Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell who takes you into the "briefing room" to chat with incredible guests who share their greatest never quit stories. This humorous, heartfelt and entertaining podcast is changing lives and has become a beacon of hope and resilience to those who are facing the impossible. One of the best ways we can support our community is to share their stories so that we might inspire others to Never Quit.
Jeff Gum: Fmr USN SEAL, Entrepreneur On Overcoming Challenges in BUD/s, Adaptive Training, Charity Challenges
From Navy SEAL to Entrepreneur: Jeff Gum's Journey of Perseverance, Purpose, and Sungas
Welcome, friends to this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. In today's episode, Marcus has the honor of hosting a true hero and inspiring individual, Jeff Gum. Jeff is not only a former US Navy SEAL with two deployments to the Middle East but also the founder of Sunga Life, a swimwear and athleisure brand that goes beyond fashion to support causes close to his heart.
Jeff takes us on a riveting journey from his ten years as a US Navy SEAL to his entrepreneurial venture with Sunga Life. Hear about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
Supporting Forgotten Heroes: Adaptive Training Foundation:
As a board member of the Adaptive Training Foundation, Jeff sheds light on the incredible work being done to empower amputee and spinal cord injury veterans and civilians. Discover how these individuals undergo training and embark on transformative experiences through mountain and ocean therapy.
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Challenges in SEAL Training:
Jeff shares a personal story of resilience during SEAL training, where he faced significant health challenges but persisted, ultimately graduating with a group of elite SEALs. Learn how the mindset of never quitting has shaped his approach to business and life.
Sunga Life: More Than Swimwear - A Lifestyle Brand with Purpose:
Explore the evolution of Sunga Life from its roots in the Brazilian Sunga to a comprehensive lifestyle brand. Jeff discusses the brand's expansion into 4-way stretch board shorts, silkies, and shirts, and how it has become a symbol of freedom and confidence.
Championing Veteran Causes and Charity Challenges:
Jeff's commitment to supporting veterans extends beyond his business. Dive into his involvement in epic charity challenges like the Hudson SEAL Swim and his role as a scientific master diver with the Force Blue Team, where former special operators work alongside scientists for ocean conservation.
The Urgent Need for Veteran Support:
Jeff passionately addresses the lack of support for veterans post-service, emphasizing the importance of community and a sense of purpose. He discusses the factors contributing to veteran suicides and advocates for governmental planning to keep skilled individuals engaged and active.
Follow Your Bliss: Jeff's Inspirational Advice:
Jeff leaves us with words of wisdom inspired by Joseph Campbell's philosophy: "Follow your bliss, and doors will open." Learn how being true to oneself and pursuing what makes your heart glow can lead to positive change, both personally and in the world.
Thank you for joining us on this powerful episode with Jeff Gum. Be sure to check out Sunga Life and the incredible veteran foundations he supports. Remember, being your own person and creating positive change starts with embracing your uniqueness. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave a review. Until next time, be the light in the darkness and inspire others on their journey.
Socials:
- jeffgum , sunga.life , pewuniversity
- team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
Sponsors:
- MoinkBox.com/TNQ
- Policygenius.com
- Navyfederal.org
- usejoymode.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• [In BUDS] I’d always make the decision: “I’m not coming up for air until the task is done. (3:25)
• I can’t just go and have a normal job. I need the biggest challenge in order to be fulfilled. What’s the hardest thing I could do? And I became obsessed with hell week. I almost wanted to do hell week more than be a SEAL (16:55)
• I told everyone I wanted to be a SEAL, and then, a year and a half later, 9-11 happened and it just reaffirmed it 100-fold. I don’t want to go be a Navy SEAL to do hell week, and learn how to skydive and scuba dive, and blow stuff up and shoot guns, all these really bad-ass things. I wanted to do it to hunt the most evil people in the word, and make sure 9-11 never happens again. (17:33)
• I will never, ever quit. (34:43)
• [Kyle Maynard –has no arms or legs - and I] start talking. We become friends. We start hanging out a lot. I start bringing him in to speak to my students and motivate them. We traveled around the world together. I took him diving at the Great Barrier Reef, climbed the highest mountain in Australia and went to 20-plus countries with him. (70:07)
• I was having major [back] issues. Even trying to do basic workouts it would pop and go out on me. I went to Columbia to the bio accelerator, and they did stem cells in my spine. I’m like a new person after that. (74:40)
• I swam Alcatraz, and swam it in one of my Sungas. That was the coldest swim I’ve done. (94:55)
• I’m a board member for the Adaptive Training Foundation in Dallas, helping with athletes. After 9 weeks of training - spiritual, mental, physical. Literally, they perform miracles there.
They’ve been 20-30 years and haven’t walked, and at the end of 9 weeks they’re walking. (97:06)
• I never felt so much love and gratitude for everyone who’s been in my life. Of all the people I could’ve been born to and I was born to my mom. All the siblings I could’ve had, and I had my sister and my brother. It was hard to think of my dad and brother without being sad because I miss them so much, but it made be so unbelievably grateful for the time I had with them. (102:10)
2/21/2024 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 58 seconds
Sherri Reuland: Co-founder Of Boot Campaign & Behind The Scenes Of Its Creation, Inspiring Entrepreneur
Transforming Smiles and Lives: A Conversation with Sherri Reuland.
Welcome back, faithful listeners, to another exciting episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us - Sherri Reuland, a remarkable individual making a significant impact in various fields. From her work as an Orthodontist to her involvement in charitable efforts like the Boot Campaign, a non-profit organization supporting military veterans and their families. Learn more about the incredible initiatives of the Boot Campaign and how Sherri contributes to making a difference in the lives of those who served.
Sherri is also the author of the JIC (Just in Case) book. Tune in as she discusses the inspiration behind the book, its purpose, and the valuable lessons it imparts. The book is not only a guide for emergency preparedness but also a testament to Sherri's commitment to helping others lead safer, more secure lives.
Sherri's diverse interests also extend to the world of film, where she is involved in an exciting project promoting the benefits of Ibogaine. Learn about her investment in this promotional film and how she sees it as a platform to raise awareness about the potential therapeutic uses of Ibogaine.
Don't miss this insightful conversation with Sherri Reuland, and be prepared to be motivated to make a difference in your own unique way! Subscribe, share, and join us next time for another engaging episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast.
Socials:
- silverpickranch_
- team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
Sponsors:
- https://www.navyfederal.org/
- shhtape.com [TNQ]
- Robinhood.com/boost
- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
In this episode you will hear:
• We wanted to use our collective skillsets to find a way NOT to start a charity or to raise money, but to start a movement - a campaign about putting yourself in their [veterans’] shoes. Empathy – how do we connect with this community we don’t know a lot about. (15:29)
• Our goal was to exploit them [our veterans] in the benefit of the military. (24:24)
• A lot of the executive functions of my family fall on my shoulders, and I thought “I’ve got to write so much down, [thus the JIC Book was created] because if something happens to me my family is gonna be very, very lost.”
• My son has a lot of the entrepreneurial spirit. (57:05)
• I bought the land and a car wash; invested a little bit in new equipment, and then turned my son and three of his friends loose on it. They had to understand customer service, and how to be polite, and they did it flawlessly. They learned how to grow up. (57:44)
• I think that we are facing a mental health crisis. Then I see this Ibogaine - It has applications to treat a very large spectrum of symptomology. (62:57)
• I’m investing in a film that’s gonna tell the story about the beginnings of Ibogaine. (64:04)
• My role in this is to bring awareness to some of what the research is showing. And to get it known and seen by people who can make a big difference. (69:09)
• [Marcus] It gets to the root of what’s bothering you - Not all those layers you’ve put in there, or that other people put in there, or that life’s put in there. (70:46)
• [It’s] absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me. (71:27)
2/14/2024 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Randy Beausoleil on What it Takes to Be A Navy SEAL, Operation Blue Spoon, The Invasion of Panama
Join us for this week’s exhilarating episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast as Marcus sits down with Randy Beausoleil, a true American hero and former Navy SEAL of 34 years. In this gripping conversation, Randy shares insights from his remarkable mission to Panama, where his mission was to take down dictator and drug lord, Manuel Noriega, by blowing up his boat. Listening to Randy’s compelling, firsthand story offers a glimpse into the mindset that defines a warrior.
Discover the principles of teamwork, adaptability, unwavering determination, and the mental toughness required to navigate high-stakes situations.
Listening to Randy reveals insights into the discipline, focus, and resilience that set Navy SEALs apart, and be inspired by how these principles can be applied to everyday challenges.
Unleash Your Inner Warrior: Tap into your own inner warrior spirit. Whether you're facing personal challenges or striving for self-improvement, Randy's insights provide a roadmap for unlocking your full potential.
Sponsors:
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- Takelean.com/TNQ
- Navyfederal.org
- Hims.com/TNQ
Follow us!
- https://linktr.ee/TeamNeverQuit
In this episode you will hear:
• You’re gonna make it no matter what happens. You just have to believe. And the Navy doesn’t train that into you. (12:45)
• In order to make it through BUDS, you gotta believe you can do it. (13:32)
• People quit when they don’t believe. (15:48)
• The work is being miserable, cold, wet, tired. You still have to perform. (18:37)
• Hell week is what separates us from the rest of them [other Special Forces]. It gives you a weird mental ability that no other training can give you. (19:50)
• Everybody compares themselves to SEALS. SEALS don’t compare themselves to anybody else. (20:35)
• We have to train so hard that no matter what we do, we’re way better at it than anyone else. (23:59)
• When we do actually go into combat, combat is easier than the training. 24:09)
• My desire was for their best interest [as an instructor]. We’re gonna train hard, but we’re gonna stick together. You need to know why you’re doing what you’re doing. (29:46)
• You need to be training everybody that is below you to replace you. (34:59)
• As the leader, I’ll help who needs help. (37:29)
• I don’t want to talk specific tactics because there’s still guys on active duty deploying those tactics. I don’t want the enemy to hear it. (50:22)
• [Marcus] If you close your eyes and drop underwater, you know how many kicks it takes to get 100 yards. (51:46)
• Okay, this is why we’ve been doing what we’re doing. We’re getting on the C141, and that night, we’re getting in the water and we are diving on these boats. (67:05)
• If something happens, it’s my fault. If we didn’t get there, it’s my fault. If we got compromised, it’s my fault. I’m not gonna sit there going “it’s his fault.” (77:00)
• Once we go in the water, it over, that boat is blowing up. (79:46)
• There has to be a level of finality to whatever you’re doing. If I don’t do this correctly, things aren’t gonna work out so well. (130:37)
2/7/2024 • 2 hours, 12 minutes, 14 seconds
The Resilient Warrior: Joey Hahn's Journey From Foster Care To Frogman
Welcome back, loyal listeners to another episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast! Join us as Marcus and Melanie sit down for a conversation with wounded warrior and U.S. Navy SEAL, Joey Hahn.
Having lost his mother at 4 years of age to cervical cancer, his father was unable to care for him and his two siblings, and they were placed in foster care where they lived in dozens of homes across Texas until he graduated high school.
Despite the turmoil in his life, Joe graduated third in his high school class, earning multiple scholarships to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a Biomedical Science Degree. Joe was attending college when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He enlisted and spent 13 years in the United States Navy as a Special Operator First Class (SEAL). He deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he then deployed three more times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to other undisclosed locations worldwide.
During two separate freefall workups for specific missions and deployments, Joey was catastrophically injured, shattering his left and right legs individually. Each injury required several surgeries and months of recovery time before he was able to return to his unit. After two more deployments, the extent of his injuries was discovered, requiring more surgeries. Unable to fully recover and having sustained several TBI’s from explosions and IED’s while overseas, Joseph Hahn was medically retired in 2017.
Joey currently subcontracts with various entities conducting training, personal security, and consulting while continuing to pursue his degree.
Tune in and be inspired. Until next time, NEVER QUIT!
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Hellofresh.com/TNQFREE
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- Shopify.com/TNQ
- Robinhood.com
Follow Us On Socials:
- https://www.instagram.com/beardedfrogman/
- https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
Support Us On Patreon, and ask a question of the week!
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
In this episode you will hear:
• I can remember the day I got picked up [by CPS Foster Care]. I was in Kindergarten. (9:20)
• The foster home that took me in was my baseball coach. (18:02)
• I was constantly the new kid. My average stay at a home was 6 months. (20:38)
• The whole image of 9-11 and the invasion of Iraq was all over the TV. Stuff like that ate at me, especially being young, able-bodied, male Texan. I kept thinking to myself I need to do something now if I’m gonna do it because I’m physically capable now. (26:36)
• What attracted me to the whole community was combat diving. I loved water growing up. You couldn’t keep me out of a body of water: lake, pond, tank, trough. I was always trying to find a way to get wet. (32:02)
• Growing up as a child, I didn’t have any connections to anybody. I rarely saw my actual brother. There was no consistency as far as people in my life until the very end of my foster kid career. (73:51)
• I never really bonded with anybody until I went to BUDS. I can tell you everybody I went to BUDS with. They made a lifelong imprint on my life. (74:15)
• The only way to survive this situation [in battle] is to be with your brothers, and be ready for it, but accept that death is a possibility. (76:15)
• Instructors were telling us, “You’ve gotta be prepared to shoot somebody in the face. If you’re not mentally prepared for that, you’re in the wrong line of work. (78:28)
Buckle Up for Life: The Kailee Mills Foundation Story
Welcome to another impactful episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast. In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on the crucial importance of seatbelt safety, exploring the heart-wrenching story of David Mills and his family. Their tragedy led to the creation of the Kailee Mills Foundation, a beacon of hope and advocacy for seatbelt awareness.
The Mills family's tragic journey begins with the heartbreaking story of losing their beloved 16-year-old daughter in a car accident. This devastating event became the catalyst for change in their lives and ignited a passion for preventing similar tragedies, in memory of their daughter. Through educational programs, events, and collaborations, the foundation continues to make strides in promoting seatbelt safety and saving lives.
We discuss tangible ways our listeners can contribute to the Kailee Mills Foundation's mission and promote seatbelt safety within their own communities.
Join us as we honor the memory of Kailee Mills and support the Kailee Mills Foundation in their tireless efforts to make our roads safer.
Every buckle can make a difference.
Check out the foundation here:
- https://www.kaileemillsfoundation.org/
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Policygenius.com
In this episode you will hear:
• The whole Team Never Quit mindset started for me when we lost our daughter. Our 16 year old. It was at that point that I realized how short life is. (14:31)
• A lot of my friends that were way less smart than me, weren’t as hard of workers as me, were doing way bigger things. I was like why can’t that be me? That’s when I why decided to grow my company and things really took off. At the same time, we were building a foundation in our daughter’s name. (14:48)
• Even from a young age she [Kailee] could talk to anybody. She was like an adult, she would go into a room and make her presence felt. She was outgoing, bubbly, a light in a dark room. She had a large personality, a big smile, a loud laugh, and was larger than life. (19:26)
• She also didn’t mind being the butt of a joke. (21:40)
• It’s a parent’s worst fear – losing a child. (28:17)
• Your odds [of survival in a crash] go up exponentially if you have your seatbelt on. (33:34)
• I’ve never been comfortable with public speaking but I just felt like these kids [gathered at the crash site days later] needed to hear a message of how important it is to be safe in the car. (34:51)
• I told ‘em you’ve gotta be selfish when it comes to your safety. (35:36)
• Who do you buckle for at home that loves you that’s counting on you to make it home safe? (41:45)
• I’ve done way worse, and got away with it. (63:14)
• I’m shaving getting ready for the memorial service and I’m thinking to myself of all those stupid choices I’ve made and got away with, and I thought it’s not fair. I’m a Christian. What is the foundation of my faith? It’s the Lord’s Prayer - Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. (63:28)
• I called him [the driver’s father] and said I want you to know that I forgive your son. I want him to know that If he wants to come pay his respects, say his goodbye’s We’re gonna welcome him with open arms. We’re gonna love on him. We’re gonna tell him it’s gonna be okay. We forgive him. (64:17)
• If there’s somebody in your life that you’re holding hatred or a grudge on, just consider forgiving that person. (64:45)
• Raising awareness is about creating conversations and reminding people what’s important. (72:12)
1/24/2024 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 21 seconds
Anthony Mortillaro: Creative Street Artist, Navy Veteran Shares Exclusive Giveaway w/ Custom Art
Welcome to this week's Team Never Quit Podcast episode! Marcus’ guest, Anthony Mortillaro, widely known as THASM, is a seasoned artist hailing from Queens, NY. With a colorful and creative journey, he has achieved international acclaim for his incredible work.
Anthony has received commissions from notable figures: film-makers, actors, military heroes, and sports team CEOs. These collaborations not only showcase Anthony's artistic prowess but also highlight the diversity and impact of his craft.
Anthony runs an online art gallery on ETSY, aptly named THASMgallery. Boasting over 30 five-star reviews, the gallery is a testament to Anthony's exceptional skills and the quality of service he provides.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Anthony has a fascinating background. After a successful career in the United States Navy, he retired and now calls Norfolk, VA, home, where he resides with his family. His journey from military service to a thriving artistic career is sure to inspire and captivate.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Anthony Mortillaro as we delve into his artistic evolution, memorable commissions, and the unique intersection of military service and artistry. This episode is a blend of inspiration, creativity, and the triumph of following one's passion. Don't miss out!
Socials:
- THASMgallery.
* Check Instagram for giveaway rules!
Sponsors:
- hims.com/TNQ
- Navyfederal.org
In this episode you will hear:
• Not having a male role model led me in a different path. (7:17)
• [Marcus] “at the very least, when I’m trying to be a father – at least I’m sitting there.” (7:43)
• I was in more than 11 elementary schools. We moved around a lot. It was constant changing. Now that I’m older looking back - that wasn’t normal. (8:55)
• [Graffiti] was our social media. Graffiti was an outlet to express and to cope. To escape reality. (11:33)
I just did it as more as an outlook to get away from what was happening in the home front. And then it fast forwarded and wound up opening the door to other avenues that I wasn’t anticipating. (13:24)
• This is the first time I’m coming out publicly that I was in the Navy. I never told anybody. (16:20)
• …when he {Morgan Luttrell] stared at me, he stared into my soul with the thousand yard stare. (22:32)
• It went from Graffiti to making a piece that actually shared a story. (24:57)
• I think the paintings that I do will describe identity, a story, and express someone’s life. (27:48)
• Joining the military – hands down - was the best decision. (34:15)
• Partying became my own worse version of me. (34:27)
• Things started smoothing out when I had a friend of mine actually start witnessing to me. (34:34)
• I joined the military to better to better myself. Most people do. (35:08)
• I believe Morgan [Luttrell’s] heart is bigger than his body. (37:06)
• Money – it matters, buts not everything. (39:28)
• Everybody goes through something. Everybody has that “now what?’ - That uncertainty. (47:36)
• My kids don’t have a trident together, but they have their bond. (49:44)
1/17/2024 • 58 minutes, 52 seconds
Clint Bruce: Fmr US Navy SEAL & NFL Athlete on Veteran Advocacy, Leadership Strategies
Unleashing the Warrior Spirit with Clint Bruce
In this week's episode, Marcus and Melanie are thrilled to host Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Carry the Load. Clint brings a wealth of experience and insight into leadership, resilience, and the warrior spirit. Join us as we delve into his journey from the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy SEALs to his impactful work in professional football as well as the veteran community.
Clint discussing the challenges, triumphs, and the mindset that sets these warriors apart.
As a successful entrepreneur and leader, Clint reflects on the leadership principles he learned in the SEALs and how they apply to various aspects of life. Discover his insights on leading with purpose, building high-performance teams, and navigating adversity.
Clint co-founded Carry the Load, a non-profit dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by military, law enforcement, and first responders.
He explores how the warrior spirit isn't exclusive to the battlefield but can be applied in everyday challenges. Gain practical tips on fostering resilience, discipline, and mental toughness to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional success. Hear how he manages the demands of a high-stakes career while staying connected with his family.
Join us for this powerful and inspiring conversation with Clint Bruce as we unlock the secrets of the warrior spirit and learn how to apply these principles to lead more fulfilling lives.
Whether you're a leader, aspiring warrior, or someone navigating life's challenges, this episode offers valuable lessons for everyone. Tune in and unleash your own inner warrior!
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
Socials:
- IG: team_neverquit
- Realclintbruce
In this episode you will hear:
• My gift is not being gifted. I’ve always had to figure it out. (13:15)
• Being not good made me good. (15:12)
• Leaders talk about what they don’t want to talk about, they say what they don’t want to say, they listen to what they don’t want to listen to, and they plan for what they don’t want to happen. And the willingness to do that is what makes them a leader. (16:44)
• I’ve always wanted to a part of something bigger than me that scared me a little bit that I was gonna have to work hard to keep up with. (22:08)
• [I went to the Naval Academy because] I wanted to take care of my family, and I wanted to see how good I was. (28:58)
• I told my service academy coaches all the time: You got guys ready for war as much as you did football. You have no idea how many lives you saved on the battlefield, because of what you taught us on the ball field. (30:05)
• I gotta go where it’s harder, because you’re gonna learn about yourself when you go where you don’t know. (33:23)
• Ray [Lewis] stood up, and he grabbed me by both shoulders, and he said “Go be great! Go be great!” (33:38)
• Think about what happens if you catch what you’re chasing. (35:04)
• I love doing something where every day you don’t know how it’s gonna end, and if you don’t pick the right people along the way, you’re not gonna make it. (44:47)
• One of the things I love about our community is that the mission’s bigger than any of us. (45:49)
• When you lose people that you love sooner than you should, the worst thing you could ever do is waste the time you have that they don’t. (52:56)
• My favorite weapon is a map. (53:32)
• I define my life as having live on 4 maps: the ball field, the battle field, the boardroom, and the breakfast table. (54:23)
• The business plan is real simple:
Psalm 1:27
1 Peter 5:6-7
Galatians 6:9
Proverbs 22:29
Proverbs 27:2 (60:56)
• C4 stands for Career, Compete, Contribute, have a Catalyst. (66:54)
• Who are you chasing? Who are you keeping pace with? Who are you pulling behind you? (87:40)
1/10/2024 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 21 seconds
Dr Gabrielle Lyon: NYT Best Selling Author & Health Expert Unveils The Keys For A Fit & Long Life
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a well-respected functional medicine practitioner and the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine®. Dr. Lyon is a leading expert in brain and thyroid health, lean body mass support, and longevity. Her insights into optimizing health and vitality are grounded in a wealth of knowledge and experience.
She challenges the notion that becoming frail is a passive process, emphasizing the power of choice in shaping one's health and longevity.
By identifying emotional, environmental, and psychological barriers to lasting health, Dr. Lyon guides individuals in designing personalized action plans and advanced nutrition interventions.
Her philosophy revolves around the idea that vibrant health and longevity are achievable by unlocking one's potential for wellness through dedicated effort and personalized strategies.
Join us in this enlightening conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon as we explore the dynamic relationship between personalized health interventions and the foundation of an exceptional life. Learn how you too can unlock your potential for vibrant health and longevity.
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I don’t make resolutions. I set standards. (1:34)
• I never changed my direction. From 17 to where I am now, my direction never changed. I studied nutritional sciences. I was lucky enough to train under one of the world leading experts in protein metabolism. (10:46)
• I was very unimpressed with the physical ability to be good at sports. (11:32)
• I’ve always been interested in being of service. The worst thing someone could be is not be useful. (15:45)
• I was always interested in being fit. (18:44)
• I had this moment – “What the fuck are we doing?” You’re telling people to do these things, they’re following it, and we’re not telling them the right information. (22:12)
• The biggest piece of advice as people are thinking about the new year: Don’t be surprised that you don’t want to go to the gym. Everybody is shocked. Plan for your weaknesses. (26:37)
• There’s a lot of misinformation in the nutrition space. (27:33)
• No, red meat is not killing the planet. (27:43)
• Eat for strength. Everything else is a smokescreen. (27:45)
• Policy, politics, money influences everything. (29:50)
• There’s a lot of talk about eating for your blood type. There isn’t evidence to support it. (35:46)
• I take care of special operators, and early cancer detection. (49:54)
• The other group of individuals are very entrepreneurial, motivated, mavericks, innovators, and moms. It’s an architect of a person. (50:23)
• You wanna know our family motto? DBAP - Don’t be a pussy. (60:24)
• This is about a mission that could change the narrative of medicine. (61:42)
• Dr. Lyon’s Supplement recommendations: Mitopure (Urolithin A - a postbiotic), Vitamin D, Fish Oil, and a good multi-vitamin.
1/3/2024 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 34 seconds
Dennis Price: USMC Force Recon & Private Military Contractor On Service, Family & Sacrifice
THIS VIDEO IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING:
A Leader’s Testimony
Unleashing the Power of Transformation in the Depths of Darkness! | Mighty Oaks Testimonials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSD6hbeVH8
POLARIS GROUP WEBSITE:
https://polarisgroup.federalgovernment.info/
POLARIS GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC is a dedicated organization committed to community service, emphasizing integrity and compassion, particularly in the realm of disaster relief. Our team comprises highly skilled veterans, including JSOC tier 1 operators and special operators, with extensive real-world experience. Focused on preserving lives, our missions unfold in challenging environments. Presently, we're establishing a forward operating base along the Ukrainian Poland border, featuring a comprehensive command operations center and logistics base. Our active missions encompass triage, evacuations for vulnerable individuals, security measures, and targeted humanitarian aid for orphans and children. By fostering a culture of empathy and lifesaving efforts, we aspire to inspire collective assistance, contributing to the overall well-being of those in need.
In this week's episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, join Marcus in an exclusive one-on-one conversation with Dennis Price, a USMC Force Recon, Scout Sniper, Ranger veteran, and the International Program Manager for the Mighty Oaks Foundation. With six military deployments and three stints as a Private Military contractor specializing in sniper/mobile DDM roles, Dennis brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having attended various Special Operations schools and served as the Head instructor for Field craft and stalking for the Army's Special Forces Sniper Course, Dennis shares his personal journey, including the difficult decision to end his military career to be close to his daughter battling two rare diseases. A devoted Christian, loving husband, and father of four, Dennis is also a martial arts enthusiast—engaging in boxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu, and actively participating in various tournaments. Tune in to hear Dennis's inspiring story of resilience, faith, and commitment.
Sponsors:
- Hims.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• If another man comes to me and tries to steal what is mine in front of my children, do I have the self-confidence to stop him? I’m a man of violence. I know what I can do to him. Now I don’t have to back up in fear. (10:07)
• I try to encourage males to take up Jiu Jitsu – anything – because you shouldn’t have to live in fear. (12:43)
• If the only tool in the toolbox that you have is a hammer, then everything’s a nail. (14:43)
• How do I say my story and not be too bible thumping. However I tell it, it leads to one conclusion. (17:03)
• God uses war-torn warriors and exposes us to certain things and then uses us through Christ. (18:23)
• We’re coming back here, trying to fit in; we came back to what we thought we left. (21:24)
• Taking Christ out of the household, and taking the man out of the household is why we’re seeing chaos. (22:38)
• On a dark night, I almost took my own life and that’s when I came to God and gave it all to Him. (26:21)
• Guys like us come back and we’re looking for something to fill this void. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ and God will quench that thirst. (47:08)
• My co-partner is a Green Beret. We teach “dual survivor”. Marine special operations, Army Special Forces; we teach of both of our experiences in combat, and we give you formal instruction. (65:47)
• Alphas, when they walk into a room, they assess the possible threats. (76:24)
• Speech made in anger will be the best speech you ever spoke that you’ll regret. (89:05
• Years of love are forgotten, in minutes of anger. (89:18)
12/27/2023 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 48 seconds
2023 Unwrapped: Highlighting Our Favorite Stories
Welcome listeners, to a special edition of the Team Never Quit Podcast.
As we approach the end of another incredible year, it's time to reflect on the most powerful, informative, and downright motivating episodes that have graced our airwaves. From enlightening conversations with thought leaders to heart-pounding success stories that redefine what's possible, this recap is a celebration of the wisdom, inspiration, and transformative moments that have defined our journey together.
We revisit the remarkable insights shared by our guests, the game-changing lessons learned, and the unforgettable stories that have left an indelible mark on our minds and hearts. Whether you're a longtime listener or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to the Team Never Quit Podcast.
This is more than a recap; it's a celebration of the extraordinary, the enlightening, and the empowering.
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
Socials:
- Team_neverquit
In this episode you will hear:
• I think something happens when you get to that age – they love sitting around talking, and I think there’s a certain age when you’re supposed to sit around and listen. (4:22)
• When military people get together and names start getting dropped – when the civilian world and the military world clash, you hear about these guys that somehow, someway manage to get into every kind of environment. (5:11)
• Get along with people but be yourself while you’re trying to get along with ‘em. That’s an actual skill set you have to have. (49:19)
• For us, we just conversate - we get to know people, and that’s what our listeners come on for – to get to know who these people are, and get to know their stories. (50:03)
12/20/2023 • 51 minutes, 15 seconds
Dale Brisby: Netflix Star, Comedian & Host of 'Rodeo Time Podcast,' Joins Us Through An Exclusive Episode Swap
In this week’s incredible Team Never Quit episode, legendary bull rider and Netflix reality superstar Dale Brisby (How to Be a Cowboy) brings a brand of toughness, determination, fun, truth and faith to the table. From Facebook to Snapchat to TikTok, this guy has attracted thousands with his hilarious cowboy-lifestyle videos. Brisby is the self-proclaimed greatest rodeo cowboy on the planet, and shares an engaging conversation with Marcus Luttrell in the Team Never Quit studios. You’ll see pretty quickly that Dale Brisby is not your typical rancher. And you’ll hear - firsthand – how a future bull-riding rodeo comes to life at Dale’s Radiator Ranch.
Dale Brisby:
- rodeotime.com
- IG: dalebrisby
Sponsors:
- Aeropress.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I didn’t come here to get hurt. I came here to hurt you. (1:43)
• There’s 2 opposite ends of the spectrum in our community. What happened to me is the worst, and it lets you know how much we can take, and Robby’s [O’Neill] lets you know how great we can be. (6:07)
• I probably cost the taxpayers a lot of money. (6:35)
• I remember walking onto a village and they’d never seen a white dude. You could tell by the look on their face. (9:09)
• Short of ray guns, we got all kinds of toys. You can’t believe it. (9:45)
• You look completely different when you climb on that bull.
• I could give you the world, but if I don’t give you any discipline, you won’t own anything. (13:25)
• When you step into the arena you’re supposed to be in, you light up. (14:00)
• If you’re standing there and there’s someone taking pain with you, especially if there’s other dudes dying, and they don’t go anywhere, it changes everything. (20:02)
• The greatest gift I ever got is when someone knows not only will I take pain with them – I’ll die with them. (20:10)
• A little suffering goes a long way. (20:52)
• Jumping on a grenade is the epitome of a servant’s heart, but he only had two seconds and that was his knee jerk reaction, because his brothers were in there. (21:40)
• Most of our life is picking on each other. That’s how you know they love you. (24:26)
• Once you get your ass kicked in the military - if you come back with a good attitude, that’s good. (31:28)
• Jocko took his boys in there. He would go out in the daytime and run an American flag to start a fight. He was like “C’mon bitches. You wanna start a fight? I’m here.” (33:12)
• The Navy owns us, but the Army and Marine Corps own the battle spaces, so when we get put in there it’s at the behalf of them. (34:35)
• If God puts an elk within bow range of you that is God telling you that is your elk for this hunt. (39:38)
• There is being humble, and then there’s being so humble you don’t use the gifts you’ve been given. (39:46)
• We all appreciate each other’s world because we appreciate how hard something is. (40:22)
• The perspective it (hell week) gives you in your life, is you can do anything. (43:54)
• There’ll be some stuff you go through that’s simple for someone, but difficult for you. (44:34)
• Everyone fails down here. That’s part of life. Get that out of your head. (45:55)
• There’s a big difference between training to fight and actually being in one. (64:09)
12/13/2023 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 14 seconds
Cole Lyle: Marine Vet & Founder of Kaya's K9's, on Service Animal Advocacy & The PAWS Act
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie are honored to have Cole Lyle, a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being and the driving force behind Mission Roll Call and the PAWS Act. Cole speaks of the experiences that led him to become a tireless advocate for veterans, including the inception of Mission Roll Call, shedding light on its mission to connect veterans with resources, support, and a community that understands their unique challenges.
He also has been actively championing the significance of the PAWS (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers) Act, which aims to provide service dogs to veterans struggling with physical and mental health challenges.
Marcus and Melanie extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cole for his unwavering dedication to supporting veterans through Mission Roll Call and the PAWS Act.
If you'd like to learn more or get involved, visit:
https://www.missionrollcall.org/
www.kk9s.org
Sponsors:
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- NavyFederal.org
- Uncommongoods.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I’m a 7th generation Texan (3:46)
• I actually joined the military straight out of High School. (7:03)
• I was an Eagle Scout. (8:11)
• When you enlist, they give you a rank for it [Being an Eagle Scout]. (8:27)
• I didn’t have a positive male influence except for my scout masters and football coaches. (9:11)
• There’s a tangible benefit of having a group of people that come from all walks of life. You come from such diverse backgrounds, you forget all your differences and your bullshit to accomplish a mission. (10:35)
• 67% of Gen-Z does not know a veteran or someone on active duty. (11:56)
• That [Marine] uniform has gotten so many guys and girls. (15:05)
• The majority of casualties in GWOT came from fuel convoys. (17:15)
• Men and women get out, and they have to learn how to be an adult again. (25:53)
• One night I spiraled down about that far away from being a suicide statistic. Another marine came and banged on my door. I was actually surprised that him banging on the door didn’t jerk my finger. (28:42)
• My mindset went from ”I have nothing” to “I have the opportunity to do anything.” (29:05)
• 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (29:16)
• She [Kaya) was specifically trained to recognize when I was having a nightmare and she’d jump on the bed and lick my face, wake me up, and stay with me until my heartrate went down. Or she would recognize when I was having an anxiety attack and would do animal assisted intervention, where she’d get up in my face and distract me to keep the snowball effect from getting worse. (31:38)
• You may have kids, you may have a wife that love you very much, but there’s something not wired right and you’re going down this path, so having a dog there you look down at the dog and think “this dog loves me.” (34:42)
• Our connection with dogs is a lot like our relationship with God. (36:14)
12/6/2023 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 43 seconds
Kirk "Doc" Parsley, Retired Navy SEAL: Mastering Elite Performance through Health, Wellness & Quality Sleep
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Dr. Kirk Parsley joins Marcus in the podcast studio to share his journey from living a seemingly hopeless childhood, to becoming a Navy SEAL, to becoming a leading authority on the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being.
Learn about the pivotal moments that led him to focus on sleep as a critical factor in human performance.
Dr. Parsley breaks down the alarming statistics and dives deep into the sleep crisis and discusses the societal and medication-related factors contributing to the widespread lack of quality sleep, and the profound impact it has on physical and mental health.
As a former Navy SEAL, Dr. Parsley understands the significance of peak performance. Discover his insights into how optimizing sleep can enhance cognitive function, physical endurance, and overall resilience.
Dr. Parsley has dedicated himself to developing effective sleep remedies to address the challenges many face in achieving restorative sleep. He brings to light the science behind his remedies and how they can be integrated into daily routines for improved sleep quality.
Whether you're a high-performing individual seeking optimization or someone struggling with sleep issues, this episode offers valuable insights to help you unlock the full potential of a good night's sleep.
Sleep Remedy Link:
- https://docparsley.com/tnq/
Socials:
- kirkparsley
- team_neverquit
Sponsors:
- policygenius.com
- Navyfederal.org
In this episode you will hear:
• I was terrible student my whole life. (5:10)
• I got told I was stupid all the time; felt I was stupid but I was fast, strong and athletic. I used to get in lots of fights. (5:33)
• Our families values were if you can serve in the military, you should. (6:10)
• I didn’t have any good male role models. (6:21)
• [My mom and stepdad] were married 8 years. I was grounded for 7 years and 6 months of that. (8:19)
• I literally had my 3rd grade teacher yell to the whole class that I was the dumbest kid she ever taught in her life. (8:57)
• My stepdad told me I was dumb every day. (9:03)
• {After excelling academically in military training] I thought “Well shit, maybe I’m not so dumb after all.” (11:46)
• They walked us around to the different SEAL teams, and they said, “Here’s your dream list; put down what SEAL team you want to go to. It was at that moment I realized, “I don’t know what a SEAL does.” (12:35)
• I didn’t know I was getting paid. I figured they’re gonna give me a place to live, a uniform, a place to eat. What do I need money for? That’s how naive I was. (15:01)
• [When I learned that the] military had its own medical school, I figured I‘d give back to the SEAL teams - I’ll give back to the community that made me who I am. (21:12)
• Because I had been a team guy, and guys trusted me, 1 guy comes in [with a problem], then 2, 4, 6. Within a month I gad 100 guys come in telling me the exact same issues. I thought they were rehearsed. (24:01)
• I got to learn a lot pretty quick, and learned a lot of non-traditional stuff. [Because] I can’t put people on prescription medication either. (25:19)
• It turns out that Ambien destroys 80% of REM sleep. (20:04)
• [Melanie] Q: So you have a branded sleep supplement?
[Dr. Parsley] A: Yes. Doc Parsley Sleep Remedy. www.docparsley.com(37:03)
• This is the most vindicating story of my life. SOCOM hired me, and they had all of the healthcare providers in one room and I did a six hour lecture, and they still use it to this day. (40:18)
• We need a pipeline [for veterans dealing with mental issues]. Right now the only pipeline is once people have the barrel in their mouth. (59:11)
11/29/2023 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 35 seconds
Laura & Jeff Sandefer: Founders of "The Acton Academy," A Socratic School Turning Students Into Confident Leaders & Aspiring Entrepreneurs
This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie delve into the dynamic world of education and entrepreneurship with special guests, Jeff and Laura Sandefer of Acton Academy.
Jeff, a seasoned entrepreneur and esteemed Socratic Guide, has a remarkable dual life, having founded multiple successful businesses and earned accolades as an outstanding teacher at the University of Texas. Laura, co-founder of Acton Academy and an author, takes us on her Hero's Journey in education, chronicled in her book "Courage to Grow."
Acton Academy's learner-driven model has spread across the globe with over 130 locations, emphasizing real-world projects, apprenticeships, and Socratic discussions. The school's foundation lies in the Hero's Journey, a narrative pattern guiding children through adventures, victories, and transformations. Laura passionately discusses Acton Academy's commitment to inspiring children to find their callings, employing adaptive game-based programs and online tools like Khan Academy to teach core skills.
Laura and Jeff share their passion for giving children hands-on entrepreneurial experience through Acton Academy's Children's Business Fairs. These fairs provide children with opportunities to be entrepreneurs, fostering confidence, imparting valuable lessons, and preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Join us on this insightful journey with Jeff and Laura Sandefer as they discuss Acton Academy's innovative approach to education, combining entrepreneurship, the Hero's Journey, and hands-on experiences to inspire and equip the next generation of independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Website – https://www.actonacademy.org/
Sponsors:
- aeropress.com/TNQ
- Uncommongoods.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• The best teacher in the best school in Austin TX just told us not to send our children to traditional school because they’d be chained to a desk and lectured to all day. (7:17)
• I’m not homeschooling. That wasn’t in my blood at all. (7:33)
• One of the narratives of the experience is The Heroes Journey. (9:25)
• An ordinary person hears a call, sets out on an adventure, wrestles monsters, has mentors and guides, seeking a treasure all the way. And they may or may not get the treasure, but they return home a changed person, ready to share their new ideas and character with the world around them. Then, they set out on a new adventure again. (9:38)
• Every time they get knocked down – they may not win, but they’ll get back up. (10:13)
• What a hero’s journey does is distinguish hero vs victim. Any child at an Acton Academy starts claiming the identity of the hero. That’s not someone who wins all the time; its someone who gets back up after they fall down. (10:23)
• The hero takes responsibility and starts problem-solving, whereas a victim outs the blame on somebody else. (10:59)
• They learn ways to work through problems with gritty decision-making (11:28)
• The 3 big monsters starting at age 6: We start wresting with Victim-hood, Resistance, and Distraction. (12:18)
• Sometimes your big brother needs to pick you up and say “get back in the fight.” (16:11)
• IQ is so overrated - because its perseverance, grit, and getting along with people. That’s what really matters. (19:30)
• People who are there because they want to be there, they choose to be there, and they’re on a mission for their life (21:08)
• No adult on campus is ever allowed to answer a question. (25:43)
• Things get chaotic – Part of the model is letting things fall into chaos, and let order arise as the young people figure out how to solve the problem. (26:41)
• What’s the best thing about Acton Academy? They’ll say freedom. (27:11)
• We believe every single child is a genius, who deserves to find a calling and change the world. (42:15)
• The cave you fear to enter is where your treasure lies. (44:37)
11/22/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 30 seconds
Remi Adeleke Details His Incredible Journey From SEAL Teams To Hollywood & Host of the “Down Range” Podcast
In this episode, Marcus has the privilege of hosting a remarkable individual who has traversed diverse worlds - from the military to Hollywood, and beyond. Remi Adeleke, born in Nigeria, is not only an accomplished writer and actor but also a fierce advocate against organ trafficking. Join us as we delve into his incredible journey, from the streets of the Bronx to the high-stakes world of Navy SEALs and the glimmering lights of the entertainment industry.
Remi's life story is one of resilience and determination. His world took a drastic turn following the death of his father. At just five years old, Remi, alongside his mother and brother, embarked on a new chapter in the Bronx, New York. Little did he know, this move would set the stage for a life of extraordinary experiences.
Driven by a profound sense of duty and an unyielding spirit, Remi enlisted in the Navy, but his journey didn't stop there - he went on to join the elite Navy SEALs, specializing in combat medicine and HUMINT (Human Intelligence/tradecraft).
From the battlefield to the big screen, Remi's transition into the world of Hollywood is a tale of its own. His notable roles in films such as "Ambulance" (2022), "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" (2023), and "Plane" (2023) highlight not only his acting prowess but also the breadth of his experiences.
Beyond the glamour of Hollywood, Remi is actively engaged in a cause close to his heart - combating organ trafficking. Drawing from personal experiences and a commitment to justice, Remi works tirelessly to raise awareness and combat this illicit trade. We explore the motivations behind his involvement in this critical issue and discuss the impact he hopes to make in the fight against organ trafficking.
Join us as we unravel the layers of this multifaceted individual, gaining insights into the extraordinary life of a man who continues to inspire others through his actions and advocacy.
Socials:
- https://www.instagram.com/remiadeleke/
- https://www.youtube.com/@remiadeleke1278
- https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
In this episode you will hear:
• [Marcus] I wanted to be a Navy SEAL so bad, but I just thought it was impossible. (6:41)
• Every single day of my life I try to maintain a standard of excellence. (7:51)
• I feel like I owe it to guys who gave their lives. (8:01)
• I want to be excellent because I want to honor their legacy. (8:18)
• I love America. I’m not ashamed to say it. (8:31)
• It’s so interesting how so many people outside America see it, and love it, and want it. (9:03)
• [Marcus] When you really appreciate being an American is when you freakin’ leave. (9:19)
• A lot of people don’t know this, but Nigeria is a very rich country, because there’s so much oils, natural gas, gold, and minerals. (9:59)
• 9-11 played a role in me getting into the military. It’s bittersweet. (18:08)
• [Organ trafficking] is a multi-billion dollar industry. (23:27)
• There are some corrupt doctors that on the American border playing a role – “providing intelligence” to organ harvesters. (24:25)
• A woman in India traveled to New Delhi for a job. When she went to get a physical, she heard the nurse say to the doctor “this is the girl who’s giving these organs”. She ran out, alerted the police and uncovered a multimillion dollar organ harvesting ring, any of whom were doctors. (25:21)
• We’re not dealing with idiots. We’re dealing with intelligent people. (26:41)
• My feature film is called: “Unexpected Redemption.” (31:02)
• I love storytelling. I love taking and idea from the beginning, writing a screenplay, rolling a camera and shooting it. (32:03)
• It’s a very tough business to be in, but just that “no quit” attitude had stayed with me. (32:58)
It’s all about the story to me. What message can impact people the most? (33:56)
• Fear breeds fear; Calm breeds calm. (43:35)
11/15/2023 • 55 minutes, 2 seconds
Michael Halterman: 1st Marine Raider Battalion & VP of "The Honor Foundation" Recounts His Time In The Military & Success After Service
Welcome friends, to this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. In today's episode, Marcus has the honor of hosting Michael G Halterman, the Vice President of Operations at The Honor Foundation. With a career spanning over two decades, Michael has a wealth of experience, particularly in operations, leadership, and the military and veterans education sectors. His mission consists of a commitment to help fellow veterans navigate the transition process, ensuring they find their unique path and thrive in the process.
Michael served as a Marine Infantryman for 10 years and is a Plank Owner of 1st Marine Raider Battalion. His profound respect for Special Operators is deeply rooted in his experiences and dedication to the military community.
His story is a testament to the power of a clear personal why and the impact of laser focus in achieving remarkable goals. Join us as we explore the lessons learned and the wisdom gained through Michael's diverse and impactful career.
Socials:
www.honor.org
Sponsors:
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- NavyFederal.com
- UncommonGoods.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I grew up waving the red, white, and blue. (4:58)
• Growing up in the 80s, guns weren’t like pink and purple. (6:59)
• I was a kid running around with tri-color camo on and realistic-looking guns. (7:05)
• [In the military] I got to learn about life. People from other cultures, because you really don’t know nothing growing up in a small town. (8:28)
• The first thing I remember pulling into Southern Nasiriya, [Iraq]. It was the first time I had seen American vehicles with bullet holes in them - on fire - American military uniforms with blood on them - Helmets tipped over. (12:48)
• How do you go from spending as much time in the military as [the time] I’ve had on the planet? (45:35)
• [The Honor Foundation] is fully designed for you to explore all opportunities in a safe space. (48:22)
• [The Honor Foundation] is an executive-style education, and it’s three months long. (50:15)
• The big differentiator of who we are at the Honor Foundation is that the entire first phase has nothing to do with LinkedIn, resume’s or any of that. We make these dudes figure out who they are again. (51:44)
• Who are you when no one cares about rank anymore; no one cares about sniper school; no one cares that you can free fall. They wanna know who you are, and before you can tell them that, you have to know who you are. And you have to articulate that well. (52:04)
• The reality is… you’re gonna have to struggle with who you are, who your community is, how to make sense of the world, and the purpose and meaning of life for a while. (61:31)
• We advocate the best time to get a job is when you have a job. (62:40)
• At no time do we tell them what to do. We empower them to go do what they want to do. (70:29)
11/8/2023 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 40 seconds
Nick Allard: How Unusual Encounters Led Him To Uncovering War Stories In Ukraine & Create "Dima"
In this week's Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus engages in a gripping conversation with Nick Allard, whose life took an unexpected turn at the onset of the Ukrainian war. Nick's seemingly ordinary life in Austin, Texas, was disrupted by two extraordinary events that ignited a profound shift in his perspective. Motivated by a newfound sense of purpose, Nick made a spontaneous decision to travel to Ukraine just weeks later, driven by a desire to amplify the untold stories of those affected by the conflict.
The podcast delves into the transformative experiences that shook Nick to his core and convinced him of a greater calling. While in Ukraine, Nick encountered a man whose life had been shattered by the ravages of war. This encounter inspired Nick to create a powerful film titled "Dima." The film vividly captures the horrors endured by its protagonist along the perilous journey, providing a poignant glimpse into the human cost of the conflict.
Kickstarter:
- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nickallard/dima-0
Socials:
- IG: iamnickallard
In this episode you will hear:
• Athletics was always king for me when I was growing up. (7:00)
• I was a kid obsessing on war movies, and as I got older, I transformed into an athlete type, and once that ended, I transitioned back to what I’m doing now. It’s come full circle. (7:16)
• That communal feeling was more important than anything growing up as a kid. (8:11)
• [One night] I was knocking out emails on my computer, and all of a sudden I hear a knock on my door. There’s a voice mumbling “Please open the door” and there’s a woman with zip ties firm behind her back and she said that three guys had tried to rape her. (14:34)
• When things like that happen, I have to find ways to put meaning to it. Otherwise it’s just a thing that happens. (20:22)
• [Marcus] If one thing goes wrong, that’s a day. Days are hard. They’re supposed to be. But when you have two or three constantly pushing you in a certain direction, a lot of people can’t pick that up. That’s why their life get so difficult. That’s your purpose. (22:07)
• [When my friend was drowning] to save my friend was my second thought. The first thought was “God what the hell do you wanna do? What is this?” Then I went into the mode of we gotta pick this guy up and move him. And that was a defining moment. (27:57)
• Once the train’s on the tracks, there’s always the prospect of something happening. (28:46)
• The next place that I went to was Auschwitz. To see and feel the energy that place has was something - unlike anything I’d ever felt. (31:12)
• The have photos of where specific things happened, and then looking at the photo of a woman with her son walking down the path to the gas chamber, and you’re looking at the photo taken in that exact spot. (32:21)
• When you’re backpacking Europe, you get all the kids on vacation. When you’re backpacking in Ukraine, you get like every person from every walk of life that’s involved in war. (36:50)
• [I asked a man] “Were you there when the invasion all started? All of a sudden in his face he was trying to get it out, but there was this pause, his eyes kind of like wearing off into the distance. It was this gut instinct at that moment. It felt like “Oh my something happened.” Something in that pause… (49:14)
• Every dime I had went into that film. (50:53)
• I grew up Catholic but I was always a dude that tried to skip church, then after those 2 life events, I gave up thinking I was in control of all this. (54:26)
• The Ukrainian people feel like they’re ten years behind everybody. (58:22)
• The history that Ukraine and Russia has is brutal. (58:36)
• Don’t forget about it. You don’t have to be posting Ukrainian flags – everybody’s got things to do. Just don’t lose sight of it. (71:31)
11/1/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 41 seconds
Cesalina Gracie: Granddaughter of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Founder On The Art of Mental & Physical Training, Conquering Everest, & Empowering Other Women
Mindset Matters.
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, we are honored to host a remarkable individual who has not only mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but has also conquered the world's highest peak – Mount Everest. Join us as Marcus and Melanie delve into the incredible journey of Cesalina Gracie. Hailing from a family that pioneered and revolutionized this martial art, Cesalina has carried the torch forward, dedicating her life to mastering the intricacies of Jiu-Jitsu. Cesalina shares insights into the mental and physical preparation required for both the Jiu-Jitsu arena and the formidable slopes of Everest. How do the principles of discipline, resilience, and focus intertwine between the mats and the mountains? Listen in and be inspired by this incredible woman of purpose and power.
Whether you're a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, an aspiring mountaineer, or someone navigating life's challenges, Cesalina's journey offers invaluable insights that transcend boundaries.
Socials:
- IG: cesagracie
- www.cesalina.com
- IG: team_neverquit
In this episode you will hear:
• Back in the day, there were eighteen martial arts, different clans that had different practices in Japan, and they all ended with “Jitsu.” (7:08)
• There are no bad kids. There’s bad environments for kids. (10:41)
• [Jiu Jitsu] is an equalizer of emotions for kids. Jiu Jitsu is gonna honor your personality. (11:04)
• Nobody needs to tell us where you’re gonna find the environment, because when you walk in, the systems that are in place teach you before you hear a word from your coach. (12:54)
• [My grandfather] saw immediately what the power of that art was and the incredible responsibility that came with it. (13:45)
• This [Jiu Jitsu] is a tool for self-development. I’m not here to learn how to fight. I’m here to feel powerful and feel capable without having to look powerful and look capable. (14:00)
• That’s the beautiful thing about Jiu Jitsu, is that it lives on the inside. (14:21)
• [My family] proved the efficiency of Jiu Jitsu to the rest of the world. (20:43)
• If the whole world learns these tools, we’re gonna live in a society that is more peaceful, that is more respectful, because when you have human beings that are self-confident and compassionate, you start changing the way we interact with each other, and we start changing the way we live our lives. (21:19)
• As a grown up, I understand the difference between winners and champions. (30:06)
• The most important thing about Jiu Jitsu that it builds and internal constitution that is so strong that you can deal with anything in life. (36:32)
• The greatest value of Jiu Jitsu is applied outside of the mat. (40:36)
• Ultimately, the greatest skill you can have is awareness. (44:01)
• We have to be brutally honest with ourselves as to where we’re standing in life. (55:32)
• What’s actually gonna take you to the top are the mindsets that you’ve created in your journey in Jiu Jitsu. (1:01:58)
• [While climbing Mount Everest] the one question that I did not ask myself was “should I go back to Everest Base Camp?” (1:03:16)
• Another part that was really hard [while climbing Mount Everest] was when I saw dead bodies in the mountain for the first time. (1:03:28)
• I hope everyone gets to experience something in their lives that they have a hard time describing. (1:10:30)
• When I got back to base camp, I immediately called my family, because I didn’t tell anybody I was climbing Mount Everest. (1:20:29)
• Champions are still champions even when they lose. (1:25:35)
• When you have confidence in yourself, you solve so many problems. (1:54:35)
10/25/2023 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 48 seconds
Marsha Petrie Sue: Author, Speaker & Arizona Game & Fish Commissioner Discusses "She Never Quit," Gun Safety & The Great Outdoors
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus welcomes Martha Petrie Sue, a prominent figure in the world of outdoor media and an inspiring leader as the Chair of the Women's Outdoor Media Association (WOMA) – a 501c3 raising money for Foundation for Women Warriors and other groups. As the Chair of WOMA, Martha plays a pivotal role in fostering a community where women in outdoor media can connect, collaborate, and thrive. She champions the voices of women, breaking barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Martha was also appointed Arizona Game & Fish Commissioner.
Martha is not just an advocate for outdoor activities; she's a trailblazer, carving a path for women in the outdoor media landscape. With a passion for adventure and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Martha has seamlessly merged her love for nature with her career, creating a powerful impact along the way. She shares insights into her personal journey and the milestones that led her to become a prominent figure in the outdoor media landscape.
Martha Petrie Sue's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As the Chair of WOMA, she continues to inspire and empower women to embrace their love for the outdoors and make their mark in the world of media.
Join us for a riveting conversation that explores the intersection of adventure, advocacy, and media with the remarkable Martha Petrie Sue. Tune in and be inspired!
In this episode you will hear:
• I had a practice husband for 11 years. (4:50)
• 31 years later [in my marriage] here I am Commissioner for Arizona Game & Fish; sitting on the executive committee of NRA Women’s Leadership Forum; I sit on the Arizona Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Board, I’m involved with the Women’s Outdoor Media Association, supporting foundation for women warriors. I do a lot of hunting with wounded warriors and females from that group and do a lot of outdoor experiences for all associations here in Arizona. (7:44).
• 50% of gun sales have been new gun sales to women. I think it’s fantastic, but you gotta get training, and once you get training, you can’t get stale, you have to keep training. (9:28)
• When you [Melanie] and Deb and I started the She Never Quit down at your beautiful ranch in Texas, we had women who had never seen a gun. To teach them not only how to shoot, but the safety behind it is critically important. (9:43)
• A woman came up and she says “We just have to get rid of all these guns in the world.” I said so what you’re saying is I don’t have the right to keep myself safe, is that what I’m hearing you say? “Well no, that’s not what I mean.” Well that’s what you’re saying when you say that. (12:03)
• Some people will never have an open mind. (16:12)
• There’s some people that just will not, and won’t know, and don’t know how to listen. (16:23)
• {Marcus] “You know how bad I wanna fly the space Shuttle?” (17:01)
• You teach the woman, you teach the family (18:40)
• Kids don’t understand the consequence of doing something anymore. And there’s no core of morality it seems to me. (22:08)
• [Melanie] Our leaders act like divorced husband and wife; they argue in front of us, whether that’s our President or Congress. (23:14)
• How do you teach the parents and the teachers how they’re basically ruining these kids’ lives? Where do we start? (24:34)
• We make contracts through Arizona Game & Fish with the ranchers, and we will go out and take out the barbed wire on the fence and put in smooth wire 18” high because the Pronghorn actually go under a fence. They rarely will go over a fence. (27:35)
• [Marcus] Humans, by nature, like to see things get destroyed & beat up. (37:44)
10/18/2023 • 50 minutes, 24 seconds
Vince "Rocco" Vargas: Retired US Army Ranger, Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur & Author of 'BORDERLINE'
Father, Veteran, Mentor, and U.S Border Patrol Advocate.
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus is honored to host Vince "Rocco" Vargas, a multi-talented individual with a rich background in military service that spans three combat deployments with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, a decade of service with the U.S. Border Patrol, and his current roles as an entrepreneur, author, actor, writer, and producer.
His unique perspective as a military veteran and federal agent sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the issues at the U.S./Mexico border.
Vince is also an author, and his book, "Borderline: Defending the Home Front," serves as both a memoir and a critical examination of the U.S. Border Patrol. The narrative combines personal experiences with the extensive history of the organization, shedding light on a frequently misunderstood government agency. Vince paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by those tasked with securing the U.S. borders.
Sponsors:
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- vincentroccovargas.com
"BORDERLINE" By Vince Vargas out Nov. 14th
Photo Cred:
- IMDb
In this episode you will hear:
• To apply for the Border Patrol is a 2-year process. Once you get in, it still takes two years to become a journeyman. After testing and field training, you’re eligible for the programs that the Border Patrol has. (9:52)
• Bortac is the tactical unit of the border Patrol. They are the swat team of the Border Patrol. (10:47)
Borstar are the para rescue jumpers of the Border Patrol - search trauma rescue medics. (10:58)
• It’s incredible to see how overwhelmed they [Border Patrol] are at the moment. The morale of the Border Patrol is pretty low. (16:04)
• Too many people want to blame the Border Patrol for everything. In our immigration system, the Border Patrol’s only job is to apprehend any individuals crossing the border illegally. (16:50)
• In this book, "Borderline: Defending the Home Front,” I tell my story as a Border Patrol agent in detail to humanize the badge. These are Americans who have chosen to defend our nation on our own soil. (18:04)
• So you have 20,000 people coming across saying “Political Asylum.” Then we take them in and investigate that. There’s no system in place that can house that many individuals. There’s no system to hold them for the time being till they determine who’s actually a political asylum case and who’s not. (21:19)
• So we have to host all these individuals, find a way to feed the, give them medical attention, and hold them as if they’re seeking asylum until we can determine if it’s real or not. (22:56)
• I’m not against immigration, but the part of what’s in place now is immigration policy and we have to protect our nation, but we also have to be a nation that is gracious towards immigration. (22:24)
• To see the number of murderers, rapists, and pedophiles that we actually catch – it’s pretty intimidating to think to think of how many we actually miss.
Seeking asylum means that they have critical fear for their life. It’s a blanket statement to help people come across illegally, and right now it’s working. It shouldn’t be. (30:17)
• [Melanie] Kids under the age of 13, by our policy, are not allowed to be fingerprinted or DNA, which to me is legalizing human trafficking. (31:37)
• There’s been a massive influx in the Del Rio Sector. Close to 11, 000 have come across in the past ten days (37:01)
• If I can be here to do the righteous thing for our country, for my God and for my family, I hope to teach them [my children] in the same sense. (41:45)
10/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Dr. Terry Fossum: World-Renowned Veterinarian Surgeon, Entrepreneur & Author Discusses Her Ground-Breaking Medicine's For Dogs
A Passion for Animal Wellness.
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine and animal wellness. In today's episode, we are honored to have a distinguished guest, Dr. Terry Fossum, a world-renowned and board-certified veterinary surgeon. Dr. Fossum is a leading figure in the field of veterinary surgery, having earned international acclaim for her expertise.
She is the author of a best-selling textbook on small animal surgery, a testament to her deep knowledge and commitment to advancing veterinary practices.
With over 18,000 surgeries under her belt, Dr. Fossum has dedicated her career to the well-being of animals, striving to ensure that pets lead healthy and happy lives.
As a respected authority in the veterinary world, Dr. Fossum has been invited to deliver over 1,000 lectures to veterinarians worldwide. Her insights have shaped the knowledge and skills of professionals across the globe.
Her contributions extend beyond the operating room. Dr. Fossum's commitment to education and sharing her expertise has left an indelible mark on the veterinary community.
- Purchase Dr. Fossums Pet Care products at drfossums.com & use code TEAMNEVERQUIT for 30% off!
Products include:
CBD (Great for Anxiety & Mobility)
Topical product for scratching (w/ Oleander)
Product for cognitive dysfunction in dogs
COMING SOON: Really amazing, oral anti-itch product & a cardiac support product!
In this episode you will hear:
• In my world, I do soft tissue surgery. I don’t even do orthopedic anymore. (9:54)
• When I was at A&M, with the help of then governor Perry, we built a large laboratory practice facility. (11:06)
• [Oleander] could be one of the most amazing natural compounds we have ever identified. (12:30)
• Senescent cells are the reason that we age. I think we can slow it down. (13:50)
• We do want to live longer and healthier. (13:47)
• As the number of divisions that a cell has continues, eventually they start making mistakes. (14:07)
• Some cells become senescent, which means they no longer divide. They sit in our body and secrete really inflammatory substances. (14:53)
• If you give a chemotherapeutic to a person, you drive some cells into senescence. And those cells are no longer going to respond to the chemotherapeutic. (16:06)
• Q: How much do you think it costs to get a drug approved through the FDA?
A: 2 Billion Dollars [$2,000,000,000) (17:30)
• When I hear that saying: “Dogs are man’s best friend”, what I think of is that dogs really are man’s best friend. (36:16)
• [Marcus] A dog’s love – Dog and God – that love that they show – unconditional – I wish I could love like that. (37:02)
• Oleander and a couple of synolytics and I think we have a great product that we will all take. (60:07)
• You can tell what kind of people people are by the way they treat their animals. (61:34)
• [Marcus: My dog, Mr. Rigby, a service canine] Boy, he was my best friend, I loved him and he never said one word to me. (63:32)
• Marcus: When I was a young man going to the SEAL teams, people weren’t SEALS would make up all these grand stories about what it took to get through the program: They give you a puppy, and you have to raise him, and then you gotta kill him. I had to go through [my service dog] Mr. Rigby. And I was the one who had to put him down. I’ve never felt any kind of pain like that. (64:54)
10/4/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 45 seconds
Korie Robertson: Star of 'Duck Dynasty' Talks Early Life w/ Willie & Producing New Movie 'The Blind'
Welcome to the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell, the show where we dive deep into the lives and experiences of remarkable individuals from various walks of life.
In today's episode, Marcus has the pleasure of speaking with Korie Robertson, best known for her role on the hit reality TV show "Duck Dynasty." Korie is not only a beloved television personality but also an author, philanthropist, and advocate for family values. Join us as we explore her journey from the duck blind to the spotlight and beyond.
Korie tells her 4th grade story of unknowingly meeting her husband-to be, Willie. She shares early memories of hunting and the importance of faith and family in her upbringing.
Korie reflects on the unexpected success of "Duck Dynasty" and the impact of the show on their family dynamics and values. She has a deep-rooted faith which guided her through the highs and lows of fame.
Korie's journey goes beyond Duck Dynasty into the world of writing and her books that focus on family and faith. She is also a producer of a new film, "The Blind," executive produced by Willie Robertson, shedding light on the journey of the family’s patriarch, Phil Robertson, and his early struggles with alcohol before he turned his life around with the help of his faith and his family.
Socials:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE2wUVknVj8
- bosshogswife
Sponsors:
- Hatch.co/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• Willie is one of those people that can make you laugh. I think he’s gonna keep me young. (6:33)
• I actually met Willie in fourth grade at summer camp. (15:15)
• [Growing up] Willie’s family had one double bed for the four boys. You just slept wherever you could find a spot. (16:25)
• I’ll never forget meeting Phil. He had this big, black beard and it was intimidating. [He said of his boys] they’re gonna be good husbands someday. They’re good hunters, good fishermen. They’re gonna be great providers. He was right. (16:50)
• When Willie was about 30, he decided to go back to work for Duck Commander. (17:59)
• [While on a train in Europe] we were asleep in the [train] car and robbers grabbed one of our friends backpack. Willie chased them down. They dropped the backpack and got it back. (20:16)
• I feel like Willie and I brought in some fresh life and excitement for the family company and started running the website out of our house, and taking orders at 2am. (23:03)
• Be who you are. Don’t try to fit into the mold that someone else says you should be. (26:59)
• There’s a loneliness that comes that comes [with stardom] which you wouldn’t expect cause everybody loves you, but actually you’re in isolation. (28:28)
• The blessings were way bigger than whatever the negatives were. (29:51)
• You grow from hardships. (29:57)
• God doesn’t use people that are perfect. He rarely uses someone that’s perfect. He chooses someone who’s weak. Then His glory is made known. (38:40)
• If you’ve been rescued from the pit, the more you understand grace. (39:27)
• [The movie brings] a message of redemption, and the message that nobody is too far gone. (48:22)
• Things can change and there’s always hope. (48:48)
9/27/2023 • 58 minutes, 20 seconds
Aaron Murphy: Influencer Leveraging Social Media To Fight Poverty & Help Strangers Worldwide
Making a difference.
Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. Today, Marcus speaks with a truly inspiring guest, Aaron Murphy, who has taken the social media world by storm with his videos, and, as a result, is using his platform to fight poverty in South America.
Aaron once struggled with severe anxiety that led him to reliance on drinking and smoking, but he eventually decided he wanted to save himself, so on his self-discovery journey, he set off to backpack in South America. During his time there, he befriended several people and through them not only began learning Spanish, but also learned more about the political and economic state of several South American countries.
When the COVID pandemic surfaced, Aaron found himself in lockdown in South America with the financial resources he had budgeted for his journey running low. Despite his personal financial insecurity, he was so deeply struck by the impoverished conditions of those around him that he gave the last of his resources to a family that was desperately in need of food and recorded the act on TikTok.
Many people were so touched by Murphy’s act of kindness that they began donating money, not only so he could provide for himself, but also so he could continue helping families in need. As a result, Murphy lived in South America throughout the pandemic, documenting the process of aiding their poor. His ultimate goal is to enable families to become self-sufficient, not just to relieve them of extreme poverty for a short period of time.
Aaron Murphy’s foundation: ”Murph’s Life,” to donate money for Murphy’s cases.
