Team Never Quit

Jeff Tiegs is an amazing difference-maker. He uses his extensive experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to counter sex trafficking in the United States. With over 25 years in U.S. Army Special Operations and combat experience and multiple tours in Afghanistan & Iraq, Jeff is applying that expertise in his endeavors. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Guardian Group, whose mission is to prevent and disrupt the sex trafficking of women and children while enabling partners to identify victims and predators in the United States. Jeff is also The Chief Operating Officer at All Things Possible Ministries, whose mission is to identify, interrupt, and restore those affected by trauma. In this episode you will hear: In the U.S., we are unbelievable consumers of prostitution, and what comes with that is minors. You’re on deployment every time you walk out of the house. One in four women is sexually assaulted or sexually abused. The sex trafficking crime is so open. It’s openly advertised. There are people that think we should defund the police. I think more reasonable people think we should reallocate funds and figure out ways to do this better. There are people out there who can augment what law enforcement is lacking. The [funding] money is gonna go where the people demand it. [Our organization], All Things Possible does everything from simple counseling to freeing sex slaves. Find strength in simply being alive. What comes off of your tongue – what you speak – is what you become. The term “Yahweh” is the sound of breathing. The mere fact that we, as humans, are breathing, we’re saying the name of our Creator every time we breathe. What is God’s name? The thing that gives breath to everything that lives. The first thing a baby says is that breath of life. One family, who lost their son on the battlefield, found relief in the fact that the last breath their son took was the name of our creator. Find strength, find solace, and find peace, in that simple act of breathing. If you’re alive, you’re saying God’s name, and He’s there to help to you.

This week’s episode features Ryan Michler, Founder of Order of Man and all-around exceptional guy, whose goal in life is to restore masculinity and fight for the hearts and minds of men. Ryan’s podcasts reach millions of listeners each week. In this episode you will hear: Ryan Michler Quotes“If you’ve identified the hill you’re gonna die on; the battle you’re engaged in, don’t quit, because when you see how important it is, it would be impossible to throw in the towel.”“Men on the right path aren’t yapping about it. People that aren’t doing anything are the loudest, and if we don’t counter those conversations, it becomes a trend.”“We're never at a shortage of people telling us the bad we're doing.”“Plant your flag towards something.”“Think about why you’re doing what you’re doing.”“You can’t keep blaming your boss, the economy, your wife, or everyone else for your problems. Fix yourself.”“Sports, coaches, mentors, and the military, can help teach you what it is to be a man, especially when there are no male influences at home.”“I found solutions to my own problems, and then made a rewarding, fulfilling, and lucrative career out of it.”“We all screw our kids up in some ways.”“Introduce your kids to hardships. Teach them to bend, not break.” “Be a father, not a buddy to your kids.” “A lot of people experience hardships and it doesn’t make them; instead it breaks them.” “There’s nothing you can do about another person's attitude.”“People you influence will change because they see you changing, positively or negatively.” “When people listen to you, you better show up and pay your words and actions the respect they deserve.”“Tell the truth.” “Help kids in your community. Help reshape misguided notions of what it is to be a man.” “Question everything.” “You need some sort of qualifier for people who are invited in your circle.” “Be the solution. Not the problem.” “No one wants to hang out with someone with a “Nice Guy Syndrome.” “Redefine yourself. Try something new.” John Maxwell quote: “Every man, deep in his heart, longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” Marcus Luttrell quotes: “When the big boat goes down, make sure you’re sitting in the life raft.” “If you shut your engines down and you’re in the front, there’s gonna be train coming up behind you that’s gonna smack you right off the track.” Morgan Luttrell quote: “The ones who think they have enough forward momentum and do not widen their gaze, fail.”

While the deep-rooted effects of traumatic brain injury are not yet fully understood, Andrew Marr, retired Special Forces, Green Beret, Warrior Angels Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder, as well as co-author of Tales from the Blast Factory, brings to life his actual experiences and transparency as it relates to bringing resolve to his brain injury issues, and coming back to a fulfilled life serving others with similar conditions. Listen in as Andrew gets real with our listening audience. He has an epic testimony to tell. In this episode you will hear: Andrew’s story is that of the principles of resiliency after traumatic brain injuries. You don’t have an emotional problem. You have a brain health problem. There are real solutions available. I lost complete control of all emotions. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and the inability to make good decisions were daily occurrences. Define what it is you want to be and start being that. I realized at that moment that I was of no value to him [my son] or my family in the condition that I was in. My mental state was going to ruin the things I said I loved in my life. 3 promises I made to myself: 1. I was going to return to be the man of my pre-injury status. 2. I was going to find a way to come off all the medication I was told I would have to be on for the rest of my life. 3. After accomplishing #1 & #2, I was going to spend the rest of my life helping other people just like myself to get thru it and get to the other side. Even though none of my problems were fixed yet, I now had a compass, direction, and destination. There are not words to describe what I experienced in that state of consciousness [with psychedelics). Any identification of self completely evaporated. I understood the interconnectedness of all things. I was engulfed in intelligent love. What the microscope is to biology and what the telescope is to astronomy, psychedelics is to human psychology.

What an incredible couple we have in the studio this week. Mike Sauers - Navy SEAL, combat veteran who fought alongside Marcus Luttrell in Ramadi, philanthropist, and owner of Forged Apparel. In selfless fashion, Forged has raised millions of dollars to assist the families of fallen heroes. Mike is an exceptional story-teller, and his stories about military life, extensive travel experiences, and his subsequent entrepreneur life, are authentic and entertaining. Sam Bonilla is an amazing soul in her own right. As a marine with a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and a certificate in intelligence, marketing manager and concept producer for Forged, social media influencer, model, and Instagram celebrity, Sam is as down-to-earth as they come. She is a joy to listen to as she shares her experiences and perspectives, and a humble servant of people alongside Mike. In this episode you will hear: Ideas can be birthed in any setting; they’re limited to the imagination. You should always take pride in your country. Follow through. America was forged – Everything great was forged. It’s too bad that some establishments that have existed for over 100 years, are probably not going to make through this pandemic. Never question an order from a marine [in battle]. If you don’t have pride in your country, then what do you really have? Just like great team guys, we busted out some bungie cords and tied a karaoke machine to our golf cart. Every great nation, has to have pride. You have your real life, and then you have your social media life. Being a marine is not as sexy as it looks on TV. There are criteria for what is considered a dive bar:Mainly whiskey selectionsA picture of Burt ReynoldsChristmas LightsSmokey & the Bandit memorabiliaA Juke BoxSpilled Beer Stains on the pool tableHuge “mints” in the urinalsNo separation between the urinal & the toilet Register for THE MURPH CHALLENGE at TheMurphChallenge.com

Though we might not have believed there could be another lone survivor story, we bring David Eckermann of the Houston Fire Department into the TNQ Podcast Studio. David survived one of the largest, most unpredictable fires in HFD history. The Southwest Inn fire in Houston, Texas on May 31, 2013, was a fire in a restaurant that spread to an adjoining hotel. The fire claimed the biggest casualty loss for the Houston Fire Department since its inception. David speaks publicly about this harrowing day for the first time to discuss the stigmas around mental health in the first responder community and to honor the lives of his fellow firefighters. His experience that day sparked the development of his company, Lone Star Tactical Buildings, providing fire and police training facilities nationwide. In this episode you will hear: I had no idea I wanted to be a firefighter, but thankfully it was supposed to happen. It was meant to be. If you’re gonna be a fireman, you’re never gonna be rich. Besides getting married, graduating from the fire academy was the best day of my life. I’ve always been a faithful guy, but after my friend’s suicide, I questioned it. When we went into the building, the smoke didn’t match what I was expecting. The building collapse was totally unexpected. It catapulted us out the front. I was the only one alive from the first companies. Those firefighters went out like heroes. This episode is in memory of Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Matthew Renaud, Anne Sullivan, and Captain Bill Dowling.

