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Welcome to the first episode of Four Titles, One Truth.

We’re Tommie Jones and Lance Taylor. Two Black men, two retired Army veterans, and two friends with over 50+ years of military service between us.

In this episode, we break down the why behind the podcast:

•Who we are

•How we met

•Why our differences matter

•And what listeners can expect from us going forward

This show is about more than service — it’s about the life, leadership, lessons, and legacy that come after the uniform comes off.

From fatherhood and marriage to race, identity, and mentorship — we’re diving into it all, one honest conversation at a time.

No scripts. No filters. Just real talk from two men still growing, learning, and living.

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In this episode, we talk about how we began our military journeys. One as an enlisted Soldier from Ohio, the other as a Commissioned Officer from East St. Louis.

We explore the early days of our Army careers, how our training shaped our leadership styles, and the responsibilities we faced from opposite ends of the rank structure.

We also dig into:

•Why we each chose to serve

•The challenges of leading from different positions

•How personal and professional lines sometimes blur

•And what respect really looks like across ranks

If you’ve ever wondered what separates officers from enlisted — and what connects us despite the differences — this conversation is for you.

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You prepare for the transition, but no one prepares you for the mindset shift.

In this episode, we talk about what it really feels like to walk away from the military after decades of service. Not just the paperwork or the ceremony, but the mental, emotional, and personal transformation that happens when the uniform comes off for good.

We open up about:

•The emotions we carried going into retirement

•How we prepared (and where we didn’t)

•The identity shift that comes with no longer wearing a rank

•The role our families played in helping us adjust

•And the advice we’d give anyone about to step into civilian life

Retirement isn’t the end, it’s just a new mission.

Let’s talk about how to face it with honesty, clarity, and peace.

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Before you leave, you think you know what it means to deploy. But the reality? You don't really know what you are in for. It changes everything.

In this episode, we talk about the emotional weight of deployment, the anticipation, the distance, the impact on family, and the moment you realize life doesn’t pause just because you’re gone.

We share our personal experiences navigating our first deployment:

•The mindset before that first deployment

•How being away affects your marriage, your kids, and your mental health

•What reintegration really looks like (and why it’s harder than people think)

•And the long-term ripple effects that deployments leave behind

This isn’t just about military duty, it’s about what happens when your world splits in two: the mission and the people you love.

For every veteran who deployed and every family who waited, this one’s for you.

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What’s it really like being a Black man in uniform? The truth is… it’s complicated.

In this episode, we open up about our personal experiences navigating race, leadership, and respect throughout our military careers. From silent expectations to loud realities, we share how being Black shaped how we were seen by our peers, subordinates, and leadership — and how it shaped how we saw ourselves.

We discuss:

•The pressure to represent and prove ourselves

•Navigating code-switching and cultural tension

•Moments where we had to choose between authenticity and opportunity

•And what real respect looks like beyond salutes and titles

This isn’t just about military service — it’s about identity, leadership, and the hard truths that don’t make it into the official history books.

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Welcome to Four Titles, One Truth. Hosted by retired Army Sergeant Major Tommie Jones and retired Colonel Lance Taylor.

In this episode, we’re tackling the biggest military myths some civilians have actually asked us concerning our career. The most often believed questions, comments, and assumptions that just don’t match the reality of military life.

We discuss:

•The most common things civilians assume about Soldiers

•What Hollywood gets wrong (again and again)

•Why it’s not civilians’ fault — but understanding matters

•What we wish people really knew about military service

•And how these myths impact how veterans are treated after they serve

This episode isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity, connection, and respect.