Retired Navy Captain and author of Letters to Myself, John Cordle joins the show to talk through leadership, experience, and the perspective behind his book.

Damo sits down one-on-one with Cordle, a former Commanding Officer and long-time surface warfare officer, to get into the lessons that come from time in the Navy, the realities of decision-making, and how those experiences shaped what he chose to put on paper. The conversation moves through leadership at different levels, how mindset shifts over time, and the challenge of turning real-world experience into something others can learn from. They also get into what the book is built around, the themes it focuses on, and who it’s written for—giving listeners a clearer picture of what they can expect when they pick it up.

Buy a copy of the book now: https://stonetowerpress.com/shop-2/authors/john-cordle/letters-to-myself/

To attend the book singing in Annapolis at Old Fox Books - https://www.facebook.com/events/1328250259143019/?ref_source=NEWS_FEED

Connect with Dr. Cordle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordlejp/

About our Guest:

Master Chief Green was born in Westerly, RI, and raised in Woodbine, GA. He graduated from Camden County High School in 2004. He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in March 2006 as a Culinary Specialist. He is a graduate of the United States Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Master Chief’s sea duty assignments include USS Annapolis (SSN 760), USS Virginia (SSN 774), USS Greeneville (SSN 772). In October 2022, he reported to USS Hampton (SSN 767) as Chief of the Boat. During that COB tour, he completed a Western Pacific Deployment, two SOUTCOMs, ICE CAMP 2024, and a change of homeport from San Diego to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His shore duty assignments include Enlisted Aide to the Director of Naval Reactors, Lead Instructor for Navy Food Management Team New London, and Lead Culinary Specialist Commander Submarine Forces. Master Chief Green is currently the Command Master Chief for Submarine Readiness Squadron 32. Master Chief Green’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit citations.

About the Episode:

CMDCM Jacob Green joins the show for a real look beneath the surface of submarine life. The guys dive straight into what it actually means to live and lead in a world with no sunlight, limited communication, and nowhere to go but each other. From the pressure of those first 12 months onboard to earning your dolphins, Jake breaks down the grind, the expectations, and the culture that defines the submarine force. They get into everything from daily life underway, food operations, and damage control to the mental toll of long deployments with little to no contact back home. Conversations shift between leadership at the highest levels, building trust in tight spaces, and how sailors adapt when privacy doesn’t exist, and every role matters. Along the way, the episode moves naturally between submarine life and broader Navy experiences. The crew trades stories and perspectives, including surface-side experiences like UNREPs and mail call during COVID deployments, adding contrast to just how different life can be across platforms. Jake shares his personal journey from high school athlete to submarine life, his first deployment experience, how he ended up on his first boat, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation also touches on advancements in submarine technology, morale underway, and the realities of quality of life both at sea and ashore. From leadership philosophies to the small moments that keep sailors going, this episode captures the full spectrum of what it means to serve. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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This Reflash is a double feature.

Two conversations brought back together in one episode, centered on accountability, perception, and how Sailors navigate the system. Featuring ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, the discussion takes a deep dive into the CPO selection board process and the decisions that shape a career.

From how board members are selected to what should be included in your package, the conversation breaks down the process in a way that’s direct and practical. The team also explores what really matters when preparing for advancement. Sustained superior performance versus early promote, the role of the career summary letter, and whether common beliefs like the “five year penalty box” actually hold weight.

They also get into the reality of sitting a selection board, offering perspective on how records are viewed, how decisions are made, and what Sailors should be thinking about long before their package is submitted.

This isn’t just about making Chief. It’s about understanding the process, challenging assumptions, and being intentional about how you show up on paper and in practice.

Two episodes. One conversation that still matters.

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AZ2 Makel Jackson, a listener-turned-guest and active duty Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrator. The episode kicks off with Damo discussing question submissions for an upcoming episode, board eligible results, a discussion on Maintenance Master Chiefs, and military vs. civilian education. The hosts then dive into Makel’s background, tracing his journey from the south side of Chicago to Houston and ultimately to the Navy. They debate pizza, discuss what drew him to enlist, and break down his boot camp and A School experiences. The conversation turns to his biggest misconception about the fleet, his first dirtbag encounter, and what it really means to “play the game.” Makel shares the first moral lesson he learned at his first command and reflects on how mentorship shaped his early career. The group discusses Full Power Navy and how Makel navigated the decision to stay or separate. Damon asks about balancing being liked versus being respected as Makel prepares to transition to sea duty. The crew explores whether junior Sailors correct each other for uniform infractions, debate which host would be the toughest at DRB, and unpack what kills morale the fastest. Makel shares his take on the biggest problem the Navy is facing and the best thing about serving. The conversation also covers Navy bucket lists, whether new accession Sailors expect too much when it comes to quality of life, and what actually motivates Sailors today. The group discusses good leadership, the Chief’s Mess, and the unique structure of leadership in aviation squadrons. The episode closes with Makel’s #DoBetter, his Hero of the Week, and his picks for favorite episode and favorite guest. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Damo - Immortal Valor (Robert Child) https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/immortal-valor-9781472852847/

