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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]
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- Policygenius.com
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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
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- Navyfederal.org
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- Policygenius.com
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- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
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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
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- Tonal.com [TNQ]
- greenlight.com/TNQ
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- Policygenius.com
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Redefining Mindsets and Building Community
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie’s guest is Earl Granville, a true testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of positive mindset. Earl shares his transformative journey from trauma to triumph, offering listeners insights into how to redefine their own mindset to create the space for positive shifts in life. He discusses stepping out of your comfort zone, becoming the leader you are meant to be, and the critical importance of building and maintaining a healthy community.
Earl’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Just two weeks into basic training at Fort Benning, GA, with his twin brother Joe, the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded, marking a pivotal moment in his life. Earl went on to serve nine years as an Infantryman in the Army National Guard, with multiple deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his final tour, Earl lost his left leg below the knee due to a roadside bomb, and tragically, he also lost two of his teammates, Major Scott Hagerty and Specialist Derek Holland, on that same day.
After the loss of his limb in combat and the passing of his brother Joe, who took his own life while serving on active duty, Earl discovered the power of a positive mindset and became a passionate advocate for mental health, physical fitness, and resilience. He continues his journey as a public speaker, traveling the country to share his story and motivate others to overcome challenges. In addition to speaking, Earl works with several non-profits like Operation Enduring Warrior, the Oscar Mike Foundation, and WarriorStrong, all of which help wounded veterans and law enforcement officers stay physically active post-injury.
Earl’s efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the 2018 Attorney General Heart So Big Award, the Junior Chamber International (JCI USA) TOYA Award, and the 2018 Daughters of the American Revolution Veterans Volunteer Award. He retired as a Staff Sergeant with multiple honors, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Tune in to hear how Earl Granville's story of overcoming adversity and his commitment to positive change can inspire you to face your own challenges with resilience, build stronger connections, and lead a life of purpose.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• One good thing about these conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is that we’ve had a lot of people in their 20s and 30s that were losing limbs that causes technology to be boosted. (3:48)
• The amputee’s best friend is your Allen wrench. (7:03)
• [At] NYPD, the culture today is like the modern day Vietnam veteran. (21:09)
• Joining the military made it about me. What can I get out of this? Sure – free college. But going to Iraq, I became an NCO, put in charge of people. I realized this isn’t about me, it’s about us. (37:27)
• There’s pride that people take when tragedy happens. It’s what the community does to honor those who aren’t here anymore. (42:52)
• I remember going over the headset talking to my guys like “Damn, it’s beautiful here, look at this green grass. Who’s water the grass in Afghanistan?” The next thing I remember, I saw nothing but black. (65:52)
• I was ejected out of my Humvee and I wasn’t wearing mu gunner’s harness which probably saved my life, because the roof peeled back like a tuna can. (70:04)
• Everything happened right in my situation. I really do feel that way. What do I have to complain about? (70:20)
• Afghans don’t have the will to fight. (76:26)
• Have you ever met an Afghan or an Iraqi with an Iraqi flag or an Afghan flag tattoo? (76:43)
• I went under for surgery on my hip, and I woke up in Germany, with a nurse pulling a breathing tube out of my throat. (79:02)
• Joe [my twin brother] seeing me in this state, says to me: “I shoulda just gone with you. (84:23)
• It’s not forever. I’m gonna get my independence back. I’m gonna be walking again, cause it’s not forever. (96:08)
• While on active duty, my twin brother, Staff Sergeant Joe Granville, takes his own life. (97:57)
• How do I get this second chance at life, and Joe [my twin brother] take his away? (98:08)
• Not every mental health situation with an armed forces service member is PTSD related. (109:00)
• The big thing people need is purpose – military or not. (110:29)
• I found this passion of physical fitness once again thanks to being introduced to Crossfit. (120:41)
• People you surround yourself with, I truly believe, makes who you are. (125:15)
Socials:
- Website: earlgranville.org
- IG: Earlgranville
- Enduringwarrior.org
- Oscar mike foundation
Oscarmike.org
- warriorstrongink
- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
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- Navyfederal.org
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From the depths of despair to unparalleled heights of personal redemption.
