Mathew Lehnig is the VP of Programs at TakingPoint Leadership, a former Navy SEAL Officer, Combat Proven Veteran, and an expert in leadership development.

He draws from 30 years of experience in Naval Special Warfare, and he understands the value of building strong, resilient leaders and teams to help drive organizational success and achieve extraordinary results.

--

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious and challenging world of the Navy SEALs? This week, prepare to embark on a captivating journey as we discuss the demanding realities of military life. 



In our conversations Mathew Lehnig, former US Navy SEAL, we navigate through the intricacies of life decisions, military training, and the unique challenges faced during deployments. Hear first-hand accounts of the importance of camaraderie, mentorship, and maintaining a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles.



Mathew shares his inspiring journey of resilience and tenacity, from defying bizarre medical emergencies to remain in service, to successfully transitioning to the civilian world. Listen in as he generously shares insightful advice for veterans and provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military heroes. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved by these stories of human courage, unwavering determination, and profound resilience.



Socials:

- Mathew_lehnig

- Team_Neverquit



Sponsors:

- Navyfederal.org

- 4Patriots.com/TNQ

- Mysheetsrock.com/TNQ

- Babbel.com/TNQ

- GoodRX.com/TNQ



Timestamps:

(0:11:39) - Influences and Decisions

(0:19:50) - Experiences and Challenges in Training

(0:22:06) - Discussion on Training and Deployments

(0:34:41) - SEAL Team Experiences and Personal Growth

(0:39:11) - Challenges and Changes in Military Service

(0:50:35) - Medical emergencies and Perseverance

(1:00:50) - Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life

(1:13:25) - Advice for Transitioning From the Military






Mathew Lehnig: Former US Navy SEAL & Combat Veteran Shares His Story Of Resilience, Overcoming Bizarre Obstacles & Achieving Success

Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Melanie Luttrell, and Producer Hunter Juneau as they’ll take you into the "briefing room" to chat with incredible guests who share their greatest never quit stories. This humorous, heartfelt, and entertaining podcast is changing lives and has become a beacon of hope and resilience to those who are facing the impossible. One of the best ways we can support our community is to share their stories so that we might inspire others to Never Quit.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Self-Improvement


Exploring Mental Health Through Visual Storytelling with Brandon Kapelow

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie speak with Brandon Kapelow, a versatile visual artist hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Wyoming. With a diverse portfolio encompassing directing, photography, and cinematography, Brandon's creative journey is as dynamic as the landscapes he captures.

But there's more to Brandon's story than meets the eye. At an early age, he endured the tragic loss of his dad to suicide, an experience that profoundly shaped his artistic endeavors and personal mission. Now, as a survivor and advocate, Brandon channels his passion into exploring themes of mental health through his work.

Brandon delves into the complexities of mental health with a keen eye and compassionate heart. Beyond academia, he extends his support to those affected by suicide loss as a peer-support group facilitator.

Join us as we traverse the intersections of art, resilience, and healing with Brandon Kapelow. From the rugged landscapes of Wyoming to the bustling streets of LA and Vancouver, Brandon's nomadic lifestyle mirrors his insatiable curiosity for the human experience.



In this episode you will hear:

• I struggle with a succinct way to categorize what I do, because I really try my best to be a chameleon at times. (4:45)

• So you’re having these dramatic swings between one extreme and the other. On one end of that spectrum you have like the depressive, down quality, and the opposite side you have mania – hyperactivity, lots of energy, feeling like you’re king of the world. (7:44)

• I was a bit of a nerd in high school. I was in the speech and debate team. (9:18)

• Words do matter. (19:32)

• Even the word “triggering” is something that we try to avoid using now, because that evokes imagery of a specific thing that might be upsetting to certain people. (23:44)

• If each of us can encourage one other person to model slightly better behavior, then we’re gonna live in a better world. (25:07)

• People really don’t take unsolicited advice. (28:19)

• If you’re concerned about somebody, really just be direct with them and let them know that you are concerned, particularly with suicide. (31:31)

• The one thing that you can access anywhere in this country is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Call 9-8-8. (34:50)

• If you know a person who has access to something that they can use to kill themselves, work with them to try to remove access to whatever that might be. (37:10)

• [Marcus] When you into a situation, don’t let the situation affect you. You go in there to affect the situation. (42:02)

• We have to separate people’s external circumstances from their feeling of worth, purpose, and meaning in life. (46:58)

• I work with a lot of veterans, because they are a particularly at risk group for suicide and other mental health challenges. (48:33)

• Vulnerability is a source of strength. (59:44)

• [Melanie] When I was introduced to psychedelic medicine, and I saw how it was helping so many people, I couldn’t keep my blinders on. I started to do research and seeing how it was changing lives. (66:56)

• It’s one thing to have a self-guided experience. It’s another thing to have a mental health professional there with you while you’re undergoing this experience to really maximize the benefits. (72:08)



Socials:

  - https://youtu.be/VqdWscD-STk?si=IWIYw6TC9ggnVQC_ 

  - https://www.brandonkapelow.com/ 

  - IG: bkapelow

  -  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

  - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Hims.com/TNQ  

  - mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm;_medium=podcast&utm;_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm;_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ



  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ



  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ



  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Brandon Kapelow: Director, Photographer on Mental Health Advocacy, Crafting Compassion Through Psychedelic Therapy

In this week's episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to host April Cheek-Messier, a key figure in preserving the legacy and lessons of one of the most pivotal moments in history: D-Day.

