Unarmored Talk

10 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Mario P. Fields - Sergeant Major (Ret.)

Welcome to the Unarmored Talk Podcast with Sergeant Major (Ret.) Mario P. Fields! Join the host and guests for candid conversations where emotional barriers are left at the door. In this unfiltered and intimate setting, guests and viewers alike engage in open dialogue, sharing personal stories, thoughts, and feelings without reservation. From touching personal stories to profound introspection, each episode promises genuine connection and authentic exchange. Tune in as we explore the raw and real, forging bonds through vulnerability. It's time to strip away the armor and embrace the power of honest conversations where authenticity reigns supreme.

From Classroom to 2024 District Court Judge Candidate
#125
Last Sunday at 11:00 PM

What happens when a ninth-grade civics teacher decides to switch careers and becomes an attorney, CPA, or campaign 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 shaped an intrinsic understanding of people. W...


The Future of Podcasting: AI as Your Digital Companion
#124
07/17/2024

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.

Tune in to understand how human...


Part 2: From War-Torn Vietnam to Decorated Marine
#123
07/14/2024

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:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/Sp51OXySV8...


From War-Torn Vietnam to Decorated Marine: Part 1
#122
07/07/2024

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 Chuong and others are imprisoned fo...


Marine Corps Veteran Reveals Why Money Isn't Everything
#121
06/17/2024

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 weddings and events.

This...


Podcast Discussion with ChatGPT-4o: The Military Veteran Brand
#120
05/19/2024

If you're a military veteran seeking to navigate the job market, tune in for an enlightening discussion on leveraging your unique skill set. ChatGPT-4o brings to light the robust attributes veterans possess in high demand in the civilian workforce. 

From leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and communication, we cover the soft skills that define the veteran brand and underscore how these can eclipse the need for a college degree in many fields. 

This episode isn't just about identifying skills; it's a beacon of encouragement and a resource guide for veterans and their families. As a ve...


I Met My Boss to Resign and the Unthinkable Occurred!
#119
05/03/2024

When integrity collides with professional expectations, the fallout can be a true test of character. 

Pastor Willie Collins, Chief Petty Officer (retired) United States Navy, a man whose life has been defined by service to his country and his faith, walks us through the respectful and principled steps he took to exit gracefully, only to be met with an employer's scrutiny that put his religious integrity under the microscope. 

His story is not merely about the act of leaving, but the journey through a tumultuous sea of questioning that challenges the essence of his commitments an...


Struggling with an Addiction? This Marine's Story of Triumph may HELP!
#118
04/22/2024

Larry Hamilton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran turned philanthropist and aspiring medical researcher provides an insider's perspective on why programs like Alcoholics Anonymous may miss the mark for some, and how a multifaceted approach to recovery is often the key to real progress. 

When Larry Hamilton speaks, you can almost hear the echoes of a past life in the military, mingled with the wisdom of someone who's been through the crucible of addiction and emerged with a hope to heal others. 

Through his generosity with Still Serving, Inc. and his bold steps toward a ca...


Forgiveness Changed Me FOREVER: A Journey of Healing and Growth
#120
04/19/2024

King Jaquell Martin, a U.S. Army veteran, director, author, producer, motivational speaker, survivor of police brutality, and actor known for 'A War on Friendly Grounds' (2020), joins us for an 'unarmored' discussion about the delicate intricacies of forgiveness and its vital role in mending the emotional fabric of our lives.

Together, we explore the nuances of public perception and racial stereotypes, highlighting the importance of discovering individuality in a world quick to generalize. Our conversation emphasizes the courage required to extend forgiveness, especially when it is hard-earned.

King shares poignant stories of a mother's unwavering...


Embracing Courage: First Sergeant Beth Abbott's Journey
#117
04/18/2024

The courage to face one's truth can be a harrowing journey, especially within the rigid confines of tradition and expectation. Today, we are humbled to share the raw, unfiltered story of First Sergeant Beth Abbott of the United States Marine Corps, who bravely navigated the waters of coming out as gay to her parents at 28.

Her tale isn't just about the struggle for acceptance; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, underscored by her gripping experiences in the military, including surviving IED blasts, subsequent battles with survivor's guilt, and being charged with a DUI...