About our guest: Lieutenant Commander (Ret.) James Sandifer, a proud native of Lumberton, Mississippi, served 30 years in the United States Navy. Rising from E-1 to Lieutenant Commander, he built a decorated career in air traffic control and leadership across multiple global deployments and operational theaters. Sandifer is a combat-tested veteran who supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, with tours onboard CVNs like the USS George Washington and USS Harry S. Truman. His military journey is rooted in faith, mentorship, and resilience. Now back home and running for mayor of Lumberton, Sandifer’s “Choose to Change” campaign is focused on unity, youth empowerment, infrastructure reform, and restoring pride in the community.   About This Episode: In this episode, Damo, Tisha, and Aaron sit down with retired Navy Lieutenant Commander James Sandifer—Lumberton, Mississippi native and current mayoral candidate—for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and choosing to change your community from the inside out. James reflects on his upbringing in a small Southern town, the values he inherited working hayfields and watermelon farms, and how that foundation set the tone for a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy. He opens up about early career missteps, nearly getting derailed during his first tour in Puerto Rico, and the life-altering mentorship that set him on a new trajectory. From rising through the ranks to Chief and ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Commander, James shares the hard lessons he learned about leadership, ego, humility, and faith. He talks about earning respect in the air traffic control community despite being told he wouldn’t make it, and how mentorship from both Black and white leaders helped mold his character. The episode also explores Sandifer’s return home to a town that’s seen population decline, economic challenges, and systemic neglect. He breaks down his “Choose to Change” campaign platform, highlighting issues like school district failures, sewage infrastructure, poverty, and racial division. But more importantly, he speaks on unity, youth empowerment, and what it truly means to serve after service. We also get lighter moments: push-up competitions on the campaign trail, his Waffle House order, and why Cuevas Fish House will always outrank Ruth’s Chris in his book. These and more topics are explored in this episode.   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       James’ Book Recommendation: Chop Wood Carry Water (Joshua Medcalf) https://www.amazon.com/Chop-Wood-Carry-Water-audiobook/dp/B01MS3QS8K   Follow James Sandifer and his campaign for Mayor of Lumberton: @voteforsandifer (Linktree) https://linktr.ee/voteforsandifer?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c190aa3f-d12d-4be2-8009-1fef6f18fec1       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

What happens when a high-speed, cyber-savvy Senior Chief finally puts it in park? CTRCS Candace Esquivel joins us fresh off two decades of doing all the things—deploying nonstop, supporting special warfare, shaping policy on the Hill, and holding it down at N17 like it’s the Pentagon’s group chat. Now she’s eyeing retirement and asking the real questions: Do I want a family? Should I adopt? Can I slow down without losing my mind? And why the hell do flowers die so fast? We get into the deep stuff—miscarriage, fertility, career identity—and still find time to roast the Chiefs Mess, crack jokes about uniform shortages, and break news about a raccoon in Ohio caught with a meth pipe. (You read that right.) It’s honest, layered, and just the right amount of petty. A love letter to the women holding it all down, and a reminder that you’re allowed to walk away even when you’re great at what you do.   What We Talk About: •Life at N17 and what Sailors don’t see behind policy •Deploying every year for 9 straight years •Why she’s walking away at 20 years—and what comes next •Fertility fears, freezing eggs, and making space for motherhood •The realities of military pregnancy and miscarriage •Chiefs Mess culture—who’s in it, and who’s missing •What it means to “complete your mission” and still want more •And yes… a raccoon with a meth pipe in Ohio   About CTRCS Candace Esquivel: A Cleveland native and a member of the 9/11 generation, CTRCS Esquivel enlisted in the Navy in 2005. Her career spans deployments aboard the USS BUNKER HILL and USS BOXER, elite service with Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and cyber ops with Joint Cyber Operations Group. In 2022, she served as a DoD Congressional Fellow advising on cyber and defense policy. A graduate of the Navy and Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Academies, she holds a bachelor’s in Management Studies and serves as a board member of The Valkyrie Project, championing female service members across the force.       Connect With Candace & The Valkyrie Project: •The Valkyrie Project •YouTube: Military Women’s Symposiums •LinkedIn: Candace Esquivel       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       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Damo officially welcomes Aaron to the team as a researcher. The guys discuss leadership tempo, mentorship, and the challenges of balancing personal fitness goals with operational commitments. Damo vents about his frustration with lunch meetings interfering with his only real chance to hit the gym, prompting a candid discussion about whether Sailors have enough time to PT at their own pace. What about “bad day chits”? The guys talk fitness standards, empathy in leadership, and the importance of creating space for real conversations with Sailors about well-being. Damo’s hype, because he has his first mentee in years.  He opens up about working on his End of Tour award and questioning whether it’s necessary. The two reflect on award culture, personal recognition, and the moments where impact matters more than accolades. That conversation bleeds into a funny but honest admission: ChatGPT might be making Damo a worse writer, at least when putting pen to paper. Damo shares a personal story of a shipmate who was isolated by leadership after an alleged incident.  They also touch on recent inspections at the barracks, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability and not just cleaning up when leadership visits. What’s the Navy’s policy on bracelets? Aaron asks a real one: how do you correct a Chief with a jacked-up uniform? The guys answer a few questions from listeners: from whether the culture can change, to who would win a war between Snipes and Supply, and how the Navy applies (or ignores) the idea of “One Team, One Fight.” A few recent headlines are discussed: SECDEF’s “No More Walking on Eggshells” policy, removal of transgender servicemembers, and DoD efforts to reduce the number of flag officers. They also discuss reports of fighter jets lost from USS Truman and troops allegedly detained during a DEA nightclub raid in Colorado. Damo blames Aaron for the cliffhanger, and the episode closes with Aaron’s “Do Better” reminder: don’t just go through the motions when it comes to training because your people deserve more than that. These and more topics are covered in this episode.   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   Books of the Week: Damo - Fight (Jonathan Allen) https://www.harpercollins.com/products/fight-jonathan-allenamie-parnes?variant=43464319860770   Aaron - Shoot The Women First (Eileen MacDonald), Immortal Valor (Robert Child) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6817549-shoot-the-women-first   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