- www.murphslifefoundation.com
Socials:
- Tiktok/ IG/ Patreon/Youtube: Murphslife
Sponsors
- Navyfederal.org
- Policygenius.com
- factormeals.com/TNQ50
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulZZHjvU8To
In this episode you will hear:
• Everything I do, I just go hard core. (4:52)
• It got to the point that my health, and my soul and my mental health were at rock bottom. (5:06)
• I’m learning now that whenever you go into the unknown, you’re literally going into the darkness, and you don’t try to say this is how it’s going to be. New experiences could come out of that. (9:29)
• We build a home a week. We’re building a big school for the entire coffee community, and it’s gonna be the quality of a private school. (19:03)
• We’ve paid for a lot of surgeries that have saved kids’ lives. (19:20)
• I’ve seen the tingles and the boobies of charity every single day. (20:02)
• [Marcus] The minute you started focusing on what’s really important, you can feel it on the inside. It’s like a natural drug. (21:19)
• When I truly went through my life and developed a strong relationship with God – it was joy because no matter what, I have God. (29:35)
• I slept on a mattress from the trash in some shit hole where I had to share one toilet with four families and no toilet seat, and I was still able to feel joy. (30:13)
• I don’t think life is about getting quick highs. (31:00)
• I think it’s really good to have a personal – like a personal relationship [with God]. (36:06)
• My passion is finding one family and building them a forever home and a business. (37:12)
• Let’s say we have one farm that can bring in $50-$60,000 a month; now I can take a community of people who are tending to these food crops. Were gonna donate all this food to the orphanage and with 100% of their profit, it can pay for their education and their books. (42:05)
• What if I could pay people a U.S. wage in a poor country? That shit’s never been done before. (47:18)
• I want to feel a great joy and knowledge that I built this society, I created a portal for God like a beacon of light to know that we can create things in this life where people can be paid honestly and decently. (56:04)
• If we go through some catastrophic event, how cool would it be to have places that have food? (58:22)
9/20/2023 • 59 minutes, 49 seconds
Border Visit Recap: Stories From Border Patrol Agents, Life On The Border & The Issues We Face
Understanding the Border Crisis: The Challenges and Hypocrisy
Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, where Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter discuss a weighty subject birthed from their first-hand experience at the US/Mexico border. We're diving deep into the border crisis, exploring the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents, the exploitation of a legal loophole, and the hypocrisy surrounding the issue.
Sponsors:
- Babbel.com/TNQ
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- Joindeleteme.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• There is a loophole that congress put in place that says if you have a child under the age of 13 accompanying you, you have the right to be released into the American population. (9:06)
• Cartels are basically selling off kids to accompany any adult, and the kids are not identified. Border Patrol is not allowed to do any biometrics on them. (9:28)
• The Border Patrol Mission Statement: Protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance our nation’s economic prosperity. (13:59)
• As much as you all are complaining about the border in the last two administrations and y’all ain’t down here doing anything about it - you all are hypocrites, I’m calling you out on it right now, plain and simple. (14:40)
• I don’t want hear anybody talking down to the border guard cause there down there busting their ass. If you got anything bad to say, you don’t even know what the hell is going on. (14:56)
• If an American citizen had what they [Illegals] have - if you were sick, if you had to go to a hospital, 2 agents will drive you in a van to the hospital, all your medication and things like that are paid for. I know soldiers that don’t have that. (15:54)
• In one concentrated area, they had about 46,000 people come in less than a week. (19:34)
• The suicide rate [amongst border patrol] is affecting them. I feel like that’s all stemming from the orders that they’re given. (22:17)
• The fact that we have people that would identify themselves with a uniform and a badge, learn protocol and procedures, and then there might be a slim chance they could get in trouble for enforcing laws that we put on ourselves. (24:52)
• Military veterans have a lot of resource, like foundations, to help them take care of things. Law enforcement has resources as well, but there’s no resources for the Border Patrol. (28:42)
• Their war [Border Patrol] is a shift every day. (30:57)
• Every single place we’ve gone to [around the world], we have had to stand in line, show our passports, fill out something that states where we’re staying, how long we’re staying, who we’re staying with, and who’s traveling with us. Our 3 week old son had to have a passport. Why can’t we have the same treatment in our country? (42:43)
9/13/2023 • 46 minutes, 24 seconds
LTC Scott Mann: Ret. Green Beret & Warrior Storyteller On Adapting To Civilian Life & Founding 'Rooftop Leadership'
Adapting Military Wisdom to Everyday Life.
Welcome back to the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. This week, Marcus takes a deep dive into the mind of an exceptional individual - Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a Green Beret, warrior storyteller, and playwright who has a remarkable journey to share. Scott shares his background as a Green Beret, highlighting the rigorous training and the mindset it instills, as well as the importance of adaptability and resilience in high-stakes environments, drawing parallels to civilian life. He explains how military units connect with local communities and the lessons it offers for corporate and personal relationships.
In his distinguished 23-year military career, Mann operated at the highest levels of the Special Operations Community and has been widely recognized for his successful leadership of teams in complex situations. He led “Operation Pineapple Express” — a grassroots leadership campaign using Rooftop Human Connection Skills to honor a promise and save more than 1,000 Afghans from a life-threatening situation amid the chaos of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Scott Mann's journey went from the battlefield to the stage, becoming a playwright and actor in "Last Out," a powerful play that explores the impact of war on veterans and their families. He has learned that storytelling can heal emotional wounds and bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.
Scott also shares key takeaways from his experiences creating and performing in "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret" including the power of vulnerability and the importance of understanding the human cost of war. His vision for the future, both for himself and the broader community, includes his work with veterans and storytelling.
Resources:
Connect with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastoutplay/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9kltnwaIEU
- Learn more about "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret" and how to support its mission at:
https://lastoutplay.com/film/
- Rooftop Leadership: https://rooftopleadership.com/
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Hatch.co/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• [Military branches] Who’s the best? You can’t even have that conversation because every single operations unit has a charter that they do better than anybody else. (12:01)
• Green Beret – their specialty – has been to work by, with, and through indigenous people and help them stand up on their own. (12:13)
• What you lead with are old school interpersonal skills to build relationships and social capital. And go in with 12 and come out with 12,000. (12:53)
• I loved the regiment, I loved the missions, and I loved the men. (19:05)
• I teach the interpersonal skills that Green Berets specialize in. I teach it in corporate America and I teach it as a leadership trait. (20:39)
• You build trust when risk is low, and you leverage it when risk is high. (24:43)
• [Melanie] The government will spend all the money, but the veterans are the ones who are actually serving the people. (32:19)
• Our families of the fallen – not just gold star, but white star families that have lost members to suicide – they are so active in taking care of everybody else. (32:39)
• I can’t say enough about the Vietnam generation. Those guys are amazing. (44:14)
• [Scott to Marcus] Your story and the story of your teammates has changed lives, it’s saved lives, it has created a macro-level understanding of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. (48:24)
• The country, more than ever, needs the stories of our veterans and military families, because that shows what right looks like. (48:47)
• [Scott to Marcus] You opened the door, and you showed the rest of the veteran community what right looked like in terms of leadership at home, the courage to tell your story, even when it’s hard – to repurpose your struggle in the service of others. (55:43)
9/6/2023 • 58 minutes, 2 seconds
Cooper Collins: "The Mad Scientist" On Inventing Groundbreaking Medicines & His Success In Serial Entrepreneurship
Join us in this week’s fascinating episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, with your host, retired Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell. Today we have a truly exceptional guest joining us – Cooper Collins. Cooper is a visionary leader in the field of biopharmaceuticals, making groundbreaking strides in medical treatments that are changing lives. He explains the science behind truly remarkable products, and witnessing patients regain their quality of life – their team’s ultimate reward.
Cooper’s work is a testament to the incredible impact that dedication and innovation can have on people's lives.
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- 4Patriots.com/TNQ
- JoinDeleteme.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I want to leave this world having created a company or a product or that really helps people, long after I’m gone, that my kids can see and my grandkids can see. (2:43)
• I’m always trying to find something that nobody else can figure out, then we try to figure it out. (11:55)
• I don’t care who you are, what kind of grades you made, how smart you think you are – if you focus 100% of your effort on one thing, you’re gonna do great things in that area. (20:33)
• I was one of the few guys that never quit. (33:37)
• I was a 29 year old public company CEO, the youngest one on the street by probably 30 years at that time. (38:17)
• The fun was born to focus on early stage bio-tech, early stage drug development, and medical devices. (38:58)
• It’s the small companies that invent these great things that the big companies buy. They need the money so bad that they’re not all willing to sign a development agreement. (44:02)
• 90% of the most promising projects don’t make it to market. (47:52)
• Great things [we try to develop], if they fail, we move on and try to do another great thing. (59:31)
• Product in development: EON Laser, a robotic body contouring device – AI guided. (60:53)
• The dermatology space may be the first specialty to be replaced by AI. (62:59)
• They do have mini X-Rays now that are really safe for small body parts, you could actually have it at home. (65:01)
• Other products discussed include incredible improvements for stroke recovery & mobility. (65:48)
• Product in development: A laser that, in 20 minutes, can remove 6mmof fat. It eliminates liposuction. (70:36)
• Anti-aging Treatment: Your brain is wired to think that it should repair everything to your peak reproductive year. For men, it’s 22 years of age and for women, it’s 32 years of age.
In the last hundred years, we’ve gone from an average life expectancy of 35 or 40 to 80, because health care has advanced. The magic is to trick your brain into thinking that you have not hit your peak reproductive mode. (74:03)
8/30/2023 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 4 seconds
Crafting 'Warhorse One': Johnny Strong Shares his Filmmaking Journey w/ Navy SEAL Mikey Sauers & Marine Samantha Bonilla
Join us in this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, as Marcus takes a deep dive into the extraordinary career of Johnny Strong – actor, director, martial artist, and filmmaker. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation a behind-the-scenes look into the multifaceted world of entertainment and creativity. Johnny discusses the inspirations behind his projects and how his diverse skill set shapes his storytelling.
Johnny's Film credits include; Get Carter, The Fast and Furious, Black Hawk Down, to Sinners and Saints, Daylight's End, and now in his directorial debut in Warhorse One. He also shares some very interesting on-location adventures you’ll find very interesting.
Johnny is joined by Marine Samantha Bonilla, and Mikey Sauers, U.S. Navy SEAL, co-founder of Forged, as well as the Mike Murphy challenge.
Watch 'Warhorse One' Here:
- https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/warhorse-one/umc.cmc.2vhqxk1ta9v0vzsw9liztev8x
Socials:
- operator_films_warhorse_one
- samantha_r_bonilla
- forgedmike
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- policygenius.com
- factormeals.com/TNQ50
- 4Patriots.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• For anybody that wants to be good at anything, you always want to maintain a humble state of “I’m a learner.” (16:40)
• The goal is to find the truth. The goal is to remove all the affectation and barriers we create to protect the self. (20:05)
• At 40, you almost begin a second life. (36:49)
• A man has 2 lives – the one he lives, and then the one he lives when he realizes he only has one. (37:03)
• As an actor, you are waiting for other people to give you an opportunity to do what you want to do. (37:22)
• [When my daughter was] two and a half years old, I had this moment and we made a conscious connection. It’s eternal. My thought was: How do I share that with the world? (44:33)
• The story of Warhorse One is kind of a metaphor for becoming a father. (45:45)
• The man you are before that, and the life you live, and the things that are important to you, after that moment when you have that profound connection [with your child] – your child is all that matters. (45:52)
• Everybody can be good at something. (68:39)
• In as much as we think we’re in control, there’s only a small amount that we can actually control. (73:15)
• If you could be that beacon for somebody out there, even if somebody watches a movie and says, “That’s awesome I’m moved to be a Navy SEAL.” How many people have said to me, “I watched Blackhawk Down, and I joined the Army.” (97:14)
• My Type A personality is that I’m not gonna quit. (105:17)
• I’m not doing it for money –this is just my offering to God, the Creator. (111:17)
8/23/2023 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 48 seconds
Mathew Lehnig: Former US Navy SEAL & Combat Veteran Shares His Story Of Resilience, Overcoming Bizarre Obstacles & Achieving Success
Mathew Lehnig is the VP of Programs at TakingPoint Leadership, a former Navy SEAL Officer, Combat Proven Veteran, and an expert in leadership development.
He draws from 30 years of experience in Naval Special Warfare, and he understands the value of building strong, resilient leaders and teams to help drive organizational success and achieve extraordinary results.
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Have you ever wondered about the mysterious and challenging world of the Navy SEALs? This week, prepare to embark on a captivating journey as we discuss the demanding realities of military life.
In our conversations Mathew Lehnig, former US Navy SEAL, we navigate through the intricacies of life decisions, military training, and the unique challenges faced during deployments. Hear first-hand accounts of the importance of camaraderie, mentorship, and maintaining a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles.
Mathew shares his inspiring journey of resilience and tenacity, from defying bizarre medical emergencies to remain in service, to successfully transitioning to the civilian world. Listen in as he generously shares insightful advice for veterans and provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military heroes. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved by these stories of human courage, unwavering determination, and profound resilience.
Socials:
- Mathew_lehnig
- Team_Neverquit
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- 4Patriots.com/TNQ
- Mysheetsrock.com/TNQ
- Babbel.com/TNQ
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
Timestamps:
(0:11:39) - Influences and Decisions
(0:19:50) - Experiences and Challenges in Training
(0:22:06) - Discussion on Training and Deployments
(0:34:41) - SEAL Team Experiences and Personal Growth
(0:39:11) - Challenges and Changes in Military Service
(0:50:35) - Medical emergencies and Perseverance
(1:00:50) - Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life
(1:13:25) - Advice for Transitioning From the Military
8/16/2023 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 34 seconds
Matt Light: 3x Super Bowl Champ & New England Patriots HOF On His Journey To The NFL, Elaborate Team Pranks & Founding The Light Foundation
Perseverance, passion, and purpose.
That’s the inspiring life journey we have the privilege of listening to from three-time Superbowl champion, Matt Light. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Matt and Marcus delve into the remarkable story of a man who not only dominated the gridiron but is currently leaving an indelible mark off the field.
His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. Matt says had never seen a football game in his life until he played in his first college game, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career.
Matt Light's impact still extends far beyond the football field. He founded the Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young people through outdoor activities, leadership programs, and character development.
Matt Light is a true pro football legend. From his humble beginnings to his enduring influence, Matt’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the potential for greatness both on and off the field.
Socials:
- IG: The Light Foundation
- www.mattlight72.com
- www.celebrateTB12.com (Online Sweepstakes)
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- Nextevo.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I was blessed at an early age to be surrounded by doers – people that were creative, innovative, and crafty. They thought outside the box. (6:15)
• I truly had never seen a [football] game in my life until I played in my first college game. (7:58)
• Ending up in football? That was the farthest thing from my imagination, but it became a reality. (11:21)
• I never went to jail when I hit somebody with pads on. (19:33)
• [Football] should be violent sport, but the caveat is – It’s controlled violence. (19:48)
• My mom was adamant: whatever you start, you will finish – whether you like it or not. (21:24)
• The thing that makes a great coach is their ability to switch gears, depending on who it is they’re coaching. (26:56)
• [After a Superbowl win] it was overwhelming, surreal, and wild. You can’t write something like that, but you’re blessed to be a part of it. (55:34)
• I like the fight, and I take things personal, and I want to get better every day. (57:09)
• [Bill Belichick would ask a question] and if you didn’t have the answer, he was going to destroy you in front of the entire team. So everybody’s on pins and needles. (61:53)
• I practiced the little things every single day in practice. (72:25)
• I loved the opportunity to go out and prove that I deserved to be on that team. (75:19)
• [Our company goal – the Light Foundation - is to develop] responsible, ethical, accountable leaders. (81:53)
• Being around guys that were money every time we needed them in the highest pressure situations, was one of the coolest aspects of playing that game. (98:03)
• If you can consistently win with one move as a defensive lineman, you’re an all-pro player. (98:58)
8/9/2023 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 16 seconds
Bennie Wylie: USC's Director of Football Sports Performance & TV Game Show Winner Shares Insights on Fitness, Family & Coaching Top Ranked Programs
He’s a beast…
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus dives into the world of football strength and conditioning with none other than Bennie Wylie, a renowned coach, known for his impressive work with athletes. Bennie has helped the likes of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman and a multitude of elite athletes achieve their peak performance and reach their fitness goals.
Bennie got his start in strength and conditioning as a graduate assistant at Sam Houston State, then went to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Tennessee, The University of Texas, became Oklahoma’s director of sports performance for football, and currently is the director of football sports performance at USC.
Socials:
- Bwyliestrong
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Hillsdale.edu/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• You think you know what the NFL is, and then you get there and realize its not that at all. (9:55)
• [The NFL] is a profession. It’s not a glamour deal. It’s a job. (10:39)
• Most people could not handle it. Even if they have the talent, they couldn’t handle all the other stuff. (11:02)
• I started [working out] when I was 14, and I haven’t stopped, and I’m 47. (12:54)
• The older guys, you have to earn their trust, and earn their respect. (17:13)
• I can’t give my team the best and give my family the rest. (20:40)
• I’m supposed to love my wife the best of anything first. She’s my first. (21:02)
• [Your kids] are gonna be what you put in ‘em. (22:03)
• Learn from every life experience that you have in life. (30:14)
• People think I’m so extroverted and outgoing, and I am so not – I like being by myself. (33:13)
• Anything below the line – below the standard – is unacceptable. (38:00)
• Communication runs the world. (40:34)
8/2/2023 • 57 minutes, 30 seconds
Bringing Texas To San Diego w/ Former Gov. Rick Perry, Introducing Texas Tidbits & The Funny Story of How Marcus First Met Rick
Today, we bring an unconventional podcast to the Team Never Quit table. We are in San Diego and joining Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter is our favorite Texan, former Governor Rick Perry. Governor Perry brings an incredible knowledge of Texas history, which ties right in to Marcus’ idea of adding a few minutes in each week’s podcast to Texas Tidbits, where we talk about historical info, fun facts, Texas recommendations, food suggestions, Texas etiquette, etc. And who better to kick off Texas Tidbits than the longest serving governor in Texas history. We talk Texas Tidbits, and take a deep dive of the first time Marcus and the Governor met, exactly 17 years ago in San Diego.
Sponsors:
- NavyFederal.org
- Factormeals.com/TNQ50
- Policygenius.com
Studio Location:
- Loft 100 Studios in Carlsbad, California
In this episode you will hear:
• [Marcus] Longest serving governor in Texas history, then Secretary of Energy. (4:30)
• Agriculture has an inordinate impact on me, as it does on the state of Texas. (12:08)
• The greatest governor in Texas history. Nobody even comes in a close second, in my opinion – Sam Houston. (14:02)
• [Sam Houston] could probably have been elected President of the United States, had he stayed in the race in 1860. And had he won, I don’t think we would’ve had a civil war. (14:24)
• [Sam Houston] brought Texas into the nation. (15:33)
• When he left his house, [Sam Houston’s mother said to him: “And remember, my son, the door of the cottage will be forever open to a courageous man of honor, but it will be closed forever to a coward.” (16:22)
• The second greatest governor, in my opinion – Dolph Briscoe. (18:41)
• He [Dolph Briscoe] helped put into play the Farm to Market Road system, and helped put into place the Screwworm Eradication Program. (19:19)
• Eisenhower put into place the Interstate Highway System. For every 5 miles, you have to have a straight 1mile piece of road. (22:42)
• Governing’s not hard: Don’t overtax, don’t over regulate, don’t over litigate, and have a skilled workforce. (24:52)
7/26/2023 • 53 minutes, 33 seconds
Aaron Kendle: Retired Navy SEAL & Harvard Business Graduate Reveals His Shocking 'Never Quit' Story (2021)
What do you do when you witness a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky by an RPG, enter into spiraling depression, fail your team, as well as yourself, and then experience a horrible accident that causes you to lose your hand and forearm?
In Aaron Kendle's case, who refuses to be defined by failures, you pick yourself up, and lean on a never quit mindset to live life to its fullest, and achieve an incredible life.
Aaron is a retired Navy SEAL where he served as a specialized medic, sniper, airborne leader, and jump school instructor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, a father, a husband and a Scottsdale Charro. Mr. Kendle is a decorated member of the United States Navy, served as a member of SEAL Team 7, NSWG-1 Training Detachment, and Naval Special Warfare Development over a 15-year career and has dedicated his post-military professional career to helping his fellow brothers in arms transition back into civilian life.
Aaron comments: “My resume may read great — but what they don’t see is all of those fails between the lines. For me, those failures stay between the lines.”
Sponsors:
- Iherb.com/TNQ
- MySheetsRock.com/TNQ
- NavyFederal.org
Photo Credit: Methodist Hospital Aortic Center
In this episode you will hear:
• Obstacles and failures aren't your defining moments. It's everything that comes after that you grow from.
• Major physical injury doesn't define you.
• When major things change your life in the physical, figure out ways to do things the best you can.
• Make every day better that the day before.
• You can dwell on how great Plan A would've been. But when Plan A fails, you gotta come up with a plan B.
• Never leave a human hand in the freezer of your hotel room, where the cleaning staff can find it.
• After a devastating accident, the prevailing thought should be “I'm alive”.
• Terrible occurrences in your life can actually be used to give others, who are in despair, hope and encouragement.
• Perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life.
• There's a lot more to life. You just gotta figure out what it is.
• You don't get any better that the SEALS mentorship program.
• Everything we accomplish in life is based on failures.
• Pain and suffering unites us all.
• If there's one thing I think we're good at is stuffing emotions.
• Watching a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky with an RPG, is like watching a horrible movie.
7/19/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 58 seconds
Mike Glover: Retired Green Beret & CEO of Fieldcraft Survival Discusses How To Be Prepared In The Worst Case Scenarios
From pretending to be a soldier at a young age to becoming a Special Forces soldier to becoming an entrepreneur. That’s this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, former US Army Special Forces Green Beret, Mike Glover. With deployments to fourteen combat theaters, Mike worked in the US Army for over 18 years, serving as a weapons specialist, assaulter, sniper, recon specialist, team sergeant, joint terminal air controller (JTAC), and operations SGM.
Mike is the founder and CEO of Fieldcraft Survival, and host of the Fieldcraft Survival Podcast on iTunes, and Soundcloud. He is an avid outdoorsman, traveler, and hunter. He teaches survival and disaster preparedness and provides equipment solutions based on his experience in special operations. As an expert at counter-terrorism, Mike says that survival isn’t just technical ability; it is the encompassing of everything he has learned throughout his career: mindset, technical skills, and equipment.
Links/Socials:
- https://mikegloveractual.com/
- Instagram: Mike.a.glover
Sponsors:
- NavyFederal.org
- 55% off (Babbel.com/TNQ)
- 20% off (Fitbod.me/TNQ)
- Up to 80% off (GoodRX.com/TNQ)
In this episode you will hear:
• Common sense is not so common anymore. If more people paid attention to having a little more common sense, most of the things you see go wrong is because of the lack of it. (2:03)
• I joined the Army at the age of 17 and started my journey. (6:05)
• I was never the disciplinary unless it came to standards. If you wanted flexibility, you had to meet the baseline. (28:37)
• My military certainly taught me how to have and develop hard skills – technical skills. The overwhelming majority of me surviving had nothing to do with hard skills, but had everything to do with planning, preparation, attention to detail, culture, physical fitness, health and wellness, as a collective. (32:38)
• You have to understand how to operate and be resilient every single day. (33:29)
• Resilience, by far, is the hardest thing to teach. (34:36)
• Resilience is the act of getting up after you’ve been beat down. (37:39)
• “You’re going to rise to the occasion” is a misnomer. You’re going to fall to your level of training. (40:58)
• My company is called Fieldcraft Survival. (43:00)
• VSO – Village Stabilization Operations. You wanna have access to placement? Well, get into the environment where people live, train and educate them, empower them, and that place will be better. (50:03)
• One of the reasons me and Marcus were successful in our military careers is because we had an institution – a culture that was willing to listen to subject matter experts, and we took that information and applied it to our lives. (54:20)
7/12/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 44 seconds
Jonathan Harmon: U.S. Air Force PJ Opens Up On Operation Redwing & What It Took To Save Marcus Luttrell (Part 2)
This week, Marcus Luttrell and former U.S. Air Force PJ and combat rescue officer, Jonathan Harmon, pick up where they left off in their last episode, bringing to the table a deep dive discussion regarding the details of how Jonathan was able to reasonably calculate Marcus’ direction and future location during the Operation Red Wings series of events in Afghanistan in June, 2005. Many details of that op are included in today’s discussion. It has now been 18 years since Operation Red Wings occurred.
NOTE: “PJ” (Air Force Pararescuemen) are the only DOD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations.
Listen in as Jonathan & Marcus discuss the details of the efforts it took to bring Marcus home as the lone survivor of that operation.
In this episode you will hear:
• He [Matt Axelson] had made it close to a village and ended up being shot and killed. And then a villager took his body even further away and buried it. (4:27)
• The best record we have [of Operation Red Wings] is from Marcus’ memory. (5:24)
• I think the American public would find it completely fascinating to learn what efforts our government will go to, to bring their people home. (10:24)
• What if you had the ability - and we knew there was a television close by - and you’re being held in a foreign country. It [a discrete message] could be so much as just a message on the television as simple as a small American flag on the screen. (11:55)
• If you can think of the worst day of your entire life, and how despondent you can be - that’s every day in captivity. (13:17)
• He [Marcus’ primary target] - disappeared through an air strike. (18:31)
• So I hand my map off, [and proceeds to list his specific findings] and predict where they would end up, and I’m told: “We’re going to Afghanistan.” (23:36)
• The two [sources of information - the Army’s findings and Jonathan’s findings] validated one another. So we had a location and we had confirmation. (28:07)
• For those that don’t know, we stripped that aircraft down. We took nothing that wasn’t necessary. (30:00)
• I like to call it a recovery – not of remains – but of a person because rescue would imply that we are rescuing you from our friendly forces. That’s not necessarily the case. (30:58)
• I think the first thing [that should happen to Marcus after his recovery] is that and he needed to get a full blown medical evaluation. (33:27)
• Doc Dickens will convince you that you are superman. You’re the fullest expression of yourself. (38:32)
• If there was a father figure for all of us – it was him [Doc Dickens]. (40:29)
• One has to consider the gravity of the circumstances [of Operation Red Wings]. The single most loss of life in the history of the United States Navy SEALS just happened. (42:27)
• To be given the clothing of the village elder is a personification of being him himself. (51:10)
• [Jonathan telling Marcus] Your adherence to your faith in captivity was unique among all stories I’ve ever heard. (51:48)
• If you pull the John Wayne act [while in enemy captivity], you’re gonna get tortured and killed. (53:52)
• He [Marcus] rewrote singlehandedly a lot of our resistance posture training because we were fighting a different kind of enemy that we didn’t write manuals for. (56:10)
• [Marcus] They would laugh at me because I would fall down, and I just kept trying. I would fail all the time. I can’t believe they kept me. (60:19)
• [Jonathan to Marcus] I have a question to ask you and I want you to think about this. Do you want to continue to operate? Or do you want to be a hero? And he thinks about it and says, “Fuck, man. I wanna operate.” (71:58)
• We learned early on that asking permission wasn’t gonna work. The very first thing I learned from the SEALS – beg for forgiveness. (87:55)
7/5/2023 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 52 seconds
Behind the Uniform: Remembering Operation Redwing
June 28, 2005 is remembered as one of the biggest losses the SF/SO community has endured.
We have seen the portrayal of that battle and the rescue missions in the movie Lone Survivor and in documentaries from the Smithsonian Institute. Hundreds of thousands of people have since found inspiration and displayed high levels of patriotism in honor of the bravery and valor these men displayed.
Today, we ask you to get to know the men behind the uniform and join us in keeping their memories alive along with those who knew them best. Say their names to a friend or family member and share their stories with those who may not know.
It has been said that when a loved one dies, the family experiences two deaths – once when they leave this earth and again when people forget who they were.
Please join us and never forget those who gave all during Operation Red Wings.
In this episode, you will hear from:
• Laura McGreevy, Surviving Spouse of Lt Michael M. McGreevy, Jr.
• Char Westfall, Surviving Spouse of SOC Jacques J. Fontan
• Erin Taylor, Surviving Spouse of SO1 Jeffrey S. Taylor
• Patsy Dietz, Surviving Spouse of SO2 Danny Dietz
• Cindy Axelson, Surviving Spouse of SO2 Matthew Axelson
• Rhonda Lucas, Surviving Spouse of SO1 Jeffery A. Lucas
• Norminda Healy, Surviving Spouse of SOCS Daniel R. Healy
• Chase Patton, Brother to SO2 Shane E. Patton
• Judy Goare, Mother of SSG Shamus O. Goare
• Maureen Murphy, Mother of Lt Michael P. Murphy
• Claudia Suh, Sister to SO2 James E. Suh
Note: Not all families were able to participate in the video calls from which this audio was derived. We will always remember them and thank them for their service.
Other Soldiers Who Gave All During Operation Red Wings:
• CWO3 Corey J. Goodnature
• SGT Kip A. Jacoby
• LCDR Erik S. Kristensen
• SFC Marcus V. Muralles
• MSG James W. Ponder, III
• MAJ Stephen C. Reich
• SFC Michael L. Russell
• CWO4 Chris J. Scherkenbach
Marcus continues to honor the fallen and asks that you join him never forgetting their bravery and sacrifice.
June 28, 2005 – Never Forget.
6/28/2023 • 36 minutes, 48 seconds
Jonathan Harmon: U.S. Air Force PJ & Combat Rescue Officer Opens Up On Operation Red Wing & What It Took To Save Marcus Luttrell (Part 1)
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus has a deep dive conversation with U.S. Air Force PJ, and combat rescue officer, Jonathan Harmon.
NOTE: “PJ” (Air Force Pararescuemen) are the only DOD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations.
Jonathan was instrumental in successfully locating Marcus in Afghanistan with the most miniscule of data which facilitated his subsequent rescue. Listen in to Jonathan’s fascinating details of all that it takes to bring our soldiers home.
In this episode you will hear:
• My Aunt was a WASP (Women’s Auxiliary Service Pilot). She flew aircraft across the Atlantic, and trained other pilots. They would test and assure that an aircraft was safe to fly. (10:06)
• I had absolutely no intention of joining the military. I was into skating & surfboarding. (16:28)
• I loved skydiving. I was with my peeps for the first time in my life. (23:23)
• [Red ants] get real pissed off when you do 8 counts on top of them. (29:57)
• [In Afghanistan rescue missions] you’re out there rescuing kids and village elders. You want to let them know that you stand shoulder to shoulder with them. You’re not gonna leave ‘em high and dry. (51:09)
• It wasn’t that I traded a life for a degree, but that how it felt. I promised myself that I would never allow my education get in the way of my job. (65:33)
• One of the best things we learned was that one of the best medicines, sometimes, is lead. (70:12)
• Most people don’t know that 1003 Victor became known as Iraqi Freedom. (75:42)
• I had the chance to coordinate about 1,000 rescue missions. Recovery missions as well as rescue missions. (76:05)
• Reintegration is the process that returns people with homer, helping them transition back from captivity or isolation, back to their units and families so they can become “value added.” (78:18)
• We’re seeing Post traumatic stress in epic proportions. (79:26)
• As a PJ, we focus on medical – combat medicine. (80:41)
• I can’t declare a personnel recovery event, because they’re not my forces. (91:38)
• It’s important to know that a report has to come through a channel that is bonafide. (91:47)
• [Operation Red Wings - After a series of signals and analysis, I thought] what I feel like is that I’ve got somebody on the run. And I’m really certain it’s an American, because of where they’re running and how they’re running. And it gave me a confidence factor that I had at least one survivor. [97:34)
6/21/2023 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 2 seconds
Kelsie Sheren: Canadian Combat Vet To Entrepreneur, CEO of Brass & Unity, Author & Podcaster
From Combat to Creativity.
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus dives into the inspiring story of his guest, Kelsi Sheren, a combat veteran and artillery gunner in the Canadian military. She was a competitive Tae Kwon Do champion from the ages of four to nineteen and holds a second-degree black belt. Join us as we explore her experiences serving in Afghanistan, her battle with PTSD, and her remarkable transformation through art therapy, at the recommendation of her therapist, which lead to the creation of a successful jewelry and eyewear brand, Brass & Unity. Kelsi's endeavor was to make jewelry from spent shell casings. Twenty percent of net profits go toward helping veterans who are suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Listen in as the discussion details Kelsi's journey to find healing and purpose.
Links
- https://brassandunity.com/
Socials
- Kelsi_sheren
- Brassandunity
Sponsors
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Hillsdale.edu/TNQ
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• When we start something, we finish it. (7:28)
• I became a high level competitive fighter and a national-level fighter by the time I was 12-13. (7:43)
• I learned a long time ago that Taekwondo was not super applicable in real life if I was being grabbed from behind. (12:24)
• That’s how you know you’re living a fulfilled live – if you’re laughing to the point that you hurt. (15:19)
• Comedy is levity. (16:19)
• [Marcus] PTSD is Pharmaceutical Training Stand By for Dosage. (36:12)
• My mom saw the side of me that she didn’t recognize. She saw what war looks like. I was 19. (40:10)
• Nobody knew how to deal with mental health at the time. Nobody understood that the reactions I was getting were disproportionate for a reason. (40:48)
• Yes, I guess I’m technically an author. My friends are all dying by suicide. And they’re dying at a pace I find unacceptable. How do I help? I don’t know, so why don’t I start helping myself and give myself the tools to then go and help others. (43:52)
• [Melanie] Your survival turned into a business. (44:20)
• In Canada, we offer medical assistance in dying, instead of treatment. (45:09)
• I’ve been screaming about suicide prevention since 2016. (47:53)
• Why aren’t we trying fitness? Why aren’t we trying nutrition? Why aren’t we looking at religion? That’s when I found psychedelics. (48:32)
• When I left the Canadian Army, I was left. No one called, no one knew where I was, no one cared. (51:37)
• Then I did brain treatment. I mean like I’m on some new shit. And when I say it got dangerous, it’s a scary level to feel this good. (53:59)
• I don’t care what you need – you just need to ask. (54:20)
• I got to go help some people, and close a chapter in my life that I didn’t get to close because of how I left Afghanistan. (59:05)
• It takes someone from within the community to heal the community. No one else is gonna do it for us. (69:25)
6/14/2023 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 59 seconds
Randy Beausoleil: Navy SEAL Officer On His Risky Combat Missions, Becoming a BUD/S Instructor & Putting Marcus Luttrell Through Training
What an amazing guest Marcus brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast.
Randy Beausoleil served for 34 years as a Navy SEAL, the world’s most elite fighting force. He earned two Bronze Star medals with the Combat "V", and fought in every major conflict since 1984.
In this episode, Randy speaks in detail about a mission he participated in an attempt to take down Panama’s dictator and drug lord, Manuel Noriega. The successful underwater strategies of the SEALS was beyond risky, and the specifics of how it was executed is compelling, to say the least.
These days, Randy’s relentless pursuit is to teach mental toughness to those who are willing to do what it takes. He has counseled SEAL platoon commanders and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a skilled teacher, leader, tactical advisor, and President of Old 18 Information Services.
Randy’s Book co-written with Brian “lucky” Riley: Unwavered: The Self-Belief of a Navy SEAL and TOPGUN Pilot
In this episode you will hear:
• I liked it. Jumping out of a Hilo - all that stuff - I’m kinda like “Okay, this it kinda it.” (9:08)
• I tell people that BUD/S was the most adult experience of my life. (12:39)
• It just a miserable program being in fleet. (12:47)
• I hated every second of the fleet part of the Navy. (13:00)
• [Manuel] Noriega was the king of drugs and all the other things bad. If you can remove God from society, he did everything that would happen once you do that. (22:34)
• President Bush, Sr. made him [Noriega] a target for – let’s just say “extraction.” (22:51)
• This was a completely soft-oriented mission- to go down and get Noriega. Everybody went down there to get one guy. To get him out of the country and turn that country over to the next democratic leader. He was just pumping drugs into the US. (23:50)
• I loved the whole BUD/S experience. (59:04)
• There is no comparison, in my opinion, for any other training on the planet. (59:47)
• Once you make it through Hell Week, I don’t want to say you’re a Team guy, but you have really done something. 80% of the other people are already gone. (61:0)
• I am full, 100% against body armor. Period. Dot. (75:35)
• I don’t think you take a special warfare SEAL, and put him in body armor to do anything. I’d rather move fast and quick with a group of guys. (75:41)
• We took all the basic stuff we were teaching and put it in that book, Unwavered. If you have unwavering self-belief, then you can accomplish anything. (90:30)
• You’re talking about an all-consuming mindset. That’s the only thing you’re thinking about. And if you allow all external influences (cancers) to weigh you down, you’re never gonna make it. (91:25)
• Your ability to survive is based on your ability to fight on their terms, to be sneaky, to know their tactics. It was super challenging. (98:34)
6/7/2023 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 52 seconds
Staff Sgt. Shilo Harris On Surviving an IED Explosion & His Incredible Road To Recovery
This week’s Team Never Quit guest, Shilo Harris, has an amazing story to tell. He speaks with Marcus about the details of his second deployment with the U.S Army’s 10th Mountain Division near Baghdad. Shilo’s armored vehicle was struck by an IED, which killed three of his fellow soldiers, injured the driver, and burned a third of his body, causing the loss of his ears, the tip of his nose and three fingers. The explosion also fractured his left collarbone and C-7 vertebrae. As a result, he spent nearly three years recovering and undergoing intensive physical therapy at the burn unit of Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. While there, he was the first soldier to participate in regenerative stem-cell research to regrow his fingers, and later received prosthetic ears, and he has a hilarious story to share about them.
Today, Shilo is a motivational speaker, raising awareness for PTSD and serving as an inspiration to fellow soldiers.
“Everything in life is a gift. Sometimes it may not be the gift you want, but you realize that your challenges are a new beginning.”
In this episode you will hear:
• I’ve been extremely blessed. (17:53)
• Me being a burn guy, I have a hard time regulating my body temperature, because the scar tissue acts like wearing a jacket all the time. It just doesn’t breathe. (18:50)
• [While shopping for a hat, the girl] like a good salesperson, figured she could just size me up. She set that hat on me and popped it down. When she did, both my ears popped off, and hit the floor, bouncing around. (20:06)
• I was in a van one day, and there were several wounded warriors, and everybody was missing something. One of the guys looked around and said “Damn, all of us together make like one whole man, maybe two.” (24:47)
• My dad, being a veteran, we spent a lot of time at the American Legion. The American Legion out there was kind of like a bar. (25:52)
• I knew what I wanted. I wanted combat arms. (33:01)
• [In Bagdad] every day, there was an IED that went off in our area somewhere. (39:30)
• I could see that my face was charred black, my hair was gone, my ears were gone, my nose was gone, I had blood running out of everything, and I started panicking. (50:29)
• I was thinking: “I better get a day off for this.” (51:02)
• I spent 48 days in a medically induced coma. (52:51)
• [I had given up] and my dad said, “Are you done, soldier?” And it just washed over me, thinking holy crap, I’m a quitter before I even tried to start the fight. Where did my pride go? (55:24)
• When he walked out of the room, he [my dad] literally just looked at me and said “Then get your ass up and start doing the work.” And I did. (59:59)
• I was actually one of the first individuals to attempt regenerative growth. (66:00)
• Faith, regardless of what it is, can get you through your worst days, your darkest moments. (75:17)
5/31/2023 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 51 seconds
Billy Shelton: Training The Luttrell Brothers & Friends, Untold Stories From High School & The Importance of Having Supportive Friends
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus gathers up with the legendary Billy "Soupbone" Shelton, of Willis, Texas, an Army Special Forces veteran who, for over 3 decades, has been providing intense physical and mental training for young men, producing Navy SEALS, Army Rangers and other military Special Forces soldiers. Soupbone’s approach is brutal, physically challenging and very successful. He prepares fighting men for the harsh realities of combat.
One of Soupbone’s gems is this podcasts host, Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL awarded the Navy Cross and author of the bestselling book, "Lone Survivor".
Billy Shelton does it because He wants to see his “sons” come home alive.
(Also joining Marcus and Billy are Morgan Luttrell, Tommy & David Thornberry, who trained with Billy Shelton.)
In this episode you will hear:
• Melanie: In the 13 years that we’ve been together we get asked more about you than anybody else. (5:21)
• Billy: When I’d pull up and go in the front door [of the gym] they’d run out the back door. (13:07)
• Tommy: The new guy’s rite of passage was that they had a harder workout because he [Billy] wanted to put the screws to ‘em to make sure they got it. (25:54)
• Tommy: It’s not that we were born that way, it’s that we were made that way. (29:31)
• Tommy: Billy looked out his window and this kid [after his workout] was hunched over in his car. Billy asked, “Are you ok?” The kid answered: I feel great. I just can’t lift my arms to drive. (31:02)
• Morgan: No matter what shape you were in when you showed up, you’d eventually get us there.
• Marcus: You didn’t wanna bring anybody, but if you did, you knew they were gonna get it. (32:55)
• Morgan: If one of your buddies came down and they were struggling, it always put you in a position that you had to help them. (33:08)
• Morgan: Like in the military, if there’s a weak link, you were forced to get down there and get ‘em. (33:18)
• Marcus: To anyone who’s never seen a human being catapult over a wheelbarrow [full of rocks] while running… (40:58]
• Billy: I don’t look at em like a Marine or Navy SEAL or a hunter, they’re my kids. I love ‘em. (44:50)
• Melanie: No matter what you put Marcus or anyone through, they just wouldn’t quit. (53:09)
• Billy: You CANNOT quit. (53:14)
• Tommy: If there’s something wrong, you know it. There’s help out there for you. (65:27)
• Tommy: I walked in there and there was 8 people. I said “what’s the party for?” They said “sir, we’d like you to have a seat.” I’m like “why? Did you guys find a tumor or something? And they’re like “Oooh” (66:14)
• Tommy: Iron therapy is the way I get through stuff. (67:30)
• Tommy: One of the docs that was part of the surgical team had Covid, with my skull open. (68:55)
• Tommy: We don’t stop – ever. (70:32)
• Tommy: Time to get back in the fight. (72:57)
5/24/2023 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 48 seconds
Bryan Ray Recalls His Experience On The Battlefield, Overcoming Trauma & Embracing Health w/ HVMN
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus brings to the table Special Forces Officer Bryan Ray, who has both a lengthy, positive military career as well as a “dark side” military experience that shook him to his core. Bryan & Marcus take a deep dive into Bryan’s experiences which include serving in the war in Afghanistan and running the Mountain Warfare School in Colorado.
It took a friend’s similar mental struggles and professional help to finally get past the emotional impact of his horrific experience. His healing journey includes working with a health and wellness company – Health Via Modern Nutrition (HVMN) – who developed a ketone supplement, Keytone IQ, which is proven to improve cognitive and physical performance to soldiers. Bryan brings hope to veterans who have kept their mental struggles to themselves, and reveals the benefits of getting help without embarrassment or shame.
In this episode you will hear:
• One of the most rewarding parts of war is seeing the culture of the people who live there.
• People have it a lot harder than we do in this country.
• Even in places torn by war, you can still be happy with what minimal things you have.
• I’m finding myself driving around in a Toyota Corolla - man jammies on, with a freaking gun and a backpack, hoping I don’t get killed by a U.S. Army guy.
• [War] is like taking an Oxford grad, and taking him to the deepest swamp in Louisiana and having a conversation. That was what my formal Arabic training was like.
• I’ve now been to two combat zones where our President is on TV saying we have now stopped and all combat troops are going home - right before we go out to do a hit.
• Have I seen an MRack Turbo turned into a jet for a hot tub? Yes, I have.
• Mountain shit is stressful.
• [With Keytone IQ] You can dual fuel now. You can take the most efficient fuel which is ketones and you can also have carbs on board for when you need it. So you get the mental clarity - all the stuff you need from the keytones, and you don’t have to have a restrictive diet.
• [It’s a] Super application for the ground guys.
• I want people to try it [Keytone IQ]. I want people to say it’s the real deal.
• You only buy Oakley’s for so long before they show up in the supply room.
• The man behind the weapons systems is always gonna be more important, and the more effective he is, the better.
• Stop wasting money on shit that works a little bit and phases out immediately and invest a tenth of that into the man – make a better soldier.
• There’s a lot more guys that have [mental] issues than are willing to say they have issues.
• I had an event in Afghanistan that challenged me morally. I was directly responsible for the deaths of young children. Of all the things I’ve done overseas – that was really rough.
• It wasn’t until somebody I trusted that told me they were feeling what I was feeling that I was willing to go get help.
Links:
Partner link: https://hvmn.com/TNQ
20% OFF code: TNQ
5/17/2023 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 30 seconds
Treating Mental Health w/ Psychedelics: Trevor Millar & Marcus Luttrell Discuss The Benefits of This Powerful Medicine
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus welcomes his guest, Trevor Millar, who has a unique, proven addiction-treating specialty. Trevor details the anti-additive properties of Ibogaine, a powerful African psychedelic with a high success rate for treating heroin and opiate addiction, Parkinson’s disease, and other psychological processes and neurological disorders. Trevor discusses significant acceptance of Ibogaine in Canada, which could result in the legitimization of this medicine, and other psychedelic medicines globally.
In this episode you will hear:
• [I had an] un-traumatic childhood. Kudos to my parents. (13:48)
• I never have to worry about what I’m going to do in life because I could always fall back to waiting tables and love it. (21:50)
• The first time I ever consumed LSD I was 14 years old. (39:26)
• This is what adults have forgotten that has made the world so screwed up. (42:26)
• The first person I ever gave Ibogaine to was a 72 year old man who wanted to quit smoking. (47:00)
• Getting addicted to opiates is not like getting addicted to other substances. A lot of other substances, it’s a psychological addiction. With opiates, it’s actually a physical addiction. (50:26)
• The only true cause of death is birth. (53:53)
• [Ibogaine] has this amazing quality of “reset”. (63:47)
• As we live life, were seeing life through a plane of glass. Like a filter. As our hearts get broken, as we suffer traumas, that glass gets dirty. And it gets so dirty, we don’t even recognize that it’s dirty anymore. And what these psychedelic substances seem to be able to do is clean that glass from the inside out. (65:23)
• Ibogaine has the potential to keep working on you and with you. (70:26)
• There will be a prescription within 2-4 years within the states. (85:32)
• It’s something that it does that enables you to say “Life is awesome. My purpose is everywhere. I can just be happy for no reason again.” (92:58)
• It brings out the best in people. (98:32)
5/10/2023 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 42 seconds
The Power of Advocacy: The Inspiring Story of Sarah Verardo, CEO of The Independence Fund
From enduring her husband’s life-changing, horrific war injuries to becoming a National Advocate for wounded Veterans and their Caregivers, Sarah Verardo’s relentless never quit attitude has driven her to the forefront of two separate organizations who see the needs of Veterans and Allies, which have given her the opportunity to steward resources and support where and when they are most crucially needed.
Sarah’s husband, Sgt. Michael Verardo was catastrophically wounded in Afghanistan in two separate IED attacks that took his left leg, much of his left arm, and left him with polytraumatic conditions that have required over one hundred surgeries and years of speech, visual, physical, and occupational therapies.
Nevertheless, Sarah speaks with Marcus about the everyday challenges she and her daughters face in the care of her husband, her involvement as the CEO of The Independence Fund, and being at the forefront of Afghan Ally inclusion within the Veteran community. In August 2021, the collapse of Afghanistan led her and three others to co-found the direct-response rescue and aid organization - Save Our Allies, who evacuated more than 17,000 US citizens, SIV holders, and wartime Allies from the country and assisted in medical and humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
In this episode you will hear:
• [Michael Verardo] was injured the first time. He was riding as a gunner and hit a roadside IED. He was ejected out. (12:54)
• On his very first foot patrol back in - It was 14 days to the day of the first IED, there was an old Russian land mine that had been hooked up to 2 – 15gallon drums of homemade explosives, and it was game over. His left leg was immediately blown off. Most of his left arm was blown off. They actually ended up sewing it to his back on his medical flight. He burned over 30% of his body. He had damage to his airway, his eardrums were blown out. It was significant poly trauma. (13:29)
• Marcus: “He got banged up and then you all got married?” (17:02)
• Marcus: You know the odds of that happening? That’s when you know you’re not behind the wheel. (17:46)
• That sense of patriotism calling – That’s all he wanted to do. (18:02)
• It’s been horrific. More than my worst nightmare. (18:26)
• He actually handed me a Bible before he handed me an engagement ring. (20:18)
• He said holiness needs to be more important than happiness. (20:37)
• His only prosthetic leg broke, and I duct taped it for 57 days while I waited for someone at the VA to sign a piece of paper. (33:18)
• The Navy and the Navy hospital took care of him as if he was one of their own while we waited for VA to kick in. (24:23)
• I think there needs to be permanent designations for certain conditions. (26:24)
• It seems that some people – not all - at VA would rather fail by following the process, than succeed by deviating from it. (27:21)
• Independence Fund started out in the halls of Water Reed, wanting to give independence back to those who sacrificed theirs for us. (34:39)
• If someone did not care about Afghanistan at that time, it told me everything I needed to know about them. (41:47)
• I think the White House wants us to move on from Afghanistan. They’re not only not helping – I think they’re actively in the way of groups that want to do good. (52:36)
• Reach out to the wounded veterans in your community and help these families. (59:15)
5/3/2023 • 1 hour, 7 seconds
Jeremy Mahugh On His Journey From Special Operations To Fighting Human Trafficking, Launching Caim Technology
From Navy SEAL sniper with Special Operations and Intelligence Community experience to Co-Founder of Caim Technology, a counter human trafficking organization.
That’s this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Jeremy Mahugh. Marcus and Jeremy get in the weeds regarding Jeremy’s involvement in the development of cell phone app technology capable of identifying potential human trafficking risks as a preventive measure against being victimized.
Caim Technology
www.caim.tech
In this episode you will hear:
• [While in a float tank] I thought, “I wonder what it’d feel like if I just rolled over?”. I got the salt in my nose, and eyes, and ears, and the rest of the hour was shot. (8:41)
• Everybody has the ability to travel now, but some people still don’t. (15:24)
• [My grandfather] was in the Army Air Corps and was shot down over Yugoslavia in World War II. He was a POW. (22:44)
• I’m still not sure if they know what soccer is in Texas. (24:03)
• I just wanted to be part of a team – I wanted to part of something that was gonna push me to be better. (27:26)
• [Caim Technology] is focused on collecting any kind of data on human trafficking or exploitation. (57:39)
• One of the things that’s been missing is having a tool to put in the hands of the consumer. So we have a mobile app that will tell you if you’re interacting with someone in the [human trafficking] database. (58:02)
• You can connect a consumer with a product via smart phone. That’s also happening in the human trafficking world. (59:51)
• Q: Is the app available? A: We’re probably a month or two away from being launched. We’re collecting data from a multitude of websites. (66:11)
• It will go to the app store soon, and has to go through beta testing. (66:30)
• Technology has gotten to the point that it is everything to us. (70:22)
• It’s the Wild West. There’s never been good parameters on how [AI] can be used. (75:16)
• Everybody has a need to deal with this [Caim App] and has a need for good information. (78:04)
• What I love about what we’re doing now is we’re here to support all of you. Our for-profit is there to make money, but provide tools and prevention and have a huge hammer in the fight against human trafficking. (82:15)
4/26/2023 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 4 seconds
Robert "Cujo" Teschner: Award Winning U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot, Senior Joint Staff Officer, 2x Bestselling Author
What a privilege it is to have the top graduate of the Air Force Top Gun School and retired U.S. Air Force F-22 and F-15 fighter pilot and squadron commander, Rob “Cujo” Teschner in the studio with Marcus for this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. Listen in for an inspiring conversation with Cujo, whose life is an amazing success story, and whose life mission is to teach and inspire others, bridging the gap between the principles of high performance combat veterans and high performance business.
His fight with Colorectal Cancer is what prompted Cujo to retire from the Air Force early. Yet his ambition led to his path of entrepreneurship, leadership and team development. Cujo is the founder and CEO of VMax Group, an international leadership training company and he has authored several books, two of which went to #1 on the Amazon bestseller list.
In this episode you will hear:
• I loved being part of the Air Force family. We lived all over the place. (7:57)
• 1977 when Luke Skywalker wants to join some academy and then join the rebellion. That resonated with me. (9:49)
• As a kid, I felt like the military was my family. It’s what I knew. (10:50)
• I thought it was always cool to hop on an airplane to go someplace new. To meet new people along the way. (13:00)
• My letter – the one that says “thanks for applying” never said “try again”. (18:26)
• The more people told me it wasn’t gonna happen the more committed I was to proving them wrong. (20:47)
• I had never flown an airplane before I went to the Air Force Academy. (23:32)
• Isn’t that stunning how fast we accelerate leadership – how fast we accelerate somebody to realize their potential? (27:07)
• If there was a time period I could freeze it would be First Lieutenant to Captain, because that’s when I was out there doing the mission. (28:28)
• What we need is a constant stream of warriors who are ready to go forth and do. (35:18)
• The biggest honor of my military career was being called to be an instructor at our Fighter Weapons School, basically it’s the Air Force Top Gun Program. (36:49)
• You can beat people up and tell them how much they suck and they can learn from that, but another alternative might be Hey Cujo, we were 2 decisions from victory today. (43:55)
• I try to apply that to my kids. (44:46)
• One of the huge blessings of my life was being a part of teams that mattered. (48:09)
• Our family team got a whole heck of a lot better as a result of my failure with cancer. That caused us to focus where we needed to. I’m eternally grateful for it. (52:32)
• One of the best 4-star bosses I ever worked for would come in every month and ask us “Hey what are you doing for the home team?” (55:33)
4/19/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 25 seconds
Drago Dzieran: US Navy SEAL, Author of 'Pledge To America' (Part 2)
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, we bring you Part 2 of this episode featuring Drago Dzieran. A real American – born in Poland.
Drago Dzieran is a former political prisoner for his activism against Communism. After arriving in the United States unable to speak English, Drago eventually became a US citizen, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to serve as a Navy SEAL for 20 years. In Iraq, he fought in over 100 combat missions as the Naval Special Warfare Lead Breacher. Drago was awarded Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, in addition to other various awards and decorations.
Following his honorable retirement after twenty years in the Navy, Dzieran began a successful career as a software engineer. Drago founded the Navy SEALs Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of providing support for all generations of current, retired, and former UDT/SEAL teammates, their immediate dependents as well as Gold Star Families. Listen in as Drago shares his amazing life journey from Poland to living life as a real American in service to others.
In this episode you will hear:
• Once they take away your freedom of speech, they censor you, they put out fake news… you have no defenses. (4:08)
• The law was created in the socialist state to penalize free thinking. To criminalize opposition. (4:29)
• America was built on the idea of personal freedom. (7:10)
• [In the Ukraine] freedom is being taken away from them slowly. (8:37)
• These people [Ukranians] are fighting for their lives now - freedom. (10:16)
• We have former Generals saying that the Russians – “these poor souls don’t know they’re at war. They think they are on exercises.” You have to be an imbecile to repeat something like this. You have to be an idiot. (11:32)
• [Ukranians] They want to be free, and our media is lying about it. (12:53)
• Ukranians were always very patriotic. (13:10)
• [Navy SEALS Fund] The way we operate is different than most charities. We don’t have paid positions. The fund is run by SEALS only. (35:57)
• We help the Gold Start families: the spouse, the children, parents and siblings. (43:19)
• We need to do something right then. We don’t need to send it through this board of “Lets talk about it when we meet next month. (44:27)
There would be no Drago if not for people like Marcus, Morgan, Rob, Tage, Taco, & Jocco. (48:09)
• For the Navy SEAL fund we don’t have forms and check the box. (61:08)
• [Drago’s Book} The Pledge to America. (64:44)
• I’m a better American today than I was yesterday, and I want to be a better American tomorrow than I am today. (64:50)
• My biggest accomplishment is becoming a U.S. citizen. (65:05)
4/12/2023 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 33 seconds
Surviving The Unimaginable: Drago Dzieran's Journey From Political Prisoner To Navy SEAL (Part 1)
A real American – born in Poland.
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus meets with Drago Dzieran, a former political prisoner for his activism against Communism. After arriving in the United States unable to speak English, Drago eventually became a US citizen, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to serve as a Navy SEAL. In Iraq, he fought in over 100 combat missions as the Naval Special Warfare Lead Breacher. Drago was awarded Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, in addition to other various awards and decorations.
Following his honorable retirement after twenty years in the Navy, Dzieran began a successful career as a software engineer. Drago founded the Navy SEALs Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of providing support for all generations of current, retired, and former UDT/SEAL teammates, their immediate dependents as well as Gold Star Families. Listen in as Drago shares his amazing life journey from Poland to living life as a real American in service to others.
In this episode you will hear:
• I was born in communist Poland. It was actually a socialist state run by communists. My father was part of the evil system. (7:13)
• When the first Persian Gulf war broke out, I thought it was my moral obligation to support my country (8:35)
• I’m not Polish-American; I am not “Something”-American. There is no hyphen. I’m just American. (8:50)
• I could not build a job for my fellow citizens, but I could defend them. (8:56)
• I spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL. (9:22)
• For my father, it was first to obey the government. (10:28)
• [My grandmother] taught me how to pray, and what to pray for. (11:25)
• [My grandmother told me] “[The communists] kill people and imprison people for their beliefs. (11:52)
• I still remember her [grandmother’s] words: “Poland is not free. It will not be free until we get rid of these people. (12:01)
• [When my father found out] I was not allowed to pray with my grandmother alone. (12:45).
• Pre-war Poland had one of the strongest Navy’s in the Baltic Sea. (16:55)
• Prison time for me was education. A huge education about Polish history. (27:36)
• [My father] believed that we need to convince people to socialism, because it offers such great things, but if we can’t, we have the power to eliminate these people. We call them enemies of the state. (30:47)
• Even today, while Poland is free, some of them are being prosecuted. (38:17)
• I’ll be the best US citizen America can have. (42:11)
• American is built on goodness. (47:32)
• You can live in the United States without being a citizen, but I wanted to be American. (56:02)
4/5/2023 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 35 seconds
In Honor Of Mike Day: Decorated Navy SEAL & American Hero (2020)
NOTE: Today’s TNQP episode is a rebroadcast of our episode featuring Navy SEAL Mike Day. We bring it you in his honor and memory.
Navy SEALS Mike Day and Marcus Luttrell engage in the graphic details of an unbelievable event that Mike, against all odds, survived. He took 27 rounds of an AK-47 pounding while on a mission in Fallujah, and lived to tell about it. When Mike shares his unparalleled true story, you won’t stop listening till the end. It’s a totally captivating series of events, told by the man who lived it.
In this episode you will hear:
• Fear’s either gonna lock you up, or it’s gonna tighten you up. I’m not saying go
out and do ridiculous shit every day, but its good to do stuff that scares you,
because if its good, it’s a tiny bit past what your comfort level is, and that’s how
you build resilience, you just get out of your comfort level.
• I humbly submit myself as an example. (17:00)
• The only reason anybody knows me is because I got shot too many times. (17:20)
• I would make sure people were asleep before I went out; it was a lot safer. (21:54)
• The worst part about being over there is not actually doing the op, it’s getting to
and from. That’s where you get all messed up. (25:50)
• A door in a room means something. (26:50)
• When you blow stuff up, people wake up and they want to start shooting at
you. (27:09)
• It’s really hard to kill a dog with one shot. (27:40)
• I’ve walked through suburban areas in Iraq, with forty dogs barking at me, and
nobody wakes up. (27:49)
• It’s amazing that twenty people can see the same thing, and see something
totally different. (30:41)
• Literally from the time I dropped my right foot in that room, to the time I hit the
ground, to the first guy that I killed, might have been five seconds – it seemed
like minutes to me. (31:41)
• A round went through the of the foot of the magazine – blew the hand grips off
the magazine. I could feel the springs in the palms of my hands, and I cleared the malfunction and I killed those two dudes. (37:25)
• I was a way better social worker than I was a SEAL. (44:25)
3/29/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds
Mike Gabler On Winning "Survivor" & Donating $1M Prize To Charity
While there have been veterans who have competed in the reality show: Survivor: Season 43, never has there been a non-veteran winner who gave away the entirety of the $1,000,000 prize to veteran organizations. Until now. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, meet Mike Gabler who did just that. What an engaging conversation Mike and Marcus have, as Mike shares some of the behind the scenes stories related to the program. Mike, a Texas native, comes from a family of veterans, but he serves his country in a significantly different way. He is a heart valve specialist, working with top surgeons and cardiologists - a multicultural group of people with a common focus - to take care of the patient.
At age 43, Mike was the oldest contestant of the season, and the second oldest competitor in the history of Survivor. The lack of food and nourishment was really getting to him, yet he excelled in individual competition. He explained that he gained strength by thinking about the military members who are currently fighting, as well as those who’ve passed, and who’ve sacrificed so much for our nation.
“I’m gonna donate the entire prize – the entire million dollars – in my father’s name, Robert Gabler, who’s a Green Beret, to Veterans in need who are struggling from psychiatric problems, PTSD, and to curb the suicide epidemic.” “Lot of heroes served in our military. We do this for fun; they do this for real.”
Thumbnail Image:
- CBS via Getty Images
In this episode you will hear:
• Everybody on Survivor likes Type 2 fun, because that’s what it was. (6:33)
• We all became really close. We’re friends to this day. (6:38)
• I went into the game at 200 pounds, and came out at 176. (8:41)
• One day Ryan came back with a 2 foot clam. There were 2 pieces as big as 12oz filet mignons, and tasted just like scallops. (10:29)
• [At first] it’s a punch in the face, but after about a week you start assimilating. (19:43)
• [Growing up] whatever your dad yells at the TV or cheers for is what you cheer for, so we became Steelers fans. (24:23)
• In Arab culture, when you like something, they’re inclined to give it to you. (26:40)
• It was really an amazing experience as a child to traverse the world. (30:40)
• I stood on the great wall [of China] when I was in middle school. (30:50)
• When you travel around the world, you realize what a small place it is, and how similar people are at their core. (32:01)
• Crocodiles can strike half the length of their body. (41:23)
• The harder you work, the luckier you get. (49:56)
• In 2011, this brand new technology called TAVR (Trans Aortic Valve Replacement) came out. (51:01)
• I would look to the next bend in the road and I’d tell myself to get there. (54:12)
• I was on an endurance challenge where I had to hold on tight. The record for it in 22 seasons was 25 minutes. My spirit exploded, and we broke the all-time record for that at over 45 minutes. (56:15)
• Man can survive (and woman) if you can find meaning in your suffering. (58:41)
• “Doing something bigger than yourself” drove me to persevere. (65:32)
• When you go deep into yourself, big things can happen. (81:33)
3/22/2023 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 23 seconds
Jordan Harbinger: From Wall Street Lawyer To Successful Podcaster, Junior Hacker To FBI Ally & Escaping A Kidnapping
What an engaging and compelling guest Marcus brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. Jordan Harbinger, one of the most successful podcasters in the world, reveals his crafty (and illegal) but brilliant, stealthy methods for tapping into land line telephone conversations, and circumventing credit card machines in his early teenage years. While working out of the country, he details the experience of being kidnapped twice.
His inquisitive mind was fascinated by the internet at an early age, and later became a Wall Street lawyer, followed by launching The Jordan Harbinger Show, where he deconstructs the playbooks of the most successful people on earth and shares their strategies.
These days, Jordan’s biggest motivation is to help people succeed by teaching them to think better.
In this episode you will hear:
• When I was a kid, I wasn’t exactly inspirational to anyone. (4:13)
• I didn’t have any money and listening to phone conversations and wiretapping got really interesting. I did that with cell phones, line pairs, and the green boxes on the side of the road. (7:13)
• Listening to adults talk when they don’t know kids are around is completely different experience. (7:33)
• [As a kid] you learn that adults have feelings, and problems just like you do. (10:25)
• Are all adults just children that are winging it? Kind of – in a lot of ways. (12:25)
• I learned to convince people to do things that I probably shouldn’t have convinced them to do. (15:55)
• One of the things that I did that I got caught for was to go into a cell phone store’s dumpster at night and take the duplicate receipts from a carbon printer and use that information to program phones. (21:04)
• I figured out how the credit card payment system worked at a pizza chain and you could use a number that would work in their machine and the machine didn’t reconcile the transactions until Friday’s. (22:12)
• If there was a girl that I liked I would figure out what she liked by hacking into her computer. (27:46)
• The coolest thing that I ever did was to help the FBI catch sexual predators. (36:09)
• [In Mexico City] “Am I getting kidnapped right now?” “No, that can’t be it.” “Then I thought why can’t that be it?” I couldn’t open the door. (44:55)
• Later when I lived in Panama, the same thing would happen, and dudes would get in the cab and say you’re going to the bank to take out as much money as you can, or we’re gonna stab you, or shoot you. (54:10)
• Two of the most addicting and destructive things in the world are heroin and a steady paycheck. (57:43)
• Now I’ve got kids and the nightmares are outsourced. (62:27)
• I try to teach people how to think better. (63:17)
3/15/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 29 seconds
Life On Capitol Hill: Morgan Luttrell Breaks Down Misinformation, Lays Out Learning Curves, Behind The Scenes Look From A Freshman Congressman
A man’s man. A Patriot’s Patriot. A distinguished veteran as a U.S. Navy SEAL. And now a newly elected U.S. congressman. What a resume this week’s Team Never Quit Guest brings to the table as he brings an eye-opening discussion related to the role of a Congressman.
Once a co-host of this very podcast, Morgan’s conversation with his twin brother Marcus Luttrell makes for an episode you don’t want to miss.
Morgan’s life has perennially been one of service to others. A 5th generation Texan raised on a horse ranch. At an early age Morgan learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility. He turned his strong values, deep love for his country, and his passion for helping others into a career of distinguished service.
Morgan Luttrell brings bold leadership, and a “Put America First” mentality to his role as a U.S. Congressman.