Is it possible to develop an idea birthed in bodybuilding and powerlifting, and create a health, nutrition, and strength company as well as the highly popular RP app? If you’re Nick Shaw, the answer is a resounding yes. Nick is the founder and CEO of Renaissance Periodization and has sold hundreds of thousands of books on nutrition, training, recovery, and creating healthy habits. Nick is a former competitive powerlifter and bodybuilder and has also personally coached numerous world-class athletes, including CrossFit Games Champions, international medalists, Olympians, UFC fighters, professional athletes, and Navy SEALs. He is a co-host of the RP Strength podcast with wife - and RP colleague - Lori Shaw.Nick, Marcus, and Morgan bring a very interesting and informative discussion about the complexities and “I can use it now” strategies for strength and nutrition. In this episode you will hear: I’m an accidental entrepreneur. If you just bust your ass and get after it, you can get better. In fitness or sports, there's always a little bit more, you can do. You can get a little bit faster, you can get a little bit stronger, you can do a few more reps, whatever it is, you can grow a little more muscle. I thought: What if we take people with elite genetics, and then combine the scientific approach? You could probably have some pretty cool athletes. You have to nail the calorie balance first. Stop snacking, just start eating lean proteins with every meal - more fruits and veggies, your healthy fats, avocados, olive oil, things like that. Calorie balance is the number one overall thing. You can give somebody the perfect diet, but if they're never going to follow it, is it any good? It’s not a diet. It’s more of a lifestyle. You can't out-train a bad diet. Be prepared to work your tail off. My wife's a warrior. She’s way stronger than me. 2020 was such a crappy year for so many people, and I knew there was going to be a way to help people. Instead of trying to compete for little plastic trophies, it's better to prioritize family. You can learn so much from really successful people.

It’s hard to imagine living life without hearing, especially if you lost your hearing forever at the age of 18. But in the case of this week’s guest, Mandy Harvey drove her stake into the ground and pursued her endeavor to sing, write music, and “hear” with her feet – to the point that Simon Cowell was moved to press the Golden Buzzer after Mandy’s original song performance on America’s Got Talent. Since that time, Mandy has earned a degree in Vocal Music Education and has become an ambassador to No Barriers USA with a mission to encourage, inspire and assist others to break through their personal barriers. In this episode you will hear: The mindset of abilities vs disabilities is just a lack of education because everyone has barriers they have to deal with. I didn’t overcome anything, it just took me a little bit of time to figure it out. The mother of all inventions is being innovative. I write a lot of music based on how it feels, instead of what I think it sounds like. I’ll write specific notes that tickle behind my eye or bother my face so that I know that I’m right. I’m feeling the floor, and then just opening my mouth and letting go. The most precious gift you can have is communication. I can’t seem to explain how joyful I am now vs how broken I was before. I’m living my life and this part of my story – part of who I am. I’m thrilled to be who I am. The phrase “some people struggle and some people don’t” - Everybody struggles. It just looks different. Not every single person gets the opportunity to understand joy, or feel love. Be compassionate to people – we have no idea what’s going on in their life. With every struggle you have, you have two choices – you can either let it beat you, or you can learn from it. I really don’t believe that there was one eureka moment that made me feel not depressed anymore. It was a collection of moments – a collection of people being there. I got up once. I’ll get up again. Let’s go… The "getting up and starting over" is the hardest part. This is a messy broken world, full of messy broken people. That’s just life.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Amber Capone continue sharing their fascinating journey and offer much detail on finding a solution to Marcus’ struggles affecting their whole family. Finally – after Amber’s relentless research - a ray of hope arrives in the form of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Marcus and Amber transparently discuss the steps it took to get the help, and a detailed narrative of the treatment and its incredible effects and psychiatric benefits. It was this revelation that caused them to develop the VETS foundation – helping combat veterans get life-saving help. They have now assisted hundreds of vets providing the resources for the therapy and improving the quality of life for them and their families as well. In this episode you will hear: I almost craved going back to the dysfunction because I knew how to live in the dysfunction. I never wanted to quit [our marriage]. The treatment saved his life, and saved our family. Micro doses of Ibogaine are physiologically changing the brain in a positive direction. Several of the men that have been treated come out never wanting to touch alcohol again. It’s like having a backpack on loaded with hundreds of bricks. And as you go through the [treatment] journey, it’s like bricks are being thrown out. At the end of it, you have an empty backpack. You face the demons, then they go away. You’re cleansing yourself. Some of what you experience is dream-like, while other experiences are real. Everyone is reporting massive cognitive improvement. Amber: I was like “What just happened?” I was so grateful. If we don’t speak out; if we don’t find the courage and conviction to share something that could work; then we’re really doing a disservice to the community. I attained a level of awareness and grace over the course of years as I was working on myself. Psychedelics take you there almost overnight.

Here’s a real couple with a real family – and real personal issues - that have overcome with the help of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy alternatives. Marcus and Amber Capone share their struggles and successes, bringing hope and restoration to others with seemingly impossible mental struggles. Their non-profit organization – VETS – provides the resources, research, and advocacy to improve the quality of life for U.S. Special Operations Combat Veterans seeking unconventional therapy alternatives. In this episode you will hear: Thank goodness we didn’t have internet in college. You can’t get away with anything. We really can’t take credit for the work we’re doing [helping other combat vets]; it seems like it’s just happening. It’s meant to be. We’re just vessels helping it [our non-profit] come to life. It’s been an honor & a privilege to pay this forward. Marcus [Capone] watched GI Jane and decided to become a Navy SEAL. Amber: My dad is a big part of how resilient I’ve been. Marcus Capone to Marcus Luttrell: I was the first person you saw [in Germany after your Operation Red Wing injuries]. A surprised Marcus Luttrell: “THAT WAS YOU???!!!” We were deployed, and we couldn’t find out about anything going on. We were getting updates from our wives back in the states. What we’ve been doing [our non-profit organization] has organically grown. 2008 was a particularly tough year. At every deployment, somebody wasn’t coming home.

What an encouraging and powerful testimony Marc Little brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit episode. Having been shot in the right leg as part of a gang initiation, and dealing with resulting complications and infections, Marc’s leg had to be amputated. Since defeat is not part of Marc’s mentality, he said “yes” to life and lives life to the fullest. Now through his work as a lawyer, author, entrepreneur and community builder, he teaches others how to say “yes” to life as well. In this episode you will hear: Don’t give up, because the next try may be the try that leads to success. This is a life worth living. God gives us a story for a reason. He gives us a story so that we can help a neighbor. We’re all going thru a tough season, but God is in it A peanut butter and jelly sandwich has to be done right. You have to have white Wonder Bread, and you gotta have creamy Jiff or Skippy peanut butter, with grape jelly. From the time I was shot and the time that the ambulance came, life was literally leaving me. It was clear that I had a choice, and I decided to stay. The difficulty of being a dad with a 6-year-old child, and not being able to run with him, has become part of who I am. I claim victory because I now know that tomorrow is not promised. Everybody has to lean on God because this journey is not easy. Life is not about us – it’s about what we can do for the kingdom. Many of us are struggling, because we’re not understanding who we are – whose we are. [God] connects our calling to who and what He is. So many people today are just sitting and watching. We have a role to play today. A role to shine the light of Christ. We are not lost – have faith. God has not left us. He will never forsake us. The church is anemic because they don’t understand their calling. All of our experiences are intended to bring us closer to the creator. After 4 years of never giving up – never quitting I decided I’m picking up the pieces of my life, and you’re not gonna tell me I can’t do it. It may not be right now, but the victory is coming. When the righteous are in power the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people moan. We are called to pray over our leaders and elect Godly leaders over us. When u are pushing back against darkness you are taking back ground of the enemy. When we are being mocked for praying, that is evidence that we are taking back ground that was lost. The Lord has a special way of giving you what He wants you to have. God sees you – and He has something for you. Start your family and let the Lord bless you – Don’t wait. Never quit in trying to start a family. Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel!

