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

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

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

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

⚠️ 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

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

HMC Josh Mackey joins Damon, Damo, and Tisha. We kick things off wondering if OMPF access is really gone for good, and with Chief results dropping this week—are y’all ready? Tisha’s back with another round of office drama (they’re calling her “Chief Bing” now), and Josh opens up about his time as a Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Damo’s prepping for a Change of Command and asks a big question about where he should spend Chief Season—at his new command or current one? Josh has a season dilemma of his own. We talk late paychecks (you good?), respond to a comment calling Chiefs a “cancer to the Navy,” and wrestle with the line between discrimination and poor leadership. There’s a detour into Sydney Sweeney and an impromptu review of “Echo Valley.” Listener questions about our own Chief Seasons spark real reflection, including stories of personal loss. We also salute the USS Iwo Jima and the USO, explore the idea of changing sea duty hours while in port, and debate the Chief selection board process after Josh’s #DoBetter segment. Damo calls for people to stop leaking All Chiefs Call convos, Damon goes off about NGIS keys, and Tisha wants the PCS process to stop playing with her money. 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       Book of the Week: [Damo] The Motive (Patrick Lencioni) -  https://www.tablegroup.com/product/themotive/?srsltid=AfmBOooFcvvFdVuzMSPMj1JXpQLe9b7mZZSE-vffWacR6BCkB9GjTenF   [Damon] Go For No! (Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz) - https://shop.goforno.com/product/go-for-no-book-2/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Someone leaked the notes from FLTCM Lateef Compton’s “All CPO” All Hands. Why not talk about some of the notes? Damon stays at the “Deluxe NGIS Suite,” but it’s in Lemoore, so it’s not as “deluxe” as it sounds. A 3-mile run, really? The trio discusses the rumored “Joint Service PFA” and what they’ve heard so far. Why are those coyote brown boots so damn expensive? A few of our childhood icons passed away this week (Malcolm Jamal Warner, Ozzy Osbourne, and Hulk Hogan). Let’s take a trip down memory lane—we discuss the great times and also speak on some of the bad things that came along with these icons. Damo gets some wild news while he’s TAD. A father runs for safety while his 7-year-old son is kidnapped by two gunmen. Can you really wear khakis without a T-shirt? Does the CO need all that information you’re getting ready to give him? Damo attended the first annual CNIC CSEL Symposium and came back to tell the story! Shout out to Admiral Gray and FORCM Andre Brown for making this thing happen. MCPON showed up and spoke on his retirement, and those folks from Millington talked in detail about the new Chief Eval (download a copy before you play this episode). So many more people showed up with so much to speak about. We even put this episode out two days early because we think you need to hear it all. 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: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Shaun Murphy — Army Staff Sergeant, educator, artist, speaker, and author — joins the show to share a story that stretches from Brownsville, Brooklyn to standing beside Michelle Obama, with many pivotal stops along the way. We peel the layers back on his upbringing: growing up in a single-parent household, losing his father to gun violence at age six, and navigating life between hard lessons and harder streets. Murphy opens up about trauma, family, and growth in real time, using music like “Letter to Dad” as both a form of therapy and a platform to explore generational pain. We also dive deep into the military years — from panicking on the bus to basic training, to finding discipline through drill sergeant fire and “dime on the barrel” determination. From there, we follow his next chapter: party promoter in Missouri → broke veteran in NY → mail clerk at NYU → classroom educator → national Teach for America leader. It all leads to one powerful pivot: when Murph decided that his voice, his story, and his sound needed a stage of their own. You’ll hear how music became his mission — including the creation of “Mister Motivation: The Audio Collection”, his decision to study greats like Jay-Z and Common, and the story behind standout tracks like “Temple,” “W.H.Y.,” and “Actin’ Different” featuring Beanz from Rhythm & Flow. Shaun also breaks down the mindset behind his Core 4 (Body, Business, Balance, Being), the real power of vulnerability, and why he studies the wisdom of people on their deathbeds. These topics and more are covered on this episode.   About Our Guest: Shaun “Mister Motivation” Murphy   Shaun Murphy is a Brooklyn-born veteran, educator, and motivational artist whose mission is to equip others with the tools to rise — mentally, spiritually, and professionally. A former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Shaun went on to teach middle school and high school before becoming a college professor and national Teach for America leader. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and the creator of Mister Motivation: The Audio Collection — a genre-bending project blending spoken word, hip-hop, and life coaching. Shaun is the founder of the Breakthrough Bunker, a transformational platform that helps people redefine what’s possible, and the author of the Amazon bestseller Unbreakable Valor (May 2025).   You can find and follow Shaun here: Website - https://mister-motivation.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/misterm0tivati0n?igsh=NXBwcDFvaHpsZWNj Get the “Unbreakable Valor” book now! - https://a.co/d/gqn9kP3 YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mistermotivation492?si=kwCnHjrkRT0Uc6lM LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmurphy1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Substack - https://mistermotivation.substack.com/podcast     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:   Music Credit “Ante Up” by M.O.P. ℗ 2000 Loud Records / Columbia Records Written by Eric Murray, Jamal Grinnage, and DR Period Used respectfully for commentary and entertainment purposes. All rights belong to the original artists and copyright holders.   PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Damo opens Episode 152 with a personal and emotional story about the tragic death of Azir Harris, who was shot and killed in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. That pain sets the tone for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with CWO2 Donald Banks—a discussion that spans grief, leadership, Detroit culture, chronic illness, and purpose. From gun violence in his hometown to navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis, CWO2 Banks brings insight, heart, and an unwavering sense of service to the mic. Donald shares what drew him into the Navy straight out of Detroit, why he doesn’t want a retirement ceremony, and how his MS diagnosis has reshaped his day-to-day responsibilities, family dynamics, and leadership style. He offers firsthand knowledge of the Navy’s EMPLOY program—an alternative path that allows Sailors with medical diagnoses to remain active duty—and discusses how it helped him stay in uniform while managing symptoms like fatigue, vision loss, and nerve pain. The conversation moves through everything from beard policies and CPAP struggles to Navy vs. civilian dental experiences and the emotional toll of recent national tragedies, including the death of CSSN Angelina Resendiz and widespread flooding in Texas. The episode also celebrates Detroit’s impact on hip-hop culture, with top-five rapper debates, reflections on the city’s sound influencing the mainstream, and shout-outs to artists like Blade Icewood, Payroll Giovanni, Royce da 5’9”, and Obie Trice. From discussing emotional intelligence in leadership to breaking down why “Burger Day” fell off and why some morale events just don’t hit the mark, this conversation is as real as it gets. Whether it’s reflecting on books like Chop Wood, Carry Water and The Way of the Superior Man, or calling out the silent weight that leaders carry as they rise through the ranks, this episode captures the soul of what it means to serve and survive—physically, emotionally, and culturally. ⸻ About Our Guest Chief Warrant Officer 2 Donald Banks is a Detroit native and 22-year Navy veteran currently serving as a Food Service Officer. Rising through the enlisted ranks before commissioning, he is known for his authentic leadership style, deep connection to his Sailors, and transparency about his personal challenges—including his recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. CWO2 Banks is a passionate advocate for the Navy’s EMPLOY program, an avid hip-hop fan, and the mind behind the personal lifestyle brand “Stag,” symbolized by the monarch butterfly. With a strong belief in legacy over recognition, he continues to serve with resilience, humility, and a drive to elevate others.       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       Keep up with CWO2 Banks on Social Media and other sites:   “Stang” Merch Website: https://mustanglife247.company.site/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.banks.iii/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagz313/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-banks-64a900126/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkiGHJ4aic3khwtup7nRCoA   Wavy 10 News Article: https://www.wavy.com/news/health/navy-officer-faces-ms-diagnosis-head-on/   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Guess Who’s Bizack? Fresh from being “on standby to shock the world,” Damon is fresh from his tour on the USS Nimitz and preparing for his first tour as a Command Master Chief. He discusses his feelings about going on deployment, knowing that he had another job waiting for him. Damo reflects on his first tour as a Senior Enlisted Leader. Is 5 years on a ship even necessary? Damon doubles down on “Leadership Discussions.” Damo addresses comments regarding accusations about past guests. Damon gives his ultimate “Post Carrier Tour Do Better.” Damo adds a few of his own. Damon salutes the pod for keeping it going while he’s been gone. This leads Damo to cover a personal story about his family and how pivotal timing can be. The guys discuss the weaponization of the CO’s Suggestion box. Damon drops some jewels on not creating “barriers.” 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   Book of the Week: How to Navy (James Cross) - https://www.amazon.com/How-Navy-Lessons-Leadership-Deckplates/dp/B0F85ZXR8C   Movie Review: Warfare (Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31434639/     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0