In this episode you will hear:
• There’s an energy that lives [in a mob situation] and if you become a part of it, you may find yourself in a situation like “I didn’t intend to be here.” (3:59)
• The DC Police did an amazing job of showing restraint [at the January 6th situation]. There were situations where they were getting close to death. (4:41)
• The criminal justice system [in DC] is, you could say, “broken.” (5:38)
• DC is a dumpster fire. They wanted everybody that lives in DC to have the right to vote, even if you’re a Chinese citizen working for the Chinese government; if you’re a Russian citizen working for the Russian embassy. (6:27)
• Another role and responsibility of the lower chamber of congress is we control the purse strings. (9:19)
• Passing legislation and controlling government money is what congress men and women do. (11:18)
• We’re not at the cliff edge; we’re over it. We spend more than we take in. (13:14)
• I don’t care about red or blue anymore. We’re here – 31 Trillion dollars in debt. I don’t care which administration did it. (13:49)
• We, in the past decades, have been increasing our debt limit, all the way up to 31 Trillion. (14:32)
• It needs to be said that if we don’t increase the debt ceiling and we default – that’s a problem. (21:52)
• There’s a point in time we’ll be paying more on the interest of our debt, than we pay on our defense budget. (23:19)
• When the cameras are on, people will turn the switch on and they become actors. (24:59)
• Abraham Lincoln coined the word “lobbyist” because people would hang out in the lobby of his hotel and when he’d come down, they would just bum rush him and say we this, this, and this, and this is what we’ll do for you. (30:14)
• I would never complain about this job, because I fought so hard to get it. (39:03)
• The border’s a dumpster fire. (42:23)
• It’s very humbling to walk through the hall of the Capitol. There’s so much history. (43:33)
• The best part of my job is I get to meet so many people. (63:51)
• The hardest part about campaigning is that it’s 24/7. (64:37)
3/8/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 57 seconds
Sidney Blair: SWAT Team, Secret Service, Detective, Gang Unit & Air Marshall For Homeland Security
A life of service.
That’s the best description for this week’s guest and friend of the Team Never Quit Podcast.
Marcus brings to the table Sidney Blair, who has served on a SWAT Team, Gang Unit, Detective, Air Marshal for Homeland Security, then retired, and has once again returned to police work for the Walker County Texas Sheriff’s Department.
If ever there was a man with a relentless heart of service to people, coupled with character and integrity, it’s Sidney Blair.
In this episode you will hear:
• My first paying job was as the [Piggly Wiggly] Pig in the 4th of July Parade in Huntsville, Texas. (12:53)
• Troopers have great uniforms. They’re like a recruiting poster. (14:38)
• In Texas, a Peace Officer, is a Peace Officer, is a Peace Officer - whether you’re a Game Warden, a State Trooper, or City Cop or County Cop. (21:42)
• Your job is to protect and serve. You go out to the good citizens of your county, or city, or state, or your federal jurisdiction, and you protect from any evils that exist, including themselves. (25:52)
• Al lot of police officers will become calorically challenged. (26:58)
• Fear is forced. Respect is earned. (29:32)
• The government is paying my salary. My job is to get out there and change your tire. (33:27)
• I still have some fight left in me. I still want to serve my community. I still want to help the people that need help. (37:34)
• I spent 19 of my 20 years at the Air Marshals. (44:06)
• I had a retirement party from the Air Marshals that I didn’t know about. (57:18)
• You should serve something larger than yourself if you have the ability to do it. (64:11)
• If you have never stood before a man with a badge in handcuffs, and he held your freedom and life in his hands, and he gave you a break, and you knew what a break you got – you ain’t qualified to be a cop. (66:49)
• You see someone get out of hand - I don’t care if they’re in uniform; you pull them off. You physically remove them from the scene. You save them from themselves. (68:10)
• People feed off of bad news. (76:25)
• The worst thing in the world that we have is the breakdown of the nucleus of the family that people don’t have upbringing where they learn to respect other people. (80:05)
• Soft times build soft people. (81:37)
• When you defund the police, I can tell you the very first place it comes from – training. (88:45)
3/1/2023 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 42 seconds
Chad Robichaux On Leading Rescue Mission's In Afghanistan & Ukraine, Mighty Oaks Foundation
What an incredible guest we have on this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast.
Marcus engages in a compelling discussion with former Force Recon Marine, Chad Robichaux. With eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force, Chad overcame his personal battles with PTSD after nearly becoming a veteran suicide statistic.
Chad is the founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, serving the active duty, military veteran and first responder communities around the world with highly successful faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs. He has spoken to over 450,000 active-duty troops and led life-saving programs for over 4,600 active military and veterans at four Mighty Oaks Ranches around the U.S. He has served as an advisor to former President Trump, Congress, the VA, and the Department of Defense.
Another one of Chad’s personal endeavors, Save Our Allies, is focused on the evacuation and recovery of Americans, our allies and vulnerable people still trapped in Afghanistan. His original mission was to rescue his long-time friend and Afghanistan interpreter, but the mission quickly evolved because of Chad’s compassion for people and his servant heart. Since its inception, Save Our Allies has safely evacuated over 17,000 people that were trapped in Afghanistan and he is now helping in Ukraine.
As if that weren’t enough, Chad is a lifelong martial artist. He holds a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and is a former Professional Mixed Martial Arts Champion having competed at the highest levels of the sport.
In this episode you will hear:
• My family has 84 years of military service. (11:38)
• I was raised in a very dysfunctional home because my father never recovered from Vietnam. (13:26)
• Our operation was compromised and I ended up being abducted. (28:52)
• On the surface, everything seemed fine. Then I crashed, had an affair, filed for divorce, and attempted to take my life. The some amazing people came around me and helped us to restore my family and my faith. (32:39)
• I tried to build the courage to take my life and I had my Glock 40 caliber pistol, but I was interrupted, and it was enough to pump the brakes. (33:20)
• My wife asked me: “How can you do all you did in the military, but when it comes to your family, you’ll quit?” (34:19)
• You’re gonna deal with anxiety, depression, and anger, but you could respond to it in a better way that could lead you to a better place. 37:36)
• God’s like a centerpiece solution, because a lot of what we deal with are spiritual wounds. (38:31)
• President Bush signed the Opportunity for Faith Mission in 2001, then in 2009, President Obama signed a policy to override that, and take funding away from faith-based programs. (53:14)
• In Afghanistan, people couldn’t go in to help, but in Ukraine you could drive a bus across the border to do mass evacs. (55:37)
• I’ve been getting a lot of heat like: Why are you going over there to help – the governments is corrupt. None of that matters. These people didn’t ask for any of this. They’re being invaded by a super power. (58:15)
• Glenn Beck (Radio Show Host) raised 21 million dollars to support our mission. (77:49)
• The White House said there were 100 Americans left [in Afghanistan] but without debate there were thousands of Americans still there. (80:38)
• You don’t leave Americans behind. The White even promised that they wouldn’t but they did. (81:43)
2/22/2023 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 15 seconds
Christopher C. Miller: Former Secretary of Defense, Retired U.S. Special Forces & Director of National Counter-Terrorism
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus spends some time speaking with retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Chris Miller, who served as the Acting Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. Chris also served as Director of the National Counter-Terrorism Center as well as numerous command and staff positions within the 5th Special Forces group (Airborne). He also participated in combat operations in Afghanistan & Iraq.
In his role as the Secretary of Defense, Chris was overseeing military departments, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the unified commands, as well as planning and coordinating military deployments and operations.
With his vast military knowledge and experience of over 3 decades, Mr. Miller brings to the table an interesting and informative perspective to the role of the U.S military, and it’s function at every level.
In this episode you will hear:
• This is the book launch, officially. (9:01)
• They have all this exclusive intelligence. You know how much got to the ground force? Zero.(15:44)
• There were lessons learned, and we’re all about passing it on. That’s what we’re all about now. (18:07)
• [Speaking to Marcus] This is the path the Lord put you on. You accept that. You are the face of the war. (21:58)
• The [the military] has a structure that will take people in and form them differently and change how they view life in a good way. (25 :00)
• The army makes a good man better and a bad man worse. (27:26)
• It’s all about selfless service and it’s not about you (32:44)
• When my heart and my mind became aligned with being a selfless servant, it was like rocket fuel. (33:28)
• When you realize this is how it is might as well just embrace it. It’s a game changer. (33:42)
• I was the Secretary of Defense under President Trump for the last 73 days. Not a lot went on. (37:19)
• I spent like 35-36 years as a government employee or as a military person. (38:03)
• If you are asked to interview for a job, always interview because you’re gonna learn something and you might get the job. (42:28)
• Al Qaeda had been seriously weakened from all of our attacks. We call it mowing the grass. Just keep killing them off. Eventually there’s not going to be anybody left – and it worked. (44:32)
• I know we can’t defeat terrorism - that’s a verb. We can defeat Al Quada (a noun). (45:26)
• [Marcus] If we’re fighting terrorists, we’re trained terrorists, trained to cause terror to them, so much so that there won’t be another group coming up after them. (45:57)
• Special Operator: Figure out the network, figure out the incentive system, communicate, execute. (46:50)
• The only person who could keep us attacking was President Trump. (47 :04)
• We killed off the head of ISIS. This guy was the definition of evil. (47:38)
• The President asked me if I wanted to become a political appointee. (48:36)
• The purpose of the military is not only to protect and serve, but to defend the constitution and to ultimately protect the people of the United States. (51:43)
• I only learn when I screw something up. (64:05)
• I was really pissed about the way Afghanistan ended. (65:55)
• We will fire a kid who messes up a piece of paperwork, and our generals aren’t held accountable for losing a war. (66:16)
• Chris’ Book: Soldier Secretary (85:57)
2/15/2023 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 40 seconds
TNQP Guest Recap 2022 (Internal Podcast)
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, Hunter & John recap the 2022 episodes. It serves as a capsule-form reminder of episodes you may be interested in listening to that you might have missed. “The Crew” is moving onward to a fabulous line-up of guests for the 2023 season.
In this episode you will hear:
• A big “Shout Out” and “Thank You!” to all our TNQP guests in 2022.
Our 2022 guest profiles included the likes of Gold Star widows, Former Navy Seals, bull riders, a Governor, a paralytic experiencing an unbelievable recovery, Marine Corps veterans, authors, a kidnap survivor, an MMA world champion, abduction survivors, a retired Navy Captain, a Retired Green Beret, a VA claims assistance expert, former CIA agents, a Muscular Dystrophy patient, a bilateral arm amputee w bionic arms, a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, a war correspondent, a man who trekked across Antarctica on his own power, a retired Army Ranger, a Green Beret, extreme athletes, an athlete with a disabilities, the first Arab woman to summit K2, a collegiate world record holder in wrestling, an Olympian, a man who’s goal in life is to interviewer every surviving WWII veteran, a celebrity chef and mental health advocate, a retired veteran with so many accomplishments, we had to vet him to confirm that his experiences were true – and they were, and proponents of soldiers killed while saving their comrades in battle.
What an amazing line up of guests there were in 2022, and we’re working hard to make our 2023 line up even better.
THANKS TO EVERY SINGLE TNQP LISTENER!!!
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2/8/2023 • 58 minutes, 6 seconds
Interpreting War: A Talk with Yousef Sediq
America owes a great debt of gratitude to this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Yousef Sediq. Side by side with elite U.S. Special Forces, and as a commander in Task Force-241, Yousef was involved in countless raids, assisted in the capture of thousands of Taliban terrorists, and helped save the lives of innocent Afghan civilians. When Afghanistan fell once again to the Taliban, Yousef helped secure the Kabul Airport in an effort to evacuate Americans from the country. After a suicide bomber killed hundreds, including thirteen U.S. service members at the airport’s entrance, Yousef and his family were airlifted to the United States, where he was forced to start a new life.
In this episode you will hear:
I lost 2 of my younger sisters when they were little to starvation. We didn’t have enough food.
Every part of [Afghanistan] has their own leader, because of the different cultures and languages.
There were Afghans killing other Afghans. They would shoot at you for fun. It was their mentality to fight like pirates, sometimes shooting random people walking down the street.
They don’t want their people to be educated. Schools are locked down.
There is much religious manipulation (i.e. Holy wars; If you fight, you will go to heaven with 42 (or 72) virgins awaiting you.
I have studied it and nowhere in Islam does it say that if women have bare feet they should die. But people are uneducated, and nobody’s fighting them, and starvation is rampant.
There are people with no brains running the country.
I found work at 16 years old when I got a military job using a fake ID saying I was 18.
Intel is always taken seriously, even if it’s information from nowhere.
One of the main issues between Coalition forces and local Turks is a lack of trust.
I was blown up while working with the Canadians. We hit a roadside IED and I suffered a brain injury, resulting in lifelong brain seizures.
When that happened, I see the Angel of Death for a second, then I came back.
I wanted to stay in the fight.
Assign me wherever you want to assign me, send me to whatever base you want to send me, just give me good food and it doesn’t matter where you want to send me.
The media gives you what they want you to hear.
Yousef’s Book: 5,000 Days of War
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2/1/2023 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 31 seconds
David Kniess and Trent Gibson: The Gift, The Story of Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Jason Lee Dunham
In this week's episode, we learn the vivid details of the events leading up to the courage, love, and self-sacrifice made by Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Jason L. Dunham of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Karabilah, Iraq. What a leader by example Jason was - to the point of throwing himself onto a grenade in an effort to save his comrades. Marcus' guests, David Kniess (Veteran & Producer) and Lieutenant Colonel Trent Gibson (Dunham’s Company Commander), not only bring Jason's story to life, but discuss the compelling and engaging upcoming documentary - The Gift. The Gift documentary is a personal project for David, who had a chance to meet with Corporal Dunham. That chance meeting led to lifelong friendships with the Dunham family and a core group of Marines from Kilo Company. David is actively involved in the Veteran community and has volunteered his time, producing content for Veteran Organizations such as Beteran, Stop Soldier Suicide, John Preston Music, and The Boot Campaign. David also served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Normandy (CG-60), a guided missile cruiser.
In this episode you will hear:
Having the Dunham’s in my life has enriched my life.
It’s not just about Jason; it’s about everything that has affected all of you all those years.
Our generation and the younger generation is standing up and saying, “I’m not gonna wait for anyone. I’m gonna jump out there and teach guys how to surf, how to sing with dogs, start a podcast, and we’re talking about our shit.
[With regard to this film], all I care about is what Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers think.
For veterans who are still struggling, I want them to watch it and say “if these kid can do it, maybe I can do it too.”
I want civilians to know what it’s like for young men & women to go to war.
[Marcus] If somebody threw one of those “Thank you for service” lines at you – even if you haven’t done something – it’s coming…”
I believe in 3 things as a Marine. I believe in leadership by example; I believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good; and one man can make a difference.
Jason had the leadership qualities to lead a rifle squad of American sons.
Dunham was a big boy. He’s not someone I would choose to grapple with.
Any leader who inspires his subordinates through personal example, to then return the favor and take care of him – that’s a true leader.
Jason took off his Kevlar helmet, placed in on the grenade, and then laid down on it.
Knowing what I know of him now, he loved his marines so much. He didn’t just take care of them, he practiced taking care of them. Who f*cking practices covering a live grenade with their helmet?
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1/25/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 59 seconds
Keith Nightingale: Retired Army Colonel who Served Two Tours in Vietnam with Airborne and Ranger Units, Author of Phoenix Rising
If ever there was a man with more military experience than almost anybody, Keith Nightingale is the one. What an incredible military resume he shares with Marcus in this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. From serving in the U.S. Army for almost 3 decades to serving in 2 tours in Vietnam, to serving as the Director of the Department of Defense (DOD) Counter-drug Task Force in Latin America, which was able to apprehend Pablo Escobar.
He developed the present Army Ranger Training Program and initiated the Snowcap Model Training Program for DEA personnel assigned to operational missions in Latin America. His experiences included the liberation of Grenada and Panama and a variety of special operations missions. All of the above doesn’t even touch the surface of Mr. Nightingale’s military experience, not to mention a myriad of awards and honors. Listen in as he and Marcus engage in a lively discussion about all of his military experiences.
In this episode you will hear:
My family has had some association with the military since the pilgrims, literally.
I’m an only child. My parents were old and had arguments.
We would give the enemy the maximum opportunity to give his life for his country.
[In Vietnam] in the course of less than 24 hours, we went from 450 people to 32 people.
[In battle] you don’t fear, you focus.
Life is luck and timing.
There’s nothing that I did that was planned for before it occurred.
Normandy is kinda the Arkansas of France – there hasn’t been a lot of development going on there.
We created a task force specifically focused to bring U.S. assets to support the Columbian government in getting [Pablo] Escobar.
You don’t think about what might happen you just do what you have to do. It’s later that you get into reflection.
In life, if something is gonna happen, it’s gonna happen. There’s nothing you can do to control it.
Do your best when you have a chance to do something.
You can put 4 people on the same battle sight fighting the same fight, less than 20 meters apart, and they’ve got 4 different views of what actually happened - and every one of them is true.
My legacy is the bridge between what the vet said and what the active duty sees and appreciates.
Be good to people.
Do the best you can when you get a chance to do it, because you may not have another chance.
1/18/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 41 seconds
Brother Luck: Celebrity Chef, Mental Health Advocate, Author of No Lucks Given
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus brings Chef Brother Luck (his real name) to the table. Working in professional kitchens since the age of 14, and learning the rewards of hard work, passion, and determination, Brother Luck has earned celebrity status. However, his focus isn’t on fame as much as it is on mentoring the next generation. He sees it as his responsibility – his give back.
In this episode you will hear:
Perseverance is everything.
I was a student of the streets. I had no parental supervision to tell me no.
I surrounded myself with drug dealers, gang bangers, and pimps because I idolized what they had: Money, Power, and Respect.
Great leaders are good with people, they’re good with their product, and they’re good with money
The word Chef means “Chief” and I’ve taken that to heart as a leader.
I’m still a corner kid, I just have a corner office.
Don’t lead through fear.
I discovered the world through food.
My success is based on the success of other people.
No one can validate you but you.
I broke mentally which led to a suicide attempt because I didn’t believe in myself.
We create a perception wall. Here’s the image I want you to see of me.
I’m grateful to be an American.
Your story isn’t meant for you. It’s meant to be heard by somebody else.
What are you doing on a daily basis to take care of your mental state? Pressure is either gonna make a diamond or burst your pipe.
We're blessed to live in this country and have the rights and freedoms that we have.
I’m always gonna be genuine and I’m always gonna be present.
Don’t give up. You get one shot at this life.
You can persevere beyond your situation.
Support Brother Luck
https://www.instagram.com/chefbrotherluck
Brother Luck’s Book: No Luck Given – Life is Hard but There is Hope.
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
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1/11/2023 • 42 minutes, 26 seconds
Rishi Sharma: 25 Year Old on a Mission to Meet and Interview all WWII Veterans of the Allied Countries
Does anyone honor our World War II heroes anymore? In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus has a very fascinating guest – Rishi Sharma – who has been on a mission to interview at least one WWII combat veteran every single day until the last one passes away, since the age of 19. To date, he has interviewed over 1,700 WWII combat veterans, bringing their personal and military lives to the forefront, so future generations can learn to appreciate the lives they had and the sacrifices they made, allowing us to know them and be grateful for the life we have because of it. Those men went in as ordinary boys in extraordinary circumstances and came out as men.
In this episode you will hear:
I have always been interested in WWII. These men are my heroes.
I would go to India as a child and I would observe the contrast between life there and in Southern California.
It’s because of bloodshed and sacrifice that the U.S. has become what it is.
Seldom have I met veterans who come home from the war and do nothing. They travel, help people, and do things out of the ordinary because they feel like they’ve got a second chance and they’re not gonna waste it.
Veterans have such a sense of humor.
I meet real Americans, telling real stories.
This is everything to me.
Veterans do things for no other reason than that it’s the right thing to do. They have every reason to be angry at the world and they’re not.
One of the first Iwo Jima veterans I interviewed turned 19 on the ship to Iwo Jima, and everyone in his platoon called him “old man.” That’s how young our WWII soldiers were.
During the Warsaw Uprising girls and boys were on the same level. A woman I interviewed saw as much combat as some hardened combat veterans at the age of 15.
One D-Day Veteran said he could clearly remember the color of his underwear that day. He said they were brown.
I told my parents I’d be gone for a couple of months, and I haven’t been back in 5 years.
I’m really scared for a world without World War II veterans because that would leave us without a moral compass.
I have conducted over 1,700 interviews, gleaning that kind of wisdom.
Support Rishi
https://rememberww2.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@RememberWW2/videos
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
1/4/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 4 seconds
Mark Lauren: Best-Selling Author, Veteran, and Former Physical Trainer of Nearly a Thousand Elite Special Operations Warriors
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus has an engaging conversation with Mark Lauren, who revolutionized the U.S. army's training systems, and trained hundreds of U.S. Special Forces operatives. Mark possesses astonishing physical prowess as a Military Physical Training Specialist, Special Operations Combat Controller, triathlete and mixed martial artist. He broke, and still holds, the Department of Defense s long-standing underwater record by swimming 133 meters, on one breath, subsurface, for 2 minutes and 23 seconds. He is also a bestselling fitness author.
Mark trained and competed all across Thailand in Muay Thai. His physical and mental development has inspired a new approach to fitness that has allowed millions of people to move better without the confines of a gym. Mark’s book, You Are Your Own Gym was published by Random House. His audience identifies with his minimalist approach to fitness, as well as his stories of overcoming failures.
In this episode you will hear:
I started working out when I was 12 with pushups and sit-ups next to my bed. I got to the point that I could do indefinite sit-ups.
Physical fitness is about fundamentals – it’s about basics.
Characteristics like respect and discipline are what parents need to teach.
Real character does not reveal itself when everything is great.
You only fail when you quit. When you fail, brush yourself off and do it again.
Whatever success I’ve had is built on repetitive failures.
When I got out of the military, I really missed the comradery and sense of purpose.
Exercise doesn’t necessarily relate to improved performance.
If your fundamentals are strong, it’s much easier to specialize.
You really need to be good at getting from point A to point B – Locomotion.
The first 3 things people need to do is to reestablish basic joint functions for the hips, spine, and shoulders.
There’s a difference between performance and exercise.
An important part of good exercise habits is to engrain good habits.
What you put your attention on, and controlling your breathing do a lot to influence your feelings.
General health and well-being depends on doing basic things really well.
One of the main things that keep people from really getting fit – is doing too much.
Start small and progress gradually.
Support Mark
www.MarkLauren.com
Mark's Book: Strong and Lean
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
12/28/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 9 seconds
Ben Askren: US Olympian, Former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion, UFC Fighter, Author of Funky
Collegiate wrestling record holder, Team USA Olympian, professional mixed martial artist, and UFC championship fighter. That’s Marcus’ guest – Ben Askren - on this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. Marcus and Ben discuss how his unorthodox style earned him the nickname “Funky”, as he puts his opponents in scramble situations. Ben credits his dad for introducing him to the sport, and he really got serious when he joined a wrestling club in 6th grade. The combination of natural talent and a relentless workout regimen made him one of the most successful athletes in collegiate history, setting several records, as well as experiencing great success as an MMA fighter as well.
In this episode you will hear:
I get to work with kids who want to work really hard. They come in the gym and bust their ass.
I hated team sports because I really wanted to win and others on my team didn’t share that sentiment.
In wrestling, it was just me and the other person. I could always determine my destiny.
We don’t want to force kids. We want them to love the sport and know what it’s gonna take to be special. We want to put great coaches in front of kids to give them a good opportunity to succeed in wrestling.
There are kids that don’t have a strong role model, so I have such an important role to play.
Great things take a long time.
The Olympics suck because once you lose, you don’t get another shot for 4 years.
Having a high-level background in something is important. You need to find a compliment.
Who can impose their will more significantly, is important when skill levels are equivalent.
Innovation – learning how to scramble. What I was doing was not working. I had to think outside myself for other options.
I wasn’t having the success I wanted, so it was like “Shit, how can I do this?”
12/21/2022 • 58 minutes, 44 seconds
Nelly Attar: First Arab Woman to Summit K2, Founder of Saudi Arabia's First Dance Studio MOVE
Marcus has a great conversation with Nelly Attar, a Lebanese national born in Saudi Arabia, who became the first Arab woman to summit K2, the world's second-highest mountain. As if that weren't enough, Nelly also successfully reached the top of Mount Everest and has scaled 14 other peaks across the world, completed 2 Ironman 70.3 races, ran 6 global marathons/ultramarathons, and has completed about 100 scuba dives in a span of four years. Nelly is also a psychologist, life-coach, and held dance-fitness classes for females in her studio - Move - Saudi Arabia’s first dance studio, and one of the first studios of its kind across the Middle East. Even with such an impressive resume, Nelly states "I still don't know what I want to do in life. I’m still figuring it out."
In this episode you will hear:
Sports changed my life, and I strive to change the lives of many through movement and sports.
In Saudi Arabia, women can drive now.
5 to 7 years ago, everything was still segregated between males and females – even in weddings. Now everything is mixed.
Not long ago, women couldn’t even own a gym, and it was taboo for women to train on the streets.
Saudi was listed as the least active country in the world.
My mindset is: if it works out – amazing. If it doesn’t – come back home.
I’m grateful for the kingdom and the king for all the opportunities I have today.
In climbing, there’s a fitness component, altitude, and weather.
If it’s not a challenge, then why am I there? Why would I train so hard if I knew I could do it?
While climbing K2, I got a panic attack on the blue ice just a few hundred meters away from the summit. It took five weeks to climb.
If there’s one thing I do consistently right is that I take risks.
If you’re curious about something, just do it.
You don’t stop training because you age, you age because you stop training.
Just move. You’ll be helping yourself.
Support Nelly
https://www.instagram.com/nellyattar/
http://nellyattar.com/
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
12/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 53 seconds
Mike Shoreman: First Athlete with Disabilities to cross all five Great Lakes
From a paddle boarding coaching career to becoming physically and mentally unbalanced. That’s the life-changing call for this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Mike Shoreman. Marcus and Mike discuss the affliction of the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and Mike’s relentless never quit the pursuit of a “normal” life. His mission to prove everyone wrong not only resulted in walking again, but getting back on the paddle board despite his vertigo, and becoming the first person with a disability to cross from one country to another by paddle board while raising funds and awareness for youth mental health programs and services. He crossed all 5 Great Lakes. Mike encourages all people to change their personal struggles into their greatest weapons and develop confident versions of themselves.
In this episode you will hear:
My Chicken Pox from when I was a kid re-activated as Shingles. My symptoms developed over five days, and all the nerves in my face shattered and it looks like I had a stroke.
I lost my independence, my business, and my identity.
I had a significant mental crisis and breakdown.
It was so easy to say “I’m fine.” I did that for months but I wasn’t fine.
As my physical recovery improved, so did my mental state.
I was forced into mental health treatment. I wasn’t eager to go and get it.
Mental health is the most underfunded of all healthcare systems.
That first crossing set everything in place that we needed to know.
Lake Huron and Lake Michigan gave me the most fight.
It took me 28 hours to cross. My feet “pruned” and I couldn’t stand. The Canadian Coast Guard and paramedics came to be sure I was okay.
The thing that set in was - Who this is for?
I was going 2 1/2mph to 3mph for 28 hours. I was literally going to the bathroom on myself every 10 minutes.
I had to say to myself “You’ve been through tougher than this and this isn’t going to last forever.
Men & women of service are deeply inspirational.
Nothing in life is permanent.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys.
Resilience is built.
Support Mike
Mike's Book
https://www.instagram.com/mike_shoreman/
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
12/7/2022 • 49 minutes, 38 seconds
Benjamin Sledge: Award Winning Author of Where Cowards Go to Die and Combat Wounded Veteran
In this week's Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus has 11-year combat veteran and Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, Benjamin Sledge in the studio. Benjamin served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning 2 Army Commendation Medals. He lost his best friend in combat. These days, Benjamin is a viral writer, graphic designer, and author of Where Cowards Go to Die where he reveals a brutal portrait of war and the cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home. He travels around the country educating businesses, non-profits, and churches about veterans’ mental health issues.
In this episode you will hear:
I got to see the best and worst parts of war. Often times we were the first ones in the door, so we either made friends or got shot.
I was 21 when I first got to the battle, thinking “I literally have no idea what I’m doing.”
There’s a very distinct smell to death. It’s like rotting meat dabbed with knockoff CK1 cologne.
Many combat veterans don’t necessarily come home with PTSD; it’s moral injury. It’s the physiological damage that occurs when you violate your sense of right and wrong.
Seeing death from that close does something to the mind. It became a real struggle point for me.
When I first got home, they didn’t know how to handle me, because I didn’t know how to handle myself. I was drinking myself silly, so I could get the images out of my head.
The strangest thing happened to me – I found myself missing war.
My wife left me while I was in Iraq.
War really is a spiritual experience.
What does it look like to live a courageous life and carry that into career and family relationships – Never give up, never accept defeat, and never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Inside every man, there’s both a warrior and a poet.
Support Benjamin
Website: https://benjaminsledge.com
Book (Where Cowards Go to Die): https://amz.run/5GAb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.sledge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamincsledge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/benjamincsledge
Support TNQ
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
11/30/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Mike McCastle: Extreme Athlete, Performance Coach, World Record Holder, 12 Labors Project
The ultimate tour de force of human strength, endurance, mental toughness, and unyielding perseverance. That's what this week's Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Mike McCastle is. Listen in as Mike and Marcus engage in a discussion about Mike's seemingly unbelievable feats he refers to as "labors". Endurance athlete - yes; Multiple world record holder - you know it; In-demand performance coach - for sure; Motivational speaker - of course. After serving 11 years in the U. S. Navy, he founded Twelve Labors Project, a charitable initiative driven by a mission to redefine the limits of human potential while inspiring others to elevate beyond their perceived capacity for greatness. Mike is perennially challenging his own physical and mental limits, and he's not anywhere near done yet. In this podcast, he reveals his upcoming 9th labor, and it will blow you away when you hear it.
Mike's 8 charitable labors he has accomplished so far include:
A 50k run while wearing a 40lb vest for Cancer Research.
A 13-mile, 250-pound tire flip for wounded veterans.
A Rope Climb that equaled the height of Mount Everest - 29,029 feet in 27 hours for Parkinson's Disease Research.
Breaking the Guinness World Record for 'Most Pull-ups in 24 hours after completing 5,804 pull-ups, while wearing a 30-pound pack to represent the heavy burden of the wounded warrior.
Pulled a Ford F-150 pickup truck for 22 miles in 19 hours across Death Valley to raise awareness for Veteran Suicide.
Ran 20 miles per day for 100 consecutive days to heighten awareness of the Veteran Suicide epidemic.
Pulled a full-size pickup truck for 10 miles through the Arctic Circle.
Broke the world record for the longest full-body submersion in ice (2 hours and 40 minutes).
In this episode you will hear:
I basically grew up in a cornfield.
I went to BUDS (Navy SEAL Training) and blew my knees out. Then I needed to re-find my purpose because my one-man pity party wasn’t working for me.
My dad’s Parkinson’s started to progress, and one day I came home and he was on the floor. He had had a stroke. I decided to take care of my dad and stop the pursuit of sports. But in my mind, I quit.
You can fool other people, but you can never fool yourself.
Things that pull you away from your purpose are those are things behind the doors in your hallway of life. You’re tested, dragged through the fire, and you feel like you're cursed but you still have a choice.
If you put all your eggs in one basket and when it gets taken away from you, you’re left with nothing. Then who the hell am I?
I needed to find my purpose again. That’s how The Twelve Labors Project got started. I wanted to create a physical manifestation of the message I wanted to deliver.
It’s not a weakness to be vulnerable.
Finding your purpose in life requires risk.
I don’t give a shit about records. What I care about is “Is this going to deliver my message?” “Are people gonna remember WHY I did it?”
Reality isn’t what happens to us, it’s our interpretation of what happens to us.
We're all writing our own stories.
You cannot only come back after failure, but you can come back stronger after failure.
My father always said, "You suffer more in imagination than you do in reality."
Finish what you started. If you're gonna do it, go all the way.
We're all the heroes of our own story. You go through the crucible you come back, and you share the lessons learned.
The reward for finishing a labor is the next labor.
The internet is undefeated.
Our time on this planet is very limited. The things we do echoes through eternity from the lens of your loved one.
The only goal for my son is to leave this world a better place than he found it, like I hope I am doing and I hope that everyone who hears my message does.
Follow Mike
www.MikeMccastle.com
https://www.instagram.com/mikemccastle/
Follow TNQ:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
11/23/2022 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 6 seconds
Travis Osborn: Airborne Ranger and Green Beret Medic who treated Marcus Luttrell in ORW Rescue Mission
This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast presents an extraordinary man with an extraordinary military resume. Travis Osborn served as both an Airborne Ranger and a Green Beret in 17 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious service 15 times.
Travis played an integral part in the rescue of Navy SEAL "Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrell. As an 18Delta Special Forces Medic, he treated Marcus while awaiting extraction from an Afghan village.
Listen in as Travis chronicles Marcus’ rescue, and the horrific conditions they had to endure to achieve it.
In this episode you will hear:
• When we got the call, we knew it was abnormal, and something was up – out of the norm.
• In the briefing, we were told that we had four SEALs on the run, a helicopter down, and we’re going in.
• We decided to put boots on the ground – whatever it takes. So our guys came up with a plan, and we stole some trucks from the marines.
• By the time we left, we had 120 people and 50 donkeys headed up the side of the mountain.
• None of us had ever worked together before.
• [Marcus]: “That’s what showed up to get me out of there.”
• We walked almost straight up a mountain for the next 3 days.
• We climbed 5,000 feet the first day and only walked a distance of 2 kilometers.
• It’s the most ass kick I’ve had in a long time.
• It was walking straight up shale, and every type of boots were cut.
• There’s a lot of ridiculousness in these situations.
• About halfway thru the village and from within a crowd of people, I looked and saw a really tall Afghani and saw that he he had tattoos.
• “You must be Marcus.” “Fuck yes, I am…”
• “We’re here to get you home.” And he said “Yeah, I’m just ready to go home.”
• [Marcus] “When they showed up, the literally looked like death.”
• We just recued a fuckin’ American. We walked in with a bunch of donkeys on foot, & found this guy in the middle of nowhere.
• To treat him, I threw him into the first thing I could find – it turned out to be a donkey pen with 10,000 years of donkey shit in it.
• The next time I see you is gonna be on Oprah.
• When you’re in mission mode, you don’t mentally unpack. You put all that shit in the deep freeze, then it takes a while to unpack it because it’s all at the bottom of the freezer.
11/16/2022 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 23 seconds
The Story of Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor w/ Mike Sarraille & Rey Baviera
This week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guests, Mike Sarraille and Rey Baviera bring a gut-wrenching, firsthand account of their collective 35 years of military service as Navy SEALs - most notably witnessing the valor and heroism of fellow SEAL Michael A Monsoor, who willingly jumped on a grenade to save those around him. While the story is heart-wrenching, it is equally heart-warming to know the source of “Mikey's" character and moral fabric.
Michael A. Monsoor
When US Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor sacrificed his life by throwing his body on a live grenade to save his comrades during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he inspired thousands around the world and reminded us that freedom is never free.
On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from their rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. When a grenade thrown from insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice.
Defend Us in Battle is cowritten by Michael’s father George Monsoor, who is himself a Marine veteran, and Rose Rea. It also includes a foreword by Dr. Donald C. Winter, former Secretary of the Navy. Through interviews, military documents, and eyewitness accounts, the authors detail Michael’s remarkable military career and devotion to God and others. The book highlights how Michael prepared for this selfless act all his life—a life that will inspire readers to have a similar generosity of heart.
Michael grew up a quiet boy in California, but his childhood of asthma and being bullied made him a staunch defender of justice and passionate about never quitting. It was because of that passion that he achieved his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL and saved numerous lives throughout his deployment. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Michael received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for his years serving his country. But his greatest legacy is in the hearts of those he inspired to live, and even die, for the sake of brotherly love.
“Michael Monsoor was an exemplary SEAL—a man of great integrity, a skilled warrior, and a loyal teammate. That loyalty led to his willingness to sacrifice his life for his teammates.” —Dr. Donald C. Winter (Secretary of the Navy, 2006–2009)
Mike Sarraille
During his 20-year military career, Mike Sarraille served as a Recon Marine, Scout-Sniper, and U.S. Navy SEAL Officer. Much of his career was in the Special Operations community, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command. He now works with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies on the principles of leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and living a life of balance and purpose.
Rey Baviera
Rey Baviera served almost 15 years in the SEAL Teams, with multiple deployments and operations in violent urban environments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked as an intelligence and targeting officer at the Special Operations Command Pacific. He co-founded VTH Consulting, with the intent of bridging the gap between medical providers and veterans, helping veterans fight for the VA disability claims they morally, ethically, and legally deserve.
May the memory of Michael Monsoor never die.
Purchase the book honoring “Mike” - Defend Us in Battle, wherever books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785290591/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&ref_=tmm_hrd_swatch_0&sr=&asin=0785290591&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1
In this episode you will hear:
Not all Marines are equal, just like not all SEALS are equal. Performance comes into play.
Rey: I had no direction, and I joined the military because I had made a promise to my brother.
Mike: I’m standing in for Rose Ray who wrote the book Defend Us in Battle alongside George Monsoor, Mikey’s father.
My second time in Ramadi, I fired my weapon for the first time.
You don’t really know what you’re walking into until guys start getting wounded,.
Shark base [one of the places we slept] was once of Saddam’s vacation palaces. We had tents in there.
We had to take bottled water showers.
Mikey spoke thru actions, not words.
It’s highly competitive in the SEAL teams in a good way.
With each mission, we learned more lessons.
When you step into combat, there’s an inter-service rivalry. But eventually you get past the butt-sniffing phase. But when we mesh together, it’s amazing what we can do as a team.
The longer you sit in a position, you lose relative superiority, and the momentum shifts, because you’re static.
It’s different than training when you know it’s a live grenade in front of you.
Mike did not hesitate. He went right down on it. What came next was brutal.
While the SEAL teams may have trained Mike, his character and moral fabric who he was was given to him by his family. His family is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
11/9/2022 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 8 seconds
Jariko Denman: Retired Army Ranger, Senior Content Production Manager at Black Rifle Coffee Company
From 15+ years as an Army Ranger to deploying in Iraq and Afghanistan 15 times, to becoming a film military advisor, and now Senior Content Production Manager at Black Rifle Coffee Company, this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Jariko Denman, has lived a very interesting life.
After 54 months of combat experience as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force, Jariko speaks with Marcus about what it was like to be on the ground at HKIA during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. While he has retired from active duty, Jariko still leads quite an adventure, such as joining with a team of guys who will be skydiving in each of the seven continents over seven days.
In this episode you will hear:
Wherever something’s happening, I just don’t want to miss out.
As a retired guy, I have a lot of freedom.
My dad talked to me like a drill sergeant would talk to you, so I had a certain amount of bandwidth.
Ranger school sucks, but it’s kind of a speed bump – you just gotta do this to move to the next level.
In a 90-day rotation, we’d do 120 raids. We’re locusts. We just come in and destroy.
When I got out, I never really decided to do anything. I just rode the wave.
As a technical advisor for film, I have the freedom to say, “Screw your movie. I’m not gonna be a part of it.”
If there were 2 job offers and 1 was a rad action movie and 1 was a true story, I’d do the rad action movie because it’s more fun. A true story takes the creativity out of it.
I didn’t plan on going to Afghanistan for the shit show withdrawal.
My function turned into me getting to the gate and plucking as many people out as I could.
I had to ask myself: What am I doing here?” Being there in a whole different context was so weird.
Coming up soon, me and a team of guys are skydiving in each of the seven continents in seven days.
www.BlackRifleCoffee.com
www.LegacyExpeditions.net
11/2/2022 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 7 seconds
Colin O'Brady: American Professional Endurance Athlete, Motivational Speaker, and Adventurer
This week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Colin O’Brady, could be classified as an over-achiever by most standards. As a passionate outdoorsman, his adventurous life took a turn for a worse when he suffered a tragic incident in Thailand. While he was fire jump roping (yes, a rope on fire), the rope got caught around his legs, causing severe burns on over 25% of his body. The burn wounds were so critical that doctors told Colin that he would probably never walk normally again. But Colin was too full of ambition to let his trauma slow him down. His mother challenged him to set a goal for himself and he decided that he would compete in a triathlon. After a year and a half of intense rehabilitation and training, Colin competed in the Chicago Triathlon. He not only competed, but he won. Since then, O’Brady has raced in 25 countries on six continents over six years.
As if that weren’t enough, Colin’s biggest claim to fame is that he became the first human being to walk across Antarctica solo entirely on human power. No sled dogs, kites, or powered machines. He consumed 8,000 calories a day while burning off 10,000 calories a day. Colin gained 20 pounds of muscle to prepare for the trip.
Colin O’Brady became The Impossible First, which was the name of his amazing attempt to achieve the unachievable.
In this episode you will hear:
While I like being around people, there’s something beautiful about solitude.
I had parents who always gave me positive reinforcement.
When we don’t know exactly how we’re going to get where we’re going, you’ve got to create your own reality over time.
We’re the net product of the 5 or 10 people we spend the most time with.
I started out with a curiosity for nature and adventure in my own back yard.
Fun Scale:
Type 1 Fun: Laughing, watching a great movie, dancing, drinking a cocktail on a beach while watching the sunset.
Type 2 Fun: Is not fun when it’s happening, but a week later you’re telling your friends that it was epic.
Type 3 Fun: Is not fun when it’s happening and it’s not fun afterwards.
For me, Type 2 Fun is most gratifying.
In Thailand, I saw these guys jumping a flaming jump rope, and because I’m 22 years old, I had to try it. I tripped, the rope wrapped around my leg, and I caught on fire. I jumped in the ocean to extinguish the flames, but not before 25% of my body was severely burned.
My Doctor said “You’ll probably never walk again.” The emotional trauma was intense, but my mom would come into my room with positivity, and have me set life goals & accomplishments. I call it “a possible mindset.”
My mom was a positive influence on me throughout my entire life.
All of us as humans have reservoirs of untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things.
My body can always handle more. My mind is stronger because of my previous traumas.
I’m lit up. I have this aliveness inside of me.
Sometimes, you make decisions when you’re 22 years old – Then you wake up and you’re 65 years old and still on that same path.
My childhood dream was to climb Mount Everest. What is your Everest?
If you’re not on the path that YOU’RE meant to be on, then you’re not living with integrity with yourself.
What I was really fascinated about crossing Antarctica is that it had never been done; it was a world first. I couldn’t call up anyone to ask how did you make it?
Most people are stuck in what I call the zone of comfortable complacency.
10/26/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 38 seconds
Ben Kesling: The Wall Street Journal Correspondent, Former Marine Corps Infantry Officer & Author of Bravo Company
Understanding war and the never-ending effects it has on veterans coming home from it is what this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Ben Kesling, lives to convey. After having joined and served in the Marine Corps as an officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ben went back to school to become a journalist and put his war experience to use reporting for the Wall Street Journal as a foreign and combat correspondent. Because of his experiences, Ben has a unique perspective on the effects of war and spends his time focusing on veteran n affairs and domestic security issues.
Ben also authored the book, Bravo Company, telling the inside story of the war in Afghanistan through the eyes of the men of one particular unit, whose war didn't end for those soldiers when they came home. Bravo Company follows the men from their initial enlistment and training, through their deployment, and on to what has happened to them in the decade since.
An interesting side note: Ben Kesling is a two-day Jeopardy! champion.
In this episode you will hear:
To know that you’re talking to someone who’s been there and understands what you’re dealing with opens up a whole world.
Being in Iraq and Afghanistan helped me immensely because I was able to see those things and understand what soldiers were dealing with.
In my book, Bravo Company, I wanted to tell their story. I didn’t want to tell my story.
When you go to the VA, you’re treated as an individual, and we almost forget that we were part of a unit.
The reunion that Bravo Company did brought them all together to remind them that they are members of a team. Strength to the group brings strength to the individuals.
One thing we can do for each other is to have graciousness and empathy. We all carry the same weight, though some are more publicly known.
There’s the trauma we go through just by living our lives.
[Melanie]: That’s why we started Team Never Quit. It’s persevering through hard times.
No man is an island. We’re not doing this on our own.
You need people around you who love and care for you and to call you out on your bullshit.
A burden is not a curse. It’s what life gives you. It can be a curse and a blessing.
Anytime we try to do something by ourselves, we must remember we’re members of a team.
[Marcus]: The irony of life: Some people will have a skillset that you won’t possess.
Thru my book, I hope that people who have never served can understand what it’s like to be in combat.
10/19/2022 • 1 hour, 39 seconds
Jason Koger: First Bilateral Arm Amputee in the World to Receive 2 Bionic Hands & Author of Handed a Greater Purpose
ATV riding on the family farm sounds like a lot of fun - until you strike a live, fallen power line. This week's Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Jason Koger, shares his unbelievable account of the near-fatal injuries he suffered as a result of such an accident.
Waking up after 3 days in a coma, Jason's life was forever different, as both of his arms had been amputated below the elbow to save his life, and the first thing he wanted to do was to hold his two daughters in his arms again.
In short order, Jason taught himself how to drive again, and went on a turkey hunt and deep-sea fishing. Within a year, he was fitted with prosthetic arms and relearned the essentials of life, including how to feed, dress and bathe himself.
These days, life is back to “normal” for Jason and his family. He has a new son and has taken on the mission of encouraging other amputees. Jason’s goal in life to use his story to help others.
In this episode you will hear:
My arms are body-powered. They basically work off of a cable. When you move your opposite shoulder from your amputation, you’re basically pulling a cable to the opposite hand.
My cousin said it looked like the Fourth of July was coming off of me. He thought I was dead.
It basically blew my left thumb off.
In the helicopter, they cathed me, and my urine looked like Dr. Pepper.
By the time I made it to the hospital, they had to immediately amputate to save my life because my kidneys were shutting down.
The surgeon said it looked like a shotgun had gone off inside of my arm. The electricity pulled all my tendons off.
We’ve always had faith.
When I woke up from a three-day coma, I had no idea they had amputated.
When my dad says it’s gonna be possible to get through it, it’s gonna be possible.
I told the doctor, “I gotta be able to hold my kids. That’s all I care about.” He said he’d make that happen.
I’ve always been a strong-willed person. I want to do things myself. I don’t want someone doing things for me.
Eventually, my insurance company said yes to two bionic hands.
My goal was to be the best prosthetic user in the world.
I got a call from CNN, asking if they could run my story. Then amputees all over the world started reaching out to me. I told my wife I think this is my calling - to help others.
I want veterans and non-veterans to know there’s a way to live. 95% of being a successful amputee is mental attitude.
The hands have an Apple app. My hands know where they are in space at all times.
The hardest day I ever had was the first day I was home, because one of my girls laid on my lap.
My brother-in-law bought me a shirt that read: “Look Ma, No Hands.”
I wrote my first book: Handed a Greater Purpose.
You can live life to the fullest, no matter what you go through.
10/12/2022 • 58 minutes, 23 seconds
Stephanie Herzog: Board Member for Cure Rare Disease, Working on Finding Cures for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for Her Son Max
When a rare genetic disorder hits home, it takes someone like this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Stephanie Herzog, to help find strategies to cure it. The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) diagnosis of her son, Max, was the driving force to connect her with Cure Rare Disease, who is currently developing life-saving therapeutics in collaboration with the world’s leading academics, clinicians, regulatory experts, translational experts, and manufacturing experts. Stephanie serves as a board member. The organization’s ground-breaking research is bringing to fruition the potential for permanent muscular regeneration, which was, at one time, science fiction.
In this episode you will hear:
When we learned about our son’s condition, we put together a golf tournament to raise funds because it was A: Our only option, and B: Our best option to cure our kid.
80% of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have a gene deletion in the dystrophin gene. Max has a duplication of the dystrophin gene.
In what should be the best time ever with your child, that’s when we find out he has this horrible disease.
We had like a funeral in our house for like a month.
The weight of his future was heavy.
Our team, through Crispr technology, hope to edit Max’s gene mutation.
6 years ago, this was science fiction.
Boys usually get diagnosed between the ages of 4-6. They lose their ability to walk between the ages of 10 and 12. They usually lose their battle in their early 20s.
They’re literally knocking out the gene duplication along a string in his DNA on the cellular level.
Using the Crispr technology, the muscle cells are auto-correcting, producing dystrophin on their own.
You wonder: “How am I going to live with this? And you do.”
Faith is everything.
You need somebody to pray to.
When the going gets tough they have prayer.
10/5/2022 • 48 minutes, 13 seconds
Tracy Walder: Former CIA Staff Operations Officer and FBI Special Agent, Turned Educator, Author of The Unexpected Spy
What’s the difference between a professor of Criminal Justice and an undercover CIA, and FBI counterintelligence agent? In the case of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Tracy Walder, the answer is Nothing. They‘re the same person.
Listen in as Marcus & Melanie Luttrell discuss Tracy’s first-hand accounts as a CIA officer and FBI field operative – fascinating stories. She successfully hunted down terrorists around the world using aliases and had face-to-face discussions with President Bush and General Colin Powell. Yet, she shares her experiences in a genuine, unexaggerated, and engaging manner.
Tracy is the author of The Unexpected Spy, and has appeared on numerous national programs, and has written several national security pieces.
In this episode you will hear:
I was born with a developmental disability called Hypotonia. (Low muscle tone). It has no cure. I didn’t roll over until I was 1. I didn’t walk until I was 3.
I attended USC for free since my dad was a professor there.
The CIA polygraph process was annoying. All the questions were very frustrating. One session was 8 hours long and another was 3 hours.
My job was to try to get as much information as possible on terrorist training camps.
I served in 13 countries.
I once had a meeting in the trunk of a car.
Having Bin Laden in our sights at one time and not being able to do anything about it was really upsetting.
My boss at the CIA was the best boss I have ever had in my life.
My target was a guy named Zarqawi who founded ISIS.
Zarqawi became enemy number one. That meant going overseas.
My job was to manipulate people to give me information. It worked well for me.
I worked with SEAL Team 6 a lot.
I left the CIA because I didn’t want to live overseas anymore. I was totally burned out.
As part of the CIA, you are not entitled to the same benefits as veterans, like mental health care.I love the counter-terrorism mission.
9/28/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 51 seconds
Jeff "Spanky" Peterson: Retired Lt Col Air Force Pilot Responsible for the Extraction of Marcus During Operation Red Wings
"Navy SEAL Down!" Those are words no soldier in battle ever wants to hear. In the case of this week's Team Never Quit guest, Jeff "Spanky" Peterson, the mission he had trained for as an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter pilot finally came into play in the mountains of Afghanistan. His mission: to rescue this podcast's host - Navy SEAL 10's Marcus Luttrell (code name: "Spider-Man") - after a dramatic & horrific ending to Operation Red Wings. Listen in to Jeff's detailed description of the events leading up to that harrowing rescue, and learn firsthand the degree of risk taken by U.S. soldiers on a day-in-day-out basis. The average American has no idea of the degree of "badassery" occurring in the theater of war by the U.S military around the world.
In this episode you will hear:
People call us heroes, but I don't think of it that way.
“Pack a three-day bag. You’re going up north.”
A rocket-propelled grenade brought a Chinook chopper down, killing 16 men.
Command picks up a clicking sound on a rescue radio frequency.
My crew included a 57-year-old flight engineer, a gunner - a nervous University of Arizona student. My co-pilot was “Skinny”, 40-year-old seasoned by thousands of hours flying a Blackhawk.
Are we looking for Americans, survivors, or is this a trap by the Taliban to draw in another chopper and blow it out of the sky?
An elderly Afghani man arrives at a small Marine camp, with a note written by Luttrell.
We have to fly into hostile Taliban territory to get him out.
“It was dark and the weather was bad. It was a black abyss.”
Except for the green glow of the rooftop position lights, we were flying black.
"It was the Fourth of July out there."
“We didn’t even know where we were going and which strobe light was the right one. It was just like a flashlight from God.”
Within 10 feet from the ground, the rotors kicked up a storm of dust, sending us into a total brownout. I couldn’t see the wall, the ground, or the cliff.
Both of ‘em were wearing Afghani man jammies. Before taking him aboard, we had to authenticate Marcus by asking him to say his dog's name and his favorite superhero. For the record, the answers are Emma and Spider-Man.
When we got back, the only thing I wanted to do was talk to my wife, but we couldn't talk openly. All I could say was "Everything is good, "Everything is really, really good."
"We stick our butts on the line to save people." "That's our combat mission.”
9/21/2022 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 38 seconds
Aaron Walker: Founder of Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind & Author of View From the Top
Excellence, Leadership, and Mentorship. Those words exemplify the life of this week's Team Never Quit guest, Aaron Walker. Aaron and Marcus kick around the adventures of entrepreneurship, a spectacular marriage, and how he applies that which he learns from his experiences – good and bad - to propel him to new heights. After learning tough lessons from a horrific life event, and then being guided by the finest financial and spiritual leaders, Aaron now plays it forward by mentoring others.
In this episode you will hear:
I didn’t have anything at 18, and I was able to retire at 27.
I played golf every day, I fished every day, and you can’t do that but so much, because you gotta have a purpose.
While driving, I watched an older man walk across two lanes, he got to the median, and stopped. As soon as I got to him, he took off running to catch a bus, and I ran over him. It was literally like my life came to a standstill.
One day I made the decision: I’ve been chasing money since I was 8 years old. I’m 40 now and I’m retiring – I’m through.
Through a series of events, I spent 21 years sponsoring Dave Ramsey’s show, and we became best of friends.
The Mastermind radically changed my life.
We can’t quit. People need you. You can’t sit on the sidelines. We have to get up because nobody can live your life but you.
I had great success financially, but I had no significance.
I want my legacy to be that those I come in contact with are different as a result of having interacted with me.
I want to leave a legacy of helping, giving, supporting, encouraging, lifting people up and helping them accomplish their dreams and goals.
God is always working in the background.
The thing that I thought was taking me out was the catalyst for transforming the lives of other people.
We all need trusted advisors. Don’t do what I did and have a pocketful of money only to come home to a house full of strangers.
You can go faster alone, but you can go much further together.
Failure is in not trying, not in not succeeding.
Go out there today. Go for it. Never quit.
9/14/2022 • 45 minutes, 51 seconds
Sarah Wilkinson: Gold Star Wife & Veteran Mental Health Advocate
It's hard to imagine how life could possibly go on when someone who has everything to live for commits suicide. How do you respond to such a tragedy? In this week's Team Never Quit Podcast, our guest, Sara Wilkinson, Gold Star wife of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, speaks candidly about her military family life, her love for Chad, and raising their children on her own. Sara is determined to reduce the stigma surrounding the silent epidemic of Veteran suicide and bring awareness to its warning signs and triggers. She brings honor to Chad's legacy, and discusses the importance of fitness, and living large, despite what life brings.
In this episode you will hear:
My whole life I moved around. I attended 15 schools before I graduated.
[For the military guys] it’s really hard to hop off the hamster wheel unless someone tells you to hop off. And no one tells you to hop off.
I was a Crossfit trainer and I opened a Crossfit gym in Virginia Beach.
Men and women can all suffer from Blast Waves, PTS, PTSD, etc. It’s really important to educate spouses and first responders on the ways that little things may be signs of something way bigger happening.
In a partnership, it’s our job to care for one another.
If someone is exhibiting symptoms of PTS, PTSD, etc. the only thing you can do is manage the symptoms. It comes down to focusing on sleep.
Everybody’s mind is affected by the life they’ve lived.
Ask yourself - What are the things you need to function optimally?
How do we transition veterans from an operative status to living life independently, regardless of their history?
I want my kids to know that this is a chapter in their story, and they have their whole life ahead of them. It’s a backpack they carry that they’ll never put down. But they’ll do some amazing things in their life.
Your kids are always watching you. The way they watch you and observe you is the biggest responsibility you have.
My motto: Live big.
Support Sara:
CHAD 1000X website: https://chad1000x.com
Sara Wilkinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarawilkinson7/?hl=en
The Step Up Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/thestepupfoundation/?hl=en
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
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9/7/2022 • 1 hour, 27 seconds
Shaye Lynne Haver: US Army Major & One of the First Two Female US Army Ranger School Graduates
Can you say “One of the first of two female graduates of the US Army Ranger School and Apache attack helicopter pilot?” Meet this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Shaye Haver. From being a cross country runner and soccer player in high school, to Army brat, to following in her dad’s footsteps as an Apache helicopter pilot, Shaye and Marcus share an engaging conversation about her influences and accomplishments. In 2016, Shaye and Kristen Griest, who also graduated from the US Army Ranger School were ranked 34th on Fortune magazine's list of the World's Greatest Leaders.
In this episode you will hear:
I grew up as an Army brat which put me in an environment of serving and sacrifice.
My dad always said, “Go do something better than me.”
ROTC was the beginning of my understanding that the military was about opportunity. You can make it what you want it to be.
Good, better, best – Never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better best.
I absolutely don’t take no for an answer – especially for myself.
I did not go to West Point because of my intellectual prowess. I went on my leadership and physical fitness abilities.
Ranger School reminded me that the mission is about the people to the left and right of you.
Crisis provides opportunity.
The tactic for success I use is to visualize success.
The first day one, there was 19 of us; the second day 1, there were 8 of us; the third day one, there were 3 of us.
I have had my tab ripped off my shoulder two times. Once by another Ranger.
I choose to walk in the responsibility of bearing this thing that I have earned for the duration of my life. You can let it weigh you down, or you can let it inspire you.
There’s not a quitting bone in my body.
The warrior culture is not just for men.
Heroes come in the most unlikely boxes. They’re all around us and everybody has a story.
8/31/2022 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 28 seconds
Tim Kennedy: Entrepreneur, NYT Best-Selling Author, BJJ Black Belt, UFC Fighter, Green Beret, Sniper, TV Host, Speaker, Unapologetically American
Unapologetically American, and an all-around badass - That’s who and what Tim Kennedy is – a true patriot. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Tim have a fascinating conversation about Tim’s military service as an active Special Forces master sergeant and sniper and his role in the most elite counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit within the U.S. Army Green Berets. Tim holds a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu and is a former professional mixed martial arts fighter and two-time title challenger. He authored the book, Scars and Stripes, an inspirational memoir offering lessons on how to embrace failure and weather storms to unlock the strongest version of yourself. These days, he lives a remarkable life as a serial entrepreneur owning multiple companies. However, Tim’s most personal accomplishments are that of a husband, father, and lover of this country.
In this episode you will hear:
When I grew up, all I did was fix the barbed wire and throw Bahia bales.
You have to be an involved parent and mentor to your child.
Now, every high school graduate has had every decision made for them. And when they arrive at college, they have been force-fed everything to this point, and now they get fed something much more dangerous – ideas. They’re given the freedom to make their own decisions with those dangerous ideas, and what you have is a petri dish for disaster.
I want little kids to make all their decisions and learn the consequence of bad decisions, so when they hear someone say something stupid, they’re like, “that doesn’t work.”In Afghanistan they’d “beach ball” babies to the gate with the hopes that some marine would pick them up.
It’s not rocket science that you don’t move tactical elements before you get your people out. You don’t give up strategic and tactical positions until you’re ready for a proper withdrawal.
There’s nothing more dangerous than a broken man.
Jesus didn’t go into the holiest of places. He went to where the prostitutes and tax collectors were.
I stepped away from God for almost two decades. I became a narcissist. It wasn’t until my marriage was on the rocks that I was convinced to talk to God about all the horrific things I saw & experienced.
They were throwing money at me to get people out of Afghanistan. That was so wrong in my heart to go back there for the money.
In ten days we evacuated 12,000 people with our own planes.
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
8/24/2022 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 55 seconds
Kevin Hines: Mental Health Advocate, Best Selling Author, Survivor
“Life is a gift, that is why they call it the present. Cherish it always.”
That’s the mantra of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Kevin Hines.
Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Miraculously, a sea lion kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. He is one of only thirty-six (less than 1%) to survive that fall. He shares his compelling story of hope, healing, and his will to live with Marcus. His story was featured in the 2006 film The Bridge by film director and producer, Eric Steel. Kevin has inspired millions worldwide in the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience. “Be here tomorrow...”
In this episode you will hear:
My biological parents had me on a diet of Kool-Aid, Coca-Cola, and sour milk.
My parents would leave me and my brother unattended to go score and sell drugs. Then Child Protective Services picked us up and put us in foster care.
The only time I ever lost faith was when I stood atop the Golden Gate Bridge looking down. I found it on my way down.
There’s a high number of suicidal teens who went through foster care. Many were abused and neglected by the ones in place to protect them.
[Marcus] “I think the kids that go through it, are the ones who can fix it.”
I finally ended up with foster parents who saved my life. They gave me a beautiful childhood.
At 17 my brain broke. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and then things got completely out of control.
I had auditory hallucinations telling me I had to die.
If somebody would have just asked me, I would’ve just told them the truth of my situation.
I left a suicide note in my backpack because I wanted my family knows I loved them.
When I was still underwater, I thought, “I’m gonna die here and no one's gonna know I don’t want to. No one's gonna know I made a mistake.”
On that [Coast Guard] boat, I made a cognitive decision: I would never again attempt to take my life as long as I should live, no matter the pain I’m in.
When you encounter a suicidal person, it’s about being with them in the moment. “What do you need from me to say here? How can I help keep you on this planet?”
My new motto is: I’m gonna be here tomorrow, and every day after that, no matter the pain I’m in.
Every moment of every day is a good moment.
It’s a privilege to exist.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988
Support Kevin:
https://www.instagram.com/kevinhinesstory/
https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
8/17/2022 • 55 minutes, 31 seconds
Cesar Perez: Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, Aspiring Hollywood Actor, Best-Selling Author of Chase the Light
In one devastating blow, dreams are shattered. Although this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Cesar Perez, went from rising Hollywood star to miraculously surviving a head-on collision with a drunk driver, he shines brightly with the resilience of the human spirit. Cesar starred alongside Daniel Ratcliff (Harry Potter) in the action thriller Beast of Burden for which he also did graphic design work. He was also cast as a major lead character Javier in the action thriller Blind Trust. Despite his severe brain injury, having his face shattered, and learning how to breathe, walk, and talk again, Cesar lives a life of courage and shows us firsthand that even in the darkest of moments, life has meaning.
In this episode you will hear:
I did a video tape audition that got me a role with Daniel Ratcliff {Harry Potter}. My life was really on the rise.
I was driving to see my girlfriend when a drunk driver hit me head-on going over 70mph. He spun me around and then a big rig hit me – also going 70mph, and then I don’t remember anything for the next 2 weeks.
If life had a reset button, I must have pressed it.
I was making a statement with my life and then it got cut abruptly.
I thought if I can get out of this, there’s nothing I can’t do.
The first thing I said to the guy that hit me was “the last thing I ever wanted to see is someone from my country behind bars.”
I wanted my life back and no one could give me that back.
Talking and facing that demon helped me put the period at the end.
My family never left me – they showed me what true love actually is. That was the love that got me through it.
My family’s sacrifice gave my life meaning when my life felt meaningless.
Once I could finally run, I thought “I’m gonna do more”, and that’s what got me back to where I am.
The drive I had as a kid is more intense now. It was running hot, but now it’s running with a different fire.
Putting my experience down in words helped me heal.
As long as there’s breath in me, it’s still possible to live a beautiful life.
If, in the end, I helped save a life, it was worth it.
8/10/2022 • 58 minutes, 14 seconds
Keri Mills: Juris Doctor, Gold Star Wife, Public Speaker
Using the grief of a husband killed in action to fill a void in estate planning for fellow widows. That’s the mantra of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Keri Mills. Her transparent story of being a lackluster student to attending law school is inspiring, as she strives to educate other Gold Star families and service members in planning ahead in the event tragedy should strike. Keri’s husband, Special Operations Chief Stephen “Matt” Mills was killed in action along with 29 other Americans and a working dog when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. With one knock on the door and one sentence, Keri went from being a married woman to a widow. Unprepared as she was for that life-changing event, it sparked her decision to help others be better prepared than she was.
In this episode you will hear:
Standardized tests are not my forte.
What I realized about who I am is that I’m a person that does what I say I’m gonna do.
I have worked for 8 ½ years to solve this problem.
If I can keep someone from having to figure things out – the way I did – it’s worth it to me.
The stigma that comes with estate planning is that people think you have to have a pot full of money in the bank. That’s not what it’s about at all. It’s about setting up your legacy.
I don’t have any stories to tell about Matt because they’re not my stories to tell.
I’m trying to carry on Matt’s legacy.
There are 300,000 veterans in Houston.
The part that I see myself playing is education for the special operators and our community.
[Marcus] “There needs to be a way to teach you how to get out.”
8/3/2022 • 56 minutes, 12 seconds
Jay Dobyns, Federal Agent of 27 Years, Veteran Undercover Operative, New York Times Best-Selling Author, High School Football Coach
“A government-trained predator.” That’s one description of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Jay Dobyns. While he participated in hundreds of undercover operations as a federal agent, he is best known for getting past multiple layers of security and becoming a member of the Hells Angels. Jay's book about that investigation - No Angel, My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels - is a New York Times and international bestseller. Dobyns served as a federal agent for twenty-seven years and was driven to succeed at any cost without regard for himself.
These days, Jay has gone from a life of daring, undercover operations to becoming a High School football coach in Tucson, Arizona. Listen in as Jay and Marcus share an engaging conversation about Jay’s encounters and adventures.
In this episode you will hear:
The entertainment industry gets second takes. If they miss a line, they can try again. In real life, there are no second chances.
I feel very blessed to have entered undercover work. Nothing really prepares you until you get out there and get your feet wet.
I’ve bought pea shooters, rocket launchers, bombs, homemade PVC pipe bombs, and servo-activated C4.
I infiltrated home invasion crews. That’s where I got my training to take on the Hells Angels.
I didn’t always succeed at things, but I always tried.
My undercover persona eventually became who I was.
I made a million mistakes in my life, and my wife and family have given me one million and one second chances.
We fabricated the murder of a Hells Angels rival, and that is when I was welcomed into the organization.
I ruined everything for the mission. It was heartbreaking to see what I had done to get there.
God does not build us to intentionally betray people.
My agency failed to react to threats against me. I was told “You’re on your own.”
When no one cares who gets credit for success, we’re on to something.
Want someone to remember your name? You’re gonna have to do something they will never forget.
If you want something you’ve never had before, you’re gonna have to do things you’ve never done before.
Life is about making mistakes, but don’t remake mine - I can tell you how they turn out. It’s not good.
7/27/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 38 seconds
Lone Survivor Foundation with Retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant John “Spike” Garcia and Marine Clayton "Clay" Cook
A path to healing from invisible wounds. That’s the mantra for today’s Team Never Quit guests, Retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant John “Spike” Garcia and Marine Clayton "Clay" Cook from The Lone Survivor Foundation. Their sole purpose is to support veterans after their service to this great country. They’re teaching strategies to manage Post-traumatic Stress, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and chronic pain – taking back your life.
The Lone Survivor Foundation offers both Face-to-Face & Virtual Programs, at no cost. All it takes is for you to be ready to take the next step on your journey. Once the Service Member has attended an Individual Program, couples and their families can qualify for the program as well. Service Members (both active duty and Veterans) from all military branches and service eras, experiencing symptoms as a result of service are eligible.
