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/

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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

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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/

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From Heart of Texas to Heart of a Mission – Resilience, Family, and a Legacy of Giving

Welcome to this week’s Team Never Quit episode! Today, we Marcus and Melanie have an incredibly inspiring guest, Kristi Schiller, joining them. Kristi is a Texas philanthropist, entrepreneur, animal lover, and stroke survivor with an unwavering dedication to making the world a safer, kinder, and more compassionate place.

Kristi shares her story of resilience, community impact, and love. Kristi’s career started in broadcast journalism, with highlights that include being dubbed the “Queen of the Internet” by Forbes in 1997. But it’s her charitable work, particularly as the founder of K9s4COPs that has been a true calling. This nonprofit organization provides highly trained K9 officers to law enforcement agencies across the U.S., supporting public safety in a unique way. Kristi’s love for animals is evident in her life at Schiller Ranch, where her passion for horses also led her to create the Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic, an event that celebrates barrel racing and benefits her nonprofit.

In this episode, Kristi opens up about a life-altering experience in 2021. During a routine shopping trip, she suddenly became disoriented, forgetting her name and address—a frightening moment that eventually led to the diagnosis of multiple strokes. She discusses the unexpected struggles and humbling moments of recovery, from speech therapy to relearning simple phrases. Yet, through her journey, Kristi has remained resilient, now using her platform to advocate for stroke awareness, sharing critical insights on recognizing symptoms and prioritizing health.

Kristi’s message is clear: stay vigilant, cherish your support system, and never underestimate the power of resilience.

Don’t miss this moving, inspiring conversation with Kristi Schiller!

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I saw all these people in front of the banks of TVs and they were crying. I asked “What’s going on?” They said a gunman came into a school in Connecticut and shot children, Kindergarteners. (13:12)
• [In an airport] So how he approaches that person [who looks like a potential threat] – that sets off the tone for the rest of [the encounter]. (15:01)
• [Marcus] The coolest line up would be when those guys [retiring military] are getting out and you have a school where every bus driver is SF (Special Forces). (17:16)
• For the most part, they [retired military] want to keep serving. They want to do something. (17:48)
• I was like “Even if we just satisfied [the needs] in our area.” Within 3 or 4 months we were in Iowa, and now we’re in 40 states, Europe and Africa. We have removed 8 Billion dollars in contraband, made over 200,000 felony arrests, and recovered 150,000 weapons. (26:28)
• Everybody thinks that child abuse/molestation, they’re gonna grab your kid and take ‘em. That would be a worst case scenario. But a lot of times, you’re out and about, shopping, you’re maybe at a fair or event. It’s somebody just coming by touching, just to cop a feel. (42:38)
• [The Amish] have no vaccines, they’re not even wearing shoes. They have no TV and no media, and they’re thriving. (48:13)
• I was really sick during COVID. I didn’t realize I’d had 6 strokes. (53:53)
• A dog, when it comes in - people will think twice about messing with our nurses, or even doctors. (58:57)
• Our government didn’t get our hostages out of Iran. It was Oscar Wyatt and John Connally. How did we repay ‘em? We sent ‘em to prison. (63:28)
• [Marcus] I tell you what, I wish I was half the man my dogs thought I was. (76:28)
• [Marcus - My dog] taught me more about myself than I could’ve ever learned from a lot of grown men. (76:38)
• Have you been to the capitol? They have a separate line. You have a gun on you? Oh, get to go to the front of the line. (83:50)
• When you turn on the news and you see that your dog’s gone in. A guy drove to Galveston and drove into Galveston Bay. They threw the dog in and he got him out of Galveston Bay. (95:42)

Socials:
-  IG: KKSCHILLER
- K9s4cops.org

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Mission Accomplished: Rob O'Neill on SEAL Team Six, Leadership, and Life After the Battlefield.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie Luttrell meet with one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time—Robert J. O’Neill. With an incredible 400+ combat missions under his belt, Rob’s experiences span across Liberia, The Balkans, The Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. As a Navy SEAL, Rob served in SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and spent eight years with the legendary SEAL Team Six.