This week, Marcus and Melanie meet with Taylor Cavanaugh, whose story is one of grit, resilience, and transformation. A former Navy SEAL turned French Foreign Legionnaire, Taylor is the only person to hold this unique distinction. His journey has taken him from jail cells to homelessness and even suicidal thoughts, only to find salvation through discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand about Taylor’s turbulent path from becoming a Navy SEAL to being kicked out of the U.S. military; How a spiral of pleasure-chasing and lack of purpose led to hitting rock bottom; The life-changing moment of clarity that led him to France and the French Foreign Legion; The rigorous discipline and mental fortification that helped him rebuild his life, and practical insights on how to unlearn self-sabotaging behaviors, cultivate inner peace, and align daily habits with your long-term vision.
Taylor is committed to teaching others how to reclaim their lives by building a strong body, mind, and spirit. He shares actionable strategies to create a beautiful life through discipline, mindfulness, and purposeful choices. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, redemption is possible through perseverance, discipline, and self-reflection.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I remember the day and the moment I wanted to be a SEAL. I was 7, and I was on the hill at Point Loma, and I go “Hey dad, what’s that?” “Those are SEALS training in the bay. From that point on, I was in the library and Blockbuster getting the VHS tapes. I couldn’t get enough of it. (10:41)
• I was really good on the field with all that training, but the minute I got off the field, I lost my discipline. (11:50)
• If anybody’s aware of how BUDS is, it’s like a living organism. (21:48)
• I hit a guy in a bar – one time. That one punch changed the trajectory of my life, because I broke his orbital eye socket. (29:32)
• I’m no victim. I knew it was against the rules. I did it, and I brought heat on myself. That’s why the commanding officer at Team 7 gave me a general discharge. (34:03)
• I started stacking some bad habits. Without building my self-worth. No alignment with God.
I had lost my identity. (35:41)
• Nobody could tell me anything, because “Hey look at all the external stuff,” but internally I was in chaos. (36:09)
• You can’t bend reality that long. (36:51)
• I was just tired of trying. Then I had this moment. Reset man… It was that moment where I said “Fuck it. I’m going to the French Foreign Legion.” (37:36)
• If you serve your time, you can get French citizenship. (39:01)
• It was psychologically challenging. You’re also alone. I lost my life. (43:30)
• They gave me a fake French passport with a fake name: Trent Clayson. (43:47)
• 150 nations are represented in the foreign legion. (47:54)
• If they hear you speaking English, they’re gonna reprimand you. Give you a little extra love. (50:53)
• I started ratcheting up my discipline. Getting up at 3:30 in the morning. Training. Doing my macros. Reading the scripture. Really started going internal with it. I stated to feel better. (69:50)
• I’m a conduit. I gotta hold myself to a higher standard. (71:10)
• I didn’t expect to do Rambo shit. I want to use it as a vehicle for self-development. (72:32)
• We have rear view mirrors, to glance back to situational awareness, but that’s why it’s a lot smaller. (75:55)
• Even professional athletes have coaches. (78:31)
Socials:
- Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com/
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/tcavofficial
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tcavofficial
- 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]
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- PDSDebt.com/TNQ
- drinkAG1.com/TNQ
- ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
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- Moink.com/TNQ
- Policygenius.com
- TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
- Shhtape.com [TNQ] -
Fighter Pilot Survival: Kegan Gill's Battle Beyond the Battlefield
In this extraordinary episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with retired U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot Kegan Gill, whose story is nothing short of miraculous. Kegan survived a catastrophic ejection from his aircraft during a training mission over the Atlantic Ocean, where he ejected directly into the sound barrier. The injuries he sustained in that moment were severe enough to kill most people – his limbs torn apart and a traumatic brain injury among them. But Kegan's ordeal was only beginning.
Plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic with his parachute still attached, his wetsuit torn, and his arms unable to move, Kegan was forced to endure a two-hour battle with hypothermia as rescue teams raced to find him. Miraculously, his hypothermic state prevented fatal blood loss. Following this harrowing experience, Kegan faced months of grueling recovery, eventually achieving a perfect Physical Fitness Test score and returning to flight duty.
However, Kegan’s journey didn’t end with physical recovery. He began experiencing severe psychotic episodes due to his brain injury, leading to a stint in a VA Mental Health Facility. Pharmaceutical treatments only worsened his symptoms, and he endured dehumanizing treatment from caregivers who misunderstood his unique needs.
