Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

The One About ”One-Way Conversations” Jul 02, 2022

Show notes

Are we back? Maybe. We’ll see, we guess. Damo opens this episode with a recap of his experience at the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, Rhode Island. The guys catch up on their weeks, which include car accidents, bad AC, and women that exaggerate (because they do sometimes, lol). Damo asked Damon how he feels about the phrase, “This is going to be a one-way conversation.” A discussion on hardest decision made as a leader strangely transitions into a reflection on berthing wars. Do Command Master Chief’s get paid enough money? Should “high-year tenure” be a thing? In this week’s “Do Better” segment, Damo talks about gyms on military bases that close too early. Damon shares his thoughts on DEOCS surveys and the importance of taking them. The army just announced they will start accepting recruits without high school diplomas or GEDs. Wait, they already took that back. What is NAVADMIN 142/22 and what is it telling us about the state of our recruiting and manning. How’s eNAVFIT working for you? Following the news of the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade, the guys discuss a little about what Sailors can and cannot say and the importance of voting. Electrical safety on ships is in the spotlight. Damon outlines the new guidance and Damo shares a personal story about dealing with the Chief’s Mess when it came to an issue of electrical safety. 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:

Senior Enlisted Academy - https://www.netc.navy.mil/SEA/

Command Master Chief Pay Charts - https://www.military-ranks.org/navy/command-master-chief-petty-officer-pay

High Year Tenure (HYT) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Enlisted-Career-Admin/High-Year-Tenure/

Army Backpedals of ‘Diploma’ Requirement - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/06/30/army-swiftly-backpedals-policy-dropping-high-school-diploma-requirement.html

NAVADMIN 142/22 - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2022/NAV22142.txt?ver=_tEeFIW1ymX6Gt_Au00qLg%3D%3D

eNAVFIT - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Performance-Evaluation/eNAVFIT/

Roe Vs Wade Overturned - https://www.npr.org/2022/06/24/1102305878/supreme-court-abortion-roe-v-wade-decision-overturn

Permissible and Prohibited Conduct Related to Public Demonstration -

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.PDF

And

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2469825/permissible-and-prohibited-conduct-related-to-public-demonstrations/

Navy Captain Treats Sailors to ‘Top Gun’ Movie - https://taskandpurpose.com/news/top-gun-maverick-iwo-jima/

Hero of The Week:

Raymond Richard “Buzzer” Wright

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/raymond-richard-buzzer-wright

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go (Kute Blackson)

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/625142/the-magic-of-surrender-by-kute-blackson/

Movie Reviewed:

Top Gun: Maverick

https://www.topgunmovie.com/

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About Having a ”Clutch” Night Baker Jun 11, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever had a Navy nightmare? Damo starts this episode recapping a nightmare that he had during his first week at the Senior Enlisted Academy. Damon details his recent issues with a Wendy’s crew member. Happy Pride Month! The guys discuss the “101 critical days of summer” and why it is important. Damon talks about attending his youngest son’s eight grade graduation. Please hit us up and let us know where all the good restaurants in Rhode Island are. What is the most valuable rate in the Navy? Damon and Damo provide their “MVP Rates.” The Navy is naming a ship after one of our recent “Hero’s of the Week” and we can’t be more excited! Is there a reason for the big uproar about the Pride Month Image that was posted by the Marine Corps Instagram account? If so, please let us know. The guys introduce a new segment called “Do Better.” if you have a story about a person or system that you believe needs to do better, please reach out to us so that we can talk about it on the podcast. NAVADMIN 124/22 has been released and there are a few more uniform and grooming updates. Damo finally opens up about why it’s important for young servicemembers to take care of their feet. Sexual harassment claims are taken out of Commanders hands and are forced to be sent off of the ship. The guys discuss study habits and practices for qualifications and advancement. Multiple aspects of poor leadership is discussed following the ALNAV 036/22 directed towards leadership and accountability issues. 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:

Marine Corps Pride Month Backlash

https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/marine-corps-pride-month-social-media/

NAVADMIN 124/22 (Uniform policy changes)

