Podcasts about team never quit

Defying the Odds — Vance Walker's Back-to-Back Ninja Warrior Victories This week on the Team Never Quit podcast, we welcome American Ninja Warrior legend Vance Walker, the first athlete in the show's history to win back-to-back million-dollar championships. At just 19 years old, Vance has become a beacon of perseverance, grit, and unstoppable belief. Born with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that affected his ability to walk, Vance was told he may never walk without braces. But through years of determination and relentless training, he not only walked — he ran, jumped, climbed, and conquered Mount Midoriyama... twice. In this episode, Vance shares His journey from leg braces to Ninja Warrior champion, the mental and physical challenges of competing in two seasons back-to-back, and what it means to represent those born with disabilities on a national stage,  Whether you're chasing a personal dream or overcoming an obstacle of your own, this is an episode that will inspire you to keep climbing. In This Episode You Will Hear: • [My mom] She gave me the mindset I've had ever since then, which is “Whatever it takes.” (5:19) • At 17 months old I was diagnosed with cerebral Palsey and was told I might never be able to walk without braces on my legs. (5:37) • If you don't have hard things, you can't get stronger. (13:26) • I always wanted to be good at something, and there was always something that would keep me from being the best. And when I found Ninja, I was able to make my own scheduled, because Ninja Warrior is not a team sport. (15:39) • I can make my own path in this. I can train any way I want to. If there's an obstacle, there's not [just] one way to do it. (18:59) • Just like in life, you need a mentor. You need somebody who's done things before to be able to see how to do things. (29:39) • When was 12, I won my first national championship. (26:59) • I want to get into speaking and sharing my story because that's such as important part of this. (44:22) • When I was a kid in school, I was always different from the other kids. I never fit in with anybody. The only thing that kept me going was the mindset that my mom gave me. (44:57) • To become the best at something is already such an insane challenge, but I started from below everybody else. (45:30) • Any challenge, any obstacle – Never give up. (47:14) • The show is always the one thing I'm the best at. That's where I'm at home. (53:57) • I get that dismount, I hit the buzzer about a thousand times, and I just start bawling my eyes out, because I knew at that point no one was beating me on the rope. I did it. And I ended up winning a million dollars. (62:41) Support Vance   - https://youtube.com/@vancewalkerninjawarrior?si=WcAQTH4fhJbm7-cM   - https://www.instagram.com/vance_walker_anw?igsh=MWpseTcxeDR0NnRmbA== Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Solo in the Death Zone: Brian Dickinson's Blind Descent from Everest This week's Team Never Quit guest is no stranger to adversity. Brian Dickinson, a former U.S. Navy Special Operations Aviation Rescue Swimmer and elite mountaineer, joins us to share the harrowing true story of his solo summit and descent of Mount Everest after being left without a guide—and without sight. After his Sherpa fell ill near the South Col, Brian pushed onward alone to the top of the world, only to be struck by sudden snow blindness on the way down. What followed was a seven-hour descent with no vision, no oxygen, and no margin for error. Brian holds the record for the highest solo blind descent and has completed the Seven Summits, conquering the tallest peaks on each continent. Before his mountaineering feats, Brian served six years in the U.S. Navy with the elite NSO (Naval Special Operations) community, deploying on high-risk rescue and combat missions in the Persian Gulf. Now the host of Calm in the Chaos, a podcast that highlights raw, untold rescue stories from America's unsung heroes, Brian brings the same courage, insight, and humility to this conversation. Whether you're a fan of extreme adventure, military resilience, or human endurance—you won't want to miss this one. In This Episode You Will Hear: • {Marcus] I'm a Charlie Sheen SEAL. (8:19) • It's weird when you go from jumping put of helicopters to something less interesting. (14:11) • You can't really plan for giving up in the death zone – 26,00 feet. But you can train for the things in your control. (18:07) • You can't acclimate to 26 [thousand feet]. You're slowly dying. Like if you cut your finger, it won't heal. There's not enough air. (23:23) • At Camp 3, this is where you see a straight up ice wall. If you fall, you're falling for a mile. (24:32) • When I got about a thousand feet above Camp 3, I had to anchor off to get some water. I had an oxygen mask and goggles, and I took my goggles off to put them around my wrist, and as I was getting my mask off to drink water, my foot slipped, I went to grab the rope, and my goggles slid off and 4they're just like… down. And you don't bring extra gear. (25:35) • There're over 300 bodies still on the mountain. (30:38) • You live and die by the decisions you make in life. (31:34) • When you climb any mountain at night, the sun is your first indication of hope. (37:33) • According to the Himalayan Database, I'm one of two people to ever have the summit to myself on a given day. (39:07) • Everything just went completely white. I went Snowblind. And I remember at that moment, dropping down, grabbing the rope, and assessing the situation thinking: I'm at the highest point in the world, I'm completely blind; no one's coming to get me. (41:07) • I just witnessed a miracle. It was like someone reached down and picked me up. An unexplained energy. The first thing I did was try the extra oxygen bottle and it started working, and I got 5 full beaths – reeling it in – and it burned. It felt like fire going through my veins. (48:02) • Everyone loves a survival story. They could care less about the survivor. (53:43) • That whole time, Jesus was walking alongside me. I felt that presence. (47:05) Support Brian PERSONAL SITE: Https://briandickinson.net CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST: Https://calminthechaospodcast.com BLIND DESCENT: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1414391722 CALM IN THE CHAOS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493078534 INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/BrianCDickinson FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/BrianCDickinson YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCalmintheChaosPodcast X: https://x.com/BrianCDickinson Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com   - cargurus.com/TNQ - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

From Combat to Clarity: The Healing Journey of Mark Keller This week's Team Never Quit episode features Lieutenant Commander Mark Keller, a retired U.S. Navy Naval Flight Officer who served his country with distinction in combat zones around the world—including Kosovo, Iraq, and post-9/11 Afghanistan. But after two decades of intense operational service, Mark faced a more insidious enemy at home: the devastating mental, emotional, and physical toll of war. In this powerful conversation, Mark opens up about his early years as a thrill-seeker, his journey from the Air Force to earning his commission into the Navy, and the harrowing missions that left scars no one could see. He recounts the mission that haunted him most—the unintended loss of innocent life—and how that moment triggered a years-long battle with PTSD, addiction, broken relationships, and near-death experiences. But Mark's story doesn't end in darkness. He takes us inside his transformational healing journey, made possible by plant-based neurogenesis therapies including Ibogaine and 5-MEO-DMT. Supported by the nonprofit Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) and inspired by fellow veterans like Marcus Luttrell and Marcus Capone, Mark discovered not only deep healing—but a new purpose. Now an advocate for alternative PTSD treatments and featured in the upcoming documentary No Fallen Heroes, Mark shares how love, neuroplasticity, and hard-fought self-discovery helped him reclaim his life.  If you or someone you love is a veteran struggling with PTSD, you're not alone. Reach out, share this episode, and explore the healing resources shared today. In This Episode You Will Hear: • When you've got 2 Lieutenants with 15,000 pounds of gas and an hour to kill in an F-14, what are you gonna do? (18:46) • If there's any flat earthers listening to this… the earth is round. (19:28) • As I look over on my left, I start seeing bright orange, all over the place. And I switched around on my seat, and the whole back of the plane's on fire. Holy shit! (25:30) • A lot of guys got in the habit of making sure they had a mag in there. They wanted to be sure to take themselves out, before the Taliban got ‘em. (36:22) • [Marcus: a buddy of mine] came over the wood line and dropped down over our crawfish boil, you could see him come down; rolled over to do a panel check; and hung us the finger. (43:53) • Why are you gonna strap an explosive-laden rocket to your ass, if you can't do something fun with it? (44:44) • Detailed discussion related to lasers and precision bombing. (48:27 to 55:30) • People have different experiences, and you make decisions based on what you know. (59:21) • I got home to my wife and my 2 young sons, and I wasn't the same. (75:35) • Every time you launch, you gotta be on the ball. You're at 100% all the time. You have to. Mission success, and sometimes survival requires it. (77:19) • The life of a fighter air crew in the Navy: Poor quality sleep, not the best nutrition, constant high stress for months at a time, bathing in and drinking water contaminated with jet fuel, the G-forces associated with catapult shots and arrested landings deform your brain rather violently, you're flying with a 10,000 watt radar down by your feet, when you're at altitude, there's nothing between you and God but a piece of plexiglass. Why are guys getting prostate cancer? I don't know. We can guess about that, can't we? (78:09) • There were times that I was so screwed up that I knew that next one was gonna kill me and I said I don't care and I did it anyway. I don't know why I'm not dead. (95:47) • Ibogaine doesn't give you what you want, it gives you what you need. (124:45) • Ibogaine is a medicine that works on cellular metabolism and neuro transmitters and happens to have some psychedelic-like effects. (128:45) • I've just learned to not be too attached to what other people think. (164:42)

