Unarmored Talk
Unarmored Talk—where emotional armor is left at the door. Host Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields and his guests lean into open, heartfelt conversations that reveal personal stories, raw emotions, and authentic connection. Tune in for intimate, unfiltered discussions that invite vulnerability and celebrate honesty.
Why Great Leaders Don’t Push Harder — They Connect Deeper
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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 contin...
From Surviving to Thriving - What's Next After 50?
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🎙️ 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 connect...
3 Tips on How Self-Awareness Makes You a Stronger Hire
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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 professio...
What Happens When A Nation Forgets Its Veterans?
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What if the voices we salute 🇺🇸 fade before we ever truly hear them?
Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Andrew Cox shares how one simple idea—record every veteran’s story—grew into The Lost Art Project, now partnered with the Marine Corps History Division.
From a bourbon-fueled first recording 🥃 (and his mom’s honest critique!) to building a disciplined, service-first mission, Andrew opens up about turning raw conversations into living history. We explore why so many veterans stay silent 🏠, how peer-led storytelling creates trust 🤝, and...
From Surviving to Thriving: How to Find Purpose at Any Age
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Can your most meaningful work begin after 50? Executive and leadership coach Dr. Sanaz Solomon proves it can.
In this kickoff episode of the BoldTimers {https://www.linkedin.com/company/boldtimers/} collaboration, we unpack:
Surviving vs. Thriving (02:43): How to move from routine survival to living with energy and purpose.Leaving a Stable Career for Meaning (03:28): Why Dr. Solomon walked away from a 20-year career to realign with her values.The Sunk Cost Fallacy (04:54): How “settling” can quietly hold you back—and how to releas...Thinking About Quitting Your Job or Know Someone who is? Listen to This First.
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Ever felt the pull to move on but worried it might hurt your reputation? 👔 In this episode, we reframe “quitting” into purposeful resignation — a mindset that protects your personal brand and positions you for what’s next.
You’ll hear a clear, 3-step plan to shift from frustration to focus, from impulse to intention, and from goodbye to a strong future hello. We cover how to reflect before reacting, plan your transition, and exit with integrity and gratitude.
Because people may forget why you left — but they’ll always remembe...
The 55-38-7 Rule - What Your Body Language Says About You!
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Snap judgments happen fast—often before a single word leaves your mouth. In this episode, we unpack the 55-38-7 rule—body language, tone, and words—and explore how nonverbal communication shapes trust, credibility, and connection.
You’ll learn how subtle cues like crossed arms, poor posture, or lack of smiling can quietly work against you—and how to rebuild confidence through open posture, steady breathing, and natural eye contact.
I also share a quick self-audit method: record short mock conversations, review your posture and tone, and ask for feedback...
A blast didn’t end his life—it began his purpose
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Taylor Vogel thought the Marine Corps would give him structure when life had none. After three deployments and a devastating IED blast, he survived but came home unraveled—TBI, PTSD, a bottle within reach, and a family on the line.
This isn’t a polished comeback—it’s a raw story of drifting without roots, wrestling with faith 🙏, and learning that surrender and daily discipline can rebuild a life.
Taylor shares how surviving a hundred-pound IED led to the question: “Why am I still here?” He reveals three levers that helped him...
Pro Tips: From Uniform to Interview 💼
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Ever freeze up when an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself”?
In this Quick Pro Tip, I share a simple, 3-step method to help veterans and transitioning service members answer that question with confidence:
✅ Start with where you are now
✅ Bridge to your most relevant experience
✅ End with where you’re going next
Your story is your strength — you just need to frame it right.
Subscribe to My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO0UeCVs859qrJHd6el1YStc
S...
Faith Over Identity: A U.S. Marines' Path from War to Worship
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What if the title you’re most proud of is the very thing holding you back from who you’re meant to become?
