Permission To Speak Freely
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.
Episodes
Damo, Damon, and Aaron are joined by Commander Desmond Walker and Commander Frank “Siri” Bonner for a conversation that moves from everyday Navy life into deeper discussions on leadership, pressure, and personal growth. The episode opens with a light debate before the group gets into real-world leadership challenges, including communication breakdowns around a last-minute barracks town hall and the expectations that come with coord...
Capt. Charles R. Harmon, Branch Head of Enlisted Plans and Policy (OPNAV N132), joins the Permission to Speak Freely Podcast for a conversation on SEM, billet-based advancement, and what Sailors are experiencing across the fleet.
The discussion moves through how the system is designed to work, where confusion is coming from, and how decisions are being made at the command and detailer lev...
Retired Navy Captain and author of Letters to Myself, John Cordle joins the show to talk through leadership, experience, and the perspective behind his book.
Damo sits down one-on-one with Cordle, a former Commanding Officer and long-time surface warfare officer, to get into the lessons that come from time in the Navy, the realities of decision-making, and how those experiences shaped what he chose to put on paper. The conversati...
About our Guest:
Master Chief Green was born in Westerly, RI, and raised in Woodbine, GA. He graduated from Camden County High School in 2004. He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in March 2006 as a Culinary Specialist. He is a graduate of the United States Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Master Chief’s sea duty assignments include USS Annapolis (S...
This Reflash is a double feature.
Two conversations brought back together in one episode, centered on accountability, perception, and how Sailors navigate the system. Featuring ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, the discussion takes a deep dive into the CPO selection board process and the decisions that shape a career.
From how board members are selected to what should be included in your package, the conversation breaks down the process i...
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AZ2 Makel Jackson, a listener-turned-guest and active duty Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrator. The episode kicks off with Damo discussing question submissions for an upcoming episode, board eligible results, a discussion on Maintenance Master Chiefs, and military vs. civilian education. The hosts then dive into Makel’s background, tracing his journey from the south side of Chi...
About our Guest: Master Chief Hollingsworth, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 October 1998 after graduating from Alcee Fortier High School in 1998. She attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Cryptologic Technician Communications training in Pensacola, Florida. After seven years as a Cryptologic Technician Communications, she converted to In...
No Aaron. No guest. No worries. Damon and Damo were built for an impromptu episode. LOL. Damo starts by reflecting on an event he held with a small group of Sailors at his command. Somehow, that leads to a conversation about restricted barracks. Are those even still a thing? Damo has been working toward another qualification and is getting closer to finally being able to go out on funerals. Damon gets a little deeper ...
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by CDR Charles Ferguson. CDR Ferguson is an active duty Navy Chaplain and the author of the book Presidential Seclusion. The episode begins with the hosts sharing their thoughts about recording the podcast during Operation Epic Fury. They discuss how the conflict could affect their respective jobs even though they are not currently stationed on ships, and reflect on where they were wh...
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by NC1 Alex Sewell. Damo opens with smoke for Aaron over the lack of coverage on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson before the guys take a moment to honor his legacy and impact. They also give flowers to retired CSCM William Foster for the run of the “Don’t Give Up The Ship” podcast as he transitions the platform to Chief Ariana LaChuisa. The conversation shifts to communication...
The episode opens with a lighthearted conversation about Valentine’s Day plans before shifting to the Super Bowl, which, despite best efforts, felt underwhelming. The commercials did not deliver either, but the halftime show definitely sparked discussion. With J. Cole releasing his long-anticipated retirement album The Fall Off, there was no avoiding a conversation about what this moment means in hip-hop. The discussi...
Coming off of a major winter storm on the East Coast, Damon and Damo get a bit nostalgic. Enjoy.
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PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0
Joined by Madison Farr, Damon and Damo sit down for a wide-ranging conversation on accountability, leadership, and the lasting effects of how Sailors are treated after mistakes. The episode opens with a brief check-in and an apology for a previous error before Madison shares her experiences in the Navy, including two separate Masts and a tragic incident that shaped how she viewed discipline, leadership, and her own ca...
About our Guest:
Frank Rice Jr. is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and founder of FJR Films, blending over two decades of military leadership with cinematic artistry. A U.S. Navy veteran and Tyler Perry Dreamers Collective Top 100 Finalist, Frank has collaborated with a range of production companies and creative teams across the U.S. and Japan to produce emotionally resonant and visually striking w...
***PLEASE READ** **CORRECTIONS**
Correction 1: “Weight measurements are required for ALL SAILORS regardless of Step-1 outcome.” - From PRP Guide-4. (Dec 2025)
Correction 2: “Waist measurements are to be measured at the umbilicus (belly button) from the right side of the body, keeping the tape parallel to the deck.” - From PRP Guide-4. (Dec 2025)
Troy Johnson pu...
Joined by Marc Tinaz, retired Limited Duty Officer Commander, the guys sit down for a wide-ranging conversation shaped by 33 years of Navy service and leadership across multiple eras. Marc reflects on how often the Navy has changed during his career, from uniforms and culture to expectations placed on leaders. The discussion explores the stressors of the retirement process, how senior leaders cope with bad news, and w...
Happy New Year to all of our viewers, listeners, and supporters.
The guys start the year off joined by April Beldo-Lilley, retired Fleet Master Chief of the U.S. Navy. April discusses her transition from uniformed service, her early upbringing, and the influence of her father. She discusses her decision to join the Navy, her early years in uniform, and key moments that shaped her career, ...
We had to pull up on y’all this Christmas, but please don’t call this a Christmas special. Damo finds himself in yet another sticky situation, this time it’s with Aaron. Before the results came out, the quotas were released, leaving many Sailors pissed about the low numbers. The guys discuss the disgust and what Billet-Based Advancement has to do with all of this. The Navy recently announced “The Trump Class,” complet...
Damon and Aaron are joined by OSC Kenneth Batchler for a conversation centered on his firsthand experience aboard the USS John S. McCain during the 2017 collision. Ken walks through the environment leading up to the incident, including operational tempo, fatigue, and the conditions present in the hours before the collision. The discussion covers what the moment of impact felt like from the deckplate, the immediate emo...
Aye, no long talk! Just check out this bonus episode. We love y'all and appreciate your continued support.
Music featured: “Gotta Do It” by Big K.R.I.T. Courtesy of Big K.R.I.T. / Multi Alumni / EMPIRE All rights belong to the original artist.
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