Now, Kegan is finding renewed hope through alternative treatments for brain health. Through the Warrior Angels Foundation, he has discovered the power of nutraceutical and hormonal interventions, offering a glimmer of healing. Beyond his personal health battles, Kegan is a dedicated father and husband, working tirelessly to support his young family.
Join us as Kegan opens up about his incredible journey of survival, resilience, and healing. His story is as inspiring as it is shocking – a testament to human strength and the will to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
Tune in to hear a story of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of healing against all odds.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• When I was about 10 years old, my family had a friend that had a Cessna, and he took me up on this lawnmower with wings, and we went buzzing around, and it felt like a freakin’ rocket ship. I absolutely loved being above the earth, and I felt so free. (6:26)
• In May of 2012, I graduated as a winged aviator, and I got those wings pinned on my chest. (23:30)
• [Marcus] It’s an absolute transition into a different human being the minute those wings touch your chest. (23:52)
• [In flight school] you showed up there, and you had your wings, and you thought you made it. They made it very clear you have not made anything yet. (26:30)
• It just so happened on this day there was a 16 foot, 3,500 pound Great White Shark named Mary Lee directly under my airspace, and my buddy pointed out, “ Hey man, Today would be a terrible day to eject,” and an hour after having that conversation, I found myself out on what turned into a pretty freaking wild experience. (36:13)
• [Melanie] Q: Is it common to eject?” [Keegan] A: It happens more than you hear about in the news. We lose a few naval fighter jets every year to mishaps. (37:06)
• When you show up at flight school, they say “Look to your left and look to your right. One of you is gonna have a serious mishap or be dead choosing this job. Are you sure you wanna be here?” (37:39)
• You think you’re invincible, and you don’t really think anything of it. (37:54)
• Keegan tells the detailed story of that fateful day. (Starting at 41:16)
• When I punched out, I got the initial blast from the ejection seat, and then immediately impacted the sound barrier with my body. At that speed, the human body is not aerodynamic. (50:53)
• The aircraft impacted the water so fast, it just vaporized. (52:45)
• They ended up wheeling me in, and treated me for severe hyperthermia. They took my core body temperature. I was at 87 degrees. [Marcus] “That should’ve killed you.” (60:09)
• One of the more senior guys takes me into his office and he goes: “Congratulations, Lieutenant Gill. If you can figure out how to get your body working again, we’ll get you back in a Super Hornet. (68:09)
• My brain was just not working the way it was supposed to from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). (74:59)
• I had a deep sense of betrayal from all that thought I had served. To see the treatment, it seemed like everything I was fighting for was a joke. (89:21)
• I’ve had a number of psychedelic-assisted therapies that have been really helpful. (95:22)
• Ibogaine has been studied pretty thoroughly at this point. It’s showing that it triggers neuro-regeneration. (101:48)
Socials:
- IG: kegansmurfgill
- https://kegangill.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabtNw03Fww-lVt1LHf5b2iWrga-lLxSr_uJYqbNYUMN_NKoEMDqtfBd-Cw_aem_v5m2wI-nx5AKPUoeOA77pA
Order His Book Here --> https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/phoenix-revival/
- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- Robinhood.com/gold
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- joinbilt.com/TNQ
- Tonal.com [TNQ]
- greenlight.com/TNQ
- PDSDebt.com/TNQ
- drinkAG1.com/TNQ
- ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
- Shadyrays.com [TNQ]
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- Policygenius.com
- TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
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- mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=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
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- joinbilt.com/TNQ
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- PDSDebt.com/TNQ
- drinkAG1.com/TNQ
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Mission Accomplished: Rob O'Neill on SEAL Team Six, Leadership, and Life After the Battlefield.
In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie Luttrell meet with one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time—Robert J. O’Neill. With an incredible 400+ combat missions under his belt, Rob’s experiences span across Liberia, The Balkans, The Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. As a Navy SEAL, Rob served in SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and spent eight years with the legendary SEAL Team Six.
Rob’s heroic career is underscored by 53 decorations, including two Silver Stars for gallantry, four Bronze Stars with Valor for heroism, and a host of other prestigious commendations. His resume of skills includes elite qualifications like Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster, Naval Special Warfare Scout/Sniper, and Master Naval Parachutist, among many others.
In this episode, we dive deep into Rob’s role in some of the most significant military operations in recent history:
Operation Red Wings, which saw the rescue of the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell
The lead jumper in the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates
Operation Neptune’s Spear, the mission that brought down Osama bin Laden
Beyond the battlefield, Rob is the co-founder of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping special operations veterans transition to successful careers in corporate America. He is also the author of the best-selling memoir, THE OPERATOR: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior.
Throughout his post-military career, Rob has become a prominent public speaker, security consultant, and media contributor, sharing expert insights on military strategy and terrorism. Whether speaking to survivors of 9/11 or delivering keynote speeches to business leaders, Rob translates his elite training into actionable lessons on leadership, resilience, and success.
Join us as we explore Rob O’Neill’s incredible journey from the frontlines to the boardroom and hear his thoughts on leadership, transition, and how to thrive under pressure.
Tune in to hear the untold stories and actionable advice from one of America's most decorated heroes!
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I don’t think I could beat Marcus at arm wrestling if I can’t pick up a bowling ball. (1:58)
• You do realize there’s a thing called old man strength? (5:53)
• [Rob O’Neil] I have a podcast as well, called “The Operator.” We’re called The Operator because if you’re doing anything, you’re an operator. (6:18)
• Having a big man to kick your ass and teach you wind a bobbin; you realize there is skill here. (9:59)
• When people quit BUDS, it’s not because “this is hard”. [It’s because] I’m tired of the broken foot; I’m tire of the shin splints; I’m tire of my dislocated shoulder; I’m tired. 21:20)
• In BUDS, one of the biggest problems is eating too much. Like I want 5 cheeseburgers, but we have a 4-mile run afterwards. (26:35)
• [Rob] and for everyone that doesn’t know, can you explain what a SDV is?
[Marcus] Imagine a mini submarine and shrink it down. The difference is that a submarine is dry inside, and the SDV is completely full of water. (37:40)
• Listen to Marcus discuss the details of being in an SDV for 8 hours. (38:52)
• [Marcus] Talk about ultimate torture - If you have a deep freeze in your garage, fill that sucker full of water, crawl in there and sit down for 8 hours. (38:53)
• The first time I got in there, I was terrified. (43:49)
• [Marcus] There’s stuff that happens to us out there. Sometimes safety gets in the way of it. (58:40)
• [After falling down the mountain during Operation Red Wings] I could hear that stream running. I’ve got to get me water, but I kept thinking I can’t drink out of it, because my buddies are in it. (79:27)
• If you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plan is. (90:24)
• [Marcus] Bro, when you saw that son of a bitch’s face [Osama Bin Laden], what was the first thing you saw? [Rob O’Neal] I saw his nose. He was skinny, wearing white – tall. (93:41)
• My nickname was “Nisro” (Navy SEAL Rob O’Neal). When they asked “Who got him?” They go “Nisro,” and they said “Fuck! Were never gonna hear the end of it.” (95:38)
Socials:
- IG: mchooyah
- Host of The Operator Podcast
- 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]
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- 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 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 -
Courage and Sacrifice: SEAL Team 10 and Operation Red Wings with Ben Souders
In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to sit down with former Navy SEAL Ben Souders, who served on SEAL Team 10 during one of the most challenging and heroic moments in modern military history—Operation Redwing.
Ben takes us through his incredible journey as a Navy SEAL, sharing stories from his time in Afghanistan and reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of his teammates. We dive deep into the challenges faced on the battlefield, and how experiences like Operation Redwing shaped his outlook on life and leadership.
Ben reflects on the bravery of fallen teammates, including Marcus’ account in Lone Survivor. He also shares about his life after service - the transition from active duty to civilian life.
Tune in to hear Ben’s firsthand account of courage, brotherhood, and the lessons he learned during his time as a Navy SEAL. Ben also shares some of his personal journal notes with the listening audience as well. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Michael Murphy] was well respected. He and a couple of officers everybody loved. (15:30)
• The physical part [of BUDS] was the hardest for me. I never thought I would quit, but I didn’t know if I would make it. I asked the Lord, “If you want me to do this, show me a sign.” And He did. I saw a Trident up in the sky. (18:12)
• I wanted to go to SEAL team 4 because of watching all the Vietnam documentaries. (27:06)
• They were passing out a paper and everybody had to write down why you joined, and I wrote “Patriotism.” (31:20)
• I’ll tell you somebody else that doesn’t get recognition – divers. (38:49)
• I was wanting to go to Afghanistan more so than Iraq just because I was never really interested in the urban-style of combat. (38:49)
• Team 10 was really cool. (41:06)
• [Danny Dietz] was a good guy from the start. When I first showed up, he always went around without a shirt. He was ripped like Bruce Lee. (43:09)
• [Danny Dietz] was always trying to mentor, no matter who they were.
