We know people trust you, but are you trustworthy? We know how upset you get when others violate your trust, but what is it like for others whose trust you may have violated? Little do we realize that this is a form of serving God. Little do we realize that the acts of violation need not be named because the guilt we carry, although we try to hide …

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 …

Belonging is important to our human nature, and it is more important to our spiritual nature. When we locate our proper place for belonging, we are filled with the presence, power, and peace of God. In God’s house, one day of scrubbing floors is far better than many days with nonbelievers. God bless, Rev Leon Psalm 84…

We have all had various life improvement techniques. Whether it be the latest diet or a home-remedy for a health condition, we have tried to make changes with one program or another, and we have folks in our lives cheering us on. These folks, though well intended, challenge our will to make change happen. We know about will power, but this is about…

You can complain about it, or choose to transform your life. Some of us are too busy complaining that we lose site of the power to choose to have life be different. It is your call. God bless, Rev Leon John 6:41-51

We must learn to listen to God. We know the difference between our will and God’s will. What will it take for YOU to learn to listen to that distinction? God bless, Rev Leon 2 Kings 4:42-44

Sonya Massey was killed after calling police because she feared that her home was invaded. Those who have been charged to protect and serve actually took her life. How do we reconcile such a tragedy? How do we dismantle the forces that cause such a result? We have the power and we need only take on the intention to change the conditions. God bless,…

We have heard of the phrase, “managing up” but do we practice it? Are we willing to manage (or actually lead) in a fashion that empowers? Are we willing to lead in a fashion that inspires new visions of self for others? Are we willing to acknowledge that we are in fact leaders in our own worlds and are we being responsible with that leadership? Acc…

A builder drops a plumb line to assure that the construction is straight and true. God has a plumb line for our lives and is always generously open to our realignment when we have strayed. God bless, Rev Leon Amos 7::7-15

Selfless service is what is going to save the world. It is quite simple. The more we take care of each other, the better it is for all of us. The more that selfless service is present, the less space there is for selfish consumption and hoarding. The world may see selfless service as foolish but heaven views it as wisdom that will save the world. G…

Have you ever gotten a stock tip for the best way to make a quick profit? Have you lost money following up on a similar “tip” that didn’t turn out? What does it all mean in the end? While we may end up with a lot of the material, where is our wealth in relationships, and spirituality? If we look at our spiritual bank statements, how rich are you? S…

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 operatio…

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 i…

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, persp…

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. Marshall & I met back in August 2019 at the in Maine at the Origin Immersion Camp. Hailing from the great state of Oklahoma, we shared an Uber …

Episode 28 brings us to SSgt Antuan Martin. We first met in Hawaii when I was visiting as an evaluator for a 3d Radio Bn field exercise in 2017. He was a Sgt at the time, and an adage I learned from the dog men I grew up around fit perfectly. "There were some big paws on that pup." Since that initial encounter, we've stayed in contact. It was immed…

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. JP 3-85 JEMSO Gen Krulak's 1997 Speech on the Marine Corps' Future Top Game Podcast Patreon…

By Samuel Castro

By Samuel Castro

Episode 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 w…

Episode 23 brings us to Saul and Claudia Barajas. Saul was my Military Language Instructor back in 2000 as I was going through the Spanish Course at DLI. Our paths diverged for many years but the bond remained intact. Tragically, his family suffered the devastating loss of their daughter, Caprice, in 2011. What followed was a combination of denial,…

In Episode 22, I sit down with MGySgt John Tiffany to dive into the wave tops of his 26 year career. We met in passing at Ft. Meade back in 2015, regrettably never having the opportunity to be stationed together. It could have been his wild eyed intensity or our shared love of science fiction but an immediate bond was established. Indicative of the…

In Episode 21, I interview one of my closest friends in the Marine Corps, MGySgt Vince Quinteros. In the exchange, we cover a timespan from the beginning of our careers to his current billet as the Operations Chief of Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion. During our conversation, he highlights the complexity inherent to being a linguist in uniform …

In Episode 20, I sit down for the first time one on one with MGySgt John Stancel, one of our 2659s currently serving on the staff of the Deputy Commandant for Information. His insight into the modernization of our occupational field along with his experience at MARFORCYBER brings to light some of the challenges we face as disruptive technology cont…

In Episode 19, I sit down with Jenn Cocco as she explains to the audience what this podcast has meant to her. She details some of her personal medical and family history and how the Marine Corps experience helped prepare her for all she's had to endure. Her lessons learned over the course of a career include the challenging nature of lat-moving int…

