Bravo Zulu

Noah Sassman is a US Navy veteran who served 6 years aboard the USS Rushmore as a Fire Controlman Petty Officer Second Class. He shares his story of service and why leaving the military has been a great decision.

Author Paul Bruno joins the show to talk about his book “The Original Jeeps”.The Original Jeeps: The Original Jeeps: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9798218534783: Amazon.com: BooksThe Original Jeeps in Pictures: The Original Jeeps in Pictures: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9798218009113: Amazon.com: BooksProject Management in History: The First Jeep: Project Management in History: The First Jeep: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9781505836714: Amazon.com: BooksOriginal Jeeps Website: Original Jeeps WebsiteOriginal Jeeps Facebook page: (20+) Facebook

Josh is joined on this episode with two guests each giving their hot takes and personal opinions on what the firings of the JCS and CNO mean for the military and Navy specifically. The conversation touches on SECDEF promise of transparency, the O3 and senior ranks bloat, is there more to come? What about the not being talked about, JAG for each respective branch also being fired as a footnote?

Josh gives his instant honest reaction on last weeks SECDEF townhall. Is communication like this good for the forces?

Robert B. O'Connor is the author of the extraordinary new WWII novel "Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge." His previous book was the non-fiction "Gumptionade – A Booster for Your Self-Improvement Plan." Two radically different books, both about morale. He sits down with Josh as they discuss the 'Jeep Show' book and how the amazing story telling of WWII is still very relatable to today's service members.

Josh gives his opinion on the SECDEF memo "killing" identity months within the DoD. How he expects service members will react and what he recommends as a way to go forward to honoring those of all groups who have proudly served in the armed forces of America.

Josh talks about the latest SECDEF Memo and the Task Force being established to stamp out any DEI efforts in the US Armed Forces. Is the news cycle shoveling propaganda depending on the anger and 8 second attention of the masses to miss the important details?

Josh gives his opinion on the new SECDEF, the backlash and cancellation of DEI in the military and what it means going forward for the Navy in particular.

Josh sits down with CDR Sherwin, a US Navy Chaplain and talks about his career and how faith does and doesn't influence today's leadership. CDR Sherwin shares stories of duty stations and Sailor interactions from his career that give a new prospecting and insight to the reason and purpose behind the Navy Chaplain Corps.

Keisa is a retired Navy Chief who served more than 20 years. She shares her career and life successes and failures, lessons learned and triumphs through hardships.

Josh wraps up the CPO season MCON letters by covering the third of this years talking about "Culture". Some of it is agreeable, some of it not really.

Josh gives his honest review of the latest MCPON Letter released during the FY 25 CPO Season, driving the conversation on Competency and how Chiefs should reflect that and be the standard bearer of it.

Josh is joined by long time friends TAP and T.I. All served together circa 2004-2007 at Sigonella, Sicily. TAP is a Navy veteran, who has accomplished many great feats of strength and conditioning not only of himself but of some Major League friends of his. Pretty much he makes people awesome. He now works at Fort Johnson and tries to make US Army Soldiers as awesome as US Navy Sailors. He's finding it challenging. T.I. is still active duty, serving as the voice of History and Heritage Command. Or, it might be all print work, not sure. At any rate, he's getting old and would like to retire soon. But, the O4 paycheck keeps showing up so he keeps showing up for muster.

Josh discusses the MCPON Chief Season Letter talking about character.

Josh sits down with a drink and discusses the first MCPON memo release for FY25 CPO Season.

Josh gives his top 5 tips on how to be successful for the upcoming CPO season.

Josh interviews and gets the real talk from two junior Sailors who are in their first enlistment and completing their first deployment aboard an Independence class Littoral Combat Ship.