• [Melanie] Q: How many people in a bee hut? A: 6 maximum. They were like mini chicken coops. (46:06)
• I hated wearing body armor. (48:59)
• Excerpt from Ben’s “Green Book:” I’m tired of all this so-called professionalism crap. I can’t wait to get out – be my own man instead of a peasant in the military. (59:31)
• How were we that close to one another when we were only there a couple of months? Just sitting around the fire talking. (78:42)
Socials:
- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- kalshi.com/TNQ
- joinbilt.com/TNQ
- Tonal.com [TNQ]
- PXG.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
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- Aura.com/TNQ
- Moink.com/TNQ
- Policygenius.com
- TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
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- mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ -
From Navy SEAL to AI Innovator: Protecting Kids Online with Josh Thurman
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Navy SEAL veteran and tech entrepreneur Josh Thurman. As the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI, Josh is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to create a safer, age-appropriate internet experience for children.
Josh shares insights into his 12+ years of service as a SEAL officer, where he completed 11 overseas deployments in support of the Global War on Terror and was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Two Joint Commendation Medals, Three Navy Commendation Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Joint Meritorious Unit Award as well as multiple combat and valorous distinctions. Following his transition to civilian life in 2018, Josh applied the leadership and problem-solving skills he honed in the military to the tech world. His groundbreaking platform, Angel Kids AI, empowers parents to protect their children online by enforcing parental guidelines across the digital landscape.
In this episode, Josh talks about the challenges of building a tech startup, the future of AI in safeguarding children, and his personal journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Tune in to hear about his incredible story, the vision behind Angel Kids AI, and how he’s making the internet a safer place for kids.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• Riding my bike home; car doesn’t see me. Pulls out and we crash at 20 mph. I fly over the hood, my right leg hits, immense pain. I had broken my hip. But now I’m starting to think about the military. I crutch my way to the recruiter’s office.
• Every generation, since the beginning of America has fought to preserve our freedom.
• [Marcus] When you’re checking into BUDS, check in on Friday after 4:30pm.
• Always choose the hard things because even if you fail, you’re gonna learn a ton.
• Things are gonna hit you in life that you have almost no control over, and you’re gonna want to have those experiences that you build up doing the things you chose to be hard, so you can survive those moments.
• My wife’s a nurse practitioner, she’s tracking the baby on the Doppler. As she’s laboring, our son passes away. Been through all this stuff: Training, deployments… I’m grateful for those things, because they all sort of prepared me for this thing that happened in life that I had no control over.
•There’s suffering to be dealt with and that loss – you’ve gotta get through it, assigning meaning to that suffering. I’m not suffering for nothing, I’m suffering for something.
• [Marcus] A lot of times, you just go though it with them, and not talk ‘em through it.
• Recognize that God gives us that pain to keep us close to that person so that we don’t forget ‘em.
• I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. In many ways, I wanted to serve as long as I could, as hard as I could, but I knew on the other side this is what I wanted to do.
• You may have thousands of followers on whatever platform it, but do you have someone you can call to move a couch?
• Social media is a democracy killing force. It wields way too much power in our lives.
• Technology should be a tool to help us fulfill the dreams of our lives. It’s totally inverted right now.
• AI has been working for big tech, it serves their purposes. It serves up products to advertisers. This is the big machine. Frankly, we’re getting played by it.
• If you want this incredible thing called America to persist, you’ve gotta be part of the solution.
• We’re all getting played, and the house always wins.
• There’s value in getting information, organizing, shopping, people finding love on line. But it shouldn’t be massively destructive.
• Kids have access to this online virtual world all the time that’s terrible for their mental health. It’s teaching them that the most important things in life is how many likes and followers you get.
• The surgeon general put out a warning: If kids are spending 3 or more hours on social media, they’re 50% more likely to be depressed.
• At Angel Kids, our mission is to use AI to make the internet safe for kids.
Socials:
- IG: jpthurman
- https://www.angelkids.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]
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- Hims.com/TNQ
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- 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 Navy SEAL to Humanitarian: Ephraim Mattos on Courage, Sacrifice, and Saving Lives in War Zones.