From Battlefield to Breakthrough: Jared Ogden's Mission to Revolutionize Training   In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus & Melanie welcome Jared Ogden, CEO of Triumph Systems and former U.S. Navy SEAL, to the show. Jared's remarkable journey from leading missions in Afghanistan to leading one of the most innovative training companies in the country is a story of resilience, vision, and transformation. Drawing from real-world tactical experience, Jared created Triumph Systems and the Brass Training System with a singular goal: to enhance the training and preparation of military and law enforcement personnel. In this episode, Jared shares how instinctual decisions made during deployments shaped his approach to developing cutting-edge training tools that emphasize life-saving decision-making under pressure. He reflects on his transition from being the "arrow" on the battlefield to becoming the "archer" — equipping today's warriors with the tools they need to succeed. Jared also discusses how Triumph Systems bridges the gap between elite training and accessibility, offering solutions that don't require massive budgets or facilities. If you're passionate about leadership, innovation, or serving those who protect us, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with a true trailblazer who's changing the future of tactical training. In This Episode You Will Hear: • My parents encouraged the kids to find what they're interested in, to be productive and to live a productive, rewarding life. (5:50). • The more you can overlap what you're interested in, and what you're good at, with what someone will pay you to do, the more successful you will be. (6:05) At a very early age, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew that I wanted to be a Navy SEAL. (7:26) • I was the honor graduate for my Leatherneck class. (22:49) • I was yelling at people, and barking out things and orders. Dan walked up to me nonchalantly and said “Jared, calmness is contagious, just talk.” I'll never forget that. (36:54) • [During the] first turnover op between us and 7, Dan stepped on a pressure plate. Honestly, he should've died that day, but there was a tremendous effort [to help him]. (37:23) • Do the right thing. In that case, the right thing landed me in a spot on this television show for 2 seasons. (48:08) • We gotta figure out who we're gonna take. Problem is there's no targets, nothing to shoot. So, we take water bottles, piss in them, put ‘em on a fence. And the first handful of guys, commandos, that could shout those from 50 yards – those are the guys that rolled with us. (52:14) • I'm a warfighter. I'm not an engineer. But along the journey I met some guys who were product engineers. [We developed] a recreational division and a government division – making turning target systems and other targets and software, making people more proficient with their firearms. (53:33) • Decision-making is one of the most important metrics of people who carry firearms professionally. (61:23) • The one common ingredient that I have for everything that I've done in my life is to do your best. (66:24) Support Jared   - IG: Jaredwogden   - https://www.triumph-systems.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadaQSw8ZL-rjPSpM4W4rTl0QxclHdM20dAa_zhYci4PNYhR_oVFavyImESULw_aem_dBaSkd9DidP4qVdBoOfYew Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - selectquote.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Navyfederal.org           - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Combat Veteran Turned Motivational Speaker In this week's powerful episode from Team Never Quit, Marcus and Melanie meet with Evangelo “Vann” Morris—a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, global speaker, and devoted patriot whose service spans over 30 years across the military and government sectors. From humble beginnings in Folsom, Louisiana, to elite missions across 45 countries, Vann's journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purpose. Vann began his career aboard nuclear-powered submarines, receiving intensive training in nuclear propulsion and thermonuclear weaponry before commissioning as an officer. As a Naval leader, he directed high-risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) missions in volatile waters, including a record-setting Colombian drug seizure of 14 metric tons of cocaine. His distinguished career includes deployments on nearly every type of Navy vessel—from aircraft carriers to submarines—and pivotal roles at the Pentagon, Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne, and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). In his final assignments, he served as Combat Systems Officer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, and Tactical Action Officer aboard the USS McCampbell. Since retiring in 2014, Vann has continued to serve by mentoring Special Operations Forces as an Information Operations Subject Matter Expert. He's also a passionate public speaker, dedicated to honoring veterans and inspiring the next generation with the enduring message of freedom. In this episode, we discuss: Life aboard a ballistic missile submarine Lessons learned from serving alongside the 82nd Airborne and SOCOM How public speaking became his next mission field Connect with the legacy. Be inspired by the leadership. Learn from the life of Evangelo “Vann” Morris. In This Episode You Will Hear: • I'm one of 16 kids on my biological mother's side, and one of 8 kids on my biological father's side. (6:09) • My mother was a sharecropper in Selma, Alabama. (11:47) • [my brother] Martin was riding on a bike with his big brother. They were crossing the street to get to a general store. As they were crossing the street, here came a car. Within a second, the car was on them. It broke both of [my big brother's] s legs. He was almost able to do it, but the car clipped his legs broke both of his legs. The car hit Martin, broke his back, snapped his neck and went up into the air, came down, bled out, and died immediately. The car kept going. Our mother was notified, and we never knew what happened. (13:28) • In my 2nd year as a seventh grader, I was chatty in class and the teacher said: “You see son this is why you're not gonna be anything in life. This is why you're gonna be a total failure. As a matter of fact, you're not gonna do any better than your dad. (15:58) • The commanding officer starts talking. I called you [twelve] here today to let you know that your grades are phenomenal, your physical fitness test – through the roof, and your attitudes are exactly what we're looking for. I want all of you to consider becoming a commissioned officer. (28:09) • I had a metamorphosis of the mind. A paradigm shift had happened in my life. And all of the sudden, what had happened to my big brother - back broken, neck snapped – forgiven; The teacher telling me to go out and bale hay – forgiven, the other teacher saying I'd never be anything and be worse than my father – forgiven. These guys were saying something very different.  Goodness overcame all the bad things that had happened. (28:53) • I'm taking trauma, and I'm channeling it to purpose. (30:27) •I really believe that when we die – if we should make it to heaven, I believe that God will take us personally, take us under his arms and say “Let me show you all the people you impacted and knew nothing about.” (32:19) • You're gonna have tough times. Don't think you'll understand why people are putting you to work in a certain kind of way. (41:39) • There's no more dangerous place than to have warfare in the mind. (41:49) • Don't give up. (42:21) • Hard work pays off. You can't give up. (53:19) • Even if the reward is not coming to you, and if you are in a position to help them, for the love of God, Help them. (55:28) • [Melanie] “A lot of times, when we're in a dark spot, we're in our own bubble, and we don't think anybody else sees the work we put in.” (57:12) • [I told my son] Listen: you can go in the Air Force, you can go to the Marines, you can go to the Army. Just remember this. That Navy paycheck is what fed you. (61:40) • I am really on a mission to be part of that wave to heal America. (68:48) • I need to honor the veterans and those who have served. (78:50) Socials:   - Bio: Evangelomorris.com   - instagram: evangelomorris Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - selectquote.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Navyfederal.org           - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Skating Across America for Sobriety and Purpose In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie are joined by the incredible Chad Caruso — a skateboarder, YouTuber, and Guinness World Record holder who skated 3,000 miles across America in just 57 days, from Venice Beach, CA to Virginia Beach, VA. Chad didn't just break records — he used this cross-country journey to raise money for Natural High, a nonprofit youth drug prevention program, and to share his powerful story of overcoming addiction and injury. Skateboarding became more than a passion — it became a lifeline, helping Chad find sobriety, resilience, and purpose. In this episode Chad shares about: •His record-setting skate across the U.S. •What pushed him to keep going — physically, mentally, and emotionally •How skateboarding saved his life •His work raising awareness for addiction and mental health •The creation of his book, “Pushing Through America” •What's next in his mission to inspire and uplift others Chad's journey is one of grit, growth, and giving back. Whether you're a skater, in recovery, or just need a push to chase your own goals — this episode is for you. Follow Chad on Instagram: @chad_caruso Check out his book: Pushing Through America In This Episode You Will Hear: • I've been skateboarding for a little over 25 years. That's really all I've devoted my life to. (3:19) • I definitely recommend finishing school. (5:36) • It doesn't happen overnight. You go to a party here, a party there. Then you're 26, 28. The habit thing. I didn't want to be a part of the system. I was just all about rebelling. (7:40) • That was the real turning point [when facing jail time] I had to look around and say “Alright, what are you doin?” (10:02) • [I got into the Guinness Book of World Records] It was this year. (13:30) • It's nice to get the pat on the back, but ultimately, it was about much more than that. It was about giving up the drinking, focusing on something positive. I did the Skate Across America to raise money for charity. (13:40) • When you're at the start line it's all fun. Everyone's there filming, talking, it's exciting. Then you push off, and then a couple of miles in, you're like “Oh, I'm gonna be doing this for the next 2 months. (18:32) • [I completed the entire distance with] 1 board; I didn't change the wheels or the bearings, or anything. (23:56) • Even if it's way slower than you normally go, if you keep treading that ground, you're gonna make it there. (28:55) • I figured out that if I skate head-on to trucks, like tractor trailers; they're coming at me at 70 mph. If I made myself seen, I could take over the whole lane. So, I would basically play chicken with them, and wave them out of the way. (30:14) • [At the finish] The mayor put his hand up for a high five. I skated right past him, I didn't even notice. (35:23) • “If you keep pushing, you're gonna get there.” (36:17) • When you're out there alone for so many hours, all the noise of society and people's opinions kinda fades away. (36:26) • When you're left to yourself, you realize how simple life is. (36:35) • Quitting drinking and focusing on my hobby turned my life around. (41:34) • Whatever you're most interested in or gets you excited – just pursue that. (41:52) • If I can help to make this life a little bit better, that's a win. (47:41) Socials:   - Chad's Website: https://chadcaruso.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-itFsFDe1VaizcL5bdyRpDn-edp0YecWQ-SdGcoBmGKkCH3lo   - Chad's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChadCaruso   - Chad's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/?hl=en   - Chad's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chadcaruso Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - WARFARE IN THEATERS   - Groundnews.com/TNQ   - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - selectquote.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Navyfederal.org           - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Into the Fire: Storytelling and Survival with Phil Donlon & Gabe Mann In this week's Team Never Quit podcast, Marcus and Melanie dive deep into the art of storytelling—both on stage and in the heat of real-life danger. Our guests are two visionary filmmakers with unique, gripping perspectives on their craft: Phil Donlon, award-winning actor, filmmaker, and theater veteran, and Gabe Mann, director and cinematographer of the groundbreaking wildfire documentary Hotshot. Phil Donlon takes us through his journey from the blue-collar streets of Chicago to the bright lights of Hollywood. A founding member of The Gilead Theater Company and a passionate storyteller, Donlon shares his experiences acting in renowned theater productions, signing with WME, and ultimately finding creative fulfillment by writing and directing his own films. His latest project, High & Outside: A Baseball Noir, is now streaming worldwide. On the other end of the spectrum, Gabe Mann puts us directly in the line of fire—literally. His documentary Hotshot is a heart-pounding, first-person account of elite wildfire fighters who battle the flames without water, capturing their raw courage with breathtaking cinematography. After six years running alongside these real-life heroes, Mann shares the intensity, sacrifice, and unexpected pull of wildfire that changed his life forever. From the front lines of nature's most destructive force, this episode is about the power of storytelling, survival, and the relentless pursuit of passion. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired, shaken, and ready to chase your own fire. In this episode you will hear: • There's something about when you witness wildfire firsthand. It does something to you. The actual firefighters call it “The Firebug.” It taps into something primal in men. I caught it. (6:00) • Most of the photojournalists who actually do this right, are former firefighters. They actually have that certification. But for the most part, the kinds of people who are reporting for the Washington Post or The New York Times – they have no clue. (7:56) • I'm a storyteller. So however I'm doing it, whether I'm an actor, whether I'm producing something, writing it – I just want to tell good stories. (9:46) • We wanted to make a film that played like a narrative feature. (11:15) • They're so distracted with the climate change narrative, which really has nothing to do with wildfires. It's the accumulation of fuel. (12:08) • I'm the only dude in LA who's actually from LA. (12:37) • When you continue to put it on something that we don't have control over – like the weather – it's a completely disempowering narrative. (14:04) • A wildfire is composed of 3 things. It's called a fire triangle. You need all 3: Drought, Fuel, Ignition. (17:02) • People were crying over all these giant Redwoods and Sequoias that were getting burned down back in 2020. And nobody ever asked the very obvious question. These trees are 2,000 years old, but the fire cycle in that forest is once every 300 years – you get a purging wildfire – How did get to be 2,000 years old? What happened 2,000 years ago that made these trees so robust? (17:39) • There's some people who have this gene that compels them to serve their country. (25:32) • If we can get some people in Washington to see this film, I think we could help make change. (27:03) • We have agency over wildfire. We can be proactive. We could solve it tomorrow, if we know what we're supposed to do. If we look at what a hotshot crew does – literally all they do is get rid of plants. They're either cutting them or burning them. That's it. They don't use water. (28:05) • We started the film with a question. I think doing that gives people the opportunity to engage with the art in the appropriate way, which is – they answer the question. (47:34) • Our motto when we were making this film was “Show, don't tell.” (52:22) • This is what art is for. It is for explaining and getting people to feel the things that you cannot adequately convey with words. Socials: Support HOTSHOT - https://www.hotshotmovie.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/teamsiqfuti/# - IG: phil.donlon Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Navyfederal.org           - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