In this episode you will hear:
How the Lone Survivor Foundation and Team Never Quit go hand-in-hand
The Lone Survivor Foundation provides a holistic approach to treatment and addresses the entire family.
It’s the only program that does Accelerated Resolution Therapy. "I got more out of it in three hours than I had in 18 years."
The spouse is the first one that is affected by what the veteran is going through, followed by family members and friends, and the ripple effect can affect businesses and coworkers as well.
Once the vet goes through the treatment, the spouse & family can assist in their recovery.
Q: How do you know if you’re a good fit for the program?
A: Go to LoneSurvivorFoundation.org and take a self-assessment. You don’t have to be diagnosed, you only need to be suffering from symptoms.
Support Lone Survivor Foundation:
Donate to the LSF
Follow LSF on Instagram
Take the Self Assessment
Follow Us on Social:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
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7/20/2022 • 1 hour, 34 seconds
Chris Cathers: Special Forces Green Beret, Currently Battling Stage 4 Bone Cancer (Chondrosarcoma)
Still in the fight of his life – for his life. That’s the real-life story of this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Chris Cathers, a former US Army Green Beret and CIA paramilitary Global Response Staff (GRS) contractor with 12 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and North Africa.
And if Chris’ PTS struggles weren’t enough, Chris speaks openly about the stage 4 bone cancer he has had for over a year. Struggling to find adequate medical care opened his eyes to the difficulty of finding the right team for any aspect of medicine, and he has dedicated himself to encouraging his military brothers and sisters to seek help immediately and not downplay the signs.
Chris and his business partner Daniel also aim to raise awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic via a documentary, “Brother’s Keeper”, currently in production.
Chris has established a nonprofit organization to help raise funds for a small number of other nonprofit and for-profit businesses, committed to giving our veterans a hand in their fight.
In this episode you will hear:
At one time, I was feeling really good. I was doing protection for celebrities for 5 years, as well as Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and lifting a lot.
My femur was compromised to the point that I was close to snapping it.
I always prepare myself for the worst and hope for the best.
You have to advocate for yourself, or you won’t have a good success rate.
Unfortunately with what I’ve got, radiation & chemo doesn’t work. It’s more of a Hail Mary.
My wife calls me a cockroach. “Man, this guy’s stubborn.”
Sports is what kept me on the right path.
I feel like a sheepdog – I like to keep the wolves at bay.
I really enjoy protecting people.
If I would redline my body, all the “noise” would settle down.
Doing something bigger than you has always been a calling for me.
Initially, my outlook wasn’t great - 29% and the 5-year survival rate wasn’t good.
I’m a patriot and I love our country, I think we’re the best country on the planet, but we’re doing our damnedest to fuck it up. That’s not acceptable to me.
We didn’t think we could have children, 1 - I’m old as dirt and I’m stage 4. So we were not planning on having a child, but…
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Support the Mission:
https://www.wearebrotherskeeper.com/
Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_cathers/
Follow Us on Social:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
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7/13/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds
E. Matthew “Whiz” Buckley: F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Pilot, TOPGUN Graduate, Producer of No Fallen Heroes
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus brings in a real “Top Gun” – A badass Navy fighter pilot and an incredible investment powerhouse – both the same guy – Matthew “Whiz” Buckley. You’ll have to hang on to your seat when you hear him share his real, firsthand experiences and record-setting flights in Navy fighter jets. Buckley has harnessed the principles of military strategies and applied them to investments and trading success. “Buckle up, buttercup…”
In this episode you will hear:
I was raised with the belief that the American Dream was real and I could achieve anything I wanted to be as long as I applied myself, worked hard, and cared for others.
I loved my country, the ocean and flying so I set out to become a navy fighter pilot.
Every landing aboard the ship is graded. The mission is secondary to coming back because you’ve got 5,000 people watching you.
I flew an acceptance flight in a new Hornet, and I did some unbelievable things with it, although I didn’t have too much time to enjoy it because all of a sudden the engines were gasping for air.
When you’re moving that fast, all your wrinkles go away.
At Mach 1.7 I thought, “I should be pulling out of this dive.” At that speed, I can’t eject. I’d be vaporized.
When you make a decision, the computers go “If he does that, we’re gonna disintegrate, and we don’t want to do that.”
We put our dog tags in our boots because in aviation accidents, that’s usually all that’s left.
The jet’s a tattletale. It’s all electronic. Your superiors know how hard you pushed it.
You can teach people a lot of stuff, but you can’t teach ‘em leadership.
In a debrief, there ain’t no ”we” or ”us”. There’s only “I”.
If you sat in a fighter pilot debrief, you’d think we hated each other. It not who’s right, it’s what’s right.
Save the apple polishing for the bar – we’re in a debrief.
A big leadership moment is when I was told “I could be friendly with you, but we’re not friends.”
The Navy does a great job of teaching us to compartmentalize. If Marcus gets smoked, I’ll mourn him later, and guess what? I don’t get to mourn him later, ‘cause it’s on to the next thing.
On the medicine, my dad & my sister, who was killed by a drunk driver, were both there. They looked incredible. In that moment, I healed.
Forgiveness doesn’t exist in heaven, because there’s no need for it.
Support Whiz:
https://www.instagram.com/official_ematthewbuckley/
https://nofallenheroes.com/
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7/6/2022 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 18 seconds
Dr Martín Polanco and Marine Ryan Roberts: A Discussion on the Clinical Psychedelic Retreat Being Used to Treat Veterans and their Family Members
In this week's episode, we're joined by Dr. Martín Polanco and Marine Ryan Roberts to discuss the clinical psychedelic program specializing in the use of Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and Psilocybin that is being used to treat veterans and their family members.
Dr. Martín Polanco has been successfully treating people with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction using psychedelic medicines for over a decade. He is the founder of The Mission Within, a clinical program in Mexico and Costa Rica helping veterans with issues resulting from military service experiences. His mission is to conduct research to prove its effectiveness – with the end goal of its legalization. Marcus speaks from his first-hand experience with Dr. Polanco’s treatment, in an effort to educate and make psychedelic therapy available to every veteran that needs it.
In this episode you will hear:
We do psychic surgery.
[Melanie] “It’s like a car wash for your brain.”
So many people come out of the medicine and we wanna get on the biggest mountain and yell: “C’mon, we can help.”
My dad was a hippie and involved with some peyote circles.
At 21, I had an experience with mushrooms, and everything I saw was infused with source energy.
There is a delusional mindset where people can justify their drug use.
[Marcus] “The best joy you’ll ever have is in gratitude.”
[Melanie] “The medicine took a lot of walls down.”
[Melanie] “We were unbreakable before, but now we’re an unstoppable force.”
If we can heal the veteran, we can heal the home.
Support their Mission:
TMW Website: https://www.missionwithin.org
Sponsor a veteran's treatment: https://missionwithin.org/sponsor-a-vet/
Donate to Research: https://bit.ly/psychedelicsDellMed
Follow Us:
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6/29/2022 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 15 seconds
Caleb Francis: TikTok and YouTube Content Creator, Comedian
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus has an entertaining conversation with Caleb Francis, a hilariously funny content creator on TikTok who has over 1.5 million fans and over 36 million likes. Caleb has built a brand reaching the globe via Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Cameo. He has a blast doing what he does – speaking his mind with a humorous perspective. Caleb also shares valuable information on getting started in that arena and tells the listener how anyone can get their voice out there, regardless of who they are or where they live.
In this episode you will hear:
I got my first computer at 9 or 10, although I was never much of a computer person.
Watching your favorite personality is like someone watching Netflix, but it’s someone you can interact with.
[Marcus] “There’s only a few people that can get away with talking smack: Comedians and the Military.”
My favorite parts of childhood were technology, treehouses, and camping, but we were still nerds, too. We did both.
My videos are usually brought on by something I’m doing in life.
If you want to get started, make the TikTok and post whatever you’re doing. It will be recycled onto every other platform there is.
We would do stupid stuff like getting hurt and film it. Then we’d do skits. I just kept doing it after everyone moved away.
I’d get inspiration from delivering parts for Advance Auto Parts.
I’d get ideas just by talking to myself.
I would observe everyday stuff and imagine what was being said and thought, and develop that.
Videos are endless. They just keep coming, like recommendation videos.
When my friends and I watched Talladega Nights, we were losing our minds laughing so hard.
6/22/2022 • 1 hour, 41 minutes
Eric O'Neill: Former FBI Agent, Author of Gray Day and the Subject of Universal Studios’ feature film, Breach
In this week’s riveting episode, Marcus has a fascinating discussion with Eric O’Neill, former FBI counter-terrorism and counterintelligence operative. Eric played a major role in the arrest, conviction, and imprisonment of one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history - FBI agent Robert Hanssen - who was spying on behalf of the Soviet Union and Russia. Eric’s first-hand accounts of some of his day-to-day activities are events that movies are made of. He has written about his experiences in Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America's First Cyber Spy. Eric is also a public speaker and security expert who lectures internationally about espionage and national security, cybersecurity, fraud, corporate diligence and defense, hacking, and other topics.
In this episode you will hear:
My job at the FBI was to go undercover. I never came out of cover.
There were foreign intelligence officers (spies) who sometimes were some of our own who were spying for other countries.
My father told me “You have to chase your dreams, whatever they might be.”
I’m going to stop spies & terrorists before they kill our citizens.
I was at Quantico [Marine Corps Training Base]. You earn it and you feel like you earned it.
When my wife and I were dating and people would ask me what I do, I would say “I work for the Justice Department as a Geo-Political Analyst.” That would immediately end the inquiry.
There was an instance where a high-level spy was about to be arrested, and disappear, which told us there was a mole in our intelligence community.
The FBI went on a 22-year manhunt for a guy code-named Gray Suit, the biggest spy in U.S. history.
Each time you go after somebody who might be the target you’re after, you give them a derivative code name.
What made Robert Hanssen such a successful spy, is that he was a hacker. He learned how to break into computer systems.
When the FBI had not given him the role he wanted, he volunteered his services to the Russians and gave up 2 of our top spies in Russia for no money to prove he had access. One of them was executed, and the other was sentenced to hard labor.
Analysts are the cream of the crop in figuring out how to catch spies.
Hanssen was the best, most notorious spy in US history. He was the Michael Jordan of the spy world. Nobody did the damage he did.
I was always a bit of a hacker – fascinated by computer systems. Breaking security, not to steal, but so I could understand how to make them stronger.
My mother holds the record for the most time watching the movie “Breach.”
6/15/2022 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 41 seconds
Nick Bare: Founder & CEO Bare Performance Nutrition and Host of the The Bare Performance Podcast
“Go One More.” That’s the Nick Bare mantra. That’s his way of life. Nick Bare is this week’s Team Never Quit guest, and he’s encouraging us all to:
work one more hour on your business…
make one more sales call…
run one more mile…
one more set at the gym…
one more chapter you read…
The magic starts to happen when you “Go One More.” From meager beginnings, founding Bare Performance Nutrition in 2012 out of his college apartment while studying nutrition to being commissioned into the US Army as an Infantry Officer, Nick learned the values of leadership, integrity and team building.
His biggest passion in life is helping people reach their greatest potential, because most of us severely underestimate our capabilities. Listen in as Nick Bare shares his life’s journey with Marcus and Morgan. Success requires uncompromising consistency.
In this episode you will hear:
When I first started my business, it was Christmas every morning. There was so much passion in it.
There’ve been so many highs and lows, it’s been amazingly rewarding
I told my dad, I’m gonna take out this loan, and I’m gonna make a million dollars my first year. His response was, “If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it.”
I didn’t take a paycheck from my business for five years.
My original plan was to be a chicken farmer.
When you get your first win, it builds your level of confidence.
[Marcus] The minute you get the idea to do something, the good Lord gives you what you need to be it.
Running in the mornings and evenings, I have complete solitude – no distractions.
My best business ideas have come during my morning runs.
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to turn your passion into a career.
Success is a result of compounded consistency.
When you want to quit, just show up and keep going.
You’ll finally push past your goal with the “one more” mentality.
6/8/2022 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
Pete Roberts: Founder of Origin & Jocko Fuel, 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt, On a Mission to Reclaim American Manufacturing 🇺🇸
How does one go from Martial Arts to owning a manufacturing business?
Just ask this week’s TNQ Podcast guest, Pete Roberts. He realized that in Martial Arts, the same uniform had been used for over 200 years, so Pete created his own opportunity to build a fresh brand of Jiu Jitsu wearables. He wanted to have control over research and development, textiles, and the design process, and because he knew that Franklin County in Maine had a rich manufacturing heritage, he took action. But his endeavor was seemingly derailed as Pete could not find a U.S. manufacturer who could create his unique line of products.
What to do? Pete decided to take matters into his own hands – literally. He built a manufacturing warehouse - spinning yarn, weaving fabrics, textiles, and designs, and began sewing his own line of uniforms and began his marketing efforts with simple, low budget ads.
Pete’s company, Origin USA, now has multiple manufacturing facilities, incorporating the ancestry of manufacturing, hiring the older generation and millennials alike.
This is the true American entrepreneur spirit at its finest.
In this episode you will hear:
• My wife and I have been together since we were 16. You do that by buying into each other’s personal goals and ambitions.
• I use my ADHD as a superpower.
• I’ve used the tools of Jiu Jitsu - timing, leverage, opportunity and applied it to reinventing gear for it.
• I started with old, cast iron sewing machines, and no bathroom.
• If you embrace the power of the American spirit, you can truly do anything.
• Corporate greed chose profit over people.
• If we can own the supply chain, we can protect it.
• [Morgan] You brought something that was lost and brought it back to life.
• Some folks will invest $75,000 in a vehicle. Why not invest that money in yourself? If you have an idea or a dream, don’t be scared of the unknown.
• The single most valuable thing is keeping a singleness of purpose. Stay focused on one thing and be great at it.
• I know that what we are doing hasn’t been done in 100 years. It’s not unique – it’s hard.
• People are born every day that will be more talented than you, but what they don’t have is the ambition to go all in and invest in themselves.
• Be a savage of the body, a pioneer of the heart, and an operator of the mind.
6/1/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 2 seconds
Brooke Clark Keating: Vice President of The C4 Foundation, Co-Host Gold Stars & Stripes Podcast, Gold Star Wife
For some people, hardships inspire them to do great things. Such is the case with this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Brooke Keaton. She is a Gold Star wife, as the result of her Navy SEAL husband, Charlie being killed in action in Afghanistan. Brooke is the Vice President of The C4 Foundation, which provides neuroscience programs for Navy SEAL families at their San Diego-based ranch. She and her friend Tara Crenshaw have also launched The Gold Star and Stripes Podcast, bringing awareness to the spouse’s military life and now life as civilians.
Listen in as Brooke speaks from the heart about her challenging life journey and her relentless pursuit of helping others.
In this episode you will hear:
If I were in a movie, my animal sidekick would be an elephant.
As pets go, dogs are the best.
Charlie always had to go wherever the fun was, so it was exhausting but so fun. He lived a mile a minute.
We lived on a boat, and every morning, Charlie would jump in the water and go surf.
Charlie was very passionate about his family.
Charlie was a sniper on a roof fighting against ISIS and was shot near his heart, and continued shooting and holding his ground until he died.
The Gold Star community in Virginia Beach is very tight-knit and immediately pulled me in.
I thought: “How can we support other Navy SEAL families?” We ended up with a 560-acre ranch, where families can “decompress” after deployment. Fly fish, hike, ride horses, etc.
I’m able to talk about Charlie every day. It’s helpful and therapeutic for me to talk about him.
We came up with a fun idea of the podcast to help other spouses as a sisterhood - to network with families where you can find any help with anything you may need.
I want to bring everyone together and build relationships.
5/25/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 28 seconds
Brian Tally: Former Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, National Veteran Advocate, Creator of The Tally Bill
A man on a mission. That is this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Marine veteran Brian Tally. What started out as sudden, severe back pain quickly became an incredible life-threatening ordeal he endured for years after a bad diagnosis at a VA hospital emergency room. His spine was being eaten alive by what turned out to be a tissue-eating staph infection. Because of a law enacted in 1946, Brian was unable to sue for malpractice as the law did not allow independent contractors at the VA facility to be sued. But by the time the VA suggested he pursue legal action in a state court, the state’s statute of limitations had just expired. What to do? If you’re Brian Tally - with no legal background - you draft your own legislative bill and go door-to-door on Capitol Hill until the procedural loophole is closed, ensuring that VA is transparent and fully accountable.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4526
In this episode you will hear:
It was a cold, gloomy morning when I couldn’t get out of bed, in severe pain – pain I can’t describe - after feeling normal when I went to bed.
I’m not anti-VA but I was one of those veterans that slipped through the cracks.
The only time I ever saw a doctor was when I was laying open on an operating table four months later, and they found a surprise – my spine was oozing with inflammation.
I was so doped up and in so much pain, I didn’t even know what was going on. I spent four months in my chair. I became an absolute broken man.
The doctor told my wife. “Your husband’s spine looks like it’s been moth-eaten.”
I was being eaten alive for four straight months, before finally having life-saving surgery.
By then my physical, mental, and emotional health was gone.
I have never slandered anyone. I have only operated in an honorable way. I would never dishonorably yell someone’s name. Because we all make mistakes.
I had to operate in a different way than I was being treated.
Just when I thought they would do the right thing, the VA did an about face, and they left me and my family holding the bag.
My wife is the glue that holds everything together.
There are tens of thousands of veterans, who have been destroyed by this egregious practice from a 1946 law.
The VA is using more and more independent contractors to see their way out of malpractice cases.
I went to my bathtub and I knelt down and said “God I’m about to expose made men, and I’m gonna need You for the strength and endurance to draft my own bill – my own solution. I was in a place I knew nothing about.
The never quit mentality is what kept me going.
I was representing 20.2 million American veterans with my bill.
That’s what God has led me to be and to do.
You can engage congress and make a difference.
I know I’m where God wants me to be.
Backcountry hunting, anyone?
If ever a man wanted to discover what it takes to become an elite man – mentally, physically, and spiritually tough, training for such a high-end hunt may just be the ticket. This week’s Team Never Quit Guest, Dustin Diefenderfer, explains in detail the grueling athletic training and grit it takes to hunt Deer, Elk, Moose, or Caribou In the backcountry. If you’re looking for an easy way to get there, stay home. When the hunt experience is over, you’re left with the mental and physical ability to reach your personal and professional goals by applying the principles learned in this endeavor – a better life by learning to be comfortable in being uncomfortable.
In this episode you will hear:
Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is teaching men to handle adversity.
If you can handle adversity in the gym, you can handle it better in the field. If you can handle it in the field, you can handle it a lot better at home.
When you’re more used to adversity and spend more time outdoors, it makes for a better man.
If you’re fortunate enough to harvest an animal on a backcountry hunt, you’re coming out with 80-100 pounds per trip for 3 or 4 trips.
Adversity building is one baby step after another. It makes you way tougher than you used to be.
It’s cool looking back on God’s footsteps that have brought us to creating Mountain Tough.
You don’t need to chase the corporate America stuff; You don‘t need to do what everyone else is doing.
Living in Africa taught us not to worry so much about money & finances. The people living there with nothing are pretty happy. They’re not distracted like Americans are, with cell phones and the like.
I knew I was gonna do something I was passionate about, and I knew I would do something outside, away from the computer, and engage with building a community.
When we’re going thru something stressful, God looks at us like “Do you realize that what you’re looking at right now is ‘this big’ in the grand scheme of life.”
We went to Ethiopia on a short mission trip and worked for two weeks where kids lived, slept, and ate in a landfill all day long. It was complete re-entry depression after watching those kids live in the dump.
They would rescue the child soldiers and teach them some life skills.
We’re creating elite men.
Dustin's Website
mtntough.com use promo code TNQ for 20% off you first year!
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5/11/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 44 seconds
Brian Reese: Founder & CEO of VA Claims Insider, Former Air Force Officer, and Author of You Deserve It
A CEO with PTSD. That encapsulates the world of this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Brian Reese. Here’s a military veteran entrepreneur serving other military veterans – over 15,000 vets needing a vast array of help – mental, disability ratings, compensation, and more. Brian, Marcus, and Morgan get “in the weeds’ as it relates to maximizing many forms of help for the veteran through his program, VA Claims Insider. Listen in to Brian’s vulnerable revelations of his personal challenges, and his ability to overcome and create a company whose prime directive is to teach and serve others. It’s okay not to be okay…
In this episode you will hear:
I’m sort of an amateur singer/songwriter.
A lot of vets have never filed a claim because they think “I’m not that disabled. Others have it worse, so I don’t deserve these benefits.” That’s complete bullsh*t.
There’s a mental barrier we have about getting help.
One of the core values of the Air Force is “service before self”. That doesn’t mean service at the expense of self.
If you can’ take care of anybody else, then you’re no good to the mission.
It takes less than 5 minutes to get yourself enrolled in VA health care.
Get a medical diagnosis of your condition ASAP.
First and foremost: Get yourself in VA health care, get a primary care provider, and get your stuff medically diagnosed in a medical record.
We’re trying to meet the military veteran before they even take off the uniform, then serve them at every point of life.
If I were king for a day, I would completely gut and overhaul the VA disability system. I’d take the word disability out of it. I would call Elon Musk, and ask him to come help me solve our problems.
Government organizations are not built for radical innovation.
It’s never too late to take advantage of everything veterans have worked for.
The VA disability process & the VA benefits process is never over unless you quit.
5/4/2022 • 52 minutes, 29 seconds
Travis Wilson: Retired Green Beret and Founder & CEO of Alpha Elite Performance
How does a near-fatal parachute accident equate to becoming an entrepreneur?
Ask this week’s Team Never Quit guest, Travis Wilson. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret and in the Special Forces. When his chute’s canopy collapsed and he “burned in,” Travis spent his recovery time developing his own line of supplement products. Listen in as Travis tells of his life transitions; his successes and failures. From a broken back, knee replacements and over a dozen surgeries to launching Alpha Elite Performance and serving as an Ambassador for the Green Beret Foundation, Travis is a picture of motivation and perseverance. Check it out.
In this episode you will hear:
• I was on a free-fall team the majority of my military career.
• On a night jump, the right side of my canopy collapsed. I was a right below 500’, so there’s no pulling reserve – just pray.
• I thought I had landed on a fence post. I broke my back, so I felt like I was impaled.
• I went to school for Exercise Science. But did I graduate? No, because “I’m not gonna miss this war.”
• I was an Army Medic.
• I stated a non-profit – Alpha Elite Performance. It’s a way for me to give back to veterans.
• My dad didn’t care if I failed or I succeeded, as long as I tried.
• My dad’s attitude was: “You’re not gonna grow up and quit.”
• When I got hurt, I thought I was gonna get kicked out, so that’s when I started my nutrition company.
• It’s a super challenge owning your own business.
• I was a security manager for Five Finger Death Punch, because I had a medical background.
• I lost 2 wives and 2 Harleys.
4/27/2022 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Todd DeGhetto: Retired Navy Captain who spent 30 years in Naval Special Warfare (NSW) as a SEAL Officer
Need a clear decision-maker in high-stress military operations critical to the defense of the United States? Then this week's Team Never Quit guest, Todd Deghetto, is your man. After 30 years as a Navy SEAL officer in Naval Special Warfare, Todd's current mission is to develop future leaders in mental toughness, discipline, & building collaborative teams. Todd, Marcus, and Morgan share an engaging conversation including actual mission details, its personal & mental ramifications, and the steps to recovery. Everyone on Todd’s team has a purpose.
In this episode you will hear:
It doesn’t matter what people think about you. Do what’s right, regardless of the consequences. If you lose friends over it, they weren’t true friends.
Having a dad as a New Jersey State Trooper, I learned about the evil in this world, and I learned about honor – doing what’s right.
That’s the nice thing about diving without O2. If you gotta die, that’s the way to go, because you just fall asleep.
[In combat] You get real good at completely cutting your head off from the rest of your body - No feelings, no emotion, and no pain. I truly didn’t start processing stuff until after I was done.
When things are going sideways is when people show their true colors.
When I returned, God put it on my heart to mentor the next generation.
I’m a leadership coach & mentor for the University of Tennessee’s MBA program. I may not have the business expertise, but I’ve got a lot of leadership experience.
The only way you’re gonna get better is to be able to say “this is mine.” This I made that decision, and this is why I made that decision.
We learn more from our mistakes than we ever do when things go right.
I took me several weeks after I returned - and all of a sudden I woke up one day feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
All the explosives, the blasts, the mortars, the rockets, the charges, the AC4’s – the damage done to the brain is devastating.
The healing journey has been the hardest thing for me. Part of that journey is not quitting om my family.
[In military leadership] We’re very good at controlling everything we can control.
There’s psychedelics treatment out there to really help us guys. My initial thought was “no way”, but it truly helped me.
4/20/2022 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 24 seconds
Kara Chamberlain: Kidnapped by a Serial Killer at 15 and Escaped, Now a Survivor Advocate
The human will to survive can't be underestimated. That's the mantra of this week's Team Never Quit guest, Kara Chamberlain. While watering plants in the front yard of a friend's house, Kara was kidnapped at gunpoint by a serial killer. She was only 15. Making mental notes of every detail along the way in her abductor's car - from memorizing the serial number of the large storage bin he forced her into to counting the turns he made, the music he played, his Marlboro Red cigarettes, details from within his apartment while handcuffed and gagged, Kara used every bit of it to her benefit. She not only escaped after 18 hours, but the details she recalled helped catch him. Kara's case also helped police link the killer to three unsolved murders in other states.
These days, Kara's life is dedicated to spreading hope and strength to other survivors.
In this episode you will hear:
We all have the ability to turn negatives into positives
Volunteering to go outside and water the plants made me a victim of opportunity.
When that red flag hit me, I felt a gun pressed to the side of my neck.
He was fact-gathering about me, and I was doing the same about him.
We can decide if we pick up the offense to something or pick up strength.
You’re either going to be defined by something that happens to you, or you’re going to be refined by it.
I was praying non-stop: “Help me to find an opportunity to escape.”
When it was over, I just wanted to go back to normal life – The life of a 15-year old girl.
The biggest threat to kids these days is online predators.
Have an open communication & dialog with your children. Teach them how to set boundaries and how to respect other people’s boundaries.
The best thing we can do for our children is to give them tools to deal with anything bad that happens. “I will never get mad at you.”
“Stranger Danger” is not the biggest threat to kids right now.
[Melanie] “The inspirational thing is not that you just survived and moved on – it’s that you helped others. That’s the difference between being a survivor and being a hero.”
I’ve always felt that what happened to me was so I could help other people.
4/13/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Rich “ACE” Franklin: 3x MMA World Champion, VP of ONE Championship, Host of ONE Warrior Series and Quite Franklin Podcast
From mild-mannered High School math teacher to UFC Hall of Famer. That’s this week’s Team Never Quit special guest, Rich Franklin. Rich and Marcus kick it around in an entertaining discussion about the transition from teaching high school math to UFC fighting on a world-class level. His childhood days of taking Karate lessons brought about an interest in Thai Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu, which further developed into a full-time MMA fighting career. Rich has also coached in The Ultimate Fighter, launched a clothing brand, a juice café, and is a prime example of one classy dude.
Nice guys can finish first.
In this episode you will hear:
I didn’t grow up being an amazing athlete.
I’m not super explosive, but I can grind.
Mathematics, like being a sniper, is a skill. You have to work at it.
If you take the grind away from me, then what am I? This grind, this work ethic I have, is not just the way I work out; it’s the way I approach everything in life.
When you start worrying about things outside of your circle of control, it’ll take you away from your goals.
When you’re fighting somebody on the street that’s not trained, I feel like Neo in the Matrix. When they throw a punch, it’s so slow to me.
Q: What’s your favorite cheat meal? A: What’s a cheat meal?
I don’t deal well with disrespect, inefficiency, or stupidity.
I like being challenged.
I’ve never used drugs in my life. I’ve never even had a sip of alcohol.
Had my college professor not actually cared, I could’ve folded. He saved me.
You never know when a small gesture helps somebody.
I don’t think I would be in this place in my life without God. He’s really directed my path.
Connect with Rich:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richacefranklin/
Listen to his podcast: https://richfranklin.com/listen-to-the-quite-franklin-podcast/
Visit his website: https://richfranklin.com/
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
4/6/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 30 seconds
Angela Rose: Abduction Survivor, Author, Speaker, Founder of PAVE
She never made it to the party. Every parent’s nightmare happened to this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Angela Rose. At 17, she was walking to her car after leaving work at a mall and was headed to a graduation party. Angela was abducted at knifepoint by a man with a long criminal history, including murder. In this week’s episode, she recounts the details of her horrific experience, fearing death, hands bound, and eyes covered. Angela survived her kidnapping, sexual assault and currently uses her t to usher in legislation, education, and action to shatter the silence of sexual violence. Triumph over tragedy.
In this episode you will hear:
I’m letting people know that there is joy after trauma, and a happy joyful life is absolutely possible.
It was broad daylight when I was kidnapped at knifepoint.
He stalked me and was watching me at the mall.
Follow your gut instinct.
The detectives didn’t believe me, and so the trauma was replaced by anger.
This is not a women’s issue. This impacts all genders.
I keep hearing “I never told anybody.”
We train parents and teachers on what to do or say if someone discloses.
Be careful not to use language that blames the victim.
Many people don’t know how to deal with traumatic situations.
I would never wish what happened to me on anybody, but I would never change it.
Because of what happened to me, I learned an inner strength I didn’t know existed.
We need to support each other to rise above adversity.
3/30/2022 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 46 seconds
Mike Ettore: Retired Marine Corps Infantry Officer & Decorated Combat Leader and Founder of Fidelis Leadership Group
This week’s incredible guest – Mike Ettore – knows the way, and shows the way. Being the exceptional leader that he is, Mike became the youngest Drill Instructor in the Marine Corps at the age of 20. There’s not a personal or professional challenge he can’t overcome.
Mike’s effective combat leadership style resulted in numerous awards and decorations during his career, including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor (with Gold Star denoting 2nd award) and the Combat Action Ribbon (with two Gold Stars denoting 2nd and 3rd awards).
These days, his purpose is to teach, coach, and help leaders develop - while he’s alive and after he’s gone.
In this episode you will hear:
I graduated from my first recruit platoon when I was 20.
The Marine Corps trusted me and I tried very hard to live up to that trust.
I spent my whole career trying to live up to the legacy of the Marines in World War I.
If there’s something the Marine Corps does well is it teaches and honors its history and traditions.
We were considered by the battalion commander, to be the strongest lieutenant/staff sergeant team in the battalion. It’s all about trust
I was more excited about being an equally good leader in business as I was in the Marine Corps.
Pre 9-11, I was dragging an AR-15 in a case through the airport.
I was a C-level officer in charge of most of the back office of the non-sales function for a billion-dollar company, with no expertise in any of it. I wasn’t really sure how to save a file.
I teach and coach senior executives in the art & science of leadership.
I’m 65 years old and have unlimited energy. I just love it.
At 65 years old, with over 45 years of teaching leadership, I still learn something every week. I ask myself: ”How in the hell have I gone this long and never heard that?”
I am vain enough that to think that 25, 50, 80 years from now - if somebody picks my book up, the Iwo Jima lessons, the Grenada lessons, and the business lesson I’ve learned, just might help out my great, great-grandson or daughter, who never met me.
[In life] I was mostly right, somewhat wrong, or completely full of shit
[Conversation with son] just because it comes out of my mouth doesn’t automatically mean that it’s bullshit. As you get older, you’re gonna find yourself becoming me.
Dale Carnegie: “A man who dies rich dies disgraced.”
I’m never gonna have Andrew Carnegie money, but I’ve got a laptop and a thumb drive. Everything that’s up here [in my head] is gonna be out.
3/23/2022 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 44 seconds
Robert Paylor: UC Berkeley Graduate & Rugby Star, Quadriplegic On A Journey to Walk Again
A true champion. That describes this week’s guest, Robert Paylor, perfectly. Having broken his neck in the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, Robert has not accepted defeat in his physical or mental capacities. From living the life of a quadriplegic - unable to even move his hands – much less walk - to rising from his wheelchair and walking to receive his diploma, this guy is as inspirational as they come. Listen in as Robert tells his epic comeback story, which has brought hope and a never-quit mentality to thousands.
In this episode you will hear:
I was put on this earth to move people.
My chin was pushed into my chest; a second player grabbed my legs; I fell forward; my nose slammed against my chest, and when I hit the ground with the top of my head – poof - I couldn’t feel anything.
My whole life, I’ve tried to make my parent’s proud.
The doctors said: “If, one day, you could take a piece of pizza and bring it to your face, then you made it.”
Going under the knife in the area of my spinal cord - they said there was a chance I would not wake up, so I started calling my buddies.
I’m a man of faith. I needed prayers. I needed God.
The one thing you do have control over is your mindset.
Great opportunities comes from great challenges.
If I didn’t have humor through all of this, I would be crushed, depressed.
This is such a gift. Just to be able to struggle to walk around my house.
I had to go through something tough to gain perspective, but it a gift I use in my life, and I can help give it to others. It’s my purpose.
When I saw my hamstring twitch I said “Okay. Game on.” It was like smelling blood in the water.
No person has stood by my side like my mom.
I’m gonna be a damn good man, and I’m gonna live a damn good life, because I have angels around me.
I love my life. I’m proud of who I am.
We can’t wait to start enjoying our lives until something happens.
You don’t have to get out of your wheelchair to live a good life.
God gives His toughest challenges to His toughest soldiers.
3/16/2022 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 56 seconds
Tommy O'Hare: 22 Year Veteran of the NYPD, Former U.S. Army Master Sergeant
There are interesting similarities between the streets of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and the streets of the South Bronx. This week’s Team Never Quit guest is former U.S. Army Master Sergeant., 2-tour veteran, National Guard Paratrooper, and 22 year veteran of the NYPD – Tommy O’Hare. Listen to Tommy’s personal experiences and life lessons from his 2 tours of duty in Iraq (Desert Storm), Mogadishu, Somalia, and his cop career on the streets of the South Bronx of New York. This patriot has a myriad of common sense and positivity he shares with Marcus and you.
In this episode you will hear:
I am the American success story. A child of Irish Immigrants who came to this country on a boat.
The [social] environment’s always changing, always evolving.
You never know what the future holds. You’d better catch up with it, adapt to it, or you’ll be left behind.
I can be as nice as a British butler, or I can be your worst nightmare.
Those same skills I learned in the streets of Brooklyn & the Bronx paid dividends in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
[After 9-11] Who you were, who you voted for – none of that crap mattered. We knew there were people in that building and we had to get them out because that’s our job.
I was more stressed working the midnight shift in the South Bronx than I was overseas working recognizance 10 miles from the Al Qaeda camp.
I know the dangers, but we’ve got a job to do. We signed up for it.
I worked with heroes every day - In the streets of New York and in the streets of Afghanistan.
You have moral courage, spiritual courage, and physical courage.
The interactions I had with the Iraqis is the same interactions I had with people in the South Bronx.
If there is a fight, I’m gonna win. I am undefeated.
My mother’s advice to me on my first day as a cop was: “Remember to be just.”
What right do I have to complain? I have both my legs. I am alive. I’ve been blessed throughout my career.
Don’t quit on yourself. I’m not gonna quit on you, Marcus isn’t gonna quit on you, God’s not gonna quit on you.
3/9/2022 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 23 seconds
Rick Perry: Former Texas Governor Interviews Marcus and Morgan Luttrell
This week’s TNQP guest needs no introduction. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry joins Marcus and Morgan, bringing to the table surprising stories of events and experiences with “The Luttrell Boys” – some previously known, and some unknown. Character and heroism are on full display in this episode, and Governor Perry makes no bones about how he feels about both of these patriots.
In this episode you will hear:
A call comes in from the command post. “Governor, there’s a young man down who said that you told him if he was ever through Austin to come by. Just to let you know, he’s here.” And I said, “Okay, what’s his name?” “Marcus Luttrell.” And I was like, “Hmmm…. Send him in.”
[Morgan] We’ve always started at the bottom and worked our way up. It was a fluid transition from the enlisted ranks.
If you want to effect change, then it’s time for you to man up and fill the seat. Quit yelling at the TV.
I get frustrated with the government from time to time.
Dr. Stanley Jones, I will always hold him in a special place because of his agreeing to do that initial work for Marcus.
When you [Morgan] crashed and ended up at the same place as Marcus, that was God’s way of tapping Marcus on the shoulder and saying “Hey dude, you gotta take care of your brother.”
The thing that amazes me about you guys is your fortitude after catastrophic injuries.
You guys have the most amazing discipline and character.
You reflect everything as a Texan. Texans and all Americans appreciate what you guys are all about.
They need people like you in the United States Congress, to show them what the military should be about.
You are fiercely loyal to your family, to your God, and to your state.
Team Never Quit is a really interesting concept, and no two people give a better reflection of that than Marcus and Morgan Luttrell.
I think America will be better off with another one of the Luttrell boys staying in the fight.
3/2/2022 • 48 minutes, 42 seconds
Dale Brisby: Netflix Star & Producer of How to Be a Cowboy, Greatest Bull Rider Ever to Walk the Earth, Comedian
In this week’s incredible Team Never Quit episode, legendary bull rider and Netflix reality superstar Dale Brisby (How to Be a Cowboy) brings a brand of toughness, determination, fun, truth, and faith to the table. From Facebook to Snapchat to TikTok, this guy has attracted thousands with his hilarious cowboy-lifestyle videos. Brisby is the self-proclaimed greatest rodeo cowboy on the planet and shares an engaging conversation with Marcus Luttrell in the Team Never Quit Podcast Studios. You’ll see pretty quickly that Dale Brisby is not your typical rancher. And you’ll hear - firsthand – how a future bull-riding rodeo comes to life at Dale’s Radiator Ranch.
In this episode you will hear:
I’m the Navy SEAL of Bull Riders.
My bucket list is – I don’t want to kick the bucket anytime soon.
Marcus Luttrell can call me whatever he wants.
I was raised around rodeo & started pro rodeo in college.
If you’ll just not quit, that’s what you’re supposed to do.
The rule of wearing felt hats is: Use them in months that end in “R”. Texas is a bit more lenient.
The most peaceful thing that ever crossed my mind was if my old man was in heaven. It was as sure to me as gravity.
[As it relates to Marcus Luttrell’s experience in Afghanistan] A lot of Americans think about what we would do in that situation. There’d be an intense amount of prayer I’d have to be doing.
Salvation is like – alight you’ve graduated, but you still need to go to the classes.
My dad died, both of my granddads died, and I had this real moment of “Snap, I’m the patriarch now. My family’s gonna be looking to me…”
[Telling Marcus Luttrell] If anything devastating were to happen, and I’m sitting here older than you, but I’ve been an accountant, I’m letting you be the boss.
Always give 100% unless you’re donating blood.
There’s never a time when you can just lay down & wait for something to happen.
Offense is the best defense.
In business, don’t ask yourself “Is this right or wrong?” Instead ask yourself “Is this wise?”
When you have faith, live your life in response to that.
2/23/2022 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 55 seconds
Zachary Bell AKA Veteran With A Sign: Husband, Father, and Marine Corps Veteran
Sharpie + Cardboard = Pearls of Wisdom. This week’s Team Never Quit guest, Zachary Bell, is known as the “Veteran With A Sign”. A former Marine Infantryman, Zachary uses common language related to his experiences in the military on his signs in an effort to bring people together via communication. He has a “Let’s talk about it” mentality. He has become known as a meme philosopher – from light to pointed – with many layers in-between. His signs are photographed and disseminated globally via Instagram, the internet and his analog tools consist of a sharpie and cardboard.
In this episode you will hear:
I always had this fear of living a life of regret, and it’s driven me to do everything I’ve done, right, wrong, or indifferent.
Comments on the internet are first draft thoughts – people just throw them out there.
I think that true love is finding the one person who always makes you wanna be the best version of yourself.
I asked my girl to marry me. She said yes, and five seconds later we found out she was pregnant with our first child.
I was invincible until the moment my daughter was born.
They told us we going to Iraq for 90 days. “We’re gonna be in the green zone, you’ll have wifi, you’ll have fast food, you’ll live like a Navy SEAL.
When my 2nd daughter was born, I knew my military career was over.
My daughters changed my capacity for love. They’ve made me a better person.
It’s a really bad pitch to say “Hey, we’re gonna get married, I’ll be around sometimes, and then you’ll be pregnant, and then I’ll be gone, hopefully, I’ll be back.”
I’ve always found the best version of myself in service to others.
Everything I’ve done in my life has been trying to help people.
Community is one of the most important things we have.
Marcus Luttrell is a cultural icon.
Everyone outside of the military thinks the military is like a high school and like we all meet up in the cafeteria. It would be cool if it was like that.
Wearing gators doesn’t make you a SEAL, but writing a book does.
If you’ve been kissed by violence, you can see it on other people.
I want to be the bridge between the military and the civilian world.
2/16/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds
Dr Patrick Bisher: Former Navy SEAL, Author of Warrior of God, Founder of GRIT Academy
Are you experiencing adversities? When you tell this week’s guest, Dr. Patrick Bisher, that something is physically impossible – like walking – he’ll rise to the highest challenge and become a Navy SEAL. From his lowest of the lowest to the highest of the highest, Patrick shares with Marcus Luttrell how he overcame “impossible adversities” in his life. Patrick authored the book: Warrior of God.
If you’re needing some inspiration in your life, this is the podcast to bring it to you. Never say never.
In this episode you will hear:
My hip bone inside the socket deteriorated.
I found out at a young age that kids are mean, they tell the truth, they don’t sugar coat anything.
I went from being amazing at physical activities to not being able to do anything at all.
At 16 years old that I’d never play sports, but I proved them wrong.
In my recovery, my first goal was to get to the mailbox.
I don’t care what anybody says… I can do it. I take that mentality to everything I do.
It took an assistant coach to see that I was suffering. I opened up to him and my burden was lifted.
Be conscious of what you say - You never get your words back.
I loved every part of BUD/S because what I had been experiencing my entire life – other people were experiencing for the first time.
What comes out is the best version of you if you’re willing to be refined in the fire.
I proved the world wrong about what’s possible.
My own Kryptonite was my pride.
No matter what happens to me, there’s no way you’re going to hurt me to the point I’m gonna give up & quit.
I’m never out of the fight.
Instead of being selfish, I’m gonna be selfless.
It doesn’t matter your rank, what matters is the impact you make for the team.
If you are going through terrible scenarios, understand that bricks and stones will eventually build a bridge to cross over to where you want to be.
If you never quit & never give up, you can accomplish anything.
Connect with Dr.Bisher:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickbisher/
Grab the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-God-Dr-Patrick-Bisher-ebook/dp/B09QLGYJ1R/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1642699958&refinements=p_27%3ADr.%20Patrick%20Bisher&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Dr.%20Patrick%20Bisher
Visit his website:
https://patrickbisher.com/
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
2/9/2022 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 50 seconds
Michelle Black: Gold Star Widow & Author of Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth
“Speak the complete truth.” That is all our guest Michelle Black is asking from U.S. Army officials and AFRICOM (United States Africa Command), as it relates to the death of her Green Beret husband, Staff Sergeant Bryan Black. Our guest Michelle Black, a Gold Star widow, lost her Green Beret husband in the 2017 Niger Ambush.
In her inspiring and revelatory memoir—Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth—she used exclusive interviews with the surviving members of ODA 3212 to write what has been hailed as “the best after-action report to come out of the ambush and subsequent events."
In this episode you will hear:
I reached a point where I realized that my husband and all the men who fought and died alongside him were being completely dishonored.
I had to make a decision. If they come after me and take everything, what are they going to do to me? I was doing exactly what I was supposed to do.
God was with me. He was giving me the strength. I was the right person at the right time to do the right thing. What a shame if I hadn’t.
Once I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to do and God’s behind me, there’s a different boldness that doesn’t exist in any other area of my life.
I don’t want to waste what Bryan fought for.
We hold those accountable who should be held accountable.
I’m pushing for changes in the way military investigations are done, so we have better oversight.
How can you lead people if you’re doing a poor job? It’s a good ol’ boy system no matter how good or bad a leader you are.
You don’t have to accept what you’re being told if you know it’s not true.
The men on the ground want you to know the truth.
You can do anything you set your mind to.
2/2/2022 • 46 minutes, 54 seconds
GySgt L. Christian Bussler: Retired Mortuary Affairs Marine & Author of 'No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor'
Is it possible to grow accustomed to the sight of charred bodies in the battlefield, and worse yet – be responsible for bagging them up and processing their return to loved ones with honor? This week’s Team Never Quit guest, Marine Reservist Chris Bussler, filled that role for the U.S. Marines as part of a Mortuary Affairs Unit in Iraq.
Listen to Chris’ account of the reality and consequences of war from a different perspective than most. It’s almost unbelievable that a man could go from being an everyday postal carrier to an active participant in the front lines of battle with a single phone call.
3 tours of duty later, Chris’ book, No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor, came to fruition and provides an autobiographical account of his experiences, and their unforgettable impact on his life.
In this episode you will hear:
I grew up traveling and never having a place to call home. So I really didn’t want to see the world, but I wanted to serve.
I was told the reserve unit near my house accepted grunts, but what they didn’t tell me is that they didn’t do grunt things, so I was assigned to go out on the front lines in a mortuary affairs unit, find the guys that got killed, recover their remains, and bring them back.
A 22mm mortar picked me up and threw me off the road and destroyed the radio I was carrying. As a result, I got an ice cream scoop taken – “a shark bite” - out of my calf.
I still have a piece of shrapnel near my femoral artery.
Family was always big, but now, family is everything. I want to be there as a good father.
Even the mightiest of mountains will eventually tumble into the sea.
If you let the waves hit you every day, eventually it will knock you down.
It takes a village to welcome back the warriors. My book reminds people that the guys that are killed on the battlefield are just the beginning of the sacrifice.
The guys that go to war are real people with real aspirations.
Soldiers put their families on hold, everything on hold - to do a job that the American people asked them to do. That’s sacrifice.
When we heard there were SEALS operating in our area, we thought “Holy cow, we must be high on the totem pole.”
I still remember the razor burns to keep a good seal on our gas masks.
We were training with World War II manuals and making things up on the fly.
Connect with Chris:
Facebook: No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no_tougher_duty/
Grab the Book
https://www.amazon.com/No-Tougher-Duty-Greater-Honor/dp/1546604936/ref=asc_df_1546604936_nodl/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312174487654&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18368735048976612618&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9015645&hvtargid=pla-583483912008&psc=1
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
1/26/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 28 seconds
Joseph Balogh: 100-Year-Old Retired U.S. Army Air Corps Major, WWII Veteran
What a distinctive guest we have in the studio for this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. It is our honor and privilege to have 100-year-old Retired U.S. Army Air Corps Major Joe Balogh with us. This American hero has innumerable stories of his World War II service with an uncanny recollection of detail. In addition to being recognized by President Harry Truman for his bravery during his service, Joe also worked for Henry Ford himself in one of his factories. This is a fantastic, entertaining interview you’re certain to love.
In this episode you will hear:
• I was the only farm boy that went to high school.
•I struggled in school because I couldn’t speak English very well as my parents were both Hungarian.
• I had to walk 7 miles to high school.
• Luck has been with me all my life.
• Henry Ford paid my way to the University of Michigan.
• I’ve been shot down twice.
• You have 28 seconds to exit a burning airplane if you can’t put the flames out.
• You could never get me to jump out of an airplane unless I’m scared.
• [Marcus] All my jumps were at night, even during the day because I always had my eyes closed.
• In Europe during World War II, 72% of all pilots and crews were killed.
• I never thought I’d live this long.
• I’ve never had a headache, or a stomach ache, or a broken bone.
• My secret to a long life is – I eat bologna sandwiches for lunch every day.
• If somebody’s nasty to you, walk off. It’s not worth a fight - walk away.
• I don’t like to see guys fight in war & get killed over what’s not worth it.
• No matter your field, you’re as great a professional as anyone if you strive for excellence.
1/19/2022 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 17 seconds
Elijah Stacy: Author of A Small If, Public Speaker, and Founder of Destroy Duchenne
Sometimes all you need is “A Small If” – That’s all Elijah Stacy would need to do something that had never been done before –change the shape of his own spine. This week’s Team Never Quit guest brings to the table his incredible story of the phenomenal pursuit of life itself. Elijah suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a fatal disease - which took the life of his younger brother. Yet he maintains a positive outlook on his future, despite the odds.
Does Elijah Stacy stay at home in his wheelchair feeling sorry for himself? Not hardly. He launched a non-profit organization – Destroy Duchenne at age 15 in an endeavor to find a cure via gene-editing technology. He is a public speaker and has a passion for business.
Listen in as Elijah encourages all of us to be the change that we seek.
In this episode you will hear:
• When I was 6 years old, I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
• I have an athlete’s mindset as my dad was a football coach.
• My wheelchair symbolizes suffering. Everyone will suffer at some point in their life.
• But I sit on top of my wheelchair. I symbolize that you can overcome adversity.
• My mind is set on being great.
• Be a better version of yourself.
• Let me be the difference.
• Adversity is an opportunity to improve your character.
• One of my priorities is to bring awareness to this disease.
• I’m trying to be the Magic Johnson of Duchenne.
• If we can learn to edit our DNA, we can cure any disease.
• Every day is a never-quit day.
• I love when people doubt me. I’m like “Oh, let’s bet on it.”
• I hung a picture of my curved spine on my wall, so I could visualize it being straighter.
• All I needed was a small ”if”. I just needed to know it’s possible.
• Everything I do is in service for other people.
Connect with Elijah:
https://www.instagram.com/elijahjstacy/
https://www.amazon.com/Small-If-Inspiring-17-Year-Old-Disease/dp/1544525079/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1641964594&sr=8-1
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
1/12/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 seconds
Mat Fraser: 5-Time CrossFit Games Champion & Author of HWPO: Hard Work Pays Off
The CrossFit lifestyle – that’s the ultimate description of this week’s incredible guest - Mat Fraser. Mat is the first athlete in history to have won five consecutive CrossFit Games titles. He is an amazing specimen of an ultra-fit man. What a never-quit story he has to tell – suffering two breaks in his L5 vertebra and still competing in the Junior World Weightlifting Championship in Bucharest, Romania. That injury required him to wear a plastic brace on his torso for four months, but it failed to heal properly. Instead of spinal fusion surgery which would have certainly ended his athletic career, Mat elected instead for experimental surgery to have his back re-broken, inserting a protein sponge to help heal the bone with two plates and six screws attached to his lower spine. The silver lining in this seemingly insurmountable circumstance was finding CrossFit, which helped him achieve different, yet impressive athletic goals.
In this episode you will hear:
• I’m gonna learn what I don’t know, I’ll fuckin’ hammer it till I’m great at it.
• There’s no road trip too long if you have a fun person in the car.
• I wasn’t the most naturally gifted athlete. I always had incredible body coordination. I was always the strong one in the group.
• Anytime there was something I wasn’t proficient in, I would seek out a professional, seek advice – show me how to do this.
• If your outcome is determined by one person that isn’t as dedicated as much as you, it fucks up everyone’s effort.
• Absolute max effort today allows me to train tomorrow & the next day.
• My mom is 66, and she goes to CrossFit every morning.
• [Markus] “Every morning you get down to do 1 pushup – eventually, you’ll do 2.”
• Not every time I drank I got in trouble, but every time I got in trouble, I had been drinking.
• When I told my coach I hurt my back, he said “there’s a difference between pain and injury.” He assumed I was just young and being a pussy.
• Thank God I hurt my back because I would’ve never found CrossFit.
• When I was broken & hopeless, I remember thinking, “What good is gonna come of this?”
• If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t know it well enough.
• I’m a good coach because I didn’t pick up on things naturally.
• How you do anything is how you do everything.
• The most valuable thing is learning how to learn.
1/5/2022 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 59 seconds
Anthony Milton, CEO of Tilted Concepts & Michael-David Reilly, Director of Marketing of Tilted Concepts
In this week’s episode, we’ll hear from 2 bad-ass entrepreneurs who are driven, creative, and successful. Anthony Milton (CEO of Tilted Concepts) & Michael-David Reilly (Director of Marketing) are a powerhouse team of business concepts plus superior marketing techniques. Together, they have made their business ventures - Tune-Up (The Manly Salon), Balanced Foods, and Martinis & Manicures “take off like a rocket ship.” Listen in to hear these guys bring their stories and personal thoughts on successful thinking, and a pursuit of excellence.
In this episode you will hear:
• I don’t have a never-quit story – it’s been my entire life. [13:31]
• Every time I’d hit something, it would just go to shit. [13:36]
• How fast, how far was up to me. [14:56]
• How do you ride 100 miles on your bike? I just decide to. It’s one pedal stroke after another. [17:13]
• Everything is a choice. [17:34]
• I used to be completely paralyzed by fear. [18:54]
• You’re in this position because you either made a series of bad decisions that led you here, or you just didn’t react correctly. Fix your shit. [23:09]
• The idea of merging a bar and a barbershop all in one. It took off like a rocket ship. [39:25]
• We now have 56 stores in 5 states. [40:48]
• Where people get bogged down in their ability to pursue their dreams - is the unknown. [51:45]
• Our franchisees have a support system to help them be successful. [70:09]
• Most people let their day dictate how they feel and what they do. [86:55]
• Our greatest commodity is our focus. [87:06]
• Before I go to bed, I write down 5 non-negotiables that I will complete the next day. [88:22]
• Pressure is a privilege. [89:39]
• If my attention is on gaming 24/7, I’m gonna go nowhere. [89:05]
Connect with Anthony & Michael-David:
https://www.instagram.com/tiltedconcepts/
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/mojoluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
Episode Resources:
https://navyfederal.org/
https://www.truebill.com/tnq
GreenChef.com/tnqp130
12/29/2021 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 56 seconds
Phil Klay: Marine Veteran, Award-Winning Author of Redeployment, Host of American Veteran: Unforgettable Stories Podcast
Everyone has a story to tell, but in the case of this week’s guest, Phil Klay has the inherent gift of conveying his collection of insights and perspectives in short story form. His writings bring deeper meaning to life as they engage a broad audience. Phil is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and his short story collection Redeployment has won multiple national book awards.
Listen in as he joins Marcus & Morgan to tell of his military and personal life experiences.
In this episode you will hear:
• I’ve always believed in public service.
• National service is a standard that everybody should serve in some way.
• When I feel like I’ve almost died, it inspires me to convey that intensity in a novel.
• Throwing in people together, who are different from each other, but all trying to achieve something in the service of the country, would be almost spiritually healthy.
• It’s stupid to climb off trail when there’s no one around.
• When you try to figure out how you feel about something, put it in a story.
• There are some things that need to be communicated. It’s important to communicate that to people.
• The Marine Corps is a very complicated thing.
• I started writing about my experiences, outside of the mold of typical conversation.
• It’s not that our life experiences themselves are very interesting, it’s that you should reflect on them. It forces you to think more deeply about life.
• When you think of your limits, know that there’s a mental component to that.
• If you think you can’t, you can always take another step.
12/22/2021 • 52 minutes, 39 seconds
Paul Harris "The Warrior Walker": Former Royal Marine, Walking the Outer Perimeter of the UK
If you’re looking for an inspiring story of purpose and overcoming, you’ve come to the right place. This week’s guest, Paul Harris, aka “The Warrior Walker” is a former Royal Marine currently walking around the entire outer perimeter of the UK, and has already walked over 1,000 miles. He is raising awareness to help those struggling with mental health issues.
Paul shares many heart-warming and inspiring experiences as he is overwhelmed daily with coffee, meals and accommodations. Because he has no support staff or sponsors, he relies solely on the generosity of the people he meets to help him pursue his mammoth task!
This journey has completely changed Paul’s life. He has gone from an average, uninspiring, mentally challenging life, and feeling like a failure, to finding out what he could create with his own momentum, passion, and power.
While this endeavor started off as a walk, it has become so much more than that with the amazing community of radiators he has come across on his journey.
“Human kindness is real. They want you to win.”
In this episode you will hear:
• I feel like I’ve gone back in time. I’m breaking bread and having dinner with people all along the way.
• My parent’s issues in my childhood is why I’m passionate and positive.
• When I was ready to quit the Marines, my grandfather asked me if I wanted to be known as Paul Harris, or Marine Harris. That was all I needed to keep moving forward.
• I like to push the boundaries.
• We tend to think of the me, me, me, but we should be thinking of others.
• Every day is an adventure.
• Becoming a Kindergarten teacher was therapy for me.
• I’ve had moments in my life when I should’ve done something but I didn’t. I overthought it.
• Be careful what you say to yourself, because the warrior within you is lessened by it.
• To be in control of what you do is the most freeing thing you can do.
• I’m always alone, but I never feel loneliness.
• A bad week doesn’t make a bad life.
• If you have passion - and you action that passion – you can live the life you want to live.
• Don’t ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? Instead ask yourself: What’s the best that can happen!
• There’s only one time in your life when you’re done, that’s when you’re done.
Connect with Paul:
https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorwalker/
https://thewarriorwalker.co.uk/
Follow Us:
https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/mojoluttrell/
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
Episode Resources:
https://navyfederal.org/
https://mtntough.com (Enter Code TNQ for 20% OFF)
https://coinbase.com/tnq
https://www.codecademy.com (Use Code TNQ for 15% OFF)
12/15/2021 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 49 seconds
Commander David Sears: Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, Co-Founder of Xundis Global
How do you excel in life? How do you navigate complexity?
If you ask U.S. Navy SEAL Commander (ret.) David Sears, he’ll tell you – and show you - how to reframe your thinking. Dave has over 20 years of tactical and strategic experience. He planned, led, and executed hundreds of special ops missions in more than 40 countries on 5 continents, from the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq to the jungles of Colombia and the oceans of the world. Dave Sears has received numerous awards and decorations for his service in the military.
He is also the author of Smarter Not Harder, derived from seventeen tried and true Navy SEAL maxims, outlining the principles of excelling in all facets of life.
Join us in this week’s podcast, as we “get in the weeds” with the inspirational Dave Sears.
In this episode you will hear:
• I was always fascinated with Special Forces.
• I knew I didn’t want to be part of the conventional military - marching with thousands, because I have always been an independent thinker.
• Being a SEAL is a physical and mental challenge.
• How do you make it through BUDS? It’s easy – don’t quit.
• The deciding factor is your mental attitude. Are you gonna quit or not?
• Where you want to go? Just take the next step to get there.
• Quitting will result in regret.
• The never quit attitude: Keep moving toward your goal.
• You don’t drive your car looking in the rear view mirror. You glance at it as a reference, but it’s the road ahead that matters.
• You gotta have a future mindset as opposed to a past mindset.
• Where you’re at now is not where you’re gonna be forever.
• One of the brilliances of UDS is not knowing when what that future is. Not knowing when you’ll be out of the water. So you learn to deal with adversity till whenever.
• The way we learn is through storytelling.
• Control what you can control. Influence what you can influence. Then navigate the rest – but keep moving forward.
12/8/2021 • 59 minutes, 41 seconds
Shay Eskew: Burn Survivor with scars over 65% of his body, Best Selling Author, Ironman, Team USA Member
Do you believe that anything is possible? This week’s amazing guest, Shay Eskew, has proven that it is.
As an 8-year old, Shay was severely burned on over 65% of his body and was told he could never be a competitive athlete. Now, several decades later, he lives life to the fullest and has a relentless “never quit” attitude.
Shay is a team builder, coach, mentor, RCM authority, market disruptor, motivational speaker, best-selling author and proven sales leader. He’s a high-energy innovator, entrepreneur, and has successfully built and sold multiple companies.
He has achieved multiple world championships, and after enduring nearly 40 surgeries, Shay is a 4-time IRONMAN, 4-time member of Team USA, 25-time IRONMAN 70.3 athlete, is ranked in the top 1% of IRONMAN worldwide, and has competed in 11 triathlon World Championships in 7 countries on all 6 continents. Equally impressive, Shay is the proud father of 5 children under 13. Shay’s life is overflowing with blessings.
In this episode you will hear:
• I felt close to God before the race, but He was not there during the swim.
• My wife will stand at the exit of the swim and tell me how many women beat me out of the water.
• I was accidentally set afire by a neighbor’s kid at age 8, and burned over 65% of my body.
• At the University of Tennessee, I never lost a wrestling match.
• I was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
• Thank God that doctors told me I’d never play sports. That was the best thing because it pissed me off enough to prove them wrong.
• Many times, pain is just a state of mind.
• When I started walking in the hallway of my school – there was complete silence.
• If people are gonna make fun of me, I’m gonna beat ‘em to the punch.
• There’s no reason to blame society. You just gotta make the most of it. You just gotta ask yourself what else can I do that I never thought possible?
• The hardest thing is watching your kid suffer knowing you can’t do anything to fix it.
• The more chances I’ve taken, the more time I put myself out there, the more opportunities have presented themselves.
• Everything I went through prepared me for who I am in life.
• On a campus of 30,000 people, nobody looked like me. They remember who you are.
• We all struggle, we all face adversity, we’ve all been tempted to quit. We’ve all said God, why me? How am I gonna get through this?
• Once you know that somebody else has not only been what you’ve been through, and not only survived but thrived… That’s Impactful.
• The things that we cherish are the things we bust our butt to get.
• Everybody’s out there racing. It’s not to win, but to finish. To finish is to win.
12/1/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 59 seconds
Chris Cruise: 82nd Airborne Paratrooper, Founder of Cruise Customs
“For the greater good.” That’s the mantra of this week’s guest, Chris Cruise. It’s amazing how being delivered a setback can cause someone to step up to the plate and take on what turns out to be a patriotic endeavor.
After being told that he wasn’t good enough to pursue a football career, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army and subsequently deployed to Iraq, and learned that there truly is a brotherhood in the military. Chris sees it as the best thing he ever did as it was the path that led him to meet his wife. While re-acclimating to civilian life after his service, he didn’t know what to do with himself or how to adapt his heightened sense of awareness and constant wariness into his new life as a husband and a father.
His wife Amber gave him a new mission that grew into what has become Cruise Custom Flags. He figured out that woodwork was therapeutic for him. He’d found his happy place – a place where his mind could both rest and work at the same time, in balanced concentration and clarity of purpose.
Amber wanted him to make something tied to Kentucky for his next project. They both also wanted the project to honor military service, as her father is also a veteran.
There are not many things that scream “Kentucky” more than bourbon, and not many greater symbols of military service than the flag. So, the first custom flag he made from a repurposed bourbon barrel hung in their home. The next two were Christmas gifts for both of their fathers.
The flags were so well received, he made more for some friends and family. Word spread, and requests began pouring in.
Chris says, what’s more American than a veteran handcrafted flag made out of a bourbon barrel? Bourbon, after all, is “America Spirit by law.”
In this episode you will hear:
• It really started when my wife wanted something in our home that represented her Kentucky roots and my service.
• I had a vision of having a shop full of veterans making American flags from bourbon barrels.
• Bourbon barrels once served a good purpose aging bourbon, and veterans served a good purpose and we help them both find a new purpose.
• “Never quit” is not what you do, it’s who you are.
• Generosity breeds success.
• With a never quit attitude, you’re unstoppable.
• I wish someone would have told me that I could have done my passion right out of high school without society telling me I had to climb the corporate ladder.
• I’ve got a business degree, but I could have done this right out of high school.
• I only did one deployment. That was enough for me.
• It’s hard to build a resume after you get out of the military.
• I get tunnel vision – nothing else matters – once I get focused on something – it’s on.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisecustomsflags/
Special thanks to Speakeasy Podcast Network for giving Chris a place to record his interview!
11/24/2021 • 48 minutes, 28 seconds
Erik Korem: Sleep and Stress Resilience Expert, Founder & CEO of AIM7, Former NFL Sports Science Director
Are uncertainty and hardship inevitable in this life? Could you use a jump start for pursuing your goals, while living a healthy, fulfilled life?
This week’s guest, Erik Korem, is the guy that can equip you to that end. His unquenchable curiosity and eagerness for knowledge made him an expert in high performance.
Erik started as a walk-on football player at Texas A&M, and that's where he found two things – a never-quit attitude and curiosity for high performance.
After spending over 15 years working as a sports scientist, Erik’s passion for solving the data-to-action gap in the wearable tech and mHealth space came to life. He is the founder & CEO of AIM7, teaching people how to turn data into healthy habits.
In this episode you will hear:
I dealt with bullying, and I just wanted to change myself. Kids can be cruel.
In physical fitness events, I was always last.
After watching John Jacobs and The Power Team, I was so inspired and told my dad, “I’ll never be last again.”
I learned there was a science to the physical gap I was in.
Playing football at Texas A&M, I learned how to suffer well.
You can’t fight what you don’t see coming.
I could’ve paid attention to how much it sucked, or paid attention to what I could do about it.
The Olympic Games are more than winning medals; it’s more like political warfare.
I learned about the synchronization of the physical, psychological, technical, & tactical.
Wearable devices provide much data, but what do you do with it?
Stress is the gateway to improvement, but chronic long-term stress can be a really bad thing if you can’t get it under control.
If you don’t get enough sleep, your brain is literally full of crap.
In REM sleep, your body is in a state of paralysis.
I don’t praise grades; I praise their effort.
If you synchronize with the sun, you’ll start sleeping like a baby. There are research studies that show that if you want to reset yourself, go camping.
Sports got me into the game, but curiosity launched my career.
11/17/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds
Sgt. Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q): Marine 1st Anglico Veteran, Speaker, Father, PTSD Ambassador, and Author of Healing Thru Service
This week, the TNQ Podcast brings you the inspiring never-quit journey of Aaron Quinonez – aka “Sgt. Q” – a Marine Corps Veteran, speaker, author, father, and PTSD ambassador.
Having been raised in a rough, homeless environment surrounded by people in the drug trade, Aaron became a marine right out of high school.
What he didn’t know is that his real battle would be fought in his mind. Sgt. Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. He nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church, where later he was redeemed by Jesus Christ, who gave him a new life.
When he volunteered to build housing for a family in Mexico, Quinonez was so inspired by the experience that he founded the organization, Q Missions, to bring Veterans together to construct buildings around the world and bring mental healing through mission service.
Quinonez authored the book: Healing Thru Service, The Warrior’s Guidebook to Overcoming Trauma.
In this episode you will hear:
I grew up with rednecks, hippies, and pot farmers. Everybody I knew growing up was involved in the drug trade.
To be homeless as a kid is a trip.
My work ethic came from my mom, struggling to raise four kids as a single mother.
I was once on the school bus driving thru the pouring rain and saw a lady carrying two garbage bags, and as we passed I realized - it’s my mom.
You gotta reposition your mindset from negative experiences to find something positive and focus on that, because what you focus on - your brain will find more of.