Josh pours a drink and talks about how checking into the new command is kicking off. The ridiculousness of Sailors breaking rules and not being smart enough to avoid being caught. Working with civilians, who all at one point in their own careers outranked him. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message

Josh gives an in depth answer to  @a.m.8410  question on the recent episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR0k8mlDmms&t=122s Everyone "Chiefs" differently, but there's some Navy standards that we follow. GRIP (guidance, regulations, instructions, and procedures) can take us so far. Experience is what the Chiefs Mess should be passing down to the junior Sailors. Experience is why we are held is such high regard. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Live show from 10 May, Josh is joined with a viewer call in who discusses some of the pressing issues concerning Officer Retention and China plans for Taiwan and SCS. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh talks about the final decision on living quarters for his upcoming PCS to SATX. the recently fired CO of the USS Howard and his racist based jokes. And a caller dials in on the hotline LIVE to talk about the horrible retention numbers of the SWO community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh let's go on about the shitty conditions that lead to Sailors needing to show up to work 2 hours before liberty expiration, just to find parking and waste his life away. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh talks about the perceived recruiting crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh discusses how there isn't a recruiting crises, but a ready civilian crisis. Don't blame the recruiters, blame society and the parents raising young adults not ready or interested in service. Blame the government for losing trust of its citizens, not paying enough, and pushing minimum wage of a fast food worker to the competitive level of a U.S. Service member. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh is joined by Nick the Great Live in Studio. Catching up after being deployed 75% of 2023, going over some of the recent quality of life discussions. They talk about that committee hearing, and what really needs to happen. Getting married for BAH. That statistic of more under 25 yr old military members have kids than civilians. And of course, the recent NAVADMIN about various BS distraction changes, that top brass hopes will help Sailors stop asking about beards. Update: Drinks. were drank and only some of these things got talked about. Other topics not planned for were, officers hands in their pockets, Sailors w/o GED are better than you think, USS Kidd and more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh discusses the latest MCPON letter and why it is so much better than the previous call to action letters. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh discusses the MCPON kickoff letter for the FY24 CPO Initiation Season. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Jace Wheeler is a retired Senior Chief turned entrepreneur, having started two businesses since his retirement. His most recent Maximum Effort Coffee Company, gives back to the American Cancer Society with every purchase. https://www.maximumeffortcoffee.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh reviews the last letter addressing the MCPONs third priority "Quality of Life". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh reviews and discusses the third letter MCPON Honea sent out to the fleet. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh reviews and discusses the second of 4 letters the 16th MCPON released outlining his priorities for the CPO Mess. Providing a realistic conversation you can agree or not agree with, Josh tells how he interprets the vague and general message being sent out to the Mess. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Regular guest Nick joined Josh, late AF to discuss some recruitment material that had been making the social media rounds in April/May. The lies and misleading statistics that the Navy tries to sell are explained to give a better representation of the reality of military service. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Josh reviews the first letter of MCPON James Honea "Call To Action" of the Chiefs Mess. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bzpod/support

Let's talk about what you want to talk about! Josh answers questions from the chat. A viewer asks how to cope with being new in the Navy and dealing with missing family and friends. How does one prepare to advance while working out of rate. BONUS! Free Game is given on when and how to win SOQ Boards. Challenge your LPO and Chief with this free knowledge! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh dials up his long time mentor, best friend and brother to have a discussion about one thing.....never get to it and proceed on with other things. Danny gives Josh some high premium gas on how the show is doing the impact it's having on those closest to Josh and the legacy he's already building at home. Perspective on the what is taking place now, focus in on what is right about it, staying true to yourself and following the the beat of your own drum. That's what this conversation is all about. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/support

Bravo Zulu reads questions and posts from the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy AMA (ask me anything) that was held on 20Jan2023. Josh gives his opinion on some of the posts and answers as a know nothing Chief who just want's to retire. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/support

