Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • 4.9 (53)
  • 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. 4d ago

    When the Leader Is the Problem: The Courage to Change.

    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.

  2. Aug 2

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

    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

  3. Jul 19

    Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself?

    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 Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself?

  4. Jul 6

    What Happened to This Army Veteran After the Car Accident?

    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: mario@stillservinginc.com

    What Happened to This Army Veteran After the Car Accident?

  5. May 19

    Why Leaders Fail: A Sergeant's Major 5 Rules

    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 Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    Why Leaders Fail: A Sergeant's Major 5 Rules

  6. May 4

    The Hardest Question Veterans Face: Who Are You?

    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 Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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 Hardest Question Veterans Face: Who Are You?

  7. Apr 7

    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? 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: mario@stillservinginc.com

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

  8. Apr 6

    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. Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    Veterans Facing Cancer With Love And Backup
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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
    186
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk

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