Rob’s heroic career is underscored by 53 decorations, including two Silver Stars for gallantry, four Bronze Stars with Valor for heroism, and a host of other prestigious commendations. His resume of skills includes elite qualifications like Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster, Naval Special Warfare Scout/Sniper, and Master Naval Parachutist, among many others.

In this episode, we dive deep into Rob’s role in some of the most significant military operations in recent history:
Operation Red Wings, which saw the rescue of the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell
The lead jumper in the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates
Operation Neptune’s Spear, the mission that brought down Osama bin Laden

Beyond the battlefield, Rob is the co-founder of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping special operations veterans transition to successful careers in corporate America. He is also the author of the best-selling memoir, THE OPERATOR: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior.

Throughout his post-military career, Rob has become a prominent public speaker, security consultant, and media contributor, sharing expert insights on military strategy and terrorism. Whether speaking to survivors of 9/11 or delivering keynote speeches to business leaders, Rob translates his elite training into actionable lessons on leadership, resilience, and success.

Join us as we explore Rob O’Neill’s incredible journey from the frontlines to the boardroom and hear his thoughts on leadership, transition, and how to thrive under pressure.

Tune in to hear the untold stories and actionable advice from one of America's most decorated heroes!

 In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I don’t think I could beat Marcus at arm wrestling if I can’t pick up a bowling ball. (1:58)
• You do realize there’s a thing called old man strength? (5:53)
• [Rob O’Neil] I have a podcast as well, called “The Operator.” We’re called The Operator because if you’re doing anything, you’re an operator. (6:18)
• Having a big man to kick your ass and teach you wind a bobbin; you realize there is skill here. (9:59)
• When people quit BUDS, it’s not because “this is hard”. [It’s because] I’m tired of the broken foot; I’m tire of the shin splints; I’m tire of my dislocated shoulder; I’m tired. 21:20)
• In BUDS, one of the biggest problems is eating too much. Like I want 5 cheeseburgers, but we have a 4-mile run afterwards. (26:35)
• [Rob] and for everyone that doesn’t know, can you explain what a SDV is?
[Marcus] Imagine a mini submarine and shrink it down. The difference is that a submarine is dry inside, and the SDV is completely full of water. (37:40)
• Listen to Marcus discuss the details of being in an SDV for 8 hours. (38:52)
• [Marcus] Talk about ultimate torture - If you have a deep freeze in your garage, fill that sucker full of water, crawl in there and sit down for 8 hours. (38:53)
• The first time I got in there, I was terrified. (43:49)
• [Marcus] There’s stuff that happens to us out there. Sometimes safety gets in the way of it. (58:40)
• [After falling down the mountain during Operation Red Wings] I could hear that stream running. I’ve got to get me water, but I kept thinking I can’t drink out of it, because my buddies are in it. (79:27)
• If you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plan is. (90:24)
• [Marcus] Bro, when you saw that son of a bitch’s face [Osama Bin Laden], what was the first thing you saw? [Rob O’Neal] I saw his nose. He was skinny, wearing white – tall. (93:41)
• My nickname was “Nisro” (Navy SEAL Rob O’Neal). When they asked “Who got him?” They go “Nisro,” and they said “Fuck! Were never gonna hear the end of it.” (95:38)

Socials:
-  IG: mchooyah
- Host of The Operator Podcast

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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From Combat to Community: The Legacy of James Lorraine
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome James Lorraine, a distinguished veteran with over 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a flight nurse and military operations leader. Jim's extensive career spans multiple combat zones, and upon retirement, he became a trailblazer in veteran advocacy, founding the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition—a gold standard organization serving over 8,000 special operations forces members and their families. Following his government service, Jim established America’s Warrior Partnership, an organization impacting the lives of over 60,000 veterans by enhancing their quality of life, reducing homelessness, and improving access to critical services.