April is the President of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to upholding the memory of the Allied Forces' valor, fidelity, and sacrifice on June 6, 1944. As the President of the Foundation, she plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and security of the National D-Day Memorial while advancing its educational mission.

During our conversation, April sheds light on the Foundation's multifaceted approach to fulfilling its mission. We delve into how the Foundation maintains and operates the National D-Day Memorial, providing a solemn and educational space for visitors to honor and learn about the events of D-Day.

Through various programs, projects, and exhibitions, the Foundation strives to cultivate an appreciation for the historical and residual significance of D-Day.

Join Marcus and Melanie us as we gain insights into the tireless work of April Cheek-Messier and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in preserving the legacy of D-Day and ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of this historic event.



In this episode you will hear:

• I grew up in Bedford, Virginia, which was a community impacted heavily by World War II. (3:50)

• Bedford sustained the highest per capita loss on D-Day.  (4:28)

• 16 million served in World War II, and we have less than 1% living today. (7:32)

• Like so many veterans, they didn’t talk about it. They tried to forget about it. (10:47)

• It became [Bob Slaughter’s] goal to make sure there was something to commemorate those who gave their life on D-Day. (11:48)

• In 1996, congress decided there should be a National D-Day Memorial. (12:45)

• We are not federally funded. It was a grass roots efforts by veterans. (13:03)

• What joy it brought Bob Slaughter and his veteran friends to know that they did it. (13:46)

• Over 400,000 families during World War II lost a loved one. (17:16)

• There were 3 sets of brothers who served on D-Day. (18:41)

• It’s when you’re able to tell the individual stories that young people can understand the tragedy of war and what was accomplished that day was so very critical. (24:29)

• Believe it or not, there was nowhere – not even in Normandy - a list of who died on June 6, 1944. (25:21)

• The more we can work together to make sure these stories are told is incredibly important. (32:23)

• D-Day was critical. It was going to be the turning point of the war in Western Europe. It was Operation Overlord, which was to invade German-occupied France. (33:25)

• The consequences were dire. This had to happen. They had to succeed. (35:56)

• 5,000 ships, 11,000 aircraft, just on D-Day alone. 160,000 troops and over 150,000 landing on June 6th alone. (36:50)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]

mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm;_medium=podcast&utm;_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm;_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ



  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


April Cheek-Messier: CEO of The National D-Day Memorial Foundation On The Upcoming 80th Anniversary


Chris Caracci – Part 2 – From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery

This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast brings you Part 2 of Marcus and Melanie’s discussion with Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening.

Chris’s illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies.

Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War.

Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind.

Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.

Don't miss this week’s Part 2 episode as we delve into more details of Chris Caracci’s military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise.



 In this episode you will hear:

• [Marcus] I remember being in hell week, around the world, rowing that boat. I looked over at the guys in my boat and I said, “Hey guys, we’re in the books, we’re in the movies right now. 

• The things that I read about in the books is what we were doing. {16:36)

• If I can’t see my target I’m not shooting. I don’t shoot to make noise. (34:20)

• [Marcus] Imagine if a football play lasted until you actually scored a touchdown – without stopping. It’s kinda what it’s like for us. (47:48)

• Sometimes, you have to face the truth that what we do and how we do it. We CAN do it and not everybody can do it. (58:30)

• SEAL Teams have never left anyone behind – ever. (74:43)

• We had three Medal of Honors that went out in Vietnam. (84:54)

• For a SEAL to be awarded and it’s not about medal, we’re talking about a validation for something they did. It’s very hard for frogmen to get that because every day are those kinds of missions. (84:00)

• Just training. SEAL Teams kill more people in peacetime than anyone has a clue about. (89:59)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ] 

mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm;_medium=podcast&utm;_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm;_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ



  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com






Chris Caracci: Original SEAL Team 6, Undercover Narcotics, SWAT Operations, Stories Of MOH Heroes At War (pt2)


Chris Caracci - From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Markus and Melanie are honored to host Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening.

Chris’s illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies.

Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War.

Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind.

Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.

