Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • 4.9 (52)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED 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. If They Push Back, You Might Be On The Right Path

    1D AGO

    If They Push Back, You Might Be On The Right Path

    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? Subscribe, share this with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. 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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    21 min
  2. Veterans Facing Cancer With Love And Backup

    3D AGO

    Veterans Facing Cancer With Love And Backup

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    29 min
  3. U.S. Army Pilot on Success, Regret, and Purpose

    APR 2

    U.S. Army Pilot on Success, Regret, and Purpose

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    24 min
  4. Why This Marine Corps Veteran Chose People Over Profit

    MAR 24

    Why This Marine Corps Veteran Chose People Over Profit

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    21 min

  5. MAR 15

    One Person Changed His Life…FOREVER!

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    14 min
  6. One DUI. Two Injured Teens. A Journey to Redemption | Beth Abbott

    MAR 1

    One DUI. Two Injured Teens. A Journey to Redemption | Beth Abbott

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    22 min
  7. Every Fall I Deal With SAD — Here’s How I Stay Mentally Steady

    FEB 24

    Every Fall I Deal With SAD — Here’s How I Stay Mentally Steady

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    3 min
  8. Who Are You When the Plan Ends?

    FEB 17

    Who Are You When the Plan Ends?

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    17 min
See All (180)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
52 Ratings

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
    180
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk

You Might Also Like