In Episode 18, we host our first 0261, MSgt Conor Mahoney. Currently serving as the Data Strategist for the Marine Corps, we get into topics ranging from professional military education, augmented intelligence, data stovepipes, philosophy and science fiction. More than anything, Top Mahoney expresses his inner resolve towards the relentless pursuit…

In episode 17, I sit down with one of my favorite Marines, Sara Clark. In only the way she can, she highlights some of the battles and issues she's struggled with in her attempt to balance out privacy versus transparency, as well as motherhood against professional obligations. She also grants us key insight into her "combative nature" and why it's …

In Episode 16, I sit down with my wife to discuss some key issues facing military families, to include overseas assignments, family readiness, spousal employment & access to education. At the suggestion of another guest, we started off asking one another questions, but I took this opportunity to highlight her nomination for the Armed Forces Insuran…

In Episode 15, SgtMaj Marquez & I sit down at his dinner table and shoot straight on a range of topics from his approach to leadership, his brush with adversity, the formative influence of his SNCO leadership to taco rice and the command climate on Okinawa. A recognized and seasoned leader, SgtMaj reflects on the changes he has personally witnessed…

Long overdue, Episode 14 finally brings the CWO community front and center with none other than CWO5 Jim Musch. As the senior SIGINT Marine in the OccFld, he provides unique perspective in several areas. Chief amongst them is the role the CWO fulfills in the command structure. He also delves into the intricacies associated with assignment to HQMC. …

Episode 13 of Top Game finds us in San Angelo, Texas with the Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow’s Senior Enlisted Advisor, MGySgt Kyle Cornett. A MARSOC veteran and key leader in the community, we had the opportunity to cross paths for the first time at a working group earlier this year. With a measured approach to leadership and a keen eye for sl…

Episode 12 of Top Game brings us to 1st Radio Battalion's Operations Chief, Master Guns Scott Daubert. A dedicated teacher and mentor, he highlights several key takeaways critical to his success, particularly getting the buy in of your fellow SNCOs. He discusses his broken service time and the influence toxic leadership had upon him early on in his…

Episode 11 of Top Game drops today with the highly anticipated MGySgt Sean Nakao, MARSOC veteran and current Operations Chief of America’s Radio Battalion. In our conversation we explore not only the importance of caring about the life we lead in uniform, but more specifically, how we can transfer that attitude to those around us. He also covers th…

Episode 10 brings one of the hardest working SNCOs in our OccFld into the spotlight and outside of his comfort zone. A former grunt and lat mover, Top Jerome's dedication and perseverance have enabled him to play "catch up" in such a challenging and technical field. From his studies as a heritage language student at DLI to his multiple deployments …

In Episode 9 of Top Game, your host sits down with none other than MSgt Samuel Octavius Carter, the 2651 OccFld Specialist. In the conversation, the topics range from lessons learned in trust and friendship, the value of a healthy home life, and the reasons why sometimes, “It Takes A Marine” to thrive in this lifestyle.…

In episode 8, MSgt Scoggins, the 2600 OccFld Specialist, sits down with your host to highlight the complexity behind balancing the needs of the occupational field with the needs of the Marine Corps. He articulates in detail his approach to “crowdsourcing” subject matter expertise down to the LCpl level as well as the importance of having those pers…

At the request of many, Sgt Eric Moreno is our first NCO guest. Initially nervous and understandably so, he sits down with your host to discuss some of the challenges faced by an older Marine still at the front end of his career. In his interview, he not only covers his perspective as a team leader, but the importance of establishing positive worki…

SgtMaj George Garcia III sits down with your host to discuss the challenges of the 8999 community to "keep the promise," his decision to walk away from his Occ Field, and the importance of always being ready.By Samuel Castro

Episode 5 with MGySgt Orlando Reyes is our first step outside of the 26XX field. A logistician by trade, he sits down with your host to discuss the obstacles he’s been able to overcome and some he is still contending with. We covered everything from the challenges of recruiting duty to his very personal suicide attempt and his personal redemption a…

Your host takes you through some of the motivation behind the Top Game podcast and lines out a snapshot of things to come.By Samuel Castro

MSgt Chris Thomason sits down with your host to discuss the unique perspective of the "re-tread," life outside the Marine Corps and what ultimately brought him back to active duty.By Samuel Castro

MSgt Darry Cross and his wife, Joyce, sit down with your host and reflect upon a life shared in the Marine Corps.

Radio reconnaissance and MARSOC veteran, GySgt Chris Sonnabend sits down with your host to reflect on lessons learned in the Marine Corps.By Samuel Castro