Episode 165 | "The Pursuit of Excellence"

As I was prepping these episode notes, I got a call about a matter concerning my Sailors that I needed to address. With that said, enjoy these ChatGPT-generated notes and enjoy this episode. You'll see very early in the episode that we put our hearts into it. - Damo   Episode Description:   This episode kicks off with weather talk and Halloween banter before shifting into reflection as Damo asks, “When’s the last time you were let down?” The conversation evolves into leadership mode as he introduces The Vibe Check—a new way to bridge influencers and skeptics across the command. From there, Damo and Damon explore what it means to “zero out at the pursuit of excellence,” setting the tone for an unfiltered discussion on accountability and consistency. The guys dive deep into the RSCA evaluation system and question whether it rewards authenticity or compliance. Damon reminds listeners that leadership happens at your pace, not at the world’s. The conversation then pivots to Sailor 360, execution mistakes, and how leaders can avoid burnout by doing the basics well. In this week’s Do Better segment, the focus is on poor meetings and the people who just “know they wrong.” Damo and Damon also unpack the viral DoorDash story and tie it to accountability in and out of uniform. The episode closes with a look at the Barracks Task Force, why leaders are afraid to lead in the IG era, and how to professionally address both seniors and subordinates when they make mistakes. Damon and Damo break down the latest NAVADMIN, and Damo closes with his Pick of the Week—Tim Grover’s Relentless—a book that ties every message together: discipline, mentality, and excellence. These and more topics are discussed in this episode.       Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]       Picks of the Week:   Relentless (Tim S. Grover) -  https://timgrover.com/relentless/       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

This episode starts with the epitome of locker room talk, as Damo questions whether his latest decision at the gym means he’s getting old. Damon recaps his experience listening to Episode 163, and the guys catch up on their weeks. Admiral Alvin Holsey recently announced his retirement in a story that swept across military social media circles. A recent dispute between Marc Lamont Hill and Queenzflip of the Joe Budden Podcast leads to a conversation about who “should” and “shouldn’t” be in certain spaces. Damo responds to a comment regarding understanding our roles as leaders, which morphs into a discussion about emotional intelligence and old-school terms that are now considered offensive. The guys say their last goodbyes to R&B pioneer and legend D’Angelo. Aaron highlights Sergeant Major Janina Simmons as our Hero of the Week, and Damon reviews the movie One Battle After Another. The furlough is still underway—when will it end, and how is it affecting the working-class citizen? Charles Johnson, creator of The Bump Serum, stops by to talk about pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), how smarter grooming solutions can keep Sailors in regs without wrecking their skin, and why his product may be the solution we’ve been missing. Later in the episode, the guys discuss how to decompress when you’re at a demanding command. No Limit vs. Cash Money Records in a Verzuz—who you got? Damon and Aaron exchange their Picks of the Week, and the guys share their Do Better topics for the week, with Damon remembering Kyren Lacy. These and more topics are discussed in this episode.       Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]   Keep up with Charles Johnson and ’The Bump Serum’: Official Website: https://thebumpserum.com/ (All PTSF listeners will receive a 10% discount on their first order!) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesreneejohnson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebumpserum/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580074397631     Picks of the Week:   Aaron - Warrior (HBO): https://www.hbomax.com/shows/warrior/da36cb5e-3528-4354-a31c-c84610de672b   Damon - ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