About our Guest: T. Shane Johnson is a United States Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, author, ultra-endurance athlete, and motivational speaker. After surviving extreme physical trauma and homelessness, he rebuilt his life through faith and purpose. Today, he owns a veteran-focused coffee shop with his daughter and travels the country teaching self-reliance, connection, and healing. He’s a Guinness World Record holder and national speaker dedicated to helping others repurpose pain into meaningful action.   Episode Notes: TShane Johnson’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about mission, healing, and legacy. From Marine Corps service to surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and living on the streets, TShane clawed his way back to life. Today, he’s a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, father, and world record holder—but most importantly, a man committed to turning pain into purpose. In this raw and powerful episode, Damo and TShane explore trauma, leadership, family, and what it truly means to rebuild. From creating a safe haven through his veteran-owned coffee shop to building an unprecedented coffee farm with his daughter, TShane shares what it looks like to lead with scars, not in spite of them.   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   Follow TShane on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tshanejohnson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tshanejohnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tshanejohnson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tshanejohnson Website: www.tshaneinspires.com   Big Guns Coffee – Official Links Website: https://www.biggunscoffee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggunscoffee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biggunscoffee     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Disclaimer: This episode contains open discussions about personal trauma, including childhood sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. We believe these conversations are vital to healing, leadership, and community care. Please prioritize your well-being and listen at your own pace.   If you or someone you know needs help, confidential assistance is available: Your Local SAPR Office: Every military installation has a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and SAPR Victim Advocates (VAs) available 24/7. Contact your base or installation operator or visit your command SAPR page for immediate assistance. DoD Safe Helpline: www.safehelpline.org | 877-995-5247 Military OneSource: www.militaryonesource.mil | 800-342-9647 Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net | Dial 988 then Press 1 National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): www.rainn.org | 800-656-4673 Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Resources via VA: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp   About the Episode: Retired NCC Latonya “Tonya” Perossier joins Damo and Tish on this episode of ‘Permission To Speak Freely.’ Damo opens the episode by speaking about his fight to stay private and urging supporters to give him grace, depending on the setting they see him in. Tanya talks about her last job doing community outreach for the Navy Recruiting Command. The trio breaks from Navy talk to discuss the recent news of Shannon Sharpe getting “lined” and putting his future in jeopardy due to risky decision-making. The “decision-making” conversation turns into a conversation about getting married for BAH. During the podcast, Damo receives Tanya’s award-winning book, “Letter to the Eight-Year-Old Me,” and asks her about some of the stories that she shared in it. She details her upbringing, aspirations, and humble beginnings before sharing stories of physically, mentally, and emotionally struggling with the reality of being a victim of sexual assault and molestation at a young age. She talks about opening up to the concept of love and what “making love” really means. Tonya discusses maturing and learning to love herself and embrace her flaws. She gets into why she joined the Navy and her experiences with racism in the early 90s when she joined. Tonya addresses the loss of the MSISR scholarship, and Damo signifies the importance of connecting with people who had the same upbringing and experiences as you. Tanya discusses the potential for a second book and an audiobook version of her book. She discusses the power of counseling, therapy, and trauma. Tisha talks about her therapy journey.   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   Follow Latonya on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenmetobe?igsh=MThpcGppcjR3bTZoYg== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@latonyaperossier?_t=ZP-8vrb652nZlv&_r=1     Book of the Week: Letter to the 8 Year Old Me (Mrs. Latonya Yvette Perossier) https://www.amazon.com/Letter-8-Year-Old-Me/dp/B0B5KNWX2B     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

