Episode 194 | "Answering The Hard Questions" (Feat. Devin Fish)

One of the biggest Navy policy changes of the year is here, and we're breaking it all down. This week, we discuss NAVADMIN 140/26 and NAVADMIN 162/26, covering the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations, grooming standards, and facial hair policy. Joining us is retired Navy Captain Dr. John Cordle, who explains what Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is, how it's commonly treated, who it affects, and what these changes could mean for Sailors and the Fleet. We also discuss barracks and BAH challenges for first-term Sailors, Congress looking into the hard fouls on Caitlin Clark, Reserve Chief selection results, truth in reporting, a Navy Senior Chief charged with child pornography, and honor the life of CMDR Gabriel Edwards. Plus, we respond to listener comments, discuss what went wrong with Damo's Instagram story, talk about joining the military later in life, Aaron's first official PTSF DRB, Damon's apartment search for his son, Damo's retirement trip to Norfolk, this week's Do Better segment, and our Picks of the Week.       Referenced Resources: • NAVADMIN 140/26 – Updated Guidance on Grooming Standards and Religious Liberty https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26140.pdf • NAVADMIN 162/26 – Facial Hair Groom Standards Update https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26162.pdf       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]       Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Picks of the Week: Intrusive Leadership (Marcus A. Canady) - https://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/21/interior.aspx?sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=6893 Turn the Ship Around - (L. David Marquet) - https://davidmarquet.com/books/turn-the-ship-around-book/ The Captain Class (Sam Walker) - https://www.bysamwalker.com/the-captain-class         PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

**Listener Discretion** This episode contains discussions about suicide, mental health, prostitution, pornography, trauma, and religious faith that may be difficult for some listeners.   This week, the guys sit down with Army veteran and author Devin Fish, whose memoir, Answering the Hard Questions, takes readers through a life marked by poverty, constant change, broken relationships, self-hatred, and ultimately, redemption. Devin opens up about growing up in Rockford, Illinois, moving from school to school, joining the Army to escape his circumstances, and the experiences that forced him to confront some of the darkest moments of his life. The conversation explores mental health, loneliness, romance scams, pornography, prostitution, faith, identity, and what it really takes to rebuild yourself after believing you're beyond saving. The guys also dive into the creative process behind writing a deeply personal memoir, the discipline required to tell your story honestly, and why helping just one person can make sharing your story worth it. Whether you've ever struggled with purpose, questioned your faith, battled your own inner voice, or simply wondered how someone finds hope after years of self-destruction, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]       Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Stay connected with Devin Fish: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devin.fish.79 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fish       Picks of the Week: Answering the Hard Questions (Devin Fish) - https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fish A Man at Arms (Steven Pressfield) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393540979?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback       PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