About Our Guest — Courtney A. Barber   Courtney A. Barber is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, motivational speaker, three-time published author, and certified life purpose coach with over 25 years of military leadership experience. A Fayetteville, North Carolina native, Courtney is the founder of Sapphire Veteran HR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women veterans in Hampton Roads transition from service to civilian life with confidence and community. After a decorated Navy career, Courtney transformed her journey of adversity, faith, and resilience into a personal mission to empower others through her brand, Unapologetically Favored—a movement and mindset that encourages people to walk boldly in their truth. She has authored multiple books including Unapologetically Favored, Wake Up. Turn Up. Bless Up., and Never Be Afraid to Eat Alone, each blending leadership, spirituality, and personal growth. In December 2023, she served as part of the MyNavy Coaching Team, leading a five-day Coaching Master Course in San Diego to develop the next generation of Navy leaders. Today, Courtney continues to mentor, teach, and inspire through her speaking engagements, coaching programs, and advocacy for authenticity, representation, and emotional intelligence in leadership. Learn more about her work at UnapologeticallyFavored.net or follow her on social media at @unapologeticallyfavored.   About This Episode:   In this episode, Damo and Aaron sit down with retired Master Chief and author Courtney Barber—North Carolina native and writer of Unapologetically Favored—for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about faith, identity, leadership, and redemption inside the U.S. Navy. The guys open with barbershop energy, debating Dave Chappelle vs. Eddie Murphy, fresh off Damo catching Chappelle live, before pivoting into Courtney’s early life in the South, her family dynamics, and how her upbringing shaped the way she learned to love, trust, and lead. She opens up about her father figures, teenage pregnancy, abortion, and the boundaries she had to build to protect her peace. Courtney reflects on her early Navy journey—boot camp, A-school, and those unforgettable early days in uniform—sharing stories of laughter, adversity, and lessons learned. Aaron delivers a hilarious breakdown of “honch monsters,” and the crew swaps memories of Great Lakes and the RDC grind. Courtney discusses the mentors who taught her the value of training your reliefs, the importance of accountability, and what ultimately inspired her to write Unapologetically Favored after a viral post questioning empty “thank-you for your service” gestures. Listener questions about leadership spark a powerful exchange on the role of First Class Petty Officers and why leaders must trust their people enough to let them lead, fail, and grow. From being married against her nature and struggling with instinct to finally embracing her truth and telling her mom, Courtney walks listeners through the courage it took to live authentically under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She shares the impact of good mentorship, the value of grace after mistakes, and how faith and resilience helped her rise through adversity. Damo introduces the idea of giving Sailors “scarlet letters” for their failures, which leads to a discussion about forgiveness, perception, and leadership growth. Courtney also reflects on what she learned from a failed BCA. It’s three hours of honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom—laughter, confession, mentorship, and faith woven into one conversation. From barbershop debates to leadership lessons to spiritual redemption, this episode captures everything Permission to Speak Freely stands for: real people, real leadership, and real conversations that matter.       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       Keep up with Courtney Barber, AZCM (Retired):   Website: https://www.unapologeticallyfavored.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallycak?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unapologeticallyfavored       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Damon and Damo catch up as Damon highlights his first week as a CMC. Damo had to shave his mustache and did not like it one bit. The guys discuss the impact of the current furlough on servicemembers and civilian teammates, along with available resources for anyone in need. Diddy was sentenced to four years in prison after a guilty verdict in a prostitution case, and Damon makes a plea against political violence and mass shootings. Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump called top military generals and admirals to Quantico for a brief, summit, conference, or “All Call.” At the same time, the SecDef dropped a load of memos focused on refocusing the fleet and putting the warrior spirit at the forefront. This week’s hero is Pfc. Jacklyn Harold Lucas, and last week’s “Do Better” segment gets a much-needed follow-up with a shout-out to Freddy Whisner. A new listener-submitted “Do Better” sparks a conversation about how DRB can be handled more privately. The guys also debate whether the Super Bowl music choices alienate two-thirds of the NFL’s fanbase as Damo praises PTA and Leo’s latest movie, One Battle After Another, and much more.     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       Links and more from this episode:   FY26 Government Shutdown Resources - https://stjececmsdusgva001.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/public/documents/2025_Guide_to_Fleet_for_Government_Shutdown.pdf   Hero of the Week: Private First Class Jacklyn Harold Lucas https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/jacklyn-h-lucas   Picks of the Week: Damo: Chance The Rapper - Starline https://chancestuff.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorWA02aAprglTEVCypj5YxOlRdh4TGV531SgdcqPPUpNrTYIoBT   Damon: BMW       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

The guys open this episode with heartfelt farewells, showing love to Tisha and Denisse as they step away for personal reasons. Both sisters received flowers and well-wishes from the team. Congratulations go out to Captain Desmond K. Walker, honored with the FY26 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award, along with all other recipients. The crew also sends condolences to CMSAF David A. Flosi and family on the passing of his wife, Katy. Damon reflects on his experiences in Newport, Rhode Island and Millington, Tennessee during the CMC/COB course, while Aaron raises the question—is Memphis BBQ overrated? Damo shares a personal story about the Philadelphia Police Department entering his mother’s home. The team acknowledges that social media clip production may slow due to their new command responsibilities, sparking a larger discussion: how can leaders realistically balance social media and deckplate leadership? The conversation ties into the Navy’s updated social media policy and handbook, as well as CNO’s latest “C-Note,” where he defines The Foundry. Hero of the Week returns with a spotlight on Private First Class Charles Ralph Johnson. Updates on the Angelina Resendiz case lead to a debate about the limits of invasive leadership. The crew tackles listener questions about rank privileges and a troubling report of a new mother being excluded from the CPO Initiation and Pinning Ceremony. Other hot topics include an Army dining hall with an “F” rating still serving meals, strategies to shift command culture in the face of widespread disciplinary issues, and Damon’s surprise at the “Pick of the Week” segment. The episode closes with Aaron’s Do Better: Attend a Military Ball.       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   Picks of the Week:   Damo - Military Culture Shift (Book) (Corie Weathers) https://www.corieweathers.com/militarycultureshift/ Damon - CMC/COB School https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Senior-Enlisted-Academy/Program-Overview/ Aaron - Unapologetically Favored (Book) (Courtney Kittrell-Barber) https://www.unapologeticallyfavored.net/unapologetically-favored.html       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0   Additional credits:   Music Credit “How Do I Say Goodbye” Written by Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds) and Daryl Simmons Performed by Boyz II Men ℗ 1994 Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

This episode opens with a look at military history — why the United States shifted from the Department of War to the Department of Defense, and whether the language change reflected a broader shift in strategy. Damo tries his best to explain, while Aaron joins him in discussing the Navy’s latest beard announcement and the Army’s updated grooming standards. They also congratulate the newly pinned Chief Petty Officers and ask the hard question: Can Master Chiefs add too much pressure during initiation season? The hosts provide updates on the Tamo complaint, former VCNO Burke’s six-year sentence, and the charging of Angelina Resendiz’s killer. Damo admits he’s stressed and in need of a vacation, even after leave, while Aaron steps into therapist mode. They also break down the Naval Academy lockdown and the role of social media in spreading chaos. From there, the conversation pivots to culture: the Canelo vs. Crawford fight, Netflix’s takeover of boxing, Dame Dash’s appearance on the Breakfast Club, Cam’ron and Adrien Broner headlines, and even predictions for the movie of the year. The episode also salutes Constitution Day and Ombudsman Appreciation Day, and covers a wild Navy story about a man landing his plane on base twice. Of course, Damo can’t resist bringing aliens back into the discussion. Finally, the conversation turns to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The hosts reflect on what happened, why they waited to address it, and how service members responded online. Some mourned, others didn’t, but violence is never the answer. What follows is a raw discussion about free speech, discipline, and the kind of leadership moments like this demand. 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

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