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Ephraim Mattos, a former US Navy SEAL and founder of Stronghold Rescue & Relief. After leaving the SEAL teams in 2017 at the age of 24, Ephraim made a bold decision: instead of returning home, he volunteered on the front lines of the war against ISIS in Mosul, Iraq. His experiences there would change him forever.
Ephraim shares harrowing details from his time with the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian group that provides aid to civilians in war zones. He recounts the unimaginable horrors he witnessed, from civilians fleeing the brutality of ISIS to the daring rescue missions he and his team conducted under constant enemy fire. One of these missions, during which Ephraim was shot while rescuing a young Iraqi girl, exemplifies the courage and sacrifice required to save lives in the most dangerous places on Earth.
We dive deep into Ephraim's personal journey, chronicled in his book City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle of Mosul, coauthored with American Sniper writer Scott McEwen. The conversation explores what it's like to face death on a daily basis and how Ephraim and his fellow volunteers embodied the credo: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
In this episode, Ephraim reflects on the emotional and physical scars of war, his recovery from his gunshot wound, and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need, even in the most perilous conditions. His stories of bravery, resilience, and humanity will leave you speechless.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• Probably the biggest thing I learned in training that applies to everyday life is when things go really, really bad, one of the best ways of dealing with it, and actually pushing through is to laugh at it. (1:29)
• I had my finger on the trigger. I had pressure on the trigger, just waiting for them to come out so I could get a body shot, and 2 heads pop out. It turns out it’s two little girls. One was maybe ten; the other may five or six. They were weeping, crying, and they were running straight at me. And they were both wearing backpacks just like the backpacks that are just like the backpacks we just blew up an hour earlier. And they’re running straight at me. (25:22)
• I was in a firefight in Iraq, technically before my last day in the Navy. (29:19)
• [The Iraqi army] They weren’t super organized , or marksmanship, but as far as their courage and willingness to go toe to toe with ISIS, and I watched multiple time – an Iraqi tank would drive up, get blown up by an ISIS car bomb. And they would keep going. (31:25)
• We assist every way we can, and we build relationships, by showing them we care, we’re here to help, we’re not crazy, we’re not her to get in a gunfight. We just want to help you. (33:43)
• We provide frontline mentorship for active security threats. If a tribe is facing genocide, we’ll advise them on how to best use the resources they already have. (34:09)
• There’s a certain level of evil that people just don’t see or understand. They don’t understand a military unit would go into a village and just slaughter everybody. (36:06)
• For people who actually care, what do you do? How do you help? (42:48)
• If you care about what’s going on in these conflicts, find multiple organizations that you like and give a little bit so several of them. You can make an impact, without having to take all the risk. (43:50)
• 99.9 percent of our job is logistics, medical care, training medical care, suffering in the jungle. Yes, you’re armed, but you’re not there to get your rocks off. (48:11)
• We bring in primarily guys with medic training. We don’t bring in full-fledged doctors because the kind of stuff we’re dealing with is emergency care – people stepping on land mines or getting shot. (50:38)
• A couple of American missionaries were killed in Haiti. Stuff like that happens all the time. Nobody hears about it. It gets instantly buried under celebrity gossip and such. (53:19)
Socials:
- IG: Strongholdrescue.org
- overwatch.co
- 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 -
A Lifeline for Babies in Crisis – Featuring Monica Kelsey
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Monica Kelsey, founder and Executive Director of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing infant abandonment by providing mothers in crisis a safe, legal, and anonymous option to surrender their newborns.
Monica’s journey is deeply personal. Born after her teenage mother was raped and hidden away during pregnancy, Monica was abandoned at birth. Her life story has fueled her passion to advocate for infants like herself and to create compassionate solutions for birth mothers who face unthinkable challenges. Through Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Monica is on a mission to ensure that no child is abandoned unsafely, and no mother is left without options.
We also explore Monica's role as a firefighter and paramedic, where she has firsthand experience with the life-saving impact of Safe Haven laws. Her dedication to working with first responders has been crucial in creating awareness and ensuring these boxes are accessible nationwide.
