Permission To Speak Freely

Damo and Aaron are joined by retired YNCS Coby Turner and Lieutenant Commander Kris Hodge for a conversation about Navy leadership, career development, family, identity, and life beyond the uniform. Kris shares her journey from enlisted Sailor to Navy officer and discusses mentorship, race, gender, raising four children, and pursuing professional goals without allowing the military to become her entire identity. Aaron opens up about his decision to reenlist, while Coby reflects on retirement and finding purpose after active-duty service. The conversation also explores the realities of geo-bachelor life and the sacrifices military families make when career opportunities require separation. Damo, Kris, and Coby share their experiences and question whether the Navy should provide more support for Sailors navigating geo-baching. The episode closes with a leadership discussion about demanding excellence, avoiding career comparisons, sharing knowledge, and why gatekeeping creates weaker teams and burned-out Sailors. Damo also recommends Questlove’s Hip Hop Is History during Pick of the Week.
 
 
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Pick of the Week:
Hip Hop is History (Questlove) - https://questlove.com/hip-hop-is-history/
 
 
 
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PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0