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

    3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey

    JAN 13

    When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey

    Send a text Ever feel the tension rise the moment your boss walks in? On this episode of Unarmored Talk, host Mario P. Fields, Sergeant Major (Retired) sits down with Army veteran, TEDx speaker, and leadership strategist Gregory Archbold to break down how to lead calmly and effectively when leadership above you falls short. With 33 years of experience—from enlisted medic to military police officer to corporate leader—Gregory shares practical tools for veterans and professionals navigating micromanagement and chaotic leadership. We unpack how over-communication reduces uncertainty, why venting needs limits, and how to translate intent without passing down frustration. A guiding principle anchors the conversation: “Take your pulse before you take anyone else’s.” This episode is a playbook for influence without authority, professionalism under pressure, and steady leadership when you’re leading uphill. Key Takeaways 🔹 Clarity beats control — Remove surprises and micromanagement loses its grip 🔹 Regulate yourself first — Calm leaders prevent chaos from cascading 🔹 Influence doesn’t require authority — Outcomes matter more than titles If this conversation helped, follow Unarmored Talk, share it with someone leading through tough environments, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools. 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

    21 min
  8. Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals

    JAN 6

    Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals

    Send a text What if clearer thinking, steadier balance, and deeper sleep start in your inner ear? In this episode, I sit down with Sheila Thelen, coach and founder, to unpack how vestibular training—originally refined with elite figure skaters—now helps veterans improve sleep, athletes recover from concussions, kids with ADHD sharpen focus, and older adults reduce fall risk. Sheila explains the powerful overlap between rehabilitation and performance, breaking down four areas where people see results quickly: balance, cognitive processing, spatial awareness, and sleep. We explore why “spin sports” train the brain differently than linear movement, how short, precise vestibular drills can calm the nervous system, and why sleep loss can quietly push people toward crisis. Along the way, Sheila shares real-world stories of recovery, resilience, and purpose—and why she chose impact overstaying in her “lane.” The science is deep, the tools are non-invasive, and the path forward is practical. If you’ve dealt with brain fog, balance issues, spatial confusion, or restless nights, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful way forward. 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

    21 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
    174
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unarmored Talk
  • Show Website
    Unarmored Talk