We were definitely UA last week, and we're sorry about that. This week, the guys are back—minus Damon—but joined by NCC Quintavious Nelson (aka Que Nels) to catch up on everything that's happened across the Navy over the past few weeks.   Damo kicks things off with his latest gripe: having to shave every single day. The conversation quickly shifts into the time Que got the pod in trouble around Christmas, which naturally leads into a discussion about his relationship with social media and life as an influencer.   The crew shares their Father's Day After-Action Reports before Damo asks what the big deal is about Love Island? That opens the door to a rabbit hole about the TV shows everyone's watching right now.   Aaron talks about launching his "Standard Bearer" run challenge and reflects on attending his final Corpsman Ball. The release of the E-5 and E-6 advancement results sparks another conversation as Sailors wonder where the BBA results are. That leads Damo to share his thoughts on why some Sailors feel they aren't given enough time to truly learn so many new Navy policies—and what could be done to fix it.   Since it's Men's Mental Health Month, the guys discuss whether it's actually being taken seriously. They also debate whether Barack Obama should have responded after an MMA fighter publicly insulted his wife. Que shares a personal sea story about an experience that completely changed his perspective on mental health.   Damo reminds everyone that Permission to Speak Freely has always been a lifestyle podcast—not just a leadership show. Que then dives deeper into his journey as a social media influencer and what he's learned along the way.   Other topics include: Why some of y'all were way too excited about those tropical uniforms? The tragic death of a 21-year-old woman who was thrown from a bungee jump attraction by staff, and whether it was truly an accident. Questions surrounding the recent shooting death aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. A Navy service member stationed in Virginia is being charged after a missing Louisiana teenager was found connected to him in Norfolk. General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. in this week's Highlighting Our Heroes segment. NAVADMIN 140/26 and the Navy's updated guidance on religious accommodations for facial hair. The Navy's new selection board feedback process, beginning with the latest Chief Petty Officer board, and whether the feedback will actually satisfy those who receive it. Que is asking Aaron and Damo for their thoughts on Career Summary Letters. Aaron discusses stereotypes often assigned to leaders who aren't married. What's really going on with the growing popularity of run clubs? This week's Do Better segment covers: Stop underestimating senior leadership. Establish an ETP task force. Build morale within the Career Counselor community. To wrap things up, Que gives a firsthand review of Project Compass and leaves listeners with an important message about the power of connection. All this and much more on this week's episode of Permission to Speak Freely.       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]     Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast     Stay connected with NCC Que Nelson: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@que_nels?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/que_nels?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qnelsonuint         Links and more from this Episode:   E5/E6 Advancement Results - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/EnlistedCareerAdmin/Advancement/EnlistedResults/Cycle%20271%20AC%20E5_E6%20Quotas.pdf?ver=dyGNaH7uZFB10zh3DBMo3g%3D%3D   Men’s Mental Health - https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mens-health-month/   Woman Dead after Bungee incident - https://www.nbcnews.com/world/south-america/three-instructors-charged-bridge-jumping-death-woman-not-secured-rope-rcna350192   Navy Tropical Uniforms - https://nara.getarchive.net/topics/tropical+white/navy+uniforms   Shooting Death Onboard USS JFK -  https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/06/08/navy-investigating-shooting-death-of-sailor-aboard-uss-john-f-kennedy/   Missing Louisana Teen Found - https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/virginia-navy-norfolk-charged-teen-found-virginia-beach/291-d42d35b9-e7c9-4fa2-bf5e-e3394e760711   NAVADMIN 140/26 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26140.pdf?ver=k-7zlZ6LnqhlJUb9A8mBjA%3d%3d       Hero of the Week: General Daniel Chappie James Jr. - https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106647/daniel-james-jr/       Pick of the Week: Celestine Propechy (James Redfield) - https://miravalshop.com/products/the-celestine-prophecy       PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by LCDR Jeff “Migs” Migdal. Jeff is a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, prior-enlisted Sailor, and longtime commissioning mentor who has helped countless Sailors navigate the path from enlisted service to the officer ranks. The conversation begins with Jeff sharing his journey from joining the Navy as an undesignated Airman to eventually earning a commission after multiple application attempts. He discusses the lessons he learned along the way, including how setbacks, preparation, and persistence shaped his career. The group explores common misconceptions about officer programs and why being eligible does not necessarily make someone competitive. Jeff provides insight into the commissioning process, discussing OCS, LDO, STA-21, motivational statements, appraisal interviews, OAR scores, and the importance of understanding program authorizations before submitting a package. The hosts examine the role mentorship plays in professional development and discuss the difference between mentors who guide and individuals who expect others to do the work for them. The discussion also turns to social media, information sharing, and how technology has changed the way Sailors seek career advice. Jeff explains why many applicants fail before their package ever reaches a selection board, while Damo reflects on lessons learned from his own experiences pursuing advancement and career opportunities. Later in the episode, the conversation broadens into leadership, standards, and accountability. The hosts discuss the importance of correcting Sailors, maintaining good order and discipline, and why seemingly small standards can have a larger impact on organizational culture. Damo introduces his “Get the Fries Right” analogy as the group explores the relationship between attention to detail and effective leadership. The episode closes with reflections on service, mentorship, and the responsibility leaders have to help others succeed. Jeff shares why he has dedicated so much time to helping future officers, while the hosts discuss the importance of preparation, ownership, and personal accountability. Jeff also shares the advice he would give any Sailor considering a commission and explains why, in the end, nobody is going to do it for you. 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]       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Damon is out this week, but the show rolls on as Damo, Aaron, and CS1 Burns sit down for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Navy policy changes and leadership lessons to deployment experiences, career growth, and why Seafood Newburg somehow became part of the discussion. We discuss LTB reviews, Master Chief pay, recruiting concerns surrounding Genesis, the Murph, the new UFC event fitness requirements, PRT alternate cardio, bad day chits, the CNO's recent email on grooming standards, the absence of women selected for Admiral, the relief of an entire triad in Japan, the Warrior Toughness rollout, and changes to evaluations at terminal paygrades. CS1 Burns shares stories about growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, dealing with the loss of a close friend in high school, his first deployment in Japan, how his views changed as he advanced in rank, and some of the most important leadership lessons he's learned throughout his career. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on radical candor, relationships between Chiefs and First Classes, why leaders should defer to expertise, why different doesn't mean wrong, why failure is sometimes necessary for growth, and this week's Do Better segment featuring a Sailor bypassing the process, a gas station "federal crime" investigation, and a few leadership lessons along the way. These and more topics are covered in this episode.       Resources & Links No Women Promoted to Admiral https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-women-promotion-2026/ Entire Triad Relieved in Japan https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/06/04/navy-fires-leadership-trio-of-ship-repair-facility-in-japan/ Warrior Toughness Rollout (NAVADMIN 134/26) https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26134.pdf Periodic Evaluation Changes / Terminal Paygrade (NAVADMIN 132/26) https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2026/NAV26132.pdf       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: The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande https://a.co/d/07S3X6hL Leadership Strategy and Tactics – Jocko Willink https://echelonfront.com/leadership-books/leadership-strategy-and-tactics/       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

The guys are back with no guest and plenty to discuss. Damo recaps his recent trip and shares a few new Navy terms he picked up along the way before the conversation shifts to television, film, social media, and the impact online culture is having on military leadership. They discuss Black cinema, mental health resources, Warrior Toughness, Human Performance Optimization, E-8 and E-9 results, Memorial Day plans, and the latest developments in Admiral Robert Burke’s bribery case. The episode also features a Do Better segment, Picks of the Week, and listener questions covering disconnected leadership, driving change within organizations, and investing energy where it matters most. To close things out, Damo puts Damon and Aaron in the hot seat with a series of personal questions that lead to honest conversations about buying into the Navy, career setbacks, staying beyond 20 years, life after service, family sacrifices, and the moments they wish they could get back.       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: Start with Yourself (Emma Grede) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/start-with-yourself-emma-grede/1148547712 Damon: Kobe Bryant & The Mamba Mentality  (Alex Karadzin) https://www.audible.com/pd/Kobe-Bryant-The-Mamba-Mentality-Audiobook/B0DJCJ6GGC Aaron: Remi Adeleke | One54 Africa Podcast https://youtu.be/GZu-2l4V29k?si=Nt3jEt-b2ulGfW-s       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

This episode of Permission to Speak Freely Podcast is dedicated to retired Command Master Chief Shay Robbie Farnsworth. Her influence helped shape careers, strengthen Sailors, and remind people what real leadership looks like. She poured into others, stayed connected long after transferring, and remained someone whose guidance and support never stopped mattering. We honor her life, legacy, service, and the countless people she impacted throughout her career and beyond. Fair winds and following seas, Command Master Chief Farnsworth. No guest pod. Let’s go. Damo starts with smoke for Tyra, Aaron, and Damon (kind of). The guys talk about the realities of podcasting, not making any money from it, and why there’s still no donation button. Iceman season is officially here, so the crew takes time to review the album while revisiting old debates about Kobe Bryant and whether Drake belongs in the top five music artists conversation. The conversation moves into the Kevin Hart roast, whether comedy should still be considered a sacred space, and what happens when culture changes faster than the jokes. The guys also finally catch up on life outside the podcast. Damo talks about heading back to California with the family, Damon gets flowers for his squadron’s recent accomplishments, and the crew shouts out Charles Johnson for taking another major step with the launch of the Bump Serum. Other conversations include: - jewelry in uniform - SCPO/MCPO results - the viral barracks fight video - cars stopping for colors - the abrupt exit of John Phelan from the SECNAV office - Ombudsman of the Year recipients - Project Compass - changes to CPO initiation - SAFETALK and ASIST requirements - executive orders regarding psychedelics - President Trump’s trip to China - Damon’s random leadership questions - Damo introducing a new game The episode also features a deeper leadership discussion after a retired Master Chief asks how senior leaders are expected to promote policies they may not personally agree with. Later, the guys respond directly to a listener frustrated with the podcast’s coverage of toxic Chiefs and leadership accountability. Highlighting Our Heroes returns with recognition of J. Paul Reason, while the crew also discusses the legacy of Medgar Evers during Picks of the Week. Aaron brings back his “Quote of the Week,” has a #DoBetter for Damo, and much more is discussed throughout Episode 189.

