Top Game Episode 35 - MSgt Jeff Averette
Top Game Podcast
In this episode of Top Game Podcast, we sit down with MSgt Jeff Averette, the Senior Enlisted Leader at the Marine Corps Software Factory, to explore the intersection of Marine Corps traditions and cutting-edge software development. MSgt Averette shares his journey of adapting to leadership in a technical environment, the role of the Software Factory in shaping the future of the Marine Corps, and how they are empowering Marines to drive innovation. This episode sheds light on the importance of creative problem-solving, fostering talent, and adapting to the evolving landscape of military...
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Top Game Episode 34 - MSgt Quinn Le
Top Game Podcast
Discover the intricate dance of leadership and camaraderie within the Marine Corps as we sit down with Top Le, the senior enlisted leader from Company H, MCSB. Listen to tales of navigating various assignments, including SIOC instructor duty and recruiting, and balancing the dual responsibilities of independent mission execution and leading a team of 48 Marines. Our guest shares how previous professional relationships, like the one with his commanding officer, ease transitions and foster growth, both personally and within the organization. This episode promises to reveal the nuances of...
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Top Game Episode 33 - MGySgt Jeff Rooke
Top Game Podcast
In episode 33 of Top Game, I had the distinct honor of sitting down with my brother in arms, Master Gunnery Sergeant Jeff Rooke. Over the past 24 years, Jeff and I have shared a bond forged through the challenges and triumphs of our Marine Corps careers, as well as our shared roots as fellow Texans. During his tenure as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at the Presidio of Monterey, Jeff left an indelible mark on countless Marines, shaping their careers and lives in profound ways. Last year, I had the privilege of speaking at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball for his unit, a testament to the deep...
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Top Game Episode 32 - CWO Trebor Whitehead
Top Game Podcast
In this insightful episode of Top Game, host Sammy Castro sits down with Chief Warrant Officer Trebor Whitehead to explore the multifaceted world of military leadership and the evolving landscape of warfare technology. Join us as we delve into personal growth, mentorship, and the importance of staying ahead in the dynamic field of military operations. Key Highlights: Introduction to Chief Warrant Officer Trebor Whitehead Opening thoughts and the significance of today’s discussion. Early Career and Personal Growth Reflections on the initial stages of military careers and the importance...
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Top Game Episode 31 - CWO4 Nate Cherubini
Top Game Podcast
Nate & I sat down at my basement bar in Virginia to connect. We never had the opportunity to serve together in the same unit, so we took advantage of a conference to set time aside to record this interview. Initially, he was reluctant because he thought he had nothing to offer the audience. I knew better. His views on agency, mindset, and leaving it all out on the field are crucial takeaways. Our conversation covers topics spanning family readiness, the natural tension between the information & intelligence warfighting functions, and the need to tailor the application of leadership...
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Top Game Episode 30 - MSgt Nate Bailey
Top Game Podcast
Episode 30 has been a long time coming. Top Bailey & I first "met" on Reddit when he reached out to say thanks for creating a forum for us to discuss to us. Since we've been in contact, he's been a great sounding board to help provide insight into what our community needs to hear: "Intimate conversations with Marines exploring their journeys, perspectives & experiences." Nate & I discuss courage, being a perpetual novice, as well as the link between humility & empathy. Thanks for tuning in.
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Top Game Episode 29 - Marshall Troy - BJJ Black Belt
Top Game Podcast
Marshall Troy is a close personal friend and Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. He is a stalwart ambassador for jiu jitsu as therapy, particularly for veterans battling ptsd and struggling to cope with suicide ideation. In the interview, we cover our common close ties with LGBT family members, how that has impacted our dealings with those around us and the influence we can make on those coping with a lack of acceptance, ostracism and targeted hate.
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Top Game Episode 28 - SSgt Antuan Martin
Top Game Podcast
Episode 28 brings us to SSgt Antuan Martin. We cover a spectrum of topics spanning strength training, jiu-jitsu, learning styles, audio production, and even video games in our conversation. Themes in the discussion include the individual Marine's value to the institution and the dynamic nature of camaraderie. His perspective on the value of initiative reminds us of the importance for senior leaders to cultivate an environment whereby their subordinates are permitted to "dare greatly" without fear.
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Top Game Episode 27 - MSgt Samuel Castro - 2020 SITREP
Top Game Podcast
Following a hectic PCS move from Okinawa to the Pentagon, we're finally back up and running with plenty of high value targets in the vicinity to link up with. Thanks for all your support. Thanks for your patience. Fortitudine.
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Top Game Episode 26 - MSgt Tom Dean (Ret.)
Top Game Podcast
Episode 26 is one of the first episodes I ever recorded during a trip to San Angelo for an OCCFLD working group. Tom promoted me to Sgt back in 2002 before I hit the Fleet. In conversation, we discuss a range of topics from the influence of the Senior Enlisted, the impact of technology on operations, the opposing priorities between the strategic & operational spheres, the importance of maintaining contact with fellow Marines, and the bond we enjoy with one another.
info_outlineEpisode 24 highlights Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion’s Senior Enlisted, MGySgt Leon Ransom, Jr., a single father currently preparing his family for assignment overseas in Okinawa, Japan. In the course of the interview, MGuns highlights the dangers of Retirement On Active Duty (ROAD), key considerations to bring to bear when a Marine engages with the monitor, and the significance of advocacy and proponency.
Fundamental takeaways include the value of leveraging executive championship, extending your sphere of influence, as well as scrupulous navigation through the human terrain at the upper echelons of the enlisted ranks.
MGuns later goes on to disclose the underlying motivation behind his outreach to at-risk youth. It is predicated on his desire to give back to the role models who were there to guide him along the way. A central component to his message is the interdependency between family readiness and national security. In his words, “Family is the basis of all things.” My translation of that would be, “La familia es todo.”