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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]

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever stopped to ask yourself—am I putting people first, or just chasing outcomes? For the first time, David Tellefsen removes the armor. In this episode, the 22-year Marine Corps veteran and Director of Veterans Services in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, shares what drives his passion for serving others—and why people must always come before profit. We discuss leadership, the identity shift after the military, and the reality many veterans face when transitioning. David also breaks down common VA benefit misconceptions, the danger of comparison, and why focusing on your own journey matters. This is a conversation about purpose, leadership, and putting people first—every time. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Opening and Guest Teaser 0:25 – What Unarmored Talk Means 0:52 – From Military Family to Marines 2:50 – Why He Keeps Serving Veterans 7:18 – Identity After Leaving the Corps 10:05 – People First Leadership in Civilians 13:00 – Comparison and Disability Rating Traps 17:10 – The Indoc He Wishes He Took 19:15 – Finding Help Through County VSOs 20:22 – Closing Thoughts and Thanks 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 Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma that some viewers may find difficult. Viewer discretion is advised. In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I speak with Emilio Roman, a Marine Corps veteran, minister, entrepreneur, and author who grew up in Camden, New Jersey, surrounded by instability and hardship. Despite those early challenges—including a speech impediment and childhood trauma—Emilio built a life centered on faith, service, and helping others share their stories. We discuss the power of mentorship, resilience, and how one teacher’s trust helped change the direction of his life. We also explore the importance of storytelling and how books and lived experiences can inspire the next generation. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the mentor or moment that helped you find your voice. Chapters 0:00 Removing The Armor With Emilio  2:08 Camden Childhood Trauma And A Stutter  4:58 The Teacher Who Gave Responsibility  8:13 Why Stories And Books Change Lives  10:27 Advice To His 18-Year-Old Self  11:20 Born To Risk And What’s Next  13:34 Staying Unarmored And Closing Blessing 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 A single choice can change a life — but so can the choices that follow. Beth Abbott returns to Unarmored Talk to share the truth behind a DUI that injured two teens, cost her a frocked promotion, and forced a painful reckoning with addiction, leadership, and identity. From volunteering to begin her jail sentence immediately, to finding purpose behind bars, to rebuilding through sobriety and accountability, this episode explores public failure, forgiveness, and the long road to redemption. If you’re interested in resilience, recovery, and what it really means to lead after a very public mistake, this conversation delivers hard-earned insight and real hope. Listen. Share it. And if it moves you, subscribe so more people can find these unarmored truths. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back and New Mission 00:51 – Reframing the DUI and Sobriety 02:30 – Charges, Jail Scare, and Support 04:50 – Rank Loss and Therapy Breakthrough 06:32 – Making Amends With Injured Families 08:50 – Volunteering for Jail Time 10:56 – Finding Purpose Behind Bars 13:35 – Sentencing and Probation Terms 16:05 – Living Sober and Self-Acceptance 19:05 – Release Day and Unexpected Grace 21:20 – Identity, Waiting, and Resilience 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 Do you notice significant changes in your mood, energy, or focus from fall to spring?  Every fall, I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When the days shorten and energy dips, I don’t ignore it — I prepare for it. In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I share three simple, repeatable habits that help me stay mentally steady from fall through winter and into spring: • Control your environment first thing in the morning  • Don’t feed isolation — connection is fuel  • Stay disciplined and use intentional breathing If you’ve been diagnosed with SAD — or you’re noticing that seasonal shift — these practical steps can help you build structure and momentum. Mental fitness isn’t about pretending you’re unaffected. It’s about responding with intention. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 The Fall Mood Shift 0:19 Naming Seasonal Affective Disorder 0:32 Pro Tips Overview 0:47 Control The Environment 1:10 Don’t Feed It With Isolation 1:25 Discipline And Intentional Breathing 1:53 Prepare For Fall And Engage Community 2:02 Closing And Encouragement 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 plan ends? Marine veteran William Philyaw IV shares his journey from overseas embassy security duty to navigating an unexpected injury that forced him to surrender a 20-year vision. Through faith, family, and intentional relationships, William rebuilt his identity and discovered a new mission serving veterans in Virginia. This episode explores transition, purpose, and the quiet courage it takes to start again. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless you all. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: When the 20-Year Plan Ends 3:14 – Overseas Security and Leadership Growth 6:39 – Injury and Career Uncertainty 9:05 – Turning to Faith for Direction 12:40 – Family Changes and Tough Decisions 15:55 – Networking Breakthrough and New Career Role 19:30 – Rebuilding Identity Through Relationships (adjust if needed) 22:00 – Final Thoughts: Small Faithful Steps 23:30 – Outro: Your Next 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 Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work? In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, we break down how to determine your worth at work without ego or guesswork. This conversation focuses on clarity—using market-backed information to make confident decisions in reviews, negotiations, and career moves. We start by separating identity from market value. Your worth as a person isn’t up for sale; the market pays for outcomes. From there, we cover how to research compensation by comparing roles, scope, and responsibility across your industry—because data beats hope. Finally, we define the importance of your minimum acceptable offer. When you know the line that protects your peace, growth, and financial goals, decisions become clearer and negotiations become calmer. If this conversation helps you—or someone in your network—share it and keep the momentum going. 🎧 / 📺 Chapters 00:00 – What Are You Actually Worth at Work? 00:20 – Clarity Over Ego: Why Knowing Your Worth Matters 00:45 – Understand Your Market Value 01:30 – Research Your Industry Pay Range 02:15 – Define Your Minimum Acceptable Offer 02:55 – Accepting Less Far Less Often 03:10 – Closing Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless you all. 