What do you do when you witness a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky by an RPG, enter into spiraling depression, fail your team, as well as yourself, and then experience a horrible accident that causes you to lose your hand and forearm? In Aaron Kendle's case, who refuses to be defined by failures, you pick yourself up, and lean on a never quit mindset to live life to its fullest, and achieve an incredible life. Mr. Kendle is a retired Navy SEAL where he served as a specialized medic, sniper, airborne leader, and jump school instructor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, a father, a husband and a Scottsdale Charro. Mr. Kendle is a decorated member of the United States Navy, served as a member of SEAL Team 7, NSWG-1 Training Detachment, and Naval Special Warfare Development over a 15-year career and has dedicated his post-military professional career to helping his fellow brothers in arms transition back into civilian life.Aaron comments: “My resume may read great — but what they don’t see is all of those fails between the lines. For me, those failures stay between the lines.” In this episode you will hear: Obstacles and failures aren't your defining moments. It's everything that comes after that you grow from. A major physical injury doesn't define you. When major things change your life in the physical, figure out ways to do things the best you can. Make every day better than the day before. You can dwell on how great Plan A would've been. But when Plan A fails, you gotta come up with a plan B. Never leave a human hand in the freezer of your hotel room, where the cleaning staff can find it. After a devastating accident, the prevailing thought should be “I'm alive”. Terrible occurrences in your life can actually be used to give others, who are in despair, hope, and encouragement. Perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life. There's a lot more to life. You just gotta figure out what it is. You don't get any better than the SEALS mentorship program. Everything we accomplish in life is based on failures. Pain and suffering unites us all. If there's one thing I think we're good at is stuffing emotions. Watching a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky with an RPG, is like watching a horror movie.

Have you ever tried shooting not one, not two, but three rifles? Then add in the seemingly impossible task of hitting multiple targets… While cross-country skiing!!! If you’re 3-time Olympian “twin biathletes” Lanny & Tracy Barnes, it’s just another day at the office. In this week’s episode, you can get a glimpse into their world of hunting, shooting, and skiing, and their pursuit of excellence as they represent the Red, White, and Blue on a global awareness scale. In this episode you will hear: We did see early success, but it wasn’t because we were any good; we just stuck our head down and gutted it out through the race. If one of us is doing well, the other can do just as good, because we’re exactly the same. No matter what, don’t give up. If you’re gonna dot it, then go all the way. With your biggest competition and your best friend competing with you every day – pushing you every day - you can get to a higher level. The Olympics is the most intense thing ever. When Lanny fell ill and didn’t make the Olympic team, Tracy, after being announced as having made the team said to their coach, “I decline my spot on the Olympic team.” It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. When we combine our forces, it’s that much better. I can put in my best effort, but together, we can make amazing things happen. We live in the best country in the world. Even is losing, the thing we learned most, is that we didn’t quit… even if we came in dead last. The “Never Quit” mentality is “Train the Brain.” We can sum up our entire career in these words – “We pursue hard.”

In a heart-wrenching testimony of tragedy and perseverance, country singer/songwriter Granger Smith recounts the horrific event that took his 3 year old son from this earthly life. He and his wife Amber used their life-changing experience to learn the hard way – the path to overcoming, endurance, and life-giving counsel and encouragement to others. Amber is the founder of Yee Yee, an American lifestyle brand of clothing. In this episode you will hear: • After being invited to appear on Granger’s first video, Amber didn’t know if they might take her out in the middle of nowhere and murder her. • There’s more to the meaning of a tragedy than reason because reason doesn’t always make sense. • What can we learn from [River’s] one thousand days? • After facing death, it opens your eyes as to what truly matters. • Another day forward is so valuable. What about today? Today is what we have. Even if you can deal with today, deal with this hour. If you can’t deal with this hour, deal with the next minute. If you can’t deal with this minute, deal with the next breath. Pretty soon, there comes a perspective, and your brain becomes more clear. • I hate five year plans. • When we came home, our kids had written on the driveway with chalk, “Welcome Home River.” • [Musically], I know there’ll be some River stuff comin’ • Rivers organ donations saved two adults. • You gotta take care of yourself. Wake up at the same time every day, brush your teeth and comb your hair. • You’re not gonna have these days forever. • I try not to think about why because that mental slide show plays over and over. • “One more kiss” [Amber]• I can’t think of the future, I need to focus on the now. [Melanie]• There is a purpose for disaster. It’s not ever going to be understandable. It’s never going to be logical.

If ever there was a man who exemplified what a first-class police officer is, it’s this week’s guest, Sam Bonilla. It’s refreshing to hear Sam’s view of police work, and the measures he takes to teach new recruits the discipline and self-sacrifice it takes to be such an officer. In his 34 years’ experience as a police officer in the Chicago area, Sam has become the Program Director for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, a Master Firearms Instructor, and uses his extensive experience to benefit the relationship between civilians and police officers in his area of influence. Sam Bonilla also served as a U.S. Marine during the Gulf War and has been an attorney for over 16 years. It’s people like Sam that raise the bar in police work, community relations and raising the standard for new officers. In this episode you will hear: In our police department, we invite the community in our “home” to see exactly what we do, so it’s not a mystery. We introduce our police officers and the citizens learn we’re pretty normal. Our mission is to help. You don’t realize how bad an environment is when you grow up in that environment. Where you land is not necessarily where you’re going to end up. The Marine Corps is the first thing in my life I ever succeeded at. Never stop pushing for what you want, even if it sucks at the time. There are things you have to do to get to where you want to be. Your mission’s not over yet. You have to keep moving forward in your journey. Your experiences will eventually help you gravitate to the top. The only regret I have is not spending time with the family. Police officers are second-guessing themselves these days because of the way things are. If we, as a profession, don’t adapt to society, we will never advance as a profession, and things will not get better. Police work is a profession that is self-sacrificing. You have to be willing to accept that. You can’t forget why you got into this profession. You don’t know how you’re changing someone’s life with just a smile. My calling is to focus on our civilians that are trying to learn more about the police and the recruits that are trying to be the police. Never stop serving. It’s your mission in life to keep going.

In July 2018, 12 youth soccer players and their coach found themselves trapped 6 miles deep in a cave with no food or water and depleting oxygen. The rock formed maze became almost completely submerged as the water rose to levels nearly impossible for survival. There was no light and no way to communicate with the outside world. The first season of Wondery’s new original series Against the Odds takes you into the incredible events of when an adventurous group of teens found themselves fighting to save their lives, and the brave heroes that gave them their only chance at survival. Though you may know these stories, you’ve never heard them quite like this. With step by step recounts, experience for yourself what it was like to be in their shoes, and how they survived against the odds. Listen to Against the Odds at wondery.fm/teamneverquitATO.