That’s the heart of this powerful conversation with Marine infantry officer turned pastor and Mighty Oaks Foundation CEO, Jeremy Stalnecker. From leading Marines in the 2003 push to Baghdad with 1/5 to leading a church in Oceanside, Jeremy opens up about anger, dislocation, and a misplaced identity that nearly cost him his marriage and his calling—until trusted mentors stepped in with hard truth and hope.
...Get Paid What You’re Worth 💰 | Negotiating After Service
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💼 Getting out of the military and wondering how to negotiate your first job offer? 🤔
In this Quick Pro Tip video, I share three strategies every veteran should know: research and present a fair salary range, highlight the true value of your soft skills, and take time to evaluate the entire package — salary and benefits.
These tips can help you avoid settling and start your civilian career strong.
Watch: https://youtu.be/YS8hY9KnyoU
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From Sickness to PTSD: The Surprising Key to Healing
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Ever wonder why some people rarely get sick — or how others recover from PTSD after decades of struggle?
The answer may lie in the diaphragm, a muscle Dr. David Rubenstein calls second only to the heart. It drives immunity, eases back pain, and boosts strength — a reason Navy SEALs and athletes rely on it.
Don, a Vietnam veteran with decades of PTSD, found peace after weeks of Rubenstein’s Total Relief Method. His breakthrough? “I feel okay being okay.”
Discover how the diaphragm may unlock health, strength, and healing...
When an Army Squad Leader Trades his Rifle for a Business Plan
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What happens when an Army infantry squad leader swaps his rifle for a business plan?
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with veteran entrepreneur Matthew Kemp to hear how he went from leading combat missions in Baghdad to building two thriving businesses.
Matthew shares how he defied the odds—finishing college in under three years, navigating corporate America, and ultimately breaking free from layoffs and cold calls to launch his own staffing firm during one of the toughest economic climates. His story is packed wit...
Pro Tips: What SEO Really Means for Service Members & Veterans
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Professionals, Service Members, and Veterans — have you ever Googled yourself or your organization and wondered why you didn’t show up first?
That’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) — and it’s one of the most overlooked parts of building your digital brand.
In this episode of SgtMaj Pro Tips, I explain SEO in simple terms and show how you can improve yours without being a tech expert.
✅ Understand what SEO really means
✅ Learn how sharing content boosts your visibility
✅ Take one simple step this week to strengthen your digital presence...
Pro Tips: Building Your Personal Brand Online for Service Members & Veterans
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When the uniform comes off, people don’t see your rank or ribbons — they see your brand.
Your personal brand is your reputation when you’re not in the room. And today, it shows up first on social media.
Are you being intentional about how you show up online?
👉 Watch this short video: https://youtu.be/-9BvJXYDFQo
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Who am I without my uniform? Finding Identity After the Military
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The invisible weight of service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. For Marine Corps veteran Garrett Biss, the toughest battle began after 17 years of active duty—asking, “Who am I without my uniform?”
In this powerful conversation, Garrett introduces the idea of the “dichotomous ego,” where service members are lifted by their role yet driven by constant criticism. When the uniform is gone, many retain only the inner voice saying they’re never enough—fueling anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Garrett shares how embracing authenticity closed the gap between...
Are YOU Breathing in the RED ZONE or the GREEN ZONE? | PTSD, Stress & Healing
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✨ What if the number of breaths you take per minute could reveal your true path to healing?
🩺 Trauma expert Dr. David Rubenstein shares insights from over 22,000 measurements, showing that 19+ breaths per minute almost always signal PTSD, while 7 or fewer indicate optimal recovery.
His color-coded “red to green” framework provides an objective, unalterable way to track progress. For 🎖️ veterans, military conditioning complicates recovery—but healing becomes possible when reframed as a mission for someone they ❤️ love.
🎧 This is the third episode in ou...
Breaking the PTSD Narrative: One Breath at a Time? (Ep. 2 of 6)
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What if the key to healing pain and PTSD wasn’t medication, but your breath? 🫁
In this episode, Dr. David Rubenstein reveals how a discovery in 1994 reshaped our understanding of chronic pain, stress, and trauma. With over 22,000 measurements, his research shows how breathing patterns directly influence cortisol, sleep, and even trauma response.
