Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • 4.9 (53)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Semimonthly

Unarmored Talk is a podcast where people feel safe to remove their armor through real conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life—reaching listeners worldwide while supporting community impact through Still Serving, Inc. 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. Oct 25 ·  Video

    Starting Over After the Marines: Finding Your Next Chapter | Ep. 192

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    Starting Over After the Marines: Finding Your Next Chapter | Ep. 192

  2. Oct 18 ·  Video

    He Lost Everything: Surviving Prison & Finding Identity | Steele C. Smith III | Ep. 191

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    He Lost Everything: Surviving Prison & Finding Identity | Steele C. Smith III | Ep. 191

  3. Oct 11 ·  Video

    I’m 69 and Modeling for Kenneth Barlis? How’d That Happen? | Ep. 190

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    I’m 69 and Modeling for Kenneth Barlis? How’d That Happen? | Ep. 190

  4. Sep 27 ·  Video

    The Hard Part of Leaving the Military No One Talks About: REJECTION! | Ep. 189

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    The Hard Part of Leaving the Military No One Talks About: REJECTION! | Ep. 189

  5. Sep 13 ·  Video

    When One of Your Greatest Strengths Costs You | Ep. 188

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    When One of Your Greatest Strengths Costs You | Ep. 188

  6. Aug 30

    Are You Being Bullied at Work and Don’t Even Know It? | Ep. 187

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    Are You Being Bullied at Work and Don’t Even Know It? | Ep. 187

  7. Aug 16

    When the Leader Is the Problem: The Courage to Change. | Ep. 186

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    When the Leader Is the Problem: The Courage to Change. | Ep. 186

  8. Aug 2

    Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine | Adam Walker | Ep. 185

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine | Adam Walker | Ep. 185
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About

Unarmored Talk is a podcast where people feel safe to remove their armor through real conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life—reaching listeners worldwide while supporting community impact through Still Serving, Inc. 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
    192
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk

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