 Leading the Houston Texans: A Conversation with Cal and Hannah McNair In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Cal and Hannah McNair, the dynamic duo behind the Houston Texans. Cal McNair, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Texans, has been at the helm of the team since 2018, guiding them through remarkable achievements, including a 10-7 record in the 2023 season under a rookie head coach and quarterback. Under his leadership, the Texans secured their seventh division title and unveiled new fan-inspired uniforms in 2024. McNair attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorns' football team. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management. Cal shares his journey from his early career at Cogen Technologies to becoming the principal owner of the Texans in 2024. He discusses his vision for the team, the importance of community involvement, and the Texans Foundation's impact on Houston, which has raised over $48 million since its inception. Hannah McNair, a proud native Houstonian and University of Houston alum, joins the conversation to talk about their shared passion for philanthropy and, of course, the Houston Texans. With a background in business from the University of Houston and Rice University, Hannah has been deeply involved in numerous charities across the city, from the YMCA to the Houston Food Bank. She reflects on the couple's commitment to giving back, balancing life as parents of seven, and supporting the community that has given them so much. In This Episode You Will Hear: • [Cal] What I really enjoy is going into someone else's house, and beating them, and then seeing our fans, surrounded by the other team's colors, and they're wearing our colors in the stands , and when we win those games is my favorite [moment]. (3:27) • [Cal] We have fans that have had seats next to each other that didn't know each other, but because they came to the game and sat next to each other, they became friends. (4:29) • [Cal played football at] The University of Texas. (8:07) • [Cal] The team was [originally] awarded to Los Angeles, but it had a deadline and they didn't meet it. (9:07) • [Hannah] The interesting thing about twins is that you have had somebody who's had your back your entire life. (26:50) • [Hannah] I think team sports is one of the most important educational things you can teach kids. (34:53) • [Hannah] [In baseball] You fail most of the time. If you have an error, are you gonna just stop the game? Are you gonna run to your parents? Or are you gonna learn from it, and go to the next play. You can't just quick. (34:59) • [Hannah] If you can learn how to be part of a team and put your personal feelings aside for the greater good of the team, I think that's a valuable lesson, especially with youth today. (35:45) • [Hannah] With anything in the public eye, you try to use those [harassment in the stands] to create a better person in them, so that they're ready for whatever comes their way, (40:13) • [Hannah] You have to have God as your foundation. If you don't have that to turn to, you're lost already. (40:38) • [Hannah] You cannot go wrong by doing what's right. (45:48) • [Marcus] Q: What's the best piece of advice or wisdom you've got from somebody? [Cal] A: Never Quit. (47:52) • [Hannah] [CJ Stroud] is the CEO on the field. (48:32)

Warrior of God: The Spiritual Battle with Dom Raso This week's Team Never Quit guest is Dom Raso, a former Navy SEAL Team Six operator who is renowned for his elite military service and deeply inspiring journey of faith and personal transformation. Dom's name is synonymous with the highest levels of military excellence, but beyond his unparalleled contributions to the U.S. military, his story is one of profound spiritual resilience, unwavering commitment to family, and a fierce devotion to spreading the Gospel. Dom served with distinction as part of Navy SEAL Team Six, a unit known for its elite status and high-risk operations. Throughout his career, he contributed to the development of military techniques that are still in use today. But in this episode, Dom reveals the deeper side of his journey—how he has navigated grief, loss, and intense physical and spiritual battles while remaining anchored in his faith. Now a devoted Catholic, husband, father of five, and entrepreneur, Dom is leveraging his platform to lead others into deeper encounters with God. With an Instagram following of over 175,000 people, he is a bold evangelist, sharing scriptural reflections, his devotion to the Rosary, and his love for the Eucharist. As the founder of Crush Everything, a company focused on equipping individuals to defend themselves and their loved ones, Dom embodies the philosophy that the physical and spiritual are intertwined in the life of a warrior. In this conversation, Dom reflects on his experiences as a Navy SEAL, the power of prayer, and the concept of spiritual warfare. He shares how the Rosary, a tool he has cherished since his military days, has become his most powerful weapon. Dom also explores the importance of living a disciplined life, staying close to the Lord, and using one's unique gifts to evangelize and spread virtue in the culture. In This Episode You Will Hear: • Most people have enough children around them where really you could spend the majority of your time teaching them. (17:57) • If we're not taking those moments we had as a kid and really expounding on them and making them better for our children, we're missing a key point in the gifts we can give them.(19:34) • I had a lot of people speaking very positively [to me]. (21:42) • At about 8 or 9, I would say that was a sure sign of like:”That's it. Now I know what I'm doing.” (23:07) • The Holy Spirit just put it on my heart and said: That's the path.” (23:21) • I believe God has a deep purpose for everybody. (25:10) • Life is made up of choices.(25:22) • I love my father. I love my mother - to death. They knew what was right, but they didn't live it out themselves. (29:07) • What I was missing was a guy like us, or man – a real man, that grabbed me on the shoulders and said “Son, you're not walking on the right path.”(30:43) • I always felt the closeness of God in my life, whether I was on an operation, or going through a challenging time in in my life. You're trying to make sense of what's going on. But you know that God's presence is with you. (33:27) • I meet a lot of team guys who either: A-they know they really need God, or they think that they are God.(34:06) • We're going to go through challenging moments in our lives. We're gonna get our butt kicked. It's though those challenges that form us and forge us to have the faith we have today. (36:27) • There's no way I'd be the man I am today without God's help. (38:26) • Everybody has opportunities to have God work in their life. (39:22) • One of my major call to actions to other men is” Do you want to into the fight and be part of the solution, or are you just gonna point your finger at the bad and never do anything about it?” • Everybody listening: We're all stewarding something. (60:12) • We're really to at the physical part, we're really goo at the mindset part. But it's the Spirit that we're lacking. (85:40) Socials: - Website: https://crusheverything.com - IG: https://www.instagram.com/domraso?igsh=MXZnOHl0ZzI0OW9hMQ==  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

In the Line of Duty: Rodney Magallan's Legacy in Protective Operations In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Rodney Magallan, a distinguished expert in protective operations and personal security with an unparalleled career spanning over 35 years. From his early days as a Navy SEAL to his pivotal roles with the U.S. Marshals, CIA, and corporate executive protection, Rodney has operated in some of the world's most challenging environments. Join us as Rodney shares his journey through completing BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, his deployments with SEAL Team 4 and later SEAL Team 6, where he became a leader in cutting-edge maritime capabilities, transitioning into federal law enforcement as a U.S. Marshal and training protective agents with the CIA's Global Response Staff. Leading executive protection teams in both corporate and private sectors. Commanding special operations teams in high-stakes, non-permissive environments.  Rodney's extensive accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the CIA's Exceptional Performance Award. Beyond his operational expertise, he's a certified firearms instructor, a martial arts apprentice, and a mentor to the next generation of security professionals. Rodney brings to the table leadership lessons from a career built on discipline, adaptability, and service. Tune in for a riveting conversation with one of the most seasoned experts in the field of personal security and protective operations. Whether you're in the industry or simply intrigued by high-stakes security, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode You Will Hear: • People don't believe me when I tell them that the first time that live bullets were coming my way – it was uneventful. (6:27) • When I went to Jumpmaster school, it was easy because 18 Delta just drove that process into me. (11;07) • In 2000, we found out that my mother was one of 17 heirs to 160,000 acres of land and gold. (13:40) • I thought being on the Teams and running hard was what I was supposed to do. I realize now that family matters. (16:49) • We're all gonna do a swim test to qualify for SEALS or diver. Hey, we're gonna do the sidestroke. And I'm like “What's the sidestroke?” I'd never even heard of the sidestroke. (22:34) • I don't see myself as cool. I just see it as something I did. Every time I do something else, I'm not gonna quit. If I commit to it, I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability. (28:22) • You matter, and you can do it. You choose if you're gonna let them beat you down, or motivate you. You can do it. (32:17) • No one could hurt me more than my mom. (32:26) • I actually lied and said I spoke Spanish. That's how I got to Team 4. (36:19) • AIDS was huge back in the 80s and 90s. AIDS is gonna kill you. You couldn't do mouth-to-mouth unless you had a pocket mask. (43:44) • [Melanie] Q: Your total service time is what?  A: 35 ½ years. (65:44) • II you go make and look at all the decisions I made, all but one, to go to the CIA, that was the only one where “I gotta get back to war. My brothers are there. “All the rest of ‘em were, “I wanted to provide. I wanted to be a good husband. I want to be a good dad. (81:05) • When I interviewed with Walmart, there's five of ‘em sitting there, and they're asking me questions. And they're like “What are your goals here at Walmart?” And I'm like “Well, I want to be a soccer dad.” And they started laughing. (81:22) • [Marcus] Some guys have to switch into the life. We're always in it. (91:34) • You don't have to be like me. Just be the best at what you say you are. (94:38) • Don't take a space that someone else wants, if you have no intentions on going and doing what you took the oath to do. (94:51) • [Some guys get it the easy way, just living they get it. Some of us have to go out and bleed for it. (95:21) Socials: - Website: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/tip-of-the-spear/ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

