Protecting the Voiceless: Bill Waybourn on Human Trafficking and Hidden Abuse

This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with one of Texas’ most respected law enforcement leaders and advocates for the vulnerable — Sheriff Bill Waybourn.
With more than three decades of service, Bill’s career has been defined by courage, conviction, and a relentless commitment to protecting both communities and the voiceless.
From pioneering groundbreaking DWI reform programs to shaping Texas firearm legislation, Bill has stood at the intersection of public safety, constitutional rights, and moral responsibility.
But beyond the badge, Bill’s story is also one of deep compassion — especially when it comes to children in need.
Bill served 31 years as Chief of Police in Dalworthington Gardens, where he became a recognized expert witness and leader in statewide criminal justice reform.
He is credited with pioneering the Texas “No Refusal” DWI program, a model that has significantly reduced drunk driving fatalities and has since been adopted by multiple states.
Bill has also testified before the Texas Legislature on a myriad of key issues.
Bill is especially honored to have helped pass the Chris Kyle Bill, which streamlines the process for military servicemen and women transitioning into law enforcement careers.
His dedication to veterans and service members reflects a lifelong commitment to those who have sacrificed for this country.
During his first term as Sheriff, Bill launched several nationally recognized initiatives, including a Human Trafficking Unit, a Department of Intelligence, aggressive inmate service programs, less-than-lethal training expansion, and cutting-edge departmental reforms.
Bill and his wife Laura Waybourn are the proud parents of ten children, eight of whom have been adopted.
Together, they are passionate advocates for children without families, and their lives are rooted in service far beyond law enforcement.

A Heartbreaking Story of Survival: Alyssa
One of the most emotional moments in this episode comes as Bill shares the story of his foster daughter Alyssa, who endured horrific medical abuse as a toddler.
He recounts how Alyssa was severely malnourished, weighing only 18 pounds, dehydrated, and tragically harmed by her biological mother through Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a form of abuse where caregivers fabricate illness for attention or control.
Under proper medical care, Alyssa began to flourish — but her story shines a light on a rarely discussed form of child abuse that demands awareness and action.
This conversation is equal parts intense, inspiring, and deeply human — a reminder that real leadership means protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

In this episode you will hear:

• My dad believed in practical lessons. After bragging that I was the best cowboy on the ground today, and my dad put me on a Bramer steer. I lasted about a second and a half on that ride. He went from there teaching about humility, and how it’s a biblical principle, and I needed to learn about that. (9:10)
• One of the things that the Air Force did well is that they taught you leadership, independence, and discipline all at the same time. (15:56)
• I was 24 years old, and the Police Chief resigned. The city council interviewed a bunch of people and about an hour and a half later, they called me back and said, “You’re the Chief.” (20:34)
• [Marcus] Q: Explain to me the difference between a constable, a police officer, and a sheriff. (A: Starts at 22:40 and runs thru 28:14)
• There’ve been some great moments throughout my career. My [most memorable events] were surrounded by life-saving stuff. (30:57)
• As Sheriff, I was blessed to make a human trafficking unit. We are now moving close to 1,200 rescues. (31:42)
• Our daughter, Alyssa, at 3 ½ years old, weighed 18 pounds, and was on 17 meds and a feeding tube. She went septic. It was later proved that her biological mother put human feces and urine into her feeding tube. (34:34)
• We were honored that God called us to take her in. (40:36)
• I met Chris Kyle right after he came home in ’09. (55:29)

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Forged by Fire: Jesse James on Craftsmanship, Controversy, and Reinvention

This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Jesse James, one of the most influential custom motorcycle builders of the modern era. A fabricator at heart and an old-school craftsman by trade, Jesse is best known as the founder of West Coast Choppers, a brand that redefined the custom chopper world with raw metal, rigid frames, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Jesse’s journey began in his mother’s garage, where he learned the art of fabrication under the mentorship of legendary hot rod builder Boyd Coddington. What started as a passion for building with his hands quickly evolved into a full-scale operation in Long Beach, California—one that would grow to employ more than 50 people and produce hand-built motorcycles commanding prices from $50,000 to $150,000.
His rise to national fame came through the Discovery Channel’s Motorcycle Mania, which gave viewers an unfiltered look into his shop, his process, and his relentless standards. That exposure led to Monster Garage, cementing Jesse as a household name and a defining figure in reality-based automotive television.
Known for crafting—not assembling—his bikes, Jesse’s signature style emphasizes stretched frames, precision metalwork, and function-driven design over flash. His work has been commissioned by high-profile clients including Kid Rock and Shaquille O'Neal, further solidifying his influence across culture, sports, and entertainment.
In 2010, after facing both personal and business challenges, Jesse closed the original West Coast Choppers headquarters and relocated to Texas. There, he rebuilt—both personally and professionally—continuing to create custom machines and expanding into new ventures, including firearms manufacturing and direct-to-consumer media through platforms like OTLW.tv.
In this episode, Jesse opens up about learning discipline and skill the hard way, building a brand from nothing, the cost of fame and fast success, and why craftsmanship, grit, and honesty still matter
This is a raw, no-nonsense conversation about earning your skills, owning your mistakes, and building something real—one weld at a time.

In this episode you will hear:
• I went to Iraq in ’03, a month after we invaded. We did a USO tour and Kid Rock went and invited me. Nobody from USO knew who I was, so I told them I was, so I lied and said I was his tour manager. (1:13)
• I ended up going t jail my senior year for stealing cars. (14:47)
• I went to college and it was like crabs trying to get out of a barrel. (15:25)
• I was always working in the garage, building bikes. I had a Harley in High school. I was restoring bicycles, and building Volkswagons and sending them to Japan. I was hustling. (16:11)
• From my parents being antique dealers, I had a huge, pretty valuable tin toy collection. Like really rare Mark 10 toys worth thousands of dollars. I loaded ‘em up in my car and took ‘em to the big toy show in Pasadena. I sold them all to a dealer, and I used that money to buy a mill and a lathe and a welder for my garage. (23:27)
• If you’re gonna wait for the right time, that’s never coming. (23:51)
• My dad started me really young working. I literally despised him for it. And now I’m thankful because I have this relentless work ethic. (25:01)
• I restored a 1940 or ’41 bicycle called the Hiawatha Chippewa. I bought it for $100. (29:08)
• The first thing I ever made was a dust pan. (32:33)
• I was getting pai $750 a week salary, and at night I was making about 15 grand a week, making and shipping fenders. (43:56)
• If you would watch the Discovery channel in ’99 and 2000, they would run [my documentary on how a motorcycle gets built by hand] over and over. It was the highest rated show in the history of the network. (53:32)
• I did 118 cars. (56:43)
• I love taking about what I do. I love interaction. (60:11)
• [Marcus] When you’re driving into work early – with an hour difference – what type of cars are on the road early in the morning as opposed to the ones during rush hour. I heard that. (61:47)
• Success in this country, and in the world, isn’t defined by tactile skills. (62:40)
• I’m eliminating everything in my life that keeps me from working and being a craftsman. (63:48)

Support Jesse:
-  IG: popeofwelding
- https://westcoastchoppers.com/
- https://jessejamesculinary.com/ 

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Making the Invisible Visible: A SEAL’s Mission to Redefine Mental Health

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Jonathan Wilson, founder and CEO of INVI MindHealth, a groundbreaking mental-health technology company built on one powerful mission: to save and improve lives by making the invisible visible.
Jonathan’s journey is anything but ordinary. He began his professional career serving over a decade as a United States Navy SEAL, deploying to multiple combat theaters across several SEAL Teams. After leaving active duty, he carried the mindset of service into the private sector—first as an equity trader at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and later at Capital Group.
In 2012, Jonathan co-founded and led the SEAL Future Foundation (SFF), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting Navy SEALs in their transition beyond service. Under his leadership, SFF has helped thousands of SEALs and returned millions of dollars to the community—providing support in education, career development, and long-term well-being so operators can continue a life of service.
Now, through INVI MindHealth, Jonathan is tackling one of the most critical challenges facing both the military and civilian worlds: mental health. INVI’s technology leverages objective data to provide early insight, awareness, and intervention—bridging the gap between how someone looks on the outside and what’s happening on the inside.
Jonathan also brings elite academic credentials to the table, holding an MBA from the University of Oxford and graduating from the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.
This is a conversation about purpose, prevention, and pushing the mission forward—no matter the battlefield.

In this episode you will hear:
• I inevitably landed on a book that I found from Vietnam: The Frogman Book and I thought: “What is this?” I read that and I was like: “This is it. This is what I wanna be.” (24:39)
• Looking back now, I think the Lord is probably teaching me a lesson. I got caught with a fake ID card. You’re done. From that point I hit one of lowest points. (27:22)
• [I went to SEAL] Team 4. We ended up going to Bagdad. I did back-to back. It’s what team guys want. We were doing DA’s, hostage rescues; we were operating damn near every night. (45:16)
• After being married and with 5 kids, and we had lost a lot of friends – maybe it’s time to get out and I agreed. (48:04)
• In my head I was thinking, what’s the next hardest thing? That’s how my brain thinks. (48:40)
• I didn’t think I’d fit outside. I partially still feel that way. (50:32)
• SEALS wasn’t my purpose. I think being a father and a Christian is. But I think the Lord put me on this planet to really see this business we’re creating of helping as many people as possible with their mental suicide. Empowering them to be the best version of themselves they can be. (55:13)
• We created INVI Mind Health. (IInvisibleVisible)  (57:12)
• We created an algorhythm that pulls all the biometrics from any wearable you’ve got, and we help you get your mind score. (63:22)
• [Marcus] When team start to spiral, they’ll pull away. They don’t want to detonate in front of their buddies. (66:34)
• Our mission is to save lives by making the invisible visible. (72:29)

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Mind Over Body & Boots on the Ground:
A Candid Conversation with Marcus Luttrell and Dale Brisby
In this powerful and unexpectedly entertaining episode, Marcus Luttrell sits down with rodeo icon and Western humorist Dale Brisby for a wide-ranging conversation that blends discipline, faith, grit, and good-natured cowboy wisdom.
Marcus opens up in remarkable detail about his recent 40-day fast, sharing the physical, mental, and spiritual journey that led to a staggering 70-pound weight loss. He speaks candidly about the motivation behind the fast, the challenges he faced, the mental toughness required to stay the course, and the deeper lessons learned about self-control, clarity, and resilience.
From there, the conversation shifts gears as Dale Brisby brings his trademark humor and rodeo expertise to the table. Dale dives into the realities of rodeo life, cowboy culture, and the mindset required to perform under pressure—drawing surprising parallels between the discipline of elite warriors and the toughness demanded in the arena.
Throughout the episode, Marcus and Dale find common ground in themes of mental fortitude, accountability, faith, tradition, and personal growth, proving that whether on the battlefield or in the rodeo ring, excellence is earned through consistency, sacrifice, and grit.
This episode is equal parts raw, motivating, and entertaining—a conversation that challenges listeners to push past comfort, embrace discipline, and never underestimate the power of commitment.
In this episode you will hear:
• I knew there was a higher power. I just didn’t understand the faith. I didn’t understand what that meant and how to apply it. (2:28)
• There’s a difference between surviving and living. I was just surviving. (3:04)
• After you’ve had one fight, the next fight coming at you is gonna be harder. (3:48)
• I didn’t know that every time you read the bible it said something different at a certain age. (7:29)
• The 2 greatest days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why. (9:58)
• [When I was fasting for 40 days] I would get up 5 or 6 times a night to go to the restroom ‘cause I was drinking so much water, and then I would fall back into the dream I was in. So, I was basically sleep-walking. (22:06)
• A lot of people’s algorithm might be girls, but Marcus’ is steak and food. (27:12)
• [Dale] Q: How many pounds did you lose? [Marcus] A: 70. (28:37)
• It’s a lot easier to go through hell when you’ve got a buddy. (32:45)
• If God’s your spotter, and you start to drop your weight, He’ll lift it. (52:42)
• Most rodeo cowboys ignore, rather than accept what could potentially happen. (54:40)
• Most people aren’t afraid of dying; they’re afraid of getting mangled. (59:06)
• You can drill and hammer your training so hard, but at the end of the day you can’t help where a bullet might fly. (60:04)
• Be good. Be responsible. Take control of yourself. (68:34)
• The deadliest weapon out here is the double edge sword that comes out of your mouth – the tongue – and the word. (69:40)
• I came off the scope and I could see my dog laying in the ditch. So, I ran up on her and I kicked her. She didn’t move. (84:22)
• I only fight when it’s necessary. (105:39)
• The quote from a pastor of mine: “God will always call believers to a task that is above their ability, so they learn to depend on God and give Him credit. You can’t be both brave and safe.” (120:27)
• I want you on the edge where the demons live; I’ll pull you back when I think you’ve had enough. (131:05)
• If they’ve got that Trident on their chest, they better act like that. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I don’t want no pussies in there. They why that thing exists. (131:13)
• When you hang up by a spur, if somebody doesn’t help you, God help you… (140:38)

Eight Deployments, One Mission: Chad Robichaux and the Call to Never Quit
What an incredible guest we have on this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast.
Marcus engages in a compelling discussion with former Force Recon Marine, Chad Robichaux. With eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force, Chad overcame his personal battles with PTSD after nearly becoming a veteran suicide statistic.
Chad is the founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, serving the active duty, military veteran and first responder communities around the world with highly successful faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs. He has spoken to over 450,000 active-duty troops and led life-saving programs for over 4,600 active military and veterans at four Mighty Oaks Ranches around the U.S. He has served as an advisor to former President Trump, Congress, the VA, and the Department of Defense.
Another one of Chad’s personal endeavors, Save Our Allies, is focused on the evacuation and recovery of Americans, our allies and vulnerable people still trapped in Afghanistan. His original mission was to rescue his long-time friend and Afghanistan interpreter, but the mission quickly evolved because of Chad’s compassion for people and his servant heart. Since its inception, Save Our Allies has safely evacuated over 17,000 people that were trapped in Afghanistan and he is now helping in Ukraine.
As if that weren’t enough, Chad is a lifelong martial artist. He holds a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and is a former Professional Mixed Martial Arts Champion having competed at the highest levels of the sport.
In this episode you will hear:
• My family has 84 years of military service. (11:27)
• I was raised in a very dysfunctional home because my father never recovered from Vietnam. (13:15)
• Our operation was compromised and I ended up being abducted. (26:53)
• On the surface, everything seemed fine. Then I crashed, had an affair, filed for divorce, and attempted to take my life. The some amazing people came around me and helped us to restore my family and my faith. (30:38)
• I tried to build the courage to take my life and I had my Glock 40 caliber pistol, but I was interrupted, and it was enough to pump the brakes. (31:18)
• My wife asked me: “How can you do all you did in the military, but when it comes to your family, you’ll quit?” (32:23)
• You’re gonna deal with anxiety, depression, and anger, but you could respond to it in a better way that could lead you to a better place. (35:35)
• God’s like a centerpiece solution, because a lot of what we deal with are spiritual wounds. (36:29)
• President Bush signed the Opportunity for Faith Mission in 2001, then in 2009, President Obama signed a policy to override that, and take funding away from faith-based programs. (49:47)
• In Afghanistan, people couldn’t go in to help, but in Ukraine you could drive a bus across the border to do mass evacs. (52:07)
• I’ve been getting a lot of heat like: Why are you going over there to help – the governments is corrupt. None of that matters. These people didn’t ask for any of this. They’re being invaded by a super power. (54:48)
• Glen Beck (Radio Show Host) raised 21 million dollars to support our mission. (72:41)
• The White House said there were 100 Americans left [in Afghanistan] but without debate there were thousands of Americans still there. (75:27)
• You don’t leave Americans behind. The White even promised that they wouldn’t but they did. (76:34)

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. (6:36)
• In May of 2012, I graduated as a winged aviator, and I got those wings pinned on my chest. (23:40)
• [Marcus] It’s an absolute transition into a different human being the minute those wings touch your chest. (24:02)
• [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. (26:40)
• 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. (36:23)
• [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. (37:16)
• 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?” (37:49)
• You think you’re invincible, and you don’t really think anything of it. (38:04)
• Keegan tells the detailed story of that fateful day. (Starting at 41:21)
• 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. (50:58)
• The aircraft impacted the water so fast, it just vaporized. (52:50)
• 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.” (60:13)
• 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. (68:14)
• My brain was just not working the way it was supposed to from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). (75:04)
• 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. (89:53)
• I’ve had a number of psychedelic-assisted therapies that have been really helpful. (95:54)
• Ibogaine has been studied pretty thoroughly at this point. It’s showing that it triggers neuro-regeneration. (102:21)