If you have one trauma, another trauma will stick to it and eventually become PTSD.
Your brain is like a weapon – if it’s malfunctioning you do a function check, and you get back in the fight.
I went from the battlefield to my front door in less than 48 hours, so there wasn’t any out-processing.
It wasn’t until I could overcome the victim mentality that I was able to get my life together.
You may have left the battlefield in Iraq, but every day that you wake up and put your boots on the ground, you’re on another battlefield – the battlefield of the mind.
You can repurpose military tactics to overcome trauma.
When anxiety hits, the first thing to do is return fire – speak truth:
There’s no real threat;
There’s no real danger:
I’m totally in a safe environment.
Bring yourself out of that emotional state.
67% of men in America have admitted they’ve struggled with a mental health crisis.
You didn’t fight the war alone, so don’t fight PTSD alone. Communicate with people and tell them you’re struggling.
11/10/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 50 seconds
Brian Kilmeade: Host of Fox and Friends and The Brian Kilmeade Show, 5X New York Times Best Selling Author, Father
We have an inspiring guest in this week’s Team Never Quit podcast. Brian Kilmeade shares his motivating views about reaching your personal potential, despite apparent failures along the way. Brian is a television and radio presenter and political commentator for Fox News. On weekdays, he co-hosts Fox's morning show, Fox & Friends, and he also hosts the Fox News Radio program The Brian Kilmeade Show. He has authored or co-authored non-fiction and fiction books, and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. Brian is also a father of three.
His attitude related to pursuing a dream, making things happen for a better life, and his love for this country is refreshing.
In this episode you will hear:
• Coming out of college, I just wanted to talk sports and news.
• I played soccer through college. I wanted to be great, but I wasn’t.
• If you fire me or don’t hire me, that’s your choice, but I’m not gonna quit.
• It’s our job to reach our potential – whatever it is.
• If things don’t work out, you can’t blame people.
• Newscasters pretend they didn’t put an oar in the water or tell you who to vote for, but by a look - by the way they give one side more power that the other. When you think you’ve heard a straight newscast – no you didn’t.
• If you are for an open border, you don’t care about the country. If you destroyed the oil and gas business, you don’t care about the country. If you’re gonna stand down the Army to talk about white supremacy, you don’t care about the country.
• If you want to see an example of overcoming obstacles, pick up Andrew Jackson’s book. He was orphaned and he was raised by his town, his county & his country, yet he became a 2 term President.
• Don’t get caught up in results. If you fail, your success is just delayed.
• The only time you fail is when you quit.
• The most rewarding thing to me is helping other people.
11/3/2021 • 55 minutes, 8 seconds
Dre Baldwin: Mental Toughness & Business Coach, Former Professional Basketball Player, Author
Now here’s a guy with an unbelievable vision, drive, and a relentless pursuit of success. Dre Baldwin not only helps athletes get recognized for their talents; he’s a former basketball player, speaker, influencer, YouTuber, and author of The Third Day: The Decision That Separates the Pros from the Amateurs. Tre is a master at teaching discipline, mental toughness, and personal initiative.
Listen in as this well-spoken motivator tells of his personal path from his high school team's bench, to the first contract of a 9-year professional basketball career, then pioneering new genres of personal branding and entrepreneurship via an ever-growing content publishing empire, publishing literally thousands of YouTube videos, viewed over 73 million times.
If you could use a spark to get your life moving, this is the podcast for you.
In this episode you will hear:
When I realized I had no talent for baseball, I stopped that, then stumbled across basketball.
I did not go pro immediately after college.
After college, I attended “Exposure Camp”, a job fair for athletes. After that event and dozens of cold calls and videos to agents, I was finally signed to a contract to play basketball in Lithuania.
I gained popularity, not from basketball videos on YouTube, but from the motivational things I said on them.
I launched The weekly Motivation on YouTube.
I had to find a way to do something I love to do, plus be a computer geek, and make money from it.
I’m a very competitive person.
At home, I was taught discipline, respect, honoring authority, and respecting elders.
I would make up challenging stories in my mind so I’d have a target to shoot at. If I don’t have anything to aim for, I’m not gonna give my best effort. But when I do, it brings out the best in me.
Our generation, ages 30-50 – we are the best generation.
People are following me, not for basketball videos, but just to watch The Weekly Motivation. This is life stuff – it’s not athlete stuff.
Using the challenges of your life to make yourself better for the future summarizes the entire self-help industry right there.
When you have the right people around you, you can go further, faster.
In life, you just have to show up.
10/27/2021 • 51 minutes, 33 seconds
Joseph "Jody" Plauche: Sexual Abuse and Abduction Survivor and Author of Why, Gary, Why?
What an incredible saga of a ten-year-old boy, from Baton Rouge, LA, who had been sexually abused by his Karate instructor, then abducted by him and taken to Los Angeles, CA, where he continued to be abused. Our guest this week, Joseph Plauche, tells of the events that led up those scenarios. By way of a traced collect phone call, the FBI rescued “Jody” in LA and his abductor was arrested. To add to the craziness of those events, Joseph’s father waited at a bank of pay phones at the airport and then shot and killed the abductor as he walked by, all of which was captured on film by a local news crew.
Plauche has worked in the field of violence prevention since 1995. He wants his story to help others in abusive situations, and he offers direction on protecting children.
In this episode you will hear:
Plauche authored the book, 'Why, Jody, Why?'
During the sexual abuse, there was a physical pleasure, but there was mental anguish.
Despite being abused, your body still responds, like a human body responds.
He took me to Disneyland. Even though I was kidnapped. It’s not like I was gagged and bound. I can’t say I enjoyed it, but I kinda did.
When I finally told the truth, I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.
I didn’t like him molesting me, but other than that, I thought he was a good guy.
For him (my dad) to do what he did, he had to be in so much pain. If he could have seen who I was to become in the future, he probably wouldn’t have done what he did.
My dad was the kindest, sweetest man I knew.
It’s a parental instinct to eliminate someone that hurts your child.
A boy saw me on Geraldo, and then told his mom about being abused by his pastor. The pastor was arrested. That’s the moment that I realized that I could use something negative and turn it into something positive.
I wanna help as many as possible.
I feel like I can be a role model for victims of sexual assault.
10/20/2021 • 50 minutes, 8 seconds
D.A. Michaels: Navy Veteran, Retired Law Enforcement Officer, Author of Courageously Broken
This week’s episode brings you the incredible, first-hand account from Donna Michaels, a US Navy veteran turned police officer – all the while suffering horrifically from depression, nightmares, and PTSD, yet embracing every day of her life with passion and courage. Donna went from victim to solution – she’s now on a relentless mission to stop PTSD suicides.
She also authored the book, Courageously Broken - her journey to hell and back.
Donna has quite a story to tell, including the candid memoirs of her military life, her association with Navy SEALS, becoming a cop, the dark years of her life, and her unbelievable recovery.
In this episode you will hear:
My career didn’t pan out anything like I thought it would as a teenager.
The last thing I ever thought I’d be is a cop. I didn’t even like cops.
In the Navy, I wanted to go where the action was.
It was tough, but I volunteered for this shit, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna walk away from it as a quitter.
Women are equally different.
The teams (Navy SEALS} are elite for a reason.
I love the idea of helping people.
In law enforcement, I could be part of the greater good.
I won’t be a bitch, unless someone really, really forces me to be one.
I made up my mind that I was either gonna get my shit together or put myself out of my pain.
The suicide rate among veterans and first responders is a lot higher than people realize.
I want to let those who’ve been through hell understand that there are options for them. They just need to know where to look.
Once you hit rock bottom, you’ve got nowhere to go but up.
Everybody goes through some traumatic event in their life.
I want to teach others that there’s hope. Otherwise, I went through all this shit for nothing.
I want to be known for inspiring someone to get the help they needed.
Never quit.
10/13/2021 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds
Dr. Billy Alsbrooks: Motivational Artist, Award-Winning Poet, Author of Blessed And Unstoppable
To say that Dr. Billy Alsbrooks is a driven motivator with a ton of positivity is a gross understatement. Billy gets real about his life’s path from martial arts at the age of 5, achieving his Black Belt at the age of 9, becoming a songwriter and Billboard recording artist, producer, and dealing with the struggles of his dad’s alcoholism, and yet becoming an influencer, author of the book Blessed and Unstoppable, and motivational speaker, with a goal of improving the lives of 1 billion people. If you’re searching for direction, inspiration, hope, and something to believe in, this episode is for you.
In this episode you will hear:
Alcoholism is not going to happen to me. People go one of two ways and I want nothing to do with it.
When I was doing music, I was a huge promoter of that lifestyle, even though I couldn’t stand it.
My goal is to reach and positively Impact 1 Billion People in my lifetime.
At school, I’d wear a smile, but I was broken inside because we had been up all night, trying to sober daddy up.
To make progress, you gotta deal with the hard stuff.
I witnessed his father’s death when a blood clot hit his lungs.
My motivational career started at the funeral home.
When seeing my family’s cemetery plots, I was told “Here’s where you’re gonna lay”. Those words hit me like a ball bat inside my head.
How do you sum up a man’s whole life in 2 or 3 sentences for a tombstone?
If I was to die right now, what would they put on my tombstone? I had to ask myself that question.
Our only purpose for being here is to leave this place better than we found it.
God’s not against us having nice things, but He is against those things owning us.
The moment my dad died, the mic got ripped away from me.
When I say God, I don’t mean religion, I mean relationship. There’s a difference.
God is all-powerful, but He needs our invitation to come in.
To get to the next level, you gotta get in the ring with those things that scare you the most.
I was born a champion. Raised a champion. I have champion in my bloodline. All I’ll ever be is a champion.
10/6/2021 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 34 seconds
Niels Jorgensen: Leukemia Survivor, Retired FDNY Firefighter, Host of the 20 for 20 Podcast
What do you get when you serve as a firefighter for 21 years, and get exposed to the toxins during the 9/11 World Trade Center rescue and recovery operations?
If you’re retired FDNY firefighter Niels Jorgensen, you come away with an advanced form of Leukemia ten years later, due to those exposures.
Even so, Niels is thankful and blessed to be staying ahead of cancer and enjoying full remission. He is the host of the 20 for 20 Podcast, sharing the stories of 20 heroes, keeping their stories alive for future generations. Niels tells about his horrific experiences from that scenario and his fight with cancer that led to his forced medical retirement.
In this episode you will hear:
When you have a bunch of significant emotional events, you get saturated, and being in a quiet place is best for the mind and soul.
I miss the good of New York, but it’s not the city I was born in, unfortunately.
Tennessee is family, country, and I know it still exists in Texas.
I was in the firehouse at five years old. Those giants with mustaches are laughing and loving life. I want to be like that. I want to go to work and be happy.
I loved being a cop, but I realized quickly that people don’t like cops.
In 1994 the fire department had a manual with a target on the World Trade Center that said It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when – Be Ready.
We were en route to the World Trade Center when the second tower went down. We were overcome with guilt because we were late for the battle. I felt like I failed my men – my best buddies.
20 years after that horrific attack, two families finally have DNA evidence of their loved ones. They finally have closure.
In firefighting, we were used to finding whole bodies, but we weren’t gonna find any in the aftermath of the World Trade Center collapse.
I’m American, you’re American. And we need to support each other.
Politicians are like dirty diapers. They’re full of shit and they stink.
I want to bring back the unity of 9/12.
The 20 for 20 Podcast is one of the highest honors of my life - to speak about my brave friends because they were the best that this country has to offer.
We’re not hearing the stories of the good guys. We’re worshipping the knuckleheads.
I say to my kids, look up from your phone. Look at people’s eyes. Look up to your creator above, and be thankful.
Come back to faith. Come back to family. Most of all, be grateful for every day.
Just be a good person.
9/29/2021 • 57 minutes, 45 seconds
Hernán Luis y Prado: Founder and CEO of Workshops for Warriors, Former Hospital Navy Corpsman and Surface Warfare Officer
Have you ever heard of anyone who was not a United States citizen become one and enlist in the U.S. Military the same day they received their citizenship? In this week’s episode, you will meet and hear from Hernán Luis y Prado – born in Argentina, grew up in France, and became a U.S. citizen, only to join the U.S. Navy on the same day. Hernan is a 15 year Navy veteran, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and CEO of Workshops for Warriors, a nonprofit for transitioning and struggling service members, offering them advanced manufacturing training certification and job placements.
His attraction to America is that it is the only nation governed by an idea, which is expressed in the Constitution and not a person or bloodline. That’s what this patriot chooses to support. Listen to this incredible man’s story of aspiration and success in the country he loves so dearly.
In this episode you will hear:
I sold everything we had to start Workshops for Warriors.
We train America's veterans to rebuild America's advanced manufacturing and economic backbone. We harness discipline, an ethical mindset, tenacity, and focus on our skills.
You're a badass, you can do anything, improvise, adapt, overcome.
It never rains, it only liquid sunshine.
When you get out of the military, you go from a suit of armor to the civilian world & are cast adrift in free fall.
America needs welders, machinists, and fabricators. You need a skillset.
Our school is a velvet funnel. You come from a really tight straw & now you gotta give more liberty until you get to the civilian world.
There are 2.3 million unfilled jobs due to unskilled labor in America.
Our goal is to rebuild America one veteran at a time.
We do the hard things every day. It's the easy things that kick our butts.
People come in - shoulders hunched down. By the end of the first week you see them coming back.
The most important thing that Americans like and right now is vision.
[Marcus Luttrell] “One team, one fight.”
Together we can do this, alone we can't.
9/22/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 13 seconds
Kushal Choksi: 9/11 Survivor, Author of On a Wing and a Prayer, Breathwork and Meditation Instructor
A second chance at life. That’s the true story of this week’s guest, Kushal Choksi, Investment Analyst for Goldman Sachs turned entrepreneur, 9/11 survivor and author of On a Wing and a Prayer, which chronicles Kushal’s narrow escape from the World Trade Center’s North Tower on that fateful day.
It was truly a life-changing event, revealing that there was more to life than pursuing his career. Life became much more spiritual for Kushal as he learned the Sky Bridge meditation techniques, freeing him from impressions and emotional impacts in his sub-conscience.
Listen in on Kushal’s compelling recollections from one of the most horrific days in American history, and his path to interpersonal freedom.
In this episode you will hear:
In my mind, America was that land of freedom where I could become whatever I wanted.
9/11 started out as just another workday for me.
There was a huge bang that shook me up. Within a few seconds, the pandemonium started.
I’m not programmed to see things like this.
It was raining cement, like something out of a movie.
When I came out of the building, I looked up and saw a huge, gaping hole in the side of the building.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw another aircraft crashing into the other tower, spewing out a huge ball of fire on the other side.
I couldn’t conceive that someone could fly a plane into the building. I saw it go into the building like a slab of butter.
The smoke cloud was engulfing everything in its way.
As I ran as fast as I could, there was a commuter boat leaving the slip, and I leaped onto it as it pulled away.
I was perhaps the last person to leave on the last boat. I had become a statistic – A survivor.
It was a dream I could not wake up from.
On one hand, I was feeling lucky, while on the other I felt I had to go after whatever I was chasing with more gusto. I had a second chance at life.
Whenever you go through a life event, it leaves an impression on our sub-conscience. It creates a lesion on our nervous system.
This Sky Breath meditation technique that I learned cleanses the nervous system of these impressions.
I am more in control of my thoughts, my emotions, and how I respond to situations.
3 rules for meditation:
1) I do nothing for 10 minutes. Let the world around me collapse.
2) I want nothing.
3) I am nothing – no labels on ourselves.
9/15/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 25 seconds
Gerald "Jerry" Sanford: Retired FDNY Firefighter, Author of It Started With a Helmet, 9/11 Press Secretary
A black leather helmet.
Not just any helmet.
A circa 1914 FDNY helmet found in Naples, Florida, originating from Ladder 42 in The Bronx, New York.
In this week’s episode, Jerry Stanford, FDNY veteran, details his adventure in returning that incredible helmet – and presenting it back to Ladder 42 in The Bronx on September 10, 2001 - the day before the attacks of 9/11.
Jerry returned to service as a volunteer after the attacks on the World Trade center and authored the book: It Started with a Helmet.
You’ll appreciate Jerry’s compelling story, and his straightforward personality as he details the path of the helmet from Naples to The Bronx.
In this episode you will hear:
• We flew out from La Guardia Airport 2 hours before the attacks. I could’ve been on one of those hijacked planes.
• Everyone’s running out of the buildings while we were running into the building.
• We lost 343 Firefighters from all ranks. With all those years of experience gone, it was difficult to fill those voids.
• After 10-12 days, it changed from a rescue mission to a recovery mission.
• The jet fuel kept the fires burning.
• On September 12, 2001, we were all New Yorkers.
• You couldn’t buy a flag.
• The government officials told us that it was fine to be in the area with no masks or breathing gear. 6 years later, I was diagnosed with lung cancer, as were many others.
• Back then, I could go to the World Trade Center site, and any hour of the day or night. People were cheering us on.
• Now they want to cut back funding for police, while they have private security. That’s crazy.
• Life is so different now. We have to adapt to it.
• We were taken aback at the difference in two or three years in New York City.
• In Afghanistan, the Taliban has taken over in three short weeks. What the hell is going on there?
• We let the fox back into the hen house.
• What happened to our leadership?
• If you need to talk to somebody, please do it. Don’t do anything drastic. A lot of departments have mental health people that are there to help you.
• It doesn’t cost anything to be nice to people.
Support Jerry
https://www.tiktok.com/@itstartedwithahelmet
https://www.facebook.com/itstartedwithahelmet
https://www.instagram.com/itstartedwithahelmet
9/8/2021 • 50 minutes, 57 seconds
John Chambliss: Firefighter, Personal Trainer, Owner of 48 Str8
Are you looking to accomplish some goals in your life? Take a listen to John Chambliss, our guest in this week’s episode. John is a career firefighter, personal trainer, owner of 48 Str8 Fitness and 48 Str8 Supplements, nutritionally designed for First Responders, Veterans, and health-conscious gym-goers. This is what hard work and a “get-it-done” attitude look like. John conveys the seemingly impossible obstacles he has overcome to become a successful entrepreneur and servant to the community, without anyone’s help. Truly a self-made man with a positive outlook on everything he pursues.
In this episode you will hear:
• You gotta figure out which way you wanna go – find your own path.
• Quit worrying about money & bills. Chase your dream.
• Success in the gym is having a connection/relationship with your trainer.
• If I’m gonna put you on a program, I’m gonna do it with you.
• Mediocracy is what kills us.
• If you ever find yourself on a crotch rocket, a tank top, and shorts - that’s a set up.
• The doctor told me I’d never walk again and never work out again. I have 6 plates and 32 screws in my left hip.
• I need to do something better for my community as a first responder, fire, police, military and the general public.
• The name48 Str8 comes from my work shifts.
• When is my shit gonna come pick me up to take me to the success lane? You gotta build that shit.
• When you make a mistake, learn from it, and move on.
• When you hit rock bottom – good – now you know what it feels like, and you don’t wanna be back there again.
• Why do something that not gonna propel you in the direction you wanna be going?
• There is no option to give up.
9/1/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 46 seconds
Dr. Donnelly Wilkes Part 2: Author of Code Red Fallujah, Navy Commendation Medal of Valor Recipient, and Founder of Summit Health Group
In this week’s episode, we bring you Part 2 of Dr. Donnely Wilkes’ personal and amazing story of his experiences on the battlefield of Fallujah.
With 2 combat tours in Iraq under his belt, Dr. Donnely Wilkes shares his first-hand experiences with refreshing transparency. While one would think someone with that kind of experience would be tough as nails, Wilkes describes his true feelings and fears of being in a real-life battle with people wanting to kill him, all the while serving as a medic in battlefield conditions.
Wilkes is the founder, president, and medical director of Summit Health Group in Thousand Oaks, CA, and authored Code Red Fallujah, his first-hand narrative of his role in the Battle of Fallujah. He served seven years on active duty and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in the battle of Fallujah in April of 2004. Upon completion of his naval service, Dr. Wilkes was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He is a devoted husband, father, and Christian.
In this episode you will hear:
I hadn’t fully accepted my fate, and I wasn’t quite all the way in. And I said to myself, “you gotta be all the way in right now, or you’re gonna do something stupid or emotionally not make it.”
I finally came to terms with “If this is my fate, so be it.”
As a regular occurrence, I would take cover in the corner of the building when rockets were landing around us, but that was life in Iraq.
One night when I pushed the button on my laptop to end a movie, it was like the hiss of a thousand snakes descending upon me and rockets shook our entire building.
When rockets would blow through our buildings and tents, I would get pissed since I couldn’t fight back in the dark of night.
I tried to do what I could to be a good human.
Everybody, in some capacity, should serve. It will help everyone understand and appreciate the benefits of providing service.
Writing the book was really therapeutic for me.
In the time of your greatest fears, God will meet you there, and you will persevere.
Beware of what you pray for – you may get it.
8/25/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 5 seconds
Dr. Donnelly Wilkes Part 1: Navy Commendation Medal of Valor Recipient, Author of Code Red Fallujah, and Founder of Summit Health Group
With 2 combat tours in Iraq under his belt, Dr. Donnely Wilkes shares his first-hand experiences with refreshing transparency. While one would think someone with that kind of experience would be tough as nails, Wilkes describes his true feelings and fears of being in a real-life battle with people wanting to kill him while serving as a medic in battlefield conditions.
Wilkes is the founder, president, and medical director of Summit Health Group in Thousand Oaks, CA, and authored Code Red Fallujah, his first-hand narrative of his role in the Battle of Fallujah. He served seven years on active duty and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in the battle of Fallujah in April of 2004. Upon completion of his naval service, Dr. Wilkes was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He is a devoted husband, father, and Christian.
Part 1 of 2.
In this episode you will hear:
I never thought I would join the military, much less do two tours in Iraq.
My grandfather was a P-38 pilot in WWII and was shot down over North Africa, and survived.
My dad always pushed me to seek higher levels.
I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class. I would just outwork.
A key question for a battlefield medic: Can you operate under pressure, be sleep-deprived, and yet do procedures well?
Going on simulated night raids was like being in a movie- but I didn’t know I wasn’t quite ready for this movie.
As much as I trained, I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t.
When the “S” hits the fan, you have a file drawer of skills, and you have to access it.
Fallujah was like the Wild West.
It was unbelievable what the United States military could mobilize and put on wheels.
The Marine Corps motto is to do more with less.
I came to the point where I realized I just needed to finish the mission so I could go home.
When mortar attacks began, that’s when I knew there was somebody out there wanting to kill me.
I couldn’t accept being there and being in harm’s way. I really struggled to keep it together.
When I experienced my first surgical casualty, it was a horrible moment, but after the team gathered around and prayed, it was a beautiful moment.
8/18/2021 • 53 minutes, 12 seconds
Best of TNQ - Mandy Harvey: America's Got Talent 'Golden Buzzer' Winner, Singer, Songwriter, and Inspirational Speaker
It’s hard to imagine living life without hearing, especially if you lost your hearing forever at the age of 18. But in the case of this week’s guest, Mandy Harvey drove her stake into the ground and pursued her endeavor to sing, write music, and “hear” with her feet – to the point that Simon Cowell was moved to press the Golden Buzzer after Mandy’s original song performance on America’s Got Talent. Since that time, Mandy has earned a degree in Vocal Music Education and has become an ambassador to No Barriers USA with a mission to encourage, inspire and assist others to break through their personal barriers.
In this episode you will hear:
The mindset of abilities vs disabilities is just a lack of education, because everyone has barriers they have to deal with.
I didn’t overcome anything, it just took me a little bit of time to figure it out.
The mother of all invention is being innovative.
I write a lot of music based on how it feels, instead of what I think it sounds like.
I’ll write specific notes that tickle behind my eye or bother my face, so that I know that I’m right.
I’m feeling the floor, and then just opening my mouth and letting go.
The most precious gift you can have is communication.
I can’t seem to explain how joyful I am now vs how broken I was before.
I’m living my life and this part of my story – part of who I am.
I’m thrilled to be who I am.
The phrase “some people struggle and some people don’t” - Everybody struggles. It just looks different.
Not every single person gets the opportunity to understand joy, or feel love.
Be compassionate to people – we have no idea what’s going on in their life.
With every struggle you have, you have two choices – you can either let it beat you, or you can learn from it.
I really don’t believe that there was one eureka moment that made me feel not depressed anymore. It was collection of moments – a collection of people being there.
I got up once. I’ll get up again. Let’s go…
The getting up and starting over is the hardest part.
This is a messy broken world, full of messy broken people. That’s just life.
8/11/2021 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 44 seconds
Richie McPeak: Cancer Amputee Warrior, Dad, Co-Founder of McPeak
After a seven-year battle with a rare form of cancer, Richie McPeak, Cancer amputee warrior, is living life to the fullest while inspiring others towards their goals and dreams. In this week’s episode, this incredible man shares details about his Cancer fight, with over 400 hours of chemo that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation. Despite that, he co-founded McPeak – maker of the world’s first non-GMO vegan gummy supplements and ready-to-drink plant-based powders for adults and children.
Listen in and be inspired by Richie’s never-quit mentality.
In this episode you will hear:
From our darkest moments can rise our brightest hours.
I’ve been through some fires, but I’ve truly come to believe that every step is a finish line.
When you make it to the next moment, you have finish line, after finish line, after finish line. Then you can stay in the game.
We have too many options in life. Make success and making it to the end your only goal.
You can be exhausted physically and mentally, but you’re never out.
There are people that stepped up like brothers and uplifted me.
When you lose someone, there’s only one question to ask yourself – did you love them?
It took 4 guys 15-20 minutes to take my brother out, as he fought with every breath he had.
They’re gonna have to cut my heart out before I quit.
Never quit, no matter what you’re up against.
I feel I have a duty to inspire others as best I can.
No matter how dark it gets, you’re never out of the fight.
Every step is a finish line.
You don’t have to make it to the end of the day – just make it to your next moment with everything you’ve got.
8/4/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 29 seconds
Best of TNQ - Staff Sergeant David Bellavia: First Living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War, Author of House to House
What does an Army squad leader do in a battlefield situation when his platoon encounters three floors of insurgents and is pinned with rooftop snipers firing away?
If you're Davis Bellavia, you lead your team into action. David single-handedly saved his entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire. He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield.
David Bellavia is the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia has also received the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
In this episode you will hear:
We not only have to live for ourselves and our families, but we have to remind people who our lost soldiers are, because they didn't drop dead of a heart attack, or were killed by some misfortune or bad luck; they voluntarily chose to stand up when the bullets were coming and they voluntarily said “I'll do this for you”.
You're not a man until you acknowledge that you don't have a father.
Peer pressure makes you smoke cigarettes when you're 11. Peer pressure ca also make you charge a machine gun nest at Normandy beach. It all depends who your peers are.
When the voices in your head say quit, don't.
You really can't appreciate life until you've gone through combat.
There's no education like the United States military.
Never bring a hairdryer to basic training.
You can't mourn on the battlefield.
In the case of fallen soldiers, we should exchange the word “memorialize” for the word “celebrate”.
America is still the shining city on the hill.
7/28/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 43 seconds
Sebastian Junger: Award-Winning Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author of Tribe, War, A Death in Belmont, Fire, and The Perfect Storm, and Co-Director of Restrepo
There are people in this world who experience and endure almost unbelievable events in their lifetime. This week’s amazing guest, Sebastian Junger, is one of them.
Sebastian shares graphic details of his undiagnosed, life-threatening aneurism that burst, causing a 90% blood loss – all internally. He is an award-winning journalist covering major international news stories as well as a documentary film-maker. He has been nominated for an Academy Award. He also has an amazing grasp of human and military-related psychology.
In addition, Sebastian is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, Fire, A Death in Belmont, War, Tribe, and Freedom.
Sebastian Junger is the founder and director of Vets Town Hall, with the purpose of increasing communication and understanding between veterans and civilians in their communities.
In this episode you will hear:
If you can’t out run ‘em and you can’t out fight ‘em, you’re gonna have to out think ‘em.
When things get physically hard, you gotta figure out how to turn off your mind – don’t let your mind negotiate with you.
I was a lackluster student in college, but writing a thesis is the most exciting thing I’d ever done.
I made a mistake and hit my leg with a chainsaw.
There are really dangerous jobs out there with a mortality rate of combat soldiers.
The majority of veteran suicides are primarily Vietnam-era veterans. It may not be caused by a combat issue as much as it could be life issues.
While working as a journalist In Liberia, I was accused of being a spy. They came to get me and I hid on the roof of my hotel, with the embassy 300 yards away.
In combat, you’re proactive. You have urgency. You can affect the outcome.
There is a moral burden in killing the enemy.
I had an undiagnosed aneurism – a deformity - in my Pancreatic Artery. It ballooned out & it burst, causing me to bleed out into my own abdomen.
I lost 90% of my blood, and as I was dying, and my dead father showed up above me – trying to comfort me.
If you can’t defend yourself and your community, you’re not going to be free for very long.
The trick for human freedom is to be militaristic enough and organized enough to defend yourself against an enemy, but also create an equitable society at home.
Humans don’t survive in nature by themselves – they need other people.
How do you return a warrior to society? You can leave the front lines, but eventually, it’s gonna find you.
We walked almost 400 miles and most nights we were the only people in the world who knew where we were. There are many definitions of freedom but surely that is one of them.
If you can separate your body & your mind, you can do almost anything.
My daughter once said: “Daddy, I’m small, but I’m huge when I stand in the light.”
Public accounting of what it felt like to serve your country overseas can be very cathartic.
7/21/2021 • 1 hour, 49 seconds
Best of TNQ - Will Chesney: Retired Navy SEAL K9 Handler who helped take down Bin Laden, Author of Best Selling Book “No Ordinary Dog”
In this week’s podcast, you will hear the incredible story of the mission to locate and kill Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade center by one of two dozen Navy SEALs, Will Chesney, who was a K9 handler in that operation. Will’s dog, “Cairo”, was instrumental in helping to successfully accomplish the mission. After that mission, only one name was made public: Cairo’s.
Will’s story is one of an irrevocable tie to his dog, as well as straightforward talk about his personal struggles with depression, migraines, chronic pain, and memory loss.
In this episode you will hear:
On SEAL Team 4, I got the trifecta: Com, Sniper, and Gen Tech. I loved it.
Being part of that mission was like being part of a movie.
When you’re going through a tough time, don’t quit. Reach out to somebody.
There’s so many good people out there. There’s so many modalities for help.
Try something – give it a good shot – if that doesn’t work, try something else.
Get on your knees and pray to God every day.
Try to do good things. Help people out.
How many times do you get to go home? How many minutes do you get to spend with family? Don’t live to regret not reaching out to your family more.
You can go away at any time. If you don’t keep up – if you don’t perform. If you’re not an asset, but a liability – you’re fired.
When I got to the point that I was a liability, after so many great guys and years of my life - to walk away from that - that was amazing. This is my family.
The biggest thing I got from all my experiences is my connection with God.
I love dogs, and I’ll take on that [dog handling] responsibility to save a friend.
Everybody that had something to do with that mission: from the intel to almost dying in a helicopter crash, was incredible. Even with all that, the way things flowed was incredible.
7/14/2021 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
Best of TNQ: Lanny & Tracy Barnes - Twins, Olympic Biathletes, and Motivational Speakers
Have you ever tried shooting not one, not two, but three rifles? Then add in the seemingly impossible task of hitting multiple targets… While cross-country skiing!!!
If you’re 3-time Olympian “twin biathletes” Lanny & Tracy Barnes, it’s just another day at the office. In this week’s episode, you can get a glimpse into their world of hunting, shooting, and skiing, and their pursuit of excellence as they represent the Red, White, and Blue on a global awareness scale.
In this episode you will hear:
We did see early success, but it wasn’t because we were any good; we just stuck our head down and gutted it out through the race.
If one of us is doing well, the other can do just as good, because we’re exactly the same.
No matter what, don’t give up. If you’re gonna dot it, then go all the way.
With your biggest competition and your best friend competing with you every day – pushing you every day - you can get to a higher level.
The Olympics is the most intense thing ever.
When Lanny fell ill and didn’t make the Olympic team, Tracy, after being announced as having made the team said to their coach, “I decline my spot on the Olympic team.” It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.
When we combine our forces, it’s that much better.
I can put in my best effort, but together, we can make amazing things happen.
We live in the best country in the world.
Even in losing, the thing we learned most, is that we didn’t quit… even if we came in dead last.
The “Never Quit” mentality is “Train the Brain.”
We can sum up our entire career in these words – “We pursue hard.”
7/7/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 49 seconds
Aaron & Darielle Singerman: Founder & First Lady of REDCON1
Now here’s a guy who’s not hesitant to speak speaking openly about his dark years – his addiction to heroin, then make a dramatic switch from heroin addict to successful businessman. In this week’s TNQ episode, Aaron Singerman shares the unlikely story of his life, his troubles, and eventually his accomplishments, and the importance of empathy for others going through difficult situations.
Aaron and his wife, Darielle are the founders of Redcon1, the fastest growing sports supplement brand in history, positively changing people’s lives, and took their company from 5 to over 150 employees.
They also founded the Redcon1 Foundation, making a positive impact on families of the Unites States Military heroes.
In this episode you will hear:
My life has not been easy, but it shaped me.
The mistakes I made are all my own.
If I had joined the military, I probably would’ve been kicked out because I wouldn’t have been able to take orders.
Darielle: Boarding school was a great thing for me.
I was a Heroin and cocaine intravenous addict.
98% of intravenous heroin users never come out of it.
It was easy to get OxyCon because doctors were getting incentives to prescribe it, and I became addicted to it.
Sometimes the best thing in business is to simply walk away.
I had parents that told me they loved me.
Redcon1 has always been purpose-driven – especially serving the military.
I spent every ounce of effort and time I had into writing articles for fitness magazines for free.
The drive to believe in yourself is very unique.
It’s not about the goal as much as it is enjoying the journey & getting to the next level.
People focus too often on the negative. They look at the door that was closed and feel sad about that, versus looking for the next open door.
Embrace humility.
6/30/2021 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 49 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit Podcast: Gold Star Wives, Remembering Operation Redwing
In this week’s podcast, you will hear from inspiring Gold Star Wives, all whom have lost their husbands in battle. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will learn what these amazing ladies are doing with their lives – serving other military families and humanity, while bringing hope and strength to everyone around them. Don’t miss this one. It’s well worth the listen.
In this episode you will hear:
• When tragedy hits and men give everything, you see what it means to be an American.
• If you wake up every day & say “I can’t” – you won’t. And if you wake up and say “I can”, you will.
• If you want your life to change, what are you gonna do today to make that change?
• Turn sadness into something positive.
• Now it’s my role to not quit for him, because he didn’t quit for us.
• Heroes are keeping us safe in this country.
• In a weird way, the loss of our husbands bonded us women.
• When powerful people go through such a loss, they can improve the world.
• Our main focus is: We love our country.
• Some of the funniest stories are born during our lowest moments.
• We can either to give up, or get up and live for him.
• When what you thought your life was gonna be like is no longer, you’ve gotta figure out who you are, and what you’re gonna do.
• With time, pain will slowly find a purpose.
• There is hope. You will be happy again. You will smile again.
• Find purpose in your pain.
• You get so much by giving.
• Life doesn’t prepare you for some things.
• We’re making sure to honor these men and women who gave up their tomorrow so we could have our today.
• We stand tall in the memory of our husbands.
• Find gratitude in every day – find one thing positive in each day.
• 60 seconds of unhappiness is a minute of happiness taken out of your life.
• Breathe in positivity and exhale negativity.
• It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you write down that which you’re grateful for.
• How we deal with tragedy will either define us as humans or redefine us as humans.
• We are the authors of our story. No one else can do that for us.
6/23/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 48 seconds
Matt Long: Bus Crash Victim, Retired FDNY, 9/11 Survivor, Founder of the I Will Foundation, Author of The Long Run
If you’re looking for an overcomer’s story, look no further than this week’s episode with Matthew Long, a life-long competitive athlete with the strength and endurance few have achieved, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and competing in Ironman competitions. As he was cycling to work one day as a New York City firefighter, he was run over by a 20-ton bus, literally spilling his intestines on the street, and requiring 68 units of blood in the first hours after the accident. It took a miracle, and Matthew’s never quit mindset to walk again, and eventually compete in the New York City Marathon. He has authored the book: The Long Run, and founded the I WILL Foundation to help people overcome by adversity and challenges caused by traumatic injury.
In this episode you will hear:
• This [accident] was supposed to happen to me.
• The bike cut me right in half.
• My mom was the one who was my pillar of strength.
• I had 43 surgeries in a 5-month period.
• I can’t image what he [the bus driver] felt like when he thought he hit a garbage can, and saw 2 legs laying out of the bus.
• Even the homeless, knew who I was.
• For 5 months, every night – dinner was served from a different firehouse in the city.
• I went through 1 ½ years of dark thinking.
• Within 3 years of the accident I ran a marathon.
• I get after it every day.
• Every tattoo should tell a story.
• I always have to have something going on in my life physically – and a goal.
• I can’t’ run anymore. If I run 3 miles, I’m in bed for 3 days because of my gate. My upper body ticks to the left.
• You have to let go of the anger.
• We don’t overcome shit. Adversity is something you have to learn to live with.
• When you learn to live with adversity, you’re gonna be stronger and more powerful, and impactful than you could ever believe.
6/16/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 44 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit - Char Westfall: Wife, Mom, Surviving Spouse of Navy SEAL Jacques Fontan, Author of A Beautiful Tragedy
In this week's episode, we highlight one of our most popular episodes as June marks the anniversary of Operation Redwing. Char's husband, Jacques Fontan, was one of nineteen servicemen killed when the helicopter he was in was shot down during Operation Redwing in Afghanistan (from which the film Lone Survivor is based.) As a result, she has written a book, A Beautiful Tragedy, in which she speaks openly about the anger and bitterness that experience birthed, and her battle to regain her life, to heal within, and to serve others in the process.
In this episode you will hear:
Jacques was killed when Char was only 29 years old.
We heard car doors shut. And they came to the door in uniform.
I remember asking them, “So there’s still a chance?” and he couldn’t answer me.
I’ve accepted that Jacques is gone, and he’s not coming back, but he’s not going away.
I wanted to find somebody that would allow me to still respect and honor Jacques, and not just put him away on a shelf and act like that never happened.
With my faith and my love for him, I saw how he was there hearing me through the darkest and hardest times.
With faith in God, you can be mad and you can have your moments. God wants to hear that.
If, on social media, you see the name of a fallen, look them up and get to know them personally. That helps them to never die.
Losing Jacques wasn’t beautiful but what I’ve been able to make of the situation and make my life from it is the beauty in it.
There’s a lot to think about when you start to date after the tragedy of losing your husband.
We all want to honor the men who paid the ultimate price, but we also need to lift up the women they leave behind.
I was lucky enough to find amazing love twice.
6/9/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 58 seconds
Travis Howze: Comedian, Marine, Firefighter, Motivational Speaker, Author of Create Your Own Light
Q: What does a Marine Corps veteran, former police officer, former firefighter, motivational speaker, and international touring comedian all have in common?
A: They all live inside this week’s most entertaining guest, Travis Howze.
Travis has come from a horrific experience as a firefighter when nine of his “brothers” were killed in a building collapse. He volunteered for the recovery team that pulled the bodies from the smoking building, causing him to sink deeply into post-traumatic stress and alcoholism.
After Travis’ incredible defeat of his PTS, he has had a successful career in comedy and authored Create Your Own Light, an encouragement to stay in the fight and to never quit.
In this episode you will hear:
• If you’re gonna laugh at other people, you’d better be able to laugh at your damn self.
• I don’t think about all the things I went through in my past. It’s a huge form of therapy for me not to.
• Every day is a grind.
• There are “character-building” days – you gotta recognize it, you gotta work on it, and you gotta build on it.
• I have an older sister, so I did a lot of Barbie doll shit when I was young.
• We’re more comfortable around our type of people because we have experienced some of the same things.
• Non-stop fuckery – I had to have that.
• If you knew what your tax dollars really went to, you wouldn’t pay fuckin’ taxes.
• I was a cop, when you could still be an effective police officer, and you didn’t have cell phone cameras ruining your life. You could actually go out and do your job.
• There’s consequences to our actions, whether in law-enforcement or a civilian.
• When the military deploys and they go over, they leave that shit over there. They bring some of that back, but they don’t have to live in the environment that fucked them up.
• You can’t un-see, or un-taste, or un-smell a lot of things you go through in life.
6/2/2021 • 1 hour, 7 seconds
Jeff Tiegs: US Army Ranger & Delta Force, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Expert, COO of All Things Possible Ministries
Jeff Tiegs is an amazing difference-maker. He uses his extensive experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to counter sex trafficking in the United States. With over 25 years in U.S. Army Special Operations and combat experience and multiple tours in Afghanistan & Iraq, Jeff is applying that expertise in his endeavors. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Guardian Group, whose mission is to prevent and disrupt the sex trafficking of women and children while enabling partners to identify victims and predators in the United States. Jeff is also The Chief Operating Officer at All Things Possible Ministries, whose mission is to identify, interrupt, and restore those affected by trauma.
In this episode you will hear:
In the U.S., we are unbelievable consumers of prostitution, and what comes with that is minors.
You’re on deployment every time you walk out of the house.
One in four women is sexually assaulted or sexually abused.
The sex trafficking crime is so open. It’s openly advertised.
There are people that think we should defund the police. I think more reasonable people think we should reallocate funds and figure out ways to do this better. There are people out there who can augment what law enforcement is lacking.
The [funding] money is gonna go where the people demand it.
[Our organization], All Things Possible does everything from simple counseling to freeing sex slaves.
Find strength in simply being alive.
What comes off of your tongue – what you speak – is what you become.
The term “Yahweh” is the sound of breathing.
The mere fact that we, as humans, are breathing, we’re saying the name of our Creator every time we breathe.
What is God’s name? The thing that gives breath to everything that lives.
The first thing a baby says is that breath of life.
One family, who lost their son on the battlefield, found relief in the fact that the last breath their son took was the name of our creator.
Find strength, find solace, and find peace, in that simple act of breathing. If you’re alive, you’re saying God’s name, and He’s there to help to you.
5/26/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 45 seconds
Ryan Michler: Founder of Order of Man, Iraqi Combat Vet
This week’s episode features Ryan Michler, Founder of Order of Man and all-around exceptional guy, whose goal in life is to restore masculinity and fight for the hearts and minds of men. Ryan’s podcasts reach millions of listeners each week.
In this episode you will hear:
Ryan Michler Quotes
“If you’ve identified the hill you’re gonna die on; the battle you’re engaged in, don’t quit, because when you see how important it is, it would be impossible to throw in the towel.”
“Men on the right path aren’t yapping about it. People that aren’t doing anything are the loudest, and if we don’t counter those conversations, it becomes a trend.”
“We're never at a shortage of people telling us the bad we're doing.”
“Plant your flag towards something.”
“Think about why you’re doing what you’re doing.”
“You can’t keep blaming your boss, the economy, your wife, or everyone else for your problems. Fix yourself.”
“Sports, coaches, mentors, and the military, can help teach you what it is to be a man, especially when there are no male influences at home.”
“I found solutions to my own problems, and then made a rewarding, fulfilling, and lucrative career out of it.”
“We all screw our kids up in some ways.”
“Introduce your kids to hardships. Teach them to bend, not break.”
“Be a father, not a buddy to your kids.”
“A lot of people experience hardships and it doesn’t make them; instead it
breaks them.”
“There’s nothing you can do about another person's attitude.”
“People you influence will change because they see you changing, positively or negatively.”
“When people listen to you, you better show up and pay your words and actions the respect they deserve.”
“Tell the truth.”
“Help kids in your community. Help reshape misguided notions of what it is to be a man.”
“Question everything.”
“You need some sort of qualifier for people who are invited in your circle.”
“Be the solution. Not the problem.”
“No one wants to hang out with someone with a “Nice Guy Syndrome.”
“Redefine yourself. Try something new.”
John Maxwell quote:
“Every man, deep in his heart, longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.”
Marcus Luttrell quotes:
“When the big boat goes down, make sure you’re sitting in the life raft.”
“If you shut your engines down and you’re in the front, there’s gonna be train coming up behind you that’s gonna smack you right off the track.”
Morgan Luttrell quote:
“The ones who think they have enough forward momentum and do not widen their gaze, fail.”
5/19/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 15 seconds
Andrew Marr: Special Forces Green Beret, Warrior Angels Foundation Co-Founder, Author of Tales from the Blast Factory
While the deep-rooted effects of traumatic brain injury are not yet fully understood, Andrew Marr, retired Special Forces, Green Beret, Warrior Angels Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder, as well as co-author of Tales from the Blast Factory, brings to life his actual experiences and transparency as it relates to bringing resolve to his brain injury issues, and coming back to a fulfilled life serving others with similar conditions. Listen in as Andrew gets real with our listening audience. He has an epic testimony to tell.
In this episode you will hear:
Andrew’s story is that of the principles of resiliency after traumatic brain injuries.
You don’t have an emotional problem. You have a brain health problem.
There are real solutions available.
I lost complete control of all emotions.
Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and the inability to make good decisions were daily occurrences.
Define what it is you want to be and start being that.
I realized at that moment that I was of no value to him [my son] or my family in the condition that I was in.
My mental state was going to ruin the things I said I loved in my life.
3 promises I made to myself:
1. I was going to return to be the man of my pre-injury status.
2. I was going to find a way to come off all the medication I was told I would have to be on for the rest of my life.
3. After accomplishing #1 & #2, I was going to spend the rest of my life helping other people just like myself to get thru it and get to the other side.
Even though none of my problems were fixed yet, I now had a compass, direction, and destination.
There are not words to describe what I experienced in that state of consciousness [with psychedelics).
Any identification of self completely evaporated.
I understood the interconnectedness of all things.
I was engulfed in intelligent love.
What the microscope is to biology and what the telescope is to astronomy, psychedelics is to human psychology.
5/12/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 5 seconds
Mike Sauers & Sam Bonilla: Navy SEAL & Marine Discuss Life & Entrepreneurship
What an incredible couple we have in the studio this week. Mike Sauers - Navy SEAL, combat veteran who fought alongside Marcus Luttrell in Ramadi, philanthropist, and owner of Forged Apparel. In selfless fashion, Forged has raised millions of dollars to assist the families of fallen heroes. Mike is an exceptional story-teller, and his stories about military life, extensive travel experiences, and his subsequent entrepreneur life, are authentic and entertaining.
Sam Bonilla is an amazing soul in her own right. As a marine with a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and a certificate in intelligence, marketing manager and concept producer for Forged, social media influencer, model, and Instagram celebrity, Sam is as down-to-earth as they come. She is a joy to listen to as she shares her experiences and perspectives, and a humble servant of people alongside Mike.
In this episode you will hear:
Ideas can be birthed in any setting; they’re limited to the imagination.
You should always take pride in your country.
Follow through.
America was forged – Everything great was forged.
It’s too bad that some establishments that have existed for over 100 years, are probably not going to make through this pandemic.
Never question an order from a marine [in battle].
If you don’t have pride in your country, then what do you really have?
Just like great team guys, we busted out some bungie cords and tied a karaoke machine to our golf cart.
Every great nation, has to have pride.
You have your real life, and then you have your social media life.
Being a marine is not as sexy as it looks on TV.
There are criteria for what is considered a dive bar:
Mainly whiskey selections
A picture of Burt Reynolds
Christmas Lights
Smokey & the Bandit memorabilia
A Juke Box
Spilled Beer Stains on the pool table
Huge “mints” in the urinals
No separation between the urinal & the toilet
Register for THE MURPH CHALLENGE at TheMurphChallenge.com
5/5/2021 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 42 seconds
David Eckermann: Houston Firefighter & Owner of Lonestar Tactical Buildings
Though we might not have believed there could be another lone survivor story, we bring David Eckermann of the Houston Fire Department into the TNQ Podcast Studio. David survived one of the largest, most unpredictable fires in HFD history. The Southwest Inn fire in Houston, Texas on May 31, 2013, was a fire in a restaurant that spread to an adjoining hotel. The fire claimed the biggest casualty loss for the Houston Fire Department since its inception.
David speaks publicly about this harrowing day for the first time to discuss the stigmas around mental health in the first responder community and to honor the lives of his fellow firefighters.
His experience that day sparked the development of his company, Lone Star Tactical Buildings, providing fire and police training facilities nationwide.
In this episode you will hear:
I had no idea I wanted to be a firefighter, but thankfully it was supposed to happen. It was meant to be.
If you’re gonna be a fireman, you’re never gonna be rich.
Besides getting married, graduating from the fire academy was the best day of my life.
I’ve always been a faithful guy, but after my friend’s suicide, I questioned it.
When we went into the building, the smoke didn’t match what I was expecting.
The building collapse was totally unexpected. It catapulted us out the front.
I was the only one alive from the first companies.
Those firefighters went out like heroes.
This episode is in memory of Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Matthew Renaud, Anne Sullivan, and Captain Bill Dowling.
4/28/2021 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 13 seconds
Nick Shaw: CEO & Co-Founder of Renaissance Periodization™, Co-Host of the RP Strength Podcast, Author of 'Fit For Success'
Is it possible to develop an idea birthed in bodybuilding and powerlifting, and create a health, nutrition, and strength company as well as the highly popular RP app? If you’re Nick Shaw, the answer is a resounding yes. Nick is the founder and CEO of Renaissance Periodization and has sold hundreds of thousands of books on nutrition, training, recovery, and creating healthy habits.
Nick is a former competitive powerlifter and bodybuilder and has also personally coached numerous world-class athletes, including CrossFit Games Champions, international medalists, Olympians, UFC fighters, professional athletes, and Navy SEALs.
He is a co-host of the RP Strength podcast with wife - and RP colleague - Lori Shaw.
Nick, Marcus, and Morgan bring a very interesting and informative discussion about the complexities and “I can use it now” strategies for strength and nutrition.
In this episode you will hear:
I’m an accidental entrepreneur.
If you just bust your ass and get after it, you can get better.
In fitness or sports, there's always a little bit more, you can do. You can get a little bit faster, you can get a little bit stronger, you can do a few more reps, whatever it is, you can grow a little more muscle.
I thought: What if we take people with elite genetics, and then combine the scientific approach? You could probably have some pretty cool athletes.
You have to nail the calorie balance first.
Stop snacking, just start eating lean proteins with every meal - more fruits and veggies, your healthy fats, avocados, olive oil, things like that.
Calorie balance is the number one overall thing.
You can give somebody the perfect diet, but if they're never going to follow it, is it any good?
It’s not a diet. It’s more of a lifestyle.
You can't out-train a bad diet.
Be prepared to work your tail off.
My wife's a warrior. She’s way stronger than me.
2020 was such a crappy year for so many people, and I knew there was going to be a way to help people.
Instead of trying to compete for little plastic trophies, it's better to prioritize family.
You can learn so much from really successful people.
4/21/2021 • 49 minutes, 32 seconds
Mandy Harvey: America's Got Talent 'Golden Buzzer' Winner, Singer, Songwriter, and Inspirational Speaker, Lost Her Residual Hearing at the Age of Nineteen
It’s hard to imagine living life without hearing, especially if you lost your hearing forever at the age of 18. But in the case of this week’s guest, Mandy Harvey drove her stake into the ground and pursued her endeavor to sing, write music, and “hear” with her feet – to the point that Simon Cowell was moved to press the Golden Buzzer after Mandy’s original song performance on America’s Got Talent. Since that time, Mandy has earned a degree in Vocal Music Education and has become an ambassador to No Barriers USA with a mission to encourage, inspire and assist others to break through their personal barriers.
In this episode you will hear:
The mindset of abilities vs disabilities is just a lack of education because everyone has barriers they have to deal with.
I didn’t overcome anything, it just took me a little bit of time to figure it out.
The mother of all inventions is being innovative.
I write a lot of music based on how it feels, instead of what I think it sounds like.
I’ll write specific notes that tickle behind my eye or bother my face so that I know that I’m right.
I’m feeling the floor, and then just opening my mouth and letting go.
The most precious gift you can have is communication.
I can’t seem to explain how joyful I am now vs how broken I was before.
I’m living my life and this part of my story – part of who I am.
I’m thrilled to be who I am.
The phrase “some people struggle and some people don’t” - Everybody struggles. It just looks different.
Not every single person gets the opportunity to understand joy, or feel love.
Be compassionate to people – we have no idea what’s going on in their life.
With every struggle you have, you have two choices – you can either let it beat you, or you can learn from it.
I really don’t believe that there was one eureka moment that made me feel not depressed anymore. It was a collection of moments – a collection of people being there.
I got up once. I’ll get up again. Let’s go…
The "getting up and starting over" is the hardest part.
This is a messy broken world, full of messy broken people. That’s just life.
4/14/2021 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 45 seconds
Marcus & Amber Capone: Part 2
In this week’s episode, Marcus and Amber Capone continue sharing their fascinating journey and offer much detail on finding a solution to Marcus’ struggles affecting their whole family. Finally – after Amber’s relentless research - a ray of hope arrives in the form of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Marcus and Amber transparently discuss the steps it took to get the help, and a detailed narrative of the treatment and its incredible effects and psychiatric benefits. It was this revelation that caused them to develop the VETS foundation – helping combat veterans get life-saving help. They have now assisted hundreds of vets providing the resources for the therapy and improving the quality of life for them and their families as well.
In this episode you will hear:
I almost craved going back to the dysfunction because I knew how to live in the dysfunction.
I never wanted to quit [our marriage].
The treatment saved his life, and saved our family.
Micro doses of Ibogaine are physiologically changing the brain in a positive direction.
Several of the men that have been treated come out never wanting to touch alcohol again.
It’s like having a backpack on loaded with hundreds of bricks. And as you go through the [treatment] journey, it’s like bricks are being thrown out. At the end of it, you have an empty backpack.
You face the demons, then they go away. You’re cleansing yourself.
Some of what you experience is dream-like, while other experiences are real.
Everyone is reporting massive cognitive improvement.
Amber: I was like “What just happened?” I was so grateful.
If we don’t speak out; if we don’t find the courage and conviction to share something that could work; then we’re really doing a disservice to the community.
I attained a level of awareness and grace over the course of years as I was working on myself. Psychedelics take you there almost overnight.
4/7/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 2 seconds
Former Navy SEAL Marcus Capone and Wife Amber Capone: Founders of VETS, Advocates for U.S. Military Veterans Seeking Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (Part 1)
Here’s a real couple with a real family – and real personal issues - that have overcome with the help of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy alternatives. Marcus and Amber Capone share their struggles and successes, bringing hope and restoration to others with seemingly impossible mental struggles. Their non-profit organization – VETS – provides the resources, research, and advocacy to improve the quality of life for U.S. Special Operations Combat Veterans seeking unconventional therapy alternatives.
In this episode you will hear:
Thank goodness we didn’t have internet in college. You can’t get away with anything.
We really can’t take credit for the work we’re doing [helping other combat vets]; it seems like it’s just happening. It’s meant to be.
We’re just vessels helping it [our non-profit] come to life.
It’s been an honor & a privilege to pay this forward.
Marcus [Capone] watched GI Jane and decided to become a Navy SEAL.
Amber: My dad is a big part of how resilient I’ve been.
Marcus Capone to Marcus Luttrell: I was the first person you saw [in Germany after your Operation Red Wing injuries].
A surprised Marcus Luttrell: “THAT WAS YOU???!!!”
We were deployed, and we couldn’t find out about anything going on. We were getting updates from our wives back in the states.
What we’ve been doing [our non-profit organization] has organically grown.
2008 was a particularly tough year. At every deployment, somebody wasn’t coming home.
3/31/2021 • 59 minutes, 34 seconds
Marc Little: Pastor, Lawyer, Political Commentator, Author of The Prodigal Republican
What an encouraging and powerful testimony Marc Little brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit episode. Having been shot in the right leg as part of a gang initiation, and dealing with resulting complications and infections, Marc’s leg had to be amputated. Since defeat is not part of Marc’s mentality, he said “yes” to life and lives life to the fullest. Now through his work as a lawyer, author, entrepreneur and community builder, he teaches others how to say “yes” to life as well.
In this episode you will hear:
Don’t give up, because the next try may be the try that leads to success.
This is a life worth living.
God gives us a story for a reason. He gives us a story so that we can help a neighbor.
We’re all going thru a tough season, but God is in it
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich has to be done right. You have to have white Wonder Bread, and you gotta have creamy Jiff or Skippy peanut butter, with grape jelly.
From the time I was shot and the time that the ambulance came, life was literally leaving me.
It was clear that I had a choice, and I decided to stay.
The difficulty of being a dad with a 6-year-old child, and not being able to run with him, has become part of who I am.
I claim victory because I now know that tomorrow is not promised.
Everybody has to lean on God because this journey is not easy.
Life is not about us – it’s about what we can do for the kingdom.
Many of us are struggling, because we’re not understanding who we are – whose we are.
[God] connects our calling to who and what He is.
So many people today are just sitting and watching.
We have a role to play today. A role to shine the light of Christ.
We are not lost – have faith.
God has not left us. He will never forsake us.
The church is anemic because they don’t understand their calling.
All of our experiences are intended to bring us closer to the creator.
After 4 years of never giving up – never quitting I decided I’m picking up the pieces of my life, and you’re not gonna tell me I can’t do it.
It may not be right now, but the victory is coming.
When the righteous are in power the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people moan.
We are called to pray over our leaders and elect Godly leaders over us.
When u are pushing back against darkness you are taking back ground of the enemy. When we are being mocked for praying, that is evidence that we are taking back ground that was lost.
The Lord has a special way of giving you what He wants you to have.
God sees you – and He has something for you.
Start your family and let the Lord bless you – Don’t wait. Never quit in trying to start a family.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel!
3/24/2021 • 56 minutes, 13 seconds
Aaron Kendle: Retired Navy SEAL, Harvard Business School Graduate
What do you do when you witness a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky by an RPG, enter into spiraling depression, fail your team, as well as yourself, and then experience a horrible accident that causes you to lose your hand and forearm?
In Aaron Kendle's case, who refuses to be defined by failures, you pick yourself up, and lean on a never quit mindset to live life to its fullest, and achieve an incredible life.
Mr. Kendle is a retired Navy SEAL where he served as a specialized medic, sniper, airborne leader, and jump school instructor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, a father, a husband and a Scottsdale Charro. Mr. Kendle is a decorated member of the United States Navy, served as a member of SEAL Team 7, NSWG-1 Training Detachment, and Naval Special Warfare Development over a 15-year career and has dedicated his post-military professional career to helping his fellow brothers in arms transition back into civilian life.
Aaron comments: “My resume may read great — but what they don’t see is all of those fails between the lines. For me, those failures stay between the lines.”
In this episode you will hear:
Obstacles and failures aren't your defining moments. It's everything that comes after that you grow from.
A major physical injury doesn't define you.
When major things change your life in the physical, figure out ways to do things the best you can.
Make every day better than the day before.
You can dwell on how great Plan A would've been. But when Plan A fails, you gotta come up with a plan B.
Never leave a human hand in the freezer of your hotel room, where the cleaning staff can find it.
After a devastating accident, the prevailing thought should be “I'm alive”.
Terrible occurrences in your life can actually be used to give others, who are in despair, hope, and encouragement.
Perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life.
There's a lot more to life. You just gotta figure out what it is.
You don't get any better than the SEALS mentorship program.
Everything we accomplish in life is based on failures.
Pain and suffering unites us all.
If there's one thing I think we're good at is stuffing emotions.
Watching a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky with an RPG, is like watching a horror movie.
3/17/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 54 seconds
Lanny & Tracy Barnes: Twins, Olympic Biathletes, and Motivational Speakers
Have you ever tried shooting not one, not two, but three rifles? Then add in the seemingly impossible task of hitting multiple targets… While cross-country skiing!!! If you’re 3-time Olympian “twin biathletes” Lanny & Tracy Barnes, it’s just another day at the office. In this week’s episode, you can get a glimpse into their world of hunting, shooting, and skiing, and their pursuit of excellence as they represent the Red, White, and Blue on a global awareness scale.
In this episode you will hear:
We did see early success, but it wasn’t because we were any good; we just stuck our head down and gutted it out through the race.
If one of us is doing well, the other can do just as good, because we’re exactly the same.
No matter what, don’t give up. If you’re gonna dot it, then go all the way.
With your biggest competition and your best friend competing with you every day – pushing you every day - you can get to a higher level.
The Olympics is the most intense thing ever.
When Lanny fell ill and didn’t make the Olympic team, Tracy, after being announced as having made the team said to their coach, “I decline my spot on the Olympic team.” It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.
When we combine our forces, it’s that much better.
I can put in my best effort, but together, we can make amazing things happen.
We live in the best country in the world.
Even is losing, the thing we learned most, is that we didn’t quit… even if we came in dead last.
The “Never Quit” mentality is “Train the Brain.”
We can sum up our entire career in these words – “We pursue hard.”
3/10/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 34 seconds
Granger Smith
In a heart-wrenching testimony of tragedy and perseverance, country singer/songwriter Granger Smith recounts the horrific event that took his 3 year old son from this earthly life. He and his wife Amber used their life-changing experience to learn the hard way – the path to overcoming, endurance, and life-giving counsel and encouragement to others. Amber is the founder of Yee Yee, an American lifestyle brand of clothing.
In this episode you will hear:
• After being invited to appear on Granger’s first video, Amber didn’t know if they might take her out in the middle of nowhere and murder her.
• There’s more to the meaning of a tragedy than reason because reason doesn’t always make sense.
• What can we learn from [River’s] one thousand days?
• After facing death, it opens your eyes as to what truly matters.
• Another day forward is so valuable. What about today? Today is what we have. Even if you can deal with today, deal with this hour. If you can’t deal with this hour, deal with the next minute. If you can’t deal with this minute, deal with the next breath. Pretty soon, there comes a perspective, and your brain becomes more clear.
• I hate five year plans.
• When we came home, our kids had written on the driveway with chalk,
“Welcome Home River.”
• [Musically], I know there’ll be some River stuff comin’
• Rivers organ donations saved two adults.
• You gotta take care of yourself. Wake up at the same time every day, brush your teeth and comb your hair.
• You’re not gonna have these days forever.
• I try not to think about why because that mental slide show plays over and over.
• “One more kiss”
[Amber]
• I can’t think of the future, I need to focus on the now.
[Melanie]
• There is a purpose for disaster. It’s not ever going to be understandable. It’s never going to be logical.
3/3/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 46 seconds
Sam Bonilla: 24 Year Police Veteran, US Marine, Attorney, and Program Director for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy
If ever there was a man who exemplified what a first-class police officer is, it’s this week’s guest, Sam Bonilla. It’s refreshing to hear Sam’s view of police work, and the measures he takes to teach new recruits the discipline and self-sacrifice it takes to be such an officer. In his 34 years’ experience as a police officer in the Chicago area, Sam has become the Program Director for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, a Master Firearms Instructor, and uses his extensive experience to benefit the relationship between civilians and police officers in his area of influence. Sam Bonilla also served as a U.S. Marine during the Gulf War and has been an attorney for over 16 years. It’s people like Sam that raise the bar in police work, community relations and raising the standard for new officers.
In this episode you will hear:
In our police department, we invite the community in our “home” to see exactly what we do, so it’s not a mystery.
We introduce our police officers and the citizens learn we’re pretty normal.
Our mission is to help.
You don’t realize how bad an environment is when you grow up in that environment.
Where you land is not necessarily where you’re going to end up.
The Marine Corps is the first thing in my life I ever succeeded at.
Never stop pushing for what you want, even if it sucks at the time.
There are things you have to do to get to where you want to be.
Your mission’s not over yet. You have to keep moving forward in your journey.
Your experiences will eventually help you gravitate to the top.
The only regret I have is not spending time with the family.
Police officers are second-guessing themselves these days because of the way things are.
If we, as a profession, don’t adapt to society, we will never advance as a profession, and things will not get better.
Police work is a profession that is self-sacrificing. You have to be willing to accept that.
You can’t forget why you got into this profession.
You don’t know how you’re changing someone’s life with just a smile.
My calling is to focus on our civilians that are trying to learn more about the police and the recruits that are trying to be the police.
Never stop serving. It’s your mission in life to keep going.
2/24/2021 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 17 seconds
Against the Odds
In July 2018, 12 youth soccer players and their coach found themselves trapped 6 miles deep in a cave with no food or water and depleting oxygen. The rock formed maze became almost completely submerged as the water rose to levels nearly impossible for survival. There was no light and no way to communicate with the outside world. The first season of Wondery’s new original series Against the Odds takes you into the incredible events of when an adventurous group of teens found themselves fighting to save their lives, and the brave heroes that gave them their only chance at survival. Though you may know these stories, you’ve never heard them quite like this. With step by step recounts, experience for yourself what it was like to be in their shoes, and how they survived against the odds. Listen to Against the Odds at wondery.fm/teamneverquitATO.
2/23/2021 • 6 minutes, 54 seconds
Taya Kyle: NY Times Best Selling Author, Widow of Chris Kyle, Executive Director of Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
What an emotional and incredible visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veteran's family activist.
Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’s death. She is nothing shy of an astonishing woman – an inspiration to all.
In this episode you will hear:
I’m really been surprised at how horrible some things have been along the way, yet I realize that I’m happy that I got to experience them and get them out of the way. Now I am who I am and I’ve learned a lot.
The joy with [Chris] and the way he was able to love is extraordinary to me still.
I don’t know of another man who loves the way [Chris] loved.
[Chris] was a game-changer, and he was the person I changed for.
There’s nobody else that is the right mix of things to make me see how it could be better.
It’s different when you really love somebody and you’re ready to have your soul forged.
[Chris] had an all-encompassing gentleness. It was like a spirit that wraps you up and says “you are cared for.”
Even after [Chris] died I could feel that he was still lifting me up.
Tragedy becomes part of your story.
We have the opportunity to turn losing friends into an appreciation of every minute we do have.
I feel good to have absorbed as much as I did, but when they go, it’s never enough.
Some people have a need to put their feelings into anger because when you’re angry you don’t have to feel hurt. It says more about them than you.
I’ll be a lifelong learner.
I’ve changed in that [Chris’s] death doesn’t define me or take me out of the game.
God will heal me in time.
2/10/2021 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 42 seconds
Mike Sauers & Sam Bonilla: Navy SEAL & Marine Discuss Life & Entrepreneurship
What an incredible couple we have in the studio this week. Mike Sauers - Navy SEAL, combat veteran who fought alongside Marcus Luttrell in Ramadi, philanthropist, and owner of Forged Apparel. In selfless fashion, Forged has raised millions of dollars to assist the families of fallen heroes. Mike is an exceptional story-teller, and his stories about military life, extensive travel experiences, and his subsequent entrepreneur life, are authentic and entertaining.
