In this week's Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus has 11-year combat veteran and Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, Benjamin Sledge in the studio. Benjamin served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning 2 Army Commendation Medals. He lost his best friend in combat. These days, Benjamin is a viral writer, graphic designer, and author of Where Cowards Go to Die where he reveals a brutal portrait of war and the cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home. He travels around the country educating businesses, non-profits, and churches about veterans’ mental health issues.


In this episode you will hear:



I got to see the best and worst parts of war. Often times we were the first ones in the door, so we either made friends or got shot.
I was 21 when I first got to the battle, thinking “I literally have no idea what I’m doing.”
There’s a very distinct smell to death. It’s like rotting meat dabbed with knockoff CK1 cologne.
Many combat veterans don’t necessarily come home with PTSD; it’s moral injury. It’s the physiological damage that occurs when you violate your sense of right and wrong.
Seeing death from that close does something to the mind. It became a real struggle point for me.
When I first got home, they didn’t know how to handle me, because I didn’t know how to handle myself. I was drinking myself silly, so I could get the images out of my head.
The strangest thing happened to me – I found myself missing war. 
My wife left me while I was in Iraq.
War really is a spiritual experience.
What does it look like to live a courageous life and carry that into career and family relationships – Never give up, never accept defeat, and never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Inside every man, there’s both a warrior and a poet.






Support Benjamin

Website: https://benjaminsledge.com

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Benjamin Sledge: Award Winning Author of Where Cowards Go to Die and Combat Wounded Veteran

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.

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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)

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:

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Julie Werhnyak: An Officers Story Of A Lethal Enounter In The Line Of Duty


From Service to Trauma to Triumph.

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus brings to the table Mack Alexander, who persevered through a traumatic brain injury while serving in Special Operations as a Navy SEAL. He was medically retired after an injury while deployed in Africa.

Mack initially turned to leather crafting as a therapeutic activity following his injury. His creations started with repurposing old belts from the Salvation Army into dog collars. However, his trajectory changed when a former teammate requested a belt for an upcoming deployment. Drawing from his military experience, Mack designed a belt he knew could meet the demands of an operator's life. The quality and durability of his belts gained widespread popularity, setting the stage for the inception of Mack Belts. His commitment to quality and patriotism he sourced his materials exclusively from the United States and started Mack Belts. 

At the core of every handmade Mack Belt are vintage American-made machines, some of which date back to 1940 like this Brown & Sharpe automatic screw machine below. These resilient machines, with their sturdy steel frames and timeless designs, are more than historic; they embody a time when meticulous craftsmanship was the norm, and these vintage marvels are the machines that guard the legacy of Mack Belts.

Mack embarked on a mission to become the new leader of the American belt industry. In a world dominated by mass production and dwindling quality, Mack Belts emerges as a beacon of American craftsmanship, blending heritage with innovation under the visionary leadership of Mack Alexander.

Join us this week as we delve into Mack's inspiring journey from Navy SEAL to founder of a burgeoning belt company, rooted in patriotism and dedication to quality.



In this episode you will hear:

• If I was gonna give my brother something, it had to be perfect, because with a charge, if it’s not built correctly, somebody gets hurt or it doesn’t work. (1:16)

• The attraction of the SEAL Teams – Did you have what it takes to make it through that training. To be in a group of men like that doing what we do, was like a dream. (13:06)

• No matter where you are in life, grab a mentor, and then when you get to that place where you think you can give back, be that mentor. (17:35)

• In a [one] year time frame, I had 3 pretty bad TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries). (28:54)

• [Due to] post concussive Syndrome, I kinda lost my mind. (29:25)

• I got to a point where I didn’t want to live anymore because my purpose – I wasn’t ever gonna find it out there. (32:55)

• The first time you see an American service member who’s give his life for freedom, with an American flag covering his body coming home – and you’re standing watch over him – that American flag means something completely different after you’ve experienced that. (33:18)

• You gotta be grateful. I have a second chance at life, and I need to make the most of it. (34:31)

• I went from hero to zero. I went from this dude with a title and status, and here I was living in the back of my truck. (37:44)

• I try to love everybody and anybody that I can, and try to be that good example and be the change I wanna see. (38:31)

• Leathercraft felt good to me. I’m a Breacher, and high RPM machinery gets me jacked up, there’s no peace there for me. (44:50)

• I created a lot of my own problems because I was just a mess, on a bunch of pills and kinda off my rocker. (45:23)

• With $41, and I’ve hit a million dollars in revenue. (58:11)

• Everything bad I had to go through, led me to where I am right now, which is sitting in a chair in front of Markus Luttrell. (60:51)

• When I buried my old self and put on this new way, and rebuilt on the word, everything fell into place. (61:25)

• I put John 3:16 on every box. (62:37)

• God has a plan for my life. He’s put this passion in my heart & given me this skill. (66:24)

• I was redeemed by putting my faith in Christ. (66:54)



Socials:

  - https://macksbelts.com/

  - macks_belts

  - https://www.youtube.com/@macksbelts?app=desktop 

  - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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



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Mack Alexander: How A Veteran Turned $41 Into A Million Dollar Belt Business,  American Made "Mack Belts"


Thriving Across Sea, Air, Land, and Space.

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, we are honored to host a true hero of our time, Captain Chris Cassidy. With a decorated dual career as a U.S. Navy Captain (SEAL) and NASA Astronaut, Captain Cassidy's journey across the sea, air, land, and outer space is nothing short of inspirational.

