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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, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major whose 30-year career includes infantry leadership, drill instructor duty, deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, and senior roles supporting wounded Marines. Mark shares lessons from his new book, Validated Leadership, built around five practical leadership rules designed for real life—not just theory.

We discuss why organizations often promote top performers into leadership roles without preparing them to lead, what behaviors help teams succeed, and how empathy, accountability, and difficult conversations shape stronger leaders.

Whether you're leading a team, a family, or stepping into a new leadership role, this conversation delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome and Mission Plus Thanks
2:34 From Iowa Farm to Sergeant Major
5:46 Helping Veterans Through Psych Armor Work
7:19 Building Leadership Rules into A Book
9:40 The Moment He Started Writing
13:00 Rule One: Care About People
15:20 Learn More About Mark and Validated Leadership
17:11 Financial Counseling and Hard Truths
20:55 One Practical Tip for New Authors
22:19 Final Takeaways and Sign Off

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

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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, to unpack one of the hardest questions veterans face after service: Who are you—really?

We go beyond the surface of transition and get into the identity shift that happens when the structure, mission, and title you’ve lived by are no longer there. Angeletha shares how this question showed up in her own life, how mental health counseling became a turning point, and why so many veterans struggle in silence trying to redefine themselves.

This conversation challenges the idea that identity is something you “find.” Instead, it’s something you build—through changing your environment, taking small steps, and surrounding yourself with the right people. From isolation to community, from overthinking to action, this episode offers a practical and honest look at rebuilding purpose after service.

If you’re navigating life after the military or questioning who you are beyond what you did, this episode will help you start answering that question with intention.

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction
1:24 Losing Yourself In Roles
4:54 Leaving Service And Identity Shock
9:24 Therapy As The Turning Point
10:24 Change Your Environment To Think
12:21 Purpose Grows Through Small Steps
14:27 Community Networks And Real Support
20:15 Jamaica And The Power Of Travel
21:24 The Mentorship Regret And Lesson
23:45 Where To Find Angelita Closing

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: mario@stillservinginc.com

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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, facilitator, and leader—to talk about what obedience really looks like when your calling demands growth, discipline, and time. We get honest about the refining process people don’t post—the part that humbles you, stretches you, and challenges your relationships.

Rachel breaks down why resistance often starts at home, how to stay grounded when people bring up your past, and why being “qualified” isn’t the requirement for your calling. We also discuss the power of silence—why “no answer is an answer,” and how staying calm protects your peace and purpose.

If you care about faith, purpose, leadership, and mental fitness, this conversation will meet you where you are.

👉 Where do you feel the most pushback right now?

Rachel's Links:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lifedesignsbyracheljanielle
Website: rachelsingletary.carrd.co

Chapters:
0:05 – Welcome And Meet Rachel
1:18 – Her Call To Teach
4:20 – Obedience And The Refining Process
7:53 – Resistance From People Closest
10:24 – What’s Next: Outreach And Nations
12:04 – The Power Of Silence
16:09 – When Waiting Makes You Weary
19:24 – Self-Worth And How To Find Her

Support the show

• Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd
• Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com
• Email: mario@stillservinginc.com