Unarmored Talk

Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)
  • 4.9 (51)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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. From Korean Hikes to Passing the Bar: Legacy Over Ego

    DEC 9

    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
  2. He Lost Sight and Hearing… Yet Found a Mission

    NOV 25

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

    NOV 21

    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

  4. NOV 20

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

    NOV 7

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

    OCT 29

    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
  7. From Surviving to Thriving - What's Next After 50?

    OCT 24

    From Surviving to Thriving - What's Next After 50?

    Send us a text 🎙️ What if the second half of life isn’t a slow fade—but a bigger canvas? Meet Barbara and Heather, a mother-daughter coaching duo redefining midlife. 🌱 Barbara returned to school in her 50s, earned two master’s degrees, and rebuilt her coaching practice. 🎓 Heather left the performing arts at 40, discovered leadership coaching, and found her calling to teach adults and teams. 🎭 Together, they reveal how self-awareness, courage, and community can turn uncertainty into growth. 💪 We talk about fear, stalled plans, and how to rebuild belonging through curiosity, mentorship, and connection. If you’re wondering what’s next, this episode offers tools to blend experience with new direction—and reminds us that aging isn’t a limit, it’s leverage. 🔑 📘 Chapters 00:04:57 – Barbara’s Late-Career Pivot  00:07:55 – Heather’s Journey From Arts To Coaching  00:11:05 – Facing Fear & Finding Support  00:12:22 – Rebuilding Belonging & Community  00:14:41 – Authenticity, Storytelling & Mindful Growth  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

    26 min
  8. 3 Tips on How Self-Awareness Makes You a Stronger Hire

    OCT 21

    3 Tips on How Self-Awareness Makes You a Stronger Hire

    Send us a text Ever freeze up when asked about your strengths and weaknesses? 😅 In this episode, I break down why self-awareness isn’t just a personal trait — it’s a professional superpower. 🎯 Learn how understanding who you are, where you shine, and how you’re growing can make you a stronger candidate and a better teammate. Whether you’re transitioning from the military or leveling up your civilian career, this episode will help you turn reflection into results. 🔖 Chapters 00:00 – Have you ever been asked this question? 🤔 01:05 – What the data says about self-aware professionals 📊 02:30 – Three pro tips to strengthen your personal brand 💪 04:10 – How self-awareness builds trust, growth, and opportunity 🌱 💬 Takeaway: Self-awareness builds confidence, credibility, and character — three traits every company wants to hire. 👊 Support the Mission: Subscribe or become a member on YouTube — your support fuels Unarmored Talk and helps fund programs through Still Serving, Inc., our nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through student skill development. 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

    4 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk