Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • 4.9 (51)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Unarmored Talk—where we remove our armor to have real conversations that strengthen how you think and respond to life.  Hosted by Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields, the show dives into honest stories, raw emotions, and practical insights that help you grow mentally stronger through authenticity and openness. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. God bless.

  1. When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey

    3D AGO

    When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey

    Send us a text 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/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    21 min
  2. Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals

    JAN 6

    Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals

    Send us a text 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/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    21 min
  3. From Korean Hikes to Passing the Bar: Legacy Over Ego

    12/09/2025

    From Korean Hikes to Passing the Bar: Legacy Over Ego

    Send us a text 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/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    21 min
  4. He Lost Sight and Hearing… Yet Found a Mission

    11/25/2025

    He Lost Sight and Hearing… Yet Found a Mission

    Send us a text What happens when your job, identity, and future disappear overnight? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hale—a Navy chef turned Army EOD tech—to unpack his journey from an IED blast that took his sight and hearing to rebuilding a life defined by purpose and action. Aaron shares how trauma fractures identity, how community at Walter Reed kept him grounded, and how shifting from “I can’t” to “How can I?” changed the trajectory of his recovery. He walks through his arc from cooking for a three-star admiral to volunteering for Afghanistan, then learning to kayak, run marathons, and climb a 19,000-foot peak without sight. We also highlight his entrepreneurial path and his Point of Impact podcast, where he continues serving by sharing lessons forged in adversity. If you’re ready to trade excuses for momentum, this conversation will move you. Key Takeaways🚀 Replace Limitation With Motion Asking “How can I?” instead of “Why me?” creates movement, options, and hope—even in the darkest moments.🎯 Build an Identity That Travels Jobs, uniforms, and roles can disappear. A values-based identity stays with you everywhere.🤝 Community Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury The right circle doesn’t just support you—they challenge you, laugh with you, and walk beside you while you rebuild.Guest Link: 👉(5) Point Of Impact With Aaron Hale - YouTube Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    19 min
  5. He Went from Barefoot to Marine Elite: What a Journey!

    11/21/2025

    He Went from Barefoot to Marine Elite: What a Journey!

    Send us a text How do you develop leaders who can stay disciplined, think clearly under pressure, and turn adversity into an advantage? In my latest episode, Master Gunnery Sergeant Shelon “Hutch” Hutchison shares leadership lessons shaped by a 27-year Marine Corps career—and a journey that began as a kid walking barefoot along a Jamaican mountainside. Hutch’s perspective offers practical takeaways for today’s professionals and leaders: Reframe challenges so they build capability, not frustrationMeasure progress backward to reduce anxiety and accelerate momentumUse the pause between stimulus and response to lead with clarity rather than emotionReinvent yourself mid-career by raising your standards, not your excusesHis story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about discipline, mindset, and the choices we make every day. 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/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    23 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Five Mistakes To Avoid With Multiple Job Offers

    Send us a text Navigating multiple job offers can be a blessing — or a trap — depending on how you handle the moment. In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, I break down five critical mistakes people make when choosing between job opportunities… and how to avoid them. Suppose you're transitioning from the military, changing careers, or stepping into a new chapter. In that case, this episode will help you strengthen your thinking, protect your reputation, and respond to life with confidence — not react out of pressure. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why ghosting employers can hurt your futureHow bragging or flexing offers can damage your credibilityThe danger of accepting an offer “just to hold it”Why rushing your decision works against youHow ignoring red flags can cost you long-termAnd the mindset shift that keeps you in controlStay 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/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    3 min
  7. When the Medals, Rank, and Spotlight can’t Hide the Pain

    11/07/2025

    When the Medals, Rank, and Spotlight can’t Hide the Pain

    Send us a text What happens when the medals, rank, and spotlight can’t hide the pain anymore? I sit down with Marine Corps Captain and former Team USA bobsled athlete Riley Tejcek to unpack the quiet cost of divorce 💔, the line between grief and depression, and how true forgiveness can free the soul 🙏. Riley opens up about how success became a shield—how overtraining and perfection masked deeper wounds—and how faith helped her face the loss, move through grief, and rebuild from within. Her turning point came through real forgiveness, not to reconcile, but to reclaim peace. A powerful talk about faith, resilience, and identity—for anyone who’s ever powered through when their soul needed to slow down. 💪 🎧 Episode Chapters 00:00 – From Indiana Roots to Team USA 🏅 03:55 – Behind the Highlight Reel 🎭 15:20 – The Forgiveness Turning Point 🙏 20:30 – Redemption, Remarriage, and Hope 💫 Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    24 min
  8. Why Great Leaders Don’t Push Harder — They Connect Deeper

    10/29/2025

    Why Great Leaders Don’t Push Harder — They Connect Deeper

    Send us a text What if your greatest leadership move isn’t to push harder — but to connect deeper? 🤝 Retired Army Colonel and executive coach Paul Raggio joins me to unpack the difference between motivation and inspiration, how emotional intelligence fuels trust, and why a leader’s first job is to help others stay self-motivated. From Desert Storm to the boardroom, Paul shares field-tested lessons on turning blind spots into breakthroughs—including how to use SWOT analysis to plan real continuity, train two levels down, and rehearse leadership handoffs before you need them. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways:  ✅ Build trust before giving advice  ✅ Tailor inspiration to each person’s drive  ✅ Protect the mission with bench strength  ✅ Lead with EQ, reflection, and humility 💡 Whether you’re leading a team or scaling a business, this episode delivers a playbook for resilient, people-first leadership. Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

    23 min
See All (168)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

Unarmored Talk—where we remove our armor to have real conversations that strengthen how you think and respond to life.  Hosted by Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields, the show dives into honest stories, raw emotions, and practical insights that help you grow mentally stronger through authenticity and openness. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. God bless.

Information

  • Creator
    Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk