Permission To Speak Freely
Damon, Damo (active duty Command Master Chiefs), and Tisha (Retired Chief) share sea stories and have unfiltered conversations about current events, policies, and everyday life as a service member.
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4 days ago
4 days ago
Damo opens Episode 152 with a personal and emotional story about the tragic death of Azir Harris, who was shot and killed in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. That pain sets the tone for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with CWO2 Donald Banks—a discussion that spans grief, leadership, Detroit culture, chronic illness, and purpose. From gun violence in his hometown to navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis, CWO2 Banks brings insight, heart, and an unwavering sense of service to the mic. Donald shares what drew him into the Navy straight out of Detroit, why he doesn’t want a retirement ceremony, and how his MS diagnosis has reshaped his day-to-day responsibilities, family dynamics, and leadership style. He offers firsthand knowledge of the Navy’s EMPLOY program—an alternative path that allows Sailors with medical diagnoses to remain active duty—and discusses how it helped him stay in uniform while managing symptoms like fatigue, vision loss, and nerve pain. The conversation moves through everything from beard policies and CPAP struggles to Navy vs. civilian dental experiences and the emotional toll of recent national tragedies, including the death of CSSN Angelina Resendiz and widespread flooding in Texas. The episode also celebrates Detroit’s impact on hip-hop culture, with top-five rapper debates, reflections on the city’s sound influencing the mainstream, and shout-outs to artists like Blade Icewood, Payroll Giovanni, Royce da 5’9”, and Obie Trice. From discussing emotional intelligence in leadership to breaking down why “Burger Day” fell off and why some morale events just don’t hit the mark, this conversation is as real as it gets. Whether it’s reflecting on books like Chop Wood, Carry Water and The Way of the Superior Man, or calling out the silent weight that leaders carry as they rise through the ranks, this episode captures the soul of what it means to serve and survive—physically, emotionally, and culturally.
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About Our Guest
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Donald Banks is a Detroit native and 22-year Navy veteran currently serving as a Food Service Officer. Rising through the enlisted ranks before commissioning, he is known for his authentic leadership style, deep connection to his Sailors, and transparency about his personal challenges—including his recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. CWO2 Banks is a passionate advocate for the Navy’s EMPLOY program, an avid hip-hop fan, and the mind behind the personal lifestyle brand “Stag,” symbolized by the monarch butterfly. With a strong belief in legacy over recognition, he continues to serve with resilience, humility, and a drive to elevate others.
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Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast
Keep up with CWO2 Banks on Social Media and other sites:
“Stang” Merch Website: https://mustanglife247.company.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.banks.iii/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagz313/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-banks-64a900126/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkiGHJ4aic3khwtup7nRCoA
Wavy 10 News Article: https://www.wavy.com/news/health/navy-officer-faces-ms-diagnosis-head-on/
Additional Credits:
PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0