Support Kegan:
-  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/

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This episode includes sensitive content and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
On July 4th, a devastating flood swept through Kerrville, Texas, forever altering countless lives. Among those impacted was John Dustin Ledford, whose world was turned upside down as he began a desperate search for his sister, brother-in-law, and young nephew in the chaotic aftermath of the storm.
In this heartbreaking and deeply human episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie meet with Dustin, who courageously shares the raw details of those terrifying hours and days — the uncertainty, the fear, and the relentless determination to find his family amid overwhelming destruction. His story offers a firsthand look at what it’s like when celebration turns to catastrophe in an instant, and how faith, grit, and community become lifelines when hope feels fragile.
This conversation is not just about loss and tragedy — it’s about love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Dustin’s account reminds us of the real people behind the headlines and the lasting emotional impact disasters leave behind long after the waters recede.
In this episode, we discuss:
•            The events leading up to the July 4th Kerrville flood
•            The moment Dustin realized his family was missing
•            The emotional toll of searching amid chaos and uncertainty
•            The role of community, first responders, and strangers during tragedy
•            How grief, hope, and resilience collide in moments of crisis
This is a powerful, sobering episode that honors those affected by the Kerrville flood and gives voice to the families who continue to carry its weight.

In this episode you will hear:
• Went to the police academy fulltime while working full time at the fire department. Got into arson investigating. (20:18)
•  [His sister, Brother-In-Law, and nephew] were in a camper on their truck in Ingram right next to the river. (43:24)
• Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones.
• I don’t even know if they knew it was raining because it was hot and they had the generator going. It’s loud. (45:12)
• When I got there, it was very chaotic. A lot of parents down the parking lot. (53:13)
• It was about midnight on July 4th when I called to report them missing. (60:20)
• One of the ladies [at the church] said “we’re out of air mattresses, but I’ve got a spot for you. She takes me upstairs and gives me a prayer room with a couch (63:31)
• Sitting at these tables with these dads – I can’t even begin to fathom. (67:30)
• Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones.

Support John:

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Rising Above: From Runaway Kid to Green Beret, Cop, and Creator
This week’s Team Never Quit episode brings you a raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring conversation with Sean Rogers - a man who has lived several lifetimes’ worth of adversity, discipline, transformation, and impact.
From a desert town to the global stage, Rogers’ story is one of resilience forged under pressure. Born in California and raised in Phelan, his early years were marked by chaos and instability. After running away from home as a teenager, he refused to let hardship dictate his future. He finished high school on his own terms and made the bold choice to enlist in the military, setting into motion a journey that would change everything.
While on active duty, Sean began his formal education and pushed himself academically with the same intensity he brought to training. He earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership—all while pursuing the grueling path to become a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Two deployments later, he transitioned to a new mission: serving his community as a police officer. What he witnessed on the streets during the riots following the death of George Floyd would reshape his understanding of leadership, culture, communication, and human behavior.
But Sean’s story didn’t stop there.
Driven to help the next generation of warriors, he founded The FNG Academy, an online platform designed to prepare aspiring Special Forces candidates for the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of selection. What started as a simple resource has grown into a thriving YouTube community, a robust online store, and a dedicated team committed to equipping others to step into their potential with confidence.
He later chronicled his incredible life journey in his autobiography, Rising Above, a book that captures the honesty, grit, and self-discovery that have shaped his path.
Sean Rogers embodies what it means to overcome circumstances, own your story, and turn pain into purpose. Whether you’re chasing personal growth, preparing for a demanding path, or simply looking for motivation to push through your own challenges, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode you will hear:
• Recently, I finally figured out that God is what I needed to be chasing. (5:27)
• I got a Master’s Degree. I ran marathons. I ran ultra marathons. Trying to fill that void. I got Special Forces; I went police officer. Everything I thought would help – none of it helped. (6:49)
• They develop this fear in you that if you get found out by CPS, you’re gonna get separated from your siblings. So, you start learning how to hide what’s going on at home. (11:06)
• I used to run away constantly – to all my family member’s houses, and the cops would go get me and bring me back. (18:03)
• [I wanted to die] I had one of two directions to go: either get worse, and then she’s gonna look back one day and say she made the right decision, or I can get better and I can look back one day and say that was the best thing that ever happened to me. (38:59)
• I had to make a decision. I don’t want this to define me that someone got to choose my fate. (39:53)
• If I can’t get my act together enough to follow through on a plan, maybe the Army will be the place where they will let me be kinda wild and refine me a little bit. (44:56)
• At 67:12 to 70:30, Sean speaks about an awful mistake he made in a gunfight.
• Writing books. Of all the things I’ve done, I’ve hated that the worst. (78:00)
• I trust people that talk about God now. A lot of SF guys idolize. We say “Look at me.” (78:06)
• What stoked my fire with God was the show “Chosen.” (80:29)
• I’m claiming to be Christian, and I don’t even know how cool Jesus is. (80:57)
• At some point you have to say. “I’m buckling down, this is where God wants me. I’m here – thick or thin, and we’re gonna get through this.” (104:52)
• [Marcus] from 0-40 it’s an opinion; 40-60 it’s perspective; and 60+ is wisdom.
• Self-help books are broken people talking to broken people to give you some temporary encouragement. Treat them as what they are. (109:16)

Support Sean:
   - IG: seanbuckrogers
     - Website - https://www.thefngacademy.com/
    - Link to his book "Rising Above" -->  https://amzn.to/48FTGpF
   - Link to his book "Better Broken" --> https://amzn.to/48OHkff

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From Battlefield to Boardroom:
A Global Legacy of Courage, Compassion & Leadership
This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes a truly extraordinary guest: Dr. Sudip Bose — emergency physician, Iraq War veteran, entrepreneur, medical innovator, and one of the world’s most dynamic voices at the intersection of medicine, military leadership, and business.
Few leaders embody resilience and global perspective the way Dr. Bose does. His story spans continents, combat zones, emergency rooms, and corporate boardrooms—all shaped by deep heritage and a lifelong commitment to service.

A Legacy Rooted in Courage and Heritage
Born in the United States to parents who emigrated from Kolkata, Dr. Bose carries a powerful cultural heritage. Fluent in Bengali and proud of his lineage, he is a descendant of:
·         Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, legendary freedom fighter
·         Jagadish Chandra Bose, pioneering scientist
·         Satyendra Nath Bose, the physicist behind the concept of bosons
Their spirit of bravery, intellectual curiosity, and innovation lives on in Dr. Bose’s own journey.

Leadership Forged in War
Dr. Bose’s leadership was tested early—on the front lines of Iraq as a U.S. Army physician under the most intense combat conditions. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service and was entrusted with treating Saddam Hussein after his capture.

More than the accolades, the battlefield taught him the principles that guide his life:
·         Stay calm when others panic
·         Find clarity in chaos
·         Turn adversity into opportunity
·         Let heritage and values anchor global impact
These lessons follow him into every trauma bay, boardroom, and keynote stage he steps into today.

From the ER to the Global Stage
After returning from combat, Dr. Bose transitioned into civilian life—continuing his work as an emergency physician while expanding his influence across medicine, media, innovation, and policy. His roles include:
·         Executive Producer of Desert Doc, the Telly Award–winning Amazon Prime docuseries revealing the realities of emergency medicine
·         Founder of The Battle Continues, a nonprofit supporting injured combat veterans
·         EMS Medical Director for the largest geographic hospital coverage area in the U.S.—19 counties and 38,000 square miles
·         Advisory Board Member for DrB.ai, a global digital health platform increasing access to affordable care
·         Trusted Advisor to the U.S. Congress on healthcare policy
·         Keynote Speaker for Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutions

Across everything he does, Dr. Bose bridges healthcare, military discipline, and business strategy—helping leaders thrive in high-stakes environments.

This is a masterclass in courage, clarity, service, and global leadership—told by a man who has lived it on every front line imaginable.