Tune in as Monica shares her inspiring story, the incredible work her organization is doing, and how Safe Haven Baby Boxes are making a difference—one life at a time.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I grew up adopted, but I never knew the back story. (4:36)
• I joined [the U.S. Navy] and got my love for firefighting there. (5:40)
• I never longed for love. (6:35)
• I just called [my biological mother] and she says “I’ve been waiting for your call.” (9:30)
• I always wanted that connection of “Hey, she does that, and I do that.” (10:31)
• The question comes up: “Who’s my biological father?” And she just got up and walked out. (11:34)
• If abortion was available in 1972, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today. (12:30)
• I had to come to grips with the fact that I was whisked into this world by violence, and then thrown away like trash. (14:03)
• I had to go back to my faith because I had stumbled away from it.(14:10)
• The more I started reading scripture, the more it started pointing to my life. (14:24)
• Controversy is horrible around the baby boxes. (19:23)
• We launched the very first baby box in April; 30 days later our son was in a deadly accident. (20:26)
• [Melanie] The thought of putting a baby in a box is crazy; but the box of putting a baby in a dumpster is crazier. (25:29)
Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/safehavenbabyboxes/
- https://www.shbb.org/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PQX9JG5U3gSwcIAciYCPQ
- https://www.tiktok.com/@safehavenbabyboxes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
- 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 -
From Navy SEAL to Private Contractor: The Journey of Daniel Corbett
In this gripping episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Daniel Corbett, a former elite Navy SEAL operator turned private military contractor. Daniel takes us through his fascinating journey from joining the Navy in 2002, right out of high school, to serving in some of the most renowned and secretive SEAL Teams, including SEAL Team 5, SEAL Team 6, and SEAL Team 17. Hear about his deployment to Iraq in 2005, his global missions with SEAL Team 6, and his experiences instructing the next generation of SEALs at the Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command.
We also delve into Daniel's transition from active duty to private military contracting—a world where high-stakes missions take on new meaning. Daniel shares the story of his 2017 arrest in Belgrade, Serbia, where he was imprisoned for eighteen months. Now back in the States, Daniel continues to apply his expertise in unconventional problem-solving for clients in need of unique solutions. Whether he’s monitoring international events or getting unexpected phone calls, Daniel’s post-military career is anything but ordinary.
Tune in for an inside look at one of the most high-stakes careers on the planet, and hear firsthand what it takes to thrive as a SEAL, contractor, and global problem-solver.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Growing up] We lived in Germany. My dad was stationed there. We’d just drive around and see castles. It was cool. (3:06)
• What got me [to join the SEAL teams] is that they interviewed one operator, and he goes “What makes you guys so good?” The team guy responded with: “It’s not that we’re that good, it’s just that everybody else sucks.” (6:35)
• [Marcus] Q: What do you think the best job in the SEAL teams is? Best rank.
[Daniel} A: E5 Mafia. Cause you have some power, but you’re not responsible for shit. (9:47)
• I was a triathlete and cross-country runner. (13:39)
• [Marcus] There’s a thing that we don’t talk about. It’s not in the books or the documentaries. You sign up knowing you’re gonna fail all the time, so naturally, you wanna be a shit bag. (18:16)
• I’m the man at weddings, because I do bring my sewing kit. Buttons? I got you. (23:55)
• I was a young hot shot guy. I was at the squadron. It’s nice, but nothing has ever compared to when I had a Platoon OIC, LPO or chief come up and say “Hey, these kids you put through CPC, they’re awesome. You did a really good job.” (26:34)
• I coined the terms: “Falsely Intuitive.” (29:18)
• [Melanie – While escorting cargo ships] Q: What would you do if pirates did roll up on you?
[Daniel] A: Get on the Bridgeway and take your iron sight, and try your best. (34:25)
• In Belgrade, Serbia, I was arrested and locked up. I wasn’t charged for 11 months. I looked up, and there was a 21 year old kid with a gun pointed at my head, terrified. I could hear the magazine springs rattling with his finger on the trigger. And I’m like “After all the stuff I’ve done. Not like this.” (35:49)
• When I was being interrogated, they asked: “You’re not CIA, DEA? You’re not here to kill the president?” (37:35)
• I came home to $86,000 in debt to the IRS, and a credit score of 530. (43:28)
• Love is the antagonist to fear. (46:12)
• I know I’m loved. That’s really what got me through. (46:26)
• There’s no responsible journalism anywhere anymore. (48:18)
Socials:
- IG: american_mercenary
- www.danieldavidcorbettiii.com
- https://a.co/d/7XstytC <------ (Get the book here)
- 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 -
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 Bonamarte, 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 Warshttps://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 -
From the battlefield to the boardroom, with retired Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Commander JJ Parma.
