Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
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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

    One Person Changed His Life…FOREVER!

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

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

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

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

    FEB 17

    Who Are You When the Plan Ends?

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

    17 min
  5. Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work? Here’s How to Find Out

    FEB 10

    Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work? Here’s How to Find Out

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

    2 min
  6. You Reach the Top—and Have to Start Over?

    FEB 3

    You Reach the Top—and Have to Start Over?

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

    19 min
  7. 3 Pro Tips to Mentally Prepare for the Week Ahead

    JAN 26

    3 Pro Tips to Mentally Prepare for the Week Ahead

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

    2 min
  8. You’re Not Behind—Your Nervous System Is Doing Its Job

    JAN 20

    You’re Not Behind—Your Nervous System Is Doing Its Job

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

    3 min
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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
    176
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk