Permission To Speak Freely

Episode 180 | "I've Been To One of Your Rodeos" (Feat. NC1 Alex Sewell)

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by NC1 Alex Sewell. Damo opens with smoke for Aaron over the lack of coverage on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson before the guys take a moment to honor his legacy and impact. They also give flowers to retired CSCM William Foster for the run of the “Don’t Give Up The Ship” podcast as he transitions the platform to Chief Ariana LaChuisa. The conversation shifts to communication flow and how newly announced information is being pushed out. Aaron doubles back on “FCPO Package Rodeos,” and Alex reflects on crossrating from Naval Aircrewman Mechanical to Navy Career Counselor. The guys highlight the “new guy dump” and talk through recent Veterans Affairs updates. Things take a turn when they react to a viral video of police raiding a frat house, which leads Alex into sharing his life before the Navy as a 10th grade biology teacher. He talks about joining later in life, accepting the possibility of going past 20 years, and the role mentors played in shaping his path. Damo dives into “expectation politics,” and the crew revisits the debate of a young first class versus a senior FCPO competing for the LPO role, breaking down the difference between the exception and the standard. NC1 Sewell shares what keeps him grounded, what he wants people to understand when working with him professionally, and which rank group gives him the hardest time. The “Do Better” segment hits moving companies that fumble military household goods. Damon calls out base traffic lights. Aaron has words for people putting sugar where it does not belong. Damo closes with his full review of It by Stephen King. The guys catch up on television and discuss the recently released documentary about America’s Next Top Model. They end by acknowledging Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones, who was found deceased in Great Lakes. These and more topics are covered in this episode.
 
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Links and more from this episode:
Sailor Found Dead in Great Lakes - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/02/20/sailor-found-dead-at-naval-station-great-lakes/
 
Picks of the Week:
Damo: It (Stephen King) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It
 
Alex: Unlearn (Humble The Poet) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/153840454-unlearn
 
Aaron:
Dota: Dragon’s Blood - https://www.netflix.com/title/80994336
 
 
 
PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0