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 You Reach the Top and Then Have to Start Over? In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, I sit down with retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve Maynor Jr., now a Communications Instructor at Davidson-Davie Community College, to talk about what really happens when the uniform comes off and the old playbook stops working. After 23+ years of service, Steve reflects on the moment he realized rank wouldn’t carry him into the next chapter. We talk about preparing early, translating leadership into civilian value, and the humility of starting over. He also shares how education, therapy, and honest relationships helped him rebuild purpose and redefine success beyond the title. This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, reinvention, or the uneasy space between who you were and who you’re becoming. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Purpose of the Conversation 00:41 – Introducing Steve Maynor Jr., Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) 03:47 – The Mid-Career Wake-Up Call 06:20 – Education as a Lifeline 09:58 – When Injuries Force a New Plan 12:44 – Identity vs. Skills in Civilian Hiring 16:20 – Therapy, Listening, and Growth at Home 20:30 – Translating Leadership into Teaching 24:10 – Trading Command for Community 28:00 – What Starting Over Really Teaches You 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 if the best way to start your week isn’t more motivation—but better regulation? Before the week pulls at your attention, this short conversation offers three simple ways to reduce stress and gain clarity: hydrate before screens, regulate your nervous system with intentional breathing, and choose one non-negotiable to guide your time. The goal isn’t a perfect week—it’s a calm start and clear priorities, because regulation beats motivation when life gets loud. Key Takeaways Hydrate first: Support your nervous system before the day begins.Breathe with intention: Longer exhales calm the body and sharpen focus.Choose one non-negotiable: One priority reduces overload and guides decisions.Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. 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 Have you ever felt the weight of a career transition and wondered if you were falling behind? On this episode of the Unarmored Talk Podcast, I share a different perspective: when transition feels heavy, it’s not failure—it’s awareness. It’s your nervous system paying attention because the moment matters. I walk through three practical pro tips for navigating career change, job transitions, and identity shifts—especially for professionals, service members, and veterans. The focus is simple: move from pressure to progress without losing who you are. I explain why fear isn’t weakness but information, why your value extends beyond titles and income, and why you don’t need a life plan—just the next right step. Small, consistent actions build momentum, reduce stress, and restore clarity. Key Takeaways Feeling heavy doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you careYour identity is bigger than your titleCalm comes from action, not clarity👉 Support the Unarmored Talk Podcast and our nonprofit mission by joining the YouTube channel as a member. Click the link to support:   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]

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel the tension rise the moment your boss walks in? On this episode of Unarmored Talk, host Mario P. Fields, Sergeant Major (Retired) sits down with Army veteran, TEDx speaker, and leadership strategist Gregory Archbold to break down how to lead calmly and effectively when leadership above you falls short. With 33 years of experience—from enlisted medic to military police officer to corporate leader—Gregory shares practical tools for veterans and professionals navigating micromanagement and chaotic leadership. We unpack how over-communication reduces uncertainty, why venting needs limits, and how to translate intent without passing down frustration. A guiding principle anchors the conversation: “Take your pulse before you take anyone else’s.” This episode is a playbook for influence without authority, professionalism under pressure, and steady leadership when you’re leading uphill. Key Takeaways 🔹 Clarity beats control — Remove surprises and micromanagement loses its grip 🔹 Regulate yourself first — Calm leaders prevent chaos from cascading 🔹 Influence doesn’t require authority — Outcomes matter more than titles If this conversation helped, follow Unarmored Talk, share it with someone leading through tough environments, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. 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 if clearer thinking, steadier balance, and deeper sleep start in your inner ear? In this episode, I sit down with Sheila Thelen, coach and founder, to unpack how vestibular training—originally refined with elite figure skaters—now helps veterans improve sleep, athletes recover from concussions, kids with ADHD sharpen focus, and older adults reduce fall risk. Sheila explains the powerful overlap between rehabilitation and performance, breaking down four areas where people see results quickly: balance, cognitive processing, spatial awareness, and sleep. We explore why “spin sports” train the brain differently than linear movement, how short, precise vestibular drills can calm the nervous system, and why sleep loss can quietly push people toward crisis. Along the way, Sheila shares real-world stories of recovery, resilience, and purpose—and why she chose impact overstaying in her “lane.” The science is deep, the tools are non-invasive, and the path forward is practical. If you’ve dealt with brain fog, balance issues, spatial confusion, or restless nights, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful way forward. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. 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 Ever wonder how a Republic of Korea Recon Marine ends up passing the bar in the U.S.? Minjoon Kim’s journey—from freezing Korean night hikes to earning his place at a California law firm—proves that grit and legacy outlast hardship. His path shows how discipline, humility, and a deep respect for family history can reshape an entire trajectory. He brings us into recon life: brutal weather, relentless training, and the humor that kept both ROK and U.S. Marines pushing forward. The rations may have been questionable, but the standard never was. Off the battlefield, Minjoon reflects on leading with kindness, tuning out the noise, and why the strongest Marines never start with “I.” Legacy—Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm—became his compass more than rank ever could. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. God bless. Key Takeaways🔥 Key 1: Hardship Builds Strength - Cold hikes, harsh summers, and Recon training shaped a resilient mindset. 💡 Key 2: Lead Without Ego - Tune out the noise, avoid politics, and focus on controllables. 🌱 Key 3: Legacy Drives Purpose - Family history and shared service fuel discipline and direction. Watch: 👉https://youtu.be/79pvrw99X1 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]