Resilience and Recon: The Inspiring Journey of Davey Lind In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Master Sergeant Davey Lind, a United States Marine, combat veteran, and motivational leadership speaker whose life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of perseverance. Born and raised in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Davey embarked on his military journey immediately after high school, joining the Marine Corps in 1989. Over the years, he honed his skills and leadership as a Recon Marine, serving in pivotal roles from scout to team leader and participating in key operations, including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Iraq War. On June 14, 2007, Davey's life changed forever when a pressure plate IED in Iraq led to the loss of his legs below the knees. Incredibly, he took his first steps just two months after the injury and has continued to inspire others with his unyielding spirit and dedication to recovery and service. Today, Davey is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing lessons learned from the battlefield and life, focusing on leadership, adaptability, and grit. He resides in Corona, California, with his wife Lisa and their four children, where he continues to make a difference in the private sector with his involvement with PXG Golf. It became a great outlet for him and something to look forward to. He is actively involved in helping veterans heal in the context of golf outings and they have made more friends and memories from various golf adventures. Join us as we dive into Davey's incredible journey, from the challenges of combat to overcoming life-altering injuries and emerging as a beacon of strength and inspiration.  In This Episode You Will Hear: • 35 in the Marine Corps, that's old. (14:04) • We were part of a surge in the summer of '07, and my vehicle struck and activated a pressure plate IED. This IED went off directly underneath me, and from that blast I became a double leg amputee. (15:02) • I rolled over on my back to try to use my left leg to push, and when I tried to do that, that's when I realized my left leg was gone. (24:50) • I'm married, I have kids, I have goals, and I was immediately aware of how challenging my life was gonna be. (25:17) • As a platoon sergeant, I was armed with both a rifle and pistol. That pistol was on my hip, and I had the conscious thought to end my life right there. I could do it before they could finish working on me. (25:33) • I had a very clear moment of calming, reflection of “everybody did their best.” I'm just gonna die here on the battlefield. (26:54) • My initial assessment was “You're gonna walk in about 10 months to a year. (33:32) • Being in a wheelchair, even as a gunny, is like the kids table at Thanksgiving. Nobody's talking to you; they're talking about you. (35:08) • There's a great relationship you have to have with your prosthetic doctor. The fit has to be tight, but not too tight. Then there's alignment. There's a lot that goes into it. (37:39) • Guys like me – a double leg amputee, I call guys that are single leg below the knee – we refer to that as a paper cut. (38:48) • Perspective is everything. (39:35) • I was able to retire though, which is important because I did a full 20 years, 6 months, and 3 days of active duty time. (46:15) • In 2018 I got one of the greatest phone calls I've ever received. Kevin Hudson from PXG called me and said, “We got a program going on - PXG Heroes. If I help you with this program, do you think you could golf a little bit more, and talk about the program, and introduce people to PXG. Would you be willing to do that? (48:19) • Golf is the only thing you can do competitively for the rest of your life. (62:45) • [Marcus] In the beginning you wonder why you got hit. You got hit so you can show people what it's like and stay up. (65:14)  Socials: - Website: http://www.daveylind.com/about.html - Website: https://www.pxg.com/ - IG: davey_lind - IG: pxg - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

From Heart of Texas to Heart of a Mission – Resilience, Family, and a Legacy of Giving Welcome to this week's Team Never Quit episode! Today, we Marcus and Melanie have an incredibly inspiring guest, Kristi Schiller, joining them. Kristi is a Texas philanthropist, entrepreneur, animal lover, and stroke survivor with an unwavering dedication to making the world a safer, kinder, and more compassionate place. Kristi shares her story of resilience, community impact, and love. Kristi's career started in broadcast journalism, with highlights that include being dubbed the “Queen of the Internet” by Forbes in 1997. But it's her charitable work, particularly as the founder of K9s4COPs that has been a true calling. This nonprofit organization provides highly trained K9 officers to law enforcement agencies across the U.S., supporting public safety in a unique way. Kristi's love for animals is evident in her life at Schiller Ranch, where her passion for horses also led her to create the Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic, an event that celebrates barrel racing and benefits her nonprofit. In this episode, Kristi opens up about a life-altering experience in 2021. During a routine shopping trip, she suddenly became disoriented, forgetting her name and address—a frightening moment that eventually led to the diagnosis of multiple strokes. She discusses the unexpected struggles and humbling moments of recovery, from speech therapy to relearning simple phrases. Yet, through her journey, Kristi has remained resilient, now using her platform to advocate for stroke awareness, sharing critical insights on recognizing symptoms and prioritizing health. Kristi's message is clear: stay vigilant, cherish your support system, and never underestimate the power of resilience. Don't miss this moving, inspiring conversation with Kristi Schiller! In This Episode You Will Hear: • I saw all these people in front of the banks of TVs and they were crying. I asked “What's going on?” They said a gunman came into a school in Connecticut and shot children, Kindergarteners. (13:12) • [In an airport] So how he approaches that person [who looks like a potential threat] – that sets off the tone for the rest of [the encounter]. (15:01) • [Marcus] The coolest line up would be when those guys [retiring military] are getting out and you have a school where every bus driver is SF (Special Forces). (17:16) • For the most part, they [retired military] want to keep serving. They want to do something. (17:48) • I was like “Even if we just satisfied [the needs] in our area.” Within 3 or 4 months we were in Iowa, and now we're in 40 states, Europe and Africa. We have removed 8 Billion dollars in contraband, made over 200,000 felony arrests, and recovered 150,000 weapons. (26:28) • Everybody thinks that child abuse/molestation, they're gonna grab your kid and take ‘em. That would be a worst case scenario. But a lot of times, you're out and about, shopping, you're maybe at a fair or event. It's somebody just coming by touching, just to cop a feel. (42:38) • [The Amish] have no vaccines, they're not even wearing shoes. They have no TV and no media, and they're thriving. (48:13) • I was really sick during COVID. I didn't realize I'd had 6 strokes. (53:53) • A dog, when it comes in - people will think twice about messing with our nurses, or even doctors. (58:57) • Our government didn't get our hostages out of Iran. It was Oscar Wyatt and John Connally. How did we repay ‘em? We sent ‘em to prison. (63:28) • [Marcus] I tell you what, I wish I was half the man my dogs thought I was. (76:28) • [Marcus - My dog] taught me more about myself than I could've ever learned from a lot of grown men. (76:38) • Have you been to the capitol? They have a separate line. You have a gun on you? Oh, get to go to the front of the line. (83:50) • When you turn on the news and you see that your dog's gone in. A guy drove to Galveston and drove into Galveston Bay. They threw the dog in and he got him out of Galveston Bay. (95:42) Socials: -  IG: KKSCHILLER - K9s4cops.org - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - GoodRX.com/TNQ   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

This week, we're on our way to St Louis, MO., to record the podcast "The Brighter Side of Blue" which highlights the great work police officers do in American communities. On the way, we discuss Starbucks' Cardamom Coffee, Elon Musk's new Robovan, and - most extensively - the ongoing saga of P'Nut the Squirrel. It started out as a public health alert, but has mushroomed into a big political issue in New York. There's a perception that the state interfered needlessly in a dispute which, bizarrely, also involves the porn site "Only Fans". Kristi has the very latest on our road trip. Also check out her podcast appearances in the coming days (links below). Podcast appearances:https://www.thebrightersideofblue.com/ (Community policing)https://missunderstoodpodcast.com/ (Rachel Uchitel)https://teamneverquit.com/podcast/ (Marcus and Melanie Luttrell)Get in Touch:estrogen@lissnkristi.comShop with Kristi:https://www.amazon.com/shop/kkschillerThe latest on P'Nut the Squirrel: https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/content-creators-mark-and-daniela-longo-deny-hyping-up-squirrel-death-for-onlyfans-43630587CHAPTERS00:20 Driving to St Louis through Bowling Green, MO.00:57 Recording the podcast "The Brighter Side of Blue" which highlights the great work police officers do in American communities.02:30 How many McDonald's are there? (14,200 in the USA)03:02 How many Starbucks are there? (38,000 worldwide)04:00 "The goal is to get you in and out in four minutes"05:50 Alissa discovers Cardamom-flavored coffee07:10 "I love driving places"07:25 Next week, Kentucky and the first "Donor Salon" for K9s4cops - Kristi's non-profit which provides trained canines to protect schools and communities nationwide08:27 The French Laundry restaurant in Napa, CA. - A 5-hour experience09:55 Texas is a welcoming place, which is why people are moving there10:54 This is our third cross-country road trip. 80,000 miles in three years11:28 Elon Musk and his new bus: The Robovan12:20 Plugging my car in?13:51 When Musk acquired X, moving the servers15:32 The New York saga of P'Nut the Squirrel, and Fred the raccoon. Why don't the women and children being trafficked get this level of attention?"24:10 Only Fans, and the rabies "concerns" 25:10 How long do squirrels live, if they're on a $800,000 farm?28:35 Kristi on the "Miss Understood" podcast with Rachel Uchitel 28:54 Kristi on the "Team Never Quit" podcast with Marcus and Melanie Luttrell 30:03 We are led by something bigger than ourselves

From Combat to Community: The Legacy of James Lorraine In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome James Lorraine, a distinguished veteran with over 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a flight nurse and military operations leader. Jim's extensive career spans multiple combat zones, and upon retirement, he became a trailblazer in veteran advocacy, founding the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition—a gold standard organization serving over 8,000 special operations forces members and their families. Following his government service, Jim established America's Warrior Partnership, an organization impacting the lives of over 60,000 veterans by enhancing their quality of life, reducing homelessness, and improving access to critical services.  James Lorraine's Notable Achievements: • Bronze Star Medal and Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Medal recipient. • Founding Director of the U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition and America's Warrior Partnership. • 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar and active member of various veteran advisory committees. Join us for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the unwavering spirit of our veterans and the vital role of community in their journey to find purpose post-service. In This Episode You Will Hear: • I'd wake up at 5am, throw my hockey equipment on, and walk in below freezing weather, like about ½ mile to the ice rink for practice at 5:30am. Practice until 7am, then from there, with my hockey bag, I'd go to school, all sweaty and nasty, and when I was finished, I'd go back to the hockey rink. (4:31) • When I was getting recruited to go into the Air Force reserve, I was in a terrible car accident, and I amputated my left foot.  And through a series of miraculous events, the next morning I woke up – best sight I ever had in my life. I woke up, looked down; I had sheets over my legs, and there were two points. (9:52) • I went to the recruiter to join the Air Force, and realized I was color blind. I couldn't fly but I had a nursing degree. They had flight nurses, and you can fly in the back of the plane. • The drive is: “I want to serve.” (12:10) • On the 4th of July, I make my kids read the constitution. (23:44) • [Marcus: Medical Training on live animals] That was the best training. Every time I had to work on a human, it was actually easier [because of it]. (27:06) • [When they attempted to reassign me] my response was “You made the hardest decision of my life the easiest. I'm out.” (30:29) • [Melanie] “When you have your mind, you can do anything.” (37:08) • Everything you did Monday thru Friday prepares you for the following Monday. (37:16) • I went thru a lot of shit, I went through things I should have never done. So how has that made me better? Don't look at it as “I'm disabled” How does that make you better? (37:29) • All these experiences led me to found the Care Coalition. (37:49) • I'm a stalker on Social Media. I don't post a lot, but I watch. I'm friends with most of the real high risk [people] – because I started to watch their social media. (44:28) • I have a friend that has a text train with his platoon. No suicides. They all stay in touch. (48:01) • If you say to somebody: “I have your back. No matter what happens to you. You're gonna get thru this. I'm here with you. I think this is why we were successful at the Care Coalition. (50:04) When I talk to and help folks, I'll ask: “Where do you want to be in 5 years? If they can't tell me where they want to be in 5 years, and can only tell me where they want to be tomorrow, that is a huge red flag for me. (50:22) • I think the biggest thing you can do is give a shit. (51:49) • I'm not gonna sit back and watch something. I'm gonna take action. (52:01) • Our approach is: Go find the vets; Connect; educate them about opportunities they have to improve their quality of life; and advocate for them when the hit a roadblock. Own the relationship – don't own the service. (55:00) • The last bar fight I ever got in was with Chris [Kyle]. (56:40) • There's a lot of people who try to do what they can do, but they don't have the background and expertise to handle it. (58:42) • What we offer at America's Warrior partnership is a group of social workers that are freaking experts at this. (58:49)  Socials:  -  https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - GoodRX.com/TNQ   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

From Battlefield to Whitetails: The Journey of Bill Thompson & Spartan Forge In this Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Meanie sit down with Bill Thompson, founder of Spartan Forge, to explore his incredible journey from serving on the frontlines to revolutionizing the way hunters pursue whitetails. Bill, who grew up in rural North Dakota, has always been passionate about the outdoors and hunting, especially the pursuit of mature whitetails with a bow. His 22 years of service in the military, particularly his time in Iraq, helped shape the foundation for Spartan Forge—a cutting-edge hunting app that applies military intelligence techniques to deer hunting. Bill shares how the concept for Spartan Forge came to him in 2010, inspired by the "Find, Fix, Finish" targeting cycle used in military operations. He realized the similarities between tracking enemy targets and pursuing trophy whitetails, and Spartan Forge was born out of this unique combination of experiences. Now, with Spartan Forge, hunters can automate the intelligence-gathering process to increase their chances of success in the field, no matter their goals. Tune in to hear Bill's story of how his love for hunting, combined with his military background, led to the creation of an invaluable tool for hunters everywhere. In This Episode You Will Hear: • I try to write poetry once in a while. I'm an engineer, and I was a soldier. I try to write poetry just to be more of a rounded person. (2:34) • I was in the Southern Philippines. One of the mayors was having a dinner. They were mourning the loss of their dog that this guy had forever. We ate the dog. (7:48) • I joined the military because I was trying to get out of North Dakota. (11:27) • Do the work, and then enjoy stuff later. (13:02) • I did signals intelligence and then transitioned into computers. Think of it as ethical hacking. (22:16) • I got to contribute to the targeting cycle in a real meaningful way. (26:38) • In the beginning, you may not be doing what you signed up for. And I didn't for the first six years. But eventually I got to do everything and more than ever thought. (32:49) • The whole trajectory of my life and reason why I'm sitting here with you guys today is because I forgot my driver's license. (38:15) • [Spartan Forge] it's built around mapping. But it does journaling. We've got a feature in it called Blue Force Tracker where you can share pins and locations with your buddies. There's a predictive artificial intelligence that does animal movement. (40:44) • My framework is: Are we embolding the autonomy of the individual? Are we giving them something that is actually useful at a price point that they can afford? Are we elevating the experience of the individual? (46:34) • That ability for people to be like “I can do this on my own”. I can do this. (59:46) • What are the elements that are gonna contribute to the success or the failure of this? Let's identify every one of them. (67:56) • Strangeness of life can't be explained. (75:42) • It's much better to be a king-maker than it is to be a king. (81:08) • I've never been the smartest guy, I was never the most technically or tactically competent I was never anything. I can always recognize good people. (81:43) • It was my experience in the military, for me it was always a Puerto Rican platoon sergeant. (83:21) • I was a platoon sergeant, and then I became a warrant officer, because I wanted to focus on technical stuff. (83:59) Socials: - IG:  spartan.forge         - spartanforge.ai   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - Tonal.com [TNQ]    - PXG.com/TNQ    - GoodRX.com/TNQ   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie are thrilled to welcome Alex Bonomarte, a passionate entrepreneur, lifelong optimist, and father who lives by the principle of the Golden Rule. Alex wears many hats, from being a gentleman farmer to running the unique brand Firecracker Farm, where he is responsible for branding, marketing, web development, and daily operations. Firecracker Farm is home to the famous Hot Salt, a coarse sea salt infused with some of the world's hottest peppers like Ghost, Carolina Reaper, and Scorpion. Tune in as Alex shares his journey of building this spicy empire, offering tips on entrepreneurship and his love for unique flavor experiences. Beyond the world of Hot Salt, Alex dives into his background in web and app development, design, and system design—skills that have played a crucial role in shaping his approach to business. As an active member of the Trading Tribe, Alex embraces continuous learning and collaboration, striving for growth and excellence in every area of life. Join us for an engaging conversation about fatherhood, the art of balancing business and personal life, and what it means to live optimistically while cultivating a brand that brings the heat! In This Episode You Will Hear: • My sister and I would travel back and forth to France – alone – which is kinda crazy. They'd put us on a plane doing layovers. I was 5 and she was 3. (7:09) • The most valuable thing I learned was to be able to just be who you are – take it or leave it.  (9:38) • I don't quit, and I won't fight unless I can win. (11:27) • People can do things of value from pretty much anywhere. (20:51) If you're not a good man, you should probably try harder. (29:26) • [At the 9/11 scene] on the ground it did not look like what had happened. There was all sorts of glass and body parts, not from people on the plane, but from stuff that fell down. (35:01) • It wasn't until the second impact people realized what was going on. (35:37) • The first people weren't jumping intentionally. They were coming down like burning plastic – drip…1, 2,…1, 2, 3, 4. (36:52) • [Melanie] in the 9/11 museum, they have an exhibit on the jumpers .It's one of those things that you don't want to watch out of respect, and you do want to watch out of respect. The reason to watch is to understand the magnitude of what happened. (37:18) • [Marcus – After 9/11] No matter what you're staring at – what kind of human it is looking at you – what they're dressed in. It's like “Hey brother, what's up? You aight? Need something? The solidarity was amazing. (42:27) • Still there are lot of people who don't like the American view of how things should be. (43:11) • [Melanie] it is important to remember, and it is important to teach the young generation. Or history will repeat itself if we forget and brush it under the rug. (44:28) • I'm a firm believer in our generation. (45:52) • Life is full of longshots. Everybody pick their longshot and go. (46:45) • I've always been a sucker for a nice, printed thing. (49:50) • [With regard to packaging my product] I think the whole experience makes it that much more satisfying. (51:05) • You have your own idea of what somebody else thinks because you never ask them. It's such a weird thing that we live in our own heads, and if you just take the time to ask how you feel about this, and they will tell you. And you're like “Holy shit. That was there the whole time?” (63:36) Socials: - IG:  ultrahotpeppers         - https://firecracker.farm/         - fathergoods   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - Tonal.com [TNQ]    - GoodRX.com/TNQ   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Bedros Keuilian, a true embodiment of the American Dream. Born in Armenia, Bedros and his family fled communism to seek freedom and opportunity in the United States. From these humble beginnings, Bedros has become a highly successful American entrepreneur, demonstrating the power of determination and resilience. Bedros is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a hand in over a dozen industry-leading brands and businesses. He is the founder of Fit Body Boot Camp, a fitness franchise that has been recognized by Inc. Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the 100 fastest-growing franchise brands in the world. He is also the author of the Wall Street Journal Best Selling book "Man Up – How to Cut the BS and Dominate In Business and In Life." His work focuses on empowering individuals to eliminate excuses, take control of their lives, and achieve greatness. Bedros believes in the power of the human spirit and the potential that lies within each of us. Through his life story, Bedros aims to inspire people to break free from their limitations and realize their full potential. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bedros Keuilian, where he shares his journey, insights, and strategies to help you get unstuck and achieve the success you've always dreamed of. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to improve their life, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you reach your fullest potential! In This Episode You Will Hear: • In 1980 [my dad] bribed an official in the Soviet government to allow us to go on vacation to Italy, where we then went to the American consult. (11:08) • If [my dad] didn't accept the privilege of being in the communist party, he'd be shipped off to Siberia. (11:38) • One time a rooster gave chase to me, and I'm like 4 or 5 years old, and this rooster is angry and` pecking at me, and I'm running. And the only place I could run into was the outhouse to get away from it. So I ran into the outhouse – a giant hole in the ground. While I'm in here, I'm gonna take a piss. And I squat over it, took my pants off, and I fall in. (18:40) • What my dad told me [America] was gonna be like – he kinda lied. (19:33) • I had a tight green sweatshirt with Herman Munster on it, and it said “Herman” underneath. And so they took me took school, and the kids started calling me Herman, and I answered to it. (21:06) • The life that he (my dad) gave by risking his life was huge. (26:13) • I'm a kid, and within the first year I learned the language, and I'm good to go. (26:53) • It was a horrible disease [Dementia] to have your mom not know your name. (28:40) • The way that disease kills you is it eats away at the part of the brain that controls your breathing. (33:31) • I remember a kid named Robby. He & I, behind a baseball backstop, we would try to dig a hole to China and we'd cover it up with twigs so no one would fill it in. (37:23) • I hated school. (38:44) • No good thing comes from being fat. I'm not body shaming. (45:06) • I believe that you can only love the people around you to the capacity that you can love yourself. (45:47) • My physical transformation going from fat to fit is how I got into fitness. (52:04) • [Marcus] Q: Boils down your success to one thing. What is that? Discipline? What are we talking about? [Bedros] A: Discipline and singularity of focus. (53:17) • I graduated because they didn't want a man with a beard in high school. (54:30) • Confidence is built when you make a promise to yourself and keep it. (57:00) • Self-development metaphorically take the critic, duct tape him, gag him, and put him in the trunk. Then take the advocate ungag him, unbound him, put him in the front seat so you can hear him more often. (60:01) Socials: - IG:  bedroskeuilian         - https://bedroskeuilian.com/        - https://www.youtube.com/c/BedrosKeuilian      - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org          - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]    - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ    - Shopify.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ    - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

Living the Dream, Facing the Nightmare: An Interview with Alan C. Mack This week's Team Never Quit guest is a decorated war hero and an extraordinary pilot whose military career spanned nearly 36 years, including 17 years in Army Special Operations. Alan C. Mack, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5), shares his incredible journey from a young man with a passion for flying to a highly respected leader in some of the most elite units of the U.S. military. Alan's expertise and leadership saw him involved in numerous high-stakes operations, many still classified. One of the most notable missions he discusses is the Battle of Takur Ghar, also known as the Battle of Roberts Ridge, during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. Alan's bravery and skill under fire, including crash-landing a helicopter and attempting multiple rescue missions under heavy enemy fire, highlight his exceptional courage. Alan's distinguished service has earned him numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, ten Air Medals (one with a Valor device), and many more. His impressive flight record includes over 6,700 flight hours, with more than 3,200 hours under Night Vision Goggles. After retiring from the military, Alan continued to serve his community. He now works as the Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services for Orange County, New York, a role that he appreciates for its peaceful nature compared to his military experiences. Alan's story is one of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Despite the adversities and challenges faced in combat, his journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome and find meaning in serving others. His life is an inspiration, showing that with determination and courage, it's possible to live out your dreams while also facing and conquering the nightmares. This episode will leave you both inspired and reflective. In This Episode You Will Hear: • The biggest cause of an air refueling incident is the grohe – it's a big hose – you are actually only 19' from rotors to tanker. (26:26) • [During air refueling] You're doing 110-120mph over the water. (27:00) • I've done air refueling as low as 100' off the coast of Iraq. (27:08) • I get a missile fired at me so now I drop down between buildings. I'm down on the rooftops and you know what's in front of me? Kites. Hundreds and hundreds of kites. (34:10) • The older [Chinook helicopter] Delta models just had handheld maps. (43:34) • [During Operation Red Wings] I sat down with the A10's and the AC130's with my map and the imagery and said “I need you to either suppress or creative a diversion that's so big no one could help but look. (50:15) • Crew Chiefs sometimes see things that aren't there (and I hate to say it that way) but sometimes they'll see lights of a car and think they're seeing signal light signals. (53:28) • Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. (55:00) • My youngest son was a Night Stalker Flight Engineer, and my oldest son is a Navy F18 wizzo (back seater) He's a Goose. (58:05) • I did 17 years with the Night Stalkers, plus about 10 years of deployment. (59:03) • Every aircraft munition has a probable kill ratio. A surface to air missile has a “PK” of 75%, meaning that if they fired at you, you have a 75% chance of killing you. The ground has a 100% PK. (64:23) • I've got about 3,500, maybe 4,000 hours of night vision time, which is a lot. (67:51) • Anaconda was a conventional operation, such as Red Wings. There's no soft component to it. (68:57) • We had 4 or 5 people on the aircraft tail, and we are diving at about 150, [one of our men that fell out but is tethered] while they're shooting at us and his toes are tickling the trees. The crew chief is returning fire with an M60 machine gun. He looks over and pulls our guy up, and I learned we had lost Neil [another guy] and decided we've gotta go back. So I turned inbound and climbed back up and the controls stopped moving. Imagine you pulled the keys out of your car. That's what it's like with no hydraulics. So I'm like “Guys… we're done,” as in “We're going to die.” (79:03) • In the spirit of never quit, there's a saying: ”Never quit flying the aircraft.” (83:22) • Everything I do in life, I associate with movies I've seen. (88:12) Socials: - IG:  alancmack2015         - https://alancmack.com/        - https://www.facebook.com/ BUY HIS BOOK HERE->  Razor 03: A Night Stalker's Wars https://www.amazon.com/Razor-03-Night-Stalkers-Wars/dp/1399018698    - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org          - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]    - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ    - Shopify.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ    - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ

Leading the Houston Texans: A Conversation with Cal and Hannah McNair In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Cal and Hannah McNair, the dynamic duo behind the Houston Texans. Cal McNair, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Texans, has been at the helm of the team since 2018, guiding them through remarkable achievements, including a 10-7 record in the 2023 season under a rookie head coach and quarterback. Under his leadership, the Texans secured their seventh division title and unveiled new fan-inspired uniforms in 2024. McNair attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorns' football team. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management. Cal shares his journey from his early career at Cogen Technologies to becoming the principal owner of the Texans in 2024. He discusses his vision for the team, the importance of community involvement, and the Texans Foundation's impact on Houston, which has raised over $48 million since its inception. Hannah McNair, a proud native Houstonian and University of Houston alum, joins the conversation to talk about their shared passion for philanthropy and, of course, the Houston Texans. With a background in business from the University of Houston and Rice University, Hannah has been deeply involved in numerous charities across the city, from the YMCA to the Houston Food Bank. She reflects on the couple's commitment to giving back, balancing life as parents of seven, and supporting the community that has given them so much. In This Episode You Will Hear: • [Cal] What I really enjoy is going into someone else's house, and beating them, and then seeing our fans, surrounded by the other team's colors, and they're wearing our colors in the stands , and when we win those games is my favorite [moment]. (2:45) • [Cal] We have fans that have had seats next to each other that didn't know each other, but because they came to the game and sat next to each other, they became friends. (3:47) • [Cal played football at] The University of Texas. (7:27) • [Cal] The team was [originally] awarded to Los Angeles, but it had a deadline and they didn't meet it. (8:22) • [Hannah] The interesting thing about twins is that you have had somebody who's had your back your entire life. (29:24) • [Hannah] I think team sports is one of the most important educational things you can teach kids. (37:35) • [Hannah] [In baseball] You fail most of the time. If you have an error, are you gonna just stop the game? Are you gonna run to your parents? Or are you gonna learn from it, and go to the next play. You can't just quick.  (37:46) • [Hannah] If you can learn how to be part of a team and put your personal feelings aside for the greater good of the team, I think that's a valuable lesson, especially with youth today. (38:28) • [Hannah] With anything in the public eye, you try to use those [harassments in the stands] to create a better person in them, so that they're ready for whatever comes their way, (42:56) • [Hannah] You have to have God as your foundation. If you don't have that to turn to, you're lost already. (43:21) • [Hannah] You cannot go wrong by doing what's right. (50:11) • [Marcus] Q: What's the best piece of advice or wisdom you've got from somebody? [Cal] A: Never Quit. (52:16) • [Hannah] [CJ Stroud] is the CEO on the field. (52:56)  Socials: - IG:  houstontexans -  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org          - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ    - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]    - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ    - Shopify.com/TNQ   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ    - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Sean Glass, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer and seasoned leadership instructor with Echelon Front. With over 13 years of experience in the SEAL Teams and combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eastern Africa, Sean shares his insights on leadership in both military and business settings. Sean led 5 SEAL platoons in Iraq against Islamic State forces, and was the Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams. In his transition to the business world, Sean became the Chief Operating Officer at a venture-backed construction tech startup, and is currently the Leadership Instructor at Echelon Front, where he is building a decentralized, team-first culture in a rapidly growing company. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sean Glass as he shares invaluable lessons on leadership that can be applied in any high-pressure environment. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a true leader who has navigated the challenges of both the battlefield and the boardroom. In This Episode You Will Hear: • [Growing up] we had Emus at one time for some reason. (7:46) • I read that book, and something inside me was alive, like “This is what I wanna do” Everything I did after that was asking myself that question:  Is this next move gonna help me get into the Navy? and if it's not, then I didn't do it. (17:25) • [Marcus] I feel like our saving grace is the fact that we did it for God and country. If you're a wild child and you wanna have the most fun of your entire life, go into the SEAL teams. (19:36) • Given a boat crew, If you don't perform - if you screw up, your boat crew get beats for you. Sorry – remediated – gets remediated for you. (24:51) • The less you think about yourself, especially when you're miserable, the better off you are. (25:18) • [Marcus] If you want to teach your son or yourself to be a great barterer or negotiator, go over there [Afghanistan]. (41:24) • Gift giving is a big thing to them [Afghans]. (41:54) • Getting to be on the other side of the BUDS equation was a great experience, because you get to see all the workings that go into it - all the things you don't see and appreciate as a student obviously because you're just trying to survive. (44:21) • I don't have a good poker face. (45:33) • No one puts a premium on training like the SEAL teams do. It's everything for us. (54:26) • I closed out my career at the training command which was just the best place you could possibly be. (55:21) • Our goal there [Echelon Front] is to arm their leaders with the tools they need to be better leaders. (65:42) • Jocko started Primal Beef, and our goal was to bring the same farm-raised all natural, Black Angus American beef that we had the opportunity to eat every night to as many Americans as we possibly could. (70:03) • Our whole goal was basically to make things the best experience you could possibly have ordering beef from somebody. (74:49) • Well above 80% of all beef produced in America comes from 4 different massive companies, and at least one of them is a foreign owned company. (77:55) • The average age of a farmer right now is 63 years old, because families just aren't taking over the family business. (78:06) Socials: - IG: primalbeef_co - IG: seanglassactual - www.primalbeef.com -  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - Policygenius.com    - GoodRX.com/TNQ    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]    - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ    - Shopify.com/TNQ   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

Welcome to this week's episode of the Team Never Quit podcast. Today, we are honored to host Bill Wagasy, a decorated U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, former Notre Dame football player, and current VP of national sales for Commonwealth Land Title Company. Bill's journey from the gridiron to the battlefield and beyond is nothing short of extraordinary. In college, Bill played as a reserve outside linebacker under Coach Lou Holtz, and harnessed the lasting influence of Coach Holtz's relentless pursuit of excellence. Post-college, Bill pursued a law degree and a master's in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University. However, driven by a deep sense of duty, Bill joined the Navy and became a Navy SEAL, completing four combat tours between 2002 and 2012—three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His specialties included lead sniper, lead breacher, JTAC, and lead navigator. After his military career, Bill discusses the transition to civilian life and working with the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the importance of resilience, duty, and honor in his life and career. We are deeply grateful to Bill Wagasy for sharing his powerful story. His unwavering dedication to service and the indomitable spirit he embodies serve as an inspiration to us all. In This Episode You Will Hear: • The first time she [my sister] ever did Boston [marathon] was the year of the bombing. That was the first public event I ever went to when I got out of the SEAL teams. (16:08) • I feel like a wonderful, all-American upbringing. (22:28) • My coach [at Notre Dame] was coach [Lou] Holtz. (27:43) • One of the greatest things I can say about him [Coach Lou Holtz] – He brought an intensity and a passion every single day for five years I was there. He never had an off day. (27:57) • Do what's right. It's not right to find your teammate's wallet before he loses it. (28:52) • The way you show people you care – is if your part of a team, you have to put forth incredible effort and mental focus. Do your best in every single facet, from execution and preparation. (29:17) • Every day, you've gotta bring it. (29:51) • There's nothing that anybody could've ever said to me when I was going through SEAL training that would have the effect of what Coach Holtz said to me. (32:42) • There's a huge jump between having a dream, and having the courage to follow it. (43:57) • While we were in sniper school, that's when Operation Red Wings went down. (69:20) • When they found you [Marcus Luttrell] it was like a miracle, like no one could believe that you were alive. It was bittersweet because we lost everybody else. (81:46) • Our fastest sniper rifle shoots about 3,000 feet per second, and an explosive goes somewhere around 12,000 to 25,000 feet per second. (95:02) • I was in a vehicle rollover where I shattered my right wrist, and had a level 5 shoulder separation on my left side. I was in the hospital for ten days. (103:59) • He (Gary Sinise) truly lived the example of “We can never do enough for our veterans, but we can always do a little bit more.” (131:10) • If you were to ask me what 2 years I would never want to repeat again in my life, it's the 2 years transitioning out of the military into the private sector and starting from scratch at 42 years old. • I had 1 superpower in BUDS and that was taking cold water and just splattering everybody. (156:24)

From Video Gamer to Professional Driver with Jann Mardenborough In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie bring you an incredible story that bridges the virtual and real worlds of racing. Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Jann Mardenborough, a British professional racing driver who went from playing sim racing video games to competing at the highest levels of motorsport. Jann's passion for racing ignited at a young age. Despite his father's professional soccer career, Jann dreamed of holding a steering wheel. Growing up in Cardiff, Wales, his potential was clear even at age 8 when he impressed a local go-kart track owner. However, financial constraints forced him to give up real-world racing, pushing him towards sim racing games like Gran Turismo. The turning point came in 2011 when Jann entered the GT Academy, a hybrid gaming-driving competition by Nissan and Sony Computer Entertainment. Competing against 90,000 entrants, Jann's exceptional skills in Gran Turismo 5 propelled him to the finals. His dedication saw him practicing up to five hours a day on a simulator rig complete with pedals and a steering wheel. Jann's journey through the GT Academy was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from virtual races, he proved his mettle on real tracks at Brands Hatch and Silverstone. His performance culminated in a winner-take-all race at Silverstone, securing him a professional racing contract with Nissan. From winning the GT Academy, Jann quickly made a name for himself in the racing world. He has since finished on the podium in his class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, won races, and contended for titles in GT3 and junior formula cars. His career highlights also include competing in Super GT, Super Formula, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. We'll also touch on the Gran Turismo movie, which dramatizes the story of how a video gamer like Jann transitioned into a professional racing driver. This film highlights the transformative impact of the GT Academy and showcases the merging of virtual and real-world racing. Jann's story is a testament to how passion and dedication can turn dreams into reality, regardless of how unachievable they may seem. Tune in to hear more about his incredible journey from a bedroom gamer to a professional driver on some of the world's most prestigious tracks. In this episode you will hear: • My dad isn't an academic person, but he really instilled in me and my younger brother – things about life. You have one life. He was paid to do something he loved. (6:07) • When you're 8 or 9 years old, you don't really understand, but as you get older – what do I want to do? And my thing was racing. I didn't know how I was going to do it. It was always instilled in my head – the understanding what the job was. I thought to myself “I want to do that. I don't know how I'm going to get there, but I want to do that.” (6:26) • It was through my friends – the love of cars, and the objects, and the pictures. I had them on my wall. (8:38) • I was a kid that could recognize a car on the street in the dark just by the headlights as a 6 year-old. (9:50) • With my dad, when I was younger, he never forced anything on me. (17:39) • [Melanie] Q: Using the video game simulation, did you ever think that that was actually going to propel you into real racing? A: No. Absolutely not. It wasn't a conscious thought. My dream was always to be a racing driver, but I didn't know how it would happen. (25:52) • I used to go to work with the keys of my BMW which I had maybe 6 months. I would always go to work with the key in my pocket. That little BMW emblem on the key ring – I'd be rubbing it in my pocket, just thinking, “This isn't it, what I'm doing, but I have at least something which was bringing me joy.” (26:53) • Confidence and arrogance. People want to give you responsibility.  If you're a bit soft with your answers – the first impressions are what really matter. (41:11) • Every day in the academy, there was somebody getting eliminated. (41:41) • I box things off in my head, once I learn about them, and I don't revisit them. (50:49) • [His car went airborne] A horrible point in my life. I remember it vividly. (51:34) • [Melanie] As [Marcus'] wife, I see the parallel between the two of you. Both of you never quit. (52:46) • My favorite championship race is the one in Japan. It's called GT500. (64:51) • In motorsports, even in Formula 1, you have 1 tire supplier. (65:25) • Yes, there's things I want to do in the sport. I want my own race team. (67:42) • Be the best that you can be. (71:35) Photo creds:   - Ligier Automotive Socials:   - https://www.jannthaman.com/   - IG: @jannthaman  -  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org          - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ    - Shopify.com/TNQ   - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let's step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let's get the good and the gold from today's guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.Clint Bruce was born in Arkansas and raised in Texas. A standout football player, Bruce was given the opportunity to play at multiple Division One programs. Ultimately, Bruce took his sense of patriotism and passion for the game to the United States Naval Academy. Bruce is one of the most decorated Navy Athletes in the Academy's history. He was a four-year letter winner, captain of the football team, MVP, and named to multiple all-star teams during his career. Bruce is also one of the few service academy athletes given the opportunity to play professionally with both the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.When given the opportunity to become a Navy SEAL, Bruce made the tough decision to leave the NFL. Completing Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training in 1998 with Class 217, Bruce reported to SEAL Team FIVE in Coronado. As a SEAL Officer he deployed with three Platoons in direct support of Counter-Terrorism Missions and the Global War on Terror.Since leaving the Navy, Bruce has founded two companies and one foundation. The first, Trident Response Group or TRG, is a trusted advisor, analyzing risk for America's best businesses, leaders, and families. HoldFast is a speaker's bureau that coaches and employs veterans and transitioning professional athletes, providing world-class speakers to world-class companies. And Carry the Load is a foundation created to help America better honor fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers, rescue personnel and military during the month of May.Clint Bruce is an integral member of Team Never Quit. Today, he lives is Dallas with his college sweetheart and their children.

Chris Caracci - From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Markus and Melanie are honored to host Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening. Chris's illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies. Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War. Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind. Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully. Don't miss this compelling episode as we delve into the details of Chris Caracci's military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise. In this episode you will hear: • Marines are unique people. (7:53) • I was only really good at climbing, and I was always climbing buildings. (12:52) • I just happened to close a door and looked behind it, and what do I see? I see these twin 72 cubic inch scuba tanks. I grabbed ‘em and they were [made of] Styrofoam! (28:34) • If I ever come up with something like Dementia, I hope I'm brave enough to identify it and go for a long swim. (35:21) • In battle you learn one thing. [You need] water, and ammunition. (36:45) • When you hit the water, you only got a matter of minutes, and if that parachute gets saturated, it's an anchor. You're going down. End of story. (38:26) • If you never quit, you'll never know how to. (39:37) • [Marcus] The only reason I knew I could make it, it because I made it through hell week. (40:47) • The reason they don't give us – in my day – more psychological techniques, and even some physiological tricks – they wanna see who's gonna do it on their own. (45:48) • Free fall is difficult because there's no gravity. (49:39) • You still did one thing together – you get up in line and you examine each other's equipment to make sure the guys are squared away and nothing bad's gonna happen. (57:42) • One of the reasons I was really driven to be a frog man was because they weren't designed for any other purpose other than warfare. (60:59) • There were so many cold war frogmen that were ready. There was no war but we were ready. (70:40) • One of the first things I learned is that it wasn't about muscle, it wasn't about brawn – it was about the mind. (83:24) • You can't change the world. You have to learn how to navigate accordingly. (93:41) • Where is there a war I can get in? Where can I stand up for somebody and fight but for a reason, for a purpose. (96:01) • Life may be boring to me, but what makes life is being able to share it with someone special. (99:23) Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org          - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Robinhood.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com

Surviving the Unthinkable: A Law Enforcement Officer's Story of Courage and Recovery In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Julie Werhnyak, a former Tempe, Arizona police officer whose life changed forever on March 3, 2015. Julie shares her harrowing experience, the split-second decisions she had to make, and how she drew upon her training and resilience to survive being stabbed in the neck. Julie had a routine before starting her shift. But on that fateful Tuesday morning, she sensed something was amiss. A premonition led her to alter her routine and mentally prepare for what lay ahead. Responding to a call for a welfare check, Julie and a colleague encountered a situation that quickly escalated. As they attempted to gain entry to the residence, Julie's worst fears were realized. A violent suspect emerged, armed and dangerous. In a split-second decision, Julie confronted the assailant, risking her life to protect others. Julie's bravery came at a cost. She sustained severe injuries during the confrontation, but her training and resolve kept her focused on survival. With the support of her colleagues and medical personnel, Julie began her journey towards recovery. Despite the physical and emotional toll of her ordeal, Julie returned to duty, driven by a sense of duty and resilience. However, the challenges didn't end there. Julie reflects on the importance of proper psychological support for law enforcement officers facing trauma. After two decades of service, Julie recently retired from the force. With her company, Artemis Self-Defense, Julie continues to empower others through tactical and self-defense education. Her story serves as a testament to the power of training, resilience, and community support. Julie Werhnyak's journey is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the strength it takes to overcome adversity. In this episode you will hear: • My best never quit story would've been during my martial arts training and because of those never quit moments, that's how I was able to survive the stabbing that I incurred. (5:50) • Every day I put on my Tempe Police uniform I spoke some version of mantra which is “I accept and expect I will be involved in a lethal encounter today, and I will do everything I can to insure my survival.” (8:36) • As soon as the muzzle of my gun touches his body, and I fire my first round, the knife penetrates my neck, just above the left clavicle. (19:24) • I started on my tactical breathing to slow everything down, so that hopefully I would bleed out. (21:31) • My first thought was, “Oh shit”, not because I was scared but because I knew I couldn't get out of the way and I was gonna be stabbed. (28:32) • The trauma doctor attributed not only my survival but her [the victim's] survival to physical conditioning. (29:35) • It missed my carotid [artery] by less than an inch. (33:05) • [The perpetrator] was a 26 year old guy with his whole life ahead of him. He had a family who loved him. (35:07) • I survived because I was prepared. (39:16) • I wasn't thinking I was gonna die, I was too focused on living. (39:47) • I knew that if I was in a knife fight I would probably be cut, but it would be what I did next that mattered. (44:18) Socials:   - juliewerhnyak.com   - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org          - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Robinhood.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com