What an emotional and incredible visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veteran's family activist. Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’s death. She is nothing shy of an astonishing woman – an inspiration to all. In this episode you will hear: I’m really been surprised at how horrible some things have been along the way, yet I realize that I’m happy that I got to experience them and get them out of the way. Now I am who I am and I’ve learned a lot. The joy with [Chris] and the way he was able to love is extraordinary to me still. I don’t know of another man who loves the way [Chris] loved. [Chris] was a game-changer, and he was the person I changed for. There’s nobody else that is the right mix of things to make me see how it could be better. It’s different when you really love somebody and you’re ready to have your soul forged. [Chris] had an all-encompassing gentleness. It was like a spirit that wraps you up and says “you are cared for.” Even after [Chris] died I could feel that he was still lifting me up. Tragedy becomes part of your story. We have the opportunity to turn losing friends into an appreciation of every minute we do have. I feel good to have absorbed as much as I did, but when they go, it’s never enough. Some people have a need to put their feelings into anger because when you’re angry you don’t have to feel hurt. It says more about them than you. I’ll be a lifelong learner. I’ve changed in that [Chris’s] death doesn’t define me or take me out of the game. God will heal me in time.

What an incredible couple we have in the studio this week. Mike Sauers - Navy SEAL, combat veteran who fought alongside Marcus Luttrell in Ramadi, philanthropist, and owner of Forged Apparel. In selfless fashion, Forged has raised millions of dollars to assist the families of fallen heroes. Mike is an exceptional story-teller, and his stories about military life, extensive travel experiences, and his subsequent entrepreneur life, are authentic and entertaining. Sam Bonilla is an amazing soul in her own right. As a marine with a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and a certificate in intelligence, marketing manager and concept producer for Forged, social media influencer, model, and Instagram celebrity, Sam is as down-to-earth as they come. She is a joy to listen to as she shares her experiences and perspectives, and a humble servant of people alongside Mike. In this episode you will hear: Ideas can be birthed in any setting; they’re limited to the imagination. You should always take pride in your country. Follow through. America was forged – Everything great was forged. It’s too bad that some establishments that have existed for over 100 years, are probably not going to make through this pandemic. Never question an order from a marine [in battle]. If you don’t have pride in your country, then what do you really have? Just like great team guys, we busted out some bungie cords and tied a karaoke machine to our golf cart. Every great nation, has to have pride. You have your real life, and then you have your social media life. Being a marine is not as sexy as it looks on TV. There are criteria for what is considered a dive bar: Mainly whiskey selections A picture of Burt Reynolds Christmas Lights Smokey & the Bandit memorabilia A Juke Box Spilled Beer Stains on the pool table Huge “mints” in the urinals No separation between the urinal & the toilet

What an amazing story of the relentless pursuit of a dream by this week’s guest, “Cat” Zingano. Beginning with a love of wrestling at age 12, she developed into a 4-time All-American and national wrestling champion. She is currently a mixed martial artist (MMA) and has won a world championship title and the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in Brazil. She also became the first mom to compete in a UFC fight and the first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout. Listen in and be inspired by Cat’s non-stop life adventures along her path to success. In this episode you will hear: Like the military, we all sign up for it. It’s a risk, but it’s a choice. As a kid, I often felt misguided and what always brought me back was sports – being part of a team. I didn’t look for people to pick on, but I’d put a target on people who were being mean to other people. When you have a goal and it doesn’t mean to you what it once meant to you - it’s so defeating. I want to finish in a way I can be proud of. Your kids are challenging sometimes, and while you love your kids, you still have to have your own outlet. I don’t ever want to ever forget how much it sucks to regret that I didn’t finish wrestling the way that I wanted. I want to walk away having checked all the boxes. I don’t want the hard times to dictate what I do with my goals. The 15-20 minute fight is nothing, compared to the training camps. I’d never had to pick a song to beat someone’s ass. If the beginning of the fight hadn’t gone the way it had, it wouldn’t have been so interesting. They got to see everything. They got to see a comeback. To still be struggling for money when you’re one of the top 5 in the world is tough. I’m supposed to take my losses and learn something from it. I accept my losses, but I want to know and learn what I can change - what can I do to make myself a different version of that person that maybe wouldn’t have lost. How many times do you have to suck at something before you’re good at it?

If ever you wanted to hear a true story of the relentless pursuit of truth, this is the one you need to listen to. This Navy SEAL and highly decorated combat veteran Eddie Gallagher, with 20 years of service to our country and 9 deployments in Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq was accused of war crimes while being innocent all the while. At the end of his 2017 deployment, accusations escalated to a point beyond ridiculous and was imprisoned for 9 months without ever being charged. His wife, Andrea, spearheaded the “Free Eddie” Campaign effort to prove his innocence and fought tooth and nail to do so. After an unbelievable series of events, including terrorism against his family and young children, Eddie’s innocence was proven. Eddie and Andrea have written the book The Man in the Arena to tell Eddie’s almost unbelievable story. In this episode you will hear: None of the accusations against Eddie were about war crimes. “They locked me up in solitary, and nothing was explained to me.” There’s no bail system in the military. The UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) makes it possible to put people in jail without charges. The level of terrorizing inflicted on our family shocked me to the core. I thought: “No one’s coming to help us.” The truth will prevail no matter what happens. “I truly feel that God called us to this. He let us go through this for a purpose, and that purpose is way bigger than us.” Eddie’s story can be paralleled with the story of Joseph in the bible. That story was a guiding light for us. If they can do this to us, they can do this to anyone – and these guys are heroes. Failure to protect one of their warfighters that served 20 years, is the biggest black eye, but we're gonna use it to make an impact on a larger scale to bring change to the UCMJ, and the way that we treat our military service members. “She’s [Andrea's] the true hero of the story.” They held machine guns and assault rifles to our children’s heads. [Eddie] was being restricted from legal counsel, contrary to what we, as Americans, constitutionally have. “Take failures and learn from them.” “We’re gonna stand up for what’s right.” “If we had quit, they would have taken him out for the remainder of his life.” Special New Year Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 1 additional month free. Go to ​https://nordvpn.com/TNQ ​and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.

Living in a world of risk sums up the life of this week’s incredible guest, Jason Van Camp. As a West Point graduate, Jason is anything but faint-hearted in his experience as a decorated Green Beret in the U.S. Special Forces, in his business endeavors, and his dedication in helping other veterans unlock their potential and start their own business. He has authored the book: Deliberate Discomfort: How US Special Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Jason’s will to win and his heart of service to others makes him an epic model of a successful human being. In this episode you will hear: If you never quit, you never fail. That journey you’re on – it’s not about trophies – it’s about people, and the journeys you take with those people. The worse experience it is for you, the funnier story it is for everybody else. We put ourselves in deliberately uncomfortable situations so we can get out of our comfort zone and grow. My motivation is to collect as many stories as I possibly can. My mindset has shifted from being selfish to being selfless. It’s hard to find your purpose. I want to help people, I want to make money, I want to do epic shit. Our non-profit – Warrior Rising – helps veterans start their own business. I’m a life-long student – always wearing my white belt. Go do something. Everyone can be a collaborator. Cooperate and graduate. I turned the military decision-making process into a business model. Choose hard things before hard things choose you.