Learn the secrets to successfully completing a 20 year career in the military. Josh shares some shop talk he had on deployment when Sailors that were getting out asked him and other Chiefs, "What was their secret to staying in and completing the 20 years?" https://youtube.com/@BZPod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh is joined by his long time friend TI who serves in the Navy as a Public Affairs Officer. You can catch his career background in episode #58. After cruising the r/Navy subreddit, Josh found a question about "Navy Influencers". The conversation online was good, but plenty of opinion and little facts. TI volunteered to clear up some of the myths and give details behind what the Navy is trying to achieve through "Navy Ambassadors", the purpose that all Navy communications serve, and offers Josh the keys to the Snapchat. Stay tuned to see if Josh accepts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Chad joins Josh in the studio to catch up about life and preparing for retirement. Chad shares how he didn't realize the opportunity of success until he finally retired. How the comfort and stability of being good at your job vs being with family is often a harder choice than some realize. Only due to our own failures at being ready for the next step. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh brainstorms about the perceived mental health stigma that lingers throughout the military. Or is it just another society driven woke cultural battle that is being pushed to weaken our forces? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh and Nikki are joined by Nick for another table topics discussion. Who know's what's going to be asked. Worse yet, who know's how it will be answered when there's two bottles of tequila on the table for verbal lubrication! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Andrew Egan is a military child who was raised half his life as an Army brat and the other half watching his dad finish his career in the reserves. He shares the impacts growing up in a military home and some memories that impacted him as a child. He is now a writer living in New York writing for a website called: Tedium, covering small things that have a big impact. As a part time Americana expert he's featured as an expert on A.C. Gilbert, the creator of the "Erector Set", most famously known for its scene in the cult classic, "Sandlot". He appears in season 2 episode 4, of History Channel's "Toys That Built America" airing 13 Nov 2022. https://tedium.co https://play.history.com/shows/the-toys-that-built-america?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAyMKbBhD1ARIsANs7rEG0kFEneDY1Q-PWzPk_-chxcWB90xQiC9ghFd2kZZI5qmQd8d9DhygaAtsiEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4850!3!569959845309!e!!g!!the%20toys%20that%20built%20america&cmpid=paidsearch_G_TheToysThatBuiltAmerica&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyMKbBhD1ARIsANs7rEG0kFEneDY1Q-PWzPk_-chxcWB90xQiC9ghFd2kZZI5qmQd8d9DhygaAtsiEALw_wcB --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Nikki joins Josh for another table topics episode. They share their thoughts on topics like, often given advice that is horrible. What's getting in the way of their interests and hobbies. They share insecurities that molded them into who they are today, and several more topics. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh goes solo on the Tom Brady fiasco concerning the comparison of another NFL season to going on deployment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Rob joins Josh as they watch the newest Texas Chainsaw Massacrew on Netflix and talk horror genre. How growing up watching scary movies impacted Rob's life and the changes they see in the horror movie genre today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh and Nikki have a drink exploring some deeper question brought to you by Table Topics. You can support us over at https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast, anything helps grow the content and expand our network. If you're interested in reaching out to the show for guest opportunities or have a question, send us an email: BravoZulu.podcast1@gmail.com Audio only podcasts are available everywhere you like to stream! Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bravo-zulu/id1547221379?i=1000582414656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wYXfA2oZF6tLIs33xQ8Q8?si=9Zr2qYS-RPKPxFJ9XDsKAA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh is once again joined by his wife Nikki and long time friends Virginia and Gary. Virginia being a friend of 18 years, since Josh's High School days. Gary being a friend of 8 years, serving with Josh aboard the USS Rushmore. These "Table Topics" are dinner party based to help break the ice among strangers. Though the guests were not strangers hearing some of the answers was still enlightening. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh is joined by his wife Nikki, who came up with the great idea of having a at home date night on the podcast, playing the game "Table Topics". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Alex Puskarich a long time friend of the show. He served one tour in the early 2000s and left after completing his initial enlistment. Having always looked at the military as a job and stepping stone to more, he executed a very fruitful transition into being a civilian. Through sacrifice and blazing his own path, today he's a successful dad and strength and conditioning coach for a private facility in Las Vegas. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Recent shop talk about who has a bigger influence on crew morale led to a heavy bias of junior Sailors putting all their eggs in the CO basket. Even more so, was the underlying question of, "What's the point of the CMC and what is the MCPON even there for?" Josh pulls up an article from 5 years ago celebrating the 50th anniversary of the MCPON office, and breaks down some of the feelings highlighted in it. He the addresses how some of those feelings trickle down and leave that sour taste in Sailors mouths as to why the CMC position even exists. MCPON 50th Anniversary Article https://www.dvidshub.net/news/222278/mcpon-commemorates-establishment-office Submit questions or ask to be a guest below. bravozulu.podcast1@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support

Josh reads a USNI article. Leaders today have the same message. Josh breaks this article down with his own interpretation of it all. Often leaders confuse their "Why" with the "How". https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2022/august/serve-first-lead-second-be-humble --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravozulupodcast/support