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
177 episodes
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...
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Episode 177
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21:10
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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Episode 176
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13:54
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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Episode 175
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21:40
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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Episode 174
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2:36
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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Episode 173
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17:00
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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Episode 172
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2:08
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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Episode 171
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19:27
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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Episode 170
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2:20
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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Episode 169
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3:14
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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Episode 168
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21:21
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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Episode 167
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21:09
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...
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Episode 166
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21:24
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...
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Episode 165
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18:45
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...
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Episode 164
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22:49
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...
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Episode 163
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2:36
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...
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Episode 162
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23:39
Why Great Leaders Don’t Push Harder — They Connect Deeper
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 e...
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Episode 161
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22:48
From Surviving to Thriving - What's Next After 50?
🎙️ 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 rebuil...
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Episode 160
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26:21
3 Tips on How Self-Awareness Makes You a Stronger Hire
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 h...
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Episode 159
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3:45
What Happens When A Nation Forgets Its Veterans?
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 part...
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Episode 158
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16:39
From Surviving to Thriving: How to Find Purpose at Any Age
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.li...
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Episode 157
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19:03
Thinking About Quitting Your Job or Know Someone who is? Listen to This First.
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 h...
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Episode 156
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3:25
The 55-38-7 Rule - What Your Body Language Says About You!
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...
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Episode 155
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4:26
A blast didn’t end his life—it began his purpose
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 i...
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Episode 154
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22:08