Permission To Speak Freely

• Episode 159 | "Blink Twice If You're Okay" (Feat. Captain Lacey M. Vestal)

  Guest Bio: Captain Lacey Vestal, United States Navy, currently serves as a Commanding Officer in the Human Resources community. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she began her career as a Surface Warfare Officer before transitioning to Human Resources, where she has held leadership roles across the Fleet, at the Pentagon, and on the staff of the Secretary of the Navy. Her career reflects a commitment to resilience, mentorship, and service at every level of the Navy. Beyond uniform, she is a competitive bodybuilder who brings the same discipline and focus to personal wellness that she applies to leading Sailors and shaping Navy policy.   Episode Description: Captain Lacey Vestal is a United States Navy Commanding Officer and Human Resources Officer. She talks about growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, being at the Naval Academy during 9/11, standing her first watch as a Surface Warfare Officer, shifting into HR, and working at the Pentagon and with the Secretary of the Navy. We also get into bodybuilding, command PT, mentorship, and what it takes to stay resilient as a leader.   Have a “Do Better” you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]   Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   CAPT Lacey’s Picks of the Week:   Relentless (Tim Grover) - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relentless-tim-s-grover/1112409981   Quiet (Susan Cain) - https://susancain.net/book/quiet/       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

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• "Reality is Reality" | Bonus Episode

  Sailors, leave those streamers alone, they do this for a living. We break down how online actions can spill over into the real world. In this week’s catch-up, Damon talks getting ready for CMC school and football kick-off, plus we cover pulling the truth out of a Sailor at DRB, the Command Holiday Party, and what not to do during the festivities. We dive into the CNO’s first C-NOTE, “Sailors First,” and how far delegation travels when it comes to executing tasking. We also ask: can a Sailor make an impact on the very first day they check into a command? These topics and more are on deck in this episode.   💡 Have a “Do Better” you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]   Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Links & Resources:   CNO All Hands Call (USS Truman)     Book of Book of the Week: Leadership and Self-Deception   Credits: Music: Meet the Grahams by Kendrick Lamar (℗ 2024 pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)   PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

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• Episode 158 | "You Talkin' To Me?"

  Damon and Damo are back, calling an audible after a guest no-show (don’t worry — he’s safe and sound). The conversation kicks off with Damo asking how Chiefs really view CMCs, followed by his response to a negative Facebook comment about him. Fresh off an appearance on Theresa Carpenter’s Stories of Service podcast, Damo challenges Damon to reflect on how far he’s come.   The guys tackle a listener’s suggestion to revamp the PFA with firefighting readiness tasks, react to the disappointing update in the death of CSSN Angelina Resendiz, and weigh the pros and cons of being stationed in your hometown for your first tour. Damon shares his first impressions of CMC turnover, and the two debate whether there’s ever enough time to be a “bystander hero.”   They also break down the viral wrestling match between Raja Jackson and Army vet Syko Stu, laugh through the strangeness of dreams about cheating partners, and highlight Admiral Caudle’s first All Hands Call aboard USS Truman with a “Sailor First” message. A few Reddit posts spark some impromptu motivation, the Cowboys trading Micah Parsons shakes up NFL fans, and Damon’s “Do Better” of the week takes aim at tariffs. 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 [email protected]   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast  on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from this episode:   Cheekz Adult Diapers - https://shop.alohaseniorhomecare.com   Stories of Service (Ep. 220) (Feat. Damo) - https://www.youtube.com/live/Z3-ij10q5_g?si=4IjCkDdEiXJ3rOLC   Angelina Resendiz Update - https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/national/military-news/norfolk-sailor-resendiz-cause-manner-death-undetermined-virginia-medical-examiner/291-411f1c4d-21f1-4736-9a42-0779566161b8   CNO All Hands (Full Video) - https://youtu.be/yvkcqJQq6TQ?si=DpwX79bW-8emmRSu   Leading Outward Podcast (Apple Link) - Leading Outward       Book of the week: Set Boundaries, Find Peace (Nedra Glover Tawwab) - https://www.nedratawwab.com/set-boundaries-find-peace       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

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• Episode 157 | "How Wicked Are These Wickets?"

  ⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode includes a discussion of suicide and loss within the military community. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling: Veterans & Service Members: Dial 988, then Press 1 (24/7 Veterans/Military Crisis Line) Text: 838255 (Veterans/Military Crisis Line) Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat Military OneSource (24/7 confidential support): 1-800-342-9647 | MilitaryOneSource.mil   You are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength.   Damon and Damo open with real life: parenting a clingy toddler while trying not to be the “threat dad.” He then walks through a packed few weeks—starting turnover, a Ceremonial Guard recruiting run at Great Lakes, and a whirlwind week working at the Guard. From there the fellas pivot to military news and leadership shifts: the 12-hour fire aboard USS New Orleans; Fleet Master Chief John Perryman’s selection as the 17th MCPON and how alignment with the boss accelerates trust; a string of high-level shakeups (Air Force Chief Gen. David Allvin’s retirement; VADM Nancy Lacore and RADM Jamie Sands relieved; USNA’s change of command to LtGen Michael Borgschulte); and a look at the Fort Stewart workplace shooting response. They sit with harder headlines too: the reported suicide of recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson at Great Lakes and the loss of Aviation Boatswain’s Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV during operations in the Timor Sea. Closer to home, they clock the National Guard presence in D.C., react to the phrase “last rank in which he served honorably,” and note USMC LtCol (ret.) Stuart Scheller’s new role. Inside the Mess, Damo flags that MCPON has added “Get Real, Get Better” training into CPO Initiation—and asks if the culture shift is actually landing. The guys respond to a few listeners: do reenlistments still mean something or are we just signing paper; advice for clashing peers; why folks ghost in TAP; “have you ever taken your blouse off to drive home;” and young Sailors in race cars. In the Chief’s Initiation (no longer Season) block, they talk non-select morale, the low numbers this year, and where leaders must step up for those who didn’t pin—plus the moment you were when you got the call. The “Do Better” segment (Damon on clips; Damo on Chiefs in housing). These topics and more are covered in this episode.       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at [email protected]       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast  on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Additional Credits: Soundbite from It Is What It Is featuring Cam’ron and Ma$e, used for illustrative purposes in explaining the “pause” game. All rights belong to the original creators.   PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

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• Episode 156 | "Sometimes U Gotta Bite the Billet" (Feat. AMEC Sean Johnson)

  The crew is joined by AMEC Sean Johnson, a Navy detailer whose viral TikTok videos are shaking up the conversation. Sean takes us from his beginnings in Germany to the realities of life as a detailer—debunking rumors, breaking down why billets can be “closed,” and explaining what it means to be “best and fully qualified.” We delve into the Senior Enlisted Marketplace, exploring whether San Diego still reigns supreme and whether applying for billets can hurt your chances. Damon seeks clarity on “Needs of the Navy,” Sean shares updates on the Exceptional Family Member Program, and we address the age-old question: Are detailers in Millington ignoring the phones? From HUMS and co-location to when you should contact your detailer, Sean lays out insider tips every Sailor should know. We also talk TAR, balancing detailing with Chief Season, and why he joined the Navy in the first place. Plus, Sean weighs in on being called an influencer, the new Chief Eval, and why the NC-detailer relationship matters. In the Do Better segment: Sean calls for accountability, Damon takes on the NWU Type III uniform, and Tisha freestyles a fresh take. These topics and more are covered in this episode.       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at [email protected]       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast  on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Follow AMEC Sean Johnson on Social Media: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@srtfied_official?lang=en Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/srtfied_official/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Srtfiedofficial LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjohnson757/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

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