Sam Bonilla is an amazing soul in her own right. As a marine with a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and a certificate in intelligence, marketing manager and concept producer for Forged, social media influencer, model, and Instagram celebrity, Sam is as down-to-earth as they come. She is a joy to listen to as she shares her experiences and perspectives, and a humble servant of people alongside Mike.
In this episode you will hear:
Ideas can be birthed in any setting; they’re limited to the imagination.
You should always take pride in your country.
Follow through.
America was forged – Everything great was forged.
It’s too bad that some establishments that have existed for over 100 years, are probably not going to make through this pandemic.
Never question an order from a marine [in battle].
If you don’t have pride in your country, then what do you really have?
Just like great team guys, we busted out some bungie cords and tied a karaoke machine to our golf cart.
Every great nation, has to have pride.
You have your real life, and then you have your social media life.
Being a marine is not as sexy as it looks on TV.
There are criteria for what is considered a dive bar:
Mainly whiskey selections
A picture of Burt Reynolds
Christmas Lights
Smokey & the Bandit memorabilia
A Juke Box
Spilled Beer Stains on the pool table
Huge “mints” in the urinals
No separation between the urinal & the toilet
2/3/2021 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 30 seconds
Cat Zingano: Bellator MMA Fighter, First Mom to Compete in the UFC, 2X National Champion, Shelter to Soldier Ambassador
What an amazing story of the relentless pursuit of a dream by this week’s guest, “Cat” Zingano. Beginning with a love of wrestling at age 12, she developed into a 4-time All-American and national wrestling champion. She is currently a mixed martial artist (MMA) and has won a world championship title and the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in Brazil. She also became the first mom to compete in a UFC fight and the first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout. Listen in and be inspired by Cat’s non-stop life adventures along her path to success.
In this episode you will hear:
Like the military, we all sign up for it. It’s a risk, but it’s a choice.
As a kid, I often felt misguided and what always brought me back was sports – being part of a team.
I didn’t look for people to pick on, but I’d put a target on people who were being mean to other people.
When you have a goal and it doesn’t mean to you what it once meant to you - it’s so defeating.
I want to finish in a way I can be proud of.
Your kids are challenging sometimes, and while you love your kids, you still have to have your own outlet.
I don’t ever want to ever forget how much it sucks to regret that I didn’t finish wrestling the way that I wanted.
I want to walk away having checked all the boxes.
I don’t want the hard times to dictate what I do with my goals.
The 15-20 minute fight is nothing, compared to the training camps.
I’d never had to pick a song to beat someone’s ass.
If the beginning of the fight hadn’t gone the way it had, it wouldn’t have been so interesting. They got to see everything. They got to see a comeback.
To still be struggling for money when you’re one of the top 5 in the world is tough.
I’m supposed to take my losses and learn something from it.
I accept my losses, but I want to know and learn what I can change - what can I do to make myself a different version of that person that maybe wouldn’t have lost.
How many times do you have to suck at something before you’re good at it?
1/27/2021 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 31 seconds
Eddie & Andrea Gallagher: The Story of The Man in the Arena
If ever you wanted to hear a true story of the relentless pursuit of truth, this is the one you need to listen to. This Navy SEAL and highly decorated combat veteran Eddie Gallagher, with 20 years of service to our country and 9 deployments in Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq was accused of war crimes while being innocent all the while. At the end of his 2017 deployment, accusations escalated to a point beyond ridiculous and was imprisoned for 9 months without ever being charged.
His wife, Andrea, spearheaded the “Free Eddie” Campaign effort to prove his innocence and fought tooth and nail to do so. After an unbelievable series of events, including terrorism against his family and young children, Eddie’s innocence was proven.
Eddie and Andrea have written the book The Man in the Arena to tell Eddie’s almost unbelievable story.
In this episode you will hear:
None of the accusations against Eddie were about war crimes.
“They locked me up in solitary, and nothing was explained to me.”
There’s no bail system in the military.
The UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) makes it possible to put people in jail without charges.
The level of terrorizing inflicted on our family shocked me to the core.
I thought: “No one’s coming to help us.”
The truth will prevail no matter what happens.
“I truly feel that God called us to this. He let us go through this for a purpose, and that purpose is way bigger than us.”
Eddie’s story can be paralleled with the story of Joseph in the bible. That story was a guiding light for us.
If they can do this to us, they can do this to anyone – and these guys are heroes.
Failure to protect one of their warfighters that served 20 years, is the biggest black eye, but we're gonna use it to make an impact on a larger scale to bring change to the UCMJ, and the way that we treat our military service members.
“She’s [Andrea's] the true hero of the story.”
They held machine guns and assault rifles to our children’s heads.
[Eddie] was being restricted from legal counsel, contrary to what we, as Americans, constitutionally have.
“Take failures and learn from them.”
“We’re gonna stand up for what’s right.”
“If we had quit, they would have taken him out for the remainder of his life.”
Special New Year Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 1 additional month free. Go to https://nordvpn.com/TNQ and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.
1/20/2021 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 51 seconds
Jason Van Camp: Green Beret, Chairman at Mission Six Zero, Executive Director at Warrior Rising, Author of Deliberate Discomfort
Living in a world of risk sums up the life of this week’s incredible guest, Jason Van Camp. As a West Point graduate, Jason is anything but faint-hearted in his experience as a decorated Green Beret in the U.S. Special Forces, in his business endeavors, and his dedication in helping other veterans unlock their potential and start their own business.
He has authored the book: Deliberate Discomfort: How US Special Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Jason’s will to win and his heart of service to others makes him an epic model of a successful human being.
In this episode you will hear:
If you never quit, you never fail.
That journey you’re on – it’s not about trophies – it’s about people, and the journeys you take with those people.
The worse experience it is for you, the funnier story it is for everybody else.
We put ourselves in deliberately uncomfortable situations so we can get out of our comfort zone and grow.
My motivation is to collect as many stories as I possibly can.
My mindset has shifted from being selfish to being selfless.
It’s hard to find your purpose. I want to help people, I want to make money, I want to do epic shit.
Our non-profit – Warrior Rising – helps veterans start their own business.
I’m a life-long student – always wearing my white belt.
Go do something.
Everyone can be a collaborator. Cooperate and graduate.
I turned the military decision-making process into a business model.
Choose hard things before hard things choose you.
1/13/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 6 seconds
Monty Heath: Navy SEAL, Father, Veteran Ambassador, TNQ Speaker
In the studio this week, we have Monty Heath, a decorated veteran from Navy SEAL Team 2 and Red Squadron, a former supervisor for the U.S. Navy SEAL mentorship program and BUD/S preparatory program, helping veterans develop their entrepreneur goals, a father who has endured the harrowing, near-death experience of his eleven-year-old son, and who has successfully undergone supervised psychedelic treatments to facilitate psychological introspection. Monty brings a myriad of life lessons and incredible experiences to the table in this week’s TNQP episode.
In this episode you will hear:
If I want something, I have to put 100% into it. I can’t just half-ass what I want.
I’ve learned a lot from failure.
When I started working as a Special Olympics skiing instructor, that’s where humanity entered into my life.
I wanted to be a corpsman, but I didn’t want to help people. I wanted to hurt people. That’s why I got out of it.
All my friends were SEALS; all my friends were cool; all my friends were good-looking; we live these privileged, bad-ass lives, but what about someone who’s born with Down Syndrome?
[Special Olympics] It chipped away at my arrogance, and it installed humility.
As a self-punishment, I didn’t want to go work for the super cool guy organizations. I want to be with common people and common soldiers.
We have to be uncomfortable to grow and evolve.
Monty’s 11-year-old son, George, had what started as a bad headache. That quickly developed into his spine hurting, then continuing to degrade, until it was determined in the hospital that he had contracted Bacterial Meningitis He slipped into a coma and “coded” as he lay in Monty’s arms dying. He slowly began to recover, but spent 51 days in the hospital & was paralyzed. Yet, some of the first words he spelled out for his mom were: “you and dad complete each other.”
The idea of waking up and writing down what you’re grateful for can be a life-changer.
Gratitude & attitude and gratitude is like a see-saw. If your gratitude is high you can’t have a bad attitude.
I started to understand the power of being vulnerable. It’s disarming.
Ibogaine therapy will make you go through your trauma, and make you come out on the other side better. I suggest every human being on the planet experience it. Communication & relationships to me is like new.
Empathy is an important thing in life.
Special Christmas Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 4 additional
months free. Go to https://nordvpn.com/TNQ and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.
1/6/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 24 seconds
Lt Colonel Dan Rooney: F-16 Fighter Pilot, Founder of Folds of Honor, Author of Fly Into the Wind
In this week’s podcast, we bring you an amazing guest – Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney – an Air Force F-16 fighter pilot with 3 combat tours in Iraq under his belt, two Top Gun awards, and countless military decorations. Dan recounts his life dreams as a 12 year-old boy, which have now come to fruition – to be a fighter pilot and a PGA golf professional. He also founded “Folds of Honor”, whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of wounded or killed military service members. Folds of Honor has provided 30,000 life changing scholarships totaling over $140 million dollars. Dan, a man of great faith, speaks of the importance of God in his life and the daily motivation it brings.
In this episode you will hear:
I had an unlikely dream for a 12 year old kid, but ultimately God would put those two together for a much higher purpose.
I felt the hand of god on my shoulder. He picks the least of us to do something significant.
Just grow up and do what you love.
Don’t be a prisoner of common assumption.
The most successful people in the world, are the people that are the best in handling life when things aren’t going their way.
We are defined on a daily basis when it doesn’t go our way.
When you meet the families that you help and you see the impact that you have – that’s what keeps you leaning into the wind.
Engineer a code of resilience in your life.
Use your talents to make a difference – to be fulfilled.
As a pilot, we need resistance to ascend – Our lives aren’t any different.
Be the best version of yourself regardless of the chaos around you.
If we have one skill, it’s being able to take in copious amounts of information at high speed, and prioritizing what matters.
If you want more blessings, you’ve got to bring God with you every day. Every interaction I have - I will bring my faith to it.
My 3 “never quit” motivations: I’ve never quit praying; I’ve never quit showing up at the gym and; I’ve never quit on my marriage.
12/30/2020 • 53 minutes, 44 seconds
Darren McBurnett “McB”: Retired Navy SEAL, Photographer, Author of Uncommon Grit, Founder of Uncommon Grit Foundation
What a ride Darren McBurnett (“McB”) is having. After 24 years as a Navy SEAL combat veteran, he then pursued and succeeded as a professional photographer – with no prior experience. His work has appeared in major publications, film, and promotional advertisings. McB was in such superior physical condition, that he developed “Extreme Athletic Heart”, resulting in the need for a pacemaker (He’ll explain it in this episode). This ridiculous turn of events not only didn’t stop Darren from continuing his photography career, but has since authored a book, “Uncommon Grit”, and is a sought-after motivational speaker by major corporations – not to mention - a comic book collector & golfer.
In this episode you will hear:
Do what you can with what you have. Never make an excuse as to why you can’t do something.
I would ride my bike 50 miles to go run a 10k, which established my work ethic.
I would run to school – 3 miles away; then do indoor track; then run to the swim team; then run home 6 miles, and then put on my McDonald’s uniform and run to work.
I didn’t look around for praise – that’s just who I am.
The very first lesson I learned was to work smarter.
I’m naturally good at free fall. When I get in the air, I’m a natural.
We need Alpha males because our society is getter weaker as it goes along.
I didn’t know anything about photography, so I decided I wanted to learn.
To get photos at BUDS, there were a lot of people in the right place, at the right time to make that happen.
Uncommon Grit came through requests from Instagram & Social Media.
While on a run at 44 years old on SEAL Team 3, my heart began to fail, and ended up needed a pacemaker due to what was referred to as “Extreme Athletic Heart”, which forced me into retirement.
A purple smoke photo taken at BUDS (Navy SEAL Training) is how my photography career was launched.
Never underestimate yourself and never think there’s something out there that you can’t do.
You’re limited by how far you want to push it. It’s totally up to you.
Special Christmas Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 4 additional
months free. Go to https://nordvpn.com/TNQ and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.
12/23/2020 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 23 seconds
JR Vezain: Professional Bareback Rider, Horse Trainer, Husband, Father
If ever there was a “never quit” story to tell, it’s this guy – JR Vezain. JR delivers the details of his harrowing, life-altering bareback bronco rodeo disaster. He is experiencing “a miracle in the works”, and has an uncanny peace with his injury, because he truly believes that his recovery is on the way. His aspiration is to be an inspiration to young up and comers that would fill his shoes. Although unable to walk, he carries on with life with his wife and young son – riding horses and 4-wheelers, roping cattle, and moving bales of hay. If you could use some encouragement and a positive story for a change, you’ve come to the right place.
In this episode you will hear:
After my first in-chute rodeo accident, I had a “come to Jesus”, and turned my life around.
I will receive a miracle and walk again someday.
I’ve accepted the challenge and accepted the situation. I have not grown complacent with where I’m at.
I haven’t accepted that this is the rest of my life because I don’t believe that.
All I need is a slight or slim chance.
You gotta visualize and not quit.
I don’t think that any of my past life or sins resulted in punishment from God.
We’ve been blessed beyond measure.
Life hasn’t changed, but my goals have changed.
I no longer want to win a world tile – I want to walk again.
My biggest struggle is accepting help.
There hasn’t been one thing I haven’t been able to accomplish post-injury that I couldn’t get done before. I just had to find other ways to do it.
My horses have melted to me because they know something’s up.
Be careful what you’re complaining about. There’s somebody out there praying to have what you have.
Excuses are like assholes – they all stink. Find ways to overcome.
Never give up… dig in, dig deep, and don’t weaken.
I’m gonna try to be the best husband I can be, the best father I can be, and make the best version of myself as I continue on this journey.
12/16/2020 • 59 minutes, 59 seconds
Johnny "Joey" Jones: Fox News Contributor, USMC Explosive Ordnance Disposal, TNQ Speaker
As a bomb technician in Afghanistan, Johnny “Joey” Jones experienced the worst possible scenario in an IED-related incident. It resulted in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm. In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, he describes in detail the sequence of events that led to that horrific event.
But that event didn’t stop him from dedicating his life to the service of other veterans and their families as well as serving as a Fox News contributor. After two combat deployments and eight years of active service in the Marine Corps, Johnny “Joey” Jones live his life to the fullest.
In this episode you will hear:
“Get it right, or people die” – that’s a good way to train.
When I leaned back [from the wall] I stepped on an IED that was there; it threw me through the air. It was truly an amazing experience.
There was no noise. Everything just turned into a giant cloud.
My right arm was fileted open and the bones were broken, so when I reached up, my hand stayed in my lap. I remember looking at it. It didn’t hurt for like an hour.
My legs were completely gone, from the knee down.
You gotta stop the bleeding if you want to live.
I learned at that moment, I didn’t know the Lord’s Prayer.
I lose my legs; other guys lose their life.
TNT won’t cut you open; it’s gonna pick you up and throw you.
C4 may not move you two feet, but it’s gonna cut right through you.
I deployed this really good-shaped single Marine with no responsibilities, and I came home bandaged up on all four limbs with a son and a girlfriend.
I just never accepted that life’s responsibilities were going to be any different for me because I got blown up.
Anything worth doing is worth doing right and anything worthwhile is never easy.
If I can find a way to be in control of my destiny, it's game on. I might not succeed at everything, but I’ll be there to find out.
I’m trying to kill this deer in my yard, so I’ve got an AR at each level of my house, so if he pops up, I’m gonna take him out.
Get up, get over it, get going.
12/9/2020 • 56 minutes, 48 seconds
Taylor Canfield: Navy SEAL Turned NASCAR Driver, Founder of The Green Light Society
Taylor Canfield brings an exciting twist to the story of an average American patriot and retired Navy SEAL. His unique post-military career path was to be the only retired SEAL to become a NASCAR driver.
Taylor’s non-profit organization, The Green Light Society, helps wounded combat soldiers via adrenalin therapy - anything that got their blood pumping before their injury, they will do again after their injury, even when it seems impossible.
In this episode you will hear:
Taylor Canfield is NOT the sailor.
I faked a few papers to start working at 14.
Even if you can win [NASCAR] - if you don’t have sponsors, you’re not gonna race.
Bad things happen, but you gotta go on living, so learn from it.
Failure is actually a gateway to success.
If you can learn from your mistakes, you can be unstoppable. If you’re not learning from them, you’re making those mistakes in vain.
Get past the mental barriers.
If I can do the SEAL training physically, you can do it. You have to convince your mind.
The Green Light Society will go to the world’s end to recoup and get you back into what you love to do.
It’s my way to give back and help guys that were less fortunate than I was.
No ones gonna do the work for you.
A lot of people don’t start because they’re afraid of failure, but you gotta get over that and just go for it.
12/2/2020 • 56 minutes, 4 seconds
Jeff Tiegs: US Army Ranger & Delta Force, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Expert, COO of All Things Possible Ministries
Jeff Tiegs is an amazing difference-maker. He uses his extensive experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to counter sex-trafficking in the United States. With over 25 years is in U.S. Army Special Operations, as well as combat experience and multiple tours in Afghanistan & Iraq, Jeff is applying that expertise in his endeavors. Jeff is The Chief Operating Officer at All Things Possible Ministries, whose mission is to identify, interrupt, and restore those affected by trauma.
In this episode you will hear:
In the U.S., we are unbelievable consumers of prostitution, and what comes with that is minors.
You’re on deployment every time you walk out of the house.
One in four women is sexually assaulted or sexually abused.
The sex trafficking crime is so open. It’s openly advertised.
There are people that think we should defund the police. I think more reasonable people think we should reallocate funds and figure out ways to do this better. There are people out there who can augment what law enforcement is lacking.
The [funding] money is gonna go where the people demand it.
[Our organization], All Things Possible does everything from simple counseling to freeing sex slaves.
Find strength in simply being alive.
What comes off of your tongue – what you speak – is what you become.
The term “Yahweh” is the sound of breathing.
The mere fact that we, as humans, are breathing, we’re saying the name of our Creator every time we breathe.
What is God’s name? The thing that gives breath to everything that lives.
The first thing a baby says is that breath of life.
One family, who lost their son on the battlefield, found relief in the fact that the last breath their son took was the name of our creator.
Find strength, find solace, and find peace, in that simple act of breathing. If you’re alive, you’re saying God’s name, and He’s there to help to you.
11/25/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 42 seconds
Meyers Leonard: Miami Heat Center, Co-Founder of Level Foods, Philanthropist
This week, we spend some time with Meyers Leonard, an American professional basketball player of the NBA’s Miami Heat, and Co-Founder of Level Foods with his wife, Elle. Meyers’ outlook on life, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence will motivate you. His never quit attitude has brought him through many personal and professional difficulties. Listen as Meyers shares his inspiring stories.
In this episode you will hear:
I’m just a normal, blue-collar dude, who’s been thru the struggle, on and off the basketball floor.
2 things that help get me by - no matter what: My character and my work ethic.
How can I help my team? Selflessness.
There’s no chance I’m giving up.
I want shit to get tough, because that when the mental edge takes over.
Patriotism runs deep in my family.
I can support the military because of my connections to it, but I still understand that there are issues in America, and I can support my teammates and what they have felt in their lives.
I could’ve quit – I gave it 7 years – Then I went from getting booed to crowds chanting my name.
People think that because I’m 7 feet; I’ve got millions of dollars; I drive nice cars – everything is great, but I’m still a normal human being. Sometimes things are hard.
You are gonna get your opportunity and you better be ready.
I wanna be known as a man who did something for someone else.
11/18/2020 • 51 minutes, 36 seconds
Chris Osman: Marine, Navy SEAL, Founder of Rhuged
Chris Osman has a myriad of incredible personal experiences to share in this week’s TNQ Podcast. He is a former Marine and a former Navy SEAL who participated in numerous classified operations, a husband and parent. He has experienced everything from incarceration in a Haitian jail to dealing with a rare, life-threatening disease affecting his wife. Chris currently owns and operates Rhuged, a direct-to-consumer ammunitions distributor. Listen as Chris shares some of his “Never Quit” stories.
In this episode you will hear:
I learned as I failed.
I couldn’t shake the desire to be specialized. I wanted to be tested to see if I could even do it.
The most isolated and depressed I’ve ever felt was being in a Haitian jail. I had zero control – there’s nothing we could do. Bare-footed with a shirt & pants, and that’s it.
My headspace was in survival mode.
I had never been so terrified. When I finally got on that plane with my passport on a commercial airline to Miami, tears were streaming down my eyes.
One day my wife started slurring her speech, and we learned she had contracted Myasthenia Gravis, an auto-immune disease that affects the immune system from the shoulders up.
One night while in the hospital, she was looking at me, and her eyes rolled back into her head. I quickly assembled the bag mask and called for help. I’ve never been through anything like that. It was a never quit moment.
You push forward by being the positive light in someone else’s miserable experience.
You gotta be a rock for your people.
You can’t bail on people when it gets to be the hardest part of their life.
It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, you can’t be a Navy SEAL. You gotta put the work in.
No matter how much someone would pay me, I’d never put myself back in a position to work for someone else.
My goal in life is to never work for somebody else.
11/11/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 30 seconds
Mike Rouse: Ultramarathoner, Triathlete, Endurance Athlete, Philanthropist
If you’re looking for the definition of perseverance, endurance, and a ridiculous “Never Quit” mentality, you will find it in today’s episode with Mike Rouse. Here’s a guy who went from having it all into falling into a cocaine habit that sent him to prison. But the prison life caused him to seek life again outside the prison walls, which, in turn, caused him to start running. Since his freedom from incarceration, Mike has devoted his life to helping others and has become one of the country’s elite runners. He has run hundreds of marathons, dozens of 50-kilometer races, 31-mile races, and 50-mile races. Twenty-four-hour runs and 100-mile races are like home to him, as are Ironmans and Ultramarathons. Mike has won 2 world championships. One of his closest friends, a Navy SEAL was one of 31 soldiers killed on a mission, and every year since then, he’s been running 3.1 miles, 31 times in a row, wearing a shirt with the names and faces of those 31 men. He changes shirts upon completion of every 3.1 miles. He never met most of those men, but Mike feels like he knows them because of the research he’s done on them, the families he’s met, and his own bond with his friend, JT.
In this episode you will hear:
Use your failures as your advancement
The first mile of my entire life was when I was 33 years old.
When I was incarcerated, I thought “I’ve gotta do something to get my life together.” And running was a big part of that.
The majority of ultra-runners I know have some degree of addictive behavior. It drives them to go above and beyond.
We’re driven to the next level of competition.
When I was doing [cocaine], it wasn’t enough to do a gram or two a day, it was a quarter ounce.
I thrive on pain.
If you think you are gonna run 26, 50, or 100 miles and have no pain, you have no idea what you’re doing. You’ve got to be ready for it and just embrace it.
I choose to do this [running] and I accept that pain.
[Marcus Luttrell] Pain is a matter of perspective of the person going through it.
31 men gave everything they had for this country – for this freedom.
I know I can’t give up.
If you’ve ever quit, the next time, it’s easier to quit.
I had all the positives a person could have in life, and yet I had a criminal record.
I run 31 miles a day for 31 days, for 31 heroes.
[Your son] is gonna be riding on my shoulder tomorrow and I’m gonna be listening to every word he says. When I think I’m hurting a little bit, and he says let’s go, we’ve just got 5 miles left, or 20 miles left.
It’s 2020 and those families are still hurting 9 years later.
11/4/2020 • 1 hour, 3 seconds
Marc Little: Christian, Conservative, Lawyer, Pastor, Author of The Prodigal Republican
What an encouraging and powerful testimony Marc Little brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit episode. Having been shot in the right leg as part of a gang initiation, and dealing with resulting complications and infections, Marc’s leg had to be amputated. Since defeat is not part of Marc’s mentality, he said “yes” to life and lives life to the fullest. Now through his work as a lawyer, author, entrepreneur and community builder, he teaches others how to say “yes” to life as well.
In this episode you will hear:
Don’t give up, because the next try may be the try that leads to success.
This is a life worth living.
God gives us a story for a reason. He gives us a story so that we can help a neighbor.
We’re all going thru a tough season, but God is in it.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich has to be done right. You have to have white Wonder Bread, and you gotta have creamy Jiff or Skippy peanut butter, with grape jelly.
From the time I was shot and the time that the ambulance came, life was literally leaving me. It was clear that I had a choice, and I decided to stay.
The difficulty of being a dad with a 6-year-old child, and not being able to run with him, has become part of who I am.
I claim victory because I now know that tomorrow is not promised.
Everybody has to lean on God because this journey is not easy.
Life is not about us – it’s about what we can do for the kingdom.
Many of us are struggling, because we’re not understanding who we are – whose we are.
[God] connects our calling to who and what He is.
So many people today are just sitting and watching.
We have a role to play today. A role to shine the light of Christ.
We are not lost – have faith.
God has not left us. He will never forsake us.
The church is anemic because they don’t understand their calling.
All of our experiences are intended to bring us closer to the creator.
After 4 years of never giving up – never quitting I decided I’m picking up the pieces of my life, and you’re not gonna tell me I can’t do it.
It may not be right now, but the victory is coming.
When the righteous are in power the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people moan.
We are called to pray over our leaders and elect Godly leaders over us.
When u are pushing back against darkness you are taking the background of the enemy. When we are being mocked for praying, that is evidence that we are taking background that was lost.
The Lord has a special way of giving you what He wants you to have.
God sees you – and He has something for you.
Start your family and let the Lord bless you – Don’t wait. Never quit trying to start a family.
10/28/2020 • 56 minutes, 7 seconds
Kevin Flike: Combat Wounded Green Beret, Author, and Union, Harvard and MIT Alum
Kevin is a former Special Forces Engineer (Green Beret) and holds dual master's degrees from MIT Sloan School of Management as well as Harvard Kennedy School of Government. On his second deployment in Afghanistan, Kevin was shot in the abdomen and lost 20% of his colon as a result. He also fractured his hip & his left leg was paralyzed due to nerve damage.
Having overcome his life’s adversities with the relentless help of his wife, Kim, Kevin’s life purpose is to encourage other wounded veterans and anyone else who needs physical, mental, or emotional help by showing them what hope and perseverance look like.
In this episode you will hear:
There’s nothing in life that you can’t have if you’re willing to work hard for it.
A lot of these things I went through I didn’t really understand at the time, but they were training me for the rest of my life.
There is nothing in life that I need to be doing other than this right now.
We’ve got to put differences aside. We gotta charge forward. We’ve got a mission to accomplish.
I didn’t want to have regret in my life. I didn’t want to look back and say I didn’t try.
I realized if I didn’t start to put my health as a priority again, I was gonna be nothing to nobody.
Reach out to people for help. Start taking people’s advice.
There is a point in your life where you have enough courage to put everything on the line and accomplish something.
A lot of people don’t believe it when I tell them that getting shot was the best thing that ever happened in my life. It forced me to pass through a valley of humility.
Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress – if I hadn’t gone through that I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Because I went through those experiences, I have the ability to empathize with people. I understand a lot more about the trouble people have in their lives. This made me a better husband, father, citizen, and employee of this country. It gave me an incredible perspective on life, and a ton of lessons learned to be able to go out and share with people; to make them into the best version of themselves.
I would really encourage people to never quit. When you’re going thru these hard times, you have to understand that hard times are not a bad thing. They’re a gift - to scrape off the rough edges, to learn a lot of lessons, to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, to refine your character.
Lift your head up, see what’s happening, then you can push through that hard time. And when you get to the other side, you’re gonna be thankful you went through that.
10/21/2020 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 40 seconds
Zach Even-Esh: Author, Founder of the Underground Strength Gym, Creator of The Underground Strength Coach Certification
This week we catch up with Zach Even-Esh, a physical powerhouse of a human being. Zach has an amazing reputation in the world of fitness, strength, and conditioning. While Zach himself has been training non-stop since 1989, he has also trained thousands of athletes - from the youth level to the college level; from military personnel to the Olympic level, and has inspired countless athletes around the world to achieve greater success in both sports and life.
In this episode you will hear:
I get to help kids change their lives.
You want to have the horsepower of a Ferrari, with the grinding strength of a tow truck.
Strength and condition is just a vehicle for changing lives – especially of our youth.
Kids sometimes need time to turn the corner. Not every kid has the attitude that can he run through a brick wall. You never know when a kid’s gonna change. He could be a train wreck for two or three years, then he turns it around and he’s your star. You never know – that’s why you can never give up on a kid.
If there’s a never a challenge – or you wait too long to challenge a kid, then it’s completely foreign territory for them.
The work is the gift. You should be chasing that work – not avoiding it.
If you think you’re having a bad take day, take the focus of off of you. Make the person next to you better.
For people to have a breakthrough, they must have a breakdown.
It has to be hard – not stupid – it has to be tough. Training has to be hard.
The “we”, not the “me” mentally is the game-changer.
You need great team mates.
To start a basic fitness effort, start by walking – we can all do it. If you make one change, you’re at 100% past zero.
Don’t beat yourself up. Just get better.
Accountability to somebody else changes everything.
Perfection never happens.
There’s beauty in the imperfection.
You gotta fall in love with the process, vs the end result.
With fitness & health, there’s never really an arriving point.
When you achieve something, go and work at the next thing.
One of the best thing you can do for yourself, is be healthy and strong.
One of the most important tricks is – don’t follow the fads or gimmicks.
I was taught that to be normal was to be strong.
You don’t have to like it. You just have to do it.
The biggest thing is to see the emotional/Internal change people experience through hard training.
10/14/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 22 seconds
Granger & Amber Smith: Country Music Singer/Songwriter, Father, Husband
In a heart-wrenching testimony of tragedy and perseverance, country singer/songwriter Granger Smith recounts the horrific event that took his 3 year old son from this earthly life. He and his wife Amber used their life-changing experience to learn the hard way – the path to overcoming, endurance, and life-giving counsel and encouragement to others.
In this episode you will hear:
There’s more to the meaning of a tragedy than reason because reason doesn’t always make sense.
What can we learn from [River’s] one thousand days?
After facing death, it opens your eyes as to what truly matters.
Another day forward is so valuable. What about today? Today is what we have.
Even if you can deal with today, deal with this hour. If you can’t deal with this hour, deal with the next minute. If you can’t deal with this minute, deal with the next breath. Pretty soon, there comes a perspective, and your brain becomes more clear.
Granger hates five year plans.
When we came home, our kids had written on the driveway with chalk, “Welcome Home River.”
[Musically], I know there’ll be some River stuff comin’
Rivers organ donations saved two adults.
You gotta take care of yourself. Wake up at the same time every day, brush your teeth and comb your hair.
You’re not gonna have these days forever.
I try not to think about why because that mental slide show plays over and over.
“One more kiss” [Amber]
I can’t think of the future, I need to focus on the now.
There is a purpose for disaster. It’s not ever going to be understandable. It’s never going to be logical.
10/7/2020 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 25 seconds
Best of TNQ Podcast: Jake Wood - Co-Founder of Team Rubicon, U.S. Marine Veteran, Pat Tillman Award for Service Winner
Ever wonder what happens when the fight is over and a soldier puts his rifle down for the last time? In this episode, you'll hear the story of Jake Wood, a Marine who now doesn't just serve his country, but serves his fellow man throughout the world when disaster strikes. The co-founder of Team Rubicon, a non-profit organization made up of over 100,000 ex-military volunteers who travel to assist wherever disasters occur, shares his desire to make the world a better place by never quitting his service. Hear his viewpoint on how things aren't always hunky-dory and what to do when there is no playbook. You'll soon find yourself wanting to restore your sense of purpose and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
9/30/2020 • 56 minutes
Best of TNQ Podcast: Ryan Manion - President of Travis Manion Foundation and Sister of First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC
In today’s podcast, we are excited to bring you Ryan Manion - an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Drawing on her personal experiences, Ryan inspires us to become the best versions of ourselves, while also serving the greater good. She has created a culture of servant leadership in her company and community, and her approach to personal thriving demonstrates how strong relationships and service to one another promotes personal well-being and leads to collective success. Ryan has learned that personal thriving is a by-product of personal challenges. She inspires us to meet challenges head-on, and perform at our highest potential by harnessing our innate abilities and character strengths. Ryan’s book – The Knock at The Door – was co-written with two other Gold Star women, linked forever by their unimaginable losses. They share their inspiring, unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives. Support the show.
9/23/2020 • 49 minutes, 53 seconds
Best of TNQ Podcast: Tiggs - Mother of Amelie “Lulu", Navy SEAL Wife
In this Best of TNQ Podcast episode we here the compelling, emotional series of events Tiggs has endured. From a four-year old daughter with a massive brain tumor and multiple surgeries; a husband battling PTSD and falling into the darkest mental places, to having one of her best friends of her lifetime pass away, Tiggs gives a riveting account of how her friends supported her and her family, and how her relationship with God brought healing in the worst of circumstances anyone could ever imagine.
9/16/2020 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 46 seconds
Best of TNQ Podcast: Joe Torrillo - 9/11 Survivor, Retired FDNY Lieutenant
Joe Torillo recounts his first-hand experience as a firefighter on September 11, 2001. Joe was directly below the North Tower looking up as the second commercial airliner slammed into it. What transpired in the next few seconds, minutes, hours, and days are nothing shy of unbelievable. He was propelled in the air by the concussion of the falling debris of the North Tower and was literally buried alive under the falling debris, with his skull open, arm snapped and suffocating in darkness. He was rescued and placed in a boat to cross over the Hudson River for medical treatment. That effort was disrupted by falling building debris that covered the boat, where he was buried alive again. Joe’s story is a gripping account of a series of miracles that kept him alive, while hundreds of others suffered a different fate. You won't want to miss this interview as we remember September 11th, 2001.
9/9/2020 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 48 seconds
Best of TNQ Podcast: Taya Kyle - NY Times Best Selling Author, Widow of Chris Kyle, Executive Director of Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
What an emotional and heartfelt visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veterans family activist. Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’ death. She is nothing shy of an amazing woman – an inspiration to all.
9/2/2020 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 54 seconds
Best of TNQ Podcast: Discussion on Artificial Intelligence & TBI
3 brilliant minds. 3 difference-makers. These 3 never-quit individuals have come together using unconventional ways to study and understand the human brain and how to apply supercomputers, data, and other innovative technologies to develop advancements in brain treatments. From the electrical properties of the brain, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and polypharmacy, these individuals have teamed up to influence government decision-makers in developing multi-department data sharing to bring healing, treatments, and to improve the lives of their fellow man.
8/26/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit Podcast | JJ Watt - Houston Texans Defensive End, Philanthropist, Honorary Texan
There are events and circumstances in life that catch us by surprise, knock us down, and hand us seemingly overwhelming adversity. JJ Watt explains how, and more importantly why he was able to “get back on the horse” and move forward in life after a season-ending injury, remaking himself to an amazing degree by relentlessly working on being the best. His inspiring attitude towards life, and his never quit mentality, has paid handsome dividends. JJ describes his upbringing, his family, his college and professional football pinnacles and downfalls. His successes have prompted him to give back to the community in a myriad of areas, making him one of the most loved and recognizable names in Houston and throughout the country. Support the show.
8/19/2020 • 56 minutes, 18 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit Podcast | Victoria Arlen - Author of Locked In, ESPN Personality, and Paralympics Champion
Imagine being a normal kid for eleven years and then due to an unbelievable rare condition, spending the next four years of your life literally trapped inside your own body inside a hospital, unable to communicate with the outside world, suffering through non-stop seizures, while your condition worsens and the doctors offer no sliver of hope to your family...all the while you're still lucid in mind and spirit, desperately trying to get back to the life you once knew. At the age of eleven, Victoria Arlen developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, which rendered her “locked” within herself. She went from being a completely healthy, normal kid to a complete vegetable in three months. She lost the ability to walk, talk, move, and function. Everything began to shut down, including all of her cognitive abilities. Victoria Arlen not only suffered and survived through this unbelievable battle but has gone far beyond the norm to thrive and has mastered the “never quit” attitude to fuel her extraordinary accomplishments. She is a current television personality for ESPN, as well as an actress, speaker, model, and World-record setting Paralympian swimmer.
8/12/2020 • 53 minutes, 27 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit Podcast | Chris Duffin: Guinness World Record Holder in Powerlifting, Author of The Eagle and The Dragon
In this week’s Best of Team Never Quit Podcast episode, you will hear the almost unbelievable life story of Chris Duffin, Guinness World Record holder of a three-rep, 1,000-pound deadlift, and rated #1 in the world for 8 consecutive years. Chris tells his crazy life story – from being raised “off the grid” surrounded by drug running, murderers, serial killers, and human trafficking, to over-achieving with a dual engineering degree, working in aerospace, automotive, and hi-tech industries, and then becoming a mega-successful entrepreneur with four companies in his portfolio. While there is not one major event in Chris’ life, it’s because his whole life is a never quit story – a lifestyle of pursuit, perseverance, and grit.
8/5/2020 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 13 seconds
Best of Team Never Quit Podcast: DJ Shipley, Navy SEAL and CEO of Tribe Sk8z
In todays Best of Team Never Quit episode we throw it back to when we had DJ & “Fatty” joined us on the show to give us some perspective related to “after military” life, and the pursuit of a dream. In their case it was going from “what the hell do I do now?” to actually turning a deep love for art into a successful business - Art therapy. Ahh, but not just any art therapy - custom skateboard designs: new school, old school, and longboards. And Tribe SK8Z was born. And in that, they have found a satisfying outlet, living an aggressive lifestyle, tattoos and supporting veteran charities, while creating unique skateboards for military and Gold Star families, and anyone else who desires a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. These guys inspire us to deal with life’s challenges head-on and perform at our highest potential by doing what we were born to do.
7/29/2020 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 24 seconds
Holly Luttrell: Matriarch of the Luttrell Family, Mother of Marcus and Morgan Luttrell, Recent Breast Cancer Survivor
In this week’s podcast, we bring you a compelling talk with Holly Luttrell, the matriarch of the Luttrell family and mother of Navy SEALS Marcus and Morgan Luttrell. Holly brings us a relaxed chat describing her life raising twin boys on a working horse ranch, and instilling in them the principles of living right, respecting others, and fearing nothing. She tells truly entertaining stories about her life experiences, and speaks encouragement and hope to those who are dealing with negative circumstances, children in the military, or major health issues. You will be captivated by Holly’s warm, sincere voice, and peaceful demeanor. Support the show.
7/22/2020 • 55 minutes, 21 seconds
Jake Olson: Blind USC Football Longsnapper, First Completely Blind Football Player to Play in a Division I Game
Jake Olson was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in both eyes at the age of eight months and forfeited his left eye to that cancer. Over the next twelve years, he battled cancer in his right eye eight times. Seven times he beat it. When it came back for the eighth time, there was nothing he could do. His right eye was surgically removed and Jake had to re-learn how to do basic things that were once so easy; putting toothpaste on his toothbrush, food on his fork, or walking around his house would all require significant relearning and much more effort. Although he first viewed going blind as his biggest setback, it ended up being his life’s biggest set up. Jake became the first Division 1 blind collegiate athlete to play in a game as a long snapper for USC, under head coach Pete Carroll. He also became the first blind golfer on the PGA Tour. He is an entrepreneur, has also authored 2 books, and is a motivational speaker. Support the show.
7/15/2020 • 51 minutes, 45 seconds
Victor Marx: President of All Things Possible, High-Risk Humanitarian, The World’s Fastest Gun Disarmer
In this week’s episode, we bring you Victor Marx, a marine and a hero of victims of war and abuse around the world – a “high risk” humanitarian. What a remarkable life of service, help, encouragement, and literal rescue – restoring those affected by trauma. Even after experiencing a severely abusive and torturous childhood, and living a lifestyle filled with drugs, fights, and theft, the discipline of military life and faith in God helped him recover from his traumatic childhood and now empowers him to help others. Victor’s organization - All Things Possible - has helped thousands of unintended victims of physical violence and intense trauma. Women, children, and members of our military find hope, healing and the power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Support the show.
7/8/2020 • 58 minutes, 5 seconds
Dan Luna: Retired Navy SEAL, Leadership Coach & Consultant, SEAL Future Foundation Ambassador
How is it humanly possible to endure multiple explosions in very close proximity in a short amount of time, lose some of your closest friends in battle, and deal with extreme stress, severe depression, and marital challenges simultaneously? While mental blow after mental blow can result in the repercussions of triggering serious mental challenges, Dan Luna eventually overcame all of it with help from others and a never quit attitude. Dan is also a former instructor for the Naval Academy as well as a recognized leadership speaker. In this powerful conversation we dive into topics such as the warrior mindset, leadership, confidence, outlook for tomorrow, courage and much more. Dan Luna is a true warrior in soul, mind and body. Support the show.
7/1/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 10 seconds
Char Westfall: Wife, Mom, Surviving Spouse of Navy SEAL Jacques Fontan, Author of A Beautiful Tragedy
What an incredible story of resilience Char has to share today. Her husband, Jacques Fontan, was one of nineteen servicemen killed when the helicopter he was in was shot down during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan (from which the film Lone Survivor is based.) As a result, she has written a book, A Beautiful Tragedy, in which she speaks openly about the anger and bitterness that experience birthed, and her battle to regain her life, to heal within, and to serve others in the process.
6/24/2020 • 1 hour, 32 seconds
Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña: Legendary DEA Operatives Responsible for Taking Down One of the World’s Most Infamous Narco-Terrorists Pablo Escobar
Who do you call on to hunt down elusive, brutal, narcotics kingpin Pablo Escobar, a man with no regard for human life? You call on DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña to spearhead the investigation and manhunt. Join us as we welcome Legendary DEA operatives Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña and who tells the true story of how they helped put an end to one of the world’s most infamous narco-terrorists. Support the show.
6/17/2020 • 57 minutes, 24 seconds
Aaron Kendle: Retired Navy SEAL, Harvard Business School Graduate
What do you do when you witness a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky by an RPG, enter into spiraling depression, fail your team, as well as yourself, and then experience a horrible accident that causes you to lose your hand and forearm? In Aaron Kendle's case, who refuses to be defined by failures, you pick yourself up, and lean on a never quit mindset to live life to its fullest and achieve an incredible story. Aaron comments: “My resume may read great — but what they don’t see is all of those fails between the lines. For me, those failures stay between the lines.” Mr. Kendle is a retired Navy SEAL where he served as a specialized medic, sniper, airborne leader, and jump school instructor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business school, a father, a husband, and a Scottsdale Charro. Mr. Kendle is a decorated member of the United States Navy, served as a member of SEAL Team 7, NSWG-1 Training Detachment, and Naval Special Warfare Development over a 15-year career and has dedicated his post-military professional career to helping his fellow brothers in arms transition back into civilian life. Support the show.
6/10/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 58 seconds
Inky Johnson: Former University of Tennessee Defensive Back, Motivational Speaker
Today we are joined by Inky Johnson who shares his compelling story of perseverance and conviction. From a promising NFL career to a complete repurposing of his life, Inky, through his faith, has been able to continue his calling of inspiring people and changing lives by sharing his incredible personal experience. His paralyzed right arm hasn’t hindered his resolve in the least. It’s as though his “disaster” was indeed a blessing. Support the show.
6/3/2020 • 53 minutes, 26 seconds
Mike Day: Navy SEAL, Shot 27 Times and Never Quit
Join us as we welcome Navy SEAL Mike Day who shares the graphic details of an unbelievable event that against all odds, survived. He took 27 rounds of an AK-47 pounding while on a mission in Fallujah, and lived to tell about it. When Mike shares his unparalleled true story, you won't want to stop listening until the end. It’s a captivating series of events, told by the man who lived it. Support the show.
5/27/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 6 seconds
Ray Care: Navy SEAL Veteran, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker
How does one deal with growing up with divorced parents who don’t want you? Join us as we talk with Ray Care – a Navy SEAL and twelve-year veteran of the United States Navy – and hear his story of growing up with an abusive father that repeatedly told him he was worthless and how it left him mentally beaten down. It had an extremely negative effect on his life as well. One day, Ray looked in the mirror and saw a drug addict, a womanizer, and an alcoholic. He was weak-minded, had no drive and was filled with doubt, remorse and anxiety. Finally, Ray got tired of being the underdog and came to terms with making a change. After completing intense Navy SEAL training, he became intellectually sound, mentally hard and trainable. Today he is a sought-after communicator. Ray now doesn’t know what it’s like to quit something. Support the show.
5/20/2020 • 59 minutes, 36 seconds
Will Chesney: Retired Navy SEAL K9 Handler who helped take down Bin Laden, Author of Best Selling Book “No Ordinary Dog”, and Veteran Advocate.
In this week’s podcast, you will hear the incredible story of the mission to locate and kill Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade center by one of two dozen Navy SEALs, Will Chesney, who was a K9 handler in that operation. Will’s dog, “Cairo”, was instrumental in helping to successfully accomplish the mission. After that mission, only one name was made public: Cairo’s. Will’s story is one of an irrevocable tie to his dog, as well as straightforward talk about his personal struggles with depression, migraines, chronic pain, and memory loss. Support the show.
5/13/2020 • 56 minutes, 40 seconds
Jason Redman: Retired Navy SEAL, NYT Best Selling Author, Purple Heart Recipient
Jason Redman, Retired Navy SEAL team member, has endured firefights, bullets, years of surgeries from his service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Everybody has different experiences throughout their life - some big, some little. But when life literally shoots you in the face, how will you react? How will you respond? Jason has conquered adversity with proven leadership techniques and shares his experiences as well as one of his never quit stories you've probably never heard. Support the show.
5/6/2020 • 49 minutes, 35 seconds
Spencer Stone: Former Air Force Staff Sergeant, Hero of 2015 Thalys Train Attack, Subject of The 15:17 to Paris
Spencer Stone is a former United States Air Force staff sergeant, who has faced two near-death experiences in his life, both of which he survived against insurmountable odds. Life sometimes hands us difficulties, and, in rare occasions, it hands us unbelievable, “I’m gonna die” events that require us to go beyond anything we’ve ever had to do to survive. Spencer Stone has endured such events. From subduing a heavily armed terrorist on a Paris-bound high-speed train, to defending the honor of a young lady, resulting in being beaten and stabbed repeatedly by a gang – and living to tell about it. Spencer gives the harrowing details of both of those incidents in this weeks episode, the first of which was made into a motion picture by director Clint Eastwood. Support the show.
4/29/2020 • 58 minutes, 44 seconds
Taya Kyle: NY Times Best Selling Author, Widow of Chris Kyle, Executive Director of Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
What an emotional and heartfelt visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veteran's family activist. Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’ death. She is nothing shy of an amazing woman – an inspiration to all. Support the show.
4/22/2020 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 10 seconds
Gold Star Wives: Finding Purpose in Pain
In this week’s podcast, you will hear from inspiring Gold Star Women, who have lost their husbands in battle. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will learn what these amazing ladies are doing with their lives – serving other military families and humanity while bringing hope and strength to everyone around them. Don’t miss this one. It’s well worth the listen. Support the show.
4/15/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 44 seconds
Jason McCarthy: Founder & CEO of GORUCK, Former Army Special Forces, Green Beret Foundation Board Member
In this week’s podcast, we have the privilege of getting to know Jason McCarthy, who enlisted in the U.S. Army because of 9/11 and had the drive to become a member of America’s best - The Special Forces (Green Berets). His involvement in the initial invasion into Afghanistan taught him that to lead is to serve, no matter the personal sacrifice required. Jason’s experiences in the military prompted his idea of developing “Go-Ruck”. His wife, Emily, was a Case Officer in the CIA working in West Africa. Jason applied what he had learned in war and built Emily a “Go-Ruck” for her to keep in her vehicle and at home, ready to go at all times. Since then, rucking has become a social fitness trend of carrying a weighted pack on your back, implying action, energy, and purpose. There are over 150,000 people throughout the world who have taken up “Rucking”, and several hundred Go-Rucking clubs have developed out of Jason’s idea and mission at GORUCK! Support the show.
4/8/2020 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 16 seconds
Denise Sanders: Army Apache Pilot, Air Force Flight Medic, Cancer Survivor
Denise shares her incredible never quit story with her cousins Marcus and Morgan Luttrell in this week’s podcast. Denise is an Apache helicopter pilot, Air Force Flight Medic, 2-time cancer survivor, and a single mom with the most uplifting, positive demeanor and incredible outlook on life despite the insurmountable challenges she’s been up against. Support the show.
4/1/2020 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 14 seconds
Ethan Suplee: American Actor and Host of American Glutton Podcast
What an inspiring show we’ve got in store this week, as we spend some time with actor Ethan Suplee, who has several dozen film and television roles under his belt. Ethan speaks openly about his weight challenges throughout life, and how it actually benefited his acting career, as well as his ability to be just as comfortable and confident with himself at 536 pounds as he is at 275 pounds. Ethan’s transformation is incredible, and his positive attitude and never quit mindset is infectious. Support the show.
3/25/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 24 seconds
Ryan Michler: Husband, Father, Iraqi Combat Vet, Founder of Order of Man Podcast
This week’s episode features Ryan Michler, husband, father, Iraqi Combat Veteran, Founder of Order of Man podcast and all around excellent guy. Because of his upbringing, his goal in life has become to restore masculinity and fight to the hearts and minds of men. Ryan’s podcast reaches thousands of listeners each week as he attempts to teach men to be better husbands, fathers, businessmen, and community leaders. He talks with Marcus, Morgan and Andrew about what drove his passion on this subject and how society has altered what we consider to be manly vs. what he believes are the true characteristics of a MAN. Support the show.
3/18/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 27 seconds
Jesse R. Phillips: Marine, Writer/Storyteller, Photographer, Producer
Jesse Phillips, a Team Never Quit Podcast listener, and incredible photographer and storyteller is our guest this week. Jesse lives a very fulfilling personal and professional life. He is a marine, rancher, husband, dad, and an all-around great blue-collar guy turned photographer, filmmaker/producer, storyteller, and content creator. He certainly lives his life to the fullest. Jesse shares a myriad of life experiences including the premature birth of his son that almost claimed his life and his mom’s. Jesse’s story will make you appreciate life, health, family, career, and God. Support the show.
3/11/2020 • 59 minutes, 23 seconds
Chris Duffin: Guinness World Record Holder in Powerlifting, Author of The Eagle and the Dragon, Co-Owner of Kabuki Strength Lab, Mad Scientist of Strength
In this week’s episode, you will hear the almost unbelievable life story of Chris Duffin, Guinness World Record holder of a three-rep, 1,000-pound deadlift, and rated #1 in the world for 8 consecutive years. Chris tells his crazy life story – from being raised “off the grid” surrounded by drug running, murderers, serial killers, and human trafficking, to over-achieving with a dual engineering degree, working in aerospace, automotive, and hi-tech industries, and then becoming a mega-successful entrepreneur with four companies in his portfolio. While there is not one major event in Chris’ life, it’s because his whole life is a never quit story – a lifestyle of pursuit, perseverance, and grit. Support the show.
3/4/2020 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 3 seconds
Jen: Gold Star Wife, Mother, Cancer Survivor
In this episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Jen, a Gold Star wife, who has endured the most personal hardships imaginable. Jen is the epitome of the never quit mentality. When her brother committed suicide, Jen had to deal with the sudden, unbelievable impact on her life. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she dealt with a grapefruit-sized cyst on her ovaries, was at a close friends home when a knock on the door came and military reps arrived to notify her of her husband’s death in a helicopter crash while on a mission in Afghanistan, then lost her own husband in a helicopter crash while on a different mission. Later, she learned she had Stage 3 Breast Cancer and had subsequent chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy. Yet, despite the multiple tragic events, Jen has the uncanny ability to find the silver lining in every single thing and turning her negative experiences into being a help to others, including helping other cancer survivors. Jen also found a renewed drive to work out, make a good life for her daughter, and move fast forward with life. You will come away inspired by hearing Jen’s compelling accounts of these events and her never-ending pursuit of service to others. Support the show.
2/26/2020 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 5 seconds
Alex Fine: Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Professional Bull Rider
In this week’s podcast, we visit with Alex Fine, a celebrity fitness trainer, professional bull rider, nutritionist, "spiritual advisor", and even a landlord to many Hollywood peeps whom he trains relentlessly. Alex prepares high profile clients for film and TV roles and upcoming athletic seasons. Alex's approach to personal training is tailored to the individual, and no two programs are the same. Alex's desire to achieve greatness is unparalleled and is an infectious reminder to never quit no matter what life throws at you. Alex is joined by Arizona Cardinals Offensive Guard Justin Pugh for an awesome hang at the Team Never Quit Podcast Studio to discuss life, health, Hollywood, family, bull riding and more. Support the show.
2/19/2020 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 1 second
Dean Cain: American Actor, Producer, TV Show Host, Former Football Player. Best known for his role as Superman.
Superman is here - in this week’s podcast! We bring you Dean Cain, an American actor, best known for playing the role of Clark Kent/Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. He was also the host of Ripley's Believe It or Not for 4 years. While being an actor was not Dean’s original plan, an NFL-related knee injury took him away from his dream early on in his career. Most notably, however, Dean is an immensely devoted parent and prefers playing that role as opposed to a film-related role. He has clearly defined that which is most important to him. Support the show.
2/12/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 20 seconds
DJ Shipley: Navy SEAL and CEO of Tribe Sk8z w/ Special Guest Navy SEAL "Fatty"
Today, DJ & “Fatty” join us on the show to give us some perspective related to “after military” life, and the pursuit of a dream. In their case it was going from “what the hell do I do now?” to actually turning a deep love for art into a successful business - Art therapy. Ahh, but not just any art therapy - custom skateboard designs: new school, old school, and longboards. And Tribe SK8Z was born. And in that, they have found a satisfying outlet, living an aggressive lifestyle, tattoos and supporting veteran charities, while creating unique skateboards for military and Gold Star families, and anyone else who desires a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. These guys inspire us to deal with life’s challenges head-on and perform at our highest potential by doing what we were born to do. Support the show.
1/29/2020 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 7 seconds
Ryan Manion: President of Travis Manion Foundation and Sister of First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC
In today’s podcast, we are excited to bring you Ryan Manion - an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Drawing on her personal experiences, Ryan inspires us to become the best versions of ourselves, while also serving the greater good. She has created a culture of servant leadership in her company and community, and her approach to personal thriving demonstrates how strong relationships and service to one another promotes personal well-being and leads to collective success. Ryan has learned that personal thriving is a by-product of personal challenges. She inspires us to meet challenges head-on, and perform at our highest potential by harnessing our innate abilities and character strengths. Ryan’s book – The Knock at The Door – was co-written with two other Gold Star women, linked forever by their unimaginable losses. They share their inspiring, unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives. Support the show.
1/22/2020 • 50 minutes, 33 seconds
Sydney Cummings: YouTube Fitness Influencer, Women's Health Magazine Action Hero
In this new year episode, you’re going to hear the heartfelt story of Sydney Cummings and what has driven her passion for fitness and nutrition. Sydney tells her story of perseverance, despite the loss of her brother at a very young age, and surviving a random attack outside of her fitness studio by a gang who shot her. Sydney is the epitome of servant-mindedness in the fitness realm – not only to those she knows but even to those she doesn’t throughout the globe. Each day she provides new daily workout videos every day for free on YouTube. Support the show.
1/2/2020 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 18 seconds
Dan Crenshaw: U.S. Congressman, Navy SEAL, Purple Heart Recipient
In this week’s podcast, U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw shares a myriad of experiences and scenarios he sees as a freshman U.S. Congressman. Dan’s logical, level-headed views are birthed from his desire to serve the people of his district and the United States. He entertainingly describes the process of being on Saturday Night Live prior to his election, and it’s significant effect on his campaign. He also discusses some of the issues between “the left and the right”, and expresses his honest opinions about them. Dan is a former United States Navy SEAL officer serving in the United States House of Representatives for Texas's 2nd congressional district since 2019. He’s a proud member of the Republican Party and was elected in the 2018 midterms. Support the show.
12/26/2019 • 57 minutes, 31 seconds
Adam Kinzinger: U.S. Representative for Illinois' 16th congressional district, United States Air Force Pilot
In today’s episode, Congressman Adam Kinzinger shares with us some truly amazing personal experiences and inspiring thoughts about life and a never quit mindset. Adam’s life is devoted to helping those around him – personally and politically. He was willing to die making a stand to help a stabbing victim. He served as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force, and believes that while we don’t want to put our soldiers in harm’s way, those that volunteered to serve are there to do what the vast majority of people won’t do. As such, Adam believes we need to treat out military personnel like the fierce warriors they are. Adam has a well-grounded understanding of the purpose and function of police, the military, first responders, and the political process. Adam is willing to stand up for the powerless, beliefs, and ideals. Support the show.
12/18/2019 • 59 minutes, 28 seconds
Bryan Offutt: Former Vice President of Global Brand Marketing for Under Armour Outdoor, Co-Founder of E3 Ranch
Today, Bryan Offutt joins us on the show to talk about his incredible 16 years at Under Armor, where he played a key role in their product line development and marketing strategies, eventually rocketing Under Armour from a 5 million to a 5 billion dollar international clothing line powerhouse. Bryan started in the warehouse and worked his way up to becoming the face of the Under armor brand, and eventually lead the Military/Tactical Category through forging impactful relationships with US Special Forces, and founding the company’s philanthropic military initiative, UA Freedom. Under Bryan’s leadership, Under Armour was named the #1 “most admired brand” amongst hunters, anglers and shooting sportsmen. Support the show.
12/11/2019 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 15 seconds
Rachael Denhollander: American Lawyer, Former Gymnast, TIME 100 Honoree
When the unthinkable happens to our children, how do we react? Do we believe them and fight by their side or rationalize why the horrific reality of sexual abuse can’t possibly be true? This is the story of Rachel Denhollander and how her community of support empowered her to take down her abuser, even if it meant playing the long game. She touches on the issues of how her abuser got away with his crime for many years and what she has learned about preventing this organizational dysfunction in the future. Now she works to educate and advocate on the issues of sexual abuse and organizational ethics. She has been hard at work releasing two books that aid in her efforts to spotlight the lessons of her story while reminding young girls that they are valuable and worth protecting. Support the show.
11/20/2019 • 46 minutes, 40 seconds
Vice President Mike Pence
In this special episode commemorating Veteran's Day, we are honored to have the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, speaking one-on-one with our host Marcus and his wife Melanie Luttrell. The Vice President speaks about the importance of Veteran's Day and what it means to him remembering those that have served this great country of ours, as well as, spending time with the men and women who currently serve. Support the show.
11/13/2019 • 31 minutes, 3 seconds
Tiggs: Mother of Amelie “Lulu”, Navy SEAL Wife
What a compelling, emotional series of events Tiggs has endured. From a four-year old daughter with a massive brain tumor and multiple surgeries; a husband battling PTSD and falling into the darkest mental places, to having one of her best friends of her lifetime pass away, Tiggs gives a riveting account of how her friends supported her and her family, and how her relationship with God brought healing in the worst of circumstances anyone could ever imagine. Support the show.
11/6/2019 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 18 seconds
Clint Phillips: Founder & CEO of Medici
When Clint Phillips’ daughter experiences a devastating stroke, a few days after birth, his family quickly learns how horrible, inefficient, and costly the healthcare system is. From that experience, Clint took a solution into his own hands and developed 2nd M.D., a second opinion platform, currently serving over ten million members. It gives users quick access to the world’s best doctors via video. This Veterans Day Medici will deliver concierge-level doctor access, across multiple specialties, to our Veterans this Veterans Day at no cost and without the waiting rooms. Support the show.
10/30/2019 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 12 seconds
Gary Sinise: American Actor, Director, Musician, Philanthropist, and Staunch Military Advocate
What does a true advocate for America’s service members look like? Look no further than Gary Sinise. What began in the early 80’s with his support of Vietnam Veterans groups and the creation of Vets Night, a program offering free dinners and performances for veterans at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, his commitment continued into working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization. Since the attacks of September 11th, 2001, his dedication to our nation’s defenders, veterans and first responders has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude to all those who protect our freedom by serving our country. All this was birthed by Gary’s “never think you can’t do it” attitude, which he developed at an early age. His portrayal of disabled Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the film Forrest Gump formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community. Sinise also formed the “Lt. Dan Band” in early 2004 and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. The band now performs close to 30 shows a year for military bases, charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. In recognition of his humanitarian work on behalf of our nation’s defenders, Sinise has earned many distinguished awards including the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Medal of Honor Society, the Spirit of the USO Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Doughboy Award, the Sylvanus Thayer Award, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award from the National Defense Industrial Association. In 2008, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. In 2012, Sinise was presented with the Spirit of Hope Award by the Department of Defense, was named an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the United States Navy and in 2013 was pinned as an honorary Marine by General James Amos, commandant of the United States Marine Corps. In 2011, to expand upon his individual efforts, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation. Its mission is to serve and honor our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs that entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. Of its many outreach efforts, the Gary Sinise Foundation is building custom Smart Homes for severely wounded veterans, serving hearty meals to deploying troops and hosting spirit-boosting festivals for patients, families and medical staff at military hospitals. Giving back to those who sacrifice for our nation and encouraging others to do the same has become Gary Sinise’s personal quest and what he hopes will endure as a legacy of service to others. “Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted,” says Sinise. “We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show our gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.” Support the show.
10/16/2019 • 53 minutes, 39 seconds
Staff Sergeant David Bellavia: First Living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War, Author of House to House
What does an Army squad leader do in a battlefield situation when his platoon encounters three floors of insurgents and is pinned with rooftop snipers firing away? If you're Davis Bellavia, you lead your team into action. David single-handedly saved his entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire. He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield. David Bellavia is the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia has also received the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. Support the show.
10/2/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute
Victoria Arlen: Author of Locked In, ESPN Personality, and Paralympics Champion
Imagine being a normal kid for eleven years and then due to an unbelievable rare condition, spending the next four years of your life literally trapped inside your own body inside a hospital, unable to communicate with the outside world, suffering through non-stop seizures, while your condition worsens and the doctors offer no sliver of hope to your family...all the while you're still lucid in mind and spirit, desperately trying to get back to the life you once knew. At the age of eleven, Victoria Arlen developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, which rendered her “locked” within herself. She went from being a completely healthy, normal kid to a complete vegetable in three months. She lost the ability to walk, talk, move, and function. Everything began to shut down, including all of her cognitive abilities. Victoria Arlen not only suffered and survived through this unbelievable battle but has gone far beyond the norm to thrive and has mastered the “never quit” attitude to fuel her extraordinary accomplishments. She is a current television personality for ESPN, as well as an actress, speaker, model, and World-record setting Paralympian swimmer. Hear her compelling story in this podcast interview with hosts Marcus and Morgan Lutrell. Support the show.
9/18/2019 • 53 minutes, 33 seconds
Joe Torrillo: 9/11 Survivor, Retired FDNY Lieutenant, Motivational Speaker
Joe Torillo recounts his first-hand experience as a firefighter on September 11, 2001. Joe was directly below the North Tower looking up as the second commercial airliner slammed into it. What transpired in the next few seconds, minutes, hours, and days are nothing shy of unbelievable. He was propelled in the air by the concussion of the falling debris of the North Tower and was literally buried alive under the falling debris, with his skull open, arm snapped and suffocating in darkness. He was rescued and placed in a boat to cross over the Hudson River for medical treatment. That effort was disrupted by falling building debris that covered the boat, where he was buried alive again. Joe’s story is a gripping account of a series of miracles that kept him alive, while hundreds of others suffered a different fate. You won't want to miss this interview as we remember September 11th, 2001. Support the show.
9/11/2019 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 59 seconds
Jake Wood: Co-Founder of Team Rubicon, U.S. Marine Veteran, Pat Tillman Award for Service Winner
Ever wonder what happens when the fight is over and a soldier puts his rifle down for the last time? In this episode, you'll hear the story of Jake Wood, a Marine who now doesn't just serve his country, but serves his fellow man throughout the world when disaster strikes.The co-founder of Team Rubicon, a non-profit organization made up of over 100,000 ex-military volunteers who travel to assist wherever disasters occur, shares his desire to make the world a better place by never quitting his service. Hear his viewpoint on how things aren't always hunky-dory and what to do when there is no playbook. You'll soon find yourself wanting to restore your sense of purpose and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Support the show.
There are events and circumstances in life that catch us by surprise, knock us down, and hand us seemingly overwhelming adversity. JJ Watt explains how, and more importantly why he was able to “get back on the horse” and move forward in life after a season-ending injury, remaking himself to an amazing degree by relentlessly working on being the best. His inspiring attitude towards life, and his never quit mentality, has paid handsome dividends. JJ describes his upbringing, his family, his college and professional football pinnacles and downfalls. His successes have prompted him to give back to the community in a myriad of areas, making him one of the most loved and recognizable names in Houston and throughout the country. Support the show.
8/14/2019 • 55 minutes, 53 seconds
Alexis DeJoria: American Drag Racer, 7 Time NHRA National Event Winner, U.S. Nationals Champion
While competing in an alcohol funny car, her parachute failed to deploy. Her race car sped through 2 catch nets and four rows of sand-filled barrels, landing upside down. But getting “back on the horse” was a challenge because death was present at that racetrack. As fate would have it, returning to the same race track years later, another driver and friend crashed and was killed, just before she was to run her race. The critical mental challenge: Am I done? Am I a true racer? Support the show.
7/31/2019 • 56 minutes, 41 seconds
Discussion on Artificial Intelligence & TBI
3 brilliant minds. 3 difference-makers. These 3 never-quit individuals have come together using unconventional ways to study and understand the human brain and how to apply supercomputers, data, and other innovative technologies to develop advancements in brain treatments. From the electrical properties of the brain, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and polypharmacy, these individuals have teamed up to influence government decision-makers in developing multi-department data sharing to bring healing, treatments, and to improve the lives of their fellow man. Support the show.
7/24/2019 • 59 minutes, 12 seconds
David Clark: Vegan Endurance Athlete, Accomplished Businessman, Best Selling Author, Host of We Are Superman Podcast
You’re paranoid, depressed, overweight, and have no idea where your life is headed. You have so thoroughly destroyed your life and boom you hit it. You hit rock bottom. When you hit that point, you know it’s time to change or continue living this wasteful existence. Changing everything about yourself can be scary, but David Clark was in that spot and did just that. A vegan endurance athlete, an accomplished businessman, best selling author, and host of the We Are Superman podcast, David is in the studio today to tell us his never quit story and how he changed his whole life after hitting rock bottom. What happens on the outside is just a reflection of what has changed on the inside. Don’t be afraid to see what you are made of! Support the show.
