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Send us Fan Mail From Marine officer to civilian—who are you beyond the rank? Retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Victor de la Flor, creator of The Green Logbook, joins Unarmored Talk to discuss trading military structure, responsibility, and identity for an uncertain civilian chapter. We explore redefining success beyond rank and salary, finding purpose, and building new routines after service. His reminder for officers preparing to transition: It is going to be okay. Subscribe, share with someone preparing to leave the military, and tell us: How did you redefine success after service? CONNECT WITH VICTOR YouTube | LinkedIn | Apple Podcasts CHAPTERS 00:05 – Meet Victor 01:03 – New Jersey to the Marines 02:47 – Redefining Success 03:56 – Identity Without the Uniform 06:03 – The Green Logbook’s Purpose 09:37 – Creating Without a Crowd 12:18 – Purpose and Daily Routine 14:24 – What’s Next for Victor 17:53 – Advice Before Getting Out 19:20 – Connect With Victor and Closing Thank you for your continued support. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Who are you when the things you built your identity around are gone? In part one of “Pain, Opioids, and the Search for Another Way,” Mario P. Fields joins entrepreneur Steele C. Smith III for a conversation about illness, loss, faith, and identity. Steele shares his account of seeking relief through cannabis, facing incarceration, and learning to separate his worth from his possessions. Together, they explore what hardship reveals—and why people matter more than property. Connect with Steele C. Smith III: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idrasil/ Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Series Setup 00:46 When Things Become a God 01:01 Illness & a Turning Point 01:30 Raid, Prison & Facing 25 Years 03:04 Living With Less 04:12 Lessons From His Dad 05:57 Character Under Pressure 07:07 Facing Uncertainty 08:39 Closing Prayer & What’s Next Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever told yourself you’re too old to try something new? At 69, Doug Davidson stepped outside his comfort zone, attended a casting call surrounded by people decades younger, and was selected to model for Kenneth Barlis, whom you may recognize from Season 19 of Project Runway. Doug returns to Unarmored Talk with Mario P. Fields to discuss overcoming self-doubt, embracing what makes you different, and finding the courage to start again. We also explore staying active, healthy relationships, and his next steps in modeling. CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome and Courage Without an Age Limit 2:11 Clarity and the Return to Modeling 4:52 Casting Call Confidence and Surprising Calm 8:30 Self-Doubt and Starting Before You Feel Ready 10:34 Thriving at 69 and Healthy Relationships 12:05 What’s Next: Modeling Opportunities and Wisdom 16:30 Connect With Doug and Final Signoff CONNECT WITH DOUG DAVIDSON Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougdavidson22 DOUG’S BOOK Power from the Heart: A Collection of Inspiring Stories and Insights That Will Ignite Your Soul Paperback: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/power-from-the-heart-a-collection-of-inspiring-stories-and-insights-that-will-ignite-your-soul/29635256/ Audiobook — narrated by Doug (Audible UK): https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Power-from-the-Heart-Audiobook/B099X15GCV Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Follow Unarmored Talk, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to take that first step. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Are you prepared to hear “no”—or hear nothing at all—from civilian employers after years of successful military service? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Hoover, a soon-to-be retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant with 25 years of service, for an unarmored conversation about the realities of transitioning into the civilian workforce. Tom shares his firsthand experience with job rejection, being ghosted by employers, and learning not to let either define his value. We discuss the importance of patience, networking, translating military experience into civilian language, improving resumes for ATS systems, and continuing to move forward when the hiring process doesn’t go as expected. Most importantly, we talk about the mental side of transition and why service members should prepare themselves not only for their next career—but also for the rejection and uncertainty that may come along the way. If you’re preparing to leave the military, already transitioning, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode, share it with a transitioning service member or veteran, and subscribe to Unarmored Talk for more conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life. CONNECT WITH TOM HOOVER 🔗 Guest Link: Tom Hoover | LinkedIn CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:58 – Tom’s Air Force Story & Family 02:03 – SkillBridge & Helping Veterans Transition 03:24 – When the Job Email Says No 09:55 – Applying Widely & Handling Silence 11:15 – Networking Without Asking for a Job 13:38 – Advice to Younger Service Members 17:17 – Where to Find Tom & Closing Thank you for your continued support. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What happens when your mind says, “keep going,” but your body says, “you’re done”? You can be disciplined, prepared, and relentless—and still hit a wall you can’t outwork. In this episode of Unarmored Talk, U.S. Army veteran Derik Robinson gets unarmored about resilience, identity, and the hidden cost of constantly pushing through. From a sink-or-swim upbringing to military leadership, Derik built his life around grit and perseverance. But after an injury, a grueling ruck march, deployment, and ultimately a medical board, he was forced to rethink what success and failure really mean. What is the end result you want—and is the path you’re taking sustainable enough to get you there? CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & Why Resilience Matters 01:21 – Who Derik Is & Contact Info 02:10 – Growing Up: Sink or Swim 05:14 – Training Injury & Ruck March Collapse 09:01 – Losing Control & Redefining Failure 11:49 – Deploying Anyway—Then Everything Breaks 16:53 – Advice for Sustainable Success 19:17 – Final Thanks & Mental Fitness If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who always pushes through. Thank you for your continued support. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the schoolyard bully grows up and enters the workforce? In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Joseph Musse II, author of Bullies: They’re Not Just in Schoolyards Anymore, to explore how bullying follows us into adulthood—showing up in workplaces through intimidation, manipulation, humor, authority, and the pressure to constantly overdeliver. Joseph gets unarmored about his own past, including admitting he once bullied others, and how those experiences helped him recognize similar behaviors later in his career. We unpack boundaries, identity, control, the power of saying “no,” and recognizing when dedication to your job starts costing you your peace. 🎙️ Whether you work in corporate America, government, the military, education, healthcare, the trades, or anywhere in between, this conversation is for you. CHAPTERS 0:00 — Welcome And The Big Question 1:20 — Share The Show And Meet Joseph 2:12 — A Life Built On Skill And Faith 5:36 — From Teen Bully To Self-Reflection 10:25 — Getting Bullied In Corporate Life 13:36 — Guilt Trips, Subtle Threats, Control 24:31 — Boundaries, Balance, Saying No 27:39 — The Blueprint To Becoming Unbullyable 34:47 — Consequences, Purpose, And The Mirror CONNECT WITH JOSEPH MUSSE II 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmusse  📚 Get Joseph’s Books: Bullies: They’re Not Just in Schoolyards Anymore!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015CYHD80?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_2V3AAPJ7Q88DHBQ44JVH&bestFormat=true Bullies: The Blueprint to Becoming Unbullyable - https://www.amazon.com/BULLIES-Blueprint-Unbullyable-Joseph-Musse-ebook/dp/B0HD1L5KFC   SUBSCRIBE & SHARE If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Unarmored Talk and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Stay unarmored. Stay authentic. Stay mentally fit. God bless. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you realized that you—not your team—were part of the leadership problem? That realization can be painful, but it can also begin your most important growth. In this episode, Dr. Lisa DeVore, United States Air Force veteran and author of Pawprints on Leadership, shares how she confronted a low-empathy leadership moment and chose to grow from it. We discuss how authoritarian leadership models can cause us to prioritize rules and results over people, why reflection and apology matter, and how emotional intelligence and active listening make us better leaders. Lisa also explores the importance of followership and the lessons she learned from Bailey, her service dog—including the powerful truth that sometimes the person leading us has no title or words, just greater awareness. Subscribe to Unarmored Talk, share this episode with someone who leads others, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless. Connect with Dr. Lisa DeVore Book — Pawprints on Leadership: [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0G2L2VZ89?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_SAMWGJ2YXEZ7DBNCB1PP&bestFormat=true] LinkedIn: [Dr. Lisa DeVore, PMP, SSM | LinkedIn] Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and Guest Introduction 02:49 — Lisa’s Air Force-to-Space Force Path 04:21 — Owning a Low-Empathy Leadership Moment 07:15 — How Authoritarian Models Shaped Her 08:41 — Why a Trusted Teammate Stayed 12:51 — Followership as a Leadership Skill 16:32 — Letting Bailey Lead When It Matters 18:29 — Pause, Observe, and Give Yourself Grace 20:01 — Where to Find Lisa and Final Sendoff Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the funniest military memories also carry the deepest meaning? I’m joined by my friend and fellow Marine, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker, to discuss his self-published book, Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories. Adam shares his five-year writing plan, why he chose self-publishing, and how he made military stories accessible to Marines and their families. We also discuss building the right creative team and his hilarious boot camp “moment of truth.” Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome and Adam Walker’s Story 2:25 – Getting the Book and Finding Adam 3:20 – Building a Five-Year Writing Plan 7:00 – Self-Publishing Without Losing Control 10:32 – Boot Camp Truth and the Candy Bar 12:50 – Writing for Marines and Families 16:10 – Cover Design and the Creative Team 18:39 – Trust Your Gut and Wrap-Up Purchase Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories: Amazon.com: Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine: Authentic Short Stories: 9798218924157: Walker, Adam: Books Watch now, share your favorite military memory in the comments, and subscribe to Unarmored Talk for more authentic conversations. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself? In this episode, I am joined by Amber Houghton, a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and founder of Elite Performance Strategies. Together, we explore the leadership trap—the tendency to spend so much time caring for others that we lose sight of ourselves. Amber shares how military service, leadership, retirement, divorce, and personal transition challenged her identity and taught her the importance of resilience, healthy boundaries, and self-care. Whether you're a leader, parent, caregiver, veteran, or someone others depend on, this conversation offers practical insights to help you care for others without abandoning yourself. 👇 Chapters: 0:00 Welcome And Meet Amber Houghton 1:45 A Rough Start And A 28-Year Career 6:08 When The Strong One Falls Apart 8:22 Divorce, Blame, And The Cost Of Armor 11:16 The Helper Addiction And The Boundary Wake-Up 14:38 Enforcing Boundaries With Kindness 17:00 Ask Better Questions Before You Help 19:35 Do Not Abandon Yourself 21:11 Connection Over Isolation And Closing If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who always puts others first, and let us know in the comments: What's one boundary you're working to strengthen? Connect with Amber 👉 Amber Houghton | LinkedIn Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how one moment can change the rest of your life? A rollover crash on a dark Montana highway changed everything for Army veteran Darshan Shanti. The accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, severe injuries to his hand and arm, and a year-long recovery that forced one powerful question: What meaning do you attach to what happened? In this episode, Darshan shares his journey from Army medic to survivor, revealing how resilience, perspective, and embracing progress—not chasing the "old version" of himself—transformed his recovery. We also have an honest conversation about mental health. Darshan opens up about his personal experiences with medication side effects, including suicidal thoughts while taking gabapentin, how THC negatively affected him during recovery, and the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis. Together, we discuss why self-awareness, asking for help, and support from trusted friends and healthcare professionals can make a life-saving difference. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:43 – Army Life & Constant Pressure 04:38 – The Montana Rollover & Recovery 07:39 – Mindset & The Meaning We Choose 10:34 – Medication Side Effects & Dark Thoughts 16:08 – A Future That Pulls You Forward 18:43 – Self-Love & Getting Help 20:31 – How To Connect & Final Words If this conversation encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. What part of Darshan's story resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your thoughts. Darshan’s website: https://savingourveterans.com/ Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What separates someone who has a leadership title from someone people genuinely want to follow? In this episode, I am joined by Mark J. O’Loughlin, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major whose 30-year career includes infantry leadership, drill instructor duty, deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, and senior roles supporting wounded Marines. Mark shares lessons from his new book, Validated Leadership, built around five practical leadership rules designed for real life—not just theory. We discuss why organizations often promote top performers into leadership roles without preparing them to lead, what behaviors help teams succeed, and how empathy, accountability, and difficult conversations shape stronger leaders. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or stepping into a new leadership role, this conversation delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and Mission Plus Thanks 2:34 From Iowa Farm to Sergeant Major 5:46 Helping Veterans Through Psych Armor Work 7:19 Building Leadership Rules into A Book 9:40 The Moment He Started Writing 13:00 Rule One: Care About People 15:20 Learn More About Mark and Validated Leadership  17:11 Financial Counseling and Hard Truths 20:55 One Practical Tip for New Authors 22:19 Final Takeaways and Sign Off Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Who are you when the uniform comes off? In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Angeletha Long, a U.S. Army veteran of 24 years and leadership strategist, to unpack one of the hardest questions veterans face after service: Who are you—really? We go beyond the surface of transition and get into the identity shift that happens when the structure, mission, and title you’ve lived by are no longer there. Angeletha shares how this question showed up in her own life, how mental health counseling became a turning point, and why so many veterans struggle in silence trying to redefine themselves. This conversation challenges the idea that identity is something you “find.” Instead, it’s something you build—through changing your environment, taking small steps, and surrounding yourself with the right people. From isolation to community, from overthinking to action, this episode offers a practical and honest look at rebuilding purpose after service. If you’re navigating life after the military or questioning who you are beyond what you did, this episode will help you start answering that question with intention. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction  1:24 Losing Yourself In Roles  4:54 Leaving Service And Identity Shock  9:24 Therapy As The Turning Point  10:24 Change Your Environment To Think  12:21 Purpose Grows Through Small Steps  14:27 Community Networks And Real Support  20:15 Jamaica And The Power Of Travel  21:24 The Mentorship Regret And Lesson  23:45 Where To Find Angelita Closing Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail The hardest pushback often comes from the people closest to you—so what if that resistance is actually confirmation you’re on the right path? In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Rachel Singletary—minister, facilitator, and leader—to talk about what obedience really looks like when your calling demands growth, discipline, and time. We get honest about the refining process people don’t post—the part that humbles you, stretches you, and challenges your relationships. Rachel breaks down why resistance often starts at home, how to stay grounded when people bring up your past, and why being “qualified” isn’t the requirement for your calling. We also discuss the power of silence—why “no answer is an answer,” and how staying calm protects your peace and purpose. If you care about faith, purpose, leadership, and mental fitness, this conversation will meet you where you are. 👉 Where do you feel the most pushback right now? Rachel's Links: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lifedesignsbyracheljanielle Website: rachelsingletary.carrd.co Chapters: 0:05 – Welcome And Meet Rachel 1:18 – Her Call To Teach 4:20 – Obedience And The Refining Process 7:53 – Resistance From People Closest 10:24 – What’s Next: Outreach And Nations 12:04 – The Power Of Silence 16:09 – When Waiting Makes You Weary 19:24 – Self-Worth And How To Find Her Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Cancer isn’t a solo fight—especially for veterans. But too many are still fighting it alone. In this episode, Marine Corps couples Joe and Jennifer Worthy, and Casey and Ashton Kroner, share the reality behind colon cancer, testicular cancer, remission, and the grind of chemo. This is the side of cancer you don’t see—shock, denial, constant appointments, and the strain of trying not to lose your identity as husband and wife while cancer pushes you into patient and caregiver roles. We break down veteran cancer risks—burn pits, Gulf War exposure, Camp Lejeune water, asbestos—and why one question from a doctor, “Have you ever served?”, can change everything. If you’re a veteran or caregiver navigating this alone, this conversation offers real steps: build support, advocate for your care, and get screened early. 👉 Veteran Cancer Network: https://veterancancernetwork.org/ ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome To Unarmored Talk  01:06 Meet The Veterans And Spouses  04:02 What Diagnosis Teaches About Support  06:46 Caregiver Shock And Daily Logistics  13:38 Finding Help When You Feel Alone  19:10 Military Exposures And Service Connection  24:54 Screening Early And Self Advocacy  28:40 Resources Thanks And Sign Off 📢 Call to Action (Optional but Recommended) If this episode resonated with you, share it with a veteran or caregiver who may need it. Your support helps these conversations reach those who need them most. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What if success isn’t the right career? In this Unarmored Talk podcast episode, I sit down with U.S. Army veteran Frank Van Buren, author of Life Lessons from the Cockpit, to explore his journey from flying night missions to Wall Street—and the realization that success alone doesn’t equal fulfillment. A chance conversation on a beach in Cyprus during the Beirut Air Bridge set everything in motion. It led to business school, a career in finance, and ultimately a deeper truth: purpose comes from alignment, not just achievement. Frank breaks down three leadership lessons you can use immediately: Growth happens in adversity Fear of regret outweighs fear of failure Self-awareness reveals your strengths If you’re navigating transition, leadership, or purpose, this conversation will help you choose meaning over burnout. 👉 What’s one decision you’re making today that your future self will thank you for? ⏱️ Chapters 0:06 – Welcome And Meet Frank 1:24 – Support The Mission 2:19 – Patriotism And Service 4:35 – Night Missions And Turning Point 8:48 – Wall Street And Leadership Shift 12:41 – Three Lessons From The Cockpit 16:46 – Meaning Over Money 20:13 – Talent Alignment And Where To Connect Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/joinWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhdStill Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.comEmail: [email protected]