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Damo unfiltered, in one of the most refreshing and thought-provoking episodes of the Stories of Service podcast, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Andamo “Damo” McCullough—a U.S. Navy Command Master Chief, Philadelphia native, and the voice behind the Permission to Speak Freely podcast.
For more than five years, Damo has carved out a space for military and civilian listeners alike, blending humor, raw honesty, and frontline leadership lessons into conversations that matter. With more than 550,000 YouTube views and over 100,000 downloads across platforms, his show has become a hub for authentic dialogue about Navy culture, leadership, and life in uniform.
But beyond the stats, what stands out is Damo’s ability to take the weight of service and transform it into connection, laughter, and learning.
GUEST BIO: WHO IS ANDAMO "DAMO" MCCULLOUGH?
Andamo "Damo" McCulloughAndamo “Damo” McCullough is a decorated U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with a career that spans decades of leadership at sea and on shore. A proud Philadelphia native, Damo balances his military career with his work as a podcaster and storyteller.
Through the Permission to Speak Freely podcast, he has interviewed sailors, veterans, and leaders from all walks of life, tackling topics like retention, Navy culture, mentorship, and the real struggles behind the uniform. His unfiltered, often humorous approach has set him apart as a leader who not only commands respect but also cultivates trust.
The Journey from Sailor to Command Master Chief
Damo’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and growth. Starting as a sailor and rising to the rank of Command Master Chief, he’s experienced the challenges and triumphs that come with nearly two decades of service. His perspective is shaped not only by the Navy but by the people he’s led and learned from along the way.
Why Humor and Honesty Matter in Leadership
For Damo, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about connection. He believes that humor, honesty, and humility are essential leadership tools that break down barriers and foster trust.
As he puts it: “Sometimes the best way to teach is to laugh through the hard stuff while telling the truth.”
It’s this balance of real talk and relatability that has drawn listeners to his podcast week after week.
Why Humor and Honesty Matter in Leadership
For Damo, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about connection. He believes that humor, honesty, and humility are essential leadership tools that break down barriers and foster trust.
As he puts it: “Sometimes the best way to teach is to laugh through the hard stuff while telling the truth.”
It’s this balance of real talk and relatability that has drawn listeners to his podcast week after week.
Permission to Speak Freely: A Podcast That Connects
What started as a passion project has grown into a platform with global reach. The Permission to Speak Freely podcast isn’t just for sailors—it’s for anyone navigating leadership, culture, and community.
Listeners tune in for its unique blend of humor, authenticity, and unfiltered conversations. From Navy-specific topics to broader cultural discussions, Damo creates a space where people feel seen, heard, and understood.
🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Humor is a Leadership Tool
Damo believes that levity has a place in leadership. By injecting humor into tough conversations, leaders can build rapport, defuse tension, and foster authentic bonds.
2. Leadership is About Listening
From his time as a sailor to his role as Command Master Chief, Damo stresses that the best leaders aren’t just the ones who talk the loudest—they’re the ones who take the time to listen.
3. Podcasting as Bridge-Building
What started as a passion project turned into a global platform for dialogue. Damo’s podcast resonates because it’s built on candor, vulnerability, and an unwillingness to sugarcoat Navy life.
4. Real Talk Resonates
Listeners connect with the stories not because they’re polished but because they’re raw and relatable. Damo shows that behind every stripe and star, there’s a human being with struggles, failures, and lessons to share.
5. Legacy Through Storytelling
Damo views the podcast as more than just conversations—it’s a living archive of Navy voices that will inspire future generations of service members.
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Why It Matters
In an era where service members often feel silenced by protocol or overwhelmed by the pace of operations, Damo’s voice cuts through the noise. His message is simple yet profound: permission to speak freely isn’t just a Navy tradition—it’s a necessity for real leadership.
This episode of Stories of Service reminds us that leadership is not about titles, it’s about truth. Through humor, humility, and honesty, Andamo “Damo” McCullough embodies what it means to lead with both authority and authenticity.
✨ Authenticity, laughter, and leadership. Damo proves that sometimes the most powerful way to lead is simply by giving others the permission to speak freely.
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FAQs
Who is Andamo “Damo” McCullough?
Damo is a U.S. Navy Command Master Chief, Philadelphia native, and host of the Permission to Speak Freely podcast.
What is the Permission to Speak Freely podcast about?
It’s a podcast that explores Navy life, leadership, and culture through candid, often humorous conversations with sailors, veterans, and leaders.
How popular is the podcast?
The show has reached over 550,000 YouTube views and 100,000 downloads across platforms, making it one of the most impactful grassroots military podcasts today.
Why is humor important in leadership, according to Damo?
He believes humor builds connection, eases tension, and creates space for honest dialogue—making leaders more approachable and effective.