Captain Cassidy shares his remarkable journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to becoming NASA’s 15th Chief Astronaut. He delves into the transition from serving as a member of the U.S. Navy SEALs to embarking on spaceflight missions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges.

As a proven leader of diverse teams, both in the military and at NASA, Captain Cassidy provides invaluable insights into effective leadership. Drawing from his experiences as a commander of the International Space Station and various military deployments, he highlights the significance of collaboration, communication, and developing trust in achieving common goals.

Captain Cassidy empowers the never-quit mindset and supports others on their journey to success. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.

As we look to the stars and beyond, his story serves as a reminder that with determination and leadership, anything is possible.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Captain Chris Cassidy, as we explore the depths of the ocean, the heights of space, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.



In this episode you will hear:

• Looking for a way to pay for school is what led me to the Navy. (5:58)

• In a small town in Maine, people play football and soccer, and Friday the season ends, on Monday basketball starts, and when that season ended, baseball started. (6:41)

• I didn’t even know [the SEALS] were a thing. I just knew I could be in the Navy and they would help me pay for college. (7:18)

• If it’s the head of human resources voice you hear [on the phone], you’re not gonna be an astronaut, but if it’s the chief astronaut, like the commanding officer, then it might be a good call. (23:01)

• Come to work with a good attitude and grind, and you’ll be asked to do things, and doors will open. (26:47)

• I wanted to go to space. It was really that simple. Once I got selected, I just wanted to do my first mission. (29:11)

• If you don’t have a little pucker factor, you don’t understand the physics that are going on behind you. (34:15)

• A rendezvous to the Space Station is kinda like that line drive throw. We have to launch at exactly the right moment when the Space Station is in the perfect spot in the sky, so that we rendezvous together. (38:43)

• When you land on water, it might be softer, but the mission is not over until you’re on the ship. (45:21)

• [After a space mission] you’re very uncoordinated, very wobbly, very unstable. We’re not allowed to drive a car for 2 weeks, or ride a bicycle for2weeks. It takes about a month to be normal again. (45:47)

• If you have a fire, you gotta put it out. If you can’t put it out, you close hatches, and isolate compartments. If it overcomes the whole thing, you gotta leave. (50:04)

• There’s no air molecules around you, so, if you kick, you’re not pushing against anything – there’s no force to react against. (53:38)



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Chris Cassidy: NASA Chief Astronaut, Navy SEAL, National Medal of Honor Museum CEO on His Inspirational Career

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus dives into a fascinating discussion with our special guest, Chris Gothro. With an impressive 40 years of combined service, including 26 years in active military duty, Chris brings a wealth of experience and fascinating stories to the table.

Chris's journey began in the US Navy, where he served in various critical roles. With a focus on force continuity of operations and critical infrastructure protection, Chris operated under an active DOD Secret Clearance, highlighting the gravity of his responsibilities.

As a Logistics Management Specialist for the Naval Special Warfare Command, Chris navigated the intricate logistics web of one of the most elite branches of the military.

Rising through the ranks to become a Master Chief SEAL, Chris's expertise and leadership were instrumental in managing the undersea mobility program, a role that demanded precision and strategic planning.

Throughout the episode, Chris regales us with captivating tales from his time in service. From seemingly ridiculous operations to high-stakes missions, each story offers a glimpse into the dedication and ingenuity required in the world of military service.

As a Master Chief SEAL and logistics specialist, Chris delves into the intricacies of leadership and effective management, offering valuable lessons for leaders in any field.

Join us as we uncover the world of government service with Chris Gothro, a true testament to dedication, service, and the pursuit of excellence. His stories inspire and enlighten, offering a glimpse into a world few have the privilege to experience firsthand.



In this episode you will hear:

• The guys [SEALS] are smarter, more well prepared, built harder and ready to go from day one. (28:01)

• I did 40 years combined government service. I did 26 active duty.(30:28)

• Frog Men – if they’re smart – when they get into trouble and get caught. If you’ll say these mortal words – and the officers will laugh at this – “Well, XO, it seemed the logical thing to do at the time, but in retrospect I see the folly of my decision-making and I will stand accountable for my actions. (36:03)

• “Okay, you had your fuck up, prove it’s a hiccup and it’s not a habit, because if it’s a habit you’re gonna be very short lived in this community. (36:51)

• “I love being a team guy.” (40:21)

• [Melanie] Can you walk us through that bank robbery?” (54:24 – 56:40)

• [Marcus] We’re on this race track, and there’s 3 cars – side by side. We’d be driving down this track at full speed, and then they’ll be like: “You got shot – you’re out. And he would lean on the steering wheel while we’re racing and we’d have to pull him into the back seat. Meanwhile, the other guys are shooting us with paintballs. (60:35)

• Don’t be that guy that has the only information. Pass it on to everybody so everybody knows. (64:08)

• The combat swimmer – no bubbles. You don’t want to be seen. You don’t want to have bubbles come up. (66:49)

• His [Marcus’] Trident award was the last one awarded by the team. (70:28)

• [Marcus] “You’re not allowed to touch a Trident or go near one. (74:40)

• Chris’ involvement with Red Wing (84:44 – 99:00)

• I’ve got some good news, and bad news. Bad news is we’ve gotta tough job and there’s no way around it. You’re the junior guy and it gonna fall on you. The good news is you’re a perfect fit for it. (101:53) 

 

Socials:

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



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

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  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Benjamin Sledge: Award Winning Author of Where Cowards Go to Die and Combat Wounded Veteran

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