In this episode, Damo chops it up with retired ICCS and founder of Mandatory Fun Coins, Chris King, a real-deal conversation about Navy leadership, legacy, and the deeper meaning behind challenge coins. What starts with laughs about deployment rituals and command ball caps quickly becomes a powerful discussion on what it means to be a Chief in today’s Navy. Chris opens up about how a Sailor’s INSURV performance inspired his first coin, and how the Chief season should be more about self-awareness than self-promotion.   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   Keep up with 'Mandatory Fun Coins': https://www.mandatoryfuncoins.org/shop     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0   Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

Damo recounts the behind-the-scenes story of his Command Master Chief pinning ceremony. From delayed trains and venue changes to unexpected family emergencies and a heartwarming finish, he shares it all—frustrations, love, leadership, and legacy. The message remains clear through every twist: It’s not about me. It’s about we.   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   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0   Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

Guest Bio: The Honorable Raymond D. Kemp Sr., FLTCM (Ret.) The Honorable Raymond D. Kemp Sr. is a 33-year veteran of the United States Navy and the first Black Fleet Master Chief of U.S. Naval Forces Europe & Africa. With 19 years of sea duty and 11 combat deployments, his leadership spanned every level—from the deckplates to the Pentagon. Following his retirement in 2019, he was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve on the American Battle Monuments Commission. Kemp is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, founder of Kemp Solutions, and author of Building Resilience for Hybrid Success: Anchored in Adaptability. His mission today is rooted in mentoring, speaking, and legacy-building through leadership, dignity, and inclusion.   Episode Notes: In this episode of Permission to Speak Freely, hosts CMDCS Andamo McCullough and Tisha are joined by The Honorable Raymond D. Kemp Sr. for an unfiltered conversation about identity, legacy, and leading with purpose beyond the uniform. From becoming the first Black FLTCM in his region to navigating the emotional shift after retirement, Kemp opens up about trust, inclusion, mentorship, and the cost of high-impact leadership. He also shares his TICAG framework, his philosophy as a “Why Coach,” and powerful reflections on race, resilience, and what it means to plant seeds you may never see bloom. This episode is a must-listen for military leaders, veterans, and anyone seeking truth, growth, and grounded leadership.   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   Connect with The Honorable Raymond D. Kemp Sr.: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdkemp/ Kemp Solutions: https://www.kemp-solutions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymonddkemp/?hl=en Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/fltcmkemp     Buy Raymond’s  Book:   Building Resilience for Hybrid Success: Anchored in Adaptability Purchase on Amazon   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0   Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

**PTSF Fam! Check out this special "Reflash" episode! This one was originally released on 24 March 2023 and is one of our favorite conversations.** **TRIGGER WARNING** Depending on your life experiences, this episode may contain topics that emotionally affect you. We didn’t get too deep into details, but some of the conversations in this episode deal with domestic violence, abuse, and mental health conditions. Listen at your discretion.   About Our Guest: Charles “Chip” Huth is a retired executive commander of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department with 30 years of law enforcement experience. He led an internationally-recognized Tactical Enforcement Team for a decade and has planned, coordinated and executed over 2500 high-risk tactical operations. He is a licensed national defensive tactics trainer, a court-certified police practices expert, and the state of Missouri’s defensive tactics subject matter expert.   Chip currently serves a senior consultant for The Arbinger Institute.  He is an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri—Kansas City and serves as a consultant for the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. He was recognized as the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association’s Trainer of the Year in 2020, and is a member of the National Tactical Officers Association.   Chip is the President and CEO of CDH Consulting L.L.C., serving international law enforcement, military, and corporate clients. He is the past-president of the National Law Enforcement Training Center, a not-for-profit corporation delivering effective training to the international law enforcement, corrections, security and military communities.   Chip has 35-years of experience in the martial arts, with a background in competitive judo and kickboxing. He is an accomplished author and co-wrote “Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect-Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training,” a text book used in promotional processes and graduate programs. Chip is a veteran of the United States Army.   About This Episode:   Damon, Damo, and Tisha talk with Chip about his turbulent childhood and how he went from sleeping is station-wagons to becoming a senior consultant for The Arbinger Institute, a recognized world-leader in improving organizational culture, conflict transformation, and changing mindset. Our most personal episode to date; everyone shares stories about their past, forgiveness, and dealing with issues with fathers. Chip discusses how the “Outward Mindset” changed his life and how it affects everything from professional to personal relationships. These topics and more are covered in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.     Links and more from this episode:   To Keep up with “Chip” and find out more about the Arbinger institute: Arbinger’s Website: www.arbinger.com Chip’s Email: Chuth@arbinger.com. Chip’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chip_Huth For the Book: Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect: Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training (Jack Cowell / Charles “Chip” Huth): https://www.amazon.com/Unleashing-Power-Unconditional-Respect-Transforming/dp/0367864487/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=UpRys&content-id=amzn1.sym.22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_p=22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_r=141-8466750-3997215&pd_rd_wg=HOzkr&pd_rd_r=3354873b-e6c3-414d-8373-a2253d24e4a3&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk “The Importance of Mindset in Policing” | Chip Huth | Tedx Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_29TS6jjsA&t=26s&ab_channel=TEDxTalks   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast:   Our social media and Youtube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” (Produced by Lim0)        

