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.
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Episode 121 | "Anchored in Resilience" (Feat. ITCM Amaury Ponciano)
Episode 121
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 02:42:09
ITCM Amaury Ponciano returns to the show to discuss various topics, including his book 'Anchored in Resilience'. He also touches on sensitive subjects such as sexual assault and family dynamics. Amaury shares his motivation for writing the book and challenges in discussing certain aspects of his life. He recalls the reactions of family members to the book and the importance of sharing one's truth. Amaury shares his experiences with relationships and cultural identity. He has a crazy story about how he ended up between a mother and daughter. He discusses the fear of African Americans he had growing up and how his time in the military helped him overcome those biases. Amaury reflects on his relationship with his brother and the challenges they faced growing up. He also discusses the abusive stepfather his mother was involved with and the impact it had on their family. Amaury shares his perspective on American culture and how media influenced his perception of different racial groups. Amaury talks about his experiences growing up in the Dominican Republic and his early connections with American culture through entertainment. The conversation then shifts to the culture and leadership within the Navy, with the gang discussing the changes they have observed in the expectations and trust placed on first classes and Chiefs. Some relationships are toxic, some are great - he reflects on many of them. Is watching porn cheating? The life of a young Sailor is filled with fun and chasing that one lover who ain’t feeling you like that. It’s always one of those. Amaury also opens up about the sexual assault he experienced and how it affected his self-esteem and relationships. Amaury's experiences shaped his approach to fatherhood, as he strives to be a loving and present father to his children, especially his daughter. Closing the conversation, Amaury discusses the importance of intention and purpose in his personal and professional life. He shares how he has cultivated a strong and positive relationship with the mothers of his children, emphasizing the importance of respect and communication. Amaury also talks about his role in promoting warrior toughness and resilience in the Navy and the need for a culture shift in how we approach mental health. Congrats on the book, Amaury! Thanks for the motivation and inspiration! Good luck preparing for and executing your retirement. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube. To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please contact us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com.
Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast
Episode 120 | "Living Out of a Seabag" (Feat. DCC Cody Osgood)
Episode 120
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 02:27:38
DCC Cody Osgood came by to discuss the life of a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at Naval Station Great Lakes. He went from an E5 to an E6 while stationed in Great Lakes. Cody begins by discussing why he joined the Navy. Damo goes left and gets on his soapbox very early in this episode. Cody returns to his story, detailing how he initially felt about being an RDC. Is RDC “C” School as difficult as people claim it is? Does RDC School fault a person for not being “hard” enough? What are some of the common misconceptions of being an RDC? What happens when a Recruit tries to fight an RDC? Do Drill Instructors pick the roles they want to play before they get a “Push”? Are RDCs to blame for newly reported Sailors who don’t seem to understand basic military customs and courtesies? What does it mean to make a Sailor live out of their seabag? Cody talks about making a decision that he now regrets to turn a recruit in the right direction. Cody responds to a question from a listener regarding the ASVAB. Damo asks Cody to “fact-check” some of the reported incentives for an RDC. Cody discusses the challenges of his integrated push. How was the experience of “pushing boots” during Covid? What changed after Covid? What is financial literacy training for a Sailor in Boot Camp? Has Cody ever had personal feelings regarding a Recruit, whether good or bad? What’s a normal day for a division of recruits? What’s the purpose of the 12-minute meal time for a recruit division? How are RDCs evaluated? Cody details the craziest Great Lakes story that he remembers. What is I.T.E? Is Great Lakes getting soft? How do RDCs choose the RPOC? Cody speaks on whether he would do another tour as an RDC. Navy Boot Camp is now 10 weeks long, but why? How is Warrior Toughness being inculcated into recruits? What’s the real deal with recruits being able to use their cell phones? Cody gives a “Do Better.” How easy is it to quit Navy Boot Camp? Cody details his favorite thing about being an RDC. Damo asks the pod what are things they wish they would’ve known before they went to Boot Camp. Why do people seem to get so upset about changes when it comes to boot camp? Why do Sailors have to shave on leave? How real does it get at the Navy Ball? Do we always have to speak to the people that didn’t make it when we congratulate the people that did? Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube. To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please contact us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com.
Episode 112 | "Everything Is In Shambles"
Episode 112
Monday, May 27, 2024 • Duration 02:08:15
*This episode contains a conversation regarding domestic violence/ intimate partner abuse. If you are currently experiencing abuse and would like to report it, please contact your local / command / FFSC Family Advocacy Program representative or law enforcement. In addition, please contact the Veteran Crisis Line (all links below).*
Damon is not around. He left Tisha and Damo on their own to hold down the fort. Damo details what he’s been up to for the last few weeks. Tisha has deleted her social media and explains why. Rest well to Senior Airman Roger Fortson who was killed in his apartment by a Florida sheriff’s deputy earlier this month. A bunch of news on advancement and selection board results were released. Let’s talk about the Senior Enlisted Marketplace: One Year (or two) later. Tish and Damo discuss potential ideas for the CPO season as it will be affected by the Senior Enlisted Marketplace. Damo’s shocked that people are still not getting “accepted” during CPO initiations. The CNO’s CCS was secretly recording crashing out about diversity. Do Better: Dear Navy, Leave Southwest Airlines alone (Damo). The classmate who wants to be the instructor (Damo). People who put too much energy into getting their supervisors fired (Tisha). What’s the difference between a close proximity move and receiving BAH based on your dependents’ location and how do they intersect? ELD numbers are low, we need to do something. The duo answers questions from listeners. Newsflash: Military servicemembers dance. Junior Sailors are in for a nice pay bump! A young Sailor asks for some advice after being caught stealing from a self-checkout machine. The USS Carney made her triumph return from an honorable deployment. Coming off of the video CNN released showing Sean “Diddy” Combs violently attacking Cassie, we want to plug the Family Advocacy Program and discuss domestic violence. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.
Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast
The One About 12 October 2000 (Feat. ITCM Amaury Ponciano)
Episode 44
Saturday, July 16, 2022 • Duration 02:28:40
If you’re a veteran and are experiencing post traumatic stress disorder, please visit:
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.
Oh, By The Way Ep. 8 - Are You A Baby Boomer? (Feat. EN1 Chad Underwood)
Monday, July 11, 2022 • Duration 01:40:43
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
The One About ”One-Way Conversations”
Episode 43
Saturday, July 2, 2022 • Duration 02:26:00
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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