AZ2 Jackson - Tommy G’s YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@tommygmcgee?si=jdi-_Ycp_szWJJQQ

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About our Guest: Master Chief Hollingsworth, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 October 1998 after graduating from Alcee Fortier High School in 1998. She attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Cryptologic Technician Communications training in Pensacola, Florida. After seven years as a Cryptologic Technician Communications, she converted to Information Systems Technician in 2005. Her sea duty assignments include COMSEVENTHFLT permanently embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). Her shore assignments include NSGA Pensacola, NSGA Misawa, Commander Task Force 72 (two tours), NAS Pensacola, CID Unit Corry Station, and Naval Education and Training Command Supply Operations Chain. She was tried, tested, and accepted into the Chief’s Mess on September 16, 2011. She is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 209 (Khaki) and CMC/COB Course #25070. She has earned her Information Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Master Training Specialist designations, and is also a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Master Chief Hollingsworth holds an Associate degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Her personal awards include six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards.

About the Episode: From this point forward, we’re calling her Kedia. Damo opens the episode by telling the story of the first time he met Kedia on USS George H. W. Bush… during a disciplinary review board where she didn’t hesitate to call him out. That moment sets the tone for a conversation about accountability, leadership, and the importance of practicing what you preach. The crew discusses the recent shooting involving an ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University and reflect on the loss of CSSN Angelina Resendiz, leading into a deeper conversation about responsibility, influence, and leading by example. Damon asks Kedia if she remembers her first 72 hours in the Navy, and the group talks about how those early experiences shape the leaders we become. Is it okay to follow your Sailors or your leadership on social media? Is there value in having an “anger translator”? What does lazy leadership actually look like? Damo asks Kedia how she balances being a Command Master Chief, a mother, and a graduate student working toward her Master’s degree. The group also tackles a tough question… how do you respond when people use their struggles as an excuse for poor decisions? The conversation turns to Admiral Caudle’s recently released CNOte 5, but the crew goes so deep into the first two principles they realize they could spend an entire episode on it alone. They also discuss what’s happening aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, take a listener question about self-righteous leaders, and read some of Kedia’s social media posts that sparked real conversation across the Fleet. Kedia shares how she spends the holidays with her Sailors, talks about betting on your leadership even when the risk is high, and reflects on how you know when it’s time to retire. The episode closes with one of the most personal Do Better segments we’ve had, as she speaks on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of wearing the anchors. These topics and much more are covered in this episode of the PTSF Podcast.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

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No Aaron. No guest. No worries. Damon and Damo were built for an impromptu episode. LOL. Damo starts by reflecting on an event he held with a small group of Sailors at his command. Somehow, that leads to a conversation about restricted barracks. Are those even still a thing? Damo has been working toward another qualification and is getting closer to finally being able to go out on funerals. Damon gets a little deeper this episode and reflects on a recent trip to the hospital. He’s also been dealing with health issues with his dog, and the conversation turns into one of those real-life moments that hits different when you get a little older. After a report about Sailors being arrested for gang-related violence, the guys talk about choices, accountability, and the idea that if you joined the Navy to change your life, then you actually have to change it. With “Operation Epic Fury” going on, fake news has been everywhere, so they go over some of the wildest messages they’ve seen and ask the question: Did anybody actually believe this stuff? They also get into the important topics, like how important Uber Eats really is, and whether anyone should actually be surprised that MREs aren’t exactly healthy food. A couple of social media reels sparked more discussion, one about modifying working hours to improve efficiency, and another about how unnecessary group chats can make communication worse instead of better. The conversation turns to performance evaluations and why the word “potential” sometimes feels like the villain when it comes to ranking Sailors. Damon asks what disciplinary or accountability methods should be brought back, or at least enforced better, including things like dink study and CCUs. Damon is overly cautious about his Pick of the Week, which makes it even funnier, and the guys close it out with their #DoBetter segments. Damo has a bad experience at the Navy gym on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and Damon’s feels a little more personal. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this episode:

Nine Sailors arrested - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/02/26/nine-sailors-arrested-in-connection-with-2025-violent-assault/

Group Chat Clip - @ladominicangoddess (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@ladominicanprincess?_r=1&_t=ZS-94i072Z5cjB

8 Hours Clip - @mayinmidlife (IG): https://www.tiktok.com/@ladominicanprincess?_r=1&_t=ZS-94i072Z5cjB

Picks of the Week:

Pick of the week: The Courage to Be Disliked (Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitaki Koga) - https://www.audible.com/ep/mytitle?asin=B07BRPQ8LW&language=en_US&source_code=GO1PP30DTRIAL54702202491G8&ds_cid=21383977191&ds_agid=175570816708&ds_kids=329412961893&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21383977191&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhiw_7DnFw0MtjURq38djSX5Jx1X79xxUr_BNZc05wnNagSb8ewi_uhoCyncQAvD_Bw

Love is Blind (Netflix) - https://www.netflix.com/tudum/features/love-is-blind-season-10-cast-instagrams

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Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by CDR Charles Ferguson. CDR Ferguson is an active duty Navy Chaplain and the author of the book Presidential Seclusion. The episode begins with the hosts sharing their thoughts about recording the podcast during Operation Epic Fury. They discuss how the conflict could affect their respective jobs even though they are not currently stationed on ships, and reflect on where they were when they first heard the news. The team also takes time to honor the lost and missing servicemembers, recognizing them as this episode’s Heroes of the Week. Damon stresses the importance of having real conversations with Sailors. Damo raises questions about public trust and whether social media is truly a real place for meaningful dialogue. Aaron highlights the responsibility that comes with sharing opinions in public spaces. The conversation then turns to the Navy’s growing appreciation for the Chaplain Corps. The group explores whether connection to a community can serve as a deterrent to suicide-related behaviors, and how COVID impacted interpersonal relationships across the force. They also discuss the CREDO program and whether enough Sailors are taking advantage of the opportunity. CDR Ferguson shares what led him to become a Navy Chaplain and discusses the importance of mental health within today’s force. He also talks about his book, Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, explaining how his time serving as the Chaplain at Camp David inspired him to write it. During the discussion, he reflects on the writing and release process and shares the experience of delivering a sermon to a sitting President. The conversation continues with reflections on whether the military is becoming “too soft” or simply more professional. CDR Ferguson discusses why he joined the Navy, why Singapore was his favorite tour, and what it means to be endorsed by a faith group. The group also explores the unique relationship between Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists. The episode closes with the hosts sharing their #DoBetter inputs before Charles discusses his retirement plans and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He also reminisces on the toughest moment of his career. These topics and more are covered in this episode.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Keep up with CDR Ferguson:

Website: https://www.charlesfergusonbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfergusonbooks?igsh=MTJyb2VwbnB6MHJsZg==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3tFWxsd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

X: https://x.com/cfergusonbooks?s=21&t=jTCB_WLip1803qBxIaKXHw

Picks of the Week:

Damo - Unlearn (Humble The Poet) https://www.humblethepoet.com/pages/unlearn-101-by-humble-the-poet?srsltid=AfmBOopbQKAoyzzdCchs9ObGtxBnFqNuVdkJHi3vpN9DjL6wnz3ZcmLj

Charles - Presidential Seclusion (Charles Ferguson) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/presidential-seclusion-charles-ferguson/1146817887

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Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by NC1 Alex Sewell. Damo opens with smoke for Aaron over the lack of coverage on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson before the guys take a moment to honor his legacy and impact. They also give flowers to retired CSCM William Foster for the run of the “Don’t Give Up The Ship” podcast as he transitions the platform to Chief Ariana LaChuisa. The conversation shifts to communication flow and how newly announced information is being pushed out. Aaron doubles back on “FCPO Package Rodeos,” and Alex reflects on crossrating from Naval Aircrewman Mechanical to Navy Career Counselor. The guys highlight the “new guy dump” and talk through recent Veterans Affairs updates. Things take a turn when they react to a viral video of police raiding a frat house, which leads Alex into sharing his life before the Navy as a 10th grade biology teacher. He talks about joining later in life, accepting the possibility of going past 20 years, and the role mentors played in shaping his path. Damo dives into “expectation politics,” and the crew revisits the debate of a young first class versus a senior FCPO competing for the LPO role, breaking down the difference between the exception and the standard. NC1 Sewell shares what keeps him grounded, what he wants people to understand when working with him professionally, and which rank group gives him the hardest time. The “Do Better” segment hits moving companies that fumble military household goods. Damon calls out base traffic lights. Aaron has words for people putting sugar where it does not belong. Damo closes with his full review of It by Stephen King. The guys catch up on television and discuss the recently released documentary about America’s Next Top Model. They end by acknowledging Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones, who was found deceased in Great Lakes. These and more topics are covered in this episode.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Links and more from this episode:

Sailor Found Dead in Great Lakes - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/02/20/sailor-found-dead-at-naval-station-great-lakes/

Picks of the Week:

Damo: It (Stephen King) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It

Alex: Unlearn (Humble The Poet) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/153840454-unlearn

Aaron:

Dota: Dragon’s Blood - https://www.netflix.com/title/80994336

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