In the studio this week, we have Monty Heath, a decorated veteran from Navy SEAL Team 2 and Red Squadron, a former supervisor for the U.S. Navy SEAL mentorship program and BUD/S preparatory program, helping veterans develop their entrepreneur goals, a father who has endured the harrowing, near-death experience of his eleven-year-old son, and who has successfully undergone supervised psychedelic treatments to facilitate psychological introspection. Monty brings a myriad of life lessons and incredible experiences to the table in this week’s TNQP episode. In this episode you will hear: If I want something, I have to put 100% into it. I can’t just half-ass what I want. I’ve learned a lot from failure. When I started working as a Special Olympics skiing instructor, that’s where humanity entered into my life. I wanted to be a corpsman, but I didn’t want to help people. I wanted to hurt people. That’s why I got out of it. All my friends were SEALS; all my friends were cool; all my friends were good-looking; we live these privileged, bad-ass lives, but what about someone who’s born with Down Syndrome? [Special Olympics] It chipped away at my arrogance, and it installed humility. As a self-punishment, I didn’t want to go work for the super cool guy organizations. I want to be with common people and common soldiers. We have to be uncomfortable to grow and evolve. Monty’s 11-year-old son, George, had what started as a bad headache. That quickly developed into his spine hurting, then continuing to degrade, until it was determined in the hospital that he had contracted Bacterial Meningitis He slipped into a coma and “coded” as he lay in Monty’s arms dying. He slowly began to recover, but spent 51 days in the hospital & was paralyzed. Yet, some of the first words he spelled out for his mom were: “you and dad complete each other.” The idea of waking up and writing down what you’re grateful for can be a life-changer. Gratitude & attitude and gratitude is like a see-saw. If your gratitude is high you can’t have a bad attitude. I started to understand the power of being vulnerable. It’s disarming. Ibogaine therapy will make you go through your trauma, and make you come out on the other side better. I suggest every human being on the planet experience it. Communication & relationships to me is like new. Empathy is an important thing in life. Special Christmas Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 4 additional months free. Go to ​https://nordvpn.com/TNQ ​and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.

In this week’s podcast, we bring you an amazing guest – Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney – an Air Force F-16 fighter pilot with 3 combat tours in Iraq under his belt, two Top Gun awards, and countless military decorations. Dan recounts his life dreams as a 12 year-old boy, which have now come to fruition – to be a fighter pilot and a PGA golf professional. He also founded “Folds of Honor”, whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of wounded or killed military service members. Folds of Honor has provided 30,000 life changing scholarships totaling over $140 million dollars. Dan, a man of great faith, speaks of the importance of God in his life and the daily motivation it brings. In this episode you will hear: I had an unlikely dream for a 12 year old kid, but ultimately God would put those two together for a much higher purpose. I felt the hand of god on my shoulder. He picks the least of us to do something significant. Just grow up and do what you love. Don’t be a prisoner of common assumption. The most successful people in the world, are the people that are the best in handling life when things aren’t going their way. We are defined on a daily basis when it doesn’t go our way. When you meet the families that you help and you see the impact that you have – that’s what keeps you leaning into the wind. Engineer a code of resilience in your life. Use your talents to make a difference – to be fulfilled. As a pilot, we need resistance to ascend – Our lives aren’t any different. Be the best version of yourself regardless of the chaos around you. If we have one skill, it’s being able to take in copious amounts of information at high speed, and prioritizing what matters. If you want more blessings, you’ve got to bring God with you every day. Every interaction I have - I will bring my faith to it. My 3 “never quit” motivations: I’ve never quit praying; I’ve never quit showing up at the gym and; I’ve never quit on my marriage.

What a ride Darren McBurnett (“McB”) is having. After 24 years as a Navy SEAL combat veteran, he then pursued and succeeded as a professional photographer – with no prior experience. His work has appeared in major publications, film, and promotional advertisings. McB was in such superior physical condition, that he developed “Extreme Athletic Heart”, resulting in the need for a pacemaker (He’ll explain it in this episode). This ridiculous turn of events not only didn’t stop Darren from continuing his photography career, but has since authored a book, “Uncommon Grit”, and is a sought-after motivational speaker by major corporations – not to mention - a comic book collector & golfer. In this episode you will hear: Do what you can with what you have. Never make an excuse as to why you can’t do something. I would ride my bike 50 miles to go run a 10k, which established my work ethic. I would run to school – 3 miles away; then do indoor track; then run to the swim team; then run home 6 miles, and then put on my McDonald’s uniform and run to work. I didn’t look around for praise – that’s just who I am. The very first lesson I learned was to work smarter. I’m naturally good at free fall. When I get in the air, I’m a natural. We need Alpha males because our society is getter weaker as it goes along. I didn’t know anything about photography, so I decided I wanted to learn. To get photos at BUDS, there were a lot of people in the right place, at the right time to make that happen. Uncommon Grit came through requests from Instagram & Social Media. While on a run at 44 years old on SEAL Team 3, my heart began to fail, and ended up needed a pacemaker due to what was referred to as “Extreme Athletic Heart”, which forced me into retirement. A purple smoke photo taken at BUDS (Navy SEAL Training) is how my photography career was launched. Never underestimate yourself and never think there’s something out there that you can’t do. You’re limited by how far you want to push it. It’s totally up to you. Special Christmas Deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 4 additional months free. Go to ​https://nordvpn.com/TNQ ​and use the coupon TNQ at checkout.

If ever there was a “never quit” story to tell, it’s this guy – JR Vezain. JR delivers the details of his harrowing, life-altering bareback bronco rodeo disaster. He is experiencing “a miracle in the works”, and has an uncanny peace with his injury, because he truly believes that his recovery is on the way. His aspiration is to be an inspiration to young up and comers that would fill his shoes. Although unable to walk, he carries on with life with his wife and young son – riding horses and 4-wheelers, roping cattle, and moving bales of hay. If you could use some encouragement and a positive story for a change, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode you will hear: After my first in-chute rodeo accident, I had a “come to Jesus”, and turned my life around. I will receive a miracle and walk again someday. I’ve accepted the challenge and accepted the situation. I have not grown complacent with where I’m at. I haven’t accepted that this is the rest of my life because I don’t believe that. All I need is a slight or slim chance. You gotta visualize and not quit. I don’t think that any of my past life or sins resulted in punishment from God. We’ve been blessed beyond measure. Life hasn’t changed, but my goals have changed. I no longer want to win a world tile – I want to walk again. My biggest struggle is accepting help. There hasn’t been one thing I haven’t been able to accomplish post-injury that I couldn’t get done before. I just had to find other ways to do it. My horses have melted to me because they know something’s up. Be careful what you’re complaining about. There’s somebody out there praying to have what you have. Excuses are like assholes – they all stink. Find ways to overcome. Never give up… dig in, dig deep, and don’t weaken. I’m gonna try to be the best husband I can be, the best father I can be, and make the best version of myself as I continue on this journey.

As a bomb technician in Afghanistan, Johnny “Joey” Jones experienced the worst possible scenario in an IED-related incident. It resulted in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm. In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, he describes in detail the sequence of events that led to that horrific event.But that event didn’t stop him from dedicating his life to the service of other veterans and their families as well as serving as a Fox News contributor. After two combat deployments and eight years of active service in the Marine Corps, Johnny “Joey” Jones live his life to the fullest. In this episode you will hear: “Get it right, or people die” – that’s a good way to train. When I leaned back [from the wall] I stepped on an IED that was there; it threw me through the air. It was truly an amazing experience. There was no noise. Everything just turned into a giant cloud. My right arm was fileted open and the bones were broken, so when I reached up, my hand stayed in my lap. I remember looking at it. It didn’t hurt for like an hour. My legs were completely gone, from the knee down. You gotta stop the bleeding if you want to live. I learned at that moment, I didn’t know the Lord’s Prayer. I lose my legs; other guys lose their life. TNT won’t cut you open; it’s gonna pick you up and throw you. C4 may not move you two feet, but it’s gonna cut right through you. I deployed this really good-shaped single Marine with no responsibilities, and I came home bandaged up on all four limbs with a son and a girlfriend. I just never accepted that life’s responsibilities were going to be any different for me because I got blown up. Anything worth doing is worth doing right and anything worthwhile is never easy. If I can find a way to be in control of my destiny, it's game on. I might not succeed at everything, but I’ll be there to find out. I’m trying to kill this deer in my yard, so I’ve got an AR at each level of my house, so if he pops up, I’m gonna take him out. Get up, get over it, get going.

Taylor Canfield brings an exciting twist to the story of an average American patriot and retired Navy SEAL. His unique post-military career path was to be the only retired SEAL to become a NASCAR driver. Taylor’s non-profit organization, The Green Light Society, helps wounded combat soldiers via adrenalin therapy - anything that got their blood pumping before their injury, they will do again after their injury, even when it seems impossible. In this episode you will hear: Taylor Canfield is NOT the sailor. I faked a few papers to start working at 14. Even if you can win [NASCAR] - if you don’t have sponsors, you’re not gonna race. Bad things happen, but you gotta go on living, so learn from it. Failure is actually a gateway to success. If you can learn from your mistakes, you can be unstoppable. If you’re not learning from them, you’re making those mistakes in vain. Get past the mental barriers. If I can do the SEAL training physically, you can do it. You have to convince your mind. The Green Light Society will go to the world’s end to recoup and get you back into what you love to do. It’s my way to give back and help guys that were less fortunate than I was. No ones gonna do the work for you. A lot of people don’t start because they’re afraid of failure, but you gotta get over that and just go for it.

Jeff Tiegs is an amazing difference-maker. He uses his extensive experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to counter sex-trafficking in the United States. With over 25 years is in U.S. Army Special Operations, as well as combat experience and multiple tours in Afghanistan & Iraq, Jeff is applying that expertise in his endeavors. Jeff is The Chief Operating Officer at All Things Possible Ministries, whose mission is to identify, interrupt, and restore those affected by trauma. In this episode you will hear: In the U.S., we are unbelievable consumers of prostitution, and what comes with that is minors. You’re on deployment every time you walk out of the house. One in four women is sexually assaulted or sexually abused. The sex trafficking crime is so open. It’s openly advertised. There are people that think we should defund the police. I think more reasonable people think we should reallocate funds and figure out ways to do this better. There are people out there who can augment what law enforcement is lacking. The [funding] money is gonna go where the people demand it. [Our organization], All Things Possible does everything from simple counseling to freeing sex slaves. Find strength in simply being alive. What comes off of your tongue – what you speak – is what you become. The term “Yahweh” is the sound of breathing. The mere fact that we, as humans, are breathing, we’re saying the name of our Creator every time we breathe. What is God’s name? The thing that gives breath to everything that lives. The first thing a baby says is that breath of life. One family, who lost their son on the battlefield, found relief in the fact that the last breath their son took was the name of our creator. Find strength, find solace, and find peace, in that simple act of breathing. If you’re alive, you’re saying God’s name, and He’s there to help to you.

This week, we spend some time with Meyers Leonard, an American professional basketball player of the NBA’s Miami Heat, and Co-Founder of Level Foods with his wife, Elle. Meyers’ outlook on life, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence will motivate you. His never quit attitude has brought him through many personal and professional difficulties. Listen as Meyers shares his inspiring stories. In this episode you will hear: I’m just a normal, blue-collar dude, who’s been thru the struggle, on and off the basketball floor. 2 things that help get me by - no matter what: My character and my work ethic. How can I help my team? Selflessness. There’s no chance I’m giving up. I want shit to get tough, because that when the mental edge takes over. Patriotism runs deep in my family. I can support the military because of my connections to it, but I still understand that there are issues in America, and I can support my teammates and what they have felt in their lives. I could’ve quit – I gave it 7 years – Then I went from getting booed to crowds chanting my name. People think that because I’m 7 feet; I’ve got millions of dollars; I drive nice cars – everything is great, but I’m still a normal human being. Sometimes things are hard. You are gonna get your opportunity and you better be ready. I wanna be known as a man who did something for someone else.

Chris Osman has a myriad of incredible personal experiences to share in this week’s TNQ Podcast. He is a former Marine and a former Navy SEAL who participated in numerous classified operations, a husband and parent. He has experienced everything from incarceration in a Haitian jail to dealing with a rare, life-threatening disease affecting his wife. Chris currently owns and operates Rhuged, a direct-to-consumer ammunitions distributor. Listen as Chris shares some of his “Never Quit” stories. In this episode you will hear: I learned as I failed. I couldn’t shake the desire to be specialized. I wanted to be tested to see if I could even do it. The most isolated and depressed I’ve ever felt was being in a Haitian jail. I had zero control – there’s nothing we could do. Bare-footed with a shirt & pants, and that’s it. My headspace was in survival mode. I had never been so terrified. When I finally got on that plane with my passport on a commercial airline to Miami, tears were streaming down my eyes. One day my wife started slurring her speech, and we learned she had contracted Myasthenia Gravis, an auto-immune disease that affects the immune system from the shoulders up. One night while in the hospital, she was looking at me, and her eyes rolled back into her head. I quickly assembled the bag mask and called for help. I’ve never been through anything like that. It was a never quit moment. You push forward by being the positive light in someone else’s miserable experience. You gotta be a rock for your people. You can’t bail on people when it gets to be the hardest part of their life. It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, you can’t be a Navy SEAL. You gotta put the work in. No matter how much someone would pay me, I’d never put myself back in a position to work for someone else. My goal in life is to never work for somebody else.

If you’re looking for the definition of perseverance, endurance, and a ridiculous “Never Quit” mentality, you will find it in today’s episode with Mike Rouse. Here’s a guy who went from having it all into falling into a cocaine habit that sent him to prison. But the prison life caused him to seek life again outside the prison walls, which, in turn, caused him to start running. Since his freedom from incarceration, Mike has devoted his life to helping others and has become one of the country’s elite runners. He has run hundreds of marathons, dozens of 50-kilometer races, 31-mile races, and 50-mile races. Twenty-four-hour runs and 100-mile races are like home to him, as are Ironmans and Ultramarathons. Mike has won 2 world championships. One of his closest friends, a Navy SEAL was one of 31 soldiers killed on a mission, and every year since then, he’s been running 3.1 miles, 31 times in a row, wearing a shirt with the names and faces of those 31 men. He changes shirts upon completion of every 3.1 miles. He never met most of those men, but Mike feels like he knows them because of the research he’s done on them, the families he’s met, and his own bond with his friend, JT. In this episode you will hear: Use your failures as your advancement The first mile of my entire life was when I was 33 years old. When I was incarcerated, I thought “I’ve gotta do something to get my life together.” And running was a big part of that. The majority of ultra-runners I know have some degree of addictive behavior. It drives them to go above and beyond. We’re driven to the next level of competition. When I was doing [cocaine], it wasn’t enough to do a gram or two a day, it was a quarter ounce. I thrive on pain. If you think you are gonna run 26, 50, or 100 miles and have no pain, you have no idea what you’re doing. You’ve got to be ready for it and just embrace it. I choose to do this [running] and I accept that pain. [Marcus Luttrell] Pain is a matter of perspective of the person going through it. 31 men gave everything they had for this country – for this freedom. I know I can’t give up. If you’ve ever quit, the next time, it’s easier to quit. I had all the positives a person could have in life, and yet I had a criminal record. I run 31 miles a day for 31 days, for 31 heroes. [Your son] is gonna be riding on my shoulder tomorrow and I’m gonna be listening to every word he says. When I think I’m hurting a little bit, and he says let’s go, we’ve just got 5 miles left, or 20 miles left. It’s 2020 and those families are still hurting 9 years later.

