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July 16, 2025 45 mins

🎙️ "Permission," featuring the incredible James Epps Jr., is live now! 👟 From a childhood marked by trauma, poverty, and pain 🌪️ to earning one of the highest ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps 🇺🇸, James has lived through what most only read about—and came out stronger, sharper, and unshakably purpose-driven 💥. Now he’s using his voice to inspire students, educators, and nonprofits across the country 🌟. His message? 👉 Greatness does not need approval. As Geno Smith put it best: “They wrote me off—I ain’t write back though.” 🗣️🔥 🎧 In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear: 🎒 His journey through trauma and perseverance ✅ How to rise above the labels others place on you 🧭 What 22 years in the Marine Corps taught him about leadership 🎤 Why your voice matters more than their opinions 🚫 And how to stop waiting for permission to live your purpose.

👣 🎙️: "Permission"!
My guest today is James Epps Jr.—a man who’s walked through pain most never see and came out stronger on the other side 💥.

From surviving sexual assault and suicidal thoughts to rising through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps 🇺🇸, James’ story is one of raw resilience, unshakable purpose, and leadership forged in fire 🔥.

Now retired, he’s inspiring students, educators, and nonprofits with this truth:
👉 ✅ Key 1: Greatness does not need approval.

👉  ✅ Key 2 Geno Smith said: “They wrote me off—I ain’t write back though.” 🗣️

🎧 Tap in to hear:
🎒 Overcoming trauma and poverty
✅ Breaking the labels others place on you
🧭 22 years of leadership wisdom
🎤 Finding your voice after the silence
🚫 And why don’t you need anyone’s permission to walk in your purpose

📲 Listen now at opspodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts!

#OtherPeoplesShoes #PermissionPodcast #LeadershipJourney #JamesEppsJr #GreatnessDoesNotNeedApproval #Resilience #MilitaryLeadership #MotivationalSpeaker #GenoSmithQuote #PodcastSeason #Unmade #StepIntoTheirShoes #InspirationDaily #PodcastDrop

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