to rant about being an SEL and not knowing that a member of his command had a baby. Where them deployment pics at? We wanna see those. Just leave the body shot videos in your hidden folder. Damo compared DJ Khaled to the Marvel Universe. “Text Etiquette” makes a triumphant return to the pod. Another “Do Better” segment. This one featuring a retired Navy Chief who took advantage of a trusting Facebook group. How does a fighter jet fall off a ship due to unexpected heavy weather? But don’t worry we are still mission capable. Really, what is this episode about? There is so much more but we’ll let you digest it all for yourself on this episode of ‘PTSF.’ Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all Social Media and our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More Information From This Episode:

US Waterpark Accused of Fat-Shaming 13 Year Old - https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/waterpark-fat-shaming-slide-attraction-teenager-b2125717.html

Retired Navy Chief charged with fraud - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/07/28/retired-navy-chief-charged-over-fraudulent-scheme-targeting-sailors-vets/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Securities%20and%20Exchange,and%20personal%20expenses%2C%20the%20agency

Home Invader Suspects Chose Wrong Home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVePZrecJc&t=57s&ab_channel=FOX5Atlanta

Bonhomme Richard Punishments - https://news.usni.org/2022/07/15/navy-announces-punishments-for-bonhomme-richard-fire-secnav-censures-former-swo-boss

Hero of The Week:

LTJG Thomas Jerome Hudner Jr.

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/thomas-j-hudner-jr

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fuck

https://markmanson.net/books/subtle-art

Half-assed Review of the Week:

The Terminal List | EP 1 | The Engram

https://www.amazon.com/The-Terminal-List-Season-1/dp/B09HYNH8TK/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=eb6664bd-9bf4-4d23-800d-f22f5dd9c240

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

The One About 12 October 2000 (Feat. ITCM Amaury Ponciano) Jul 16, 2022

Show notes

If you’re a veteran and are experiencing post traumatic stress disorder, please visit:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

If you are having suicidal ideation and require immediate support please call: 1-800-273-8255

**Trigger Warning** This episode includes very specific detailed commentary about death, PTSD, and acts of terror onboard a US Naval vessel. This episode is the direct account from a Sailor who was stationed onboard the USS Cole during the terrorist attack in 2000. As vital as this history is for today, please be advised that some of this may be hard to listen to and digest.

On this episode, Damon and Damo are joined by ITCM Amaury Ponciano who was an E1 stationed on the USS Cole (DDG-67) on October 12, 2000. This was the day that the ship was attacked by terrorist suicide bombers, leaving 17 Sailors deceased, another 37 wounded, and tore a forty by sixty foot hole in the ship’s hull. ITCM reflects on his early days in America, the Navy, and on the ship before that fateful day. Masterchief gives a real time account of his experience on the day of the attack and how he initially responded. There is some discussion about divine intervention and purpose. The fellas discuss the power of understanding your purpose in the moment. Damon highlights the importance of damage control and engineering casualty control. ITCM discusses life after the USS Cole, adjusting to a new normal and living with PTSD. The trio chop it up about the CPO Season, mentors, boat boos, and not taking history for granted. These and more topics are discussed on this episode of ‘PTSF.’ Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

Link to all Social Media and our Youtube page: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and More Information From This Episode:

Hero of The Week:

Sergeant Darryl S. Cole

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/darrell-s-cole

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Front Burner: Al Qaeda’s Attack on the USS Cole (Kirk S. Lippold, USN, Retired CDR)

https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/kirk-lippold/front-burner/9781610392341/

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Oh, By The Way Ep. 8 - Are You A Baby Boomer? (Feat. EN1 Chad Underwood) Jul 10, 2022

Show notes

Damon and Damo are joined by former shipmate EN1 Chad Underwood. The trio opens the episode with a response to an email from a listener. They shift into a conversation about detailers and EN1's experience trying to "crossdeck" with another Sailor. EN1 provides his perceptions of what a good first class is and discusses a good relationship between LPO and LCPO. Do you have to "like" someone to be able to work with them? Damon reminisces on the time that an inspector physically threatened to fight a Sailor. Damon and EN1 bonded over 483 PMS alerts. The guys discuss good watch team relationships. EN1 Underwood discusses three areas in which he believes that the Navy can improve in.

For full episodes of Permission to Speak Freely, Merchandise, and all social media networks: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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Permission To Speak Freely – Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

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