What an encouraging and powerful testimony Marc Little brings to the table in this week’s Team Never Quit episode. Having been shot in the right leg as part of a gang initiation, and dealing with resulting complications and infections, Marc’s leg had to be amputated. Since defeat is not part of Marc’s mentality, he said “yes” to life and lives life to the fullest. Now through his work as a lawyer, author, entrepreneur and community builder, he teaches others how to say “yes” to life as well. In this episode you will hear: Don’t give up, because the next try may be the try that leads to success. This is a life worth living. God gives us a story for a reason. He gives us a story so that we can help a neighbor. We’re all going thru a tough season, but God is in it. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich has to be done right. You have to have white Wonder Bread, and you gotta have creamy Jiff or Skippy peanut butter, with grape jelly. From the time I was shot and the time that the ambulance came, life was literally leaving me. It was clear that I had a choice, and I decided to stay. The difficulty of being a dad with a 6-year-old child, and not being able to run with him, has become part of who I am. I claim victory because I now know that tomorrow is not promised. Everybody has to lean on God because this journey is not easy. Life is not about us – it’s about what we can do for the kingdom. Many of us are struggling, because we’re not understanding who we are – whose we are. [God] connects our calling to who and what He is. So many people today are just sitting and watching. We have a role to play today. A role to shine the light of Christ. We are not lost – have faith. God has not left us. He will never forsake us. The church is anemic because they don’t understand their calling. All of our experiences are intended to bring us closer to the creator. After 4 years of never giving up – never quitting I decided I’m picking up the pieces of my life, and you’re not gonna tell me I can’t do it. It may not be right now, but the victory is coming. When the righteous are in power the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people moan. We are called to pray over our leaders and elect Godly leaders over us. When u are pushing back against darkness you are taking the background of the enemy. When we are being mocked for praying, that is evidence that we are taking background that was lost. The Lord has a special way of giving you what He wants you to have. God sees you – and He has something for you. Start your family and let the Lord bless you – Don’t wait. Never quit trying to start a family.

Kevin is a former Special Forces Engineer (Green Beret) and holds dual master's degrees from MIT Sloan School of Management as well as Harvard Kennedy School of Government. On his second deployment in Afghanistan, Kevin was shot in the abdomen and lost 20% of his colon as a result. He also fractured his hip & his left leg was paralyzed due to nerve damage. Having overcome his life’s adversities with the relentless help of his wife, Kim, Kevin’s life purpose is to encourage other wounded veterans and anyone else who needs physical, mental, or emotional help by showing them what hope and perseverance look like. In this episode you will hear: There’s nothing in life that you can’t have if you’re willing to work hard for it. A lot of these things I went through I didn’t really understand at the time, but they were training me for the rest of my life. There is nothing in life that I need to be doing other than this right now. We’ve got to put differences aside. We gotta charge forward. We’ve got a mission to accomplish. I didn’t want to have regret in my life. I didn’t want to look back and say I didn’t try. I realized if I didn’t start to put my health as a priority again, I was gonna be nothing to nobody. Reach out to people for help. Start taking people’s advice. There is a point in your life where you have enough courage to put everything on the line and accomplish something. A lot of people don’t believe it when I tell them that getting shot was the best thing that ever happened in my life. It forced me to pass through a valley of humility. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress – if I hadn’t gone through that I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Because I went through those experiences, I have the ability to empathize with people. I understand a lot more about the trouble people have in their lives. This made me a better husband, father, citizen, and employee of this country. It gave me an incredible perspective on life, and a ton of lessons learned to be able to go out and share with people; to make them into the best version of themselves. I would really encourage people to never quit. When you’re going thru these hard times, you have to understand that hard times are not a bad thing. They’re a gift - to scrape off the rough edges, to learn a lot of lessons, to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, to refine your character. Lift your head up, see what’s happening, then you can push through that hard time. And when you get to the other side, you’re gonna be thankful you went through that.

This week we catch up with Zach Even-Esh, a physical powerhouse of a human being. Zach has an amazing reputation in the world of fitness, strength, and conditioning. While Zach himself has been training non-stop since 1989, he has also trained thousands of athletes - from the youth level to the college level; from military personnel to the Olympic level, and has inspired countless athletes around the world to achieve greater success in both sports and life.In this episode you will hear: I get to help kids change their lives. You want to have the horsepower of a Ferrari, with the grinding strength of a tow truck. Strength and condition is just a vehicle for changing lives – especially of our youth. Kids sometimes need time to turn the corner. Not every kid has the attitude that can he run through a brick wall. You never know when a kid’s gonna change. He could be a train wreck for two or three years, then he turns it around and he’s your star. You never know – that’s why you can never give up on a kid. If there’s a never a challenge – or you wait too long to challenge a kid, then it’s completely foreign territory for them. The work is the gift. You should be chasing that work – not avoiding it. If you think you’re having a bad take day, take the focus of off of you. Make the person next to you better. For people to have a breakthrough, they must have a breakdown. It has to be hard – not stupid – it has to be tough. Training has to be hard. The “we”, not the “me” mentally is the game-changer. You need great team mates. To start a basic fitness effort, start by walking – we can all do it. If you make one change, you’re at 100% past zero. Don’t beat yourself up. Just get better. Accountability to somebody else changes everything. Perfection never happens. There’s beauty in the imperfection. You gotta fall in love with the process, vs the end result. With fitness & health, there’s never really an arriving point. When you achieve something, go and work at the next thing. One of the best thing you can do for yourself, is be healthy and strong. One of the most important tricks is – don’t follow the fads or gimmicks. I was taught that to be normal was to be strong. You don’t have to like it. You just have to do it. The biggest thing is to see the emotional/Internal change people experience through hard training.

In a heart-wrenching testimony of tragedy and perseverance, country singer/songwriter Granger Smith recounts the horrific event that took his 3 year old son from this earthly life. He and his wife Amber used their life-changing experience to learn the hard way – the path to overcoming, endurance, and life-giving counsel and encouragement to others.In this episode you will hear: There’s more to the meaning of a tragedy than reason because reason doesn’t always make sense. What can we learn from [River’s] one thousand days? After facing death, it opens your eyes as to what truly matters. Another day forward is so valuable. What about today? Today is what we have. Even if you can deal with today, deal with this hour. If you can’t deal with this hour, deal with the next minute. If you can’t deal with this minute, deal with the next breath. Pretty soon, there comes a perspective, and your brain becomes more clear. Granger hates five year plans. When we came home, our kids had written on the driveway with chalk, “Welcome Home River.” [Musically], I know there’ll be some River stuff comin’ Rivers organ donations saved two adults. You gotta take care of yourself. Wake up at the same time every day, brush your teeth and comb your hair. You’re not gonna have these days forever. I try not to think about why because that mental slide show plays over and over. “One more kiss” [Amber] I can’t think of the future, I need to focus on the now. There is a purpose for disaster. It’s not ever going to be understandable. It’s never going to be logical.

Ever wonder what happens when the fight is over and a soldier puts his rifle down for the last time? In this episode, you'll hear the story of Jake Wood, a Marine who now doesn't just serve his country, but serves his fellow man throughout the world when disaster strikes. The co-founder of Team Rubicon, a non-profit organization made up of over 100,000 ex-military volunteers who travel to assist wherever disasters occur, shares his desire to make the world a better place by never quitting his service. Hear his viewpoint on how things aren't always hunky-dory and what to do when there is no playbook. You'll soon find yourself wanting to restore your sense of purpose and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

In today’s podcast, we are excited to bring you Ryan Manion - an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Drawing on her personal experiences, Ryan inspires us to become the best versions of ourselves, while also serving the greater good. She has created a culture of servant leadership in her company and community, and her approach to personal thriving demonstrates how strong relationships and service to one another promotes personal well-being and leads to collective success. Ryan has learned that personal thriving is a by-product of personal challenges. She inspires us to meet challenges head-on, and perform at our highest potential by harnessing our innate abilities and character strengths. Ryan’s book – The Knock at The Door – was co-written with two other Gold Star women, linked forever by their unimaginable losses. They share their inspiring, unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives. Support the show.

In this Best of TNQ Podcast episode we here the compelling, emotional series of events Tiggs has endured. From a four-year old daughter with a massive brain tumor and multiple surgeries; a husband battling PTSD and falling into the darkest mental places, to having one of her best friends of her lifetime pass away, Tiggs gives a riveting account of how her friends supported her and her family, and how her relationship with God brought healing in the worst of circumstances anyone could ever imagine.

Joe Torillo recounts his first-hand experience as a firefighter on September 11, 2001. Joe was directly below the North Tower looking up as the second commercial airliner slammed into it. What transpired in the next few seconds, minutes, hours, and days are nothing shy of unbelievable. He was propelled in the air by the concussion of the falling debris of the North Tower and was literally buried alive under the falling debris, with his skull open, arm snapped and suffocating in darkness. He was rescued and placed in a boat to cross over the Hudson River for medical treatment. That effort was disrupted by falling building debris that covered the boat, where he was buried alive again. Joe’s story is a gripping account of a series of miracles that kept him alive, while hundreds of others suffered a different fate. You won't want to miss this interview as we remember September 11th, 2001.

What an emotional and heartfelt visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veterans family activist. Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’ death. She is nothing shy of an amazing woman – an inspiration to all.

3 brilliant minds. 3 difference-makers. These 3 never-quit individuals have come together using unconventional ways to study and understand the human brain and how to apply supercomputers, data, and other innovative technologies to develop advancements in brain treatments. From the electrical properties of the brain, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and polypharmacy, these individuals have teamed up to influence government decision-makers in developing multi-department data sharing to bring healing, treatments, and to improve the lives of their fellow man.

There are events and circumstances in life that catch us by surprise, knock us down, and hand us seemingly overwhelming adversity. JJ Watt explains how, and more importantly why he was able to “get back on the horse” and move forward in life after a season-ending injury, remaking himself to an amazing degree by relentlessly working on being the best. His inspiring attitude towards life, and his never quit mentality, has paid handsome dividends. JJ describes his upbringing, his family, his college and professional football pinnacles and downfalls. His successes have prompted him to give back to the community in a myriad of areas, making him one of the most loved and recognizable names in Houston and throughout the country. Support the show.

Imagine being a normal kid for eleven years and then due to an unbelievable rare condition, spending the next four years of your life literally trapped inside your own body inside a hospital, unable to communicate with the outside world, suffering through non-stop seizures, while your condition worsens and the doctors offer no sliver of hope to your family...all the while you're still lucid in mind and spirit, desperately trying to get back to the life you once knew. At the age of eleven, Victoria Arlen developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, which rendered her “locked” within herself. She went from being a completely healthy, normal kid to a complete vegetable in three months. She lost the ability to walk, talk, move, and function. Everything began to shut down, including all of her cognitive abilities. Victoria Arlen not only suffered and survived through this unbelievable battle but has gone far beyond the norm to thrive and has mastered the “never quit” attitude to fuel her extraordinary accomplishments. She is a current television personality for ESPN, as well as an actress, speaker, model, and World-record setting Paralympian swimmer.

In this week’s Best of Team Never Quit Podcast episode, you will hear the almost unbelievable life story of Chris Duffin, Guinness World Record holder of a three-rep, 1,000-pound deadlift, and rated #1 in the world for 8 consecutive years. Chris tells his crazy life story – from being raised “off the grid” surrounded by drug running, murderers, serial killers, and human trafficking, to over-achieving with a dual engineering degree, working in aerospace, automotive, and hi-tech industries, and then becoming a mega-successful entrepreneur with four companies in his portfolio. While there is not one major event in Chris’ life, it’s because his whole life is a never quit story – a lifestyle of pursuit, perseverance, and grit.

In todays Best of Team Never Quit episode we throw it back to when we had DJ & “Fatty” joined us on the show to give us some perspective related to “after military” life, and the pursuit of a dream. In their case it was going from “what the hell do I do now?” to actually turning a deep love for art into a successful business - Art therapy. Ahh, but not just any art therapy - custom skateboard designs: new school, old school, and longboards. And Tribe SK8Z was born. And in that, they have found a satisfying outlet, living an aggressive lifestyle, tattoos and supporting veteran charities, while creating unique skateboards for military and Gold Star families, and anyone else who desires a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. These guys inspire us to deal with life’s challenges head-on and perform at our highest potential by doing what we were born to do.

In this week’s podcast, we bring you a compelling talk with Holly Luttrell, the matriarch of the Luttrell family and mother of Navy SEALS Marcus and Morgan Luttrell. Holly brings us a relaxed chat describing her life raising twin boys on a working horse ranch, and instilling in them the principles of living right, respecting others, and fearing nothing. She tells truly entertaining stories about her life experiences, and speaks encouragement and hope to those who are dealing with negative circumstances, children in the military, or major health issues. You will be captivated by Holly’s warm, sincere voice, and peaceful demeanor. Support the show.

Jake Olson was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in both eyes at the age of eight months and forfeited his left eye to that cancer. Over the next twelve years, he battled cancer in his right eye eight times. Seven times he beat it. When it came back for the eighth time, there was nothing he could do. His right eye was surgically removed and Jake had to re-learn how to do basic things that were once so easy; putting toothpaste on his toothbrush, food on his fork, or walking around his house would all require significant relearning and much more effort. Although he first viewed going blind as his biggest setback, it ended up being his life’s biggest set up. Jake became the first Division 1 blind collegiate athlete to play in a game as a long snapper for USC, under head coach Pete Carroll. He also became the first blind golfer on the PGA Tour. He is an entrepreneur, has also authored 2 books, and is a motivational speaker. Support the show.

In this week’s episode, we bring you Victor Marx, a marine and a hero of victims of war and abuse around the world – a “high risk” humanitarian. What a remarkable life of service, help, encouragement, and literal rescue – restoring those affected by trauma. Even after experiencing a severely abusive and torturous childhood, and living a lifestyle filled with drugs, fights, and theft, the discipline of military life and faith in God helped him recover from his traumatic childhood and now empowers him to help others. Victor’s organization - All Things Possible - has helped thousands of unintended victims of physical violence and intense trauma. Women, children, and members of our military find hope, healing and the power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Support the show.

How is it humanly possible to endure multiple explosions in very close proximity in a short amount of time, lose some of your closest friends in battle, and deal with extreme stress, severe depression, and marital challenges simultaneously? While mental blow after mental blow can result in the repercussions of triggering serious mental challenges, Dan Luna eventually overcame all of it with help from others and a never quit attitude. Dan is also a former instructor for the Naval Academy as well as a recognized leadership speaker. In this powerful conversation we dive into topics such as the warrior mindset, leadership, confidence, outlook for tomorrow, courage and much more. Dan Luna is a true warrior in soul, mind and body. Support the show.

What an incredible story of resilience Char has to share today. Her husband, Jacques Fontan, was one of nineteen servicemen killed when the helicopter he was in was shot down during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan (from which the film Lone Survivor is based.) As a result, she has written a book, A Beautiful Tragedy, in which she speaks openly about the anger and bitterness that experience birthed, and her battle to regain her life, to heal within, and to serve others in the process.

Who do you call on to hunt down elusive, brutal, narcotics kingpin Pablo Escobar, a man with no regard for human life? You call on DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña to spearhead the investigation and manhunt. Join us as we welcome Legendary DEA operatives Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña and who tells the true story of how they helped put an end to one of the world’s most infamous narco-terrorists. Support the show.