Thriving Across Sea, Air, Land, and Space. In this week's Team Never Quit episode, we are honored to host a true hero of our time, Captain Chris Cassidy. With a decorated dual career as a U.S. Navy Captain (SEAL) and NASA Astronaut, Captain Cassidy's journey across the sea, air, land, and outer space is nothing short of inspirational. Captain Cassidy shares his remarkable journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to becoming NASA's 15th Chief Astronaut. He delves into the transition from serving as a member of the U.S. Navy SEALs to embarking on spaceflight missions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges. As a proven leader of diverse teams, both in the military and at NASA, Captain Cassidy provides invaluable insights into effective leadership. Drawing from his experiences as a commander of the International Space Station and various military deployments, he highlights the significance of collaboration, communication, and developing trust in achieving common goals. Captain Cassidy empowers the never-quit mindset and supports others on their journey to success. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations. As we look to the stars and beyond, his story serves as a reminder that with determination and leadership, anything is possible. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Captain Chris Cassidy, as we explore the depths of the ocean, the heights of space, and the limitless potential of the human spirit. In this episode you will hear: • Looking for a way to pay for school is what led me to the Navy. (5:58) • In a small town in Maine, people play football and soccer, and Friday the season ends, on Monday basketball starts, and when that season ended, baseball started. (6:41) • I didn't even know [the SEALS] were a thing. I just knew I could be in the Navy and they would help me pay for college. (7:18) • If it's the head of human resources voice you hear [on the phone], you're not gonna be an astronaut, but if it's the chief astronaut, like the commanding officer, then it might be a good call. (23:01) • Come to work with a good attitude and grind, and you'll be asked to do things, and doors will open. (26:47) • I wanted to go to space. It was really that simple. Once I got selected, I just wanted to do my first mission. (29:11) • If you don't have a little pucker factor, you don't understand the physics that are going on behind you. (34:15) • A rendezvous to the Space Station is kinda like that line drive throw. We have to launch at exactly the right moment when the Space Station is in the perfect spot in the sky, so that we rendezvous together. (38:43) • When you land on water, it might be softer, but the mission is not over until you're on the ship. (45:21) • [After a space mission] you're very uncoordinated, very wobbly, very unstable. We're not allowed to drive a car for 2 weeks, or ride a bicycle for2weeks. It takes about a month to be normal again. (45:47) • If you have a fire, you gotta put it out. If you can't put it out, you close hatches, and isolate compartments. If it overcomes the whole thing, you gotta leave. (50:04) • There's no air molecules around you, so, if you kick, you're not pushing against anything – there's no force to react against. (53:38) Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org          - Moink.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Robinhood.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus dives into a fascinating discussion with our special guest, Chris Gothro. With an impressive 40 years of combined service, including 26 years in active military duty, Chris brings a wealth of experience and fascinating stories to the table. Chris's journey began in the US Navy, where he served in various critical roles. With a focus on force continuity of operations and critical infrastructure protection, Chris operated under an active DOD Secret Clearance, highlighting the gravity of his responsibilities. As a Logistics Management Specialist for the Naval Special Warfare Command, Chris navigated the intricate logistics web of one of the most elite branches of the military. Rising through the ranks to become a Master Chief SEAL, Chris's expertise and leadership were instrumental in managing the undersea mobility program, a role that demanded precision and strategic planning. Throughout the episode, Chris regales us with captivating tales from his time in service. From seemingly ridiculous operations to high-stakes missions, each story offers a glimpse into the dedication and ingenuity required in the world of military service. As a Master Chief SEAL and logistics specialist, Chris delves into the intricacies of leadership and effective management, offering valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Join us as we uncover the world of government service with Chris Gothro, a true testament to dedication, service, and the pursuit of excellence. His stories inspire and enlighten, offering a glimpse into a world few have the privilege to experience firsthand. In this episode you will hear: • The guys [SEALS] are smarter, more well prepared, built harder and ready to go from day one. (28:01) • I did 40 years combined government service. I did 26 active duty.(30:28) • Frog Men – if they're smart – when they get into trouble and get caught. If you'll say these mortal words – and the officers will laugh at this – “Well, XO, it seemed the logical thing to do at the time, but in retrospect I see the folly of my decision-making and I will stand accountable for my actions. (36:03) • “Okay, you had your fuck up, prove it's a hiccup and it's not a habit, because if it's a habit you're gonna be very short lived in this community. (36:51) • “I love being a team guy.” (40:21) • [Melanie] Can you walk us through that bank robbery?” (54:24 – 56:40) • [Marcus] We're on this race track, and there's 3 cars – side by side. We'd be driving down this track at full speed, and then they'll be like: “You got shot – you're out. And he would lean on the steering wheel while we're racing and we'd have to pull him into the back seat. Meanwhile, the other guys are shooting us with paintballs. (60:35) • Don't be that guy that has the only information. Pass it on to everybody so everybody knows. (64:08) • The combat swimmer – no bubbles. You don't want to be seen. You don't want to have bubbles come up. (66:49) • His [Marcus'] Trident award was the last one awarded by the team. (70:28) • [Marcus] “You're not allowed to touch a Trident or go near one. (74:40) • Chris' involvement with Red Wing (84:44 – 99:00) • I've got some good news, and bad news. Bad news is we've gotta tough job and there's no way around it. You're the junior guy and it gonna fall on you. The good news is you're a perfect fit for it. (101:53)    Socials:   - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org          - Moink.com/TNQ   - PXG.com/TNQ   - Mackweldon.com {TNQ]   - Robinhood.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com

The Power of Perspective. Join us for a deeply moving and inspirational Team Never Quit episode featuring Mason Sawyer, a resilient individual who has faced unimaginable tragedy with unwavering strength and purpose. Mason's personal and professional life blossomed as he married his high school sweetheart, Kortni Atkinson, and embarked on a journey of education and coaching. After earning his college degree, Mason returned to his Alma Mater, West Jordan High School, as the head coach of the Varsity Basketball team while Kortni pursued her Nursing degree. In the summer of 2021, Mason's life took a devastating turn when his family was involved in a fatal car accident in St. George, Utah. The accident claimed the lives of his brother, nephew, wife, and two of his children, leaving only his son Blue as a survivor. This unimaginable loss shattered Mason's world and altered the course of his life forever. Despite his grief, Mason has devoted himself to raising his son, and honoring the memory of his loved ones. Inspired by the 10/90 Principle—believing that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond—Mason has channeled his pain into a mission of helping others. He has launched a podcast, "The10ninety," and emerged as a compelling public speaker, sharing his message of resilience, hope, and the power of perspective. Join us as Marcus and Mason discuss the journey of tragedy, resilience, and profound transformation, and discover how Mason continues to inspire others through his unwavering courage and commitment to living the 10/90 Principle.   Socials:   - 10ninetyrule   - masonsawyer91   - https://www.the10ninety.com/   - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Robinhood.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]   - Policygenius.com   In this episode you will hear: • I'm very much in the thick of my grief still… (7:04) • [My dad used to tell me] I have you, and your brothers and your sisters, and your mom. I have it all. That's kinda what I had to shape my perspective. (10:54) • The number one thing. That's what makes someone rich is good quality relationships. (11:09) • Being a good dad – That's the number one, best, quickest way to make a difference in this world. (17:02) • A big dust storm got kicked up, and it just covered the highway. It caused a 22 car pileup and it killed 8 people. And 5 of those 8 people was my family. (21:54) • We were high school sweethearts. I never dated another girl. She was it. (31:15) • You wake up, and you get your ass kicked today. You're not gonna get any of ‘em back. You're gonna lose, but you still fight on. It the best you can do. (38:23) • That's why I love the whole buffalo metaphor. The buffalos know they're gonna get their ass kicked. But they get the good shit with the storm. The cows that run away from it get the snow or the rain or the shit part of the storm. But like if you embrace it, yeah you're gonna get fucked up, I'm not saying you're not gonna get hurt, but you're also gonna get the benefits of it. (38:54) • You're never gonna get to those good parts, if you run away from the bad parts, ‘cause the bad and the good are located in the same spot. (39:52) • If you're running from the pain, you're running from the growth. (40:02) • [Marcus] Oh, by the way, you and I also got the death penalty. That's the only way we check outta here. (41:28) • [Marcus] You wake up, and you have a bad day or a hard day - -that's gonna remind you how good your good ones are. (49:07) • Your life – it doesn't mean anything. It's up to you to make it something. (56:47) • That's the point of life – handling shitty moments the best you can. (57:57) • I learned that opportunity can come from the absolute worst thing. (60:25)

Unveiling Stories of Courage and Adventure In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Eric Blehm, an acclaimed author whose storytelling prowess has carved a niche in the realms of adventure, courage, and the human spirit. With a track record that boasts New York Times bestsellers and accolades like the National Outdoor Book Award, Blehm's narrative skills have captivated readers across the globe. A groundbreaking moment in his journalistic career was in 1999 when he became the first journalist to accompany and keep pace with an elite Army Ranger platoon, setting a milestone in American war journalism. His immersion with the Special Operations community led to gripping accounts, including the story of eleven Green Berets who changed the course of history in Taliban-held southern Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11 (The Only Thing Worth Dying For). Fearless and Beyond delves into the inspiring story of Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown, showcasing resilience in the face of addiction and devastating injuries. Eric's storytelling prowess extends to Legend, an account of the U.S. Army's 240th Assault Helicopter Company and Green Beret Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez. In his latest work, The Darkest White, Blehm returns to his mountain roots to recount the life of snowboarding's original superstar, Craig Kelly. The book explores Kelly's journey from being the sport's first true professional to his tragic end in the powdery backcountry that initially drew him to his calling. Both Fearless and Legend are currently in the process of being adapted for film by major Hollywood producers and studios, attesting to the cinematic appeal of Blehm's storytelling. Join us for an episode filled with riveting tales of courage, adventure, and the human spirit as Eric Blehm takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary storytelling career. Socials:   - ericblehmofficial   - https://www.ericblehm.com/    - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 Sponsors:   - Navyfederal.org   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Shhtape.com [TNQ] In this episode you will hear: • I want to not only hook a reader with something interesting, but I want to give them a reason to finish the book. (7:15) • I always try to get some sort of a cliffhanger, something early on that will keep someone reading. (7:20) • If someone comes back and asks me where this sentence came from, or where this quote from, • I want to have an answer. (9:18) • I would rather have a hole in my story than fill it with bullshit. (9:46) • Some stories that are very true cannot be told true, because certain people don't want shit told. (11:01) • At some point in your life, you're taken away by a story.  (12:24) • I wanted to be a pro snow boarder in the 80s. (13:26) • I do not even know the whole story of how Lone Survivor came together. (23:44) • [Marcus] When it was time to do the movie, I got to live with [Director] Peter Berg. (26:41) • I was chatting with one of [Ted Nugent's] bandmates. [I asked] Is it true that he will only shoot something he eats? And he said “It is absolutely true. Sometimes I wish he'd shoot a salad.” (34:57) • To die a hero [Adam Brown] with all those skeletons buried. (37:29) • People often ask if there's a common thread to all these special ops or operators, and it seems to me that everybody has overcome something already. Someone once said: “Children of Adversity.” (37:40) • A woman will change a man's religion and his politics. (39:58) • There's 2 heroes in Fearless: Kelly Brown and Adam Brown. (41:13) • [Melanie] Now you get the Trident when you graduate BUDS. (44:05) • There's a certain personality that the SEALs have. They are people people. It's very much a mental game. (48:26) • There's always a choice between making something “Wacky Hollywood” vs “This is what really happened.” (52:04) • Roy Benavidez was a real badass. He's the one person I'd want beside me if I was surrounded by the enemy and running out of ammo. (53:04) • You {Marcus] are a household name, and people look to you as someone who stands for America. (95:39)

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)

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. 

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) 

Please check out Team Never Quit on all platforms where Marcus Luttrell hosts his podcast. Also find on https://teamneverquit.com/ Macus' two books, Lone Survivor and Service. Thank you to American Hats for gifting Marcus his brand new 100x black felt. Thanks for watching ol son! Please subscribe amd comment and ALSO text me "Special Offer" to (940)353-0890! My apparel line RodeoTime.com please check it out

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)

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. 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) 

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) 

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) 

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)

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/

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.

"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.”

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. 

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.

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. 

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/ https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/ https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/

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/ https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/ https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/

“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.

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.

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.

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.