In this week’s episode of The Team Never Quit Podcast, we’re honored to have retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander JJ Parma. With a distinguished military career spanning numerous positions, including SEAL Platoon Commander and multiple operations officer roles, JJ Parma’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of military operations. He was responsible for the manning, training, and equipping of personnel while managing day-to-day operations and budgeting for units across the globe.
Beyond his military achievements, JJ has transitioned into civilian life as a motivational speaker and operations professional. With expertise in intercultural communication, intelligence analysis, government, and crisis response, JJ has a demonstrated history of leading in both military and civilian sectors.
A Master of Business Administration with a focus on financial management, JJ is now a leader in the financial services industry, driving the strategic intent of investment platforms worldwide. His passion for leadership and culture is further backed by a specialized program in Professional Leadership Development from Harvard Business School, where he honed skills in business leadership, culture, and strategy.
Alongside his Swim Buddy Kristel, JJ delves into how the lessons from his military career continue to influence his approach to business and life, providing practical insights that listeners can apply in their own lives.
This episode is packed with valuable insights from a true leader who has mastered the art of navigating complex environments both in and out of the military. Whether you’re a military professional, business leader, or someone looking to elevate your personal and professional life, JJ Parma’s story will inspire and motivate you to strive for excellence.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I grew up 2 streets over from Marvelous Marvin Hagler. (4:28)
• Everything about my childhood today is about perspective. (6:48)
• [I grew] up in the inner city, a very diverse multicultural place. You name it, we had it. Portuguese, Greek, Black, Spanish, and Spanish populations – we had it all. (6:52)
• My mother was the true definition of a hero – selfless. (9:20)
• I would spend my time as a child alone, in a pool, teaching myself to swim. I was so comfortable, I would stay there all day, all night, all summer. (17:00)
• I had every book on the Vietnam War that you could possibly imagine. (32:24)
• I was the kid who tied my friends to a tree. (32:28)
• This fascination with the military never really went way. It built and built. Every Halloween, guess what I was? Some kind of Army guy with face paint. Some commando, running around. (33:00)
• [Navy SEALS] They’re like Green Berets - but the water… it was the water – peace. Nobody does that. That’s what I want. Maritime. (39:04)
• Rick Kyser was my mentor. He was phenomenal. He told us the story about Black Hawn down from his perspective. That was it for me. Hook, line, and sinker. This is the job for me. (48:19)
• In Serbia, the Muslims were being eradicated by the Serbs. Genocide Level 1. And we went there defending the Muslim population. The peacekeeping mission was that we were protecting them. When it gets political, people want to hone in on the politics. They don’t know the stories on the ground. The stories on the ground never get told. (61:52)
• We spent 3 months ship-chasing Bin Laden’s family. There was a container ship in the northern Arabian Sea which had one of Bin Laden’s sons on it, transporting arms. You know what we found? 55 containers of rice. (70:27)
• Next thing you know, I hear it. A 2.75 rocket. Hits about 1-15 yards from the back Humvee. The Humvee comes off the ground, lands, I’m in the 3rd Humvee looking back, and I’m like “We just lost a couple of guys right there.” (82:58)
• I got a letter from Bush with Team 10’s original coin which said “Victory through Violence”, which they stopped making. Now it’s “Victory through Valor.” (92:19)
• We have so many skills, and our skill set so vast, it’s all lexicon. That the trick that the civilians play on you. (100:26)
• Find a good swim buddy. (101:15)
• Moments are fleeting. One thing that’s finite is death. They’re told by society that this how it has to go. You have to live this phase, this phase, and this phase, and then you’re gone. And they live that way. We’re gonna try to reset that. (110:46)
• When you find your swim buddy – if they find you at your lowest point – that’s a keeper. (111:52)
• People need to fail, because from failure, launches a whole new life lesson. (113:10)
Socials:
- IG: thefourthphasepodcast
- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
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- greenlight.com/TNQ
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- GoodRX.com/TNQ
- ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
- Shadyrays.com [TNQ]
- Hims.com/TNQ
- Shopify.com/TNQ
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- Policygenius.com
- TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
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- 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
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- 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
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- Aura.com/TNQ
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- Policygenius.com
- TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
- usejoymode.com [TNQ]
- Shhtape.com [TNQ] - Mehr anzeigen
