Permission To Speak Freely

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 when they first heard the news. The team also takes time to honor the lost and missing servicemembers, recognizing them as this episode’s Heroes of the Week. Damon stresses the importance of having real conversations with Sailors. Damo raises questions about public trust and whether social media is truly a real place for meaningful dialogue. Aaron highlights the responsibility that comes with sharing opinions in public spaces. The conversation then turns to the Navy’s growing appreciation for the Chaplain Corps. The group explores whether connection to a community can serve as a deterrent to suicide-related behaviors, and how COVID impacted interpersonal relationships across the force. They also discuss the CREDO program and whether enough Sailors are taking advantage of the opportunity. CDR Ferguson shares what led him to become a Navy Chaplain and discusses the importance of mental health within today’s force. He also talks about his book, Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, explaining how his time serving as the Chaplain at Camp David inspired him to write it. During the discussion, he reflects on the writing and release process and shares the experience of delivering a sermon to a sitting President. The conversation continues with reflections on whether the military is becoming “too soft” or simply more professional. CDR Ferguson discusses why he joined the Navy, why Singapore was his favorite tour, and what it means to be endorsed by a faith group. The group also explores the unique relationship between Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists. The episode closes with the hosts sharing their #DoBetter inputs before Charles discusses his retirement plans and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He also reminisces on the toughest moment of his career. These topics and more are covered in this episode.

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

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Keep up with CDR Ferguson:

Website: https://www.charlesfergusonbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfergusonbooks?igsh=MTJyb2VwbnB6MHJsZg==

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3tFWxsd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

X: https://x.com/cfergusonbooks?s=21&t=jTCB_WLip1803qBxIaKXHw

 

Picks of the Week:

Damo - Unlearn (Humble The Poet) https://www.humblethepoet.com/pages/unlearn-101-by-humble-the-poet?srsltid=AfmBOopbQKAoyzzdCchs9ObGtxBnFqNuVdkJHi3vpN9DjL6wnz3ZcmLj

 

Charles - Presidential Seclusion (Charles Ferguson) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/presidential-seclusion-charles-ferguson/1146817887

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

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 flow and how newly announced information is being pushed out. Aaron doubles back on “FCPO Package Rodeos,” and Alex reflects on crossrating from Naval Aircrewman Mechanical to Navy Career Counselor. The guys highlight the “new guy dump” and talk through recent Veterans Affairs updates. Things take a turn when they react to a viral video of police raiding a frat house, which leads Alex into sharing his life before the Navy as a 10th grade biology teacher. He talks about joining later in life, accepting the possibility of going past 20 years, and the role mentors played in shaping his path. Damo dives into “expectation politics,” and the crew revisits the debate of a young first class versus a senior FCPO competing for the LPO role, breaking down the difference between the exception and the standard. NC1 Sewell shares what keeps him grounded, what he wants people to understand when working with him professionally, and which rank group gives him the hardest time. The “Do Better” segment hits moving companies that fumble military household goods. Damon calls out base traffic lights. Aaron has words for people putting sugar where it does not belong. Damo closes with his full review of It by Stephen King. The guys catch up on television and discuss the recently released documentary about America’s Next Top Model. They end by acknowledging Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones, who was found deceased in Great Lakes. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

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Links and more from this episode:

Sailor Found Dead in Great Lakes - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/02/20/sailor-found-dead-at-naval-station-great-lakes/

 

Picks of the Week:

Damo: It (Stephen King) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It

 

Alex: Unlearn (Humble The Poet) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/153840454-unlearn

 

Aaron:

Dota: Dragon’s Blood - https://www.netflix.com/title/80994336

 

 

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

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 discussion moves to comedy, including a review of Katt Williams’ latest special, and a reflection on being grateful that 2026 is not starting as turbulent as it has for Corey Holcomb. A recent trip to San Diego for a work-related symposium leads into a meaningful moment of getting home just in time to see a son off for Senior Night. There is also a breakdown of the Keystone leadership course, including a standout quote that left a lasting impression. Current events take center stage. The USS Truxtun was involved in a collision with a USNS supply ship during a replenishment-at-sea, raising concerns not only about the incident itself but also about individuals recording and posting the event. A recent arrest of a Naval Officer in uniform for lewd conduct prompts a broader discussion about accountability and representation. Questions are raised about the HPO program and what it actually entails, while a social media post about a mother PCSing sparks dialogue about perspective and sacrifice. The CNO’s recent interview with Military Times is examined, followed by a response to a listener’s question about finding the motivation to reenlist. The conversation turns reflective. What should a Sailor understand before becoming a Chief? How important is it to truly know the details of your people’s family lives? Should non-Chiefs ever see the contents of a charge book? Is it wrong to withhold feedback on a weak package? Practical leadership topics round out the episode, including Career Development Board do’s and don’ts, before closing with a spirited Do Better segment. One critique about physical fitness standards and incentives sparks debate. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

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Hero of the week: Freddie Stowers - https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/freddie-stowers

 

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Coming off of a major winter storm on the East Coast, Damon and Damo get a bit nostalgic. Enjoy. 

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

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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 career. The discussion covers fraternization, issues with her LPO, and the idea of not letting getting in trouble define you, along with what accountability should look like after NJP. Damon, Damo, and Madison talk through leadership responsibilities, the difference between consequences and abandonment, and what it means to do right by your people. Lighter moments include early Navy misadventures, her first time checking into a command, and reflections on the good moments from her time in uniform. The conversation also touches on warfare pin restrictions, Madison’s current work at MEPS, and what she sees from the other side of the accession process. In the Do Better segment, the guys discuss installation safety, matching energy, navigating transition, and the need for leadership to be less judgmental. The episode closes with Madison grading the Chiefs’ Mess, sharing her perspective on DRBs, weighing in on The Rip and Sinners and its record-breaking nominations, and offering feedback on what leaders can do better. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

 

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

 

 

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0