Permission To Speak Freely - Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

Latest Episodes:

Episode 137 | "No Time To Waste" (Feat. Coby Turner) Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

Damon’s back. Coby pops in. We start with the firing of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We also discuss the DoD letting go of 5,400 probationary employees and share thoughts on the story of a veteran with four tours who got laid off—real situations with real impact. Plus, we’re breaking down the Deferred Resignation Program and what that means for those still serving. We switch gears to discuss the EMPLOY Program for Sailors who can’t deploy but still have value to bring and the latest on expanded VA GI Bill benefits—great info for anyone thinking about their next steps. Damon also opens up about what it was like stepping in as acting CMC—sharing honest lessons on consistency, staying motivated, and how to truly connect with your team, no matter where they come from. Damon was surprised about the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, and the guys discussed Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. We dive into the concept of “playing the game” in the Navy, whether Sailors should prep their own packages, and how often folks might choose money over personal values—tough but necessary talks. In our “Do Better” segment, we’re setting the record straight on what Ombudsmen are (and aren’t) supposed to do and calling out some corrosion maintenance issues that definitely need some attention. We wrap things up with a quick review of our Book of the Week, “The Cure for Burnout” by Emily Ballesteros, dropping some key tips on avoiding burnout when the pressure is on. These topics and more are covered in this episode of ‘Permission to Speak Freely.’

Check out the links for all the stories we talked about:

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Book of the Week:

The Cure For Burnout (Emily Ballesteros) - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721779/the-cure-for-burnout-by-emily-ballesteros/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 136 | Heartbreak Songs and Underways (Feat. 2K Kenny) Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

RS3 Kendrick Wright, better known as 2K Kenny, checks into the show with Damo and Tisha. He discusses life as a young Retail Services Specialist (RS) stationed in 6th on a Fleet Forward-Deployed Naval Forces ship. He speaks on developing in his role as a barber on the ship and what rate he would have if he weren’t an RS. 2K Kenny talks about the inspiration behind his latest EP, “Pretty Brown Eyes.” He discusses why he decided to join the Navy and what made him choose his rate. Kenny reminisces about growing up in Texas in a family of 10. Kenny asks Damo why he stopped making music. Kenny discusses what started his music journey and the early support of his father. He discusses the marriage between his career in the Navy and his career as a musician. He explains why he calls the military a “cheat code.” He speaks about performing and opening up for Trey Songz. How is 2K Kenny able to record entire EPs while underway? What’s the difference between the in-port and underway writing/song creation processes? How bad are weekend days? Kenny asks Tisha and Damo about what having “rank” feels like. Why does Kenny put so much into care his music videos? The pod discusses the power of “solitude.” 2K discusses his plans to release a gospel project. Kenny gives his superbowl halftime show performance predictions. Damo introduced a new game to Kenny. He gives his current musical influences. Tisha introduces a game, too. Kenny details the growth between his last two projects. What are Kenny’s thoughts about headlining a music concert on his ship?Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - 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/

Book of the Week:

The Four Agreements (don Miguel Ruiz) - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Wow, What a Week! Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

Damo is on a solo mission. Discussing the "goings on" in the country, fleet, and at home.

Episode 135 | "Adapt or Die" (Feat. LCDR James Ball) Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

We are joined by “The People SUPPO,” LCDR James Ball. Damo opens up by admitting a mistake he made in our previous episode. Are sneakers the key to leadership? Damo vents a bit about frustrations stemming from recent events and why he doesn’t talk about politics. Politics vs. Humanity becomes a topic of the conversation. Damo shares his thoughts about Elon Musk. Congratulations to NSA Annapolis for winning the Regional Installation Excellence award for Naval District Washington for the second year in a row! Rest in peace to ENAVFIT; it’s been a short and horrible run. Is Wi-Fi beneficial for morale on deployments? President Trump promised to bring back troops removed due to Covid, but will they want to return? LCDR Ball talks about why he joined and his early years as an enlisted Sailor in the Navy. He speaks about the three people that he wanted to show that he can be successful. James compares Carrier life to Cruiser life and reflects on his favorite command. He details his fitness journey from beginning to work out to competing in and winning multiple bodybuilding competitions. He talks about diet during and meals after competitions. JB outlines his retirement plans. Damo reflects on his past weight loss journey. Damo asked LCDR Ball about his leadership philosophy, as he shares his own. LCDR details his worst experience as a leader. James gives his “Do Better.” Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode:

DEI - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/

Telework - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/

Regional Installation Excellence - https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/News/News-Detail/Article/4040183/nsa-annapolis-wins-2024-ndw-installation-excellence-award-moves-to-navy-wide-co/