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2022/NAV22124.txt?ver=SrSTuGnrzwJ5drCRdZML6g%3D%3D

Sexual Harassment out of Commander’s hands

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-marine-corps-harassment-claims-commanders/

NAVY COOL

https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/

Advance-To-Position Program

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2019/NAV19230.txt?ver=HSt0_L4vA3YZ8UkXLFnMVQ%3D%3D

Do Better:

Dying Veteran Denied Treatment

https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2022/05/31/va-hospital-denied-emergency-care-to-dying-vet-because-staff-couldnt-verify-his-military-service/

Hero of The Week:

Senior Chief Britt Kelly Slabinski

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/britt-k-slabinski

Damo’s Book of the Week:

Good To Great (Jim Collins)

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/good-to-great-jim-collins?variant=32116997292066

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About The Audiograms May 30, 2022

Show notes

PLEASE BE ADVISED: This episode starts with a discussion of very sensitive topics that can be traumatic to your listening experience. Please fast forward as you see fit.

Damon and Damo return from a three week hiatus and immediately start with a conversation about the massacre in Uvalde, Texas at Robb Elementary School which resulted in the loss of life for 19 children and two adults. They discuss mental health, bullying, and their opinions on gun laws in the United States. They reflect on the targeted killing of African Americans in Buffalo, New York. Rest In Peace to actor, Ray Liotta, who passed away in his sleep on May 26, 2022. What is going on in Fort Hood? The guys discuss Sgt. Jewel Scott’s accusations against her leadership and Fort Hood’s current reputation. The CNO recently made changes to his suggested reading lists, resulting in the removal of the “woke” books that were previously listed. What is “woke” anyway and why does it feel like a “dirty” word now? After all this talking, the guys finally catch up on what’s been going on in their personal lives. Damon’s son, Mark made a surprise visit to the family (that wasn’t much of a surprise), Damon reacts. The Navy’s number of deserters is currently higher than every other branch of the military and higher than it’s been in four years. This conversation develops into a debate about contractual obligations. Damo recaps the weight of an audiogram for an aging engineer in the fleet. Congratulations to all of the newly appointed SCPOs and MCPOs. Top Gun 2 is finally here! Damo takes a deep dive into the world of Tom Cruise and how he believes this new film will impact Hollywood and the Navy. Would you let your team fail to prove how important your role is? Damon speaks about the absence of senior leadership in the positions that matter. 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

Listen to us on the E-14 podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-14-podcast-has-permission-to-speak-freely/id1549635265?i=1000564406161

Links and More Information From This Episode:

80 Minutes of Horror at Robb Elementary School - https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/29/us/uvalde-texas-elementary-school-shooting-week/index.html

Gunman Kills 10 at Buffalo Supermarket - https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/05/14/nyregion/buffalo-shooting

Sgt. Jewel Scott / Fort Hood - https://shinemycrown.com/fort-hood-responds-to-sgt-jewel-scotts-allegations-she-was-arrested-and-tormented-on-base/

CNO Removes Woke Books - https://gcaptain.com/gilday-removes-woke-books-cno-reading-list/

Increase in Navy Deserters - https://www.npr.org/2022/05/21/1100512920/navy-deserters-more-than-doubled-indicator-of-bigger-problem

Who Was the real Charles Monroe King? - https://www.thefocus.news/movies/charles-monroe-king-journal-for-jordan/

Damo’s Book of the Week:

BMF: The Rise and Fall of Big Meech and the Black Mafia Family

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312674151

Movie Reviewed:

A Journal For Jordan (Directed by Denzel Washington)

https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/ajournalforjordan

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About Joe Navy May 08, 2022

Show notes

Damon is back and in full effect! He didn’t actually go anywhere, however, he explains why he hasn’t been very “long in the tooth.” Damo adds another installation to his epic saga about human feces. We apologize in advance for the content and we are working as hard as we can to ensure this never happens again. A huge shoutout to Quizlet for helping service members worldwide with “studying” and achieving success in respective areas. There are so many things going on the month and the guys highlight a few of them. Coming off another inspiration “Hero of the Week,” the guys dissect the notion of making peace with death. Habitability has been a major ‘eyesore’ for the military in 2022; is this a new issue or are we finally speaking about it? Damo goes on his routine passionate rant about “caring.” Are you brave enough to be the outcast? Since it is Mental Health Awareness Month, the fellow take the time out to do a “Sanity Check’ on one another. Are we trading “Sailor Proof” for “DIY?” HARP, OHARP, and SEMINAR are outlined. These and more topics 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:

Hometown Area Recruiting Program (HARP) (NAVADMIN 105/22) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2022/NAV22105.txt?ver=BGVg0zkzrk7AD3qE6F-GCg%3d%3d and https://www.cnrc.navy.mil/

Navy Coach Program (NAVADMIN 109/22) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2022/NAV22109.txt?ver=IfEGUk9eQoBEmXn-bDXjDg%3d%3d

Hero of the Week:

Sergeant Joseph Charles Rodriguez - https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/joseph-c-rodriguez

WATCH: Band of Brothers (Complete Series Review) (Feat. @MallyDangerous) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPNHAomJRjU

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About Expectations Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

DISCLAIMER: If you don’t like hearing the word “Um” over 1500 times within 10 minutes of an episode, this isn’t for you. Damon and Damo open this conversation reflecting on lessons learned from the MCPON’s visit to the USS George Washington. Congrats to all of the SELRES newly selected Master Chiefs and Senior Chiefs. Damo talks about his awkward week of mistakes and embarrassing moments. It’s never fun when you have to correct someone for calling you the wrong rate. Damon and Damo discuss experiences. Damo just discovered #militarytikok and fell in love at first sight! He compares it to “Military Facebook” with Damon. Is the Navy experiencing a “generational gap” that is more noteworthy than some of the gaps in the past. The guys discuss beards on shore duty and they feel like people should be able to have them. Do you have a weakness that is hard for you to change? These and more topics 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

Please send all questions to: ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Links and More Information From This Episode:

USS George Washington Story (CBS) - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uss-george-washington-suicides-navy/

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant Ty Carter - https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/carter/

The Outpost (Movie) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3833480/

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About One Stop Shops (Feat. The ”Ask The Chief” Facebook Page Admins) Apr 23, 2022

Show notes

On this episode, Damon and Damo are joined by HTC Joe Volz, the creator of the “Ask The Chief” Facebook group, currently boasting 17,500 subscribers. Two of the page’s administrators, AC1 Jamie Britt and ET3 Reid Smith, also join in on the conversation. They speak about the early days of the page and some of the growing pains in getting it to where it is today. They also get into a few random topics. From the reports of suicide on the USS George Washington to the fragility of respect, the group covers a lot of ground and shares some interesting thoughts and ideas. These and more topics 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

Please send all questions to: ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Links and More Information From This Episode:

Listen to AC1 Britt’s E-14 Podcast: https://e14podcast.com/

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About Segue Fails (Feat. GSE1 McPherson) Apr 16, 2022

Show notes

Former shipmate of both Damon and Damo, GSE1 Kenton McPherson joins the show as a “guest host” and the guys couldn’t be more excited! The episode opens with a little bit of myth busting with regard to unwritten rules by different rates in the Navy. The trio goes on to discuss recent reports about the Navy offering at least 25,000 dollars to anyone willing to join as long as they will ship out to basic training by June. As most conversations go on ‘PTSF,’ the conversation transition to a discussion about the need to improve training around the fleet. In a moment of improvisation, Damo and GSE1 discusses a bit of his story from declining to take the CPO exam to a bad evaluation experience. They discuss a recently publicized story about a wife made a Facebook post about her husband dealing with reprisal for having mental health issues. Does one bad apple really spoil the whole bunch? The guys discuss. GSE1 talks about what would’ve helped him to open up to his leadership when he was a junior Sailor. Scammers get a little more shine and if Damo’s around, their is going to be a debate about Will Smith’s choice of movies. These and more topics 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 Youtube: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Please send all questions to: ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Links and More Information From This Episode:

OPNAVINST 5350.4E (Navy Alcohol and Drug Misuse Policy) - https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-300%20Manpower%20Personnel%20Support/5350.4E.pdf

Navy Offering Money to New Recruits - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/08/navy-offers-25000-all-recruits-ship-out-quickly.html/amp

Sailor/ Wife Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/11/sailor-diagnosed-mental-health-issues-says-hes-being-targeted-seeking-help.html/amp

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Miracle Morning: (Hal Elrod) - https://miraclemorning.com/

Movie Reviewed (Television Series):

Band of Brothers Ep. 9: Why We Fight

https://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers/episodes/9-why-we-fight

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

The One About DESRON Visits Apr 09, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to the wonderful world of Permission to Speak Freely. In and out of topics on this episode, Damon and Damo tackle the topic of what goes through the minds of Sailors when they get informed about a short notice DESRON visit. They move on to discuss Top Gun 2. Damo highlights one of the weirdest weeks in his life. Damon holds DRB on Damo after Damo confesses a wrongdoing. Somehow projectile vomit is the climax in this story. What’s a joke really? Straying away from naval topics, the guys discuss T.I. running on the stage to stop a lady comedian from making a joke about sexual assault allegations that were made against him. They also discuss cancel culture and the grammy’s. This conversations moves toward what happens when the Sailor of the Year gets in trouble after receiving the recognition. NC1 Erica Martinez checks in to discuss the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (DPAP) Program. Hero of the week and Damo’s book are discussed. These and more topics 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 Youtube: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Please send all questions to: ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Links and More Information From This Episode:

Hero of the Week - Fireman Second Class Telesforo De La Cruz Trinidad - https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2912

Gino’s (Best Onion Rings EVER!!!!) - http://www.ginosgiant.com/

Damo’s Book of the Week:

The Measure of a Man (A Spiritual Autobiography) (Sidney Poitier) - https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Man-Spiritual-Autobiography-Oprahs/dp/0061357901

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

Oh, By The Way Ep. 7 - The Elite Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

Surprised by the events that transpired during last night’s Oscars ceremony, Damon and Damo wanted to discussed a few of their initial thoughts. Will slaps Chris, Will wins Oscar, Damo's sick, is a prank a joke? Who knows.

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

The One About The Scammers Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

As we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, the guys honor Army Sergeant Monica Lin Brown for her efforts during the War in Afghanistan which resulted in her receiving a Silver Star. Not much is left untouched in this episode full of shenanigans and jokes. Damon and Damo discuss Tyler Jenkins and the very familiar scenario that is infidelity that plagues a lot of Sailor’s lives. Not to be unbeaten by Netflix and Hulu, the military has a few scammer stories of our own. The Navy has resurrected its bachelor degree program to help recruit a more diverse Officer community. We would love for someone to come and tell us a little more about the program. Does the slow runner during the PFA actually want your help? What would you do if you walked into the house and heard “cheeks clapping.” These and more topics 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 Youtube: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Please send all questions to: ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Links and More Information From This Episode:

Tyler Jenkins’ Story: https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/navys-tyler-jenkins-charged-in-timothy-talleys-murder

Hero of the Week - Sgt. Monica Lin Brown: https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org/monica-lin-brown-sergeant-u-s-army/

Navy Tinder Swindler https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/hampton/hampton-man-guilty-of-money-scheme-using-tinder-targeting-navy-sailors/?fbclid=IwAR0tm40AJueu0-eDbPLk8m6Lz1S91eeD_HAisbrJlc6BqpwbI3ut91AYQkc

Navy VA Stolen Valor Scammer https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.boston25news.com/news/local/stolen-valor-woman-charged-with-posing-wounded-marine-corps-veteran/4KF5DFSJRBCVHGIJKTTDA4FESA/%3FoutputType%3Damp

Movie Reviewed (Television Series):

Band of Brothers Ep. 8: The Last patrol

https://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers/episodes/8-the-patrol

Intro Music Produced by: Lim0

Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince