Team Never Quit Podcast: From the Inauguration to the Rodeo – A Look Back & Ahead

In this week’s electrifying episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most unforgettable podcast episodes of 2024. But that’s just the beginning! The team shares their firsthand experience attending the historic inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in Washington, D.C. From rubbing shoulders with dignitaries and famous faces to taking in the awe-inspiring monuments and museums, they give you an inside look at this monumental event.

🏈 The Road to the Super Bowl
As football fever ramps up, the crew weighs in on the upcoming Super Bowl showdown in New Orleans—who’s got the edge, and what’s the ultimate game-day strategy?

🎖 Honoring 20 Years of Operation Red Wings
Marcus reflects on the significance of the 20th anniversary of Operation Red Wings, honoring the legacy of the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

🤠 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Excitement
The countdown is on for one of Texas’ biggest and most beloved events—the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! From bull riding to BBQ, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter can’t wait to saddle up for all the action.

💬 Join the Conversation!
What are you most excited about—Super Bowl, the rodeo, or another big event? Let us know!

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• If you ever wanted to visit Texas, Houston rodeo season is one of the best times to come. March 4th thru the 23rd.   (6:22)
• No matter who you see walking out on those streets – if they’re from Houston Texas area, they’ve got a pair of boots and a hat in the closet. (6:58)
• The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo brings back-to-back-to-back A-list artists every single night. (7:18)
• Nowhere else [will you experience] a carnival that big. (9:47)
• If you don’t have a cowboy hat, get one. (10:23)
• We just got back from the inauguration. It was so freaking cold; they had to change the whole schedule. (11:50)
• The next day, we were able to stand on the stage – the rotunda. (12:24)
• Everybody was walking around looking like badasses. (12:59)
• We got to go to the balls. (13:43)
• The best ball you could go to was the black-tie Texas Ball. Out of all of them, that’s the one you want to go to. (14:15)
• The professional fighters – they’re the nicest guys on the planet. (18:54)
• The Gulf of Mexico has been officially renamed ”The Gulf of America,” at least according to the U.S. (33:31)
• June 28, 2025 is the 20th anniversary of [Operation] Red Wings (41:02)
• This is the only time I’ll ever talk smack to a Marine when it comes to golf and playing with the PXG clubs, cause that guy – apparently, he’s got some kick-ass compound. (44:28)
• If you’re somewhere, young, entrepreneur or wanting to be an entrepreneur. If you’ve got an idea and some wherewithal, some grit and a never quit attitude – you can do it. (45:09)
• Favorite podcast moments of 2024. (Starts at 47:11)
• There’s a Navy SEAL Museum opening up in San Diego soon. (49:09)
• We’ve gone to Rome a lot a seen the coliseum, but I’ve heard of them filling it up with water. (52:04)

Socials:
- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Holding the Reins of Resilience – Michael Hall's Mission to Help Warriors Heal

In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Michael Hall, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL from BUD/S Class 267 and the founder of Hold the Reins, a groundbreaking non-profit organization dedicated to equine-assisted wellness and coaching for special warfare operators.

Michael shares his journey from the battlefield to the barn, explaining how his deep love of horses and his firsthand experience with the challenges of military life led him to create Hold the Reins. This program provides early intervention tools to help Navy SEALs, SWCC, and EOD teams develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and goal achievement—all through the incredible connection between humans and horses.

With the unique pressures that come with a career in special operations, divorce and suicide rates remain devastatingly high among service members. Michael recognized this crisis and made it his mission to provide a lifeline—a safe space where warriors can regain control, reconnect, and find healing.

Now, as he transitions into running Hold the Reins full-time as CEO and counselor, he's determined to give back to the community that shaped him.

Tune in to hear Michael's inspiring story, the science behind equine therapy, and how his program is changing lives one ride at a time.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [My dad] asked me blankly one day, “What do you want to do?” It was just one of those things where I just spit out the first thing that my heart said, “I want to be a SEAL.” (8:43)
• The Air Force recruiter looked at me, “Well, whatcha been up to since you graduated high school?” I didn’t hold anything back. I just gave him anything. He was like, “There's no room for you in our Air Force.” (9:31)
• [I saw] this recruiting commercial come on. Helicopters come over the horizon. It said, “We’ll take you from high school to flight school.” So, I get in my truck and drove 150 miles to the recruiting office and joined the Navy. (15:41)
• That why we started this thing, to help guys hit the pressure relief valve. (17:45)
• The world’s too slow. We’re moving too fast on the inside, and we start trying to numb that down, and we do it in unproductive ways.
• Our organization is called Hold the Reigns. We use horsemanship to teach guys how to emotionally regulate the present moment focus, and allow them to narrate their own story to us. (19:08)
• Were the only organization, possibly in the nation that I know of, that’s run by frogmen. (19:28)
• I feel like God has created in me the way, or persona that’s gonna be able to help guys. (23:23)
• You can’t team guy your way around horses. (26:24)
• I’ve dealt with a lot of really dangerous horses and people made them that way. (43:18)
• That's kind of a surprise thing we do – we put them in a really vulnerable situation, so you’re no longer the hairy-chested, bullet-proof frogman. You’re now just a little worried about your safety. (54:14)
• A horse is completely honest. They do not know how to lie. (59:40)

Socials:
- Website: Holdthereins.org
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/holdthereins?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=77f57f3f-f76e-4374-bff3-5f37d6a085b1

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Sponsors:
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In the Trenches: The Journey of Robert Gallery from College Star to NFL Standout

Join Marcus and Melanie as they welcome Robert Gallery, former NFL offensive lineman, College Football Hall of Famer, and one of the most celebrated athletes to come out of the University of Iowa.
Robert’s football journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a tight end at Iowa, he transitioned to offensive tackle, paving the way for a stellar collegiate career. A two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, Robert was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2003 and capped off his senior year with unanimous All-American honors and the prestigious Outland Trophy. His excellence extended off the field, earning him three Academic All-Big Ten awards.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport, Robert has been honored with multiple accolades:

• College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023 at the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner.
• University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.
• Kinnick Wall of Honor: Added to Iowa’s America Needs Farmers Wall of Honor in 2015.

Drafted second overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2004 NFL Draft, Robert embarked on an eight-season career in the NFL, playing for the Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. Over 104 games, he showcased his grit and leadership, earning the Ed Block Courage Award in 2010 and cementing his place as a force on the offensive line.
In this episode, Robert reflects on his incredible football career, the transformation of Iowa’s football program, and his experiences in the NFL. But the conversation goes deeper, exploring his journey after football and the life-changing healing he found through ibogaine.
For both Marcus and Robert, ibogaine offered a second chance—a path to healing they’re now sharing to inspire and support others who may feel lost or stuck. These raw, personal stories are a testament to resilience and the universal power of hope.
Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with life lessons, healing journeys, and a reminder that no matter the challenge, transformation is always possible.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• My parents were very much like: “You do sports, or you work on the farm.” (9:55)
• Once my siblings started earning scholarships, and I saw what it did for them, I was like “I wanna do that.” (11:17)
• [The coaching staff] were just guys that wanted to get the best out of you. They were there to make you better. (14:25)
• [Melanie] Q: What do you think builds a great team?  A: I think it’s the people and the culture. (15:55)
• It’s that Midwest mentality. Work ethic, no show boating. It’s about being the best you can be, doing it the right way, and being good people. (17:02)
• I knew I needed my buddies next to me on the offensive line. For me to be great, I needed them to be great. (17:57)
• I kept working and working. And by the end of my college career, I was the best there was in the country. (25:34)
• Continue to work at wat you do to be a better all-around athlete. (25:39)
• I love how I was raised. My parents still married after 50 years. (26:57)
• I never had a sporting event that I ever remember from as young as I was in grade school, that one of my parents was not there. (38:25)
•  I worked so hard and sweated so much that you gotta go to the bathroom. One day I had to go to the bathroom real bad and the game was about to start. The only thing I could do was sit here and go. Go in your pants. I did it every game after that. (49:48)
• I got to where now I’m taking pain killers to get to practice. Now I’m asking my linemen what do we do? I’m dizzy. I’m not myself. (55:23)
• As time went on, things started to spiral: alcohol abuse. (63:08)
• I got a brain scan. That’s when they put up a picture of a healthy brain against a picture of my brain. It was shocking. (65:31)
• I started a journey of doing everything I could in modern medicine. (69:06)
• I took the invitation to take an Ibogaine treatment. (74:48)
• The treatment saved my life. I can out of it a different person. (76:30)

Socials:
- Website: athletesforcare.org
- IG: Athletes4care

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Sponsors:
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 Leading the Houston Texans: A Conversation with Cal and Hannah McNair
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Cal and Hannah McNair, the dynamic duo behind the Houston Texans. Cal McNair, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Texans, has been at the helm of the team since 2018, guiding them through remarkable achievements, including a 10-7 record in the 2023 season under a rookie head coach and quarterback. Under his leadership, the Texans secured their seventh division title and unveiled new fan-inspired uniforms in 2024.
McNair attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorns' football team. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.
Cal shares his journey from his early career at Cogen Technologies to becoming the principal owner of the Texans in 2024. He discusses his vision for the team, the importance of community involvement, and the Texans Foundation's impact on Houston, which has raised over $48 million since its inception.
Hannah McNair, a proud native Houstonian and University of Houston alum, joins the conversation to talk about their shared passion for philanthropy and, of course, the Houston Texans. With a background in business from the University of Houston and Rice University, Hannah has been deeply involved in numerous charities across the city, from the YMCA to the Houston Food Bank. She reflects on the couple’s commitment to giving back, balancing life as parents of seven, and supporting the community that has given them so much.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Cal] What I really enjoy is going into someone else’s house, and beating them, and then seeing our fans, surrounded by the other team’s colors, and they’re wearing our colors in the stands , and when we win those games is my favorite [moment]. (3:27)
• [Cal] We have fans that have had seats next to each other that didn’t know each other, but because they came to the game and sat next to each other, they became friends. (4:29)
• [Cal played football at] The University of Texas. (8:07)
• [Cal] The team was [originally] awarded to Los Angeles, but it had a deadline and they didn’t meet it. (9:07)
• [Hannah] The interesting thing about twins is that you have had somebody who’s had your back your entire life. (26:50)
• [Hannah] I think team sports is one of the most important educational things you can teach kids. (34:53)
• [Hannah] [In baseball] You fail most of the time. If you have an error, are you gonna just stop the game? Are you gonna run to your parents? Or are you gonna learn from it, and go to the next play. You can’t just quick. (34:59)
• [Hannah] If you can learn how to be part of a team and put your personal feelings aside for the greater good of the team, I think that’s a valuable lesson, especially with youth today. (35:45)
• [Hannah] With anything in the public eye, you try to use those [harassment in the stands] to create a better person in them, so that they’re ready for whatever comes their way, (40:13)
• [Hannah] You have to have God as your foundation. If you don’t have that to turn to, you’re lost already. (40:38)
• [Hannah] You cannot go wrong by doing what’s right. (45:48)
• [Marcus] Q: What’s the best piece of advice or wisdom you’ve got from somebody?
[Cal] A: Never Quit. (47:52)
• [Hannah] [CJ Stroud] is the CEO on the field. (48:32)

A Journey of Redemption: Branden Terrell's Path to Accountability and Transformation

In this week’s raw and powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Branden Terrell, a man whose life has been defined by both profound tragedy and transformation. Branden's journey began with a devastating crime—the voluntary manslaughter of his friend, Ryan Roth, in 2012. After serving over a decade in prison, Branden is now committed to rebuilding his life and advocating for restorative justice, but his path to redemption is far from simple.
Branden gets real about the night he took Ryan's life—a night marked by a dangerous mix of drugs, alcohol, and emotional turmoil. He shares how this tragedy has shaped his current mission to support victims' families, advocate for survivors, and push for more effective rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
Branden takes full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging the pain and devastation caused to Ryan's family and the community. He also discusses the impact of substance abuse on his behavior that night, but emphasizes that no excuse can absolve him of his actions.
Throughout the episode, Branden shares his struggles, regrets, and efforts to make amends for the harm he caused. His commitment to transformation is clear, but he acknowledges that healing, for both himself and the Roth family, is a long and complex journey.
This episode is not just about Branden's personal redemption; it's about understanding the broader impact of crime, the importance of accountability, and the possibilities for growth and healing within the justice system.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I’ve seen a lot of poverty and the impact of drugs. My hopes and dreams was to play professional football or baseball. (12:30)
• By the time I was expelled in my junior year after football season, I had been to 17 different schools. (12:46)
• I knew my family loved me, but the only place I had that real validation was playing sports. (13:02)
• I started hanging around all the wrong people, all the wrong places, seeking validation, wanting to be accepted, covered myself with tattoos. (15:29)
• The only time I’ve ever had handcuffs on me was when I was under the influence of alcohol. (18:08)
• By the time I was 18, I was living a full-on criminal lifestyle. (19:35)
• My mom – even if I’m doing something wrong, she’s gonna have my back. (25:49)
• All the folks I was running with [would say] “You’re the biggest liability when you start drinking.” (34:54)
• We went out to dinner with some of the folks that were trimming. I remember sitting at the table, waitress is taking orders and everybody’s ordering drinks, and I’m having this internal conversation with myself: “Brandon don’t do it. You don’t need to drink.” They get to me: “What the heck, 1 drink ain’t gonna kill nobody. I ordered a drink. Within hours after that, I was arrested for murder. (38:10)
• Me and Ryan had some words. He punched me and then from there, I went into a blackout. I grabbed a knife and ended up taking his life. (39:01)
• When I was drinking and I got into something, I’d just go into a rage.(47:45)
• I had this vision of “I’m gonna use this to help people be sober one day. I’m gonna help people live their best life through sobriety.” (53:59)
• I didn’t know that was okay, as a man, to talk about feelings. (55:32)
• There’s a lot of strong guys in prison, but there’s a lot of weak individuals too. (57:55)
• I was a closet cowardly christian. (75:48)
• So I get on my knees, and promised God never to use alcohol again.(80:24)
• That’s what life’s all about. Finding the God-given strength, ability and purpose and using it to help people. (91:11)
• I knew I had a problem with alcohol, but I was afraid to ask for help. (119:45)

Socials:
- Website: ElevateImpact.com
- IG: Brandenterrellcoaching

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Sponsors:
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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
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Sponsors:
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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
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Sponsors:
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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

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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
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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


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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
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