 James Lorraine’s Notable Achievements:
• Bronze Star Medal and Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Medal recipient.
• Founding Director of the U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition and America’s Warrior Partnership.
• 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar and active member of various veteran advisory committees.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the unwavering spirit of our veterans and the vital role of community in their journey to find purpose post-service.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I’d wake up at 5am, throw my hockey equipment on, and walk in below freezing weather, like about ½ mile to the ice rink for practice at 5:30am. Practice until 7am, then from there, with my hockey bag, I’d go to school, all sweaty and nasty, and when I was finished, I’d go back to the hockey rink. (4:31)
• When I was getting recruited to go into the Air Force reserve, I was in a terrible car accident, and I amputated my left foot.  And through a series of miraculous events, the next morning I woke up – best sight I ever had in my life. I woke up, looked down; I had sheets over my legs, and there were two points. (9:52)
• I went to the recruiter to join the Air Force, and realized I was color blind. I couldn’t fly but I had a nursing degree. They had flight nurses, and you can fly in the back of the plane.
• The drive is: “I want to serve.” (12:10)
• On the 4th of July, I make my kids read the constitution. (23:44)
• [Marcus: Medical Training on live animals] That was the best training. Every time I had to work on a human, it was actually easier [because of it]. (27:06)
• [When they attempted to reassign me] my response was “You made the hardest decision of my life the easiest. I’m out.” (30:29)
• [Melanie] “When you have your mind, you can do anything.” (37:08)
• Everything you did Monday thru Friday prepares you for the following Monday. (37:16)
• I went thru a lot of shit, I went through things I should have never done. So how has that made me better? Don’t look at it as “I’m disabled” How does that make you better? (37:29)
• All these experiences led me to found the Care Coalition. (37:49)
• I’m a stalker on Social Media. I don’t post a lot, but I watch. I’m friends with most of the real high risk [people] – because I started to watch their social media. (44:28)
• I have a friend that has a text train with his platoon. No suicides. They all stay in touch. (48:01)
• If you say to somebody: “I have your back. No matter what happens to you. You’re gonna get thru this. I’m here with you. I think this is why we were successful at the Care Coalition. (50:04)
When I talk to and help folks, I’ll ask: “Where do you want to be in 5 years? If they can’t tell me where they want to be in 5 years, and can only tell me where they want to be tomorrow, that is a huge red flag for me. (50:22)
• I think the biggest thing you can do is give a shit. (51:49)
• I’m not gonna sit back and watch something. I’m gonna take action. (52:01)
• Our approach is: Go find the vets; Connect; educate them about opportunities they have to improve their quality of life; and advocate for them when the hit a roadblock. Own the relationship – don’t own the service. (55:00)
• The last bar fight I ever got in was with Chris [Kyle]. (56:40)
• There’s a lot of people who try to do what they can do, but they don’t have the background and expertise to handle it. (58:42)
• What we offer at America’s Warrior partnership is a group of social workers that are freaking experts at this. (58:49) 

Socials:
 -  https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Courage and Sacrifice: SEAL Team 10 and Operation Red Wings with Ben Souders

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to sit down with former Navy SEAL Ben Souders, who served on SEAL Team 10 during one of the most challenging and heroic moments in modern military history—Operation Redwing.

Ben takes us through his incredible journey as a Navy SEAL, sharing stories from his time in Afghanistan and reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of his teammates. We dive deep into the challenges faced on the battlefield, and how experiences like Operation Redwing shaped his outlook on life and leadership.

Ben reflects on the bravery of fallen teammates, including Marcus’ account in Lone Survivor. He also shares about his life after service - the transition from active duty to civilian life.