Using gentle “motion recipes,” he helps the brain recalibrate 🧠—creating lasting relief instead of temporary fixes. Backed by university research, this breakthrough shows how one breath at a time can break the cycle of pain and stress. 🌟<...
Beyond the Uniform: Transition with Purpose, Build a Meaningful Life
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What happens when your transition plan falls apart?
For Marine veteran Matthew Askren, failure wasn’t fatal—it was fuel. From abandoned business dreams to unexpected detours in flooring sales and food manufacturing, each step became a building block toward his success as a CEO leading multiple companies.
In this episode of Beyond the Uniform: Transition with Purpose, Build a Meaningful Life, Matthew shares how resilience turns setbacks into growth and why his mission now is to help veterans and first responders strengthen their mental health for life’...
Turning “Sink or Swim” Moments into Life SKILLS
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In my first "Sink or Swim" #Unarmoredtalkpodcast episode, I share how failing the easiest part of a boot camp swim test 🌊 became a lesson in #perseverance, faith, and resilience.
These moments don’t just shape us personally — they reveal and build soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence that drive success in business and life.
🎯 Try this: Listen, discuss it with your team, and share your own “sink or swim” moment so others can learn. 📢
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Breaking the PTSD Narrative: A New Path to Healing (Ep. 1 of 6)
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🎙What if everything you thought you knew about PTSD and trauma was incomplete—or even wrong?
Rethinking PTSD & Trauma – In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, Mario P. Fields sits down with Dr. David Rubenstein to shatter the usual narrative around post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma. Forget the clichés—this is a raw, eye-opening conversation about mental health, recovery, and the game-changing role of self-awareness.
Whether you’ve faced challenges yourself or want to better understand those who have, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it truly means t...
Saving Students’ Lives? Yes. Here’s How.
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What drives a decorated Army veteran to dedicate his life to saving troubled youth? For Craig Hannum, it was witnessing 182 suicides during his 20-year military career.
Determined to change the narrative, Craig pioneered a school-wide intervention strategy that turned 14 suicide attempts into zero the following year. His method? Training everyone—from teachers to janitors—in suicide prevention to build a shared language of support.
Craig shows teens both the hard truths and the hope. From juvenile detention visits to outdoor adventures, he teaches consequences and potential—what they c...
Why Walking Away Isn’t the Same as Giving Up - Sean Frost
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For Ottawa entrepreneur Sean Frost, it starts with refusing to compromise on passion. From music producer to real estate broker, Sean's journey was anything but linear. Despite early success in a contracting business, he battled depression until he returned to his creative roots.
Sean shares his unique view on failure: “Failure only happens when you give up.” He urges listeners to see pivots not as defeats, but as necessary steps toward alignment and growth.
Now thriving in multiple ventures—from real estate and custom home building to music and mentor...
Beyond Talent: A Father, A Son, and an Unbreakable Legacy
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In this heartfelt Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, we explore the inspiring story of Lance Jones, son of Eric Jones, whose unwavering work ethic and passion for basketball set him apart.
Under the guidance of his father—his coach and mentor—Lance pushed beyond natural limitations, proving that relentless dedication and discipline could outshine raw talent. Their bond extended beyond sports, shaping a philosophy of perseverance that applied to all aspects of life.
However, tragedy struck when Lance’s promising future was cut short in a devastating car accident while he was i...
How My Guest Found Meaning and Purpose After Military Service
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In this episode of Unarmored Talk, we explore the profound challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, including the identity crises that often accompany it. Marine Corps Veteran Garret Biss shares his powerful story of confronting mental health struggles and highlights the transformative role of authenticity in the healing process.
Key takeaways include:
The impact of identity loss after military servicePersonal insights into anxiety and mental health challengesHow authenticity can help veterans rediscover purposeThe complex nature of military identity and its dualitiesGuest Links:
...