Don't miss this compelling episode as we delve into the details of Chris Caracci’s military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise.



In this episode you will hear:

• Marines are unique people. (7:53)

• I was only really good at climbing, and I was always climbing buildings. (12:52)

• I just happened to close a door and looked behind it, and what do I see? I see these twin 72 cubic inch scuba tanks. I grabbed ‘em and they were [made of] Styrofoam! (28:34)

• If I ever come up with something like Dementia, I hope I’m brave enough to identify it and go for a long swim. (35:21)

• In battle you learn one thing. [You need] water, and ammunition. (36:45)

• When you hit the water, you only got a matter of minutes, and if that parachute gets saturated, it’s an anchor. You’re going down. End of story. (38:26)

• If you never quit, you’ll never know how to. (39:37)

• [Marcus] The only reason I knew I could make it, it because I made it through hell week. (40:47)

• The reason they don’t give us – in my day – more psychological techniques, and even some physiological tricks – they wanna see who’s gonna do it on their own. (45:48)

• Free fall is difficult because there’s no gravity. (49:39)

• You still did one thing together – you get up in line and you examine each other’s equipment to make sure the guys are squared away and nothing bad’s gonna happen. (57:42)

• One of the reasons I was really driven to be a frog man was because they weren’t designed for any other purpose other than warfare. (60:59)

• There were so many cold war frogmen that were ready. There was no war but we were ready. (70:40)

• One of the first things I learned is that it wasn’t about muscle, it wasn’t about brawn – it was about the mind. (83:24)

• You can’t change the world. You have to learn how to navigate accordingly. (93:41)

• Where is there a war I can get in? Where can I stand up for somebody and fight but for a reason, for a purpose. (96:01)

• Life may be boring to me, but what makes life is being able to share it with someone special. (99:23)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Chris Caracci: Original SEAL Team 6, Undercover Narcotics, SWAT Operations, Stories Of MOH Heroes At War (pt1)


Surviving the Unthinkable: A Law Enforcement Officer's Story of Courage and Recovery

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Julie Werhnyak, a former Tempe, Arizona police officer whose life changed forever on March 3, 2015. Julie shares her harrowing experience, the split-second decisions she had to make, and how she drew upon her training and resilience to survive being stabbed in the neck.

Julie had a routine before starting her shift. But on that fateful Tuesday morning, she sensed something was amiss. A premonition led her to alter her routine and mentally prepare for what lay ahead.

Responding to a call for a welfare check, Julie and a colleague encountered a situation that quickly escalated.

As they attempted to gain entry to the residence, Julie's worst fears were realized. A violent suspect emerged, armed and dangerous. In a split-second decision, Julie confronted the assailant, risking her life to protect others. 

Julie's bravery came at a cost. She sustained severe injuries during the confrontation, but her training and resolve kept her focused on survival. With the support of her colleagues and medical personnel, Julie began her journey towards recovery.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of her ordeal, Julie returned to duty, driven by a sense of duty and resilience. However, the challenges didn't end there. Julie reflects on the importance of proper psychological support for law enforcement officers facing trauma.

After two decades of service, Julie recently retired from the force. With her company, Artemis Self-Defense, Julie continues to empower others through tactical and self-defense education. Her story serves as a testament to the power of training, resilience, and community support.

Julie Werhnyak's journey is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the strength it takes to overcome adversity.



In this episode you will hear:

• My best never quit story would’ve been during my martial arts training and because of those never quit moments, that’s how I was able to survive the stabbing that I incurred. (5:50)

• Every day I put on my Tempe Police uniform I spoke some version of mantra which is “I accept and expect I will be involved in a lethal encounter today, and I will do everything I can to insure my survival.” (8:36)

• As soon as the muzzle of my gun touches his body, and I fire my first round, the knife penetrates my neck, just above the left clavicle. (19:24)

• I started on my tactical breathing to slow everything down, so that hopefully I would bleed out. (21:31)

• My first thought was, “Oh shit”, not because I was scared but because I knew I couldn’t get out of the way and I was gonna be stabbed. (28:32)

• The trauma doctor attributed not only my survival but her [the victim’s] survival to physical conditioning. (29:35)

• It missed my carotid [artery] by less than an inch. (33:05)

• [The perpetrator] was a 26 year old guy with his whole life ahead of him. He had a family who loved him. (35:07)

• I survived because I was prepared. (39:16)

• I wasn’t thinking I was gonna die, I was too focused on living. (39:47)

• I knew that if I was in a knife fight I would probably be cut, but it would be what I did next that mattered. (44:18)



Socials:

  - juliewerhnyak.com

  - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

  - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Mathew Lehnig: Former US Navy SEAL & Combat Veteran Shares His Story Of Resilience, Overcoming Bizarre Obstacles & Achieving Success

Download our free app to listen on your phone