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Unarmored Talk
Unarmored Talk is a podcast where people feel safe to remove their armor through real conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life—reaching listeners worldwide while supporting community impact through Still Serving, Inc.
Hosted by Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields, the show dives into honest stories, raw emotions, and practical insights that help you grow mentally stronger through authenticity and openness.
Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. God bless.
Episodes
186 episodes
When the Leader Is the Problem: The Courage to Change.
When was the last time you realized that you—not your team—were part of the leadership problem?That realization can be painful, but it can also begin your most important growth.In this episode, Dr. Lisa DeVore, United State...
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Laughing and Crying as a U.S. Marine | Adam Walker
What happens when the funniest military memories also carry the deepest meaning?I’m joined by my friend and fellow Marine, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker, to discuss his self-published book, Laughing and Crying as...
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Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself?
Have You Been So Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else That You Forgot About Yourself?In this episode, I am joined by Amber Houghton, a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and founder of Elite Performance Strategies. Together...
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What Happened to This Army Veteran After the Car Accident?
Have you ever wondered how one moment can change the rest of your life?A rollover crash on a dark Montana highway changed everything for Army veteran Darshan Shanti. The accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, severe inju...
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Why Leaders Fail: A Sergeant's Major 5 Rules
What separates someone who has a leadership title from someone people genuinely want to follow?In this episode, I am joined by Mark J. O’Loughlin, ...
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The Hardest Question Veterans Face: Who Are You?
Who are you when the uniform comes off?In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Angeletha Long, a U.S. Army veteran of 24 years and leadership strategist...
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If They Push Back, You Might Be On The Right Path
The hardest pushback often comes from the people closest to you—so what if that resistance is actually confirmation you’re on the right path?In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Rachel Singletary—minister, facilita...
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Veterans Facing Cancer With Love And Backup
Cancer isn’t a solo fight—especially for veterans. But too many are still fighting it alone.In this episode, Marine Corps couples Joe and Jennifer Worthy, and Casey and Ashton Kroner, share the reality behind colon cancer, testicular can...
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U.S. Army Pilot on Success, Regret, and Purpose
What if success isn’t the right career?In this Unarmored Talk podcast episode, I sit down with U.S. Army veteran Frank Van Buren, author of Life Lessons from the Cockpit, to explore his journey from flying night missions to Wall Street—...
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Why This Marine Corps Veteran Chose People Over Profit
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself—am I putting people first, or just chasing outcomes?For the first time, David Tellefsen removes the armor.In this episode, the 22-year Marine Corps veteran and Director of Veterans Serv...
One Person Changed His Life…FOREVER!
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma that some viewers may find difficult. Viewer discretion is advised.In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I speak with Emilio Roman...
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One DUI. Two Injured Teens. A Journey to Redemption | Beth Abbott
A single choice can change a life — but so can the choices that follow.Beth Abbott returns to Unarmored Talk to share the truth behind a DUI that injured two teens, cost her a frocked promotion, and forced a painful reckoning with...
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Every Fall I Deal With SAD — Here’s How I Stay Mentally Steady
Do you notice significant changes in your mood, energy, or focus from fall to spring? Every fall, I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When the days shorten and energy dips, I don’t ignore it — I prepare for it....
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Who Are You When the Plan Ends?
Who are you when the plan ends?Marine veteran William Philyaw IV shares his journey from overseas embassy security duty to navigating an unexpected injury tha...
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Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work? Here’s How to Find Out
Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work?In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, we break down how to determine your worth at work without ego or guesswork. This conversation focuses on clarity—using market-bac...
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You Reach the Top—and Have to Start Over?
What Happens When You Reach the Top and Then Have to Start Over?In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, I sit down with retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve Maynor Jr., now a Communications Instructor at Davidson-Davie Com...
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3 Pro Tips to Mentally Prepare for the Week Ahead
What if the best way to start your week isn’t more motivation—but better regulation?Before the week pulls at your attention, this short conversation offers three simple ways to reduce stress and gain clarity: hydrate before screen...
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You’re Not Behind—Your Nervous System Is Doing Its Job
Have you ever felt the weight of a career transition and wondered if you were falling behind?On this episode of the Unarmored Talk Podcast, I share a different perspective: when transition feels heavy, it’s not failure—it’s...
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When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey
Ever feel the tension rise the moment your boss walks in? On this episode of Unarmored Talk, host Mario P. Fields, Sergeant Major (Retired) sits down with Army veteran, TEDx speaker, and leadership strategist Gregory Archbold
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Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals
What if clearer thinking, steadier balance, and deeper sleep start in your inner ear?In this episode, I sit down with Sheila Thelen, coach and founder, to unpack how vestibular training—originally refined with elite figure skaters...
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From Korean Hikes to Passing the Bar: Legacy Over Ego
Ever wonder how a Republic of Korea Recon Marine ends up passing the bar in the U.S.?Minjoon Kim’s journey—from freezing Korean night hikes to earning his place at a California law firm—proves that grit and legacy outlast hardship...
He Lost Sight and Hearing… Yet Found a Mission
What happens when your job, identity, and future disappear overnight?In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hale—a Navy chef turned Army EOD tech—to unpack his journey from an IED blast that took his sight and hearing to r...
He Went from Barefoot to Marine Elite: What a Journey!
How do you develop leaders who can stay disciplined, think clearly under pressure, and turn adversity into an advantage?In my latest episode, Master Gunnery Sergeant Shelon “Hutch” Hutchison shares leadership lessons shaped by a 2...
Five Mistakes To Avoid With Multiple Job Offers
Navigating multiple job offers can be a blessing — or a trap — depending on how you handle the moment. In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, I break down five critical mistakes people make when choosing between job opportunities… and h...
When the Medals, Rank, and Spotlight can’t Hide the Pain
What happens when the medals, rank, and spotlight can’t hide the pain anymore?I sit down with Marine Corps Captain and former Team USA bobsled athlete Riley Tejcek to unpack the quiet cost of divorce 💔, the line between gri...