Mario & Nicole’s Holiday Reflections - UNARMORED
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As this year draws to a close, I had the privilege of sitting down with my incredible wife, Nicole, to record a very special episode of Unarmored Talk.
This one is different—it’s unstructured, raw, and straight from the heart. We share stories from the early days of our relationship, including the unforgettable moment we first met and our initial impressions of each other. We also reflect on the journey that has brought us to an incredible milestone: our upcoming 30th wedding anniversary.
Check it out and let us k...
Are You Living Intentionally or Just Going Through the Motions?
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Curiosity drives self-discovery and growth, helping us align our choices with our authentic selves. In Cynthia Schwartzberg's updated book, "The Curious Voyage to Authenticity," she shares how curiosity fosters intentional living, exploring:
*Evaluating life choices
*Bridging the gap between intentions and actions
*Building healthy coping mechanisms
*Journaling for self-reflection
*Simple practices to spark curiosity
Cynthia's Website: https://cynthasis.com/
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From Sergeant Major to Entrepreneur: The Bar Book Mobile App
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What if exploring alcoholic beverages was as personalized and effortless as streaming music?
Meet Mike Waskewich Jr., a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major turned entrepreneur, who, alongside his wife, created the Bar Book mobile app. In this episode of Unarmored Talk Podcast, Mike shares their journey from military service to launching an app that uses flavor-matching technology to recommend personalized cocktails, beers, and spirits.
Explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning to civilian entrepreneurship, the camaraderie among veterans in the alcohol industry, and the power of networking and...
Surviving Sibling Loss: Grieving an Army Medic Brother Lost in Combat
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In this episode of Unarmored Talk Podcast, Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo, a Clinical Psychologist, shares her journey through sibling loss after her brother Michael, an Army flight medic, was killed in Iraq.
Together, we explore the often-overlooked grief of surviving siblings, who are frequently overshadowed by society's focus on parental loss. Dawn reflects on how this experience reshaped her career and her insights as a therapist, as detailed in her book, Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death. Through personal stories and expert insights, this episode...
Embracing Neurodiversity as a Strength
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Traci Neal’s story is one of resilience and triumph. She's an inspiring author and professional Christian poet who opens up about her journey of embracing autism and ADHD as unique strengths rather than obstacles.
Escaping societal expectations, Traci pursued her passion for poetry, a love instilled by her mother, and transformed her life with newfound clarity after her diagnosis.
Discover how she harnessed her high energy and neurodivergence into a powerful force for creativity and success, earning recognition in the New York Times. Traci's insights into the advantages of...
🎉 4 Years of Unarmored Talk Podcast! 🎉
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🎉 4 Years of Unarmored Talk Podcast! 🎉
Nicole and I are beyond grateful for your support over the past four years. With 130+ episodes, 12,000 downloads across 49 countries/territories and 762 cities, and 112,000 YouTube views with 7,600 watch hours, the journey has been incredible!
This year, expect fresh content, new guests, and a twist—some of them will even be interviewing me! As we celebrate personal milestones (I’m turning 50 and we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in 2025), we’re excited to keep bringing you real, 'unarmored' discussions. Stay tuned!
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Marine Veteran Battles Cancer with Wife
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What if life’s toughest challenges could be transformed into hope and inspiration?
Meet James and Jess Ash, a resilient couple who embody strength and compassion. James, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, channels his upbringing into empowering others through self-defense, while Jess, a physician assistant and adventurer, takes on physical challenges to better understand her patients. Together, they created the Unbroken from the Ashes podcast, blending their love for adventure with a commitment to making a positive impact.
When James was diagnosed with cancer, they faced the news wi...
Colonel (Ret.) Mark Shuster’s Journey Through Post-Military Struggles
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What happens when a distinguished Marine Corps Colonel transitions to civilian life?