Retired NCCS Nikki Lozano joins the guys for one of the most personal and powerful conversations the podcast has ever had. Nikki reflects on her early days as a Personnelman (PN), the differences between the early 2000s Navy and today’s Navy, and what it was like to be one of the first women assigned to an all-male ship. Before the Navy, she opens up about growing up in Utah in a trailer park, navigating an abusive household, the complicated lessons she learned from her father, and the mindset that ultimately pushed her toward military service. The conversation moves through battle stations, Norfolk memories, life aboard USS Cole, leadership after the attack, and Nikki’s firsthand account of the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack. She also speaks candidly about PTSD, sexual abuse, physical abuse, trauma at follow-on commands, and the way those experiences permanently changed how she viewed drills, leadership, and survival. As the episode continues, Nikki discusses motherhood, the conversation with her daughter that ultimately led to her retirement decision, life after the Navy, becoming a realtor in the Hampton Roads area, and the healing journey that inspired her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing. The crew also talks veteran storytelling, whether more veterans should lead recruiting efforts, the importance of transparency from leadership, and how stories can help people feel seen, understood, and less alone. These and many more topics are discussed in this episode.   About Our Guest: Retired Navy Senior Chief Nikki Lozano served over 21 years in the United States Navy, beginning her career as a Personnelman (PN) before later converting to Navy Counselor (NCC). She was also a crew member aboard USS Cole (DDG 67) during the terrorist attack on October 12, 2000. Her memoir, Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing, explores many of those experiences in greater depth and was written to help encourage broader conversations surrounding resilience, recovery, and personal growth. Today, Nikki continues serving her community as a realtor in the Hampton Roads area while advocating for honest conversations surrounding healing and life after service.   Purchase Nikki’s Book: Grit and Grind: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing https://square.link/u/jNgLZLPw     Upcoming Events: Grit and Grind Meet & Greet with Nikki Lozano 📍 201 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 📅 May 15, 2026 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM For more information: Foundry757.com [email protected]       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

Command Master Chief Aquinor “Kedia” Hollingsworth is back! This time, she and MC1 Tyra Watson lead an episode with Command Master Chiefs Jacelyne “Jay” Augustin and Stephanie “Cocoa” Canteen, guiding a conversation centered on leadership, personal growth, and the realities that come with carrying responsibility at the highest enlisted level. The episode opens with a discussion on leadership identity and the expectations that come with the role, including the pressure to consistently show up, maintain standards, and lead in environments where perception, respect, and credibility are constantly being evaluated. From there, the conversation moves into the balance between authority and approachability, breaking down how leaders decide when to hold the line versus when to give grace through real-world examples of accountability, mentorship, and decision-making. Kedia and Tyra steer the discussion into the experiences that shape leadership, including upbringing, independence, trust, and the process of unlearning habits that no longer serve them. The group shares how confidence is built through competence, how mentorship plays a role in growth, and how leaders develop others while continuing to evolve themselves. The conversation then shifts into personal experiences, including navigating divorce, motherhood, and the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with leadership demands. The group speaks on leading while dealing with personal struggles, the importance of asking for support, and the resources they relied on during difficult periods. As the episode continues, Kedia and Tyra guide a deeper look into leadership philosophy and impact, focusing on developing Chiefs, aligning with command priorities, and taking ownership of mission success while still prioritizing people. The discussion also covers how leaders want to be remembered, emphasizing fairness, care, competence, and leaving organizations better than they found them. The episode closes with a shared message on authenticity, encouraging leaders to show up as themselves, stay grounded in who they are beyond the uniform, and continue growing through both success and failure.  These and more topics are discussed in this episode.     Guest CMC Bios:   CMDCM Aquinor “Kedia” Hollingsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquinor-hollingsworth-a4a48162/?isSelfProfile=false CMDCM Jacelyne “Jay” Augustin - https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2003137648/ CMDCM Stephanie “Cocoa” Canteen - https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Shipyards/Norfolk/Leadership/Command-Master-Chief/       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

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 coordinating across commands. That conversation leads into a broader discussion on standards and perception, sparked by a viral photo that had the Navy talking. From there, Commander Walker reflects on his recent deployment, sharing insight on crew endurance, shared sacrifice, and how leadership decisions early on can shape performance later. The group builds on that by discussing what makes a Sailor stand out, shifting into a deeper conversation on resiliency, ownership, and growth over time. The conversation continues with a debate on Enlisted Leadership Development (ELD), questioning whether Sailors lack access to resources or simply aren’t using what’s available. Different perspectives emerge on leadership responsibility, authority, and when to step in versus when to let people figure things out. As the episode progresses, the tone becomes more personal. The group reflects on pressure, influence, and the idea of the “alternative Sailor,” highlighting how small moments and mentorship can change someone’s path. Commander Bonner’s “Gangster of the Week” adds a powerful moment centered on resilience and growth. The episode closes with a conversation on ethics, leadership boundaries, and how leaders show up outside the uniform. Commander Walker speaks candidly about balancing career demands with family and the importance of acknowledging both success and failure along the way. 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]     Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Cover photograph taken by William Cotton of 901 Photography - https://www.instagram.com/william_cotton_photography?igsh=MTN6aXluNHM2aHZ6bw==   PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0