7/17/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
Steve Callahan: Sailor, Boat Designer, Ocean Survivor, Best-Selling Author of Adrift
Trapped out on the Atlantic for 76 days, no one to speak to, no idea if you’re going to be rescued, destined to be adrift for what seems like all of eternity, what would you do? Steve Callahan did just that and is here to tell you about his story. While on a trip from the Canary Islands to the USA in 1982, his boat was struck and he was forced to abandon ship. During his time at sea, he had to adapt and learn how to survive with what he had on him. His is the ultimate never-quit story, showing incredible determination and will to survive. Support the show.
7/10/2019 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 15 seconds
Mario Romero - Former Navy SEAL - NASA Diver - Aspiring Astronaut
Former Navy SEAL, NASA Diver, and aspiring astronaut Mario Romero is in the studio today. Mario is here to discuss his life journey from barely graduating high school to his Navy SEAL training to his current training on his journey to becoming an astronaut and everything in between. His entire life has been one long never quit story. If there’s something to be taken away from Mario’s story and mindset, it’s this message. Don’t let where you come from, or where you are right now, determine where you can go in life. Lift those self-limitations off of yourself and achieve your dreams. Support the show.
7/3/2019 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 59 seconds
Peter Berg – Director of Lone Survivor and Patriots Day explains why he’s compelled to bring true stories of American heroes to Hollywood
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome the award winning director who brought the Lone Survivor story to the silver screen, Peter Berg. In this special episode of the TNQ Podcast, Marcus welcomes his close friend to tell his greatest Never Quit story and why he’s so passionate about bringing true stories to life in Hollywood. Peter details the importance of following his dream and his willingness to do anything to accomplish it. Peter Berg is an actor’s director, and his incredible journey towards becoming one of Hollywood’s elite has been one of true perseverance. Listen in as he gives incredible insight into what it takes to make it in the business. You’ll also be blown away as he and Marcus reminisce about what it was like on the set of Lone Survivor. Their unique relationship is powerfully motivating. The TNQ Podcast delivers yet again on its promise to inspire its listeners with what it takes to discover the Never Quit mindset. Please join us every Wednesday as Marcus and Rut help you to face adversity and overcome all the obstacles in your life. HOOYAH Great stories ignite legends. Support the show.
6/26/2019 • 1 hour, 55 seconds
Travis Pastrana - Professional Motorsports Competitor & X Games Gold Medalist
Today in the studio, The Wizard and Marcus are talking to professional motorsports competitor and X Game gold medalist, Travis Pastrana. Travis has made a career out of putting people in a state of wonder by doing some of the craziest stunts of all time. He has a profound ability to overcome the fear and anxiety that comes with attempting these very dangerous tricks. What makes people like this so different from the rest of society? What is going through their heads that makes them want to do the unthinkable? That’s exactly what the guys hope to find out in this interview with one of the greatest extreme sports athletes of all time. Support the show.
6/19/2019 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 25 seconds
Adam Davis - Marriage Champion - Best Selling Author - Former LEO
In today’s episode, the guys are interviewing best selling author, Adam Davis. Adam spent many years as a police officer and like many officers, the stress caught up to him. The job can put so much stress on a marriage as well as many aspects of the home life for police officers. Adam decided to use his experience to help other officers by writing and sharing his wisdom via his books and podcast. He is going to share his greatest never quit story and just how he pulled himself out of the pits that he found himself in after the badge. Support the show.
6/12/2019 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 18 seconds
Jordan and Paul Romero – Youngest ever to: Climb Everest and reach the world’s “7 Summits” – Epic father-son team – Extreme parenting
This week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast is guaranteed to elevate you to new heights. Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell, and Captain Motivation, David “Rut” Rutherford welcome the youngest person to ever climb Mount Everest, Jordan Romero. With the help of his amazing father Paul, Jordan summited Everest at the ripe old age of thirteen. What were you doing at thirteen? Listen to Jordan and his father Paul reminisce about their epic quest. Jordan not only tells his greatest Never Quit story, but also describes what ignited this epic journey, beginning when he was nine years old climbing the highest peak in Africa. It then became his childhood mission to climb seven of the world’s highest peaks, and by fifteen he and his father Paul had done it. Tune in to this inspiring story of a boy, his dream and his incredibly supportive father. Never forget that it’s Marcus and Rut’s mission to bring you the greatest Never Quit stories ever told by the most amazing people on the planet. They believe that inside each and every person lies a great Never Quit story. Also, please be sure to check out the After Actions Report with Jordan and Paul, where they tell you the how-to of ascending to your greatest potential each and every day. Great Stories Ignite Legends! Support the show.
6/5/2019 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 1 second
Jason Khalipa - 2008 CrossFit Games Champion - Author: "As Many Reps As Possible"
Through years of sheer tenacity in CrossFit competition and the prolific success of his company, NCFIT, Jason is a force of nature in the fitness world. However, Jason’s world was shaken to the core when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016. Rather than get angry and bitter, Jason and his remarkable wife Ashley dedicated themselves to the fight — armed with relentless positivity and zeal. This was the ultimate test and the culmination of a lifetime of learning lessons (sometimes in the hardest of ways). Jason’s discovery of WHY helped him surmount almost every WHAT...no matter HOW. Support the show.
5/29/2019 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 1 second
Flo Groberg - Medal of Honor Recipient - Former US Army Captain - French Immigrant - Author: "8 Seconds of Courage"
The Medal of Honor. It is the United States military's highest commendation for battlefield action, reserved for only the most exceptional displays of valor, yet those few recipients know it also carries a uniquely heavy burden and responsibility. This week former Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and the Wizard welcome MOH recipient Florent "Flo" Groberg to the TNQ Podcast. Hear Flo's Never Quit stories from Army Ranger School, Afghanistan, and coming to terms with his life in the wake of the events for which he received the MOH. He also tells the story of his immigration to the US from France as a teenager, and his family ties to Algeria. Hear how the brutal killing of his uncle by Islamic extremists impacted him, and propelled him into military service as an American fighting similar enemies. Flo joins the ranks of past MOH guests such as Mike Thornton, Dakota Meyer, and Kyle Carpenter who were all outstanding at passing on lessons learned on the battlefield of life, so you can apply them to your own. Support the show.
5/22/2019 • 1 hour, 25 minutes
Evan Hafer – Green Beret – CIA Contractor – Black Rifle Coffee CEO
Prepare yourself for one of the most insightful show the TNQ Podcast has ever produced. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome Evan Hafer, Green Beret, CIA Contractor, and CEO of the booming Black Rifle Coffee Company. Listen to Evan’s epic #NeverQuitStory and how he took his childhood in the woods, amazing journey through Selection, working for the Agency and his innate drive to succeed into a multi-million dollar coffee business. The #TNQPodcast Team is always honored to welcome someone from the SOF Brotherhood in order to enhance the lives of their listeners with truly remarkable, informative and positive content. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
5/15/2019 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 37 seconds
Frank DeAngelis - Principal during 1999 Columbine shooting massacre - Speaker on healing from tragedy - Author: "They Call Me Mr. De"
Sandy Hook, Parkland, Virginia Tech, Santa Fe, the names have become infamous and tragically synonymous with atrocity. However, it is Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado that remains the inception point in the minds of Americans for school shootings. This week Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and the Wizard welcome to the TNQ Podcast, Frank DeAngelis the Columbine principal at the time of the massacre, to tell his never quit story in the aftermath of despicable evil, and lay down wisdom accumulated in his 35+ years of service guiding the upcoming generations. Frank was there on the day of the shooting in Littleton that left thirteen dead. He mourned with the Columbine community and vowed to never forget those who were murdered and dedicated his life and career to helping his students - his kids - recover. He committed to staying on as principal to help the students and the community heal, and continues to this day assisting in the healing process for other communities around the country. An example of this is his recent book, They Call Me Mr. De: The Story of Columbine’s Heart, Resilience, and Recovery whose proceeds go toward funding three unique charities associated with recovery from the Columbine tragedy. #greatstoriesignitelegends Find Frank’s book on: Amazon Support the show.
5/8/2019 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Chadd Wright - US Navy SEAL - Ultra marathon runner - Man of God
The formative trials of the furnace, the forging power of the crucible, the purifying nature of fire, are all metaphors which are front and center as Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and the Wizard welcome fellow Frogman Chadd Wright to the TNQ Podcast. From overcoming an initial rejection due to a heart condition by the US Navy to attend SEAL training to battling through his wife's substance abuse together, from paranormal activity while finding salvation in Christ to storming back after a crushing defeat in one of the most hellacious ultra-marathons on Earth - The Revenant, Chadd's Never Quit mentality is solid as a rock and will both inspire and equip you with tools to employ on your own battlefield of life. Also, hear about Chadd's story of bringing his vision for Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra, a "last man standing" ultra race which honors fallen teammates and service members, to life. #greatstoriesignitelegends Follow Chadd on Instagram at: chadwright278 Support the show.
5/1/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 22 seconds
Mary Dague – Explosive Ordnance Disposal combat veteran – Double amputee – Breast Cancer and childhood trauma survivor – Veterans outreach
How much trauma could you take before you quit? One, two, or perhaps three major blows to your emotional fortitude? In this week’s explosive episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome one of our most powerful and hilarious guests to date. We’re proud to bring EOD Iraq combat veteran, double amputee, Mary “Wondernubs” Dague to this week’s show. Stand by as Mary shares three incredible #NeverQuitStories that will leave you in awe of her remarkable strength and unbreakable positive attitude. Marcus, Rut, and the Wizard prime Mary to enlighten our listeners with insight and motivation unlike any they’ve heard yet. This breast cancer survivor understands the #NeverQuitMindset in ways most people can’t even begin to imagine. Join Mary and the Team and begin to discover what it takes to #NeverQuit. #Greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
4/24/2019 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 39 seconds
Matthew Griffin - Army Ranger - Combat Flip Flops co-founder - "Business, Not Bullets" humanitarian vetrepreneur
It has been demonstrated time and time again that economic opportunity is a precursor to a stable and secure society, but when this week's guest Matthew Griffen co-founded what would become Combat Flip Flops, the idea was a radical improbability. Join Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, the Wizard, and David Rutherford as they welcome Griffin, a former US Army Ranger and forward-thinking vetrepreneur, to this week's episode of the TNQ Podcast. Founded in 2012 with Donald Lee, also a former Ranger, their mission was to "create peaceful, forward-thinking opportunities for self-determined entrepreneurs affected by conflict." This Never Quit story against the odds starts in a failed combat boot factory in Afghanistan, but grows to a shining example of socially-conscious business practice that now manufactures multiple products around the globe. From sarongs, belts and scarves in Afghanistan aiding secondary education for Afghan girls, to supporting de-mining efforts in Laos selling jewelry manufactured from metals re-purposed from the disarmed explosives themselves. Join the Team Never Quit crew for a mind-expanding discussion on yet another inspiring and motivating individual putting the Never Quit mindset into action to maximum effect. #greatstoriesignitelegends Follow Griffen at: combatflipflops.com Support the show.
4/17/2019 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 47 seconds
Lance Armstrong – 7 Time Tour de France Winner – Founder of the Livestrong Foundation – Titles stripped for Massive Doping Scandal – 100 million dollar Federal Law Suit
What does it feel like going to from one of the most loved sports celebrity’s in the world to the most hated? Few people on the planet know that feeling and the Team Never Quit Podcast has got one of them on the show. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome Lance Armstrong to this week’s epic show. Join the team as Lance tells his insane #NeverQuitStories which will leave you shaking your head in amazement and disbelief. Lance possesses a one of a kind perspective on winning, losing, fame, shame, love, and hate. Stand by to learn some profound lessons about dealing with perseverance, obsession, humility, regret, friendships, second chances, and moving forward. Try for a moment to imagine winning one of the most difficult sporting events ever created in the Tour de France. Now try and contemplate winning it 7 times in a row after overcoming testicular, lung and brain cancer. Lance Armstrong was able to accomplish this amazing feat. Because of his remarkable accomplishment, he was able to start one the largest non-profits of its day, the Livestrong Foundation which helped millions of people around the world in their fight against cancer. And at the height of his fame, fortune and following it was discovered that he and many members of the US Postal Service Team had been cheating the entire time with an elaborate doping program. Ultimately Lance was stripped of all his titles, disgraced around the world, lost his fortune, and is now actively engaged in a 100 million dollar lawsuit against the federal government. His insane ride from the top to the bottom and now his slow climb up will leave you thinking about second chances in ways you’ve never thought about them before. The TNQ Podcast has once again delivered on their promise to help their listeners develop the #NeverQuit mindset. Marcus, Rut, The Wizard, and Lance give perspective unlike any other podcast out there. After hearing this epic show if you should feel compelled to share your greatest never quit story please head to the ‘Share Your Story’ section on the website and submit your story. We are building an epic catalog of positive content to help our teammates battle their greatest challenges and to overcome their greatest obstacles. Support the show.
4/10/2019 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 40 seconds
Jeff Nichols – SEAL Team 6 – Exercise Physiologist – Strength and Conditioning Coach – Tactical Preparedness Coach
When a young man becomes a Warrior he goes through massive changes. When a Warrior goes to War the world around him changes. And when that Warrior transitions into a Coach others will change in profound ways. The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome Navy SEAL and world class strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Nichols to this week’s epic show. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard as they assist Jeff in telling his incredible #neverquit story. Jeff’s powerful story of self-discovery, acceptance and personal growth will no doubt leave our listener’s filled with wisdom, humility and strength. Stand by for one of most powerful TNQ Podcast shows yet. #greatstoriesignitelegends Please follow Jeff at: https://www.instagram.com/jeffcscs/?hl=en https://www.performancefirstus.com/ Support the show.
4/3/2019 • 2 hours, 26 minutes, 26 seconds
Jessica Buchanan – Aid worker rescued by SEAL Team Six – Humanitarian – Author – Survivor
Staring death in the face is a life-changing event. Especially, when you’re being held hostage in the middle of the Somalia wasteland by desperate land pirates. Join the TNQ Podcast as they welcome humanitarian aid-worker, Jessica Buchanan to this week’s epic show. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard as they dig in to Jessica’s #neverquitstory and how she managed to last 93 days before being rescued by SEAL Team Six. Her story is both inspiring and informative. Stand by for the ultimate survivor show! #greatstoriesignitelegends Please follow Jessica: Twitter - @jandeimpossible Website - www.jessbuchanan.com Support the show.
3/27/2019 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 9 seconds
Chris Cassidy – NASA Astronaut – Navy SEAL – Combat Veteran – MIT Graduate – 31 Hours 14 Minutes Space Walking
How often have you been told to reach for the stars? This week’s Team Never Quit Podcast’s galactic guest actually did it. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard are honored to welcome fellow Frogman, Captain Chris Cassidy, to the show. Join them as they explore Chris’ stellar #neverquitstory and what it’s like to walk in space. From planning missions in Afghanistan on two separate deployments to heading up NASA’s astronaut selection team, Chris possesses a unique viewpoint on what the Never Quit Mindset consists of. Stand by for your motivational lift off as this fired up team helps you to blast off in your quest to reach the stars. #Greatstoriesigniteledgends Support the show.
3/20/2019 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 33 seconds
David Wagner - Quadriplegic Tennis Player - Possibly most dominant athlete in US history - 3x Gold Medalist, numerous US Open Championship titles
There are no such thing as accidents. Join Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard, as they welcome one of the greatest quadriplegic athletes in history, David Wagner. Prepare to be inspired by David’s incredible #neverquitstory, and how he took a major injury in college and transformed his life into becoming one of the greatest tennis players in history. Listen to David describe his intense work ethic and passion for tennis as he inspires the Never Quit Team. #greatstoriesignitelegends Please follow David: Twitter @wagnertennis Website - http://www.davidwagner.us/ Support the show.
3/13/2019 • 1 hour, 20 minutes
Leo Jenkins – Ranger combat and humanitarian medic – Acclaimed author & poet – Veteran voice
Those that choose to poetically chronicle the profound insights of war typically don’t have the background of Ranger Medic, or vagabond humanitarian. With over 40 countries visited and time spent living in a van on the beaches of Baja, Mexico, Leo Jenkins' journey of becoming a Ranger to prolific author is fascinating. Join the TNQ Podcast as they welcome Leo to this week’s show. Listen to Leo’s greatest #neverquitstories as he shares his world view with Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard. Leo’s hilarious wit and rugged intellectualism will inspire all that love prose, have wanderlust, and appreciate warrior poets. #greatstoriesignitelegends Please Follow Leo at: Insta - https://www.instagram.com/leo_jenkins/?hl=en Support the show.
3/6/2019 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 58 seconds
Wim Hof – “The Iceman” – Cold exposure multi-world records – Scientifically proven revolutionary – Mission to eliminate disease consciously altering body’s chemistry
The Iceman cometh! Stand by for this week’s awesome Team Never Quit Podcast. Join Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and #TheWizard as they welcome one of the most unique human performance instructors on the planet, #TheIceman, Wim Hof. Join the team as Wim tells his greatest #neverquitstory and how he is revolutionizing the way we breathe. Wim’s incredible journey of discovery will leave you in utter disbelief as he is changing the way the scientific world evaluates the power to change an individual’s physiological composition with the Wim Hof breathing technique. Wim Hof is a madman. He’s climbed nearly the top of Mt. Everest in nothing but shorts, and his twenty six world records include greatest distance swam under ice, as well as, ice bath immersion of over an hour. He’s not crazy or deranged but instead, he is 100% driven to prove that we as human beings naturally possess the greatest treatments for health. Primarily through Mr. Hof’s breathing and cold exposure methods we can radically change our physiological, mental and emotional makeup. Join Marcus and the crew as they go deep down the rabbit hole with the Iceman. Wim’s seemingly insane energy is infectious to say the least. Our dedicated listeners will be filled with credible information on how they can start developing their #NeverQuitMindset immediately by simply breathing more. It’s time to take a deep breath and standby to change your life forever. “Breathe Mother F*&ker Breathe!” #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
2/27/2019 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 30 seconds
Dara Torres - 5x Olympic Swimmer over 24yr career - Amazingly won 3 medals at age 41 - Mother, mentor and fierce competitor
To compete at the highest level is one thing. To do it for 24 years is absolutely mind blowing. Stand by for this week’s incredible TNQ Podcast. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard welcome five time Olympic swimmer Dara Torres. Join the TNQP team as they get fired up for Dara’s greatest Never Quit stories and her awe inspiring drive to compete. Perhaps one of the greatest Olympian’s of all time will no doubt inspire you that it’s never too late to face adversity, overcome obstacles, and break all the rules. #greatstoriesignitelegends Please Follow Dara at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/daratorres Website: http://daratorres.com/ Support the show.
2/20/2019 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 17 seconds
Clint Emerson - "100 Deadly Skills" author - 20 yr SEAL operator - Violent Nomad
What does a life overseas prepare you for? It prepares you to become one of the world's greatest Violent Nomads. Join the TNQ Podcast as they welcome one of their own to this week's intense show. Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, together with hosts, and fellow teammates, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard dig deep into life lessons learned in foreign environments. Clint shares his greatest #neverquitstories and teaches our listeners some critical information about being prepared for the worst. #greatstoriesignitelegends Please follow Clint at: Insta - https://www.instagram.com/100deadlyskills/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/clintemersonpage Website - https://clintemerson.com/ Support the show.
2/13/2019 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 22 seconds
Dom Raso – SEAL Team 6 – NRA spokesman – Tactical training expert – Meaning of honor
What does honor mean to you? What events in your life have taught you to live with honor? Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome one of their own, DevGru Operator Dom Raso to this week’s powerful edition of the Team Never Quit Podcast. Stand by as Dom tells his greatest #neverquitstory of how living for the honor of his fallen teammates shapes his drive to impact the world around him. The helicopter crash of Extortion 17 was the most tragic event in modern SEAL history, losing 31 US military personnel, including 15 men from Dom’s own unit. Prepare to be inspired by the bravery and courage it takes to live with honor. Dom Raso spent 12 years at the tip of the spear in support of American freedom and democracy. His time in the SEAL Team’s top unit instilled a lifetime of focus that is remarkable in every way. His message of honor has reached millions through his company Dynamis Alliance and his presence on the internet. Whether helping to promote 2nd Amendment rights on NRA TV, or through faithfully teaching his #Crusheverything mentality, Dom has a profound impact on anyone within earshot. In this episode of the TNQ Podcast Marcus, Rut and #TheWizard provoke Dom in giving a detailed explanation to help our listeners learn the #neverquitmindset. Don’t miss this action-packed show. Don’t forget to write in and share your own greatest Never Quit stories here. You just might end up being a guest on the show. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
2/6/2019 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 24 seconds
Pardeep Nagra - Canadian-Sikh boxer fought discrimination for right to fight - Cultural historian - 'Tiger' biography film
How hard would you fight for your beliefs? How many rounds could you last in a battle of discrimination? Join the TNQ Podcast as they welcome Canadian boxer, and Sikh religious rights activist, Pardeep Singh Nagra to this week's show. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard welcome Pardeep to share his greatest #neverquitstory and the epic battle he waged for his right to fight. Pardeep’s amazing stance for his faith has inspired millions across Canada and the United States, and his epic story recently told in the movie "Tiger," staring Mickey Rourke and Prem Singh. Prepare to go toe to toe with your grander sense of religious equality and freedom. #greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
1/30/2019 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 7 seconds
Nic McKinley - Former CIA operative and USAF Pararescueman - DeliverFund co-founder combating US sexual trafficking
Human trafficking exists in your town. Young female slaves being sold for their bodies. This is happening right now near you and your family. The TNQ Podcast is honored to welcome former CIA operative turned non-profit warrior, Nic McKinley, to this week's incredible show. Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and Wizard as they welcome fellow special operations brother Nic to share his greatest #neverquit stories. Nic has taken his incredible military and intelligence experience and turned his profound insight into yet another noble career of servitude. Nic and his devoted team are transforming the battlefield of the human trafficking war here at home. He shines light into the darkest crevices of our society and roots out evil every day. The TNQ Podcast once again brings insight and positive clarity to a cruel world. Stand by to have Nic and the TNQP crew inspire you to serve your community at the highest levels. #greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
1/23/2019 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 28 seconds
Mike Rowe – “Dirty Jobs” host – Skilled trades advocate – “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” “Returning the Favor,” and “The Way I Heard It”
How often do you meet someone who’s truly living out his or her dream? Out of those people, how often did they realize their dream job immediately? Dream jobs are all based on the individual’s perspective. On this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome America’s TV host Mike Rowe to the show. Stand by for one of the funniest and informative shows the Team has ever had. Listen to Mike share his greatest #neverquitstories in exquisite detail and what it took to revolutionize reality TV. Mike is known for his incredible work on Dirty Jobs and Somebody’s Gotta Do It, but it’s his profound understanding of what hard work actually looks like, and it’s vital importance to society, that captures the attention of Marcus, Rut and The Wizard. Join the TNQ Podcast crew along with Mike as they explore the value of hard work, gaining true perspective and beauty of great story telling. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
1/16/2019 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 36 seconds
Eddie Gallagher – Highly decorated SEAL Chief of 8 combat deployments - Battling charges of war crimes against ISIS - #FreeEddie
Being charged for war crimes on the battlefield against ISIS seems beyond comprehensible. However, for the highly decorated Navy SEAL Chief with 8 combat deployments, this is his and his family's tragic reality. Chief Eddie Gallagher has been locked in the brig for the past 18 weeks and just recently was arraigned for his supposed crimes. Join the TNQ Podcast as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard welcome Eddie’s wife Andrea and his brother Sean to the show to shed light on the situation by helping our listeners to understand the massive Never Quit moment Eddie and his family are facing. Andrea explains how the former Naval Special Warfare Sailor of the Year and his immediate family are handling this trying time, while Sean, as he's already done on many top news shows, explains his brother’s side of the story. Join us as we gain powerful ‘real time’ insight into this patriotic family's greatest Never Quit story. Great Stories Ignite Legends Please follow this story at: https://justiceforeddie.com/ #FREEEDDIE Support the show.
1/9/2019 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 32 seconds
Goggins III – Navy SEAL – Ultra Athlete – Best Selling Author – Motivational Badass
GOGGINS, GOGGINS, GOGGINS! He’s unlike any other motivational figure on the planet. His ultra intense, profound search for meaning has captured the attention of the world. The TNQ Podcast is honored and proud to welcome back, for round III, the indomitable David Goggins to this week’s insane show. Fellow Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard don’t waste a single second of valuable time diving into the Goggins philosophy of living the painful pathway to salvation. Goggins explores his difficult childhood, his new appreciation of serving the masses, and his dedication to God’s judgment of himself. The TNQ Podcast has never had a guest on more than once, yet the impact David Goggins has had on our listeners is so substantial that he’s back for the third time. Stand by for…..GOOOOOOOOOGGINS!
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1/2/2019 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 50 seconds
Jim Craig – ‘Miracle On Ice’ Olympic Hockey Team Goalie – Greatest Upset In Sports History – Renowned Keynote Speaker
Do you believe in miracles? Then you’re going to be absolutely blown away with this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard as they welcome 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team Goalie, Jim Craig. Jim was an integral part of one of the most incredible sports events in history. At the height of the Cold War, in the silver medal round pitted against a far more experienced and legendary Soviet Russian Team, he played the game of his life, stopping 36 out of 39 shots on goal. Listen to Jim tell his greatest #NeverQuitStory and how it enabled him to have a profound impact on millions of people for the next 37 years. Jim Craig and his herculean effort in the 1980 Winter Olympics are known around the world and in every field house and team locker room in America. His exploits during this historic event are the stuff of legends, however, Jim’s life has actually been one amazing Never Quit moment after the other. Listen as Marcus, Rut and The Wizard help Jim outline his incredible insights in order for you to begin overcoming adversity and hurdling the very toughest obstacles of your own life. Through Jim’s unique story and sage wisdom, you can be sure that the lessons you receive from this week’s epic #TNQPodcast will prepare you for your next confrontation with the tough and overwhelming opponents in life. Please help us share Jim’s story and all the others from the amazing guests we’ve had on the show. Tell all those in your life in need of some really positive content and valuable life lessons this Christmas season. It’s our mission to create the very best team support network through our collective pain and success. Join in. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
12/26/2018 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 21 seconds
Valorie Kondos Field - 29 year UCLA gymnastics head coach - 7 NCAA national championships - PAC-12 Coach of the Century
How does a professional dancer become one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history? She cares for her athletes and teaches them to have fun. The TNQ Podcast is proud to welcome Valorie Kondos Field to this week’s epic show. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard as they give a huge Never Quit welcome Miss Val. Stand by for a great Never Quit story and some profound wisdom about helping others to discover their Never Quit mindset. She enlightens, inspires, and motivates her gymnast to achieve their greatest potential while having immense fun living their dream. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
12/19/2018 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 33 seconds
Jeff Gonzales – Navy SEAL – Gov. Contactor – Trident Concepts – Training director at The Range Austin
To become a Master Training Specialist requires a lifetime of dedication and hard work. It requires focus, determination, and a willingness to fail. Join the Team Never Quit Podcast as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard welcome fellow Frogman Jeff Gonzales to this week's epic show. Stand by for Jeff’s greatest Never Quit stories and for his amazing insight as to what it takes to become truly proficient at performing the basics to perfection. Jeff shares his incredible journey through the Teams all the way to becoming the Director of Training at The Range in Austin Texas. To become the best, we must learn from the best. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
12/12/2018 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 38 seconds
Jarred Taylor – Air Force TACP – Vetrepreneur at Article 15 Clothing, Black Rifle Coffee Co., and Drinkin' Bros podcast
How do dreams become reality? In the most unlikely paths possible. The Team Never Quit Podcast is fired up to welcome decorated Iraq War veteran and cofounder of Art15 Clothing and Media Company, Jared “JT” Taylor. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard as they dig into JT’s greatest Never Quit stories and how he’s turned his dream of making movies into a reality. This outstanding Vetrepreneur, shares awesome insight into turning small opportunities into grand dreams. Support the show.
12/5/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 45 seconds
Missy Franklin – 4 time Olympic Gold Medalist – World Record Holder – One of the Greatest Swimmer’s of all Time – Champion of Positivity
What separates the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat? The heart and soul of a true champion. The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome one of the greatest Olympic champions of all time, swimming phenom, Missy Franklin. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard welcome Missy and her infectious personality to this weeks epic show. Listen to Missy’s amazing Never Quit story and her remarkable perspective on both winning and losing. Missy Franklin ascended to the top of the swimming world at just 17 years old winning 4 Olympic Gold medals in the 2012 games proving to the world her phenomenal drive and desire to be the best. Since then she’s continued to demonstrate her insatiable appetite to compete at the highest levels. She has accumulated 28 medals in international competition, most of which are Gold, and still holds the world record in the 200m backstroke long course. The most amazing thing about Missy is her attitude and mindset. With a perpetual smile and limitless positivity, it’s no wonder that she has the ability to keep profound perspective on life and her career in swimming even after her disappointing performance in the 2016 games. This episode of the TNQ Podcast will have you laughing hysterically as well as motivated to get back into the competition. Marcus, Rut and The Wizard create a great platform to share incredible insight on performance, following your passion, and keeping life’s greatest challenges in perspective. Missy Franklin is a true champion both in the pool and in life. USA, USA, USA! Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/28/2018 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 7 seconds
Bob Woodruff – Anchor ABC’s World News Tonight – Iraq War Correspondent – IED explosion survivor – Veteran’s charity founder
We spend much of our lives bearing witness to the atrocities of the world from afar. It’s rare when we find those brave few who will place themselves right next to the madness in order to tell the story. The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome ABC News journalist and IED survivor, Bob Woodruff to this week's show. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard as they welcome Bob to tell his greatest Never Quit story and how getting blown up can change your perspective and your humor. Bob’s incredible journey of going from covering the war to being part of it will leave you inspired to never take a moment of your life or your family for granted. This one will definitely blow you away. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/21/2018 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 8 seconds
Remi Adeleke - Incredible journey from Nigerian immigrant Bronx street thug to US Navy SEAL man of God
Born in Africa. Bred on the streets of the Bronx. Became a man in the SEAL Teams. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard as they welcome one of their own to this weeks epic TNQ Podcast. Remi Adeleke represents the American Dream in its highest fashion. Join these teammates as Remi delivers his inspiring Never Quit stories and how he's now using his profound experiences as a platform to spread a message of hope and strength. Remi will change your perceptions and help you begin to discover your own Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/14/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 2 seconds
Robert Young Pelton – The true World’s Most Interesting Man – Investigating human conflict from Chechnya to Sudan to Colombia to Afghanistan – “World’s Most Dangerous Places” Author
Why would anyone in their right mind want to travel to the most dangerous places on earth? Join us on the Team Never Quit Podcast as we welcome best selling author and TV host, Robert Young Pelton. If you want to learn from the world’s most interesting man then join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome Robert to tell his greatest #NeverQuitStory and why he decided to walk away from a million dollar company to explore the world and try and understand why we go to war with each other. Mr. Pelton has willingly participated in the greatest conflicts of the 21st century in his attempt to makes sense of chaos. Don’t miss this incredible show as it is sure to help you learn the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/7/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 19 seconds
Dakota Meyer – US Marine Medal of Honor recipient – Afghanistan and Iraq War Veteran – CEO of Own The Dash
At 21 years old what were you doing with your life? Were you running into a Taliban ambush to save the lives of 12 friendly forces and providing cover for the safe removal of another 24 Marines and soldiers to escape likely death at the hands of a numerically superior and determined foe? Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, Wizard and David Rutherford as they welcome Medal of Honor recipient and US Marine Dakota Meyer to this week's epic show. Listen to Dakota’s remarkable Never Quit stories and how becoming a “hero” has both placed an untold burden upon his life, as well as, given him new purpose. The TNQ Podcast is honored to have him on the show and promises to inspire all those listening who have and are having to face great obstacles in their lives. Semper Fi. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
10/31/2018 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 15 seconds
Tony La Russa – Legendary Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Manager – 3 World Series titles – 4x Manager of the Year - 2,728 wins
What does it take to become the modern GOAT in Major League Baseball management? Exactly 2,728 wins along with three World Series titles, places Tony La Russa third all-time and number one in the modern era. The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome Tony to this week’s special World Series episode. Stand by as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard listen in awe to Tony’s greatest Never Quit stories and a lifetime of coaching and leadership wisdom. Tony joins the TNQ Podcast crew amidst his seventh appearance in the World Series, this time acting as VP of Baseball for the Boston Red Sox. You can be sure that we’re gonna knock this one out of the ballpark. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
10/24/2018 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 32 seconds
Pat McNamara – 13 year Delta Operator – Master Training Specialist – Renaissance Man
The Team Never Quit Podcast is fired up to welcome one of the most highly trained humans on the planet, former Tier One US Army Operator, Pat McNamara. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome this master training expert. Listen as Pat tells his greatest #NeverQuitStory and what it’s like to be part of one of the most high speed units that exist. Over 22 years in Special Operations and a comprehensive interest in learning the best way to teach gives Pat insight like no other. Pat McNamara could be one of the coolest men on the planet. His insane background and totally unique perspective on just about everything left the TNQ Podcast crew roaring with laughter and fired up to hear more. Pat shared insight on his experience at Delta, finding his passion in teaching, and how he can be simultaneously passionate about everything from tactical firearms training to bird watching, and functional fitness to pointillism. This profound wisdom, combined with an energy level that leaves Rut in the dust, will inspire you to immediately search for the top training program near you. Pat McNamara is the definition of the #NeverQuit mindset. Don’t miss this show. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” The post Pat McNamara – 13 year Delta Operator – Master Training Specialist – Renaissance Man appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
10/17/2018 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 49 seconds
L’Damian Washington – Professional Football Receiver – Orphaned with 3 Brothers – First kid to go to College – Won Key to City at 17
His father was murdered and his mother died from a stroke. His brothers and he raised themselves. Standby for this week’s epic Team Never Quit Podcast! Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and The Wizard as they welcome professional football player, L’Damian Washington to the show. Listen to L’Damian’s greatest #neverquitstory and how altering his personal expectations reshaped the trajectory of his entire family. You won’t be sorry by tuning into this inspiring never quit story about family, focus, and future. #Greatstoriesignitelegends The post L’Damian Washington – Professional Football Receiver – Orphaned with 3 Brothers – First kid to go to College – Won Key to City at 17 appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
10/10/2018 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 15 seconds
Mike Thornton – Medal of Honor recipient – Navy SEAL legend – Vietnam veteran
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome Medal of Honor Recipient and Navy SEAL, Mike Thornton, to this week’s incredible show. Mike is a legend in the Teams and defines the word “hero.” His miraculous exploits during his time in Vietnam have set the standard by which all other Team Guys are to be measured. Join his teammates from the modern era, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they have the rare opportunity to interview Mike. Prepare yourself as Mike shares his greatest #NeverQuitStory. Mike Thornton is one of the most decorated Frogmen in the history of the unit. His exploits downrange are the stuff of legend, and the story behind his Medal of Honor is miraculous. His unselfish actions resulted in saving the lives of four men, in particular fellow SEAL, Tommy Norris, another Medal of Honor recipient. Mike’s wisdom and experience have set a precedent for all people to aspire to. In a rare interview Marcus, Rut and The Wizard provide an incredible opportunity to their listeners to be exposed to Mike’s profound insight. The #TNQPodcast is beyond blessed to be able to deliver inspiring content for our loyal listeners. We thank you for the continued support and help spreading the positivity around the world. If you would like to share your greatest Never Quit story please submit it here. Our mission is to help you face adversity, overcome life’s greatest obstacles, and develop the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends The post Mike Thornton – Medal of Honor recipient – Navy SEAL legend – Vietnam veteran appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
10/3/2018 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 8 seconds
Jeff Cool – New York Fire Dept – Black Sunday Survivor – TNQ Podcast Listener Write-In Guest
Black Sunday was the New York City Fire Department’s most deadly day since 9/11. Join the Team Never Quit Podcast as they welcome one of the survivors, Jeff Cool, to this weeks show. Marcus, Rut and the Wizard are proud to have Jeff tell his greatest #neverquitstory and what that day has meant for him and his appreciation for family and friends. Mr. Cool’s story came to the TNQ Podcast through his son writing into the show and sharing his father’s amazing experience with us. We want to thank him, and all the amazing listeners who’ve written in to share their greatest never quit stories, because together we can’t fail. #greatstoriesignitelegends The post Jeff Cool – New York Fire Dept – Black Sunday Survivor – TNQ Podcast Listener Write-In Guest appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
9/26/2018 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 2 seconds
Taya Kyle – Wife of ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle – Fighting back from tragic loss – Lessons on grief, faith, & love
Team Never Quit is honored to welcome one of it’s own members to this week’s podcast. The founder of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, best selling author of ‘American Wife’, and faithful patriot, Taya Kyle, joins her close friend Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford for this week’s inspiring show. Listen to Taya’s emotional description of her greatest Never Quit story and how her marriage to ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle prepared her to serve the country in her own way. In one of the most gripping TNQ Podcast’s ever, Marcus, Rut and Taya explore her incredible journey. Taya explains what it was like living with Chris, the most prolific sniper in American history, making it through four SEAL Team combat deployments, and how her faith in God got her and her family through all the adversities they’ve faced. The lessons she’s learned are lessons that can be easily translated for all those who are facing significant challenges in their lives. Taya continues to provide support to military and first responder families through the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, while her best-selling book ‘American Wife’ has given her a platform to tell her story, while also teaching on grief, faith and love. Once again the TNQ Podcast team accomplishes their mission by inviting the courageous, motivating and patriotic Taya Kyle to the show in order for you to be inspired and to learn how to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Also, Marcus and Rut welcome your greatest Never Quit stories too, by submitting it in the Share Your Story section of our site. We want to share as many stories as possible to the millions of people around the world. Great Stories Ignite Legends. The post Taya Kyle – Wife of ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle – Fighting back from tragic loss – Lessons on grief, faith, & love appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
9/19/2018 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 6 seconds
Shawn Ryan – Navy SEAL – CIA Contractor – Vigilance Elite Vetrepreneur
The TNQPodcast crew is excited to welcome one of their own to this week’s epic episode. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor and vetrepreneur at Vigilance Elite, Shawn Ryan joins fellow frogmen, Marcus Luttrell, Dave Rutherford and The Wizard in their latest attempt to crush the negative insurgency in you. Stand by for Shawn’s greatest Never Quit story and the insane exploits of these four former Navy SEALs along with essential information that will enable you to withstand any storm you might be facing, and continue developing your Never Quit mindset. #greatstoriesignitelegends The post Shawn Ryan – Navy SEAL – CIA Contractor – Vigilance Elite Vetrepreneur appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
9/12/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Mark Wahlberg – Boston street kid to Hollywood A-List actor – Patriots Day & Lone Survivor star
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome to the show Marcus’ close friend and megastar, Mark Wahlberg. Mark is widely considered one of the most accomplished and successful men in the movie industry. He’s known for his roles in the recently released Patriots Day, Deep Water Horizon, The Fighter and the epic war film, Lone Survivor, where he portrayed Marcus himself in the heroic story of Operation Red Wings. Mark has also distinguished himself as a top producer and entrepreneur. His Never Quit story, along with tremendous insights, will no doubt leave you wanting to listen to the episode more than once. Marcus and Mark formed a strong bond during the incredible experience of making the Lone Survivor movie together. Mark talks openly about his deep connection to the project and all movies depicting tales of heroism. His unique perspective on Hollywood is immediately apparent in his life story. Mark Wahlberg is a man driven by faith, family, a commitment to never forget when he came from, and his desire to work harder than anyone in Hollywood. The TNQ Podcast once again brings an incredible story to it’s dedicated listeners. Marcus and Rut continue to fulfill their promise to inspire people around the world with amazing stories that help others to face adversity and overcome obstacles. Everyone, they believe, has a great Never Quit story just waiting to come out. Great Stories Ignite Legends. The post Mark Wahlberg – Boston street kid to Hollywood A-List actor – Patriots Day & Lone Survivor star appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
9/5/2018 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 18 seconds
Rob O’Neill – SEAL Team 6 operator who shot Osama Bin Laden – 2 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars with Valor – 400+ combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and others
What’s it like to play a part in history? The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome former SEAL Team 6 member and American hero, Robert J O’Neill to this week’s historic 100th show. Never before has the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell, and the Operator, O’Neill been together on the air in any type of format. In this epic episode, Rob shares his greatest #neverquitstory, as well as he and Marcus, share their profound insight as to what it takes to be willing to give everything for the men around them. The TNQ Podcast once again delivers an outstanding guest and show dedicated to helping you, our listeners, to discover your #neverquitmindset. #greatstoriesignitelegends The post Rob O’Neill – SEAL Team 6 operator who shot Osama Bin Laden – 2 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars with Valor – 400+ combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and others appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
8/29/2018 • 2 hours, 25 seconds
David Goggins 2 – The return of America’s most extreme ultra athlete and Navy SEAL
For the first time, the Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes back a guest to inspire audiences at an entirely new level. Marcus Luttrell and Captain Positive, David ‘Rut’ Rutherford, are proud to bring the guest who has the most downloaded show yet, back for Goggins 2. Stand by because Navy SEAL, extreme ultra athlete, and top motivator, David Goggins, is going to blow you away, again! In his first show, Goggins outlined one the greatest never quit stories we’ve heard yet and why he’s able to push past insane boundaries of pain. In his second appearance on the show, David forces listeners to expose the truth of weakness and the power of harnessing fear. No other guest in TNQ Podcast history has gotten more request for a repeat show. Marcus and Rut have answered the calling by bringing David Goggins back on air. His explosive energy in this episode will transform listeners by forcing them to put their fears in check and explore pain in a whole new perspective. Goggins is one of a kind. His philosophy is so incredibly unique that it provides all those who come in contact with it a completely new way of looking at pushing one’s own limitations. Don’t miss this show and please tell everyone you know who needs some serious motivation to tune in. Great Stories Ignite Legends. The post David Goggins 2 – The return of America’s most extreme ultra athlete and Navy SEAL appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
8/22/2018 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 11 seconds
Tu Lam – US Army Special Forces – Firearms & edged weapons master at Ronin Tactics – Vietnamese refugee – Discovery Channel “Forged in Fire: Knife or Death”
Is a man born out of war destined to become a warrior? Join the Team Never Quit Podcast as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard welcome retired Sergeant Major Green Beret Tu Lam. Stand by for this epic show as Tu tells his greatest #neverquitstory and his epic journey from fleeing the fall of Vietnam to operating with the US Army’s most elite units. His epic journey and his inspiring wisdom will no doubt help you begin to understand the Ronin Warrior’s path. #greatstoriesignitelegends The post Tu Lam – US Army Special Forces – Firearms & edged weapons master at Ronin Tactics – Vietnamese refugee – Discovery Channel “Forged in Fire: Knife or Death” appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
8/15/2018 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 36 seconds
Jeremy Courtney – Relief to ISIS victims from the front lines – Preemptive Love CEO – Feeding 25,000+ in Iraq and Syria – Extreme servitude
The Team Never Quit Podcast is once again honored to welcome a man to the show is making a profound difference in this world by using love as his main weapon. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome the CEO of preemptivelove.org, Jeremy Courtney, to this week’s amazing show. Listen and be inspired as Jeremy tells his greatest #NeverQuit story and why he moved his wife and children to Iraq in order to feed 25,000 people a day in the heart of ISIS controlled territory. Jeremy’s team is unlike almost every other non-profit aid organization that exists, seeking to be “first in, and last to leave.” He literally walks the walk in the enemy’s backyard. What makes a man travel into the heart of the enemy? Find out in this weeks epic TNQ Podcast episode as Marcus, Rut and the Wizard dive deep into Jeremy’s mission in life. The stories you hear will give you hope, inspire you to do more, and leave you in awe of his mission to use love as a primary weapon for change. After listening to this incredible show, please visit Preemptive Love via the link below. At this very moment he and his team are in Mosul, Iraq feeding thousands and need our help. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” The post Jeremy Courtney – Relief to ISIS victims from the front lines – Preemptive Love CEO – Feeding 25,000+ in Iraq and Syria – Extreme servitude appeared first on Team Never Quit Podcast. Support the show.
8/8/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 37 seconds
Travis Mills – Quadruple amputee SSG 82nd Airborne – NY Times Best Selling Author – Travis Mills Foundation – Top motivational speaker & veteran advocate
It’s rare when we meet someone who can change our perception of ourselves and our struggles instantaneously. The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to bring one of those people to the show this week. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard welcome, retired Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills. Travis is one of only five quadruple amputees from the Iraq and Afghan Wars. Prepare yourself as Travis tells his greatest #neverquitstory and vividly describes the challenges of learning to thrive with no arms and no legs. SSG Mills has taken this devastating blow and turned it into a profound blessing for himself, his family, and all the veterans and their families he helps on a regular basis. Travis transcends the human condition and effortlessly inspires all those he comes in contact with. Stand by for this week’s epic #TNQPodcast episode. “Never give up. Never Quit.” #Greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
8/1/2018 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 44 seconds
Christian McCaffrey – NFL Carolina Panthers running back – NCAA All Purpose Yardage record holder
Have you ever felt like you were born to do something? Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard as they welcome NFL sensation, Christian McCaffrey to this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast. Listen to Christian tell his greatest #neverquitstory and how from his breakout year as a sophomore at Stanford he realized achieving his dream was all about working his butt off. As the son of a former NFL player, from an early age, along with all of his brothers, he began to understand that nothing is given to anyone. Hard work and an ultra-competitive attitude are what it takes to reach the highest level of sport. Stand by as this true professional shares his innate insight with all of you. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
7/25/2018 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 4 seconds
Kwame Ajamu – 28 years wrongfully incarcerated – Sentenced to Death Row at 18 solely on coerced testimony of a 12-year-old boy
How much is your freedom worth? The TNQ Podcast is proud to welcome Kwame Ajamu to this weeks show. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and the Wizard as they get down and dirty with Kwame’s #neverquitstory and how a teenage boy learns to deal with life on Death Row. For 28 years Kwame endured one of the worst possible situations known to humanity, lack of freedom. However, losing his freedom because of a lie didn’t destroy him but instead built him into the definition of Never Quit. Stand by to experience a truly inspiring show that will definitely motivate you to embrace your own freedom. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
7/18/2018 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 17 seconds
Andy Stumpf – Tier-one Navy SEAL Lieutenant – 2 world records in wingsuit freefall – Corporate leadership consultant – The guy you aspire to emulate
What makes a man want to become a Navy SEAL? What makes a man want to serve at the most elite level? What enables a man to come back from getting shot? And finally what propels a man to set a world record for wingsuit freefall? Andy Stumpf has all those answers along with his greatest Never Quit story on this week’s amazing Team Never Quit Podcast. Join Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome fellow a Frogman to inspire listeners with his remarkable humility and profound wisdom. Andy Stumpf exemplifies the #NeverQuitMindset. Prepare yourself to be motivated by one of the most accomplished guests so far on the TNQ Podcast. His dedication to improving himself and those he comes in contact with is nothing short of transformational. His commitment to his teammates, country, and most especially his family leaves us all wanting more information on how he constantly raises the bar for himself day in and day out. Find out how you too can apply his knowledge to your life. Long live the Brotherhood. Support the show.
7/11/2018 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 43 seconds
Erik Weihenmayer – First blind man to summit Mount Everest, Seven Summits, and El Capitan – Kayaked Grand Canyon
What levels have you reached in your life? What have you seen that has changed your perspective? Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and #TheWizard as they welcome a man that illuminates the ultimate vision of the #neverquitmindset. The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome Erik Weihenmayer to this week’s show. Erik is one of the greatest climbers in the world…and he’s blind. Listen as Erik shares his greatest #neverquitstory and the unimaginable journey from losing his sight as a young boy to inspiring millions of people around the world with his clear purpose and wisdom. We promise you will see things in a whole new light. #greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
7/4/2018 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 14 seconds
Omar ‘Crispy’ Avila – US Army veteran amputee with burns to 75% of body – Record setting paralympic powerlifter – Powerful inspiration
What can we learn from a man that was blown up and caught on fire? What the term #NeverQuit means. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #theWizard on this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast as they welcome the always inspiring Omar ‘Crispy’ Avila. Prepare to be lit up by Crispy’s insane #neverquitstory and what he learned from having his skin scrubbed off for three months. There’s no doubt Crispy will motivate the hell out of you to extinguish the negativity in your life and to start having fun. His amazing perspective will definitely light a fire in your gut. #greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
6/27/2018 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 38 seconds
Cameron Hanes – Master bowhunter and his extreme reinvention of an ancient pursuit by combining it with outdoor endurance sports
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome America’s greatest extreme bowhunter and Under Armour’s longest sponsored athlete, Cameron Hanes, to the show. Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell, and Captain Positive, David “Rut” Rutherford bring Cam to this week’s episode of the TNQ Podcast in order for him to tell his greatest Never Quit story. Cam digs into what fueled the drive to develop his revolutionary approach to integrating athletics into bowhunting, what it’s like to beat Lance Armstrong, and his top goal of being the ultimate father. What drives a man to walk miles and miles into the bush, stalk North America’s largest game animals for days, silently approach to within fifty yards for the kill, then pack the entire animal all the way back to camp? Cam describes it in detail for us in this engaging episode. In face, Cam takes you one step farther and explains his philosophy on living a lifestyle long forgotten in our society. His authenticity is inspiring and will no doubt leave you wanting to explore your own primal side. It’s the mission of the Team Never Quit Podcast to bring you the greatest stories of perseverance, grit and determination. Marcus and Rut are committed to helping you discover the mindset that will ultimately inspire your own greatest Never Quit story. We are thankful that Cameron Hanes joined us this week in once again achieving our mission. Also, don’t forget to tune into the After Actions Report where Cam gets into the nitty gritty of the tactics he employs each and every day to drive toward success. Remember, if you feel inspired by this show, or any other TNQ podcast, please share your own greatest Never Quit story with us on the site. It’s possible your submission could wind up on the show being read and discussed by Marcus and David. Great Stories Ignite Legends! Support the show.
6/20/2018 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds
Captain Charlie Plumb – Vietnam POW – 2,103 Days in the Hanoi Hilton – American Hero
It’s rare that we have the opportunity to learn from truly great men. This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast you have that chance. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard are honored to welcome, Vietnam POW, Captain Charlie Plumb to the show. Listen in amazement as Captain Plumb tells his greatest #NeverQuitStory and how spending 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton made him stronger than he could have ever dreamed. You can torture the man but you can’t destroy his spirit. Freedom is taken for granted by so many. In this week’s TNQ Podcast you will be forced to reevaluate what matters most to you. Listen to the American Hero Captain Plumb as he describes the unbreakable spirit and what it takes to build it back up after it’s been tortured again and again. The stories from his captivity are remarkable enough, but stand by has he delivers pearls of wisdom that can help you be released from your own imprisonment. Marcus, Rut and #TheWizard have once again delivered on their mission to bring you and the rest of the Team powerful, positive content that will improve your life should you choose to apply the lessons it delivers. If this show has an impact and you feel compelled, please write into the website and share your own greatest Never Quit story with our team. It just might get you on the show as a guest. Never Quit. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
6/13/2018 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 23 seconds
Brendan Schaub – UFC heavyweight fighter – Stand up comedian – Division 1 football – Fighter and the Kid Podcast and Below the Belt host – Transformation without limitation
Do you ever feel like you’re getting locked into a rut? When your life is going round and round and you’re not getting anywhere? Stand by for this week’s Team Never Podcast when Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome the hilarious former UFC fighter and top podcast host, Brendan Schaub, to the show. Join Brendan and the team as they laugh hysterically and he shares his greatest #neverquitstories. It takes massive cojones to consistently change course in life in order to follow your dreams by reinventing yourself over and over again. Brendan helps listeners gain confidence as he outlines his incredible transitions from division one football, to the UFC, to podcast host and stand up comic, to television host and much more. This show will not only motivate you to chase your dream but also keep you laughing from beginning to end. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
Stand by for this week’s incredibly explosive and gritty Team Never Quit Podcast. Navy SEAL’s, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome combat veteran, adaptive athlete, and US Marine Jose Sanchez to the show. Prepare yourself for one of the rawest #neverquitstories you’ve ever heard. Jose’s incredible honesty and insight into the horrific realities of getting blown up, feeling isolated, and fighting back to normal will leave you cheering for him. This Marine has become a shining example of his selfless efforts to bring fellow veterans out of the darkness and into the light. Once again the #TNQPodcast team accomplishes their mission by providing powerful, profound, and positive content for their listeners to develop their #neverquitmindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
5/9/2018 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 58 seconds
Vince Papale – Philadelphia Eagles walk-on & oldest rookie in NFL history – “Invincible” movie biography
Vince Papale was a School teacher who never played a down of college football. He was a substitute teacher and part-time bartender. None of this matters because he possessed an ‘invincible’ spirit. Marcus, Rut, and the Wizard along with Vince will inspire you to begin believing that you can live out your dream if your willing to work harder than everyone else. Vince’s epic story and profound passion to inspire others will leave you wanting to face the adversity in your life and begin developing the Never Quit mindset. #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends Support the show.
5/2/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 16 seconds
Nick Irving – “The Reaper” – One of the most deadly Ranger snipers in history
This week TNQ Podcast hosts and former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, welcome “The Reaper,” US Army Ranger Sniper Nick Irving, as he brings to the show his riveting account of combat in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and how it took every ounce of his formidable #NeverQuit mindset to survive. Listen in as Marcus and David dig-in deep with one of the most deadly snipers in Ranger history, to bring to light some life lessons you too can begin to apply in daily life. From nearly running out of ammunition, to sprinting a mile across open ground under fire, to being rescued moments before his team must decide to fall on their last grenade, this is one of the most gripping battlefield accounts ever heard on the TNQ Podcast. Irving shares details which paint a powerful picture of the twelve hour mission in which he and his sniper team barely survive. After the dust settles, Marcus and Dave help Nick bring out the lessons learned from not only his combat experience, but also the major challenges which awaited him after military service in the civilian world, such as PTSD and substance abuse. Once again this week, the team, along with Nick Irving, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Help spread the word by sharing the show with friends and family. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
4/11/2018 • 1 hour, 22 minutes
Vincent “Rocco” Vargas – Army Ranger of 3 Combat Deployments – Serial vetrepreneur – “Range 15” and “Mayans MC” actor – Father of six
In another epic Team Never Quit Podcast, Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #The Wizard welcome Army Ranger and Range 15 star Vincent “Rocco” Vargas to this weeks show. Join this fired up crew as Vincent shares his greatest #neverquitstory and what it was like going from being an Army Ranger to following a dream of becoming an actor. Rocco gains huge popularity as a part of the hilarious Art 15 Clothing team, but also his prolific track record as a vetrepreneur. He has taken his experiences in life and made the incredible transition from Special Operations to vetrepreneur and entertainer. His lessons learned with no doubt help you begin developing the Never Quit Mindset. #Greatstoriesignitelegends Support the show.
4/4/2018 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 2 seconds
Laird Hamilton – Big wave innovator – Fitness sophisticate – Extreme philosopher
Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, are determined to bring the greatest #NeverQuit stories ever told to airways. The Team Never Quit Podcast once again brings you a guest that possesses information that can change your life. Marcus and Rut are honored to welcome Big Wave surfing legend and innovator, Laird Hamilton, to the show. Laird is more than an extreme big wave surfer. He’s a philosopher, fitness expert, nutrition guru, awesome family man, and a human being that understands the power of intensity and determination. Laird Hamilton has been a transformational force in the surfing world. His focused approach to push the limits in every aspect of performance has taken him to a whole new level of aquatic understanding. To many he represents to the true definition of what a ‘waterman’ means. Be prepared for a next level delivery of lifestyle philosophies as Laird explains why he’s prepared to live on the edge of discovery riding the heaviest wave in history. The TNQ Podcast will inspire you to face adversity and overcome life’s obstacles like no other podcast out there. Marcus, Rut and Laird accomplish their mission, which is to help you discover what it takes to live with the #NeverQuit mindset. Please help us share this critical information to millions of people around the world in need of some motivation that matters. Support the show.
3/21/2018 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 52 seconds
Dan Crenshaw – Navy SEAL Running for US Congress – Purple Heart recipient – Harvard Kennedy School of Government
How much are you willing to give to your country. What level of service are you capable of? The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome one of our own, Navy SEAL, Dan Crenshaw joins the team to share his remarkable #NeverQuitStory. Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and #TheWizard are fired up to be joined by this true American patriot. Dan vividly describes the story of losing his eye in combat and how it’s reshaped his sense of servitude. Don’t miss this epic show where four SEALs discuss the power of serving their country and why it critical for all of us to never lose sight of the bigger picture. No Frogman ever imagines getting permanently injured much less losing their eye on the battlefield. Dan Crenshaw as taken this devastating injury and turned it into a positive driver towards his next great calling in life. After attending the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Dan has decided to run for US Congress in his native Texas. His mission is to help bring his incredible experience as a Navy SEAL Officer to help his constituents realize the American dream too. Once again the TNQ Podcast has delivered inspiring positive content that will help you learn the #neverquitmindset. Our mission is to provide you, our dedicated loyal listeners, with information that will help you face adversity, overcome obstacles, and live a healthy meaningful life. If you have an epic Never Quit story please write us on our website and become part of Team Never Quit. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
2/28/2018 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 47 seconds
Andre Agassi – One the greatest athletes in sports history – Businessman – Philanthropist
In one of their best shows yet, Marcus Luttrell and David ‘Rut’ Rutherford slam the door shut on 2016 by welcoming one of the greatest athletes in history. Eight time Grand Slam champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and former number one player in the world, Andre Agassi, unleashes one of the most powerful Never Quit stories told on the TNQ Podcast. Andre bears all to listeners as he shares profound insight on being trapped in the expectations of others, the intoxicating allure of rebellion, and how he discovered true purpose to climb out of the ashes. Andre’s passion for helping under privileged kids succeed is unmatched and wonderfully motivating. Andre Agassi is considered by many to be one of the greatest professional tennis players ever. His explosive attitude on and off the court mesmerized us all in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Prepare to be deeply enlightened as he explains where his angst came from and how it destroyed his career. Agassi and the TNQ Podcast team dig deep into the power of purpose and what he used to turn his whole life around to lead him to become the number one player in the world again when most pundits believed his career was over. This show will leave you speechless. Marcus and Rut have once again delivered on their mission to provide you with the very best insight on the human condition possible. They deliver a message of hope and determination that will give you perspective on this past year and begin preparing you for 2017. Learn to face adversity and overcome obstacles with the help of Andre, Marcus and Rut. Also, if you have, or know someone, with a Never Quit story, please share it here on the site. Happy New Year. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
2/21/2018 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 54 seconds
Kyle Maynard – Born with Congenital Amputation – No arms and No Legs – Mountain Climber – Inspiration to millions – Soul Searcher
What do you take for granted? Your arms? Your Legs? This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard are honored to welcome one of the greatest inspirations of the modern era. Kyle Maynard joins the team to tell his greatest #NeverQuitStory and why being born with no arms and no legs has given him a life he could have never dreamed of. Listen in true wonderment as Kyle talks about his flirtation with suicide as a child and his insane grit as he recently climbed Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Kyle’s perpetual search for higher purpose is exactly what we all need to hear. Being born with Congenital Amputation for most people could be a death sentence. For Kyle Maynard is was the gift of never taking anything for granted in his amazing life. From becoming a champion wrestler in high school to writing an international best selling book, speaking to over 750,000 people and reaching millions more with his never quit story, Kyle has a perspective that transcends trivial distractions. His focus and determination to live a powerful and purposeful life will leave you without excuses. Once again the #TNQPodcast has delivered positive, inspiring content that will help their listeners face the greatest challenges life has to offer. If you are inspired by Kyle’s story please write in and share your greatest never story on the website. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
2/14/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 5 seconds
Mike Ritland – Navy SEAL K9 expert and operator – New York Times Best Selling Author – World class dog trainer
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome former Navy SEAL and world-class dog breeder and trainer, Mike Ritland, to the show. Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford bring another SEAL to the TNQ Podcast in order to provide epic insight into the #NeverQuitMindset. Mike describes several never quit stories that changed his perspective and purpose in life. Mike Ritland is a 3-time New York Times Best Selling Author, owner of Trikos Dog breeding and training center, and internet influencer. Listen as Mike outlines his incredible background, how we found his passion in training Dogs, and what he knows about turning puppies into the most advanced security protection dogs on the planet. Marcus, Rut and Mike once again deliver on their promise to provide you with critical information to help you in your fight against life’s greatest challenges. Dive in to the TNQ Podcast and begin igniting your never quit mindset. Please relay your greatest never quit story with our team and you might have a chance to become a guest on the show. HOOYAH Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
2/7/2018 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 2 seconds
Aubrey Marcus – CEO Onnit – Searching for total Human Optimization – Podcast Host – Author and Social Media Influencer
What is total Human Optimization and how do we achieve it. This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome a man whose mission in life to help people achieve their best possible self. Onnit CEO, Aubrey Marcus joins the crew to share his greatest #NeverQuitStory and why this grand quest has become his life’s work. Aubrey and is modern day philosopher, athlete, and entrepreneur who’s insight will enlighten you to begin thinking differently on your pathway to the #NeverQuitMindset. Join the team as they explore a comprehensive outlook on improving your life in every way. Aubrey Marcus has built an incredible business around a holistic approach towards discovering what allows human beings to achieve total optimization. His insight is backed up by personal experience and actual enhancements that build the body, mind, and spirit. Once again Marcus, Rut, and The Wizard have provided positive content intended on helping you approach your greatest challenges with a new outlook and healthy performance. If you’re inspired by Aubrey’s story, please write us and share your greatest never quit story. Your submission could get you on the show. Thank you for your incredible support. Great stories ignite legends. Support the show.
1/31/2018 • 1 hour, 25 minutes
Brogan Woll – Listener write-in special – Suffers from “The Suicide Disease” Trigeminal Neuralgia – Two brain surgeries – Ultra inspiring wife, mother and ER nurse
What would you do if every day of your life your face felt like it was perpetually being stung by a taser gun? What type of outlook would you have if every doctor you met said there was nothing they can do for you and you were going to live the rest of your life in excruciating pain? The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to bring dedicated listener who suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia, Brogan Woll to this weeks show. Stand by as Brogan shares her #NeverQuitStory with Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard. We promise you another remarkable story from Brogan and her incredible insights on living with pain to help you face the pain in your own life. The TNQ Podcast Team has delivered on their promise to bring a listener who dared to share their story on the website. Brogan Woll is an amazing woman who’s entire life had been crippled by a destructive disease. Imagine feeling like you were getting constantly stung by bees across your face while it was on fire. Brogan dives deep into her and her family’s efforts to stay strong and Never Quit in her fight against never ending pain. Marcus, Rut, and the Wizard are so proud to share Brogan’s story with the rest of the team. They are totally committed to bringing the most positive content available in podcasting. If you listen to Brogan’s story and feel compelled to write-in as she did, you too might end up being a guest on the show. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
1/24/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 58 seconds
Tim Ballard – Rescuing children from sex slavery with O.U.R. – Faith in the face of evil
In a show that will challenge your own humanity and frame of reference for this world, TNQ Podcast hosts and former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford sit down with Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad, who’s mission is rescuing children from the clutches of sex slavery. In a discussion which is simultaneously gut-wrenching and powerfully inspiring, Ballard takes you behind the scenes in order to tell his greatest #NeverQuit stories, and how O.U.R. has managed to rescue 650 victims and facilitated the arrest of more than 275 traffickers around the world. Following a calling, Ballard a father of six, took a leap of faith and walked away from a twenty-two year career with the US Department of Homeland Security, in order to found Operation Underground Railroad. It was a decision which would land him and his teams in some of the world’s darkest corners, confronting unimaginable crimes against children, and those who profit from such evil. Join us as Tim details two heart-wrenching O.U.R. missions to Colombia and Haiti, explains why his faith is critical to his Never Quit attitude, and why David applies a literal usage of “saint” to describe him. Once again, the TNQ Podcast is going to inspire you, and help you discover what it takes to live with the #NeverQuit mindset. However this week, thanks to Tim Ballard, you may also walk away with a new perspective on the world, it’s challenges, and your relation to faith. Help us spread the word about O.U.R., as well as, the incredible stories and lessons from all our other guests, by sharing the show with friends and family. Also, remember that we’d like to hear your own Never Quit story, which you can share here on our site. Support the show.
1/17/2018 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 16 seconds
Tony Blauer – Combatives Instructor – Fear Expert – All Around Badass – SPEC Ops Training Specialist
Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face. Well, not everyone. If you punch Tony Blauer in the face standby to get your ass kicked. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard are fired up to welcome Tony to this weeks episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast. Join the Team as Tony tells his greatest #NeverQuitStory and why he’s dedicated his life to understanding how human beings react in “real world” fights. Over 30 years of proven expertise along with insane academic facts regarding how destructive fear is in our lives guarantees this show will knock you out! Tony Blauer is undoubtedly one of the most experienced combative instructors in the country. His SPEAR fighting system has been a part of the Special Operations community since the early 90’s. Tony uses the science of the human brain and the science behind our fear to establish a system that works under extreme duress. Join Marcus, Rut, The Wizard and Tony as they talk fighting, fear and the funniest stories you’ve ever heard about getting knocked out. Once again the TNQ Podcast crew delivers relevant content to help you face your fears and learn the never quit mindset. Life is a perpetual fight and those who aren’t prepared are most certainly going to get laid out. This week’s show delivers the one-two punch everyone needs to gain the advantage when things get dicey. If you have a great Never Quit fight story please write into the website and share your incredible experience with us. Just maybe your submission might get read on the air. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
Have you ever met someone born to be a Marine? A person so committed to serving they were willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good? Join the Team Never Quit Podcast this week as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard welcome Marine, Combat Veteran, and amputee Kirstie Ennis. Kirstie represents the Corp and so much more. Join us as She tells her greatest #Neverquit story and how she discovered her true calling which is to inspire people across this great nation with her powerful story of perseverance and grit. Semper Fi, Do or Die. Growing up with parents who were both Marines set the stage for this future Helicopter Door Gunner. After losing her leg in Combat Kirstie was forced to discover a new pathway of fulfillment through outdoor adventure, hunting, mountain climbing, public speaking and inspiring young girls. Her incredible passion and determination will leave all listeners wanting more. Please join the TNQ Podcast team as they along with Kirstie once again deliver positive content that will help you develop the Never Quit mindset. HOORAH! Support the show.