**PTSF Fam! Check out this special "Reflash" episode! This one was originally released on 15 August 2022 and is one of our favorite conversations.** About our Guest: Virginia Cruse 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 of experience serving Active Duty Military, Veterans, Military retirees, and family members. She is a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) and an active American Group Psychotherapy Association member. Virginia is an Army Reserve Officer, Combat Veteran, and published researcher. She has one fantastic 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 in this episode. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and 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 cast begins with a conversation about the Navy’s new media engagement policy. The episode quickly pivots to a celebratory moment as Damo and Damon reflect on their recent selection as Command Master Chiefs (CMDCMs). They share their reactions, the impact of mentorship, and the challenges they’ve faced in their careers. Much of the conversation revolves around work-life balance, particularly the sacrifices involved in choosing orders and moving families. Damon shares an emotional story about telling his son they would be relocating again, while Damo discusses his strategic approach to career moves. The episode also touches on the importance of accountability, particularly in leadership, and concludes with reflections on how the podcast has influenced their growth as leaders. These and more topics are covered in the reflective episode. 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     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0   Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

In this episode of Permission to Speak Freely, Damon, Damo, and Tisha sit down with retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) David Sledge to discuss his 33-year military career. Sledge shares insights into his journey from an E-1 to CWO5, the challenges of transitioning from enlisted to officer, and the mentorship that shaped his leadership style. He also dives into writing books, having a sense of purpose, and raising a family of entrepreneurs. The conversation covers military transitions, leadership lessons, and the evolving culture of the Navy. David reflects on major historical moments like the Rodney King riots, 9/11, and George Floyd’s impact on the military community. They also discuss the struggles of military families, raising children in the service, and how loyalty can sometimes hold service members back from greater opportunities.  About our guest: David Sledge is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) who honorably served in the United States Navy for over three decades, culminating his service in 2023.   Early Life and Education   Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, David’s strong work ethic was influenced by his parents. His mother, Marie Simon Sledge, worked for the state of Alabama for 30 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication and hard work. His father, Nahuman Sledge, Sr., exemplified dedication and perseverance throughout his career as a truck driver from 1969 to 2016.   Military Career   David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1990, embarking on a career that spanned over three decades. He advanced through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5), a testament to his leadership, adaptability, and relentless commitment to excellence. His assignments included serving on multiple ships and at numerous training schools, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise.   Post-Retirement Endeavors   Following his retirement, David founded the Sledge Leadership Group, where he dedicates his time to empowering others through various initiatives and creative endeavors. His passion lies in supporting veterans and making a positive impact on their lives.   Authorship   David is an accomplished author, having published several books that reflect his vast knowledge, experiences, and insights: - Embrace Blessings: Trusting the Process and Finding Purpose - Embrace the Power of Greetings: A Journey of Connection and Inspiration - Leadership Alchemy: Forging Great Leaders - Navigating Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Stress Management, Independent Living Skills, Relationships, Leadership, and Motivation   His work continues to inspire both military professionals and civilians alike, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.   Contact Information •Website: Sledge Collective •LinkedIn: David Sledge •Instagram: greet_one_meet_one_teach_one •Facebook: David Sledge   Additional Credits: PTSF Theme Music Produced by Lim0     Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!