In this episode of the Unarmored Talk Podcast, retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Shuster shares his journey from a 33-year military career to civilian life. He discusses the emotional and financial challenges of this transition and the importance of handling obstacles with composure.
Mark also explores the often-overlooked struggles veterans face, such as identity loss and depression, comparing past and present support systems. With practical advice on reading, networking, and building a personal support network...
When the Decision Comes: Choosing Between Military Duty and Family
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How do you choose between a remarkable military career and putting family first?
Keyth Pankau, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, shares his journey from serving in Fallujah with the Navy Seabees to leading humanitarian missions after Hurricane Katrina. Despite a passion for disaster response and crisis management, Keyth’s most defining moment came when he prioritized his daughter’s future over his career.
In this Unarmored Talk podcast episode, Keyth reflects on the emotional challenges of this decision and the lessons he learned about leadership, sacrifice, and iden...
From Troubled Marine to Motivational Speaker
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🤔Can Mindset Truly Transform a Life?
Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Demetrius Thigpen, also known as Meech Speaks—a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, acclaimed motivational speaker, and the host of the Talkin' Crazy Podcast.
Demetrius's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, change, and the influence of effective leadership. In this episode, he candidly shares his evolution from being labeled a "shitbag Marine" to becoming a top-tier performer. His story offers profound insights into how a mindset shift can completely redefine one’s life path.
From Classroom to 2024 District Court Judge Candidate
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What happens when a ninth-grade civics teacher decides to switch careers and becomes an attorney, CPA, or campaigns for an appointment to district court judge?
Attorney and CPA Kimberly A. Herrick gives us a backstage pass into her dynamic career and journey as a Cabarrus County, NC, 2024 District 25 Court Judge - Seat 3 candidate who is redefining justice with empathy. This segment underscores the crucial role of empathy in judicial decisions, affecting not just the defendants but the entire community.
She shares heartfelt personal stories and family influences that have s...
The Future of Podcasting: AI as Your Digital Companion
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Ever wondered how AI can revolutionize your podcasting workflow? In our latest Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, discover the transformative power of AI with ChatGPT and its newest iteration, GPT-4. Learn how AI can generate content ideas, draft scripts, summarize episodes, and create engaging social media posts.
As your host, I share my approach to blending human creativity with AI assistance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a unique human touch. We explore the benefits of viewing AI as a "digital companion," with insights from Dr. Jerry Washington on artificial intelligence.
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Part 2: From War-Torn Vietnam to Decorated Marine
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What does it take to escape post-war Vietnam and become a decorated Marine Sergeant Major?
Listen to Retired Sergeant Major Chuong Nguyen share the final moments of his inspiring journey from Vietnam to America. Discover how his family's unwavering support fueled a life of resilience and service.
A story of courage and hope!
This episode offers a raw and intimate look at the challenges Chuong faced in his early life and how his military career profoundly shaped him.
Guest Link:
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From War-Torn Vietnam to Decorated Marine: Part 1
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What does it take to escape post-war Vietnam and become a decorated Marine Sergeant Major?
Get ready to witness the resilience, courage, and resourcefulness required in the relentless quest for freedom. From navigating treacherous seas to finding refuge on a remote island, retired Sergeant Major Chuong Nguyen joins me to recount his extraordinary journey.
Experience the tension and desperation of Chuong’s first escape attempt, the relief of reaching land, and the makeshift survival strategies on an island devoid of modern comforts. Feel the heartbreak of a shattered dream as...
Marine Corps Veteran Reveals Why Money Isn't Everything
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What happens when a Marine Corps veteran says goodbye to his corporate job and follows his passion into the entertainment world?
Join us as Victor Cannon, owner of CAN-DO Productions, Inc., shares his remarkable 30-year journey from the Marines and trash industry to the entertainment sector. Victor talks about the mixed reactions from family and friends, the strategic seven-year plan he crafted with his wife and the highs and lows of his path to creating Can-Do Productions. Hear about his work as a DJ, where he spreads love and joy at...