In this episode you will hear:
• [My sister] She’s a CEO but sometimes she’s the CEO of my chaos. (7:46)
• I basically started med school at 21; I got my MD at 25. (8:59)
• I remember sitting with my dad and asking him: “What can I do where I don’t have to study?” (10:58)
• Things that are just tragic and sad; they shape you later. You don’t realize it at the time. (11:47)
• I think if they had an award in high school for least likely to go in the military, I might have gotten that award. Guess what? In Junior high – 6th grade – I weighed 49 pounds. I was tiny. I didn’t hit 5’ tall until my sophomore year of high school. (12:33)
• I’m in the books as the Illinois state champion in wrestling, because nobody could match my weight division. (13:11)
• You don’t realize how your world can change in a moment, and what seems like irrelevant work or homework or assignments later in life might save your life. (16:32)
• In Iraq, I find myself cooped up in this ambulance. An armored 5-7-7 track medical vehicle with metal wheels, jostling to the next section of Bagdad or Fallujah and then the vehicle comes to a screeching halt, the back door opens and you hop out like a frog jumping out of a blender. And you find yourself on the front lines of the battlefield. (21:33)
• There are the mental challenges of losing people you know. (22:52)
• You love [life] saves where you can have them unite with their family. (27:11)
• Within hours of getting there, there were two soldiers that came in and I had to pronounce dead. You just realize, wow, you are in it now. (31:19)
• You cant take care of everyone, but by training my medics, I multiplied myself. (34:02)
• [Marcus] You scored the number 1 in the nation on your medical exam board;
You scored at the top of the Army physical fitness test;
A Bronze Star;
Recognized by CNN as a CNN hero;
You’re one of the leading physicians in the world;
[You served] The longest combat tour since WWII;
You treated Saddam Hussein. (52:26)
• I evaluated [Saddam Hussein] shortly after his capture. (56:10)
• You have to put your feelings, emotions, everything side, so you can focus. (57:45)
• Somebody told me I might be the only person who has ben face to face with Saddam Hussein and shaken hands with George W. Bush. (58:38)
• The people who gave their lives, their vision, their limb, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Those people wrote the blank check, up to and including the cost of my life. That’s what keeps me motivated. (59:48)
• The journey keeps going forward and the battle continues… (75:55)

Support Dr. Bose:
   - Website: https://www.docbose.com/
   - IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsudipbose?igsh=MWZhbjJqNXNxazk2aA==
   - Watch “Desert Doc” —>  https://tr.ee/Wds2TOBWTP
   - YouTube —> https://tr.ee/DlNDNGdGo0

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The Trident: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom
This week, Marcus, Melanie welcome an extraordinary warrior, leader, and encourager—Jason Redman, retired Navy SEAL, bestselling author, and one of the most respected voices on resilience and overcoming adversity.
Jason served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, including 11 years as an enlisted SEAL and 10 years as a SEAL officer, leading combat operations across the globe. His career is a study in grit, redemption, and relentless dedication—from early deployments in Central and South America to commanding SEAL teams in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But Jason’s life shifted forever on September 13, 2007, when he was acting as Assault Force Commander during a mission in Iraq. An enemy ambush erupted. Jason was shot eight times, including a devastating gunshot wound to the face. His team fought through, secured the target, and saved his life.
What followed was a recovery few could imagine: 40 surgeries, months in the hospital, and a battle not just for survival, but for identity, leadership, and purpose. Jason didn’t just recover—he returned to active duty and continued serving until retirement in 2013. His courage, valor, and leadership earned him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and the respect of warriors around the world.

Why This Episode Matters
Jason Redman has become one of the most powerful voices in America on resilience. His life is proof that the human spirit can rise, rebuild, and lead again—no matter the setback. Whether you’re fighting through a personal battle, searching for purpose, or simply need a reminder of what true grit looks like, Jason’s story will challenge, encourage, and strengthen you.

In this episode you will hear:
• The very first book I bought about the SEAL teams - I was in a truck stop and there was a case of books you could buy for a buck. There was a book about SEAL operations in Vietnam. Four years later, I checked into SEAL Team 4. (6:22)
• I was about 95lbs and 5’ tall at 15, and that recruiter took one look at me, and was like: “You are not what the SEALS are looking for.” (7:40)
• There are way more operational opportunities for enlisted SEALS than there are for officers. (20:44)
• Seaman to Admiral takes individuals who don’t have a degree. They send them to school. It’s an accelerated program. You’re part of the ROTC program. You commission out of that and you come back as a SEAL officer. (24:02)
• We were all bleeding so bad, and it created this mist in the helicopter of blood. The entire inside of the helicopter was coated in blood. (43:06)
• My recovery time took 4 years and 40 surgeries to put me back together. (43:38)
• Be thankful for the hardships you have in life and for hard things that happen because I think they set you up for success in other things. (43:48)
• Me failing as a leader was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to come back from. (43:56)
• Lead yourself, Lead others, Lead always. (44:39)
• [Marcus] When he was in the hospital, he wrote on a bright orange piece of paper and tacked it on the door. And he wrote this letter saying “Don’t come in here feeling sorry for me. I will overcome.” (48:48)
• It’s amazing when you’re around Christians who have a appreciation for the world and a love of Christ and a love of humanity. (51:07)
• These are questions I like to ask veterans: “What do you want to accomplish? What is your American dream? (53:52)
• Whether you’re starting your own business, or you’re a leader in a business, we need you. This country needs you. (64:47)