NAVFIT Modernization - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2025/NAV25012.txt?ver=w5vO8IUh_Bmw9R2mpWoTmg%3d%3d

Troops Released due to Covid Offered to Return - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/20/trump-promises-to-bring-back-troops-booted-for-refusing-covid-vaccine/

Book of the Week:

Damo - Good Energy (Casey Means, MD/ Calley Means) https://www.caseymeans.com/goodenergy

LCDR Ball - The Motive (Patrick Lencioni) https://www.tablegroup.com/product/themotive/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 134 | "A Preponderance of Evidence" (Feat. Paul Kingsbury) Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

Paul Kingsbury is back. This time, he’s filling in as a guest host. He starts by asking Damo about what’s currently happening in the Navy. He asks about Culture of Excellence 2.0. An indoor inauguration is a rare occurrence in our nation’s history. The cast talk discusses its significance and the expectations for Carrie Underwood’s ‘America The Beautiful’ performance. Lloyd Austin says farewell from the SecDef role. We solute his accomplishments, but Damo has some issues with something that he did during his tenure. What should we know about Pete Hegseth? Two new aircraft carriers have been announced: The USS George W. Bush and the USS Bill Clinton. People have jokes already. Are Aircraft Carriers becoming obsolete due to recent advancements in technology? The cast highlights the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments. They also discuss how his form of leadership can be impactful in the present day. The crew dives into ALNAV 001/25, what it means for sexual harassment reporting and the impact these changes have on Commanders, victims, and offenders. Where will PTSF land if TikTok is banned? Damo has an issue with social media food critics. Why don’t people speak out about toxic leaders during investigations even though they all know what’s going on? Damo plugs the ‘Childcare Aware’ program. A Commanding Officer was recently fired - do we need to know why? Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode:

Legendary 30 - https://legendary30.com/

Women’s Wellness on the Waterfront - evergreen@womensholisticcare.com

Inauguration Day - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inauguration-schedule-2025/

Farewell Remarks by SecDef - https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4033764/farewell-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-as-delivered/

Navy Names New Carriers - https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/4029358/navy-names-2-future-carriers-after-presidents/

ALNAV 001/25 - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2025/ALN25001.txt?ver=MYJcz_3gHkpNvolkmRQT9A%3d%3d

Childcare Aware - https://www.childcareaware.org/

Book of the Week:

Why We Can’t Wait (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 133 | "The Universal Language" (Feat. MUCS Jeremy "JB" Bustillos) Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

MUCS Jeremy “JB” Bustillos joins Damo and Tish. He’s a 27-year Senior Chief Petty Officer whose outside Navy accomplishments include tours in multiple major arenas, including Madison Square Garden and a No. 1 selling Blues album. Coming off of a season to celebrate, there are always those we must also mourn. Fire in LA and snow in the northeast; the team covers some of the major weather stories of the season. What would you put in your “emergency preparedness kit”? Where were you during the “Great Toilet Paper War” of 2020? Some Bidet stuff starts, but Damo quickly exits the conversation. Should temporary housing be available for Sailors who receive BAH but need to look for housing after they report to a command? Damo urges leaders to stop holding mandatory events on holidays. ALNAV 001/25 was recently released. We will discuss changes in a bit more length in our next episode. JB clears up some misconceptions about advancement in the MU rating. Is it difficult to crossrate to become a Navy musician? What instruments have Damo played in his life? Does Tisha have a musical background? How’s MU A-School? What jobs do Navy Musicians pursue after they retire? Do musicians get in trouble for making mistakes during performances? How do MUs compete for evaluations? Tish and JB discuss their favorite personal music moments. JB talks about a few of his “worst days” as a Navy musician. Damo asks JB about his accomplishments outside of his military uniform. JB expounds on his career path and talks about his family of seven. He speaks about the most impactful commands he’s been to in his 27-year career. How long does it take an MU to make Chief? Will the Senior Enlisted Marketplace be beneficial for Navy musicians? Damo talks about whether he has any plans when it comes to music. JB joins the #DoBetter segment.

Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode

Jeremy “JB” Bustillos’ Social Media & More:

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

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

Navy.mil - https://www.c7f.navy.mil/band/band-leadership/assistant-director/

Jeremy’s Podcast ‘Same As It Ever Was’ - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/same-as-it-ever-was/id1504319945

Book of the Week:

Lead Like Lasso (Marnie Stockman, Ed.D & Nick Coniglio) - https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 132 | "A NAVADMIN to Unwrap..." Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Shout to all of our followers and supporters. Thank you for a great year! Damon and Damo are back to close out the year. The guys catch up on their respective holidays. In dire need of advice, Damo brings up relationship dynamics to Damon. Right before Christmas, news of a government shutdown had some people concerned. Damon is finally convinced about life outside of this planet. NAVADMIN 255/24 was released before the holidays. This one is about Billet-Based Advancements - the guys take a deep dive. He may also believe that AI is going to take over the world. What the hell is going on in the Red Sea when it comes to these friendly fire incidents? Do you know what to do if you see a drone flying over your installation? The USS George Washington is taking precautionary measures when it comes to alcohol following a few deaths in a matter of days. Tom Cruise was awarded a top honor from the US Navy for his contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps. The guys switch gears and discuss Kendrick Lamar’s recently released surprise album, ‘GNX.’ How were those Christmas games on Netflix? The guys give Beyonce her flowers. The guys discuss taking chances, not giving tips, and what they would tell a younger version of themselves if they had the opportunity. Damon questions if the military is failing in our approaches to suicide prevention. Damo reads a listener’s #DoBetter and Damon provides one of his own. The guys have a special movie review for this episode. Y’all remember those? Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode

Government Shutdown Update: https://nlihc.org/resource/congress-passes-funding-deal-and-disaster-aid-package-prevent-government-shutdown

NAVADMIN 255/24 (Billet-Based Advancements): https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24255.txt?ver=iAry9Hr5TRS54TXRA3yDSA%3d%3d

BBA NAVADMIN Fact Sheet: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/FACT_SHEETS/Fact_Sheet_NAV_255_24.pdf?ver=5uaM6idbLELqyWwL1fE5ng%3d%3d

BBA Handbook: dvidshub.net/r/bm8asv

Uss Gettysburg https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/2-navy-pilots-shot-red-sea-friendly-fire/story?id=117025025

Drone Incursions. https://www.twz.com/news-features/multiple-drone-incursions-reported-over-marine-corps-base-camp-pendleton

Alcohol is banned on the GW. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/12/04/alcohol-banned-for-uss-george-washington-crew-following-sailor-deaths/

Tom Cruise Gets Top US Navy Honor https://apnews.com/article/tom-cruise-top-gun-navy-honor-britain-973f508e7d1359f5f473a6697c3e5984

Movie Review

The Six Triple Eight (Tyler Perry) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81590591

Book of the Week

Black Veteran Entrepreneur (Mike Steadman/ Alana Abernethy) - https://www.amazon.com/Black-Veteran-Entrepreneur-Validate-Greatness-ebook/dp/B0BHV5799B

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 131 | "Slow Pulling the Exam Pack" Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

Damo is delighted with his recent experience with sleep therapy. Damon just finished INSURV on his Aircraft Carrier. Damo gets back in his “tin foil” bag and brings up aliens again to Damon. Damo talks about receiving his first DEOCS. Damon and Damo discuss how they spent Thanksgiving. The guys discuss what they are thankful for this year in the Navy. What is the “worst” rank in the Navy? Have you seen that graphic going around about upcoming changes in the Navy? The guys discuss these changes and why they waited so long to bring the topic up. NAVADMIN 242/24 was released, marking a major change to the Navy’s PFA process. The Pentagon recently dropped 51 disqualifying conditions. The latest annual suicide list has been released by the DoD. AFFF is being sunset due to its toxic nature. NFCU is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Another Chief was caught stealing military equipment. How can Chiefs that steal retain respect at their commands? Damon has a question about the concept of “change” and what that looks like for a servicemember. The guys discuss their weekly approaches to leadership. The guys share the latest #DoBetter from a listener along with a few of their own. Damo finally finished “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and is here to share his review. Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode:

Drake vs. The Industry https://apnews.com/article/drake-lawsuit-umg-d36b719ed62009c01f09d949b1032c25

Aliens in the Ocean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCCVK1i0TjE&ab_channel=WACHFOX

New PRT Navadmin: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24242.txt?ver=1_AQJjkprVGMF2v-ZMok9Q%3d%3d

Pentagon Drops 51 Disqualifying Conditions https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/10/31/pentagon-drops-51-disqualifying-conditions-as-part-of-recruiting-push/

Houthis Attacking Destroyers https://news.usni.org/2024/11/12/houthis-attack-two-u-s-destroyers-leaving-the-red-sea-pentagon-says

2025 DoD Suicide Report Released https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3964785/department-of-defense-releases-its-annual-report-on-suicide-in-the-military-for/#:~:text=In%20CY%202023%2C%20523%20Service,have%20gradually%20increased%20since%202011

Rest Well Sgt. Sarah Roque: Why are we killing each other? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sergeant-death-sarah-roque-soldier-charged-murder-missouri-fort-leonard-wood/