12/27/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 10 seconds
Bernie Kerik – Former Police Commissioner New York City 9/11 – Former Head of the New York Prison System – Convicted Felon
It’s not often we have the opportunity to hear the perspective of someone that literally has a totally unique outlook. This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard have the incredible opportunity of bringing on the show Bernard Kerik, former Police Commissioner of NYC during 9/11 and convicted felon who served time in a federal prison. Listen to Bernie tell his incredible #NeverQuitStory and how a lifetime of service prepared him for his new fight against the justice system. This remarkable story about going from the top to the bottom will give tremendous insight in developing your never quit mindset. Bernard Kerik is one of the most accomplished men in his chosen profession of law enforcement. His resume is unlike any other person in the country. Bernie’s one of a kind perspective will blow you away. From playing a major role in managing the greatest tragedy of the 21st century to serving time in a federal prison has given him the most amazing insight in what it takes to overcome adversity and remain focused under extreme duress. Stand by as the TNQ Podcast team takes a ride along the most unbelievable career in law enforcement you’ve ever heard. Support the show.
12/20/2017 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 27 seconds
Derek Weida – 82nd Airborne ‘Amputee-Extraordinaire’ – Hilarious YouTube Fitness Guru – Iraq War Veteran
Derek Weida is way more than one a legged fitness guru in an ass-kicking-contest, and he’s definitely not your typical social media influencer! He’s motivationally hilarious with a message everyone needs to hear. Join Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and #TheWizard as they welcome Derek to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Stand by to be humbled and laugh uncontrollably while Derek shares his greatest #NeverQuitStory. His profound story being wounded in combat, multiple surgeries, threatening the VA he’d cut his own leg off, becoming a YouTube and social media sensation, and not really giving a &*%@ will have you re-evaluating your outlook on what’s really important in your life. Derek’s raw and inspiring story about going from the prestigious 82nd Airborne Unit, to starting an awesome non-profit is exactly what most of us need to hear. Trust us when we say this journey is epic. Losing his leg in combat and having his lifetime dream literally blown away almost destroyed Derek Weida. Follow Marcus, Rut, and the Wizard as they join Derek in describing his long journey through recovery, transition, despair, and re-inventing himself once again. Derek has affected millions of people’s lives via the net with his no bullshit approach to life. His epic rants on motivation, fitness, and various other wide ranging opinions have resonated with countless people all around the world. This episode of the TNQ Podcast will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head in disbelief because once again the Team delivers inspiring, unique content that will help you develop the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
12/6/2017 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 45 seconds
Brad Snyder – Blinded US Navy EOD operator – 5x Paralympic gold medalist – Naval Academy professor
Why in the world would any sane human being want to find and dismantle or destroy bombs? And even though an IED blew him up, Naval Officer and EOD Operator, Brad Snyder would simply say “to serve my country the best I can”. Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard as they welcome one of the most positive human beings on the planet, Brad Snyder, to this week’s incredible Team Never Quit Podcast. Brad gives his greatest #NeverQuitStory along with one of the most inspiring and heartfelt follow-ups the team has ever heard on the show. Oh, did we forget to mention he’s a five-time Paralympic gold medalist and BLIND! Brad Snyder is by far one of the most positive people to ever join Marcus, Rut and the Wizard on air. He’s a literal force of energy that leaves a wake of motivation in his path. Not only will his Never Quit story about serving his country, losing his sight to an IED blast and his best friend in combat, but his journey to physical, mental and spiritual recovery is nothing less than miraculous. Brad’s story is going to inspire you in more ways that we can adequately describe. Please join the TNQ Podcast team as they get fired up with Brad in trying to help you develop the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/29/2017 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Lara Logan – Survivor of near death sexual assault by Egyptian mob of 300 – Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for CBS – 60 Minutes anchor
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome CBS Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, and 60 Minutes co-host, Lara Logan, to the show. Marcus Luttrell and captain positive, David ‘Rut’ Rutherford, are super fired up to welcome this amazing person to share her remarkable Never Quit story. Lara has excelled as a War correspondent for the past 15 years. However, nothing compares to her traumatic, sexual assault by 300 Egyptian men during the 2011 Revolution in Tahir Square. Never before on the TNQ Podcast has a guest be so open about a personal near death event. Marcus and Lara discuss their incredible stories and share a powerful moment of solidarity on air. This show will inspire you like never before. Once again Marcus and Rut, with the help of Lara explore new boundaries within the never quit mindset. Lara’s profound perspective is transformational to say the least. You will learn more about grit, determination, and perseverance during this episode the most any other show available today. Don’t miss this one. And please help us spread the word as we believe the TNQ Podcast can help millions around the world face adversity, overcome challenges and live to fight another day. Support the show.
Three Navy SEALs and MARSOC Marine walk into a bar…. This could be the beginning of a great joke. However, this week’s Podcast is NO Joke! Stand by as Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and #TheWizard welcome Nick Koumalatsos to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Stand by as this epic crew dives into Nick’s greatest #NeverQuitStory and what his incredible experiences have prepared him for as he transitioned out of the Marine Corps. This show is hilarious and profound as at the same time. Any time a bunch of SPEC Ops guys get together to tackle the best ways to get through life’s toughest times anyone listening is gonna win big time. Nick is a true renaissance man. Since his challenging youth experiences, through his time as a RECON and MARSOC Marine, and since his separation from the CORPs, he’s been pushing the envelope of personal development. His unique perspective on life has enabled him to accomplish great things. Nick discusses his non-profit The Raider Project and how helping other Vets has taught him to be more genuine with his own identity. His incredible vision and insight towards following the things in life that make you happiest will no doubt leave listeners craving more from Nick. The TNQ Podcast once again hits its mark and delivers three Navy SEALs and MARSOC Marine to help you develop the never quit mindset. Join this crew as they breakdown some critical aspects you can use to help you overcome the greatest obstacles in your life. After listening to the show, please write in and share your greatest never quit with our team. HOOYAH. Oh, wait SEMPER FI. Support the show.
11/15/2017 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 48 seconds
Diana Nyad – Swam 110 miles from Florida to Cuba at 65 after 4 previous failures – Massively inspiring endurance and tenacity
Get ready to be inspired as Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford deliver another hilariously profound and motivating show on the Team Never Quit Podcast. In this week’s episode Marcus and David welcome the world’s greatest distance swimmer, Diana Nyad. Diana is one of the most incredible endurance athletes to have ever lived. Known for her epic quest of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida, a feat that spanned 35 years. Finally in her fifth attempt, at age 64, Diana completed the 110 mile journey in 53 hours and without the help of a shark cage. Be inspired as she details this epic never quit story. In this powerful episode Diana Nyad details her incredible journey of becoming the greatest endurance swimmer of all time. She talks about her many failures, the successful expedition, her incredible teammates and what she did to continue during her darkest hours alone in the water between Havana and Key West. Listen to Marcus, David and Diana as they all explore the specific attitude needed to live a “Never Quit” lifestyle. Tune in to the After Actions Report where Diana detials her daily routine and why she’s become a beacon of light for people around the world. Never before has there been a show like the TNQ Podcast. A show where the hosts have so much in common with the guest and are able to inspire one another with mutual admiration and respect. It’s Marcus’ and David’s mission to inspire you to begin living with the Never Quit mindset by exposing you to amazing human beings that understand the human condition. If you’re looking battle adversity and overcome the greatest obstacles in life, then subscribe to the Team Never Quit Podcast today. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
11/8/2017 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 27 seconds
Tanner Godfrey – Paralyzed to walking again – Nitro Circus extreme athlete – UTV World Record Holder
Setting a world record for jumping a UTV 202 feet would be pretty awesome itself. However, when the man who sets the record was paralyzed just a few years before from a tragic motocross accident, then it becomes totally inspiring. The Team Never Quit Podcast is stoked to welcome Tanner Godfrey to this week’s epic show. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard get fired up when Tanner tells his greatest #NeverQuitStory and how he’s taken his injury and become a shining beacon of hope for all injured athletes. Tanner’s story of overcoming obstacles to become a paraplegic extreme athlete is nothing short of miraculous. Tanner’s whole life revolved around becoming a world-class motocross champion. His family, the Godfrey Clan is one of the most influential groups in the motocross world. Having been a part of the Nitro Circus family, Tanner understands the dangers of extreme motocross. Even after his injury in 2007, Tanner couldn’t stay away from riding dirt bikes and UTVs. In 2015 Tanner set a world record as he jumped his RZR 202 feet. Perhaps most amazing of all, through his meticulous commitment to rehabilitation, today he has regained enough use of his legs to walk assisted by canes. Tanner’s story left Marcus, Rut, and The Wizard in total amazement as to the strength and determination this young man possesses. Once again The TNQ Podcast Team has found another guest who’s story defines the #NeverQuitmindset. It’s our mission to help you to discover the tools so you too can overcome your physical, mental or spiritual injuries and set new records in your life. If you have an inspiring Never Quit story please write in and share with the community, perhaps the guys will read your story on the air. Thank you for your support and never stop soaring. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
11/1/2017 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 20 seconds
Michael Schlitz – IED burned 85% of body and lost both hands – US Army Ranger – Gary Sinise Foundation
What would you do if you didn’t have hands? How would you act if you had burns over 85% of your body? Would you quit? Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the #TheWizard as they welcome US Army Sergeant, Michael Schlitz to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Join the team as they welcome former US Army Ranger Sergeant Schlitz to the show. Listen to his remarkable #NeverQuitStory and how he survived a devastating IED in Iraq. He lost so much, but yet has gained a perspective that inspires anyone who opens his or her heart to his inspiring words of wisdom. Michael Schlitz lives in a perpetual never quit situation. Yet, after 80+ surgeries his extraordinary outlook on life, and his focus and determination to continue serving are a benefit to all veterans. Michael lost three platoon mates in Iraq on February 27th, 2007, but is not defined by his injuries or trauma. He is defined by his ability to keep focused on his next mission for the memories of his brothers. His outreach through the renowned Gary Sinise Foundation has helped thousands of struggling veterans and their spouses. Take a minute to listen and allow his Never Quit story to inspire you. The TNQ Podcast once again delivers another outstanding guest that forces listeners to think beyond trivial challenges and to begin honestly addressing the biggest obstacles in life. Please help our team spread the word and join our mission to help others around the world learn the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
10/25/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds
Tim Kennedy – Special Forces sniper – UFC fighter – ISIS ‘Most Wanted’ list
The Team Never Quit Podcast is super fired up to welcome Special Forces Sniper, Army Ranger, Combat Veteran, UFC Middle Weight fighter and all around badass Tim Kennedy to the show. Mr. Never Quit, Marcus Luttrell, and fellow Navy SEAL, David Rutherford, have finally met their match with Tim and his amazing Never Quit story. Tim is an explosive guy, literally and figuratively. How else does one wind up on an ISIS hit list? Tim Kennedy is an American Patriot, Warrior Poet and all around hilarious guy. His high energy lights up Marcus and Rut as they discuss what made Tim reassess what he called a selfish existence and start serving his country at the highest level. They also get into what it’s like to fight Navy SEALs and world-class UFC fighters. Tim’s incredible Never Quit attitude will inspire you to get into the fight. In this Veterans Day special the TNQ Podcast accomplishes its mission and delivers another amazing interview that inspires listeners to face adversity, stay in the fight and overcome obstacles like never before. Also, please remember to share your own Never Quit story on our website. Great stories inspire legends. Support the show.
10/11/2017 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 12 seconds
James Hinchcliffe – Indycar 230mph near-fatal crash survivor – Miraculous return to racing – Dancing with the Stars
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome IndyCar driver and survivor, James Hinchcliffe. Listen as James tells Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard his incredible #NeverQuitStory and why after almost dying on the track he continues to push the limits every season. James Hinchcliffe is the definition of Never Quit. His incredible pursuit of becoming a top rated Indycar driver is nothing short of miraculous. From his rough start to his near fatal wreck into the wall going 230 mph at the Indianapolis 500, his drive for excellence will inspire you beyond belief. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome fellow Navy SEAL, Justin Legg, to this weeks show. Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford couldn’t be more proud to have Justin on the show to tell his incredible Never Quit story. Justin is not only a Iraqi War Veteran, but also a Cancer Survivor and double lung transplant recipient. His story is one of the most remarkable stories told to date in the TNQ Podcast. Justin Legg is one of the toughest men to ever wear the Trident. Join Marcus and Rut as they invite Justin to share his profound story with listeners. He is the definition of never quit. Imagine becoming a Navy SEAL Officer, leading men into combat, getting diagnosed with Leukemia, beating it with a bone marrow transplant, getting a massive infection, being forced to receive a double lung transplant, climbing a mountain, getting a masters and cheating death over and over again. That’s Justin Legg. Don’t miss this show as three Navy SEALs, Marcus, Rut and Justin deliver inspiring lessons of perseverance, determination and the will to live. Their mission is to motivate you to face the adversity in your life, overcome obstacles, and learn to use the never quit mindset in order to achieve success in your life. Don’t forget to listen to Justin’s “After Action Report” where he tell’s you the how to live with the never quit attitude. HOOYAH. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
9/13/2017 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 2 seconds
James Lawrence – 50 Ironman Triathlons in 50 days in 50 states –The Iron Cowboy – World Record Holder – Regular guy, impossible dream
Everyone said it would be impossible to do 50 Ironmans in 50 states in 50 days… until the Iron Cowboy. Stand by for this week’s insane episode on the Team Never Quit Podcast. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #theWizard welcome world record holder, James Lawrence, to the show. Wait until you listen to James’ greatest #NeverQuitStory and what lead him to attempt one of the greatest endurance feats any human being has ever undertaken. The Iron Cowboy gives rare insight into how belief in one’s self can enable us to unlock our greatest potential. James has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that ordinary people can do extraordinary things as long as they have unrelenting faith in themselves, as well as, a dedicated small team to support them. Marcus, Rut and the Wizard take James down the rabbit hole in order to discover what drove him to undergo something that many in the sport swore was impossible, and that others flat out mocked him for. The Iron Cowboy shares insight that promises to help you begin exploring your true potential. Once again the TNQ Podcast delivers on their mission to bring you the most positive content available. Our mission is to help you discover your Never Quit mindset by listening to the greatest Never Quit stories ever told. If you have one you would like to share with our team please don’t hesitate to write in to the website. If it truly inspires our Frogmen, then they will read it on air or actually bring you on as a guest for the show. Thank you for your incredible support and for being a part of the Never Quit Team. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
9/6/2017 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 10 seconds
Chad Fleming – Army Ranger Captain – 5 combat deployments as lower leg amputee – Fighting back from trauma – Epitome of the American warfighter
In this week’s 4th of July special episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford are honored to welcome retired Army Ranger Captain Chad Fleming to the show. Chad is an original member of Team Never Quit because he represents the epitome of perseverance, grit, and commitment to the spirit of the American Warfighter. Prepare to get inspired as Chad tells his greatest never quit story. Chad explains how getting ambushed, losing his leg, and working his butt off to redeploy ignited his desire to be a better man every day in life. Tune in as great friends, Marcus and Chad share their war stories, and the truth about what it takes to get back into the combat of life. After six deployments (five with one leg), two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, serving as a police officer, having kids, and becoming a motivational speaker to giant corporations, Chad has learned how to live with the “Never Quit” attitude in every aspect of his life. Captain Fleming describes his incredible journey from Walter Reed to the stage of the Patriot Tour, and lays out a clear explanation of how you can learn the Never Quit Mindset yourself. It’s Marcus’, David’s and Chad’s mission to inspire millions of people across the country with a motivational message that ignites individuals to welcome the hardship of life, overcome obstacles, and thrive in the face of real adversity. Don’t forget to listen to Chad’s “After Action Report” as he shares the how-to’s on living each day with the Never Quit Mindset to prepare you to take on the combat of life. Perhaps you, or someone amazing you know, already lived such a story? If so, we’d love to hear it. Simply go to the “Share Your Story” section of this site, and help inspire us and your fellow listeners. Great Stories Ignite Legends! Support the show.
8/30/2017 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 42 seconds
Dana White – UFC President – Mayweather vs McGregor Promoter – The Man Who Changed the Face of Combative Sports – Boston Fighter
Ladies and Gentlemen, LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE….ITS LIVE! Stand by for this weeks explosive Team Never Quit Podcast with Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard. UFC President #DanaWhite joins the team and shares his incredible #NeverQuitStory. Dana explains what it takes to crush it in the fight game. He also gives killer insight about his daily approach to winning no matter what. This weeks show will knock you out. Dana White has literally changed the face of combat sports. Taking the UFC from a fledgling spectacle to a 4 billion dollar industry. He digs into what drove him to leave behind a dead end job in order to pursue his dream of being a part of the fight game. Needless to say his fiery never quit style challenges all those who come in contact with it. Dana also explains the phenomena of the McGregor/Mayweather fight and what makes Connor such an incredible #NeverQuit athlete. You don’t want to miss this show. Stand by to receive a motivational punch in the throat. You will be cracking raw eggs and running steps the first thing after listening to this inspiring show of hard knocks. Don’t forget to write into the website and tell the team about your greatest fight and how you TKO’d your greatest challenges. HOOYAH Support the show.
8/23/2017 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 18 seconds
Jim McIngvale – Mattress Mack – Rags to riches Houston business icon – Family man & philanthropist – Power of old school work ethic
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome Houston business icon, Jim McIngvale, to this week’s show. Marcus, Rut and #TheWizard are fired up to have Jim tell his greatest #NeverQuitStories along with what it takes to build a multimillion dollar business from the ground up. Jim’s story is filled with endless inspiration and countless principles that can be applied in all facets of life. Jim McIngvale is a true rags to riches story. He’s a man that’s driven by an old school philosophy of work ethic that stands the test of time. He teaches our listeners the meaning of sacrifice, total commitment, and serving the community that has given him so much. Jim also describes the monumental philanthropic effort he’s made to support countless charities and organizations around the world. He is living proof that if you want to succeed, nothing beats the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
8/16/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 19 seconds
Wes Whitlock – CEO Rogue American Apparel – US Marine – Vetrepreneur – Philanthropist
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome one of the most focused and honorable entrepreneurs succeeding in America today. Wes Whitlock is the CEO of Rouge American Apparel, a Marine, and a philanthropist. His tireless hard work developing a genuine brand has shaped a philosophy that inspires all that come in contact with it. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard are fired up as they entice Wes to tell his greatest #NeverQuitStory. Wes Whitlock is a driven vetrepreneur whose mission is to create not only a cool brand, but also to inspire the people who come in contact with Rogue to be genuine with themselves. His tireless work ethic is motivational to say the least, his appreciation for organic growth and support is honorable, and giving back by supporing the veteran community, first responders and law enforcement is commendable. Rogue is true at heart and allows people to connect with the military, tactical, muscle cars, rock-n-roll, and all things “Merica”. Tune into this show to discover how to make your passion come true. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
7/26/2017 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 19 seconds
Kyle Carpenter – USMC Medal of Honor recipient – Dove on grenade to save fellow Marine – Incredible recovery over 3 years of hospitalization
Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and The Wizard are honored to welcome Medal of Honor Recipient, Kyle Carpenter, to this week’s special 4th of July edition of the show. Please join us as we have the privilege of hearing US Marine Carpenter’s incredible #NeverQuit story along with his profound insight on living a life of courage, responsibility and honor. His remarkable story will make you feel like there’s nothing that can defeat you. This is one of the TNQ Podcast’s most impactful shows dealing with selflessness and recovery. Kyle delivers tons of powerful messages that can be immediately implemented in your life today. Our team is immensely thankful to Kyle for coming on the show and sharing with our amazing listeners. Please help us spread Kyle’s message to as many people you know. God bless Kyle Carpenter, his family, the Marine Corps, and God bless America. Semper Fi! William Kyle Carpenter’s Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 November 2010. Lance Corporal Carpenter was a member of a platoon-sized coalition force, comprised of two reinforced Marine rifle squads partnered with an Afghan National Army squad. The platoon had established Patrol Base Dakota two days earlier in a small village in the Marjah District in order to disrupt enemy activity and provide security for the local Afghan population. Lance Corporal Carpenter and a fellow Marine were manning a rooftop security position on the perimeter of Patrol Base Dakota when the enemy initiated a daylight attack with hand grenades, one of which landed inside their sandbagged position. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Carpenter moved toward the grenade in an attempt to shield his fellow Marine from the deadly blast. When the grenade detonated, his body absorbed the brunt of the blast, severely wounding him, but saving the life of his fellow Marine. By his undaunted courage, bold fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death, Lance Corporal Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
7/5/2017 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 44 seconds
Greg Barker – Award winning documentary film maker – ‘Legion of Brothers’ – ‘Manhunt’ The Search for Bin Laden – ‘Ghosts of Rwanda’
The Team Never Quit Podcast is excited to welcome award winning documentary film-maker Greg Barker to this week’s show. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell David Rutherford and the Wizard dive right in to their search for Mr. Barker’s greatest never quit story. Greg has spent the last 20 years producing award winning documentary TV and films. His most known works include Ghost of Rwanda, Sergio, Koran by Heart, Manhunt – The Inside Story for the hunt for Bin Laden, and his latest Legion of Brothers. Join the TNQ Podcast team as they inspire Greg to deliver his greatest never quit story. As a storyteller, Greg delivers incredible insight to some of the most significant events of the modern era. What makes someone want to spend 7 years producing a documentary about genocide? And what happens to that person’s perspective on the human condition? Find out as Greg Barker shares his amazing life traveling around the world to help his viewers see these critical events in history through a different lens. In his latest endeavor, ‘Legion Of Brothers’, Greg tells the tale of Special Forces ODA Teams that lead the original charge into Afghanistan at the very start of the war. The ‘Horse Riders,’ as they are known in Special Operations’ circles, could be one of the most fascinating stories of the entire war. He also explains what he witnessed as he interviewed all the Horse Rider’s in present day and the profound affects war has had on each of them as individuals as well as their families. Once again Marcus, Rut and the Wizard deliver a powerful show that will hopefully inspire you to develop your ‘Never Quit’ mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
6/28/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 36 seconds
Dave Grossman (Lt Col. USAF) – Professor of ‘Killology’ the psychology of killing – Expert on America’s violence epidemic
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome the world’s leading authority on the subject of killing, it’s effects on human beings engaged in combat and the taking of human life. Former West Point graduate and professor, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman shares his greatest never quit story and why violence in America is soaring. Professor Grossman has dedicated his life to researching the topic of killing. His best selling books “On Killing” and “On Combat” provide invaluable content and education to all Special Operations Units and tens of thousands of police officers and first responders across America. Col. Grossman speaks over 300 days a year and is wholly committed to exposing the truth behind the essence of violence and why the human species is prone to destroying each other. Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford once again give their listeners tremendous insight into the world around them by inviting Dave Grossman to the show. It’s their mission to help people around the world to discover what it means to live with the Never Quit mindset. It’s time to shift your perspective and begin living life to it’s fullest by facing adversity head on and overcoming all of life’s obstacles. Please help us spread the word by sharing the TNQ Podcast with all your friends and family. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
6/21/2017 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 20 seconds
Stacey Kozel – “Iron Will” quadriplegic who completed the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail while battling lupus
This week TNQ Podcast hosts and former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and guest-host, Clint Bruce, are honored to welcome the remarkable Stacey “Iron Will” Kozel. Since being diagnosed with Lupus at nineteen, which over time left her paralysed with severely diminished lung function, she’s remarkably completed the entire 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Listen in as Marcus, Clint, and Wizard catch up to her to discuss her greatest Never Quit story while she’s in the middle of her new mission, the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. You’re going to be amazed by Stacey’s infectious positivity and joyful nature. Particularly for someone who has battled back, over months and years, from this terrible auto-immune disease which causes the body to attack itself. Then, only to have it return multiple times, each time wiping out all progress and leaving her in a worse condition. You’re going to discover how she credits her tenacious nature developed through sports, the power of humor, and her fascinating perspective on Lupus, for empowering her successful fight to take back control over life and live it to the fullest. Once again this week, the TNQ Podcast team, along with Stacey Kozel, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Please do us, and those around you, a favor by spreading the word and sharing this episode with friends and family. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
6/14/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 36 seconds
David Vobora – Re-defining the limits of veterans with life-altering injury – Adaptive Training Foundation – NFL linebacker
Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, lost both legs and nearly both arms while fighting in Afghanistan in 2012. When this week’s guest, strength and conditioning coach David Vobora, invited him to train at his gym he could hardly take the offer seriously, but accept it he did. It was from this improbable meeting that Adaptive Training Foundation was born. Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, and guest co-host Clint Bruce, as they sit down with Vobora for a dynamic and inspiring discussion into how his own #NeverQuit story is directly related to his new mission in life, training “Re-calibrated Carnivores.” Former NFL linebacker Vobora is breaking new ground for veterans with life-altering injuries by creating a pathway to adaptive sports. He never imagined that discovering that his own #NeverQuit story, and injury which ended his football career, which lead to depression and prescription medication abuse, would be road to recovery made possible through his passion for the innovative healing of others. He goes into depth with Marcus and Clint about the power of utilizing one’s pain and scars to activate growth, and that just because a warrior becomes physically disabled, that doesn’t mean they’ve lost the need to compete and fight the combat of life. Additionally, Vobora poses the question to Marcus, “how do you deal with the word hero?” and it’s an answer you won’t want to miss. Once again, the TNQ Podcast team, along with fascinating guest, David Vobora, bring you the powerful tools of the Never Quit mindset. All you need to do is pick them up, and have the courage to start using them in your own life to drive forward toward your goals. We believe you can do it. Don’t forget to spread the word about the TNQ Podcast among friends and family. Also, please remember to share your own, or someone you know, Never Quit story with the community HERE on the website. We look forward to hearing from you. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
6/7/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 28 seconds
Carly Fiorina – US Presidential candidate – CEO of Hewlett Packard – Cancer survivor
This week the TNQ Podcast has the privilege to sit down with one of America’s most accomplished and impressive businesswomen, Carly Fiorina. It’s an episode packed with fascinating insights into overcoming fear, the strength of women, and leadership. Listen as former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, and this week’s returning guest-host, Clint Bruce, kick-off the interview discussing how Carly’s first major client at AT&T and a strip club, became one of Carly’s many powerful #NeverQuit stories, before digging deep into her formidable Never Quit mindset. Everyone is going to take away inspiration and insight from Carly’s words, but her track record as a woman who has continually broken through the “glass ceiling” is what makes this interview particularly powerful for everyone tuning in. From her rise up the ladder at AT&T, to becoming CEO of Hewlett Packard, the loss of her daughter, and overcoming cancer, not to mention her battles in the political realm as candidate for President of the United States and US Senate, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Carly’s candor and down-to-earth honesty make this episode truly amazing. She talks at length about how her struggle against fear was as massive as it was formative in her rise to the top of the American business world. Additionally, this show is exceptional because it’s packed with practical advice you can start applying today. From Carly’s leadership wisdom of placing primary importance on seeing the potential in others, to how critical it is in life to determine your personal gifts, get a pen and paper ready because you’ll be wanting to take notes. Once again this week, the TNQ Podcast team, along with Carly Fiorina, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Help spread the word by sharing the show with friends and family. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
5/31/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 10 seconds
John Resig – Founder of The Chive – World’s largest entertainment website, community & charitable organization
This week the TNQ Podcast is proud to welcome John Resig, founder of The Chive, the world’s largest entertainment website. This master entrepreneur’s Never Quit story takes place in the ultra competitive world of digital entertainment, where you must “innovate…or die.” Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, and TNQ Podcast producer, Wizard, as they unlock the mindset behind how you grow a startup into a massive digital presence, highly engaged community and charitable organization, all while never quitting when the times got tough. This episode of the TNQ Podcast is a great combination of being highly entertaining, while also packed full of truly actionable advice you can apply today in your own life. One minute there will be a story of Marcus alligator wrestling or being struck by lightning, and the next minute full of hard-truth advice to millennials about what it means to be a productive citizen, or how the keys to modern day success are still rooted in old-school work ethic. Also, find out how Resig’s unusual balance of work and play, or willingness to experiment and fail, are key elements behind his extraordinary success. Once again this week, Marcus, Wizard, and the TNQ Podcast team, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Help spread the word by sharing the show with friends and family. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
5/24/2017 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 20 seconds
Amberley Snyder – Paralyzed professional rodeo rider – Motivational speaker
It’s been seven years since Amberley Snyder, a junior rodeo world champion, had her life changed instantaneously in a vehicle accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. What’s remarkable is that since then, she’s not only earned her a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and become a motivational speaker, but has incredibly returned to rodeo, and today is a highly competitive professional barrel racer. Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, and his twin brother guest-host, Morgan, while they sit down with Amberley as she details her fascinating story, and learn some powerful insights into harnessing the #NeverQuit mindset. This episode is not only inspiring, but Amberley also brings a positivity with her that is infectious. You’re going to find out why her first time back in the saddle, where she’d have to buckle herself on and strap her lifeless legs down, was a traumatic experience, and soon after she would avoid horses completely. You’ll also hear of the life changing moment when she began to accept her circumstances, and launch herself down a new path that was more rich and rewarding than she ever could’ve imagined. What makes this week’s episode so powerful and unique are how the unexpected commonalities shared between Marcus, Morgan, and Amberley create such a fascinating discussion. All three were/are paralyzed due to spinal injury at some point in life. All were raised around horses. Last but not least, Morgan is currently finishing his doctorate of neuroscience, and delivers some deep insight into nerve regeneration, spinal injury treatment, as well as, prognoses for the future. Once again this week, the TNQ Podcast team, along with Amberley Snyder, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Please do us, and those around you, a favor by spreading the word, and share this episode with friends and family. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
5/17/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 45 seconds
Ryan Zinke – U.S. Secretary of the Interior – Former SEAL Team Six Commander
It’s not often you have the opportunity to listen to a United States cabinet member tell their greatest Never Quit story. In this weeks amazing Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus Luttrell and special guest host, Navy SEAL and former NFL football player, Clint Bruce, welcome the very first Team Guy to hold a senior cabinet level position, Retired DevGru Commander Ryan Zinke. Secretary Zinke shares his inspiring story to help listeners overcome adversity and dedicate their lives to their teams. Join Marcus, Clint and Commander Zinke in this rare opportunity to dig into the Navy SEAL mindset, and how it enabled all of these men to accomplish great things in their life. Secretary Zinke describes his passion for the outdoors, playing sports and his total commitment to serving our great nation. Listen to his remarkable career and how the lessons he learned in the SEAL Teams drove him to achieve one of the highest positions in the political realm. Once again, the TNQ Podcast delivers powerful, positive content to motivate listeners to believe they too possess the Never Quit mindset. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
5/10/2017 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 58 seconds
Bennie Wylie – NFL and NCAA strength and conditioning coach – Winner of NBC’s ‘Strong’ competition – Team Never Quit Podcast
Throughout his childhood, Bennie Wylie was mentally and physically abused by an alcoholic father. Forced to grow-up fast and take command of his future, by 15 he was living on his own while also working a job, the captain of the band and football team, and an active Boy Scout. Today he’s an extremely successful strength and conditioning coach having held positions in the NFL and NCAA, and the father of his own beautiful family of five. He never quit. The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome this truly remarkable man to the show. Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and his guest-host brother Morgan, as they welcome their close family friend to the show. Listen as Bennie describes his incredible story of perseverance, commitment, and confidence to become one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in the country. Bennie has taken his epic challenges in life and developed a personal and professional coaching style that has taken him to the very top of his game. Bennie’s first job out of college was with the Dallas Cowboys where he worked with the likes of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Dion Sanders. At twenty-six he became the head strength and conditioning coach for Texas Tech for eight years, helping to lead his athletes to preform at their highest level. He eventually wound up at the University of Tennessee. Bennie has guided hundreds of athletes around the country motivating them to experience the Never Quit attitude. Once again Marcus, Morgan, Bennie and the Wizard have given listeners another amazing show to help them to begin developing their Never Quit mindset. The TNQ Podcast team hopes you will help us spread the word about our show and introduce us to someone you know that needs help overcoming adversity in their life. Also, if you have, or know of, an awesome Never Quit story, then we invite you to please write into the show and share it with us. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
5/3/2017 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 4 seconds
Sadie Robertson – Positive Millennial influencer – Duck Dynasty – Dancing with the Stars
Imagine growing up on the biggest reality television show’s of all time, Duck Dynasty. When life presents you with the ability to influence millions of people around the world with your faith and fame at nineteen, what would you do? The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome Sadie Robertson to this week’s show. Join Marcus Luttrell and his twin brother guest-host Morgan, also a former Navy SEAL, as they welcome one of the most positive young woman you’ll ever meet. Listen as Sadie shares her greatest Never Quit story. Sadie Robertson is proving that being young is much more than attention to self, it’s about how you affect the world around you. This remarkable woman is using her fame and influence to make the world better in everything she does. She has chosen to spread her faith and focus as a YouTube personality, motivational speaker, and aspiring actress. Sadie is also an energetic entrepreneur and leads the charge in several different business lines, from prom dresses, to jewelry, to denim lines in Rue 21. The TNQ Podcast, along with Marcus, Morgan and Sadie bring you inspiring hope that we are in good hand with our future influencers like Sadie. Take the time and listen to her insight and allow it to motivate you to begin living with the Never Quit mindset. Everyday is a new opportunity to begin overcoming life’s adversity and living to your full potential. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
4/26/2017 • 53 minutes, 50 seconds
Dewey Bozella – Boxer imprisoned 26 years for a crime he didn’t commit – The power of choice
At the age of 24, Dewey Bozella was sentenced to life in prison for a ghastly murder, but it was a crime which he did not commit. Over the years he had multiple opportunities to go home a free man. The catch? Simply admit you’re guilty they would say. He would not emerge from Sing Sing State Penitentiary, achieve his dream of becoming a professional boxer, or receive exoneration until 26 years later. Join former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, and his twin brother guest-host, Morgan, while they sit down with Dewey as he delivers one of the TNQ Podcast’s most incredible examples of personal transformation, integrity, and the #NeverQuit mindset. This episode will leave you shaking your head trying to wrap your mind around Bozella’s story. You’ll be asking yourself “could I possibly be capable of doing the same?” Not until you understand the personal transformation he underwent while behind bars, can you begin to understand how an innocent man would value his integrity and personal reputation far greater than his freedom. He shares that his journey was one rooted in the fundamental power of taking control over your circumstances by accepting responsibility for one’s actions and choices, even in the face of tremendous injustice. Beyond delivering an undeniably fascinating story, Dewey lays out his seven principles of life. Seven very practically applicable pieces of advice from a man who discovered them the hard way, and put them to use to raise himself from a trial by fire. Once again this week, the TNQ Podcast team, along with Dewey Bozella, deliver on their mission to bring you some of the world’s most inspiring and impactful #NeverQuit stories. Please do us, and those around you, a favor by spreading the word, and share this episode with friends and family. “Great Stories Ignite Legends” Support the show.
4/19/2017 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 54 seconds
Elizabeth McIngvale – Her victory over debilitating Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Imagine compulsively washing your hands over one hundred times a day until the skin is raw. Picture an obsession with religious symbolism which causes you to avoid the number 6 at all costs, or not being able to use a bookmark, and having to restart every book again and again on page one. This was the debilitating mental prison called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that Elizabeth McIngvale suffered in, and which almost drove her to take her own life, until her family and #NeverQuit attitude helped her break free. This week on the TNQ Podcast, the team is not only excited to welcome Elizabeth, who’s gone on to earn her doctorate, found the Peace of Mind Foundation, and become spokeswoman for the International OCD Foundation, but also guest-host Morgan Luttrell. Since David ‘Rut’ Rutherford is on vacation this week, Marcus Luttrell and the team could think of no one better than his own twin brother, former Navy SEAL officer, and soon to be Doctor of Neuroscience to slide in and cover down. As always, this week the TNQ Podcast brings you a strong dose of inspiration along with many powerful insights and advice to help you fight the combat of life. Do your part by helping us spread McIngvale’s story and advice, as well as, those from our other incredible guests, by sharing with family and friends. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
4/12/2017 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 29 seconds
Greg Jackson – Legendary mixed martial arts coach – A thinking man’s approach to a brutal sport
In the world of mixed martial arts few gyms reach the level of notoriety for excellence that has become synonymous with Jackson Wink MMA Academy, or the legendary status of its coach Greg Jackson. This week TNQ Podcast hosts and former Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, sit down with the guru of the striking and grappling game to dissect some of the fundamental qualities of champions, his ultra successful coaching approach, and of course how through it all, the #NeverQuit mindset plays a crucial role. Jackson not only drops some serious knowledge, he lays down a master-class filled with practical advice. From cultivating the warrior mentality and culture, to ‘thriving where others suffer’ and the key marker he’s witnessed time and time again in champions, everyone from student to coach will walk away from this episode in better condition to face the combat of life and succeed. Once again, the TNQ Podcast team accomplishes it’s mission to serve up invaluable advice with a huge dose of inspiration from some of the world’s most outstanding individuals. Please help us spread this critical information with the millions of people around the world looking to sharpen their Never Quit attitude by sharing the show. Also, don’t forget that we want to hear your greatest Never Quit story as well, so please consider submitting it here on the site. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
4/5/2017 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 45 seconds
Clint Bruce – Navy SEAL officer – NFL & Navy Hall of Fame linebacker – Powerful leadership in tribal mentality
Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, are back once again this week with a serious over-achiever. Guest Clint Bruce, the Naval Academy Hall of Fame team captain, NFL linebacker, and Navy SEAL officer rejoins the show to bring you his own stories and experience in the mindset of #NeverQuit. Outside of being truly exceptional on the field in both football and the SEALs, Clint brings his sharp philosophical mind, what he calls the “intelligent savage,” to bear. In his first appearance on the TNQ Podcast, Clint accompanied Brendan McDonough, one of the many people he’s worked with as a mentor, for an awesome discussion with the only survivor of the Yarnell Hill wildfire disaster. This week he’s back to dig deep into dealing with the loss of his father at a young age, why his power animal is a Silverback Gorilla riding a Great White Shark, and to lay down tons of practical advice which you can start applying in your own life today. The TNQ Podcast will inspire you to face adversity and overcome life’s obstacles like no other podcast out there. Marcus, Rut and Clint accomplish their mission, which is to help you discover what it takes to live with the #NeverQuit mindset. Please help us share this critical information to millions of people around the world in need of some motivation that matters. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
3/8/2017 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 28 seconds
Tait Fletcher – Changing your life’s trajectory – Going from drugs and crime to a UFC fighter, Hollywood actor, stuntman and serial entrepreneur
On this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast Marcus and Rut welcome the remarkable former MMA fighter, Hollywood actor, podcast host and entrepreneur, Tait Fletcher, to the show. Stand by to be inspired by Tait’s amazing “Never Quit” story and his incredible transformation from drug addiction and crime to the Pirate of Positivity. Tait is a true Renaissance man. Tait began his transformation after flirting with jail and developing a relationship with a wise old woman. Since then he’s dedicated himself to several life changing pursuits. He was a pioneer in the MMA world working with the great coach Greg Jackson. He’s an accomplished stuntman and has appeared in many top grossing movies playing unforgettable bad guys. Tait is rapidly becoming a serial entrepreneur with his Caveman Coffee Brand and a series of very successful clubs called the Concrete Cowboy. His most powerful contribution is by far his infectious positivity and motivational outlook on life. Prepare to be inspired once again as Marcus, David and Tait deliver a philosophical show that will ignite your desire to apply the Never Quit mindset, as life’s challenges never stop coming. The TNQ Podcast provides you with the how-to for overcoming the obstacles of life. This show will lift you up and prepare you for your next big fight. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
3/1/2017 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 46 seconds
Luttrell & Rutherford – Defining the Never Quit Mindset
In this landmark week for the TNQ Podcast, former Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford, and the Wizard ignite their audience by re-releasing the episode that started it all. Before being an iTunes “Top Podcast 2016”, or exceeding the first million downloads, the team layed down their definition of the Never Quit mindset. Marcus and David open the show by breaking down one of the greatest Never Quit stories in history, then quickly shift focus and get warmed up with the Mad Minute. Finally, David digs into the psychology of the Never Quit attitude by interviewing Marcus in order to hear an authentic account of what it means to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. Marcus, David, and the Wizard are totally committed to serving you with awesome information that leaves you wanting to improve your life. The TNQ Podcast is the most real, positive and helpful podcast available today. Great Stories ignite Legends. Support the show.
2/8/2017 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Dana Loesch – Political influencer – Radio show firebrand – 2nd Amendment stalwart
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome one of the most influential political commentator’s to this show this week. Marcus Luttrell and Captain Positive, David ‘Rut’ Rutherford, are fired up to welcome Dana to the show to share her greatest never quit story. Dana is one of the top female radio host in the country and delivers powerful daily insight about current events and powerful opinions. Listeners will be incredibly motivated by Dana and her passion for journalism and how a WWII Veteran and his story changed her life forever. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
2/1/2017 • 41 minutes, 43 seconds
Jordan Harbinger – iTunes Top 50 podcast host – Art of Charm founder – Kidnapping dodger
Time to get fired up. The Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes the host of iTunes Top 50 Podcast, The Art of Charm, Mr. Jordan Harbinger. Join Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell and fellow Navy SEAL, David Rutherford, as they welcome Jordan to tell his greatest Never Quit story. He shares his epic tales of international kidnapping and the application of those lessons learned, such as trusting your gut instinct. Jordan has taken his exciting past and turned The Art of Charm Training and Podcast into an iTunes Top 5 Business. His company teaches people to build confidence and gain control in social interactions, command more respect from your team or network, and engage anyone in meaningful conversation. Marcus and Rut have a blast with Jordan and once again provide a show that will help listeners overcome life’s great challenges and face adversity. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
1/11/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 57 seconds
Andrei Arlovski – The Pitbull – UFC heavyweight champion – Belarusian now proud American
In this weeks episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus Luttrell and David ‘Rut’ Rutherford, welcome one of the baddest men to ever be in the fight game. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski joins the team to deliver his amazing Never Quit story. Andrei shares his incredible rise from the Belarusian police to being the UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world, what it means to become American, as well as, his mindset to battle back and regain the title, thereby proving his doubters wrong. The Pitbull shares his remarkable story in order to inspire you to begin living your life with the Never Quit mindset. Marcus and David are determined to help you overcome the challenging obstacles in your life and achieve your personal goals, by sitting down with some of the world’s most driven and inspiring people. Join us and begin your journey to greatness now. Great stories ignite legends. Support the show.
12/21/2016 • 51 minutes, 30 seconds
Brendan McDonough & Clint Bruce – The only surviving hotshot of the Yarnell Mt. wildfire tragedy, along with his Navy SEAL Mentor
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to present one of it’s most powerful shows yet. How often do two ‘Lone Survivors’ get an opportunity to share their greatest Never Quit stories in order to help the masses? Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford welcome Brendan McDonough to the show, who is the only surviving member of the 2013 wildfire that claimed the lives of his nineteen brothers, known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Brendan tells his Never Quit story and what it takes to be the lone survivor of such a huge tragedy. Listen to Brendan describe his incredible journey from heroine addict to Hotshot, and then lone survivor fighting to overcome the pain and guilt. Marcus and Rut are also excited to welcome Carry The Load founding member, and fellow Navy SEAL, Clint Bruce to the show. Clint’s mentorship has been integral in helping Brendan work through his grief in order to carry his teammate’s legacy into the future. This show will leave you speechless. It will also inspire you to have faith in yourself and your team. Brendan and Clint describe their epic journey together and the discovery of how the worst day in someone’s life can ultimately lead to the most momentous positive impact. Marcus and Brendan also share some powerful moments together, as only two survivors of such incredibly unique and tragic events can do. The TNQ Podcast once again delivers it’s powerful message of hope and motivation. Additionally, if you have an amazing Never Quit story, please submit it on the site. Marcus and David will review it and possibly share it on the air, or even decide to invite you on the show to join them. Great stories ignite legends. Support the show.
12/14/2016 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 36 seconds
Jesse James – Master craftsman and customizer – West Coast Choppers – Jesse James Firearms – Austin Speed Shop
The Team Never Quit Podcast, with Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, are proud to welcome world class bike builder, firearms craftsman, and all around expert in the manual arts, Jesse James, to this weeks show. Tune in and listen to Jesse tell his greatest Never Quit story and why he’s so passionate about following his dreams and working harder than everyone else. Marcus and Rut dig in with Jesse as they examine the true definition of sacrifice, attention to detail and being passionate in the face of criticism. What is the definition of Master Craftsman? “One who creates or performs with a mastery of skill or dexterity, especially in the manual arts,” and Jesse James is that man. He’s spent the last thrity years crushing himself by establishing new levels of quality and craftsmanship in custom motorcycle and car building. What’s even more amazing is his recent pivot into the design and manufacture custom firearms. Oh yeah.. he also stared in one of the biggest reality TV shows in the early 2000’s. Listen to Jesse tell his amazing story of never quitting and how he continually redefines himself by working his ass off. The TNQ Podcast delivers once again. Download now and get inspired by Marcus, Rut and Jesse, to learn to develop your Never Quit mindset through their incredible stories. Also, please share your own greatest Never Quit story with us on the site here. You may even find yourself getting interviewed by these two motiving Frogmen. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
12/7/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 10 seconds
Bonnie Jill Laflin – First female scout in the NBA, Model, USO supporter, and animal rights activist
This week Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, welcome Bonnie Jill Laflin to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Bonnie Jill was the first female scout in the NBA, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, model, animal rights activist, and has been very involved supporting our service members though the USO. Tune in as Bonnie Jill tells her greatest Never Quit story and what it’s like proving yourself in a male dominated industry. Bonnie Jill Laflin is truly a modern renaissance woman. She constantly redefines herself while always staying true to who she is and where she comes from. As the daughter of a law enforcement officer, she’s passionate about being a patriot and has made eighteen trips downrange to visit troops during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also spends countless hours in support of animal rights, including founding her Hounds and Heros organization. Bonnie Jill has made her mark on the field, in front of the cameras and in winning the hearts and minds of all those who follow her. Yet again, the TNQ Podcast delivers on its promise to provide motivational content that teaches people how to follow their dreams, overcome adversity, and find true purpose in life. We would also appreciate it if you help spread the word by telling a friend about the show, and help Marcus and Rut accomplish their new mission in life, which is to teach people around the world to discover the Never Quit mindset. Also, remember that if you’re inspired by our show please write in and share with us your greatest Never Quit story here. Great stories ignite legends. Learn more about Bonnie Jill at www.bonniejill.com And follow her on twitter @ https://twitter.com/bjlaflin And instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/bonniejill/ Check out the After Action: Support the show.
11/23/2016 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 28 seconds
Patrick Crayton – Have faith in your dreams – Small college to NFLs Dallas Cowboys
In this weeks episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast Marcus and Rut welcome former NFL Dallas Cowboy, Patrick Crayton, to the show. Patrick’s incredible journey from childhood to the NFL will leave you totally inspired. He not only shares his incredible Never Quit story but also gives amazing insight into the Never Quit mentality that allowed him to shatter records in college, play with some of the greatest players in the pros, and continue to serve others in his life. Once again Marcus, Rut and Patrick dive deep into the ideas and mindset that all people have inside, but just need to tap into. The TNQ Podcast will help you overcome obstacles, face adversity, and live a more fulfilling life. Please enjoy and share this episode with your friends. And please write in and tell us your greatest Never Quit story. Great stories ignite legends. Support the show.
11/16/2016 • 57 minutes, 16 seconds
Election Special – Donald Trump Jr. discusses his father, political issues, and how to make America Great Again
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to release the 2016 Presidential Election Special episode with Donald Trump Jr. Wanna know what’s going to make America great again? Then tune in to this epic show as Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell and David ‘Rut’ Rutherford dig into some of the hottest political issues driving this year’s election. Marcus and Rut are proud to welcome Donald Trump Jr to the show. Listen as Don Jr tells the greatest never quit story of his father, Donald Trump. He explains to the American public what his dad has been teaching him since he was a small boy and how these lessons will help get America back on track. Donald Trump Jr is the Executive Vice President for the Trump Organization. His dedication to his father is unmatched. Don Jr enlightens listeners as to why they should vote for his father. He explains why his father is running for office and how Mr. Trump intends to bring the country back together again and make America great again. His insight, along with Marcus and Rut’s opinions on some of the most controversial issues surrounding this years election, will leave listeners wanting more. Once again the TNQ Podcast accomplishes it’s mission by inspiring American’s to overcome adversity accept their civic duty to cast an educated, well informed vote. America is only great when the country stays true to the very things that have gotten us this far in our history. The most important is: voting. We respectfully request that you educate yourself on all the most important issues and please get out the vote. Great stories inspire legends. Support the show.
11/2/2016 • 57 minutes, 2 seconds
Mike Sauers – Navy SEAL Combat Veteran – Vetrepreneur – Owner of Forged Apparel
The Team Never Quit Podcast is honored to welcome fellow Navy SEAL and teammate, Mike Sauers, to this week’s show. Marcus and Rut welcome their friend Mike to tell his greatest Never Quit story. Listen as Mike describes his incredibly fortunate career, including serving with Marcus in the battle of Ramadi in 2006, as well as, Afghanistan and Kosovo. He also discusses how an idea around the camp fire turned into a multi-million dollar business. Mike has embraced the American dream his whole life, served at the highest levels in combat, and thoughout been dedicated to the country and those who serve and protect it. He’s become a highly successful entrepreneur, literally learning on the fly how to grow a giant brand in the military tactical apparel space. His company, Forged, is a leader in providing cool apparel with a purpose. Mike has a special place in his heart for giving back, and some of the most successful shirts Forged has produced have provided millions of dollars to families of the fallen. It’s not often that three Navy SEALs come together and willingly give in depth insight on how you too can develop the Never Quit mindset. There is no doubt that Marcus, Rut, and Mike will inspire you to face adversity and teach you to overcome all the obstacles your facing. The TNQ Podcast’s main mission is to help you understand what it takes to navigate the hardships of life by exposing you to motivational guests with amazing stories. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
10/26/2016 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 55 seconds
Katie Uhlaender – Multiple US Winter Olympian who missed medaling by 4/100ths of a second to drugged Russian
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome US Winter Olympian and skelton racer, Katie Uhlaender to the show. Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell and Captain Positive, David “Rut” Rutherford, are stoked to welcome Katie as the first guest to be chosen from her “Share your Story” submission to the show’s website. Listen to Katie’s incredible Never Quit story and what it’s like to fight against international Olympic corruption and scandal. Katie inspires listeners with her amazing story of never giving up on her dream of medaling in the Olympics. As if being a skeleton racer wasn’t enough, Katie motivates the hell out of Marcus and Rut by describing her “live life to the fullest” mentality. She delivers insight that will definitely help you overcome obstacles and face massive unforeseen challenges in your own life. Without much money or much external support, Katie has managed to stay focused on chasing her dream of winning an Olympic medal as she drives on toward her fourth Winter Olympics in 2018. Don’t miss this show. Marcus and David once again deliver a powerful message of never quitting. The TNQ Podcast team was proud to bring Katie on the show after discovering her moving “Share your Story” submission to the website. If you have an awesome Never Quit story please take a moment and help inspire your many thousands of fellow listeners here. You too could get a chance to be on air with Marcus and Rut. Never forget #GreatStoriesIgniteLegends. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
10/19/2016 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 9 seconds
Dean Karnazes – Extreme endurance runner – 50 marathons / 50 days – 350 miles non-stop – Named one of time magazine’s most influential people
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome one of the greatest endurance athlete’s in history, Dean Karnazes, to the show. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford convince Dean to tell his greatest Never Quit story and what drives a man to run 350 miles straight over 3 days without sleep. Dean explains his radical overnight transformation from a marketing exec to becoming one the greatest endurance runners on the planet. Dean Karneazes has literally traveled thousands of miles in his quest to discover his purpose through ultra marathoning. Dean gets into the weeds of his journey and outlines how you can begin to discover your “never quit” mindset by pushing yourself beyond normal limits. Named one of Time Magazines most influential people and an ESPN ESPY Award winner for greatest outdoor athlete, Dean has also a established himself as a NYT Best selling author and known speaker. Once again Marcus and Rut bring forth a great influence in Dean and his epic story. The TNQ Podcast achieves it’s mission of exposing great effort and minds to it’s audience in order to help them face adversity and overcome obstacles. Don’t forget to check out Dean’s “how-to” segment in the After Actions Report. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
9/28/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 19 seconds
Tuff Hedeman – Legendary Hall of Fame bull rider – The relentless (slightly insane) pursuit of a dream
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome one of the toughest cowboy’s to ever ride a bull. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford welcome Rodeo Hall of Famer and former World Champion Bully Rider, Tuff Hedeman to the show. Listen and awe as Tuff describes his greatest never quit story and how he spent a lifetime chasing his dream to be the best bull rider ever. Tuff is a real cowboy who came from nothing to become one of the greatest bull riders in history. Many in the sport consider Tuff to be the Michael Jordon of bull riding. Listen as he tells his incredible story about riding 10 bulls a day in order to become the best. His hard work and determination paid dividends as his effort basically brought bull riding into the modern age of sport. Tuff tells incredible stories of perseverance, especially the time when he rode one of the fiercest bulls in history only to have every bone broken in his face. Tuff is the true definition of what tuff actually means. Join Marcus, Rut and Tuff as they once again deliver in their mission to educate the masses in what it takes to have the “never quit” mindset. Catch Tuff’s “How-To” in his After Action Report. It’s time to learn how to face adversity and not get bucked off life’s most challenging opportunities. This show is a down dirty example of what it takes to become a champion. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
9/7/2016 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 28 seconds
Allen West – Former US Congressman – Outspoken patriot standing against the tide of adversity in defense of God and country
The Team Never Quit Podcast is proud to welcome former member of Congress, Lt. Col. Allen West to this week show. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford invite Col. West to share his greatest Never Quit story in order to inspire listeners to also take a stand for what they believe in. Col. West digs deep into his upbringing, fighting in the Persian Gulf and Iraq Wars, putting his men ahead of his career, serving in the US House of Representatives and taking on the establishment the entire way. Standing up for what you believe is incredibly difficult, especially when the odds are stacked against you. Prepare to learn from a man whose commitment to his faith and the Constitution are unwavering. Col. West outlines a steadfast resolve that hasn’t made his life easy, but has continued to test his Never Quit attitude. Prepare to learn tons of valuable lessons from a man that is fueled by doing what he believes is his moral and civic duty as an loyal American citizen. Once again, Marcus and Rut hit their mark and achieve their mission by bringing you another inspiring guest who demonstrates what it takes to live with the Never Quit mindset. The TNQ Podcast is designed to help you develop the tools needed to begin facing adversity and overcoming the challenging obstacles life serves you daily. Everyone has a story waiting to happen, but if you already have a great Never Quit story, feel free to share it with us and help inspire others, right here on the site. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
8/31/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 54 seconds
Adam LaRoche – Courage to pursue your convictions- Chicago White Sox player who turned down a $14 million contract to instead go fight human trafficking in South East Asia
Join Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford, as they welcome former MLB player, and close friend to Marcus, Adam LaRoche to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Listen as Adam tells his greatest Never Quit stories, and get inspired as Adam explains his passion for baseball, family and serving God. His answers will better help you understand what drives a man to walk away from a $14 million dollar contract with the Chicago White Sox to pursue his convictions. Adam LaRoche will bring new meaning to following your heart as he explains what drives him to succeed. Since leaving baseball, he’s driven across the country in a rented RV, become even more deeply involved with his family, and journeyed to South East Asia to do his part in stopping human trafficking. Additionally, Adam and Marcus dive into their friendship and what loyalty means to them. Prepared to be inspired. Never forget it’s Marcus and Rut’s mission to inspire you to develop the Never Quit mindset that’s inside you. They bring amazing people on the show to explain their journeys, and how you too can face adversity and overcome obstacles. Don’t forget to listen to the After Actions Report where Adam explains how he applies the Never Quit mindset each day. If you get inspired to share you’re greatest Never Quit story with us, submit it in the Share Your Story section above, we’ll be looking forward to hearing from you. Great Stories Ignite Legends! Support the show.
8/10/2016 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 35 seconds
Willie Robertson – ‘Duck Dynasty’ most successful reality TV show ever – Duck Commander CEO – Loyalty, faith and commitment to family
There’s nothing better than when Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell welcomes one of his closest friends to the Team Never Quit Podcast. Marcus and David are so blessed to welcome one of the stars from the biggest reality TV show in history, Duck Dynasty’s very own Willie Robertson. Tune in as Willie shares his greatest Never Quit story. We promise you’ll be inspired as he shares not only his hardships, but also what it took to become incredibly successful in life and business. The Duck Commander’s CEO, Willie Robertson inspires the TNQ listeners with his amazing stories of how he and his family became some the of the most recognizable people in the world by being themselves, following their passion, staying loyal to each other, and not swaying one inch from their faith in God. Marcus connects with his close friend in a way that will leave you searching for a higher calling in life. Never forget that it’s Marcus and David’s mission to help you discover the Never Quit mindset inside you. By bringing amazing guests like Willie on the show to share his faith and focus, you too can learn the powerful lessons of facing adversity and overcoming challenging obstacles. People share many of life’s threads in common, and the TNQ Podcast helps weave us all together. And don’t forget to catch Willie in the After Actions Report as he shares the how-to’s of living life to its fullest. If you feel compelled, we would love to have you submit your own greatest Never Quit story to the show. If you don’t have one of your own, then tell us one from someone amazing you know. Marcus and David plan on picking out many of the submissions to read on air. Great Stories Ignite Legends Support the show.
8/3/2016 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 32 seconds
Rick Perry – Governor of Texas – US Presidential Candidate – Importance of public service and commitment to country
Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford are honored to welcome Governor Rick Perry to the TNQ Podcast. In this inspiring episode of the show, Marcus’ close personal friend, and mentor joins him to discuss his greatest Never Quit story, how he became the Governor of Texas, and why he wanted to run for President of the United States of America… twice! Gov. Perry’s lifetime of public service and commitment to the country will leave you ready to run for office. Listen to Marcus and Gov. Perry share their personal stories of triumph, failure and loyalty. This episode of the TNQ Podcast is sure to help you understand the Never Quit mindset and how to establish strong moral character and commitment to something bigger than yourself. Gov. Perry details where he learned to face adversity, overcome obstacles and dedicate himself to being a servant to his family and the people of Texas. You’ll be laughing out loud as they talk about when Marcus lived in the Governor’s mansion, where several heads of state witnessed a giant, tattooed, Frogman grabbing snacks from the fridge wearing only PT shorts and boots. Marcus and David once again bring a powerfully inspiring guest to the show in order to help you discover the Never Quit attitude. Their mission is to deliver positive, meaningful content to the masses by using their incredible life experiences, motivating guests, and hilarious SEAL Team humor as the spark for listeners to ignite their drive to achieve the next level of success. Don’t forget to tune into the After Actions Report and hear Gov. Perry describe how he applies his Never Quit mindset in every day usage. Great Stories Ignite Legends! Support the show.
7/27/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 43 seconds
David Goggins – Navy SEAL – Extreme ultra athlete – Radical Never Quit mindset – The power of pain
Stand by for one of the most riveting episodes yet on the Team Never Quit Podcast. Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford welcome fellow Team Never Quit member and one of the most elite ultra-athletes of our time, David Goggins, to the show. Listen as this former Navy SEAL describes his greatest never quit story. David describes in awe-inspiring detail how submitting to epic levels of pain transformed his perception of self-confidence and what the human condition is all about. Never before on the TNQ Podcast has a guest gone so far “down the rabbit hole,” as David helps paint a vivid picture so listeners can visualize the true power of positive pain. Once Goggins unleashes his concept of the search for meaning you will absolutely begin to question how far you’re truly going to realize the Never Quit mindset in your life. Tune in to this transformational episode and join Team Never Quit in your quest to face adversity and overcome obstacles in your life. It’s Marcus’ and David’s mission to expose you to the greatest Never Quit stories ever told by those who live each day to it’s fullest. Don’t forget to check the After Actions Report to listen how David Goggins applies this mindset in his every day life. And if you feel compelled, write in and tell us your greatest Never Quit story. You never know, your story could even wind up on the show. Thank you. Support the show.
7/20/2016 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 21 seconds
Dustin Pedrioa
Get fired up for this hall of fame episode on the Team Never Quit Podcast as Marcus Luttrell, along with co-host David Rutherford, welcome one of the greatest second basemen of all time. The Boston Red Sox’s Dustin Pedroia is an American League MVP, a two-time World Series Champion, and an All Star. Prepare to be motivated as Mr. Hustle himself takes Marcus and David downtown with his greatest never quit story.
Dustin’s journey from being the smallest kid on the field to becoming one of the Red Sox Nation’s favorite sons will not only inspire you, but will also have you running to the batting cage. Dustin outlines where he learned the Never Quit mindset, and tells his incredible, selfless story about how he gave away a scholarship to a teammate in college. Pedey is the epitome of hard work, hustle and a total team player.
Once again Marcus and David, along with special guest Mr. Pedroia, accomplish their mission by teaching you how to face adversity and overcome obstacles. Don’t forget to also join them in the After Action Report as Dustin gets into detail on how he applies the Never Quit attitude in his daily life.
Great Stories Ignite Legends!
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7/13/2016 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 56 seconds
Charlie Daniels
Get ready for the most exciting new show available for download, as the Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, southern rock icon, and American patriot, Charlie Daniels. Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell, and captain positive, David Rutherford, bring the country music legend on board to share his greatest never quit story with their listeners. For 60 years Charlie has been playing his heart out to millions of people around the world. Tune in as he, Marcus, and David, explore what it takes to succeed in the cut-throat entertainment industry. In this fifth episode of the TNQ Podcast our Frogmen, along with the music icon Mr. Daniels, dig into the never quit mindset and what it took to cultivate millions of fans, invent a music genre, and build an incredible team that delivers a great fan experience night after night over one hundred times a year. Listen to his inspiring story of coming to Nashville, playing every juke joint and dive bar across the country, and winning a Grammy for his classic song “Devil Went Down to Georgia”. Get fired up as Charlie talks about his love of America and his respect for all veterans who’ve served this great nation. Although Charlie is turning eighty this year, he shows no signs of slowing down, and we promise that you’ll laugh your heart out as Marcus and Charlie swap southern sayings, or who’s granddaddy told the best one liners ever. It’s the TNQ Podcast’s mission to inspire and teach you how to begin living with the “Never Quit” mindset. Marcus, David, and their guests, are committed to bringing you the most authentic and motivating content available for download. Don’t forget to check out the “After Actions Report” after listening to the main broadcast in order to hear the “how-to’s” of getting your life squared away. We believe everyone has the never quit attitude stirring down deep in their souls, and Marcus and David are determined to bring it out of you. Also, if you have a great never quit story, please share it with us in our “Share Your Story” section of the podcast website. HOOYAH Great Stories Ignite Legends! Please check out Charlie’s website at www.charliedaniels.com Check out the After Action Support the show.
6/29/2016 • 56 minutes, 38 seconds
Nick Palmisciano – Army Ranger – Ranger Up founder – Range 15 Movie producer / writer / star – Risking it all to follow your dreams
Mr. Never Quit himself, Marcus Luttrell and his teammate, Captain Positive, David “Rut” Rutherford are fired up to welcome Range 15 writer, producer, editor and star, Nick Palmisciano to the Team Never Quit Podcast. In this episode of the TNQ Podcast prepare to be enlightened by Nick as he describes his powerful never quit story, and how by following his passion was able to build one of the most successful military MMA apparel brands “Ranger Up”. Follow Marcus, David and Nick down the hilariously profound rabbit hole of Nick’s life. You will be inspired by Nick’s never quit attitude and his ability to face adversity under the extreme duress of starting a small business. Get motivated when you hear how Nick gave up financial security to follow his dream because he knew it made a difference in people’s lives. But that’s not all. Be prepared as Nick outlines why he and the Art15 clothing crew decided to risk everything in order to make a zombie apocalypse movie made for, and possible, by the veteran community. This former Army Ranger will leave you laughing, motivated, and ready to take huge risk in order to live out your dreams. Never forget it’s Marcus’ and David’s mission to inspire you to begin living with the Never Quit mindset. They achieve this mission by exposing you to amazing people who want to share their incredible life lessons so you too can face adversity and overcome the obstacles in your life. Make sure to check out the second half of Nick’s interview in the “After Actions Report,” where he describes the how-to, in order to help you execute on living with purpose. Great Stories Ignite Legends Check out: Range 15 Movie, Ranger up LISTEN TO THE AFTER ACTION: Support the show.
6/15/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 16 seconds
TNQ Mat Best
In this powerfully funny episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford interview their good friend, Army Ranger, Vetrepreneur, and YouTube sensation Mat Best. Mat, along with the epic crew at Art15 Clothing, JT, Vinny and the gang have gained a huge following by creating hilarious YouTube Videos, the Drinking Brothers Podcast and T-Shirts. Tune in as Mat tells his greatest “never quit” story. Mat describes the transition from his time in Special Operations to becoming a civilian and what it took to find his path and purpose in life. He also describes the incredible effort made by his team and the Ranger Up crew in bringing the zombie apocalypse movie, Range 15, to the big theaters. Don’t miss this TNQ Podcast show as Marcus and Mat reminisce about killing Zombies. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.
6/8/2016 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 50 seconds
Defining the Never Quit Mindset – Marcus Luttrell & David Rutherford – Intro to the TNQ Podcast Mission and Purpose
In the very first Team Never Quit Podcast, Navy SEAL co-host Marcus Luttrell and David Rutherford ignite their audience with one of the most motivating podcast ever delivered. Decades of incredible life lessons have finally come together in a hilarious, high energy and motivating format. Follow along as these two long time friends define the Never Quit mindset. Marcus and David introduce the show and explain how the TNQ Podcast will be laid out. This dynamic duo opens the show by breaking down one of the greatest never quit story’s in history and then quickly shift focus and loosen up their awesome sense of humor with the Mad Minute. Finally, David digs in to the psychology of the Never Quit attitude by interviewing Marcus in order to hear an authentic account of what it means to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. Marcus and David are totally committed to serving you with awesome information that leaves you wanting to improve your life. The TNQ Podcast is the most real, positive and helpful podcast available today. Once you’ve embraced their message Team Never Quit is waiting to hear your greatest Never Quit story. Click the link above and share your story with us. And if it’s good enough Marcus and David might either read it on the air, or if it blows them away they just might ask you to be on the show. Never forget, Never Quit. Support the show.