Listener Discretion Disclaimer:

Before we begin this episode, I want to let you know that the conversation you're about to hear is raw, honest, and at times, heavy. We talk about difficult topics including mental health, emotional burnout, and suicide. There's also explicit language throughout the episode.

If you or someone you know is struggling—whether it's a passing thought, a quiet mention, or something deeper—please don't ignore it. Start the conversation. You're not alone, and there is help.

You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988—anytime, 24/7.

Your life matters. Your story matters. Let’s keep talking.

What happens when the uniform comes off—but the weight of leadership doesn’t?

In this episode of Off Script, host Josh Fisher sits down with veteran and leader Mark Allen for an unfiltered conversation about leadership beyond the ranks, titles, and tough exteriors. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and authenticity—especially after years of service and sacrifice.

From the mental discipline of cold plunges to the emotional unraveling that often follows retirement, this episode digs deep into identity, mental health, and the pressure to hold it all together. Mark shares personal stories of pain, healing, and rediscovery—and how stepping off the traditional script of leadership allowed him to reconnect with his truth.

Whether you’re in uniform, behind a desk, or in a season of transition—this is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Who am I without the role?”

• Leadership is about human connection, not just command

• Cold plunges reveal mental resilience and body trust

• Sacrifice in service often comes at a personal cost

• Emotional awareness builds stronger, more authentic leaders

• Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the bridge to real connection

• Retirement can spark identity crises—but it can also spark growth

• You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful—you just have to be honest

• Strong Hope

• Mark’s Podcast: Voices in Silence

• https://a.co/d/2vKzM9A

• The Off Script Journal – A companion to the podcast

• The Unfolding – A 12-Phase Guided Journal for Healing What Hurts

Want to share your own Off Script story? Email it to: joshua@offscript.us SUBJ: [NAME] Stories from the Stage – (Share or Do Not Share) Your voice might be featured in a future episode.

In this episode of Off Script, Josh Fisher delves into the complexities of personal identity, self-reflection, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He shares his own journey of self-discovery, including struggles with insecurity, trauma, and coping mechanisms. Through candid storytelling, he emphasizes the value of authentic connections and the potential for community building through shared experiences.

Who am I, really?

I dive into the many versions of self we carry, the masks we wear, and how vulnerability and self-reflection have shaped my own identity. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s real—and that’s where leadership starts.

A few key takeaways:

• Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership

• We often cope before we understand—then lead before we heal

• Journaling helps make thoughts visible, patterns clear, and growth possible

• You don’t need to have it all together to lead—you just need to show up honest

Journals to Go Deeper:

📝 The Off Script Journal: A companion to this podcast. Use it to respond to the weekly prompts, capture reflections, and track your own Off Script journey.

Amazon: The Off Script Journal: A companion to the Off Script Podcast

🌀 The Unfolding: A 12-Phase Guided Journal for Healing What Hurts: A trauma-informed journal designed for deep, structured inner work. With 12 phases and 52 weeks of prompts, The Unfolding gently guides you through grief, trauma, emotional suppression, identity, and more—with space to reconnect with your voice, your truth, and your self.

Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or returning to it, The Unfolding meets you where you are—no timeline, no pressure. Just structure, space, and stillness.

Amazon: The Unfolding: A 12-Phase Guided Journal for Healing what Hurts

Want to be part of the podcast? Have a story about leading Off Script—raw, real, and unpolished? Email it to: joshua@offscript.us SUBJ: [Your Name] Stories from the Stage – (Share or Do Not Share)

Your voice matters—and it might just help someone else find theirs.

In this first episode of Off Script with Josh Fisher, we strip leadership down to its bones—no polish, no performance, just the raw truth. I dive into why I started this podcast, the deep disconnect so many leaders feel behind the mask, and how perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and societal expectations keep us from leading with real presence. You’ll hear parts of my story, the doubts I’ve carried, and why I believe the perception of leadership—not leadership itself—is what’s broken. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come: honest conversations, unfiltered reflections, and a return to human-centered leadership. If you've ever felt like you're faking it while leading, this one’s for you.

Amazon: The Off Script Journal: A companion to the Off Script Podcast

Amazon: The Unfolding: A 12-Phase Guided Journal for Healing what Hurts

Have a story about leading off script—raw, real, and unpolished? Email it to me and you might hear it featured in a future episode.

Please add

SUBJ: [NAME] Stories from the Stage- (Share or Do not Share)

Listener's Off Script: Stories from the Stage- joshua@offscript.us