Support Jason Redman:
  - https://jasonredman.com/ 
   - IG: jasonredmanww

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From a U. S. Army Combat Veteran Mindset to Tractor Supply Leadership: Building Teams, Safety, and Continuous Improvement

This week, Marcus and Melanie welcome Rodney Bailey, a devoted husband, father, and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran whose leadership has been shaped by four combat tours and distinguished honors, including the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.
He now applies that mission-driven discipline at Tractor Supply Company, where he leads operations and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safety, streamline performance, and unlock millions in new production capacity.
A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Human Performance Advocate, Rodney is committed to developing leaders and building teams who pursue excellence with pride and purpose. A lifelong learner who embraces challenge, he is currently earning his Doctorate in Business with a focus on Strategy and Innovation. Through it all, he remains anchored in faith, family, and service—values that also inspired his children’s book, God Is Bigger Than a Bear.

A National Impact Rooted in Community
Marcus and Melanie also welcome Lindsay Grayson, who serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors, overseeing the Development and Marketing teams as she drives brand visibility, deepens donor engagement, and accelerates revenue growth for the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for military veterans.
Since joining the organization, Lindsay has reshaped its fundraising trajectory—boosting revenue by 70% in her first year and leading K9s For Warriors to a historic, record-setting year of giving in 2023. Her performance and impact earned her recognition as a Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence honoree.
Prior to her nonprofit leadership career, Lindsay worked as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, guiding clients through strategic planning and long-term financial goals. A Jacksonville native and proud spouse of an Air Force veteran and First Responder, she finds joy in family time, travel, live music, and cheering on her children, Lucas and Ebby.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• At redeployment, something happened to me. During Ramadi, they started really looking at traumatic brain injuries. They started putting sensors in the helmets. (30:34)
• If you didn’t lose a liter of blood or you’re not missing a body part, it’s Ibuprofen & water. (30:54)
• When I got back and they hooked up my helmet, and they’re like: “something’s up.” (31:02)
• At 31:10, Rodney tells of one of his traumatic brain injury events as a 50 cal gunner. [He hit the gun at 20mph. It was the only thing that kept him from being thrown from the vehicle.
• I did about 5 months in another deployment and was Medivacked out to Germany with another head injury. (32:29)
• It wasn’t like I had to learn to walk again. I had to learn how to walk straight. (33:35)
• You know that you have to wait for that 30, 45 to 90 second, depending on what kind of round it is. And then you hear the sound – “Here it is.” You gotta run, just hoping that it doesn’t hit you. (36:05)
• There’s beauty in some fights. (38:33)
• Sometimes there’s like a calm and pause in war. (42:35)
• If you’re gonna transition from the military, I think there’s some things that are grounded in you – core beliefs, values, and everything like that. (49:26)
• At Tractor Supply, one of the things that brought me to it is the core missions and values. (49:46)
• 10% of all people who work for Tractor Supply are veterans. (50:46)
• This was the first company that actually told me, “Hey, go home and spend time with your family.” (51:13)
• [Lindsay] Tractor [Supply} has helped put mor leashes in the hands of veterans, and they really believe in our mission. (54:51)
• Lindsay shares how veterans go about applying for a canine from CaninesforWarriors.org. (55:31)
• [Marcus] We’re conditioned to come in – we’re not conditioned to get out. (57:31)
• The only thing that’s gonna stop you, is you. (70:32)
• Sometimes you’re dealt with cards, but you’re writing the book of your life. (72:21)

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