Episode 196 | "Embracing The Hate" (Feat. 2K Kenny)

The crew is joined by returning guest 2K Kenny, who is back nearly two years after his first appearance on Episode 136. With Damon away, Damo, Aaron, and Kenny begin by discussing the cost of CMC initiation events, “integrity counting” during the PRT, and the technical difference between a Sailor’s rate, rating, and paygrade. The conversation also covers the importance of acknowledging people, lessons from suicide-intervention training, and why something as simple as saying hello can carry more weight than we realize. The crew then catches up on everything Kenny has accomplished since his first appearance. He discusses making second class, earning his ESWS qualification, enduring repeated deployment extensions, and turning the realities of sea duty into music that connects with Sailors. Kenny explains how he learned to embrace being called corny, respond to criticism with confidence, and lean further into the creativity that made him stand out. The conversation moves through vintage Navy uniforms, content days, guerrilla marketing, getting recognized around base—and while driving Uber—and the growing community of Sailors creating their own lanes through social media. Kenny also opens up about his family, his evolving relationships with his parents, and the responsibility that came with growing up as the oldest of ten children. He reflects on the leader he wants to become, the sponsor who made his arrival in Hawaii memorable, and the importance of correcting Sailors while still advocating for them. From opening for Trey Songz and growing his streaming audience to removing music that no longer represented him, strengthening his faith, studying harmonies, and pursuing an opportunity to perform at Fleet Week, Kenny shares how his goals have matured without losing the passion that started everything. Along the way, the crew debates the Navy’s most respected rates, revisits Love & Basketball, explores the stories behind Kenny’s music, and offers a few ideas for where his sound could go next.       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com       Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links to follow 2K Kenny: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ofPPFgZgYPtLajjoLtOx6?si=f26HTx2KSFGfxoZG-Ibw4A Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/2k-kenny/1518348938 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqp0kj5XZBAMfb24k_KJbg/community TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2kkenny1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kkenny/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kkenny/       PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0