Tune in to hear Ben’s firsthand account of courage, brotherhood, and the lessons he learned during his time as a Navy SEAL. Ben also shares some of his personal journal notes with the listening audience as well. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Michael Murphy] was well respected. He and a couple of officers everybody loved. (15:30)
• The physical part [of BUDS] was the hardest for me. I never thought I would quit, but I didn’t know if I would make it. I asked the Lord, “If you want me to do this, show me a sign.” And He did. I saw a Trident up in the sky. (18:12)
• I wanted to go to SEAL team 4 because of watching all the Vietnam documentaries. (27:06)
• They were passing out a paper and everybody had to write down why you joined, and I wrote “Patriotism.” (31:20)
• I’ll tell you somebody else that doesn’t get recognition – divers. (38:49)
• I was wanting to go to Afghanistan more so than Iraq just because I was never really interested in the urban-style of combat. (38:49)
• Team 10 was really cool. (41:06)
• [Danny Dietz] was a good guy from the start. When I first showed up, he always went around without a shirt. He was ripped like Bruce Lee. (43:09)
• [Danny Dietz] was always trying to mentor, no matter who they were.
• [Melanie] Q: How many people in a bee hut? A: 6 maximum. They were like mini chicken coops. (46:06)
• I hated wearing body armor. (48:59)
• Excerpt from Ben’s “Green Book:” I’m tired of all this so-called professionalism crap. I can’t wait to get out – be my own man instead of a peasant in the military. (59:31)
• How were we that close to one another when we were only there a couple of months? Just sitting around the fire talking. (78:42)

Socials:

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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Sponsors:
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From Navy SEAL to AI Innovator: Protecting Kids Online with Josh Thurman

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Navy SEAL veteran and tech entrepreneur Josh Thurman. As the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI, Josh is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to create a safer, age-appropriate internet experience for children.

Josh shares insights into his 12+ years of service as a SEAL officer, where he completed 11 overseas deployments in support of the Global War on Terror and was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Two Joint Commendation Medals, Three Navy Commendation Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Joint Meritorious Unit Award as well as multiple combat and valorous distinctions. Following his transition to civilian life in 2018, Josh applied the leadership and problem-solving skills he honed in the military to the tech world. His groundbreaking platform, Angel Kids AI, empowers parents to protect their children online by enforcing parental guidelines across the digital landscape.

In this episode, Josh talks about the challenges of building a tech startup, the future of AI in safeguarding children, and his personal journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Tune in to hear about his incredible story, the vision behind Angel Kids AI, and how he’s making the internet a safer place for kids.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• Riding my bike home; car doesn’t see me. Pulls out and we crash at 20 mph. I fly over the hood, my right leg hits, immense pain. I had broken my hip. But now I’m starting to think about the military. I crutch my way to the recruiter’s office.
• Every generation, since the beginning of America has fought to preserve our freedom.
• [Marcus] When you’re checking into BUDS, check in on Friday after 4:30pm. 
• Always choose the hard things because even if you fail, you’re gonna learn a ton.
• Things are gonna hit you in life that you have almost no control over, and you’re gonna want to have those experiences that you build up doing the things you chose to be hard, so you can survive those moments.
• My wife’s a nurse practitioner, she’s tracking the baby on the Doppler. As she’s laboring, our son passes away. Been through all this stuff: Training, deployments… I’m grateful for those things, because they all sort of prepared me for this thing that happened in life that I had no control over.
•There’s suffering to be dealt with and that loss – you’ve gotta get through it, assigning meaning to that suffering. I’m not suffering for nothing, I’m suffering for something.
• [Marcus] A lot of times, you just go though it with them, and not talk ‘em through it.
• Recognize that God gives us that pain to keep us close to that person so that we don’t forget ‘em.
• I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. In many ways, I wanted to serve as long as I could, as hard as I could, but I knew on the other side this is what I wanted to do.
• You may have thousands of followers on whatever platform it, but do you have someone you can call to move a couch?
• Social media is a democracy killing force. It wields way too much power in our lives.
• Technology should be a tool to help us fulfill the dreams of our lives. It’s totally inverted right now.
• AI has been working for big tech, it serves their purposes. It serves up products to advertisers. This is the big machine. Frankly, we’re getting played by it.
• If you want this incredible thing called America to persist, you’ve gotta be part of the solution.
• We’re all getting played, and the house always wins.
• There’s value in getting information, organizing, shopping, people finding love on line. But it shouldn’t be massively destructive.
• Kids have access to this online virtual world all the time that’s terrible for their mental health. It’s teaching them that the most important things in life is how many likes and followers you get.
• The surgeon general put out a warning: If kids are spending 3 or more hours on social media, they’re 50% more likely to be depressed.
• At Angel Kids, our mission is to use AI to make the internet safe for kids. 