Body Of Missing 23-Year-Old Army Sergeant Found In Dumpster, Believed To Be Homicide https://www.wideopencountry.com/body-of-missing-23-year-old-army-sergeant-found-in-dumpster-believed-to-be-homicide/

Removal of AFFF https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-18/pfas-firefighting-foam-military-japan-15884315.html

Navy Fed fined 95 million for illegal overdraft fees https://www.pymnts.com/bank-regulation/2024/navy-federal-credit-union-fined-95-million-for-illegal-overdraft-fees/

Chief Caught Stealing https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/chief-petty-officer-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-military-equipment-and-selling-it-online/291-7aa2bb23-4127-48e8-9685-cfe795c85bec

‘Nah’ to ‘Rah’ is crazy - Marine recruit says nah to ‘rah,’ flees boot camp, gets captured https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/11/12/marine-recruit-says-nah-to-rah-flees-boot-camp-gets-captured/

Book of the Week:

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (James Hornfisher) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/82865/the-last-stand-of-the-tin-can-sailors-by-james-d-hornfischer/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 130 | "I Might Die, I Have to Accept That" (Feat. AS1 Justin Kramer) Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

Damo and Tisha are joined by AS1 Justin Kramer. They open the episode with a conversation about the ups and downs of social media. Damo breaks down his extroverted introversion. Is perception really reality, or is that just an overused adage? An AS is a pretty rare rate in the Navy, and Damo wonders if it was Justin’s first choice. What does an AS do? AS1 did a tour with the Blue Angels and detailed his experience. What is the margin for error for a Blue Angel? AS1 details his “hardest day” as a Blue Angel. How does an AS with the Blue Angels compete for evaluations? After the Blue Angels, Justin did an IA tour in Bahrain; he broke down the mission. Justin was in Bahrain during the “Day of Rage,” which doubles as one of his worst experiences in the Navy. AS1 details his initial reporting and check-in experiences on the USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) in 2019. He also gives us a new term: T.E.D.S - Typical Enlisted Dudes. AS1 just so happened to be in the off-going duty section the morning of the fire on the BHR. He played a role in the firefighting efforts as a Team Leader and details his first-hand experiences while attacking the casualty. He describes the physical, mental, and emotional impact that this experience had on him. How was the command climate affected by the fire? How did the command deal with the aftermath of how it played out in the media? AS1 talked about wanting to stay on the ship until she decommissioned. AS1 details living with PTSD, the support of his family, and the therapy he’s been receiving. AS1 Kramer gives his “Do Better.” Justin asks Damo and Tish a couple of questions. Damo introduces a game to AS1. Don’t miss this packed episode, and be sure to follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode:

Book of the Week:

Speak Like a CEO (Suzanne Bates) https://www.porchlightbooks.com/product/speak-like-a-ceo-secrets-for-commanding-attention-and-getting-results--suzanne-bates/isbn/9781260117486

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Episode 129 | "Save Yourself" (Feat. LCDR Frank "Siri" Bonner) Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

Damo and Tisha are joined by Naval Flight Officer LCDR Frank “Siri” Bonner for an insightful and inspiring episode. Fresh off completing his PRT, Damo kicks things off by sharing how it went down. How did LCDR Bonner earn the call sign “Siri”? Why did he choose the path from enlisted Sailor to officer? Frank dives into his journey, from growing up in South Central L.A. and dispelling common misconceptions about the neighborhood in the 90s to breaking barriers as he transitioned into the Navy.

LCDR Bonner also reflects on his time as a recruiter in one of California’s wealthiest areas, sharing how he overcame challenges and thrived in the role. Throwing it back, Frank recalls the days of Blackberrys, his time as a DJ at Howard University during hip hop’s blog era, and his impressive rise from Junior Enlisted to Chief, Chief to Officer, and Officer to Howard before returning to the Wardroom. He opens up about adversity in flight school, the unique dynamics LDOs navigate early on, and how the internet has reshaped the sense of community within the military.

Other highlights include Frank’s favorite Navy moment, advice for maintaining a strong relationship during deployment, and a lively debate on whether Chiefs should be technical experts. Damo also shares his thoughts on the “lost generation” in today’s Navy and asks if recruiters are equipped with the right tools to inspire in 2024. Siri wraps up with his “Do Better” and “Book of the Week” segments.

Don’t miss this packed episode, and be sure to follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Links and more from the episode:

Siri’s Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/kingsiri06/

Books of the Week:

Work The System (Sam Carpenter) https://www.workthesystem.com/

Additional Credits:

PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0