Socials:
- IG: jpthurman
       - https://www.angelkids.ai/

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
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From Navy SEAL to Humanitarian: Ephraim Mattos on Courage, Sacrifice, and Saving Lives in War Zones.

In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Ephraim Mattos, a former US Navy SEAL and founder of Stronghold Rescue & Relief. After leaving the SEAL teams in 2017 at the age of 24, Ephraim made a bold decision: instead of returning home, he volunteered on the front lines of the war against ISIS in Mosul, Iraq. His experiences there would change him forever.

Ephraim shares harrowing details from his time with the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian group that provides aid to civilians in war zones. He recounts the unimaginable horrors he witnessed, from civilians fleeing the brutality of ISIS to the daring rescue missions he and his team conducted under constant enemy fire. One of these missions, during which Ephraim was shot while rescuing a young Iraqi girl, exemplifies the courage and sacrifice required to save lives in the most dangerous places on Earth.

We dive deep into Ephraim's personal journey, chronicled in his book City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle of Mosul, coauthored with American Sniper writer Scott McEwen. The conversation explores what it's like to face death on a daily basis and how Ephraim and his fellow volunteers embodied the credo: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

In this episode, Ephraim reflects on the emotional and physical scars of war, his recovery from his gunshot wound, and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need, even in the most perilous conditions. His stories of bravery, resilience, and humanity will leave you speechless.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• Probably the biggest thing I learned in training that applies to everyday life is when things go really, really bad, one of the best ways of dealing with it, and actually pushing through is to laugh at it. (1:29)
• I had my finger on the trigger. I had pressure on the trigger, just waiting for them to come out so I could get a body shot, and 2 heads pop out. It turns out it’s two little girls. One was maybe ten; the other may five or six. They were weeping, crying, and they were running straight at me. And they were both wearing backpacks just like the backpacks that are just like the backpacks we just blew up an hour earlier. And they’re running straight at me. (25:22)
• I was in a firefight in Iraq, technically before my last day in the Navy. (29:19)
• [The Iraqi army] They weren’t super organized , or marksmanship, but as far as their courage and willingness to go toe to toe with ISIS, and I watched multiple time – an Iraqi tank would drive up, get blown up by an ISIS car bomb. And they would keep going. (31:25)
• We assist every way we can, and we build relationships, by showing them we care, we’re here to help, we’re not crazy, we’re not her to get in a gunfight. We just want to help you. (33:43)
• We provide frontline mentorship for active security threats. If a tribe is facing genocide, we’ll advise them on how to best use the resources they already have. (34:09)
• There’s a certain level of evil that people just don’t see or understand. They don’t understand a military unit would go into a village and just slaughter everybody. (36:06)
• For people who actually care, what do you do? How do you help? (42:48)
• If you care about what’s going on in these conflicts, find multiple organizations that you like and give a little bit so several of them. You can make an impact, without having to take all the risk. (43:50)
• 99.9 percent of our job is logistics, medical care, training medical care, suffering in the jungle. Yes, you’re armed, but you’re not there to get your rocks off. (48:11)
• We bring in primarily guys with medic training. We don’t bring in full-fledged doctors because the kind of stuff we’re dealing with is emergency care – people stepping on land mines or getting shot. (50:38)
• A couple of American missionaries were killed in Haiti. Stuff like that happens all the time. Nobody hears about it. It gets instantly buried under celebrity gossip and such. (53:19)

Socials:
- IG:  Strongholdrescue.org
       - overwatch.co

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